Home for the Holidays is Friday the 12th! on 12/11/2025
 Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good evening, brothers! Reminder that Come Home to Alma for the Holidays is happening Friday night, December 12. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30. Alma Lodge will be participating in the parade this year as well as giving out hot chocolate, hats & gloves and other items on the State St. side of the lodge building. We'll need volunteers to help man the tables at the lodge & make hot chocolate. If some could be at the lodge by 4:30 to help get a couple tables set up, start brewing hot cocoa that would be great. We'll also need at least 5 hearty souls to take part in the parade. Lineup is at 5:15 in the Frontier building parking lot (Superior & Gratiot). I've seen conflicting reports of the parade starting at both 5:45 and 6 p.m. so i guess we'll know when they give the signal. MWB Conley will drive the truck, we'll need two for our banner and two to work the crowd on both sides with candy. I will be one of those 4 if we can get three more. Let me know via text at 989-330-6785. Thank you in advance to all who can help out! Fraternally, Darren |
Notice of the passing of Bro. Gerald Spada on 12/02/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Brethren - I regret to inform you of the passing of our Bro. Gerald Spada. Bro. Spada was a regular at our lodge & dinners from the time he moved to Alma and officially became a plural member with us in 2023. We were honored to present his 50-year award last year on behalf of his home lodge in Lake Orion. A memorial will be held at Masonic Pathways on Sunday, January 11 at approximately 11:30 a.m. Please note on your calendars and attend if you can. I will create this on our Grand View calendar as well. Please keep Lorraine in your thoughts and prayers. Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM |
Installation of Officers - December 6 at Masonic Pathways on 11/09/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good afternoon, Brother! Our annual installation of officers ceremony is set for Saturday, December 6 in Masonic Pathways' Doig Chapel. Dinner will be at 6 p.m., open ceremony to follow at 7. Friends & family are all welcome to attend! We will be joined for the ceremony by Ithaca #123, Breckenridge #406, Edmore #360, Wabon #305, and Six Lakes #454. We are asking for a $10 minimum donation for dinner, Please RSVP to me at dmitcht73@gmail.com or 989-330-6785. We need to give a head count to the caterer by November 30. You can also CLICK HERE to RSVP and pre-pay for dinner if you'd like. Hope you can make it! Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM |
Gratiot County Masons Newsletter on 10/27/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good evening, brother! See below for the latest edition of Gratiot County Masons. You can also download the newsletter as a pdf here: Nov - Dec 25.pdf Also reminder that tomorrow, November 5, is our stated communication that will include officer elections, report of the bylaws committee, the annual meeting of the AMBA and more. Come up at 6 for goulash, salad and texas toast. Representatives from the Charitable Foundation will be on hand for a presentation to the lodge at 6:30! See you tomorrow evening. Oh, don't forget that our lodge store is still open! CLICK HERE to browse shirts and hats to add to your holiday wish list! Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM |
Fellowcraft Degree Wednesday, October 29 on 10/27/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good afternoon, brothers! |
test on 10/20/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Curabitur tincidunt elit elit, ut porttitor massa malesuada et. Fusce egestas vestibulum arcu, non sagittis urna pulvinar vel. Praesent congue dictum diam, nec scelerisque tellus finibus et. In feugiat, libero quis ullamcorper ornare, lectus lacus efficitur ligula, eget euismod lacus nisi sit amet turpis. |
Alma #244 Visitation for EA Degree in Mt. Pleasant tonight! on 09/24/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good afternoon, brothers! Reminder that instead of a practice night, all interested are invited to visit Wabon #305 in Mt. Pleasant this evening for their EA Degree. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., gavel falls at 7. The building is located at 2174 S. Lincoln Rd., just south of the corner of Lincoln & Pickard. Also, don't forget that our Alma Lodge store is still open! Order your hats & shirts today at https://almamasons2025.itemorder.com/shop/category/473405/ It will ask for a shipping address but then will give you an option to "pick up at store" if you want to mark that and save shipping. We can make a run to Ithaca to pick up if you are unable. See image below for an example of what some brothers have purchased. Hope to see you in Mt. Pleasant this evening. Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM |
