Founding Visionary - Lewis Cass
Statesman, soldier, and the first Grand Master of the Michigan Masons (1826–1829), Lewis Cass helped lay the foundation for Freemasonry in the state. A distinguished public servant, Cass served as Governor of the Michigan Territory, U.S. Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of War, leaving a lasting imprint on both state and national history. His leadership bridged civic and fraternal spheres, strengthening the role of Masonry in shaping Michigan’s early identity. Revered as a pioneer of public life and Masonic tradition, his legacy continues through Michigan’s institutions, counties, and lodges that proudly bear his name, reflecting the enduring influence of his vision and service.
Valor in Lodge & Battle - Horace S. Roberts
Grand Master of the Michigan Masons in 1861, and remembered as the youngest to hold that office, Horace S. Roberts exemplified service in both the lodge and the field. A veteran of the Detroit Light Guard and later colonel of the 1st Michigan Infantry, he brought youthful energy and steadfast commitment to his leadership during the Grand Lodge’s first wartime year. Roberts’s life was cut tragically short when he fell at the Second Battle of Bull Run on August 30th, 1862, yet his example of courage, honor, and devotion left a lasting mark on Michigan Masonry. His legacy continues to inspire brethren who recognize in him the enduring Masonic ideals of duty, brotherhood, and fidelity, and his sacrifice is remembered as part of the Grand Lodge’s proud history of service and leadership.
Steward of Masonic Tradition - Lou B. Winsor
Lou B. Winsor became Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Michigan in 1897 and also served as the jurisdictional head in many appendant bodies, including the Imperial Potentate for the Shrine. He was the longest serving Grand Secretary for the Grand Lodge of Michigan, serving over 30 years in that position. A dedicated lawyer by profession and an incredibly devoted Mason, he played a key role in shaping Masonic ritual through his authorship of Michigan Masonic Ceremonies, adopted by the Grand Lodge and is still influential today. Under his guidance, the fraternity emphasized both legal acumen and ceremonial precision, helping to modernize and unify Masonic practice across Michigan. Winsor’s legacy endures, in part through Lou B. Winsor Lodge No. 363 in Reed City, which carries his name as a lasting tribute to his leadership, service, and contributions to the Craft.
Service in Revolution & Brotherhood - Herbert H. Dow
Innovator, industrialist, and dedicated Mason, Herbert Henry Dow transformed both Michigan and the modern world through his spirit of discovery and leadership. A member of Centre Lodge #273 in Midland, Dow carried the Masonic values of integrity, perseverance, and service into his life’s work. As founder of The Dow Chemical Company, he pioneered revolutionary methods of extracting chemicals from natural resources, laying the foundation for one of the world’s most influential science-based enterprises. His leadership extended beyond business, as he invested in the growth of Midland, supported education, and encouraged community development. Dow’s legacy lives on in the company that bears his name, the city he helped shape, and in the enduring example of applying Masonic principles to innovation, progress, and the betterment of humanity.
Industry Rooted in Integrity - Will Keith Kellogg
Businessman, philanthropist, and devoted Mason, Will Keith Kellogg is remembered not only for founding the Kellogg Company in 1906, but also for his enduring commitment to service and community. Initiated into Masonry at Battle Creek Lodge No. 12, Kellogg carried the fraternity’s principles into both his professional and charitable endeavors. His vision transformed Battle Creek into the center of a health and food revolution, and his success allowed him to create the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world. Throughout his life, he championed education, health, and children’s welfare, reflecting the Masonic ideals of charity and brotherhood. His name endures not only on breakfast tables but also in the countless institutions and lives enriched by his generosity and leadership.
Duty & Brotherhood - Gerald R. Ford
Statesman, president, and devoted Mason, Gerald R. Ford is remembered for his lifelong commitment to public service and integrity. Initiated into Masonry at Malta Lodge No. 465 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ford carried the fraternity’s principles of honor, duty, and brotherhood into his political career. Serving as a U.S. Congressman, Vice President, and ultimately the 38th President of the United States, he guided the nation through a period of transition with steadiness and a spirit of reconciliation. Beyond politics, Ford remained committed to his community, his family, and the Masonic fraternity, exemplifying the values he cherished as a Mason. His legacy endures both in the annals of American history and in Michigan lodges, where his life continues to inspire members to uphold the ideals of service, leadership, and integrity.