Portales Lodge 26 AF&AM

07/14/2026

On This Day in History Brother Gerald R. Ford (July 14, 1913)

Today we remember the birth of Brother Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., born on July 14, 1913 the 38th President of the United States, a decorated Navy veteran, and a proud Freemason.

Brother Ford was initiated, passed, and raised in Malta Lodge No. 465, Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1949. Throughout his life, he remained an active and devoted Mason, later receiving numerous Masonic honors, including the 33° Inspector General Honorary in the Scottish Rite and the DeMolay Legion of Honor for his service to young men.

Before entering the White House, Brother Ford served with distinction in the United States Navy during World War II. As a lieutenant aboard the aircraft carrier USS Monterey (CVL-26), he endured some of the Pacific Theater’s most demanding operations and survived the devastating Typhoon Cobra in December 1944.

Following years of service in Congress, Gerald Ford became Vice President in 1973 and, after President Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974, became the only person in American history to assume the presidency without being elected as either President or Vice President.

At one of the nation’s most difficult moments, Brother Ford placed healing above politics, reminding Americans:

“Our long national nightmare is over.”

Whether in uniform, in public office, or within the Craft, Brother Ford exemplified the Masonic principles of integrity, duty, humility, and service to others.

On the anniversary of his birth, Smithfield Masonic Lodge No. 182 honors the life and legacy of a Brother whose steady leadership helped guide a nation through turbulent times.

“The world can only be grasped by action, not by contemplation.” — Brother Gerald R. Ford

Happy Birthday in the Celestial Lodge Above, Brother Ford.

08/13/2025

It is with great sadness that I post this. Rest in peace Brother Dennis

Share memories & support the family

08/07/2025

07/15/2025

Contrary to what you'd expect from someone who invented one of the first rapid-fire weapons, Gatling wasn’t trying to glorify war. In fact, he believed that by increasing firepower, fewer soldiers would be needed—and lives could be saved.

In 1877, Richard J. Gatling wrote: "It occurred to me that if I could invent a machine (a gun) which could by its rapidity of fire, enable one man to do as much battle duty as a hundred, that it would, to a large extent, supersede the necessity of large armies, and consequently, exposure to battle and disease would be greatly diminished."

Let that sink in.

07/10/2025

Did you know that during the early tavern days of Freemasonry, the Tyler draws the lodge on the floor with chalk? We perambulate so we don’t accidentally erase our lodge. Lol. To this day, you may still find lodges that, instead of saying “open” or “form” a lodge, they say “draw a lodge” instead. They may also have presentations about a bucket and a mop. The more you know! 👁️