Growing as Individuals
Freemasonry’s mission is: “We Enhance Lives”. The oldest and largest goodwill fraternity globally, Masonry teaches that each man has a duty to make life better, not just for himself, but for everyone. Whether that means helping to clean up the environment, volunteering on civic projects, or helping a child learn how to read – Masons make a difference every day.
Most importantly as a member, Masons are presented with the opportunity to grow as individuals, are provided with the tools to make a difference, and are challenged to leave the world a better place.
Making a Statewide Impact
The Michigan Masons believe that every person can make a difference and impact the lives of others. From the programs and scholarships in place to the services our local Lodges provide, we strive to build upon and strengthen our communities in positive, meaningful ways.
Freemasons meet regularly at their established Lodge (the local organization of Freemasonry) for the transaction of business, fellowship, and the discussion of matters of Masonic interest. Since Masons are pledged to fulfill the demands of good citizenship, each Lodge works to maintain a vibrant, respected, and active role in community life. Lodges also work to forge alliances within the community designed to help the general public while developing the character of Masons.
Leading and Inspiring Men
Masonry is always ready to welcome good men into the fraternity. A man who becomes a Michigan Mason can expect to find the opportunity to learn and to lead; to be inspired and entertained; to be challenged and respected; to be involved with his family, his Brothers and his community; and be proud to be a member of an organization committed to making a difference.
Masonry is a fraternity, so all members are male, and must be at least 18 years of age and maintain a Michigan residency for one year (six months for those in the military). You should believe in helping others, be willing to respect others, and be open to growing and developing as a human being. Learn more about the membership process.
Masons in the News
Whether it’s about the accolades of Masonic service in the community through our local Lodges or organizations announcing new partnerships through our Foundation, we are glad to share all of the great things happening with the Michigan Masons. We also host regular events at the local level to statewide signature gatherings for our brotherhood and families.
AN UPDATE FROM SYSTEM CEO ROBERT CONLEY
Brothers,
As the new year begins to unfold and lodges begin to reopen, there have been many great stories to share. As part of our continuing communications effort, we look forward to providing these stories on our social media platforms, our weekly eNews letter, and our quarterly Cornerstone magazine.
Last October we began completion of the latest edition of Cornerstone Magazine. It was our goal to have this issue submitted to the printer in time for you to receive it prior to the holidays. Due to the rush of holiday deliveries exacerbated by the pandemic, we weren’t surprised to find delays in the distribution of this edition of Cornerstone. What has surprised us is the fact that as of today, we still have no issues being delivered. We have been in contact with both our printer and the USPS to determine why this issue has taken so long and today we received a response.
There are currently multiple trailers in the Detroit distribution center that have not been delivered. The USPS is aware of the issue and shared, “Detroit is on the critical list for affected facilities due to volumes, COVID, trucking availability, etc. I wish I knew when the system is going to normalize, but we are unfortunately as a country suffering from this national, systemic series of delays.”.
Because of this, we are unable to tell you when you will receive Cornerstone. Nevertheless, we wanted to reach out to all Masons and lend context to the issue. Our hope is that when the magazine does arrive you will still enjoy the stories and appreciate the successes we share as a Fraternity. An electronic version of this issue of Cornerstone is available at the link below.
We also encourage you to participate in the survey included in the magazine. The survey can also be found by visiting: michiganmasons.org/survey. We look forward to your feedback!
Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve this issue. We will be working on our next edition of Cornerstone shortly and look forward to bringing you more stories from around the state.
Fraternally yours,
Robert Conley
System CEO, Michigan Masons
Michigan Masons Cornerstone Fall 2020
issuu.com
The Michigan Masons Cornerstone magazine offers insight into the Fraternity, Foundation and Home. Providing stories of the remarkable work Masons achieve throughout the state.Now through March 7th, stop by Berrien County's History Center at Courthouse Square in Berrien Springs to visit the "Historic Rituals: The Freemasons of Berrien County" exhibit!
See event link below for more information about the exhibit.
