Month: July 2026

Last week, WB Reed dropped a new version of the Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries Podcast : 18:53 Working Tools Series reading an article titled, “Carriers of the Flame.”

Check it out at:

https://mnmasoniccharities.org/minnesota-masonic-histories- mysteries-podcast

Additionally, I recently spoke with my friend RWB Chad Kopenski from Ohio, who shared his article “Ultimately…I am.”  I have included it below for your consideration. Thank you to Chad for sharing it, and I hope you enjoy it.

The universe often brings us timely messages, and I find these works very complementary to each other. I encourage you to consider both and discuss in your lodges. … And as we enter the holiday season, I hope you take some time for reflection and enjoy your family. I look forward to talking with you more soon, and until then … Travel well my Brothers.

Fraternally, Brad

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Ultimately… I am. By Chad Kopenski

Recently I was sitting with a group of Brethren from around the State. In the outside world, they were teachers, nurses, handymen, emergency services, businessmen, fathers, etc.; in the Masonic world, they represented all levels of involvement and experience. Over the course of the evening, as we discussed life inside and outside Lodge, each man uttered some variation of this phrase: ‘Ultimately, I am accountable and responsible.’

Upon later reflection and when unpacked, that phrase is incredibly Masonic.

Responsible: Obliged to do something. For generations, Masons have been the “men of note” in their communities. We are obligated to step up, to act, to do what we say we will do, to do it to the best of our ability, to do what is best and what is right for our Brethren, our Lodge, our widows and orphans, our families, and our communities. We have a duty to ourselves and those around us to put our values into action.

And: In addition to or connected to. Masonry provides the opportunity for Masons to connect with personal and local history, with a multitude of diversely defined communities, with the wisdom of generations past, with the hope and promise of generations next, with the power of Ritual and Tradition; with the assurance provided from Sacred Things through a Brotherhood that spans time and distance. Masonry thrives in connection and dies in isolation.

Accountable: Answerable for personal actions or decisions. As Masons, we hold ourselves to a certain standard; that whatever hypocrisy, deceit, negligence, carelessness, rashness, or wrong may exist in the outside word; that we will make the choice to be honest, prudent, conscientious, charitable, just, and do what’s right. We are definedby our choices: whether or not we choose to speak up; whether or not we choose to act; whether or not we are true to our word. We know that we will be answerable for our choices to our Brethren, our loved ones, the Great Architect of the Universe, and ourselves.

Ultimately: Fundamentally or finally. In much of our world, it is easy to pass the buck, throw someone else under the bus, deflect attention, hide in the crowd, or escape the consequences of our actions. Freemasonry is a diverse global institution; but it all comes down to the choices of the individual Mason. When we hear others talk about the decline of Masonry, how Masonry in our Lodge or community is under attack, how this technology or this generation or this Grand Lodge requirement is to blame; when we hear others cry “Someone needs to do something about the health of Masonry in this Lodge! Someone needs to do something about this issue in our community! Who’s going to do something about this?” This is where the individual Mason steps forward and says:

I am.

A version of this appeared in the Fall 2017 The Ohio Beacon, a quarterly joint publication of The Ohio Masonic Home and the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

Recently, MWB Bob Davis recommended that I read “The E-Myth” by Michael Gerber. I ended up listening to it on Audible during my journeys to and from Masonic Camp.  Travel time is perfect time to catch up on books via audiobooks.

 Two key lessons from the book really resonated with me:

… To be successful

1. Consistency is essential.
2. Shifting mindset from being an expert in your craft to embracing systems thought is crucial for leadership at scale.

The first lesson focused on consistency, illustrated by an example from a barber shop. The author described three visits: one included excellent service with coffee, another offered just a great haircut, and a third provided an option of wine. While the haircuts were always on point, the unpredictable extra touches led the author to take their business elsewhere. This reaction makes sense—most people value a certain level of consistency, even if changes could be positive. Abrupt shifts can ruin someone’s experience. I remember running across a story once that involved eBay and helps illustrate this point further: when the company changed its traditionally bold yellow background to white overnight, users revolted. As a result, eBay had to revert and transition the color slowly, shifting from yellow to white in small steps over a year.  The users found that change acceptable.  

There is an important lesson here about our work: consistency is important so that members know what to expect.  This is why our lessons, symbolism, and values are so important to keep consistent.

Some time ago, RWB Shawn Carrick shared with me an article he penned on attributes of a healthy lodge which also delves into these themes.  I submit it to you below for your consideration.

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Within the esteemed tradition of Freemasonry, lodges serve as the cornerstone for the brotherhood, acting as both a gathering place and a platform for personal growth and community service.  From my reading of different books and by watching what I see in the different lodges I believe that there are many habits of highly successful lodges, and I will list just seven habits that I believe will lead to a lodge becoming a highly successful lodge. 

 

The first habit of successful lodges is a foundation built on effective and strong leadership. This means not only having a capable Master at the helm but also ensuring that all officers are well-prepared and committed to their duties. Effective leaders foster an atmosphere of respect, encourage participation, and promote Masonic values while also adapting to the needs of their members. Effective leaders also need to be able to guide and defuse conflicts between differing points of view and beliefs.

The second habit is frequent and transparent communication which is crucial for the health of a lodge. Successful lodges utilize various platforms—such as newsletters, meetings, and social media—to keep members informed about upcoming events, educational opportunities, and other important announcements. This habit not only keeps everyone in the loop but also strengthens bonds among members by encouraging regular interaction. 

