M. Denton Stanford #594

09/07/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Labor Day from M. Denton Stanford Lodge #594! 🇺🇸

Wishing all of our Masonic Brothers and their families a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Labor Day.

Labor Day is a time to recognize the hard work, dedication, and contributions of working men and women who help build strong families, strong communities, and a strong nation.

As Masons, we are reminded that honest labor is honorable labor. Whether working with our hands, serving our communities, raising our families, or simply lending a helping hand to a Brother in need, our work makes a difference.

Take some time this weekend to enjoy the company of family and friends, fire up the grill, relax a little, and be thankful for the blessings we have.

From our Masonic family to yours, Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸

Fraternally,
M. Denton Stanford Masonic Lodge #594
Lorena, Texas

08/31/2026

Remembering Brother Lawrence Edward Pennington

While reviewing our Lodge membership roster, it was discovered that we had lost one of our brothers, Col. Lawrence Edward “Larry” Pennington, USAF (Ret.), who passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 94, according to his obituary.

Although I wish we had learned of his passing sooner, I believe it is important that we pause and remember a Brother who lived a remarkable life of service, leadership, family, faith, and commitment.

Larry had a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, serving from 1950 until his retirement in 1977. His career took him around the world and included command responsibilities, strategic operations, weather reconnaissance, and missions supporting communities facing severe storms. original.pdf

But his greatest legacy appears to have been found not in his military accomplishments, but in the people he loved. His family remembered him as a man of wisdom, humor and deep faith - a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who believed in the power of love and the importance of family.

Brother Pennington, we are sorry we did not learn of your passing sooner. But we remember you now, and we honor your life and your service.

May his family and loved ones continue to find comfort in the wonderful life he lived and the many lives he touched.

Rest in peace, Brother Larry.
You have labored faithfully. May you now rest from your labors. 🕊️

- M. Denton Stanford Lodge #594

08/26/2026

https://youtu.be/A3fLweseHRo?is=wYLpZCdQVxvawGxd

DDGM Reception & EA Degree Practice

Brethren,

As we prepare for the second round of 2026 DDGM visits, now is a good time to brush up on the proper reception of the District Deputy Grand Master.

Several years ago, M:. W:. Brother Rumsey graciously took the time to record an instructional video demonstrating the DDGM reception. It remains a valuable resource and a great refresher for our officers and brethren.

The video is also available in the Resources section of Grand View for Worshipful Masters, Senior Wardens, Junior Wardens, and Secretaries.

We will be conducting practice for the DDGM Reception and the EA Degree on Wednesday nights.

📍 Meet at the Lodge: 5:30 PM
🔨 Practice Begins: 6:00 PM

I encourage all officers and brethren who are able to attend to come out and participate. The more we practice together, the better prepared we will be when the time comes.

Let’s sharpen our work, support one another, and put on a good degree.

Fraternally,
M. Denton Stanford Lodge #594

Reception of the District Deputy Grand Master

08/25/2026

🐟 KAREM SHRINE FISH FRY! 🐟

Looking for a great Friday night meal and a chance to support a great cause? Come out to the Karem Shrine Fish Fry!

🍽️ All-you-can-eat catfish & all the fixings
📅 Fourth Fridays, February–October
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 400 Karem Circle • Waco, TX 76712
💰 Adults: $15 | Kids under 12: $7
🥡 Take-out available!

The 2026 dates are:
February 27 • March 27 • April 24 • May 22 • June 26 • July 24 • August 28 • September 25 • October 23

Proceeds benefit Karem Shrine. Payments are not deductible as charitable contributions.

Bring the family, bring a friend, and come enjoy some good food while supporting the Shrine! 👏🐟

08/20/2026

DDGM Official Lodge Visits — September

We’re looking forward to welcoming our District Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Greg Harbaugh, as he makes his official visits throughout District 61-A.

These visits are an important opportunity for our lodges to come together, strengthen our bonds of brotherhood, and support the work of Masonry in our district.

📅 September 10 — Z.S. Teague Moody Lodge #568
🍽️ Meal at 6:30 PM
🏛️ Meeting at 7:30 PM

📅 September 14 — Crawford Lodge #585
🍽️ Meal at 6:00 PM
🏛️ Meeting at 7:00 PM

📅 September 15 — M. Denton Stanford Lodge #594
🍽️ Meal at 6:15 PM
🏛️ Meeting at 7:00 PM

📅 September 22 — Eddy Lodge #797
🍽️ Meal at 6:30 PM
🏛️ Meeting at 7:30 PM

Let’s show R.W. Greg Harbaugh the strength and spirit of District 61-A by supporting him and our neighboring lodges. Bring a Brother, enjoy some fellowship, and help us continue making good men better.