Happy 150th to Horton Masonic Lodge #293, chartered on this date in 1871!
Horton Lodge joins four others celebrating their sesquicentennial in 2021: Springport #284, Charlevoix Lodge #282, Free & Accepted Masons, Charlevoix, MI, Vandalia #290, and Alcona Lodge #292 Free and Accepted Masons.Horton Masonic Lodge #293 F&AM, celebrates their Sesquicentennial 2021. Horton lodge 293 chartered Jan 13 1871. Originally located on main st in Hanover this building was built in 1907 and the name changed to the Horton lodge in 1920. Mr Henry Eddy was the first worshipful master and he rests at the Horton cemetery on Tripp rd. Our building has been used over the years for receptions, dances, 4-h and scout meetings and other community events. When the Horton high burned in 1940 classes were held at the hall. The new steps replaced the old in 2019 and updates of new windows and the roof have kept the building sound. Happy Birthday to the many Masons and Eastern Star members that have graced our charter and our community. Current Worshipful Master Jim Spink!
Happy 150th to them!
Recently, Grand Rapids Lodge No 34 began a partnership with other local organizations, including Mel Trotter Ministries, to feed the needy throughout the city. This was spearheaded by the lodge’s Community Outreach Committee and facilitated by the Officers of the Lodge. The lodge gave out over 100 meals, 5 gallons of coffee and almost a case of bottled water. Further outreach projects are being planned for the future. Thank you to all who helped make this happen, great job!
Thank you Brothers
Great to see lodges getting back to in-person business this week! Elections that couldn't happen earlier are happening now and new officers are assuming their roles. Pictured is the new WM of Ithaca Lodge #123 Free & Accepted Masons, Bill Syckle! Bro. Syckle is also the senior deacon at both Breckenridge #406 and Alma Lodge 244 F&AM. Congratulations to Bro. Bill and all of our new and returning officers. Thank you for serving your lodge, here's to a great 2021!
Congratulations
Congratulations from Farmington 151, Worshipful!
Congrats Worshipful Bill!
Congratulations WB Bill /G\
Congrats Bill!
Dig the mask!
Lodge 172, shoot for the stars.
Congratulations from Bethel 358, Worshipful.
Congratulations brother Bill
Congratulations WM Bill
Congratulations WB Bill
Congratulations Bill
Tours of The Detroit Masonic Temple resume this month! See information and links below.
Also, please click here if you are interested in supporting the restoration of the Temple's amazing pipe organ: www.facebook.com/donate/1286117288503975/Come see the incredible grandeur and timeless beauty of the world's largest Masonic building for yourself, get your tour tickets soon!
Sunday, January 17th, 3:00 pm (all ages)
Friday, January 22nd, 7:00 pm (18+)
Custom date tours are available at an additional charge with a minimum of one week notice and depending upon date and docent availability. Group rates for Masonic (must be recognized by the Grand Lodge of Michigan) and nonprofit organizations available.
For more information call 313-832-7100 ex. 227 or email dmtdocents@gmail.com.
📸: Dale Carlson
Grand Ledge Lodge 179 provided meals for their community's first responders in Grand Ledge as well as Benton Township on New Year’s Eve. They put together these meals as a small token of their gratitude for everything they do for the community, thanking them for giving up their family time to protect and serve. Great job, brothers, and thank you to all of our first responders throughout the state!
Congratulations Brothers.
Proud of “my guys!”
32 Marty Sheedy,
Good work Brethren!
Congrats Brethren!
Good show brothers, awesome job & continued thanks to all first responders.
Please join us in wishing Bro. Rob LaFleur a happy retirement! Thanks for everything over a great 24+ years!
Rob also wanted to thank the Craft and his coworkers with these words:
To My Past Team and Brethren,
Working at the Grand Lodge of Michigan has been over a 24-year run for me and I finally started the next chapter of my life. The beginning was when the membership database became corrupted and I was called in as a consultant to repair it. Once the data was fixed, when I was ready to move onto my next contract, I was asked to continue on as a permanent employee. From there we developed WinMason, then WebMason, both of which were awesome programs designed for membership maintenance. As time moved on, we added numerous websites and finally the transition our own software into Groupable|m2.
