National Sojourners

I have a very important lunch date on the way to Lansing for the investment meeting. Yes a Grand Master needs a very special GPS in their vehicle.
I am being welcomed into the National Sojourners. Typically a Masonic group for military or former military men. The Sojourners make an exception on occasion for the sitting Grand Master. I was really honored to become a part of this group. There were several men there that I knew from other Masonic travels. I hope to make the lunch meetings.

Nice!

5-14-2014

Changing of the Guard

Back from lunch and the time has come to install the new team. What a wonderful event this is AND the Deputy Grand Master is installed as the Grand Master of Masons in Michigan. Yes you heard a sigh as the new Grand Master rose from the altar. I will not confirm nor deny that it came from me.

I am feeling relaxed - - 

5-21-2014

It is here -

The day has arrived the day of the Annual Communication is here. I must admit as the Leadership Team lines up in the rear of the house to be introduced, I get a lump. I have such great support from these guys it is easy to push through. Here we go. The business of the the Grand Lodge goes well, I give my address and really do not remember anything I said. I suppose that is why we prepare those things ahead of time. Business is complete, time for lunch and then the installation.

5-21-2014

and now it begins

Time to go to work y'all. The delegates meeting begins at nine. This is an opportunity for the voting delegates to discuss, for the last time the legislation that will be voted on tomorrow. We give them a lot of room to discuss and decide. The Deputy then present his budget to be put under the microscope by the group. Also presented at this meeting is the Home Board Budget and the Charitable Foundation budget.
Both the Deputy and I make time to go into the Board of General Purposes meeting and the District Deputy Instructors meeting. I really wanted to and did thank them for their service to the Grand Lodge this year. There has been significant changes to the make-up of these entities this year. These men really stepped up and did a fantastic job. I wish them all well.
After lunch the Deputy and I meet with the Jurisprudence Committee. We understand what will happen tomorrow during my address. Jurisprudence determines if the actions of the Grand Master are within Masonic Law.
Time to suit up for the Representatives Banquet. It is a time for the delegates to get dressed up an enjoy a nice dinner. It is time for the Deputy and me to earn our keep. We give several awards this night;
Mason of the Year, Lodge of the year (all categories), Lou B Windsor awards and the Distinguished Service awards. All in all a great event. I understand next year I will get to eat :)

and another thing - tradition continues

5-20-2014

Special Dinner

On Monday evening is a very special event. In my mind one of the highlights of the whole session.Since I have been in the Grand Lodge moving line I have always enjoyed the Annual Grand Family dinner. It is usually the evening before the session officially kicks off. and my oh my, the talent in that room is fantastic. You see the Grand Family is made up of just that. The leadership team, the past grands, the emeritus members, the sweethearts (widows) and all their ladies. It is a wonderful way to share the war stories, you know the "in my year" stuff. I have always found this a great tribute to those that came before us.

 5-19-2014

Annual Communication

Sunday the 18th, into the office for a few minutes and then home to pack time to leave for Grand Rapids for the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Michigan. Since our committee chair suggested we arrive at three o'clock I think that is a good idea. Off to the Amway Grand. The Deputy Grand Master and I share the top two suites at the Grand, beautiful. Time foe some entertaining and planning for the next few days.
5-18-2014

Show Time

Just under the wire. Our Brothers at Plymouth Rock Lodge have completed their building and are ready for the dedication. Grand Lodge shall do an official dedication to any new building before Masonic work can begin. Plymouth Rock has done a fantastic job. They have transformed an existing structure into a Lodge Room and a dining area. The craftsmanship is beautiful. The Lodge Room is a perfect size, it should fit about seventy-five folks. It will be plenty for most occasions. Today the Grand Lodge Leadership Team did a great job of doing the dedication and providing a few laughs for the congregate assembled. This is a great event and this one was special to me.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BzMAC-mK8ojUbzdkYWktQTNfTUE&usp=sharing

Pictures courtesy of Mike Scott and his Son Chris - thank you!

Guy has got to eat - 

5-17-2014

Investment

Another one of those. Wednesday evening in Lansing, the Investment committee meets. We conduct business as usual and conduct the annual audit. This is a tight time frame with the annual communication only seven days away. The dedication of these guys is unbelievable.Another meeting on the way to the fire.
I certainly will remember this group of Brothers as the ones who set the craft on sound financial ground.