Alma #244 Master Mason Degree Saturday, September 6! on 09/05/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good afternoon, brother! Reminder that Alma #244 will be raising a brother to the sublime degree of a Master Mason tomorrow at 11 a.m. The degree will take place in Masonic Pathways' Doig Chapel with breakfast beforehand starting at 10 a.m. All are encouraged to attend and assist where needed with this degree. Officers, please where tuxedo, dark suit or "best available." We will have officer aprons and gloves on hand as well as plenty of white aprons for all. Hope to see you there! Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM 989-330-6785 |
Alma EA Degree tonight! on 09/03/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good afternoon, brother! Final reminder that tonight we will be having an EA Degree at 7 p.m. Pizza & salad will precede around 6. Saturday is our MM Degree in the Doig Chapel at Masonic Pathways. Breakfast will precede at 10. Please let me know if you plan to partake in the breakfast, we need to give the staff a reasonable head count. Next Wednesday the 10th is our September communication. Among the business is the consideration of those that have not yet paid their dues for 2025. PLEASE don't be on that list! You can PayPal to almamasoniclodge@gmail.com or pay through your Grand View portal. Contact Kevin or myself if you are having a hardship. Hope to see you soon! Fraternally, Darren 989-330-6785 |
Gratiot County Masons - Fall Edition on 08/30/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good afternoon, brother! Please see the latest edition of Gratiot County Masons via the screenshots below or click here to download the pdf: Sept-Oct 25.pdf Please note that our regular communication for September is on the 10th per our bylaws but we are having an EA Degree on Wednesday the 3rd and a Master Mason Degree on Saturday the 6th. Please make every effort to attend and welcome these newest brothers to our ranks! Also note on the trestleboard that Ithaca #123 is open every Wednesday morning for coffee & fellowship as is Breckenridge #406 every Thursday morning, please consider visiting our neighboring lodges when you have time! Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM 989-330-6785 |
Notice of passing of Bro. Lippert & Alma #244 Upcoming Events on 08/22/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good evening, brothers. I regret to inform you of the passing of Bro. Larry Lippert. Bro. Larry turned 100 in June and was just shy of 74 years in the fraternity. There is a service at 1:30 p.m. at Lux Funeral Home in Alma tomorrow, Saturday August 23. CLICK HERE for his obituary. We have not been asked to perform a Masonic service but a nice turnout from the lodge would be good. Having said that, I am leaving to go out of state in the morning and just wanted to get out there what we've got coming up. And thank you to all who did so much for our annual picnic!
Have a great weekend, brothers! Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM |
Alma #244 Upcoming Events on 07/28/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good afternoon, brother! Just wanting to remind you of what is coming up with Alma #244 and in the area:
Hope to see you Wednesday for the degree! Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM 989-330-6785 |
July Communication Tonight on 07/09/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good afternoon, brother! Reminder that our July communication is tonight. Dinner (tentatively scheduled to be rotisserie chicken) at 6 p.m., gavel at 7. Word of caution, the left AC unit in the dining area is out of order and WB Kevin reported that the right unit is leaking and now out of order as well. That means it will be quite warm up there so we are fine with casual attire, short sleeves for sure! Hope to see you there. Here is the rest of the month: Wednesday, July 16 - Friends & Family dinner at 6. Linda and Vickie will be preparing some of the excellent pig donation from Bro. William! Wednesday, July 23 - Fellowcraft Degree rehearsal at 6. Light snack, I'd like to be in the lodge room by 6:30. Wednesday, July 30 - Fellowcraft Degree. 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. gavel Keep studying those FC parts, hope to see you this month! Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM 989-330-6785 |
