Making Good Men, Better Men Since Time Immemorial
Making Good Men, Better Men Since Time Immemorial

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The Shepherding Committee

From the office of the MW Grand Master: 

To the Worshipful Masters, Wardens, Secretaries, and Brethren of Alabama Freemasonry 

Each year, it is the duty of the Grand Master to appoint a Membership Committee to assist our Lodges in matters of growth and retention. This year, I have renamed that committee. It is now known as the Shepherding Committee, not just in name, but in purpose. 

The Shepherding Committee has been tasked with more than reviewing membership rolls. It has been charged with helping Lodges reconnect with their members, restore fellowship, and renew the bonds that define who we are as Masons. To support this mission, every Lodge will have access to a complete Shepherding Toolkit. This includes a full Shepherding Guide, printable flyers, one page summaries, a dedicated website, Masonic education materials, a public video message to share, and regularly scheduled hybrid learning sessions through Google Meet. These resources are prepared to teach, support, and strengthen the work of every Lodge in our Grand Jurisdiction. 

What Is Shepherding 

The Shepherding Program is a grassroots initiative designed to restore, strengthen, and rebuild the fraternal ties that bind us together. It focuses on welcoming back suspended members, reconnecting with those who have grown inactive or unadvanced, and creating Lodge environments that feel warm, engaging, and meaningful. To shepherd is to guide and care for our brethren. It means looking after each other, not because we are required to, but because we want to. This program is not about dues. It is about people. It is about saving and strengthening what we love most about Freemasonry, one brother at a time. 

The Three Phases of Shepherding 

Shepherding is built around three core areas of focus we designed, known as The Three R’s: Reinstatement, Retention, and Revival. These are not steps that must be followed in a strict order. Every Lodge is different. Begin where it makes sense for your Lodge. What matters most is that all three phases are eventually embraced, because each one strengthens and supports the others. 

Reinstatement focuses on those we have lost. These are members who were suspended for nonpayment of dues or who never completed their Masonic journey. Reaching out does not require a formal letter. Often, it begins with a phone call, a text, or a simple conversation in town. With patience and genuine concern, we can help them find their way back to the Craft. 

Retention is about those already sitting among us. Greet every brother by name. Offer a short educational or inspiring message. Make space for family. Host a meal. When a Lodge feels welcoming and alive, brothers return, and often bring others with them. 

Revival is about visibility and outreach. Lodges that are active in their communities naturally draw interest. Host a barbecue. Donate to a school. Recognize a local teacher or first responder. Show the public who we are and what we stand for. Freemasonry thrives when the world sees its good works. 

These three areas are not seasonal projects or temporary efforts.  

They are a continuing cycle of care.  

Program Successes in Alabama 

Shepherding is already working. More than ninety Lodges across Alabama have formed committees and begun this journey. Many are seeing real results.Some have welcomed back suspended brothers. Others have restarted degree work and initiated new candidates. Some have seen attendance rise just from personally reaching out to men they had not seen in years. 

One Lodge saw four men return in one month following a few phone calls. These are not difficult tasks. These are acts of care and attention. And they are making a difference. 

Shepherding in Alabama 

In 1961, Alabama had more than 76,000 Masons and 434 Lodges. Today, there are fewer than 17,000 Masons and fewer than 260 Lodges. That is a 78 % drop in membership numbers and a 41 %  drop in Lodge numbers. This decline did not happen overnight, and it will not be reversed overnight. But it can be reversed. The Shepherding Program gives us a clear foundation to begin on. It reconnects us. It strengthens our lodges. It restores the purpose and heart of Freemasonry in Alabama. 

What Your Lodge Can Do 

If your Lodge has not yet started a Shepherding Committee, I encourage you to do so. The Worshipful Master may appoint the committee and ask for volunteers. It does not have to be large. Three to five committed brothers are more than enough. Stewards, deacons, officers, Past Masters, and the secretary are often a natural fit for this work. This program is not limited to large or well funded Lodges. It is for everyone. Every Lodge can find its own way to participate. Every brother has something to offer. Whether your Lodge is small or large, vibrant or struggling, you can be part of this movement. Make use of the resources. The Shepherding Guide contains call scripts, templates, event ideas, and practical steps for reaching brothers and strengthening your Lodge. Use the Modern Tools and Timeless Brotherhood flyer. Today, communication often happens through text messages, social media, and short video updates. Post photos of your Lodge’s activities. Share events. Use your Lodge website or Facebook page to be visible in your community. 