  5-14-2014

Tick tick tick

Sunday afternoon at home. The Chair of the arrangements committee and his bride make time in their day to come to our house and collect this that and the other. Junk we need to be at the Annual Communication. Even after Cindy had to do all that yard work while Brian watched and had an adult refreshment. OK not true but makes a good story.
This committee is working their collective tails off for this event.
We leave for the Annual in one week -



5/11/2014

MMM biscuits...

This Sunday (two in a row working)  is the day of the Country Breakfast at Roseville Lodge. The Grand Chaplin and myself always try to attend any all you can eat events we can. Come'on you can't be surprised by that. The good news is round is a shape.
ANYWAY one of the things I noticed about this event that made it stand out from the other hundreds of these things we attend in our Masonic careers is the fellowship. The Lodge sponsors the Breakfast so the members of the Lodge show up and do the work, they pick up the food at the market prepare it and serve it. Of course they leave the busing of tables to DeMolay.
BUT the fellowship,  these fellas really like each other and all who attend. There are plenty of hugs and kisses to go around. Whether a member of Roseville of another Lodge even another jurisdiction one is greeted in the manner of Masons. Good job Roseville!
I really like being with and around Masons!


5/11/2011

Sweethearts Tea

The Michigan Charitable Foundation has begun tradition. I hope this event lasts and continues to grow. A tea was held for the Sweethearts who reside in Pathways. Sweethearts can be defined as widows (I like Sweethearts better) of Masons. On this Friday the Grand Chaplin and myself were in attendance as the event began. My very unofficial count is about one hundred and thirty ladies in attendance. They were served tea (really?) and desserts and also were entertained by a musical combo. I hope it was a great afternoon for our sweethearts.

5/09/2014

R & R?

I have tried to take every Sunday off this Masonic year, been successful a lot of the time sometimes. Today I am home working on the Grand Masters address for the annual communication that is approaching like a train.
WOW, I have been a lot of places and done a lot of stuff. It is funny how the reflection reveals the activity. It is no damn wonder I am tired. Well anyway first draft of the address is complete, more later.


5-04-2014

Valley of Grand Rapids

It has been a hectic week.I would like to relax a little. I con the Grand Chaplin into taking a ride. Grand Rapids or bust! It is time for their AASR Reunion. It is time for me to relax and watch the work and enjoy the fellowship. I really enjoy spending time with Masons, I really do. Funny thing after all these years traversing through the Grand Lodge line the two and one-half hours it takes to get to Grand Rapids doesn't seem like much at all. I may miss the road time, especially with Dean, maybe.

5-03-2014

Another day, another lake

Up early on Wednesday took a drive by the lake (you guess which one) settled in for breakfast at a local restaurant. This time is spent reflecting on the last few unplugged meetings wondering what I can do better. Loads of ideas, one constant, be yourself and listen to them.
Back to the hotel, get permission to overstay. Up to the room to pack and get across the State to seven. First a webinar and then off to Tawas. Good day for a srive, I am blessed there.
We are in Tawas for the last of the series.This is my first time in this building and I like it. Everything on one floor.
Showtime! Mike and Walt take off and do a great job. I am noticing that each of these venues have a different personality. That is a good thing. I really enjoyed this group and we probably could still be chatting. While we don't always agree there is great respect for one another. Show is over time to held home. I'll be there in there hours. So, what does a Grand Master do on a long drive? Well study ritual silly.

All in all I think this idea worked, we started this journey in September in the upper Peninsula (wadda know I beat the snow). The four corners of the Lower Peninsula in a ten day span. I think it worked. The Grand Lodge guys have to get in front of these folks more often. The different locations taught me several things. The different areas of the State have different challenges and concerns the the others.

Get'em Mike!

4-30-2014

North to..

Petoskey. Unplugged six! I am a long way from home and arrive a bit early. I am able to check into the hotel and relax a little. The Deputy Grand Master is in town and we meet in my room for a quick update. The Grand Treasurer joins us and away we go to supper. Come on you had to know that.
We get to the Lodge right at the appointed hour. The problem is between the lobby and the Lodge room are three floors of stairs. I have to catch my breath before I can talk to anyone, sessh. It appears old, fat and out of shape is coming home to roost.
This old place houses a beautiful Lodge room and a full house of guests. What a group! Good questions, good conversation and more. This place in Northwestern Michigan has different challenges than those in Southeastern lower Michigan. The great commonality is we are all Brothers.

Warm up act?

Telling them all the good stuff.

