July 2010
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Master's Letter | August 2010
I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer, wherever this newsletter finds you. For those of us living in Ann Arbor, we’ve seen the end of this year’s Top of the Park season and the Arts Festival, but there are still many more local festivals and events to enjoy before summer is over. At AAF 262 we have two social events this month – our annual lodge picnic and regular Master’s Table night. ...
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Master's Table | July Event a Success!
We had a phenomenal night at Joe’s Crab Shack this past Wednesday. We had close to 30 people there, including three new candidates and visiting brothers from as far away as Detroit and Jackson! We are also receiving many requests for plural membership! Clearly we have a great thing going on at AAF262.
Tri-Lodge Picnic | Sunday, August 8
Sunday, August 8, 3:00pm-7:00pm Join ALL the brothers, friends, and families for a new summertime tradition! This picnic is sponsored and hosted by Ann Arbor’s 3 great lodges: Ann Arbor-Fraternity # 262 ~ St. Mary’s Lodge # 4 ~ Golden Rule # 159 Food will be provided, games and prizes!
The lodges will be providing a meat entree of roast pork and beef! the rest is POTLUCK. What to...
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Warmest Ever Master Mason Degree Night!
On July 7, Ann Arbor 262 conducted what was likely to be its hottest degree night on record. Not factoring for humidity, the temperature was 96 F outside before lodge opened. To make light of our situation, we had a marvelous tropical inspired dinner and conducted our work in shorts and short sleeve shirts. We had a good turn out, including the new Grand Lecturer and three other...
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Master's Letter | July 2010
July is traditionally a “dark” month for our lodge, though like many Masons, I am not keen on that term. Masonry is all about light - 365 days a year! Nor, despite our not having a regular communication, will we be anything like inactive. We will be holding a Master Mason degree on July 7, the first Wednesday of the month. There will also be the regular Master’s Table night out on July 28 at...
June 2010
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The Widows Sons | Masonic motorcycle club's first...
Bros. Chuck Nagy, Bob Hospadaruk, and PM Rich Wilcox, members of AAF262
The newly formed “Due Guard” chapter of the Widows Sons masonic motorcycle club had their first ride last June 12th.
Despite a low turnout (probably due to the sketchy weather and our organizational skills :-) they had a really great ride to Apple Charlies in New Boston, MI. On that day, Findlater Lodge #475...
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Festive Board - St. John's Celebration | June 23,...
Ann Arbor Fraternity Lodge #262 and Golden Rule #159 will be hosting a festive board on Wednesday June 23rd, 2010 to celebrate St. John’s Day. This event will be be from 7:00 PM-10:00 PM and will be held at the Zal Gaz Grotto (2070 West Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103).
This is not a tiled event. Business casual attire is recommended for this evening of fellowship, celebration and...
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Master's Letter | June 2010
Well, it’s hard to believe with June my “Sun” as Worshipful Master is at its meridian height. We are half way through the year! It’s amazing what we’ve accomplished so far; we keep moving from success to success. I’m also hearing that the Widow’s Sons motorcycle club is ready to ride with 9 charter members. Great work Bros. Chuck Nagy and Lowell Easton for...
May 2010
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Visit to Windsor #403, AF & FM Grand Lodge of...
On Friday, May 21, ten members of Ann Arbor – Fraternity 262 traveled to Windsor, Canada, to witness a Master Mason’s degree performed by the brothers of Windsor No. 403. Windsor Lodge was founded in 1883. Though separated only by the Detroit River from our Masonic jurisdiction, the ritual we witnessed was very different from our own. Windsor 403 conducted themselves with great solemnity...
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Scholarship Awarded to George F. Lucero
George F. Lucero, who graduated this month from the Washtenaw Technical Middle College, was awarded one of two $1,500 scholarships that will be given away by Ann Arbor-Fraternity #262 this year. This fall he will begin at the University of Michigan, Dearborn, then transfer to the Main Campus. He would like to pursue joint degrees in Engineering and Social Work. He is a remarkable young...
April 2010
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Master's Letter | May 2010
Spring has arrived and I, for one, couldn’t be more thankful. The trees have leaves and the flowers are blooming. We’ve even had some marvelously warm days. With all the snow gone now, we may even see a few more faces at lodge that we’ve been missing.
April 17, our FC degree day in Dearborn, will go down as one of the most memorable Masonic days of my life. I could not have been more proud of...
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Fifteen Fellowcrafts Passed in Dearborn
On Saturday, April 17, 2010 the lodge convened in the Valley of Detroit Scottish Rite Cathedral located in Dearborn, MI to confer the Fellowcraft degree on 15 brothers. Fourteen of these Brothers were from Ann Arbor Fraternity No. 262 and one from Walled Lake No. 528. The degree team is to be especially congratulated. They worked very hard and it was a profoundly moving experience. The spirit...
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SOCIAL: Master’s Table Dinner | Corner Brewery
If you are free and interested in learning more about Ann Arbor Fraternity No. 262, be sure to stop by Wednesday at 6:30PM for dinner and fellowship at our monthly Masters Table dinner.
