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