4-29-2014

Unplugged again

I have been looking forward to this week for some time. Tonight is the Grand Master unplugged series appearance in Berkley Lodge. This is the closest Lodge geographically to my house. I am eager to begin. We have changed the format a little, we are no longer doing a Town Hall type event. We are hoping the attendees will talk and we can listen. I open the events the same every time, that is the only staged part of the show.
The host Worshipful Master seats the Lodge and introduces me. That is all we can anticipate being constant. The Grand Treasurer begins is first up to help everyone understand the legality of the money and paperwork that goes into running a Lodge and a Lodge building.
Next up the director of the Charitable Foundation. The charitable arm of the organization funds all the projects and charities that we do as Masons. Unbelievable stuff, we do good stuff.
Now, me. I invite the fellas to ask me anything and they do, yikes! I also invite them to share with the group any ideas to help make our craft better. This is a great outing, next-

4-28-2014

Show time -

Saturday the 26th. The Valley of Detroit AASR reunion. A spectacular day! This is the event, held twice a year where the Valley makes more members. In order to accomplish that the initiates (class) must view or experience at least five of the Scottish Rite Degrees. The day starts early with the buzz of the office staff preparing to make the day happen. The stage crew readies the room for the first degree of the day. The makeup room awaits the first customer. AND the caterer shows up and prepares the fest. The director of the work paces as he wonders what the actors will do today. Soon the time arrives time for the first degree. What we call degrees is actually what most of the world would call a play. These are real productions, lighting,sound, staging, props, makeup and nerves, yup loads of nerves.
First degree begins, perfect. The day begins!
Another ancillary benefit of the day is reunion. Seeing men one hasn't seen since the last time.
Lunch and back at it. It nears the time I must take the stage. Our cast prepares to go on. We are in costume relaxing and watching the degree on before us. We have a closed circuit broadcast into a staging room. A strange custom is happening, some of the player sit quietly and others pace while repeating their lines, over and over.
Showtime! I watch as my cast mates leave and go onto the stage. Four weeks of rehearsal behind us. We will see who "got it". On this day I will be introduced as Grand Master before I can join my cast and do what they do.
The class introduces the class honoree, a dear friend of mine. I quietly make a minor costume adjustment. No longer Grand Master now on the stage.  Perfect!
One more degree and the day is over, well except for the afterglow. The fellowship is phenomenal!
The director sighs "another one in the can". All the members of the day will sleep well tonight, what with all the adrenaline gone.

4-26-2014

Last this, that and the other.

Fourth Wednesday of the Month this must be Lansing. Yup fourth Wednesday is the journey to Lansing for the Grand Lodge Board of Directors meeting. I must say I-96 always keeps it interesting. Tonight's trip was interrupted by a semi truck that was in flames. The firemen got to it and extinguished the flames in good time. I lost about thirty minutes sitting in traffic. All in all  still a better day than the truck driver. Well as the caption suggests we are in the last of things. This will be the last Board meeting I attend and the last I preside over. It is funny in this job one starts by marking off firsts i.e. first youth group attendance, first this first that. The pendulum  has swung now on tracks the lasts - last Foundation meeting, last Board meeting. This is an amazing time in my life. This year went by very quickly, oh my. As I said at Monday's unplugged meeting.this Grand Master assignment is the most demanding, the most pressure filled job I have ever had. A leader must be appreciative and available for the group at all times. I wouldn't change a thing, you see the pressure, the demanding the rest of it and still the greatest year of my life. I absolutely love being Grand Master. I had a mentor years ago Seymour Greenstone who taught me do what is right for the craft and do not worry about the rest. Thank you my friend.
 4-23-2014

Unplugged - -

Today marks the beginning of the Lower Peninsula tour of the Unplugged meetings. These are akin of the old Town Hall meetings done in the past with a major difference. There is no agenda or formal presentation. You see I love to talk about Masonry especially with Masons. You may remember we visited the Yoopers in September. The unplugged concept was well received there and it was well received in Coloma Lodge. There were at least eight Lodges represented and the questions were fantastic. About fifty Masons were present as we heard from the Grand Treasurer the Executive Director of the Foundation and me :)
We were able to award service awards too, three brothers were awarded a 50 a 60 and a 70 year pin and certificate it simply does not get any better than that!

Show time!

The brothers assembled were able to ask good questions and were very patient while I worked through the answers. It is very important to me to answer all the questions asked to the satisfaction of the presenter. Sometimes that takes some time.
I really like to spend time with Masons!

Yay!

Grand Treasurer warms up the crowd

4-21-2014

He is Risen

Saturday afternoon and the Easter Evening Service at the Valley of Detroit. The Knights Of Rose Croix is responsible to present this annual event. It is a good time and is well attended. The Knights did a spectacular job again this year.