Corner Brewery is a cozy microbrewery, located in Ypsilanti, MI - just north of the Depot Town area. Large tables, laughs and a menu full of both food and drink await you! Our Master’s Table Dinners are monthly...
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[URGENT!] April FC Degree | Change of Venue
Greetings.
Sadly, we have been informed that our arrangements at the Detroit Temple next weekend are no longer going to be possible. It seems the entire building has been rented and so we will not have access to a lodge room. Hopefully we will be able to reschedule some of our MM degrees down there in July. W. Bro. Justin Krasnoff has made arrangements for us to meet at the Valley of Detroit...
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Mozart's "The Magic Flute" | University of... →
Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” will be presented for FREE tonight [April 6, 2010] and Thursday evening [April 8, 2010] at the University of Michigan - and in a very interesting manner, current to today’s “green initiatives”. “This green opera production — the second by Robert Swedberg’s operaworkshop students — minimizes the production’s carbon...
March 2010
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Master’s Letter | April 2010
March was a busy month and saw the conclusion - for the time being - of our E.A. degree work. While we continue to receive new petitions, our focus will now shift to advancing our 16 or so Entered Apprentices. If you are not already aware, our regular meeting nights have shifted to the 1st Wednesday of the month. Degree work will be performed on the 3rd Wednesday.
However, this month we...
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Past Master’s Dinner & Recognition Dinner
On February 19, 2010 we gathered at the Quarter Bistro Restaurant in Ann Arbor for an exceptional night of food and fellowship.
We had a private side room for the event and a great turn out. The honorees that evening included immediate Past Master Chris Fultz, “Mason of the Year 2009” Bob Hospadaruk and special achievement honoree Brian Cors.
We also honored two longevity recipients, Bro....
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Detroit Roller Derby Night 2010 - A Success!
Bro. Bob Hospadaruk arranged another fun-filled lodge outing to the Detroit Masonic Temple to watch the Detroit Derby Girls on March 13, 2010.
This roller derby match was between The Pistolwhippers and Devil’s Night Dames. We had a special reserved section for ourselves and ladies at this sold-out event. For those of you that have not attended the derby, you’ve been missing out!
Afterward we...
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The Widows Sons - Ann Arbor Chapter Coming Soon!
Bro. Chuck Nagy has been busy organizing a new, Ann Arbor-based chapter of The Widow’s Sons Masonic motorcycle club. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast and want to ride with other members of the lodge and/or area Freemasons, this is the group for you.
Bro. Chuck is planning to hold the first meeting at the Zal Gaz Grotto on April 29th. For more info, please send an e-mail to:...
February 2010
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IMPORTANT! | Our Meeting Dates are Changing!
Starting in March 2010, our regularly scheduled events are changing.
1st Wednesdays MEETING: Regular Communications
2nd Wednesdays EDUCATION: Quarterly Study Club Meetings
3rd Wednesdays MEETING: Degree Conferrals
4th Wednesdays SOCIAL: Master’s Table Dinners
As always, please be sure to keep watch on our Lodge’s electronic Trestleboard for details and specifics in...
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Master's Letter | March 2010
Things continue to clip along at lodge. On January 27 we initiated 4 new brothers into Masonry. Though these were the first degrees of the year and we did not have a chance to practice, everything went smoothly. Thanks to all who assisted. January 29 was the Freemasons’ Haiti Relief Party which we put on jointly with the Grotto. It was a memorable night. We enjoyed great fellowship and fun...
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SOCIAL: Past Master's Night & Membership Awards
Past Master’s Night & Membership Awards Friday, February 19, 2010 | 6:30PM Quarter Bistro & Tavern 300 South Maple Road, Ann Arbor, MI
Brothers, their ladies and guests will share an evening of fellowship, food and recognition of those who have given so much to the success of our Lodge - especially our immediate Past Master Chris Fultz and his wife Jill. It is especially hoped...
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SOCIAL: Master's Table Dinner | Metzger's German...
If you are free and interested in learning more about Ann Arbor Fraternity No. 262, be sure to stop by Wednesday at 6:30PM for dinner and fellowship at our monthly Masters Table dinner.
Metzger’s has been a long-standing German restaurant in the Ann Arbor area. The winter months are perfect for a hearty, robust meal and fellowship! Our Master’s Table Dinners are monthly social events and...
January 2010
8 posts
Freemasons Haiti Relief Party | Friday, Jan 29,...
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Master's Letter | February 2010
Brothers, we are off to a great start!
On December 23, several of us gathered with wives and guests at Knight’s Steakhouse to commemorate the Feast of St. John the Evangelist (Dec. 27) in accordance with early Masonic tradition. Of course Masons and Christians were not the first to recognize this date which roughly coincides with the winter solstice. Humans have acknowledged the solstices for at...
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“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive...”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
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Freemasons Haiti Relief Party | January 29, 2010
You’ve seen the destruction and suffering vividly portrayed by TV coverage. Much of Haiti is in ruins. All Haitians need assistance. Appeals for relief have been received by the Masonic Service Association of North America to help those that are suffering. How can we in Ann Arbor help?
Come to the Freemasons Haiti Relief Party at Zal Gaz Grotto on Friday, January 29th at 7:30PM. It will...
