Cornerstone Magazine Winter 2025 by masonicpathways

Michigan Masons

A Life of Love, Service & Legacy

Honoring Donna (Hinderleider, Minnich) Kushion

The Power of a Helping Hand

The Impact of Outreach & Member Care

2026: 200 Years of Brotherhood

Preparations Taking Shape for the Fraternity's Bicentennial Celebration

Zion #1

Monroe #27

Plymouth Rock #47

Utica-Macomb #64

Linden #132

Grand Haven #139

Manchester #148

Brooklyn #169

Genesee #174

Metamora-Hadley #210

Volinia-Marcellus #227

Alma #244

Centre #273

Vandalia #290

Cadillac Clam Lake #331

Carl G. Cornett #347

Grayling #356

Gladwin #397

THE Brotherhood Lodge #468

Roseville #522

Walled Lake #528

Ancient Craft #551

Morning Star #556

Grand Blanc #571

As the season of Thanksgiving draws near, I write to you with a heart full of gratitude and reflection. This time of year invites us to pause, to take stock of our blessings, and to renew our commitment to the principles that unite us as Masons: generosity, gratitude, and brotherly love.

In our lodges and in our lives, we are called to be generous—not only with our resources, but with our time, our compassion, and our presence. True generosity is not measured by what we give, but by the spirit in which we give it. It is in the quiet acts of kindness, the unseen support for a Brother in need, and the steadfast dedication to our communities that our Masonic light shines brightest.

Gratitude, too, is a cornerstone of our Craft. It reminds us that every day is a gift, and every challenge an opportunity to grow. Let us be thankful for the fellowship we share, for the wisdom passed down through generations, and for the privilege of serving a purpose greater than ourselves.

Above all, let us reaffirm our commitment to brotherly love. In a world often divided, our lodges stand as sanctuaries of unity and respect. May we continue to embrace one another with open hearts, to listen with empathy, and to act with integrity. Let our bonds be strengthened not only by ritual, but by genuine care and mutual uplift.

As you gather with loved ones this season, may your homes be filled with warmth, your tables with abundance, and your hearts with peace. And may the spirit of Thanksgiving inspire us all to live more fully the values we hold dear.

With fraternal affection and deepest thanks,

William J. Sauget Grand Master of Michigan

A Life of Love,Service, and Legacy

Honoring Donna (Hinderleider, Minnich) Kushion

Masonic Sweetheart Donna Kushion has lived a life deeply rooted in the Alma, Michigan community—a life filled with love, service, and a profound connection to the Masonic Home. Born and raised in Alma, Donna graduated from Alma High School and Alma College. She has outlived two beloved husbands, Bob Minnich and John Kushion, and is the proud mother of two sons, Alan and Robert, both of whom were raised in Alma and are now married with families of their own. Donna is also blessed with two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

When Donna says she was “practically raised at the Masonic Home,” she means it. Her parents, Frank and Margie Hinderleider, held key administrative roles—her father as Director of Maintenance and her mother as Executive Secretary. The family lived just across the street and the Masonic Home became a second home and a magical playground for Donna and her brothers. From playing baseball and ice skating to hide-and-seek among the grounds, the Home was a place of joy and purpose.

As children, Donna and her brothers began helping out at the Home—doing office work, assisting in the kitchen and dining areas, and helping with grounds maintenance. Donna later pursued a career in finance at Total Refinery, while

her brothers worked in the community but both continued their service at the Masonic Home: Frank as the barber and Ralph as the Home’s dentist. All three siblings eventually returned to live at the Home—Ralph until his passing in 2019, and Donna and Frank still reside there today.

Donna recently made a generous contribution to the newly completed Memorial Garden on the grounds of the Michigan Masonic Home. As the sponsor of the donor wall, she is dedicating her gift in honor of her parents, sons, brothers, and late husbands. Reflecting on her lifelong connection to the Home, Donna shared: “The Masonic Home has been a cornerstone of our family and I want to leave a lasting tribute to that connection.”