I’ve really enjoyed working for the Grand Lodge, helping to assist and teach other secretaries how to use the tools we built for them. I learned as much as I could and was able to share my knowledge with so many members. My Brethren would always come up with things I never did before, and we’d just test it out, many times in the middle of a class. I was never afraid to learn something new and pass it along. I thank all the officers who came to any of my classes. It was both rewarding and fun to teach.
I worked with five different Grand Secretaries including Past Grand Masters Henry Wilson, W. Don Baugher, Robert W. Stevens, Robert Conley and William Finkel. Their experience, leadership skills, compassion and love for the craft have greatly enhanced my life. I could not ask for a better place to work and grow in my Masonic journey. I thank them all.
My co-workers. Wow, I’ve had such great ones, some of them retired and some still working. Without naming them all but I have to mention from the past, Marilyn Jones and Kathy Kooienga, and those current including Karen Wolfgang, Darren Thompson and Jamie Foglesong, I am so grateful to have been able to work with you and for you. You have all been so supporting to me and always willing to lend a helping hand. I couldn’t ask for a better team.
To PGM Bob Conley, thank you for all your support and leadership. You have been a role model to me and an inspiration in my life.
I’ve moved on, moving north (Can you believe that! Retirees are supposed to move SOUTH!). We, Deb and I, live on a lake house now. For the past 5 years we have improved the house with many additions along with building a new pole barn and attached woodshop. We filled the pole barn with a boat, snowmobile, two cars and a bunch of junk. I need a bigger barn now. I plan on making a lot of sawdust in the coming years. My wife and I have 6 kids and 14 grandchildren. We plan on being busy!
I won’t be gone, and if anyone asks, I will always be there to assist anyone needing it. I am still an assistant secretary and I will help out anyone who needs it. I hope to see many of my Brothers at Grand Lodge in 2021.
Happy New Year!
Brother Robert LaFleur, PM
Congratulations! I remember back when you started, damn that was a long time ago!
I want to say "good riddance", but it would not come across as funny as I intend it to.
Happy Retirement WB Rob. Thanks for your hard work and the memories.
Congratulations Rob~ Enjoy your next adventure!!!
Thank you and happy retirement . Your service to the Craft is very appreciated
Congrats on your retirement. You'll love it and thanks for all you did for the craft.
happy retirement Brother! You earned it.
Much gratitude to you. WB Rob , for your kind services to Doric and Michigan Masonry over these many years !! My very best wishes to you and your family !!
Congratulations and Enjoy The Retirement.
Happy retirement. Thanks for all your service to the craft!!
Congratulations! Happy Retirement to you!
Congrats WBro! You will certainly be missed at Doric.
Congratulations on your retirement WB Rob. You were always there for me. Enjoy!!
Happy Retirement WB Rob!!!
Congrats Rob! You finally made the big decision to retirement. Many good thoughts of the past working with you. We all had a lot of fun and made our working days enjoyable. Best wishes to you!!
Happy Retirement Rob. Thanks for all your help.
Congratulations Rob and best wishes on your retirement. It was a pleasure to have had work for me for several years.
Happy Retirement and thank you for your service!
Congratulations brother and thank you for all the assistance you’ve given everyone including myself. Good days ahead.
As we would say in the Navy, Fair Winds and Following Seas Brother Rob!
Happy Retirement, Thank You for all your teaching, and for always a gentleman. Enjoy your retirement and stay safe. W.B. Don Seales.
Congratulations WB Rob! Thank you for your many years of service to our Craft!
Congrats Rob. It was great working with you for all those years. You were a fellow employee who became a friend and we all really had fun and shared many laughs.. Enjoy your retirement.
Congratulations on your retirement. Hope all is going well.
Congratulations Brother Rob and a happy retirement to you!! 🎉 🎉
Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2021!
Happy New Years, Brethren!
Happy New Year.
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