Michigan Masons Cornerstone

CORNERSTONE

Michigan Masons

SPRING 2020 ISSUE 02

Meet the Next Generation of Masons A New Home for the Masonic Collective

INSPIRING TODAY’S YOUTH TO BECOME

TOMORROW’S LEADERS

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 3 Finding Common Humanity

Building Relationships Through Unity

6 Donor Spotlight

What Lies Ahead

9 Club 81 Opening

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8

The Future of Freemasonry

Robert Conley System CEO Michigan Masons

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11Messages from our Youth Groups

UPCOMING EVENTS Grand Lodge Annual Communication May 18-19, 2020 Amway Grand Plaza Hotel - Grand Rapids, MI

Mike Logan

CEO Michigan Masonic Home

Friends of the Foundation Dinner June 22, 2020 Sault St. Marie, MI

June 23, 2020 Marquette, MI

Square & Compass Golf Outing July 25, 2020 The Emerald Golf Course - St. Johns, MI

Resident & Family Picnic August 1, 2020 Masonic Pathways - Alma, MI Page 2

Walt Wheeler

Executive Director Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation

Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Spring 2020

Finding Common

HUMANITY

By Mark Manning, Most Worshipful Grand Master

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rethren all,

My term as Grand Master is drawing to a close, and I’d like very much to share with you some of my thoughts on having served as your Grand Master for this year.

I came to Freemasonry when I was 21 years old. Freemasonry at its core is a philosophy of life and conduct. That philosophy is exemplified through ritual, symbolism, and contemplation.

It is reinforced and strengthened through our brotherhood.

We seek to make good men better. Better sons, husbands, fathers, and citizens.

We encourage in our ritual to find balance. We seek, through the fraternity, progressive improvement in our lives.

My Brothers, we are living in historic times. Men are coming to our Craft. They are seeking character and integrity. They are seeking a place where they can improve themselves and enjoy the company of Brothers who share common and fundamental values.

We seek to provide charity and uplift our members by improving our minds and conduct. In our lodges, we find common humanity and the shared experience of manhood, and an effort to promote virtue, regardless of race, creed, political, or religious persuasion. We induce men of all good will who believe in divine providence and a divine Creator. We enjoy one another’s company. No organization offers what Freemasonry offers and has offered for hundreds of years. We are unique.

Our Brother, Dr. William Beaumont, came to Fort Mackinac in the 1820s. He wrote his family, “The first thing we did when we arrived was erect

a Masonic lodge.”

Those Brothers came from every different walk of life. They came from different countries and religions. In that lodge, they found a common home, and from that home, they built the beginnings of what we know today as our state and our nation. They taught men that they could disagree, and yet, not be disagreeable.

Together, they learned how to find common ground. Freemasonry has been the driving force of improving our society.

“No organization offers what Freemasonry offers.

We are unique.”

We must, and I believe that we will, reclaim our critical role in promoting a more civil and compassionate society.

My Brothers, it has been my honor to serve as your Grand Master. Thank you for the trust you placed in me. God bless you and God bless Freemasonry in Michigan. As I said from the onset as Grand Master - time, patience, and perseverance accomplishes all things. We have been patient; we have persevered and our time - Michigan Freemason’s - is now.

Fraternally yours,

M

Grand Master of Masons in Michigan

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Spring 2020

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BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

THROUGH UNITY

By Darren Thompson, Grand Lodge of Michigan

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Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Spring 2020

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he Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation’s B.E.S.T. Grant program was designed to Build, Enrich, Strengthen, and Transform our Michigan communities and, in turn, provide visibility and good will toward local lodges in the area of the grant recipients. The grant recently awarded to Hope College’s “ExploreHope” program, with an endorsement from Holland’s Unity Lodge #191, embodies everything the program was created for, and is turning into a long-term partnership between the lodge and college.

The $25,000 grant will provide scholarships for 25 low-income west Michigan high school sophomores and juniors to attend ExploreHope, an academic camp for K-12 students. The grant will provide all logistics and tuition for those 25 students to attend a week-long camp to explore health professions, neuroscience, environmental science, and other STEM-related careers. Susan Ipri Brown, an engineering instructor at Hope College and director of ExploreHope, said that the lodge’s volunteers/mentors will be brought in during the evening portion of the camp throughout the week to talk to the kids about their future goals, and possibly joining the kids in skill sessions if their skill-set matches. “The partnership with the lodges and schools will have a tremendous impact on the students’ ability to succeed.”

“The partnership with the lodges and schools will have a tremendous impact on the students’ ability to succeed.”

