June

Reflections on My Journey to the East

     Brothers of Onion Creek Lodge, thank you for being part of my journey as a Mason and for supporting me during my service as Worshipful Master for the 2025–2026 Masonic year.

     As I reflect on my path to the East, I would like to share a few thoughts from the journey that brought me here. Nearly nine years ago, the brothers elected me to the position of Tiler. At first, I felt somewhat alienated and did not fully understand that my role was more than simply standing at the door; I was the first point of contact for anyone seeking to enter the Lodge room.

Serving the Lodge Through Stewardship

     As I moved through the line and served as Junior Steward and Senior Steward, I came to understand how meaningful those roles could be. I felt I was contributing to the Lodge in a practical and personal way by helping create fellowship around the table. 

• Those years taught me the value of service, consistency, and hospitality. 

• They reminded me that meals bring Brothers together and strengthen the bonds of the Lodge. 

• And, of course, they confirmed one lasting truth: Masons enjoy good food—and green beans always seem to have a special place on the menu.

The Breakfast Social: Teamwork in Close Quarters

     Serving as a Steward made the Breakfast Social one of my most memorable responsibilities. It called for careful preparation, steady teamwork, and a willingness to jump in wherever help was needed, especially in the kitchen.  

• The bacon and sausage station was always an adventure. Preparation began the night before, and the first challenge was getting down on the kitchen floor to light the stove before the cooking could begin.  

• Around it, Brothers worked shoulder to shoulder preparing pancakes, eggs, biscuits, and gravy in a very limited space.  

• With five men sharing about four feet of room, we quickly learned that we were not built for tight quarters—but through cooperation and good humor, we always made it work.

A Favorite Lodge Memory: The Carnival

     One of my fondest memories is the Carnival held on June 4, 2022. It was a wonderful event, made possible by the many Brothers and the ladies of the OES who came together to plan, prepare, and serve.  

• The dunk tank was a crowd favorite, especially with several brothers generously “volunteering” to sit on the plank.  

• The fellowship and teamwork throughout the day showed what can happen when everyone works together.  

• And for those of us who helped with the event, one phrase will always stand out—repeated by the Plinko master more times than we could count: “Everyone is a winner.”

Lessons Learned as a Deacon

     As I served in the positions of Junior Deacon and Senior Deacon, I began to understand that my time as a Steward had been a kind of “boot camp” for Masonic service. Those earlier roles taught me what it means to volunteer, to step forward, and to take your place in the line. During my time in the Navy, we had a saying: “Never Again Volunteer Yourself.” I never gave that advice much weight. Life might have been simpler if I had followed it, but it also would have been far less meaningful—and certainly far less interesting. 

     As a Deacon, I gained a deeper appreciation for leadership, communication, and responsibility within the Lodge. The role requires a brother to remain attentive, keep information moving smoothly between the chairs, and help ensure that visitors are properly received and examined. In that sense, the Deacon also serves an important safety function, much like a sentry standing watch. The position also calls for service beyond the floor of the Lodge. A Deacon may be assigned to provide a Masonic reading to the lodge, sit on committees, chair a committee, and/or report to the brothers during Lodge meetings. These responsibilities require preparation, public speaking, diplomacy, and the ability to present new ideas or motions clearly and respectfully.  

• Stewardship taught me the value of volunteering and serving with consistency.  

• The Deacon’s role taught me the importance of communication, awareness, and order.

• Committee work and Lodge reports helped me develop confidence in public speaking and leadership.

Responsibilities of the Wardens

     Serving as Junior Warden or Senior Warden is a detailed and demanding station. These roles represent a form of upper management within the Lodge, where important—and sometimes difficult or costly—decisions are discussed, shaped, and presented to the East in support of both daily operations and long-term Lodge needs. In military terms, the responsibility is similar to the rank of E-6 or E-7: a position of experience, judgment, and trusted leadership. At this level, it becomes essential to understand the wishes, concerns, and well-being of the Brothers you serve. 

