We are thrilled to present to you this edition of The Cornerstone Connection from Rosenberg Lodge No. 881!
Brethren, if you missed the Installation of Officers on June 27, 2026, you may view it below. If you wish to see the 360° video, please open it in YouTube.
Past Master Jason O. Vance
Brethren,
One of the most recognizable ornaments of a Masonic Lodge is the Mosaic, or checkered, Pavement. As we are taught in our Texas Masonic Monitor, it is emblematic of human life, checkered with good and evil.
Its contrasting squares remind us that life is filled with changing conditions. We experience happiness and sorrow, success and disappointment, harmony and disagreement, confidence and uncertainty. Some days appear bright and full of promise, while others may seem overshadowed by trials and difficulties.
Albert Pike reminds us, “We must pass through the darkness, to reach the light.”
The checkered pavement does not teach us that darkness and light are equally desirable paths. Rather, it reminds us that both will be present during our earthly journey. We may not always choose the circumstances upon which we find ourselves standing, but we can choose how we respond and the direction of our next step.
We can choose resentment, or we can choose forgiveness.
We can choose division, or we can choose unity.
We can choose selfishness, or we can choose service.
We can choose to remain in darkness, or we can continue seeking greater Light.
Within our Lodge, choosing the Light means practicing Brotherly Love even when personalities or opinions differ. It means extending Relief to a Brother who may be carrying a burden that others cannot see. It means speaking and living according to Truth, even when doing so requires courage.
Unity does not require us to agree on every matter. It requires us to remember the sacred ties that bind us together and to treat one another with patience, dignity, and respect. The black and white squares are different, yet together they form one pavement. In the same way, each Brother brings different experiences, talents, perspectives, and ideas, but together we form one Lodge.
We should also remember that no Brother walks across the pavement of life alone. When a Brother finds himself in a dark season, it is our duty to walk beside him until he can once again recognize the Light. A phone call, a visit, a prayer, an encouraging word, or a simple act of kindness may help him take that next step.
Brethren, let us be mindful of the choices we make each day. May our words bring encouragement rather than discouragement. May our actions promote harmony rather than discord. May our presence strengthen the bonds of friendship and Brotherly Love within Rosenberg Lodge.
The pavement of life may be checkered, but our direction should never be uncertain. Let us walk together, support one another through both the bright and difficult squares, and continually choose the path that leads toward greater Light.
My challenge to every Brother this month is simple: choose one deliberate act of Light. Reach out to a Brother you have not spoken with recently. Encourage someone who may be struggling. Offer your time, your presence, or your assistance where it is needed. Let us not merely speak of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth—let us put them into action. Together, let us make Rosenberg Lodge a place where every Brother can clearly see and feel the Light.
Brethren, choose the Light. This is the Way.
Fraternally,
Jason
Past Master David C. Berndt
Brethren,
I am excited about the beginning of the 2026–2027 Masonic year and the opportunities ahead for Rosenberg Masonic Lodge. I hope every Brother will make plans to attend Lodge meetings and events, participate in our activities, and remain actively engaged with the Lodge. The strength and success of our Lodge depend upon the fellowship, service, and commitment of its members.
Plans are also already underway for Rosenberg Lodge’s 125th Anniversary Celebration in 2028. This will be an important milestone in the history of our Lodge, and I look forward to sharing more information as plans develop. It is my hope that every Brother will take part in helping us honor our past and celebrate the future of Rosenberg Lodge.
I also hope many of our Brothers will be able to attend the following upcoming events:
Committee on Work Forum and Exam — August 1, 2026, at Anson Jones Lodge
Graded Master Mason’s Degree — August 10, 2026, at Waller Lodge
Morton Lodge Golden Trowel Award for Brother Mark Brandt — August 12, 2026, at Morton Lodge
Cornerstone Leveling Ceremony for Richmond City Hall — August 13, 2026, at Morton Lodge
Master Mason's Degree — August 14, 2026, at Rosenberg Lodge
Rosenberg Lodge Stated Meeting — August 18, 2026, at Rosenberg Lodge
Committee on Work Forum and Exam — August 29, 2026, at Conroe Lodge
Please remember to record any charitable work or community service you perform in the Charity Log form below. Every act of service helps demonstrate the positive impact our Lodge and its members have within the community.
I look forward to an outstanding Masonic year and hope to see everyone very soon.
There are several events happening this month that we hope to see you at!
August 1 - Committee on Work Forum and Exam @ Anson Jones Lodge
August 4 - First Tuesday Study ad Fellowship Night @ Rosenberg Lodge
August 10 - Graded Master Mason's Degree @ Waller Lodge
August 11 - Stated Meeting @ Morton Lodge
August 12 - Golden Trowel Award for Mark Brandt @ Morton Lodge
August 13 - Cornerstone Leveling Ceremony @ Morton Lodge - 12:00 PM
August 17 - Stated Meeting @ Sugar Land Lodge
August 18 - Stated Meeting @ Rosenberg Lodge
August 22 - Chapter and Council Degree Festival @ Richmond Chapter/Council
August 29 - Committee on Work Forum and Exam @ Conroe Lodge
We hope to see you at some of these events!
Please join us in congratulating the following brethren of Rosenberg Lodge on their Masonic Anniversaries this month:
Dean Ammann
Steven Bell
Billy Boyd
Mark Brandt
Andrew Hopmann
Buddy Johnson
Ernie Keessen
Douglas Lightfoot
Michael Lorenz
David McDonough
Each of these brothers has contributed immensely to the strength and unity of our lodge. Their steadfast commitment to our fraternity exemplifies the values we hold dear and underscores the enduring power of Masonic fellowship.
This newsletter is published monthly by Rosenberg Lodge No. 881, serving as a resource to keep our members informed. We welcome your feedback, ideas, and contributions! Please direct any comments, suggestions, or submissions to Past Master David Berndt at karateclarinet@gmail.com. Thank you for your support and engagement!