Building on communication leads to the third habit which is education and is at the heart of Freemasonry. A successful lodge offers a variety of educational programs that cater to the interests of its members. This could include lectures on Masonic history, discussions on philosophical topics, or workshops that develop personal skills. By investing in the intellectual growth of its members, a lodge enhances the overall quality of its meetings and the personal development of its freemasons. 

 A fourth habit of a successful lodge is in actively engaging with their local communities, participating in charitable events and providing support to various causes. This engagement is where most Masons can practice skills and teachings obtained through the Lodge that the community will become the beneficiary of. Freemasonry has always emphasized service to others and engagements in the community and reinforces the lodge’s commitment to brotherhood and service, demonstrating the practical application of Masonic principles. 

Beyond the formalities of meetings, the fifth habit of a successful lodge emphasizes the importance of fellowship. Organizing social events, such as family gatherings, community barbeques, or even retreats, helps strengthen the bonds among members. This sense of camaraderie improves attendance and enhances loyalty, fostering a more connected lodge environment. 

The sixth habit is that a thriving lodge continuously seeks to grow its membership through outreach and retention strategies. This involves not just inviting new members but also ensuring that existing members feel engaged and valued. Successful lodges often implement mentorship programs that pair new members with seasoned brethren, facilitating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. 

The seventh and last habit to be discussed here is successful lodges maintain a commitment to the rich rituals and traditions of Freemasonry. The practice of these rituals is not just about performing them correctly; it’s about understanding their significance and embodying their teachings. There are many lessons that our rituals teach for each member to reflect on in their personal lives. This is a lifelong journey because over time, you may suddenly find that you are in the correct frame of mind, listening to the ritual from a specific person who has the right reflections and intonations in his voice that suddenly you find is pertinent to you. We must always remember that this reverence for ritual enhances the spiritual and moral fabric of the lodge, making the experience profound and impactful for all members. 

These seven habits are integral for the success of any Masonic lodge, particularly those aligned with values. By nurturing strong leadership, maintaining clear communication, and focusing on education and community engagement, lodges can not only survive but flourish, ensuring a bright future for all members involved. 

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Both the E-Myth and RWB Shawn’s reflections teach important lessons that are complementary to one another.  As we enter the season of Thanksgiving and the holidays, remember to look around and be grateful for how your family and Brethren were put in your path by the Grand Architect to help you grow.  It brings me peace to know that I am surrounded by so many great men with big hearts dedicated to the advancement of our beautiful fraternity.

Until then, travel well my Brothers.

After a fairly crazy week, it was a welcomed escape to hit the road and retreat to the woods for a couple of days. It also seemed like a fitting bookend to a season I started by riding through this area to get to the International Peace Garden for a Masonic gathering a few months previous. This time, it was the Masonic Camp which was the draw, and I was honored to take part of it for a second year. Though I thought I was prepared for the event, unexpected things came up and I had to rush out Friday afternoon for Ehrhard, MN. Thanks to Amanda’s help and my earlier organization, I managed to pull it off.

I arrived around 5:30 and was happy to see my Brothers at Moccasin Valley Camp. We unloaded grab bags that I helped to assemble and chatted with others as we handed out their name badges. After a bit of discussion, I set back out to my truck to assemble ham gear complete with an antenna that I had not yet tested. In 5 minutes, I was listening to 40 meters, and a few Brothers came up to comment or check out the mobile HF station. Dang, I love it when a plan comes together.

After dinner, RWB Chuck Brust presented on his recent pilgrimage in Portugal and Spain and shared some very important lessons that tie back into Masonry. I found myself full of wonder as I looked through his pictures and heard his stories. I can relate to the deep meaning one finds when they are extremely present in the moment, and especially in the

surroundings of deeply beautiful scenery and traveling with someone that is extremely important to you. During the talk, we heard a loud meowing from outside, and very quickly made a new local friend who stayed with us throughout the weekend. We did our duty and spoiled our furry friend with offerings of food and drink. As we left, we verified that it was a stray but had been getting care on one of the local farms.

Next we headed to the Northwest Conference in Moorhead where we were met with much hospitality and friendly faces. It was a good experience to hear the presentations on leadership and get a chance to compare notes with our Northwest Masonic family including the OES and the Job’s Daughters. Collectively, we had a great conversation with Kathy Quick about growing our networks, and the contributions of our Masonic bodies. WB Steve Stobbs honored me by asking me to be an impromptu speaker, and I enjoyed talking about Covey’s first 3 habits – something that I hope will earn me additional visits in the Northwest.

As we returned to camp, I presented on the Knights of the Golden Circle and the factors that led to the civil war. Brother Evan Schroder discussed the Tria Prima and the Lesser Lights. It was a fascinating talk reflecting on Hermeticism and Alchemy. After the talks, we

did a Magic the Gathering draft and had a blast playing collectible cards – a recharge I desperately needed.

During the closing session, we reviewed and reflected on “The Egg” by Andy Weir, which led into a discussion of current developments within our lodges. As I departed for Rochester, two thoughts remained with me: first, I appreciated the opportunity to participate for a second consecutive year and to engage in a productive weekend of learning; second, I felt fortunate to be among dedicated members of this fraternity and to have the chance to connect with even

more Brothers. I would like to express my gratitude to Evan, Chris, and Peter for their commitment and leadership in ensuring the continued success of the Masonic Camp in 2025. (Special thanks to Brother Evan Schroeder for the photos).