In recognition of her lifelong commitment to service and philanthropy, Donna was honored with the Tuscan Society Giving Club award (pictured); a distinction reserved for those whose generosity reflects the highest ideals of Masonic care. Her gift to the Memorial Garden is more than a donation; it is a legacy of love, remembrance, and enduring connection. Through her example, Donna reminds us that generosity is not just about giving - it’s about planting seeds of hope that will bloom for generations to come.

WhenWB Tom Hooper approached the Brethren of Alma Lodge #244 with a need, it set off a series of events that showed the commitment of so many to the quality of life for our residents at Michigan Masonic Home (MMH).

The main kitchen at MMH was in need of more space, cooking top space to be precise. Something as seemingly simple as eggs to order was difficult to do for a large number in a relatively small timeframe. “We were doing eggs in a skillet which could only fit about eight eggs at a time,” said Morrison Living Director of Dining Services, Danielle Cataline. This caused eggs and other items to only be offered on certain days due to time and space constraints.

After hearing from WB Hooper and other residents, Alma Lodge reached out to Morrison, Home administration and the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation to see if a large, new flat-top grill was feasible and what a total cost might be for such a significant, unbudgeted item. Morrison corporate and MMH maintenance assessed several models that would work best and after settling on a model, it was time to ask the lodges for help. Alma Lodge, with the

blessing of now-Past Grand Master Eugene Abbaticchio, reached out and the result was incredible. In about two weeks, over fifty lodges, many utilizing Lodge Charity Account funds through the Foundation, and several individual donors had pledged enough to cover the grill, accessories and even the installation costs.

“I think I’ve had eighty on here at once for eggs to order for breakfast,”said Cataline. “This enables us to make grilled cheese for everybody at once in different sections where before we were doing one or two at a time and we can put seventy-five to hundred pieces of french toast on here for breakfast, so it’s made our life very easy."

A celebratory breakfast to “break in” the new grill was held in the Doig Chapel foyer on September 6th, with many of the lodges that donated attending to enjoy food and fellowship with the residents. A big thank you to the administration and staff of Michigan Masonic Home, Morrison, the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation, and especially to our lodges and donors for making this project a reality!

Pictured: Danielle Cataline, Director of Dining Services & Shavonne Shanteau, Sous Chef

Dear Brethren, Freemasonry is more than ritualit’s a call to live with purpose. Our commitment doesn’t stop at the lodge door. It extends into our communities through the values we uphold: charity, integrity, and service. We are builders not of stone, but of lives that make a difference.

Your lodge’s charity account is one of our most powerful tools. It allows us to respond to real needs, support meaningful causes, and keep the light of Masonry shining where it’s needed most. These aren’t just donations; they’re a reflection of who we are

and what we stand for as Masons.

I ask you to give, not out of obligation, but out of conviction. Every contribution strengthens our presence, our purpose, and our legacy. Let’s be known not just for our traditions, but for our actions. Give generously and let your support speak clearly about the kind of man you are.

Fraternally,

William J. Sauget Grand Master of Michigan

A Sanctuary of Memory and Meaning Now Open on the Campus of Michigan Masonic Home

Ona golden afternoon in late September, the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation welcomed guests to the grand opening of Shelia’s Garden - a new memorial and scatter garden created to honor lives well lived and offer peace to those who remember.

This sacred space was born from love, shaped by generosity, and built with intention. Nestled among trees and blooms, Shelia’s Garden invites visitors to pause, reflect, and feel connected to something greater. It is a place where stories linger in the breeze, and where grief can gently meet grace.

The garden features native plantings, winding paths, and quiet corners for contemplation. It also serves as a scatter garden, allowing families to lay loved ones to rest in a setting that speaks to dignity and renewal.

The project was made possible by the heartfelt support of donors, the creativity of landscape designers from Greenside Up, and the dedication of staff who believed in its purpose. At the ribbon cutting ceremony, tears and smiles mingled as the community gathered to celebrate a space that will serve generations to come.

Shelia’s Garden is now open to residents, families, and the broader community. It stands as a living tribute - a place where memory blooms and healing begins.

For information about placing a plaque in honor or memory of a loved one, please call: (800) 9947400. Space is limited.

