"Perhaps no lodge appliance or symbol is possessed of such deep and absorbing interest to the craft as the Master's mallet or gavel. Nothing in the entire range of Masonic paraphernalia and formulary can boast of an antiquity so unequivocally remote," according to Joseph F. Ford in Early History and Antiquities of Freemasonry. (Hunt)

VALPARAISO, IN — On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the halls of Porter Lodge No. 137 hummed with the distinct energy of ancient tradition meeting modern scholarship. Brethren and seekers gathered at 10:00 AM CST for the anticipated Triad of Light educational symposium—a full day dedicated to deep Masonic education, reflection, and the enduring bonds of brotherly fellowship.

On May 31, Brethren from Porter Lodge No. 137 proudly participated in the Second McKinley Lodge No. 712 Golf Outing. The event brought together Masons, friends, sponsors, and supporters for a day of fellowship, friendly competition, and support of Masonic activities.

The severe storms that swept through our area last month left a trail of destruction in their wake. Many homes suffered damage, countless trees were uprooted, and communities throughout the region faced the difficult task of cleaning up after nature's fury.

On the evening of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the brethren assembled to witness one of the most profound and enduring traditions in all of Freemasonry—the conferring of the Sublime Degree of Master Mason upon Brother Casey Weems.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, the Lodge stands as a sanctuary - a place where we step away from the noise of the world to focus on self-improvement, brotherhood, and the timeless truths of our Craft. At the heart of this refuge sits our Lodge library, a space dedicated to quiet reflection, deep conversations, and the continuous search for Masonic light.

Happy Birthday to Our July Brothers!

Let’s raise a glass and shout a huge Congratulations to all of our incredible Brothers celebrating a birthday this July!
Your dedication, energy, and brotherhood bring so much life to our community. We hope your special day is filled with good times, great company, and the celebration you deserve.

The June edition of the Chronicles, as it appeared in your email client:

Brethren,
As we gather during the month of June, we recognize Men’s Mental Health Month originally designated as Men’s heath awareness month in 1992 its has grown into specifically Men’s Mental Heath month.—a time dedicated to raising awareness of the unique mental and emotional challenges faced by men and encouraging meaningful conversations about well-being, support, and hope.

This series of articles will explore the symbolism and deeper meaning of our Masonic working tools. Through various perspectives and interpretations, we will examine how these tools can be understood, embraced, and applied in our daily lives.