08/14/2026

Brothers,

I want to encourage everyone to make plans to join us for our next Stated Meeting on Tuesday, August 18th.

🍽️ Dinner: 6:15 PM
🕖 Stated Meeting: 7:00 PM
📖 Meeting Theme: Labor and Rest
🐝 Education Program: The Symbolism of the Beehive

This month, we also want to take a moment to recognize some of the brothers who have contributed quietly throughout the year. There are men who consistently give their time, effort, skills, and support without asking for recognition.

As you think about it, keep an eye out for those examples. If a brother comes to mind who has quietly gone above and beyond, let us know so we can offer him our heartfelt thanks for his labors and contributions.

Finally, mark your calendars for our September Stated Meeting, which will be our Official Visit from our DDGM, Right Worshipful Greg Harbaugh of Crawford Lodge #585. It will be an important evening for our Lodge, and I would like to see a strong showing of MDS #594 brothers.

I look forward to seeing everyone Tuesday night. Come break bread with your brothers, share some fellowship, and help make our Lodge stronger. ⚒️

08/14/2026

District 61-A Brotherhood in Action! 🔨🤝

We had a great evening visiting our brothers at Z. S. Teague Moody Lodge #568 last night!

By chance, we had the current Worshipful Masters from three different lodges in District 61-A together under one roof. When Moody Lodge’s Worshipful Master was unable to attend, Senior Warden Logan Pratt stepped up and did an outstanding job serving as Worshipful Master Pro Tem.

Pictured left to right:

🔹 Mike Franks — WM, M. Denton Stanford Lodge #594
🔹 Logan Pratt — WM Pro Tem, Z. S. Teague Moody Lodge #568
🔹 Jonathan Griffith — WM, Eddy Lodge #797
🔹 Calvin Dieterich — WM, Crawford Lodge #585

We enjoyed some great fellowship with our brothers at Moody Lodge and were reminded once again of the strength of the Masonic fraternity when our neighboring lodges come together.

We look forward to visiting with our brothers from the other lodges throughout District 61-A. There’s nothing quite like good Masonic fellowship! 🔨⚔️

Brotherhood • Fellowship • Service

08/12/2026

Supporting Our Brothers at Eddy Lodge No. 797! 🥞🍳

We’re proud to support our neighboring lodge within District 61-A, Eddy Lodge No. 797 A.F. & A.M., as they host a Pancake Breakfast and Entered Apprentice Degree on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Come enjoy a great breakfast with pancakes, sausage, coffee, and juice from 8:00–10:00 AM, then stick around for the Entered Apprentice Degree beginning at 10:30 AM.

This is what Freemasonry is all about — Brotherhood, fellowship, supporting our neighboring Lodges, and helping our newest Brothers begin their Masonic journey. 🤝⚒️

Let’s show our Brothers at Eddy Lodge some District 61-A support! Bring your family, enjoy a good breakfast, and stay to support the Degree work.

Good Food. Great Company. Strong Brotherhood.

📍 Eddy Lodge No. 797 A.F. & A.M.
📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026
🥞 Breakfast: 8:00–10:00 AM
⚒️ Entered Apprentice Degree: 10:30 AM

All are welcome!

08/02/2026

Freemasonry has never lacked good working tools. What we sometimes lack is the willingness to use them.

The gavel reminds us to chip away at our rough edges.
The trowel teaches us to spread brotherly love, not rumors.
The level reminds us that every Brother stands as an equal.
The plumb calls us to walk upright.
The square teaches us to deal honestly and justly.

The real obstacle to becoming a better Mason is rarely the absence of time, it is often the abundance of excuses.

Our Lodge grows stronger when every Brother shows up, participates, and contributes.

The best memories, the deepest friendships, and the greatest lessons are found not in promises of “next month,” but in being present.

Less excuses. More labor. More fellowship. More light.

Because we don’t just wear the apron, we strive to live what it represents.

08/02/2026

On behalf of myself and the Lodge, I want to sincerely thank each of you who gave your time and worked the Star Cafe. Your dedication, hard work, and willingness to serve made this fundraiser a great success.

Events like this don’t happen without brothers who are willing to step up, and your efforts are truly appreciated. Thank you for your commitment to our Lodge and for representing Masonry so well through your service.

I am truly grateful for each of you. Thank you again for a job well done!

Mike Franks, Worshipful Master
M. Denton Stanford Masonic Lodge #594