Pictured: Tom & Shelia Huise, proud donors leading the ribbon cutting.

Themission of the Outreach & Member Care

Department is to walk beside our Brothers, their wives, widows, and families when life’s challenges arise. Whether it is an unexpected loss, sudden hardship, or a difficult season of caregiving, Member Care is here to connect families with resources, financial assistance, and the support of their Masonic community. Time and again, those who have received this support have expressed deep gratitude, sharing how much it means to know that the Masons are there to help carry the load when life feels overwhelming.

Supporting a Young Widow and Her Children

When a young Mason passed away unexpectedly, he left behind a widow and two minor children. In the difficult months that followed, Member Care provided Outside Relief funds to help the family keep up with mortgage costs and basic household needs until life insurance and survivor benefits could be finalized. To further support the children, Orphans Assistance stipends were awarded by helping cover everyday expenses, from school needs to extracurricular activities, ensuring the children could continue participating in the milestones of their youth.

A Lodge Steps Up After a Storm

During last winter’s ice storms, a widow experienced a frightening ordeal when a large tree fell onto her back deck. With damage and safety concerns looming, Member Care quickly reached out to her local lodge. Brothers mobilized to cut up the tree and remove it from her home, preventing further damage and offering reassurance that she was not alone in the aftermath.

Helping a Wife Care for Her Husband at Home

One Mason’s wife recently faced the overwhelming responsibility of caring for her husband after a serious injury left him dependent on daily support for all his basic needs. Member Care staff worked with her to identify their insurance benefits and connect with community resources that could provide services such as housekeeping, shopping, personal care assistance, and respite care. These benefits not

only lightened her daily work but also honored their wish to remain at home together for as long as possible supporting their comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

Assisting a Young Mason Facing Unemployment

A young Mason recently lost his job and feared losing his apartment due to unpaid rent and overdue utility bills. Member Care stepped in to provide guidance and connect him with vital resources through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ MI Bridges program. He was able to access housing assistance, utility support, food aid, and health insurance and helping him stay afloat while he works to secure new employment.

A Coin to Carry the Story Forward

Symbols have always played an important role in Masonry, and the bicentennial celebration will introduce a new one: the 200th Anniversary Challenge Coin. These coins will travel from lodge to lodge, event to event, carried in the pockets of brothers who will pass them forward as tokens of pride and connection.

Each coin is more than a keepsake. It is a reminder that every Mason is part of something greater than himself - an unbroken chain of fellowship stretching back two centuries, and now reaching forward into the future.

Capturing the Story on Screen

The bicentennial will also bring a powerful new way to experience the Michigan Masons’ story. At the Annual Communication, attendees will be among the first to see the premiere of a

documentary film chronicling the fraternity’s journey titled "A Light On the Lakes: The Michigan Masonic Journey".

Through historic images, interviews, and powerful storytelling, the documentary will celebrate the men who helped build Michigan and the timeless principles that still guide Masons today. More than a history lesson, it will be an invitation - to remember, to reflect, and to carry the light of Masonry into the years ahead.

For those who treasure history in tangible form, the bicentennial will also bring the release of a coffee table book unlike any other. This beautifully designed volume will feature a photographic portfolio of Michigan Masonic artifacts, carefully preserved in the collections of the Detroit Masonic Temple and the Michigan Masonic Museum and Library. From intricately crafted regalia to historic documents and artifacts, each image will tell a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and symbolism. This book will not only preserve history but also showcase the artistry and spirit that make Masonry timeless.

A Celebration 200 Years in the Making

The 200th anniversary is not just about looking back. It is about celebrating how Michigan Masons continue to live their values today; supporting education, caring for seniors, uplifting communities, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

As Masons and friends gather at Soaring Eagle in May 2026, they will honor the past with gratitude, celebrate the present with joy, and look to the future with hope. The bicentennial is a reminder that while buildings may weather and generations may pass, the light of Masonry endures.

Two hundred years ago, Michigan Masonry began with a vision of good men coming together to build something lasting. Today, that vision shines brighter than ever. And as the fraternity steps into its third century, the message remains the same: Brotherhood endures. And the best is yet to come.