Stage is set

Storyteller is ready

Story of the Cross

Doing the old guy part!

In this Building, on this Stage, there is only one boss! (it ain't me) 

 4-19-2014

Pepper please

Saturday morning, breakfast with the fellas from Lincoln Park Ionic Lodge. I suppose I am a member of the Breakfast club. When we can arrange our schedules this group gets together and has breakfast. This is one of the things that makes Masonry great. The friendships I have made over these years are the best.
4-19-2014

Really? You are a what?

I received a FaceBook communication from an old friend of mine. Actually I was on the way through Kentucky headed toward Tennessee. Joe and I go way back, we went to grade school together, hung out together and even shared an apartment at one point. As often happens life separated us and we went our separate ways. On this day Joe let me know he was made a Mason in Monroe #27 in January. So, as any Grand Master would I showed up at the next meeting of #27. I will tell you the lodge did a fellowcraft degree that night and did a great job.
I know several members of that Lodge and stayed after the work was completed until the constables made us leave. OK not that late but until all the questions were answered and we were caught up. I hope Joe doesn't pay to much penance for having the Grand Master show up.
4-16-2014

Soft and Safe to you...

In this Blog I have endeavored to share only good things, not all things. On this night I am off to say goodbye to a dear friend and brother. A Masonic Memorial was held along with A shrine walk through. A great show of respect for our brother. A solemn tribute and the last thing we can do -
4-15-2014

Go Orange!

The Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation has for years held reunions for Michigan Masons in Florida and Arizona, these are tremendous events. I really enjoyed both of these this year. This year the Board of the Foundation decided to add a third reunion, Tennessee!
Music to my ears, I spent summers as a youth in the Volunteer State and have loads of memories. My family is spread across the entire State and so were my summers.
The demographics tell us Tennessee has a great concentration of Michigan Masons in and around it.
So, Friday I'm off, it is about an eight hour driver from my office to the Nashville area hotel.
Saturday is the luncheon, it was well attended and all in attendance seemed to have a good time. I really like spending time with Masons.Both Walt and Cindy made presentations at lunch, great job! I think it is important for members to know exactly what they belong too, three separate corporations. Each corporation does good work within our community. Every one of these events seems to open some eyes of the attendees.
For my contribution I was able to present several service awards to our transplanted members.
Sunday is the coming home travel day. I couldn't sleep, up at 0-dark-thirty and on the road.
Two ancillary events for me, Saturday having supper with Cindy Bosley the boss at Masonic Pathways and Walt Wheeler the boss at the Foundation.
On Friday I kept Walt up way past both of our bedtimes picking his brain and solving all the worlds (at least Masonic world) problems. I was able to get some great insight from My Most Worshipful Brother.

4-11, 12, 13, 2014

To the pit gentleman -

This is one of my favorite times of the year. Rehearsals for the Valley of Detroit reunion. I like the reunion too but the rehearsals are the best. Four weeks to make new friends, laugh and rehearse the different degrees that will be portrayed at the Reunion.I suspect all the Valleys in Michigan share this excitement just prior to reunion. If you are a member of any of the five Valleys get involved in the pit.

 4-10-2014

Go Bo!

Every year on the campus of Masonic Pathways an event is held. Junior Deacons day is an event that I wish Worshipful Masters would make mandatory attendance for the Junior Deacon of their Lodges. Masonic Law tells us the Junior Deacon of each Lodge is the liaison officer to Masonic Pathways, as such should be familiar with the home, admission policies and any residents the Lodge may have there.
The Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge has a part in the planning of this event. This year the event was in a different venue on the campus and was completely overhauled.
This year is was hit out of the park, what a great event. There were presentations, booths and tours of the facility. There was also food -
The State is blessed to have a Leadership Team that does not necessarily buy into the "we have always done it that way argument"  These leaders have a great sense of what needs to be done and what traditions are important. I look forward to the next several years.

Go Bo - The Junior Grand Deacon does his thing!

4-05-2014

The Great Mandella

Peter, Paul. and Mary sung about The Great Mandella (The Wheel of Life). Today was one of those days.It is not at all unusual for a Grand Lodge Officer to attend multiple events in a day, especially a weekend day.
The first event today is an honors day at Birmingham Lodge. This Lodge does it right, they have a beautiful building and always have this event during the afternoon to allow the most folks to attend. The Senior Grand Warden and myself were invited to share in the honors. We were able to award several life memberships and some fifty year pins. The highlight (for me) was a seventy year pin to a Past Master. He holds himself out as a twenty-four and one half year old man. He is vibrant, exciting and a joy to be around.