Jared Smith, Unity Lodge secretary, said the lodge was very eager to endorse the program and wanted to do more than just provide a letter for the application. “Everyone was ecstatic; the lodge wholeheartedly backed the endorsement,” said Smith. He anticipates 8-12 brothers will participate in the volunteer/mentor portion of the camp.

For further information about how your lodge can impact your local community, visit michiganmasons.org/foundation or call (800) 994-7400.

Susan Ipri Brown noted that the lodge and college have future plans to continue the relationship by looking at other programs that could utilize lodge members. The lodge has volunteered to host a series of dinners to keep the student-mentor relationship going after the program has ended. “Kind of like alumni receptions,” she said. “We’ve got a lot of engineers and I.T. in our lodge, some medical. This program has fed a passion for this kind of thing in our lodge and given us the avenue to act upon it,” Smith added.

This partnership was spurred by the B.E.S.T. Grant program, but there are similar opportunities at schools and colleges throughout the state. Find out which lodge members are available and what their areas of expertise are and reach out today!

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Spring 2020

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DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Tom & Patricia

ROSSMAN

By Theresa Quezada, Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation

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om Rossman embodies a life of service.

He joined the U.S. Navy Reserve and went on to serve active duty after his high school graduation. He spent most of his days deep below the ocean’s surface on the Balboa-class submarine, the USS Menhaden (SS377) with the Pacific Submarine Force, and later served on the USS Toro (SS422) with the Atlantic Submarine Force, where he earned his Dolphins as a qualified submariner. After graduating from the Detroit Police Academy in 1960, Tom began his long and decorated career as a Detroit Police officer. He joined the Sterling Heights Police Department in 1966. For 30 years, Tom would dedicate his life to protecting his community. In 1978, he graduated from Wayne State University (WSU) with his Ph.D. in political science and became an assistant professor in the School of Criminal Justice, teaching at WSU for 16 years while remaining on the force. He retired as Captain in 1989.

Tom first met Pat Kommick at her workplace, the Treasurer’s Office at Sterling Heights City Hall. Tom recalls looking dashing in his uniform and he laughingly states, “Pat was helpless to resist.”

It is no surprise that Tom and Pat have lived happily together for 47 years as Pat too chose to live a life in the service of others; earning awards and recognition for her work and contributions to Kula San Hospital on Maui, the Salvation Army, and Rotary Page 6

International. She is an active member of the Order of Eastern Star, Lei Aloha Chapter No. 3, a George Washington fellow, and a member of the Civil Air Patrol.

Tom was raised in Center Line Lodge No. 550 in 1963. He joined the Valley of Detroit Scottish Rite and was coroneted a 33rd degree Mason in 2009, and became a member of Moslem Shrine Temple in 1968.

Pat and Tom left Michigan for the warm rays of Maui in 1989, and in 2012 moved to Honolulu, where Tom is a life member of the Valley of Honolulu. In his 50 plus years as a Scottish Rite Mason, he has served as Master or Commander in all four bodies of the Rite.

During their time on Maui, the couple also grew and sold Protea flowers and shipped them all over the world. Tom said they had noticed the unique flower on their travels in South Africa. He later found they were easily grown in Hawaii; this little discovery turned into a lucrative and exciting enterprise.

Tom and Pat’s relationship with the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation and Masonic Home started when Tom saw an advertisement for memorial bricks. In lieu of Christmas gifts, he purchased everyone on his list a brick. He remembers calling in about once a year to inquire, “What do the residents need?” and the couple’s generosity and caring spiraled from there.

Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Spring 2020

While speaking with Tom and Pat about the “Masonry Lives Here” capital campaign, he asked what areas were still available to sponsor. One option suggested was the game room. Tom asked Pat what she thought. She responded laughingly, “I’m game!” For their generous contribution, the space will be named The Thomas A. and Patricia A. Rossman Game Room.

The couple have a history of supporting the residents of Masonic Pathways; purchasing items that spark joy and fun for them, like pool tables,

computers, Christmas decorations, and a popcorn machine for our activity center.

Tom and Pat are founding members of our Lewis Cass Legacy Society and have pledged a gift that will help ensure our future. Thank you, Tom and Pat, for perpetuating the standards of excellence that our residents, their families, and our Fraternity have come to expect at the Michigan Masonic Home. We are grateful for your generosity and philanthropic impact... it will long be remembered.

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Spring 2020

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What Lies

AHEAD

By Bob Conley, System CEO

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he theme for the spring issue of the Michigan Masonic Cornerstone Magazine is “Building for the Future!” Exciting isn’t it?

I think this is a great time to consider the future, regardless of who we are, how old we might be, or where we find ourselves on life’s journey. Spring is the perfect time to look at what is to come, and what could be. As the snows of winter have moved on, and the flowers of spring start to bloom, all of nature is now looking to the future and enjoying, if you will, a rebirth.

