by Joan Tucker

Some mystique has always surrounded the masons. For me, it began when my husband Tom talked about his father and grandfather being active members for years. My husband recalls a lot of preparation that went into being a member. What I recall is Pop was very proud of his service and levels of achievement.

He always said, if he needed care when he aged, the Masons had a care facility in Alma, Michigan, that he and his wife could utilize. As a family, we blew that off until years later when the need arose. The Masonic home-care facility offered many options to folks with different levels of need. Pop went into memory care and his wife went into assisted living. As a retired RN, I can say that the facility provided top-notch care, and in the end, it was free.

I have lived in the Stockbridge area for nearly 50 years and never realized we have our own Masonic Lodge #130. No excuse really, just busy working and raising a family like everyone else.

The Masons of Stockbridge have been meeting above what was once known as Brown’s Pharmacy and Dancer’s Department Store since 1925 when the masons purchased the building space and started holding monthly meetings. Historically, the farmers who were masons would drive their wagons to the meetings, gather, relax, share a meal, and talk about the needs of the community.

According to the definition found on many Mason Lodge websites, “Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity. It is comprised of adult men (18+) of good character from every country, religion, race, age, income, education, and opinion, who believe in a Supreme Being. It’s body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity.” 

You can’t help but admire the moral character of this group. Past members are names we all know: George Washington, Ben Franklin, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Gerald Ford, Booker T. Washington, Thurgood Marshal, Dave Crockett, Wolfgang Jenner, Count Basie, Lord Nelson, Winston Churchill, and Walt Disney, just to name a few. But most members quietly serve their communities.

What does this mean in Stockbridge? The moral men of Lodge #130 continue to serve local people in need as well as the infirm. In 2024, the masons put $11,644 into our community. They paid for band uniforms, dugouts for the baseball fields, and new library books. They helped with hotel costs so the journalism class could go to Chicago, and they assisted in purchasing SHS Choir uniforms. Stockbridge Masons also donated money to local organizations such as the Stockbridge Area Senior Center (SASC), the Teen Center, and Stockbridge Area Outreach. During Christmas, the Stockbridge Masons choose five families in need to provide gifts and Christmas cheer. Each year at the Stockbridge High School Honors Night, the masons award five $1,000 scholarships to community-minded students.

Currently, Masonic Lodge #130 has 43 members. To become a member, you need to be at least 18 years old and ask at least two active members to support your nomination. Next comes a vetting process, to make sure the applicant’s views align with masonic philosophy. Each member is asked to pay yearly dues as well as participate in fundraising.

In the past, the masons would host a pancake breakfast in Stockbridge to raise money. Now they help run an occasional poker tournament in Westland for charitable purposes. At MIS events, they drive an ADA (American with Disabilities Act) van to transport folks to events such as the races, music festivals, and even the State Championship meet for cross country.  On a larger level, Shriners International is a part of the masons’ fundraising. This money goes into a General Fund and is distributed accordingly.

Dan Wilson of Stockbridge has been a proud member of Masonic Lodge #130 for the last 10 years. He quotes one of the masonic philosophies, “To take a good man and make him a better man.” Wilson feels that the organization makes him a better Christian, one who loves giving back to our community. He was also that the Grand Lodge in Alma paid for anti-bullying education for Michigan schools.

Richard Gibson currently holds the chair of Worshipful Master in the Stockbridge lodge. This title is the highest chair, and he is a principal officer. Some of his responsibilities include running the meetings and participating in the Grand Lodge Convention.

Gibson is also proud to be a Freemason, stating “The history is incredible!” He loves being part of an organization that has the community at heart.

If you are interested in becoming a Freemason, with an organization that is steeped in history, and where all men are considered equal and working to become better people, this group may be for you. Reach out to the Grand Lodge of Michigan at info@michiganmasons.org or call 989-968-4440. They will contact Stockbridge Masonic Lodge #130 on your behalf.

Being a Mason is a great way to serve your community.