My Grand Lodge Shepherds have been visiting Lodges across this Grand Jurisdiction to share this message and assist brethren in understanding the program. Please welcome them when they visit and give them an opportunity to speak. This is a message that benefits us all. 

The Shepherding Committee also holds monthly educational sessions, in person and virtually. These are open to all Master Masons. If you have questions, these classes are the place to ask them and receive helpful answers. Please attend if you are able. 

All program materials can be found at the link below or under the Master Mason – Resources Tabs of The Grandview Membership Portal. (For smartphone users, scan the code below) 
https://sites.google.com/view/shepherding101/home 

If your Lodge needs help, do not hesitate to ask. Each Group has Grand Lodge Shepherding Representatives who are available and ready to assist. 

Group 1: Zach Griffith (256-926-8202) 

Group 2: Mike Brewer (502-542-2580) 

Group 3: Ron Forrest (205-304-1009) *Chairman 

Group 4: Zach Grizzard (256-239-5269) 

Group 5: Randy Smith (251-923-7767) 

This is not just another committee. 
This is our opportunity to restore what has been lost. 

This is the work that will shape the future of Freemasonry in Alabama. 

Shepherding is how we save brothers, Saving brothers is how we save Lodges, and Saving Lodges is how we save Freemasonry. 

Richard A. Schultz 

Most Worshipful Grand Master 

Grand Lodge of Alabama F. & A.M. 

I Found Myself In a Lodge


I found myself in a lodge
one ordinary evening
on an unremarkable street
No grand gates, no secret passage
Just a simple door
Opened by a man who knew my name
before I said it
That’s how it begins,
Not with ceremony
but with welcome

I found myself in a lodge
and nothing felt forced
The room wasn’t cold or mysterious
It was warm with conversation,
hands shaking hands,
nods between men who had
known each other for years
and others who had just arrived.
The kind of place
where your presence matters
before your story is known

I found myself in a lodge
where I stood in darkness once
Not out of shame, but preparation
To understand that light
has to be earned to be valued

I found myself in a lodge
where mistakes weren’t punished,
they were corrected–
gently, firmly,
with a hand on the arm,
Not a finger pointed in blame
Because no one here was finished,
and no one ever would be.
Each of us a rough ashlar
being shaped, slowly, together

I found myself in a lodge
and when I stepped outside,
The stars were the same
The streets were the same
But I was not
Not because I had been changed
by magic or myth,
but because I had found
the version of myself
who had been waiting
all along

I found myself in a lodge
and I stayed.
Not for the ceremony, or the mystery
But for the men
The way they stood for each other
The way they welcomed the new
with the same steady warmth
as they honored the old

I found myself in a lodge
where I understood what it means to belong
To be needed,
To be missed,
To be called Brother,
By men who mean it
I found myself in a lodge
where I wasn’t alone
Not because I found all the answers
But because I found people
willing to ask the questions with me

– Anthony Ruse –

Happy 4th of July

After years of tyrannical abuse of an overreaching government imposing its dominance on the rights of all men given to them by God at birth, farmers and businessmen stood shoulder to shoulder with the wealthy and the poor to say NO MORE and drew a line in the sand. Just weeks before, those Heroes stood on the fields of Lexington Green and at Concord Bridge and faced the most powerful professional army on the planet at the time and fired “The Shot Heard Around the World.” Citizens had spoken: we demanded to take government into our own hands where it would be made up of and answerable to We the People.

Representatives of small towns and big cities from all over the colonies met and drafted a letter to the tyrant king Declaring to the world that we would not be ruled by anyone. God made us Free and together they and we as an Independent Nation would pledge our Lives, Fortune, and Sacred Honor to secure that Freedom or Die trying. America would face years of intense war to achieve that goal but on this day a Nation set apart from anything else the world has ever seen was born. Over the years we have grown and improved. We have saved the world multiple times and made it a better, safer place to live. We have room to improve but there is still nothing that even comes close to the United States of America.

