Douglas Masonic Lodge No. 153 AF&AM

06/24/2026

Last night, the brothers of Douglas Lodge No. 153 celebrated Saint John’s Eve at the McKenna Ranch! Special thank you to Bro. Ed for opening his home to us and thank you to Brothers Josh, Wilcox, Tom, Paul, Tom, and Zach. WB Tom prepared a campfire Frito pie for dinner (really just an excuse to use his commemorative Lewis and Clark Expedition Dutch oven) and gave a prepared speech on Saint John the Baptist and the symbolism of the Summer Solstice and enlightenment. He spoke of the great deceiver; our Ego, that breeds drama, assumption, and division where clarity and truth should prevail. He spoke of the need to know thyself and quiet the chatter of Ego’s unfounded narratives. The brothers participated by identifying a falsehood that veiled their eyes to the truth, wrote it upon a scrap of paper, and cast it into the fire. Bro. Paul shared a wonderful family toast his Great Grandmother brought over from England after the war. The brothers then formed a circle of fidelity and passed the Scottish quaich with committed words of friendship and brotherly love. We were blessed with temperate weather and good cheer! #

06/24/2026

Wishing all a very Happy Saint John's Day!

06/23/2026

In continuance of our America250 books recommendations we submit John Adair’s Founding Fathers: The Puritans in England and America (1982). Adair’s book provides a highly readable and insightful history of the Puritan movement, tracing its origins in 16th- and 17th-century England through its profound influence on early colonial America. Adair, a noted leadership scholar, examines the shared beliefs, internal divisions, and key figures such as Oliver Cromwell in England and John Winthrop in Massachusetts who shaped Puritan thought. He explores how these religious ideals of covenant, moral discipline, and community fueled the migration to New England and laid foundational principles for American society.

The book has an accessible narrative, balanced perspective, and emphasis on the Puritans’ lasting legacy in politics, education, and ethics beyond the more common stereotypes of rigidity. While focused on the 17th century rather than the Revolutionary-era Founding Fathers (Washington, Jefferson, etc.), it illuminates the deep religious and cultural roots that informed the later quest for independence.

With America marking its semiquincentennial, Adair’s work gains fresh relevance. As nationwide America250 celebrations highlight the nation’s founding story through reflection, education, and community events, this book reminds us that the ideals of liberty, self-governance, and moral purpose trace back to Puritan “founding fathers” whose vision helped shape the democratic experiment we commemorate today.

06/23/2026

In continuance of our celebration of the American Flag during our semiquincentennial, we thought it educational to discuss the symbolism of color and the arrangement of elements as many Americans have never been taught it. Most know that the 13 red and white stripes represent the original 13 colonies. They are foundational and never change. What does change and makes our flag unique in designs throughout history is the field of five-pointed stars.

Each star represents a state and with each new state the constellation of stars grows. However, there is an intentional design to that arrangement and growth. Most importantly stars are the same size and equidistance from their neighbors. There are no big stars or little stars, each is valued equally. A “more perfect union” as President Lincoln would later remark. Or, as we would say in Masonry, they are all “on the level”.

Then there are the colors of Red, White, and Blue. Red represents courage, zeal, and fervency. White represents purity, cleanliness of life, and rectitude of conduct (a pursuit for all those who wear the masonic apron as well), and Blue which represents justice, loyalty and truth. The star is an ancient symbol of sovereignty and dominion. In our Federalist design, each state acts according to its own pursuits while maintaining an allegiance to the promises of the Declaration and Constitution.

Most other countries use symbols tied to monarchy, religion, history, or heraldry. The American Flag stands apart in design as a promise and acknowledgement of growth and prosperity and representing the oldest Constitution of the people in the World.

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06/21/2026

A fantastic turnout for our open house yesterday. Bro. Paul with the support of brothers Christian, Richard, Wilcox, and WB Art, coordinated a wonderful family oriented event. He provided really cool Lego kits and coloring activities for the kids while parents took tours of our historic building and learned about our history and fraternity from the officers. WM T.J. accepted an award from the Castel Rock Vintage Car Club for our sponsorship of the event and gave a very nice speech. A special thanks to Brothers Chuck, Aubrey and RWB Bryant for representing High Plains Chapter of Colorado DeMolay and answering so many questions about this outstanding youth leadership program. The crowds were amazing and the variety of cars in the show was incredible. WB Lee, as President of the car club, put on the best year so far! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo Parade Saturday July 25th!

06/21/2026

Today we celebrate the profound gift of fatherhood. Our Heavenly Father, the ultimate source of light and love, stands as our eternal rock, our strength in weakness, our support in trials, and our moral compass through every storm. He guides us through the darkness, shielding us from the evils of this world with unwavering wisdom and grace. His love is as deep as the ocean, his compassion as broad as the sea.

In His image, our earthly fathers are called to reflect that same divine love. A good father is protector, provider, and guide. He teaches us right from wrong, stands as a pillar of strength to support us when life grows heavy, and offers quiet support that builds character and courage. Through his example, he lights the path, helping us navigate challenges and resist the shadows that seek to pull us astray.

The importance of good fathers cannot be overstated. They shape generations, instill integrity, and anchor families in truth. Whether biological, adoptive, or spiritual, a faithful father echoes the faithful heart of our Father in Heaven.

So today, let us honor our fathers with more than just words, but with lives well-lived in gratitude and obedience. May we all strive to be the fathers the world so desperately needs in times of trouble.

06/20/2026

Excellent coffee for your lodge brethren!

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

One of the most enduring stories in American flag lore centers on Betsy Ross. According to family tradition, in late May 1776, a committee including George Washington visited her Philadelphia upholstery shop. They presented a rough sketch with six-pointed stars. Ross reportedly suggested five-pointed stars (easier to cut with one snip) and arranged them in a circle for unity and eternity.

While historical records are lacking on the exact details, Ms. Ross was a documented flag maker. She received payments for producing flags for the Pennsylvania Navy, and her work continued for decades. The “Betsy Ross flag” with 13 stripes and 13 stars in a circle became iconic, even if not the original design.

This legend captures the ingenuity and patriotism of everyday Americans contributing behind the scenes to the cause of Liberty. This iconic standard helped set our new nation apart from the identity of a British Colony. The circular stars symbolized the states’ equality, on the level as we might say, no one above another.

Betsy Ross’s story inspires us to see ourselves as creators in the stitching together of America’s future. Do you have an interesting flag story? Share it with us in the comments below!