“Spring is the perfect time to look at what is to come, and what could be.”

I’d like to take a moment of your time and update you on the happenings of the fraternity in Michigan. As you know, our Masonic family in Michigan is composed of primarily three corporations that provide fraternalism, senior care, and philanthropic support for Masons, our communities, and our Masonic Home. Many changes have taken place within each of these organizations since we last talked in our winter issue.

accepted. Groundbreaking will be taking place just about the time that this magazine arrives in your mailbox. This administrative building will be the first time that any of our corporations actually have a space designed as an office for us to labor in, and we’re very excited about this new opportunity to serve.

Our Doig Chapel and Conference Center has received an incredible audio video facelift! The installation of the state-of-the-art AV system provides for video conferencing throughout the building on both levels, with lighting and projection abilities second to none. We believe that this space will become, the “go to” place for conferencing in mid-Michigan. To find out more, contact the Michigan Masonic Home at (989) 466-3806.

Our Grand Lodge Annual Communication is slated for May 18th and 19th in Grand Rapids at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

This year, the actual business session will be held on the 19th only. On the 18th, we will spend the day with breakout sessions and round table discussions. Everyone can take the time to enjoy each other’s company and learn more about our fraternity and its offerings.

This is an active fraternity! Check out our website calendar for events all over the state! Have a great spring and I’ll “see you in Lodge!”

First, the new Shared Services administrative building on our Alma campus is moving forward with expediency. The estimates, bids, and agreements have been received and Page 8

Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Spring 2020

Club 81

Opens Just in Time for Super Bowl LIV

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By Vicky Johnson, Michigan Masonic Home

he residents of the Michigan Masonic Home When the doors opened on Super Bowl Sunday, (MMH) celebrated the hundredth anniversary the Puppy Bowl was just getting underway. There of the NFL and Super Bowl LIV in grand style. is nothing like watching adorable puppies on seven Thanks to a generous giant TV screens. The home has two golden “We couldn’t have done retrievers of their own, so they are clearly the donation from the it without the support Owosso Lodge, favorite breed of this audience. of the Michigan Masonic residents got their first look at Club 81! Charitable Foundation.” At 5:30, the soft opening of Club 81 continued Featuring seven large with more than 30 residents stopping by for screen televisions, three video game tables, standpre-game refreshments and to view the start of up shuffleboard, a full-sized pool table, and large the big event. Eric Fisher, one of the Kansas City refreshment counter, Club 81 is the perfect place offensive linemen and former Central Michigan for residents and their family members to gather University player, visited Masonic Pathways during and enjoy big and small sporting events. his first year with the Chiefs. Getting to see him play, and win, was a special bonus.

“We couldn’t have done it without the support of the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation,” An official ribbon cutting and Grand Opening said Mike Logan, MMH CEO. “This area of the will take place this spring. Representatives from Home was in real need of refurbishing, and the Owosso Lodge #81 will present the Home with Foundation created the “Masonry Lives Here” a special Club 81 sign and join residents as they capital campaign to raise funds for it and several cheer on their favorite sports teams! other outdated socializing areas,” he added.

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s we look to the future of the fraternity, many have asked the question, “How do we get the younger generation interested?” The fact is, they are!

Of the nearly 400 online inquiries that the Grand Lodge has collected data on in 2019-20, 34% fall in the 18-30 age group! We caught up with two under-30 Michigan Masons to find out what sparked their interest in joining, what has been their best experience so far, what challenges they see ahead, and more. Thank you to Ryan Borella, 29, Junior Deacon of Corinthian Lodge #24, and Robert Pytel, 25, Senior Deacon of Lola Valley #583.

bit of what Freemasonry was, and that led me to asking more and more questions, further increasing my interest and curiosity.

CS: How has Masonry impacted your life?

RP: Masonry has impacted my life by making me more confident in public speaking, one of the largest fears in the world, through performing ritual. Another is that if you plan out your time and put in enough effort, any task is doable.

RB: Masonry has impacted my life in so many ways.

Not only has it helped make me a better man; it has led me to meet like minded men that I would have never met had I not become a Mason, and I absolutely love that.

I feel a very special connection with all of them having gone through the same ceremonies.

By Darren Thompson, Grand Lodge of Michigan CS: What are some future goals you have in Cornerstone: What sparked your interest in the your Masonic journey? fraternity?