Gratiot County Masons Newsletter - Summer '25 on 07/04/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good evening, brothers! Hope you all are enjoying the holiday and a long weekend! Our latest edition of Gratiot County Masons is available to download here: July-Aug 25.pdf See also screenshots below. Also, reminder that our store through Alley T is up and running! CLICK HERE to pick up a new shirt or hat. Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM |
No Communication Tonight at Alma #244 on 07/02/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good afternoon, brothers. Reminder that there is no communication tonight per our bylaws. We are off this week and we'll see you next Wednesday, July 9 for our communication. Have a great day off and hopefully a long weekend! Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM |
Alma #244 Merch Store is Open! (Also, no meeting July 2!) on 07/01/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good afternoon, brothers! We're pleased to let you know that Alley T in Ithaca has our Alma Lodge apparel store ready to roll! CLICK HERE to be taken to the store home. Below is a view of the options available and you can click this link to download that same form as a pdf: Alley T order form.pdf When ordering, there is an option in the shipping to pick up at Alley T at no charge. Perhaps we could get a few volunteers to take turns going over once a week or every other week when orders start coming in so members can save that shipping cost if you'd like and pick up at the lodge. Feel free to call Jenna at Alley T with any questions at 989-875-4793. Happy shopping! Feel free to share the link with your family, these items would make great gifts for you! Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM |
Pizza Party Tonight, July Communication is on the 9th on 06/25/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good afternoon, brothers! Reminder that tonight we will be hosting our two little league teams & families for a pizza party celebrating their fine seasons! We'll start at 6. If anyone can be there early, it would be good to have a greeter at both sides of the building to direct people. I will do it up until the point I duck out to pick up the food. Also, another reminder (there will be more) that our bylaws move our stated communication back if it falls within 48 hours of a holiday so our July communication will be on the 9th, not the 2nd. We will not have a lodge event next week (but keep reading those Fellowcraft Degree parts!) Have a festive (and hopefully cool) holiday week & weekend! Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM 989-330-6785 |
Alma #244 Upcoming Events on 06/10/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Alma 244 Shirt Options.pdf Good evening, brothers! First and foremost, thank you to all who filled in for those absent from our communication last week. Special thanks to Bro. Dale for taking the helm in the East and MWB Conley for picking up the food and paperwork. And Bro. Grant for stopping back in to work to pick up food I left there as well! A lot of lodges don't have the numbers or will to adjust on the fly like that, I'm very thankful for all of you! A few items to note: - I have attached a pdf above and will add a couple screenshots at the bottom of the shirt & hat options Alley T is getting ready for us. Thanks to Bro. Wolfgang for doing the initial legwork on this a while back. The link to purchase is not live yet but you can see what will be available (and let someone know what you would like for father's day or your next birthday!). Once live, the link will be up for about two weeks then the order will be placed. There are a couple options each for tee shirt, long sleeve tee, dress shirt, polo shirt, pullover, 1 hoodie, a ballcap and two winter beanie hats. The logo will be as shown with white lettering on darker shirts and black on lighter shirts. I have all blues on the sheet but you can choose what color you would like. - Our Fellowcraft Degree will be July 30. Several couldn't do the 25th and there's no need to rush. We'll be able to get a couple rehearsals in by then and be ready. - Our July communication will be moved to the 9th due to the "within 48 hours of a holiday" clause in our bylaws. A clause that annoys me every Labor Day but I digress. We can discuss that in the coming months if anyone else feels that way. Since we are moving the regular off the 2nd, I don't think we should plan anything else that night so we'll be off that holiday week, enjoy! - I have reserved the pavilion at Masonic Pathways for our annual picnic in case we plan to do it on the 3rd Wed. in August as usual. We can discuss that next month but I wanted to make sure it was reserved. - We'll be putting in an order for name badges if anyone needs a replacement or would like an extra. Pocket badges are from JNR Engraving in MP, the magnet-backed ones are from E&S in Ithaca. They're about $12 each, let me, Kevin or Lowell know. - FYI, the business that provided the cooler for us to use in exchange for us buying product from them has moved to Jackson and will be picking up the cooler. The AMBA is looking at options for a replacement. I think that's it for now, thank you again brothers! Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM 989-330-6785 |