The Group, yay!

Two Ray's one has seventy years in the craft.

as the Mandella turns there is another side. This evening I attended a Masonic Memorial service for a one hundred year old member. I have known Howard Hale for forty five years. We attended the same church in South West Detroit all those years ago  I was able to assist the team and say a formal goodbye. Soft and safe to you my brother...
3/30/2014

That's why we are here -

Thursday,  must be going to the Shores -  Eager to get to Jefferson Lodge tonight and be able to witness two Master Mason degrees. My rider is the new Worshipful Master of West Gate-Cyrus Lodge. Off we go, I am always greeted enthusiastically by the members of Jefferson. I enjoy seeing men become Master Masons and tonight is no exception. I think my rider may have seen Masonry a little different after tonight. Well it is eleven o'clock time to say goodnight to the brothers and get home to bed.
 3/27/2014

Getting there -

This is the evening the Grand Lodge Board of Directors meet. This Grand Master does very little without first.talking to the Board of Directors. This is some times a spirited event. That is okay. My management style is to provide a safe place for meetings and the exchange of ideas. One can say whatever they choose to in the meeting. Once the choices and decisions are made that is that. When we leave that room we are all on the same page. There should be no further discussion on any topic. I believe we have accomplished much this Masonic year thanks to this Board. .
3/26/2014

Long way for coffee

This morning I arose early, hit the road and headed North. It was going to be a great morning. The residents at Masonic Pathways meet in the lobby every Tuesday at ten O'clock for a coffee clutch. This week it was to me my honor to attend. There is no formal agenda, an informal chat session. Our Director tells the residents what is new what may have to be dealt with and shares some of her personal life with the group.
This week one of the challenges was the morning there were sixteen dear on and around the front porch. See when you feed these guys they get used to it and will keep coming. We as Masons can certainly relate to that.
Another thing I learned was the difference in how medicine is disbursed, how the home can do it and what would be a pharmacist role, amazing!
The best part was visiting the residents and the interaction with them. They all have stories that I love to hear. One can gain a lot of wisdom from these folks. Thank you for having me.

Oh yeah, while I was in the neighborhood I spent some time at the Grand Lodge office.
 3/25/2014

Pardon me -

One of the offshoots of Michigan Masonry is the MMA, Masonic Masters Association. It is the organization which hosts the Senior Wardens Dinners throughout the Masonic Year. In 1996 I was a Senior Warden and was on the circuit. It was great! One was able to learn and interact with their counterparts all over the area. We had great times. After I was Worship Master the organization fell off my radar. When I was campaigning for the open chair in the Grand Lodge line I became active, at least visited several dinners. In my estimation the MMA had deteriorated a bit. With the annual election this year the MMA has a new President. I am very excited about the new leadership team. The Grand Chaplin and myself invited ourselves to the monthly business meeting.  The Grand Chaplin and I are excited about the new direction and simply wanted to show support. Do well guys.
3/18/2014

Last One -

When one gets to this stage in his year as Grand Master he may begin counting down events. Tonight was the last of my Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation Board meetings. Every last one is a little sad. On the good side, I have served on this Board for several years and have been able to watch the growth of the Board. I am very pleased to report the Board has turned a corner and is being run in the manner this Board should be.
See you all soon.

3/18/2014

Long day duex -

In the life of a Grand Lodge officer it is not all the unusual to have two events in one day, especially on a Saturday. Leave Alma get to Downtown Detroit for the 700th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Jacques DeMolay. Thank you to Commandery No1 Knights Templar for taking on this project. The Templars hosted this fantastic event in a great building, the Masonic Temple at 500 Temple in Detroit. Further one of the nicest rooms in the building the Commandery Asylum. Commander Pat Thompson, thank you!
While no one has threatened to burn me at the stake (yet) Grand Masters have to stick together. This was one great event the original DeMolay degree was portrayed and was very, very impressive. The cast succeeded in making us believe we were there, present at the events of the day. AND there was supper -
One can only guess what kind of planning, rehearsing and chaos is involved in doing this type of thing. It is truly a labor of love for the Order of DeMolay.

The Cast - standing ovation!

Bravo -

Supper

There has to be supper.

Greeting the current Grand Master (no not 700 years old)

From one Grand Master to another, DUDE!

Every once and awhile one gets a chance to be a part of something fantastic, a once in a lifetime chance. Today was one of those days.


 3-15-2014