The spirit of Indiana Freemasonry was on full display on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, as Dunes Lodge No. 741 hosted an evening that perfectly captured the essence of the Craft: growth, support, and a healthy dose of fraternal competition.
A Worthy Brother Advances
The centerpiece of the evening was the conferral of the Fellowcraft Degree. The officers and members of Dunes Lodge did an outstanding job "Passing" a worthy Brother, marking a significant milestone in his Masonic journey. The ritual was executed with the solemnity and precision the degree deserves, providing a memorable experience for the candidate and all in attendance.
Strength in Numbers
It wasn’t just a local affair—the lodge room was filled with the warmth of a truly "widely traveled" brotherhood. A total of 39 Masons gathered for the event, representing 10 different Masonic Lodges. The evening was further distinguished by the presence of Deputy Grand Master John Bridegroom, whose attendance underscored the importance of lodge visitations and regional support.
The Battle for the Gavel
While the degree work was the primary focus, a secondary drama unfolded over the Porter Lodge Traveling Gavel.
The Traveling Gavel exists for one purpose: to incite brothers to get out of their home lodges, hit the road, and visit their neighbors. Porter Lodge arrived in force, bringing 7 members to support Dunes Lodge and, hopefully, escort their namesake gavel back home.
However, Worshipful Master Kyle Hodge of Glen Park Lodge No. 732 had other plans. In a fantastic show of unity, he rallied 8 members of Glen Park to the meeting. By the slim margin of a single member, Glen Park Lodge claimed the prize.
"The gavel comes to the same address, but the holder is not Porter. We are happy to have lost to anyone, especially to the brothers of Glen Park."
The True Winner: Freemasonry
Though Porter Lodge returned home empty-handed this time, the mission of the Traveling Gavel was a resounding success. It brought nearly 40 brothers together, fostered new friendships, and ensured that a new Fellowcraft felt the full support of the Indiana Craft.
Congratulations to the newest Fellowcraft and to the Brothers of Dunes Lodge for hosting such a stellar evening. To Glen Park Lodge: enjoy the gavel—we suspect Porter will be coming for it soon!
