We are back after the summer months and it seems that Masonic meetings and activities are running at full speed. The days seem to be going by at a high rate of speed. Jackson Lodge 17 has six petitions for membership right now and more may be on the way.

We will need your help to get these potential Brothers raised to an Entered Apprentice and finally to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. I am happy that we have men who wish to join our fraternity. Over the next few months please think about coming to lodge and welcoming these men as they start their Masonic Journey to receive more light.

In the month of September our lodge was invited by those who started the Food Bank in Michigan  Center to participate in an ice cream social and be recognized for the donations we have made. The gathering was held at the Lions Park in Michigan Center. A representative from the Masonic Charitable Foundation from Grand Rapids also attended and took some photos. We were taken over to the Food Bank at the elementary school and had a quick tour and a summary of how things worked. If any Brother is interested in volunteering to work at the Food Bank please let me know and I will help you get the ball rolling.

We are still looking for Brothers to come forward with ideas for get-togethers. Worshipful Brother Chip Williams, P.M. and Brother Lyman Robertson are holding a "brew day" at the temple on October 16th. If you have ever had an interest in brewing your own beer or just wondered how it was done you need to attend this meeting. We will have Brothers coming from other lodges so it will be a good time to meet some Brothers. If you have a hobby that you might be willing to share please let me know. We have been asked to do a Michigan Child Identification program at Cascades School on October 28th at 5:45 p.m. The school contacted Grand Lodge and they suggested that we be contacted. This will be  early in the evening and should not take too long. We will be doing 30-50 children. We could certainly use some help. 

The first-known use of the word Freemasons - in the form Free Masons - occurs in the City of London Letter-book H of August 1376, though the word is in fact deleted in favor of Masons. Masons and Freemasons were interchangeable during the 15th and 16th centuries and Freemasons were generally meant to denote hewers or setters of freestone, Masons being used to embrace all stoneworkers.

Michael E. Hicks
Worshipful Master
517-787-8438