Welcome from Alaska,

A Message from Our Grand Master
Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska

Grand Master
M.W. John D. May

I strongly believe that Masonry offers the world’s most comprehensive leadership development program, to those men that engage Masonry as a serious undertaking and make a conscientious effort to study, learn, and apply the lessons of Masonry to their lives. The study of our posting lectures and rituals are not merely basic exercises in memorization. Rather, these studies are complex learning exercises for self-reflection and collaboration; both internal and fraternal exercises. The overall goal of this study is not perfection in memorization, but rather it is to learn more about ourselves, each other, and the world. As we grow as Masons, so shall our ability grow to deliver excellent ritual. Corporations, governments, and a host of other organizations invest a significant amount of resources every year to train personnel. A diligent student of Masonry will realize that all this worldly training only scratches the surface of what Masonry provides to its serious adherents. So why do we not see more Masons taking the time to invest in themselves through the practice of Masonry?

I believe that as an organization we have allowed some of our traditional approaches to mentoring to slip away. We live in a world where there are so many things that demand our time and attention. It seems that both the mentor and the mentee rely largely upon ciphers to learn the posting lectures. In addition, our modern culture of instant gratification and the practice of collecting dues exclusively from Master Masons creates an urgency to rush a man through the Three Degrees with almost little concern for the process of learning from the Degrees. This is apparent in our retention of members, as the average length of a Masonic career is less than five years in North America. Those brethren that retain membership tend to do so because they have bonded with the men in their lodge. I believe that mentoring achieves two primary purposes for Masons that are engaged in this process: it provides them with opportunities to learn and develop themselves as men of character through the study, practice, and application of Masonry; and, it fosters and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood. This does not mean that Masonry has stopped developing men of character; rather, it means that serious Masons continue to seek knowledge through their studies despite the lack of more traditional foundations.

Imagine if we stressed the lessons of an Entered Apprentice Mason’s working tools to our brethren, and then brought mentoring back to a place of prominence in our lodges. Would we see an end to apathy as we engaged in meaningful labor? Would we begin to miss lodge more than our favorite television shows? Would we change the dynamic of our lodges? Would our brethren profit from investing in themselves through Masonry? And, would we discover that we are part of an exceptional brotherhood?
Thank you!

The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Alaska

M.W. John May
GRAND MASTER 2019-2020

Appeal of Our Ancient Craft Forever Strong

The initial appeal of the Ancient Craft is as strong to-day as it has ever been. The path of the Craft attracts many good men now as in historical past. Together we cultivate the character within men with a concerted effort to help a new brother discover the strength within the brotherhood of ones own freewill and accord; when in a more leisurely age this wisdom was spread over many years, the fraternity today is often challenged to hold the focus of the new brother against the many attractions of so-called modern life. Good habits of lodge attendance and interest in the Fraternity are created while the first enthusiasm is high; moreover, every candidate has an inherent privilege to understand the reality of our opportunities, the meaning of our mysteries, the truth of our tenets, and the significance of our symbols for the asking.

Masonry is a brotherhood extending throughout the world, and never is a Mason truly alone, fitting our minds as "living stones"for that spiritual building, during our travels to that undiscovered country, that house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. One who is dedicated, recognizing a need for justice, truth, charity, freedom, and true moral integrity to his Living God and with all aspects of mankind more especially a brother.

"Masonry is a never ending education of high morals, noble deeds, charitable giving, brotherly love, relief and truth." MW James R. Herrington.

It's good to spend time with the family of Masons you can trust completely, and Masons find that in their lodge. While much of lodge activity is promoting fellowship and encouragement, our lodges have picnics, camping trips, and many events for the whole family. Simply put, a lodge is a place to spend time with family.

But every lodge serves more than its own members. Frequently, there are meetings open to the public. Examples are Ladies' Nights, "Brother Bring a Friend Nights," public installations of officers, Cornerstone Laying ceremonies, and other special meetings supporting community events and dealing with topics of local interest. Masons also sponsor Ladies groups such as The Order of Eastern Star and Amaranth, and Youth Groups such as Rainbow, Job's Daughters; for girls, and Order of DeMolay for Boys.

Masonry is the oldest known fraternity known to man. It's written history dates back to the 1700’s. There are many books and papers written about Masonry and, of course, plenty to be found on the internet. While there is a lot to hear about Masonry, you will not realize an experience of the sacred bond between brothers unless you ask, seek, and knock.

Reach Out, "2B1ASK1"

Family Picnics, Retreats, and Events