RP: Building a strong foundation in myself, my Robert Pytel: The spark for me was another Mason. family, lodge, and community. Some of my personal Two in fact! I met a Shriner at their exhibit at the visions for growth include doing joint charity work Michigan State Fair with my mother as we were with other organizations, and hosting occasional walking around. He extolled the Shriner’s hospital events/dinners that are free to the public. charity work and to me he was very compelling. He RB: One of my goals is to learn to be a great mentor handed me a sheet with two check-boxes, one to learn to the younger generations and make a serious impact more about the Shriners, and one to learn more about in my community. Through impactful conversations Masonry. I checked both and within a short time I and genuine care for their success and well-being, I heard from a lodge and began meeting up with Bro. hope to guide people out of darkness and ignorance Robert Tripp of Lola Valley. and into light and higher planes of consciousness.

Ryan Borella: I joined Masonry because I felt like for me it was a calling in a way.

I felt like God had led me down a path in life that led me to becoming a Mason.

I kept seeing the square and compasses everywhere throughout my daily life on cars, signs, building, etc. I went to visit a tattoo artist of mine in 2015 and I had noticed that he had a plaque on the wall at the tattoo shop he worked at the time. It had a square and compass on it and I asked him what it was, and he explained to me Robert Pytel Ryan Borella Lola Valley #583 Corinthian Lodge #24 that he was a Mason. He explained a little

THE FUTURE OF FREEMASONRY

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Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Spring 2020

JOB’S DAUGHTERS

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e are excited to share some of our adventures with you! April will be a very busy month for us. Mt. Pleasant Bethel will be hosting their Cupcake Wars! The Cupcake Wars are a fan favorite, as teams compete in six rounds of cupcake decorating to earn prizes. Winners are decided by a panel of judges, and the cost is $5.00. This is a great opportunity to introduce young ladies to the fun side of Job’s Daughters, as well as encourage growth through friendly competition.

Later this month, on April 18th, Grand Blanc and Walled Lake Bethels will be hosting the Grand Guardian and Associate Grand Guardian’s reception at the Grand Blanc Masonic Temple. The Grand Bethel of Michigan will perform the initiation ceremony followed by a dinner reception to honor Amy Flowers, Grand Guardian, and Jeff McDonald, Associate Grand Guardian.

This is just a small snippet of what the girls do! With each event, they are making friendships, learning what it takes to be a leader, and gaining confidence in themselves. Visit Michigan Job’s Daughters on Facebook or online at www.mijdi.com.

DeMOLAY

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s we conclude our Installation season and prepare for our young leaders to step into their roles as new officers, Michigan DeMolay continues to provide opportunities for personal growth heading into the spring.

Our Heartland Tournament of Champions, which will take place on Saturday, April 25th at the Sheraton Hotel in Ann Arbor, is a highlight for us each year, as Michigan DeMolay compete against their brothers from other Jurisdictions. We look forward to hosting young men from West Virginia, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and New York. We invite you to come and enjoy a weekend of ritual and camaraderie!

In addition to our exciting Heartland Tournament of Champions, we are also looking forward to our second annual Spring Fling at the Aries Grotto on May 30th. This dance honors the Chapter and State Sweethearts. The cost is $5.00, and the State Sweetheart will be donating all profits to a charity close to her heart. We encourage you to join us in honoring those who support our organization.

If anyone knows of a young man who would benefit from membership in DeMolay or any of the youth groups, please contact the State Officers or the adult leadership of the organization so that we may contact them.

Remember, if you need any help, Michigan DeMolay is ready, willing and able to assist! Visit Michigan DeMolay on Facebook or online at www.michigandemolay.com.

RAINBOW GIRLS

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ichigan Rainbow continues our “Adventures Through the Looking Glass.” At our first reception in 2020, we initiated one new Rainbow sister. Stephanie’s smile and enthusiasm made all of us smile. We were fortunate to have RW Junior Grand Warden, Leonard Davis and his wife, Anita, as our guests, and they saw a beautifully presented Initiation Degree. Every Mason is heartily welcome at any of our Assemblies or at our state level events. Please come and join us!

Grand Assembly Rainbow’s biggest event of the year will be at Masonic Pathways on June 25th-28th. It is three days of meetings, fun, excitement, a water park adventure, and new appointments for the next Rainbow year. The surprise, confidential plans, will be announced on March 21st. All information will be available on our website by the time this magazine reaches you!

Degree work will be presented by the Rainbow Girls and adults at Proficiency Day on May 9th at Northville.

Those participating are thrilled to present their assigned parts for that day. Please come and join us at any of these events. Visit Michigan Rainbow on Facebook or online at www.michiganrainbowgirls.org.

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Spring 2020

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1204 Wright Ave Alma, MI 48801 www.michiganmasons.org

Join us for the

194th Grand Lodge Annual Communication

Monday, May 18th through Tuesday, May 19th Amway Grand Plaza Grand Rapids, MI For more information, contact the Grand Lodge at

(800) 321-9357