Highland Festival & EA Degree on 05/23/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good evening brothers! One last reminder of the Highland Festival parade Saturday morning. Lineup is at Superior and Michigan Avenue. You can get dropped off near there or come to the maintenance building in back of Masonic Pathways before 9:30 if you’d like to ride over to the lineup. Parade starts at 10:30 and heads west past the college to Charles. We also have an information tent alongside Dirk from the museum and library in the Clan area behind the Stone rec center on campus. Volunteers are welcome to take a shift anytime between noon and 4 both days. Also, reminder that we have an EA Degree Wednesday night. Love to see a full house for our new brother! If you’re an officer, please let me know if you are unable to attend. Have a good holiday weekend! Fraternally, -Darren Thompson, WM |
Gratiot County Masons Latest Newsletter on 05/10/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| May - June 25.pdf Good evening, brothers! See link above to download the latest edition of Gratiot County Masons. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, reminder that we will practice for our EA Degree Wednesday and for anything else if you haven't been to lodge in a while. Come on up at 6 p.m.! -Darren |
Alma #244 May Communication & other upcoming events! on 04/28/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good evening, brothers! Reminder that tomorrow (Wednesday) is our May communication. Dinner will be a Cinco...er, Siete de Mayo celebration at 6 p.m., gavel falls at 7. A busy month will continue next Wednesday the 14th with an EA rehearsal at 6 p.m. Haven't been to lodge in a while? Come on up, we'd love to see you and brush up on anything else you may want to! Friends & Family Dinner will be May 21 at 6 and on May 28 we'll be welcoming a new brother into the lodge. 6 p.m. dinner, gavel for the EA Degree falls at 7. We'll also have a tent in the Highland Festival Clan area May 24 & 25 and will be in the parade May 24. Parade steps off at 10:30 a.m., lineup is at the east edge of downtown, at the corner of Michigan Ave & Euclid. You can meet at the lineup or come to Masonic Pathways by 9:30 and ride over (seating on the trolley is limited). All members are also welcome to join in the St. Louis Memorial Day parade. More details on that to come. Hope to see you tomorrow! Our latest newsletter will be posted shortly. Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM 989-330-6785 |
Past Master Dinner April 23 & Other Upcoming Events on 04/21/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Good evening, brothers! I wanted to remind you of some upcoming events on the Alma #244 calendar: - Breckenridge #406 is hosting a dinner in honor of all area Past Masters this Wednesday, April 23. Though it is honoring Past Masters, it is open to all Masons & significant others if you would like to attend. Dish to pass (side/dessert) is welcome but not required. The dinner will be at 6 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Breckenridge, 125 3rd St. - BGP Bruce Levey has called a legislative meeting for our district tonight at 7 p.m. at Elsie #238. Bro. Johns will be representing Alma #244 in my stead as I will be at the final day of the Prince Hall annual session. Anyone else that would like to attend the meeting in Elsie is welcome. - on Wednesday, April 30, DDI Johns has called a School of Instruction for our district, hosted by Alma #244. All available officers should be in attendance for the 7:30 p.m. SOI. - I am looking at May 28 to do an EA Degree for our newest candidate. He is free that night and that gives us a practice date for the 14th. Officers, please let me know if the 28th does not work for you. Have a good Tuesday, hope to see you Wednesday in Breckenridge! Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM 989-330-6785 |
March-April Lodge Newsletter on 02/28/2025
Alma No. 244 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Mar-Apr 25.pdf Good morning, brother! See link above to the first issue of our new newsletter, "Gratiot County Masons." Let me know if you'd like to be featured in the next "getting to know" section. Have a great weekend and we'll see you at lodge Wednesday! Fraternally, Darren Thompson, WM 989-330-6785 |