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SOCIAL: Master's Table Dinner | Bagger Dave's
If you are free and interested in learning more about Ann Arbor Fraternity No. 262, be sure to stop by at 6:30PM for dinner and fellowship at our monthly Masters Table dinner.
For those not familiar, Bagger Dave’s is a restaurant in Ann Arbor, located in the Colonade Plaza on Eisenhower - just east of Ann Arbor Saline Road, before you get to Briarwood Mall. It’s a fairly new place,...
December 2009
2 posts
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SOCIAL: St. John the Evangelist Dinner |... →
Please join us for a social evening, celebrating St. John the Evangelist. Your spouse/loved one/significant other is also welcome to attend this evening of food, conversation and celebration.
Click the title of this post above for details and how to RSVP.
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2010 Lodge Officers | Ann Arbor Fraternity No. 262
Worshipful Master - Robert C. Blackburn Senior Warden - brian cors Junior Warden - Clinton R. Bartholomew Treasurer - Arthur W. Davidge, PM Secretary - Seymour D. Greenstone, PM Chaplain - Erik Harclerode Senior Deacon - Scott Graf Junior Deacon - George A. Lucero Senior Steward - Bob Hospadaruk Stewards - Jason Basile - Peter Cole - Charles Nagy Marshal - Matthew Beste Tiler - Elias Samuels...
November 2009
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Midwest Conference on Masonic Education →
The 61st annual conference will be held in Independence, Missouri - from May 7-9, 2010. Be sure to check their site for more details as they solidify.
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Freemasons Party For Food Gatherers 2009 | Report!
The “Freemason’s Party for Food Gatherers” event was a smashing success! We raised $2170.00 towards removing hunger in our area. We are humbled by everyone’s generosity. The craft was truly at work last Saturday! Good times, good food and drink - all for a great cause!
EDIT: We got an additional $1500 matching grant from the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation! ...
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Master's Letter | December 2009
Brethren:
As the year draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all of their help, contributions, hard work, and support this year. I was lucky to have an excellent officer line that made sure our rituals, social events, and meetings were successful. We also had many members who regularly attended the events, helped with setting up the lodge and cleaning up...
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October 2009
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September 2009
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Freemasons Party for Food Gatherers
BREAKING NEWS: Donations will be matched by the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation - effectively DOUBLING monies raised!
You are cordially invited to a fundraiser party to benefit Food Gatherers - an Ann Arbor food agency that works to prevent hunger. Food Gatherers does this by collecting and delivering over 7 tons of food per day to those in need in the immediate Ann Arbor area.
Due to...
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REVIEW: "The Masonic Myth" [Boing Boing] →
Mark Frauenfelder (of Boing Boing) revealed that he is a Mason - and has recently posted a review about “The Masonic Myth”, by Jay Kinney.
Kinney (also a Mason) released this within a week of the new Dan Brown book, “The Lost Symbol” - and according to the review, it’s an attempt to replace “the phony facts with the real story.”
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FREE: What is Freemasonry? | E-Book →
Here is a link to a brand new, free e-book compiled by Greg Stewart of freemasoninformation.com.
“With the release of Dan Brown’s book “The Lost Symbol” and the questions it will raise about the modern day fraternity, the goal of this e-book is to make available some of the lesser discussed details of the contemporary fraternity.”
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The By-Laws and History of Fraternity Lodge No... →
This is a scan of an original document, currently housed at the Library of the University of Michigan and digitally archived in Google Books.
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Secret Societies in the Social Media Age →
“How does the society that defines its teachings as secret awaken to find itself in the modern age of digital correspondence, international friends groups and interested participants?”
August 2009
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May 2009
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Master's Letter | May 2009
Brethren:
The year is half over (or is there half left?), Grand Lodge is behind us (thanks to SW Bob Blackburn for attending), and we will be going dark soon. So far this year, we have raised many fine brethren and had to say goodbye to a few, maintained a healthy backlog, and increased fellowship opportunities. Best of all, I see more faces on a regular basis at our meetings and degrees. I...
January 2009
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Famous Masons
This list is by no means complete, but it indicates some of the world’s great leaders who are known to have been Men and Masons.
Abbott, Robert Sengstacke - Founder/publisher “Chicago Defender” Allen, Richard - Founder/first bishop AME Church Armstrong, Louis - Brilliant jazz musician Armstrong, Neil - Astronaut, first man to walk on the moon Atkins, Chet - Musician Basie,...
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What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry (also called Free and Accepted Masonry, or simply, Masonry) is a fraternal order whose basic tenets are brotherly love, relief (philanthropy), and truth. We strive to enjoy the company of our brother Masons, assist them in times of personal trouble, and reinforce essential moral values. There is an old adage that Masonry “takes good men and makes them better”, which is our...
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Our History
Fraternity and History The Past And Present Of Ann Arbor Fraternity Lodge No. 262
by Sean S. Dykhouse, PM
The true meaning of fraternity is brotherhood, it has long been established. The group of men that meets under the auspices of the Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan and under the charter of Lodge No. 262 is no different, yesterday, today and tomorrow. The members are brothers all, and...