     The Brothers of the Lodge look to the Wardens for guidance and prudent decision-making, knowing that these choices can have lasting effects on the health and future of the Lodge. The role also brings added responsibilities, including chairing committees, working closely with committee members, and helping guide sound decisions through collaboration and careful consideration.  

• Support the Worshipful Master and the East in daily and long-term Lodge matters.  

• Understand and represent the needs and well-being of the Brothers.  

• Chair committees and work with members to reach thoughtful decisions.   

• Practice sound leadership, judgment, and stewardship for the good of the Lodge.

The Secretary’s Role

     The Secretary is one of the most important officers in the Lodge, providing the recordkeeping, communication, and procedural support that help the Lodge operate properly and remain within Masonic law.  

• Maintains member records and other official Lodge information.  

• Records the minutes so decisions and actions are properly documented.  

• Manages official correspondence between the Lodge and outside entities.  

• Helps protect the Worshipful Master by ensuring that Lodge business is handled clearly, accurately, and lawfully.

The Treasurer’s Guidance

     The Treasurer plays an essential role in helping the Worshipful Master understand both the limits and possibilities of the Lodge budget. That guidance helps ensure that plans are grounded in sound financial judgment while still supporting the goals of the year. 

• Clarify what the budget will allow.  

• Help compare financial limits with the Master’s goals and priorities.  

• Provide steady reminders that responsible stewardship must guide every decision. 

     With good humor—and more than a few timely reminders from our wonderful Treasurer—I may hold the distinction of having overseen one of the most significant years of Lodge spending by a Worshipful Master to date.

Reflections as Worshipful Master

The Responsibility of the Chair

     Serving as Worshipful Master, the highest office in the Lodge, has reminded me almost daily that “the buck stops here.” When things go well, the Master may receive appreciation for a job well done. When something goes wrong, the responsibility also rests with him. 

     That responsibility is never carried alone. Past Masters are always ready to offer guidance, whether asked for or not. In my case, I often sought their advice and was reminded more than once of the old saying: “The Master only thinks that he is in charge.”

Lessons in Masonic Leadership

     My journey as Worshipful Master will soon end, and I can say with confidence that this office offers a true education in Masonic leadership. A Master has one year to do the work, make the decisions, serve the brothers, and learn the lessons that come with the chair. Among the most important lessons I have learned are these:

•  Accept responsibility when decisions are difficult.

•  Listen carefully to the counsel of Past Masters and Brothers.

•  Lead with patience, humility, and good humor.

•  Remember that meaningful service requires labor, time, and effort.

Brotherhood Through Disagreement

     As with any family, Masonic Brothers may sometimes disagree, and those differences can briefly test the unity of the Lodge. As someone who did not grow up with a brother to help me measure those moments, I have felt those divisions deeply.

Yet one of the great lessons of Masonry is that such moments are usually short-lived. In the end, we come back together for the health, strength, and well-being of the Masonic brotherhood.

Accomplishments During the Year

     Several meaningful accomplishments were completed during the 2025-2026 Masonic year, each contributing to the strength, safety, fellowship, and long-term care of the Lodge:

• A columbarium was installed at the cemetery, creating a lasting place of remembrance and service for the Lodge. This project was made possible through Brother Max Fisher’s generous monetary donation.

• A full kitchen remodel was completed, improving one of the Lodge’s most important spaces for fellowship and hospitality.

• A new security system was installed inside and outside the Lodge, strengthening safety and peace of mind for the brothers and guests.

• Steak and Stogie Night has grown into a popular event, creating strong fellowship and bringing Brothers together in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

Closing Reflection

     Anything worth having requires sweat equity, and the office of Worshipful Master is no exception. It calls for labor, time, effort, and a steady willingness to serve, even when the work is difficult.

     In the end, I believe I found my way—and, fortunately for me, the Past Masters have confirmed it.

Fraternally,

Bobby Clakley

Worshipful Master, Onion Creek Lodge No. 220