Happy 249th! May God Continue to Bless and Protect US.

Brother Heath Fant

Past Master, Birmala 836

Marshal, Shades Valley  829

Chairman, Veterans’ Program

Grand Chaplain Joe Michael Fowler

This week is one of the most important weeks of a Christians life. The last hours of Jesus in the form of a physical man. As you go back to Luke’s Gospel, You need to start at Lk 13:32 “A 3 Day Journey” Read this Study and share with others.

3 day Journey

Luke13:32 to Luke chapter 22 is 3 days before the Cross at Jerusalem
Jesus cries over Jerusalem
Teaches Humility to his disciples
Parable of Lost Sheep, Lost Coin and the Lost Son
Rich man and Lazarus
Healing of 10 Lepers
Children brought to Him
Salvation of Zacchaeus
Healing blind Bartimaues
Foretelling destruction of. Temple
Triumphant entry to Jerusalem
Last supper with Disciples
Washing Disciples feet
Praying in the Garden
Betrayal by Judas

The next 3 day journey will be after His Death.  JMF

Veterans Commitee

Veteran’s Committee review of 1st quarter. 

The Veteran’s Committee has been busy. 

1. The first quarter we have developed and implemented a plan for a Memorial Stone to be laid in Honor of our Brothers and Veteran’s at the National Cemetery in Montevallo. This is well on the way thanks to the generous response from Brothers across the state we have raised right at $11K. This will cover the cost of the stone and allow for funding future Veteran’s projects.

2. The extra funds raised will help fund a planned portrait to be commissioned as an ongoing source of income for the committee that will allow funding of projects without begging Lodges or Brothers to contribute. 

3. The National Sojourners and several Lodges across the State have been presenting medals and scholarships to outstanding JROTC Cadets. If your Lodge would like to participate with your local JROTC the GL would like to join you in your efforts, please contact us.

4. The Veteran’s Committee has been pleased to visit several Blue Lodge and Appendant Body fundraising Dinners and events to represent our Veterans.

5. The Committee is working to establish a uniformed color guard to serve at GL formal functions.

These are just some of the things that we are working on this quarter.

Besides continuing the above-mentioned projects some things to look forward to in the coming months. We will be contacting the City of Bham. Veteran’s Day Parade Committee and inquiring about participating with a float representing Mason’s service to our Nation.  We are also exploring possibilities of a cross-state motorcycle ride from Huntsville to Mobile along with American Legion and VFW Riders to support our Gold Star Kids.

          A few 1st quarter dates to remember 

National Vietnam Veteran’s Day

National Medal of Honor Month

The 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima

Ceasefire in Vietnam 1973

The Liberations of Manila and Guadalcanal WWII

Founding of the US Merchant Marines 1938

May God Bless our Nation and our Veterans and may He watch over and protect those who protect us. 

Fraternally B.H. Fant, Chairman, Grand Lodge Veterans Committee

Grand Lodge of North Carolina Coin

Brethren,

The Grand Lodge of Alabama has partnered with the Grand Lodge of North Carolina on a RISE North Carolina Grand Lodge coin to assist in their relief efforts from Hurricane Helene. MWGM Robert Wayne Rideout has generously commissioned an AL numbered series coin. They are available for a donation of $100 through the Grand Lodge office. CLICK HERE to see a full size image.

This is a limited offering and all funds raised will be sent to the Grand Lodge of North Carolina to aid in their relief efforts for the lodges of western North Carolina. Contact the Grand Secretary to reserve yours. I have mine.

Thanks,

Richard Schultz, GM

Thanksgiving Hours

Brethren, 

The Grand Lodge office will be closed November 27th through December 1st for the Thanksgiving Holidays. We wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday and safe travels. We will resume normal business hours on Monday December 2nd. 

Thanks,

R:.W:. Zachary Allen Holmes

Grand Secretary/Executive Director

Grand Lodge of Alabama, F&AM

P O Box 1070

Millbrook, AL 36054

334-290-0961

gsecal@glofal.com  

www.glofal.com