George Roskruge & S. Barry Casey Masonic Library & Museum

08/25/2026

The Final Roll call has gone unanswered and Brother Jim Wild has laid down his working tools. Hear first hand what it was like to be part of the team that raised the Duke.

Many people don't know that John Wayne was a Mason. But one day, when "The Duke" was filming a movie in southern Arizona near Tucson - John Wayne entered masonry at Marion McDaniel Lodge.

08/18/2026

Well said

We Don’t Need to Reinvent Freemasonry

My Brothers,

I’ve been thinking lately about how we talk about Freemasonry, especially to people outside our Lodges.

The world has changed a lot, but sometimes the way we describe Masonry hasn’t changed with it.

We talk about “making good men better.” We talk about Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. We talk about our history, traditions and symbols. Those things are important to us, but do they really explain to someone outside the Craft why Freemasonry matters today?

Maybe our challenge isn’t changing Freemasonry.

Maybe we simply need to do a better job telling its story.

Think about what Masonry offers a man today: genuine Brotherhood in a world where people are increasingly disconnected. Traditions that connect us to generations of men who came before us. Opportunities to serve our communities. Lessons about character, integrity and responsibility. And perhaps most importantly today, a place where men with very different opinions and backgrounds can sit together, disagree, and still treat one another with respect.

That’s a pretty powerful story.

Before we worry about new websites, social media campaigns, brochures or membership programs, maybe we should ask ourselves a simple question:

What do we want people to know about Freemasonry?

For me, much of the answer comes back to three things:

Brotherhood. Tradition. Community.

A place to belong.
A tradition worth carrying forward.
Brothers who encourage us to become better men.
And opportunities to make our communities a little better because we were there.

We don't need to reinvent Freemasonry for the modern world.

We just need to do a better job telling people about the Freemasonry we've been practicing all along.

Fraternally,
Roger C. Biede III
Grand Master of Masons in Arizona

08/16/2026

08/14/2026

Did you know that Holbrook, Arizona is the gateway to the National Petrified Forest? If you visit Chalcedony Lodge No. 6, you will learn all about the Petrified wood surrounding the temple. This is the only Lodge in Arizona that has been in 2 counties and has 2 charters!

08/04/2026

Civility begins with us.

My Brothers,

We live in a world where disagreements often turn into division. As Freemasons, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to lead by a better example.

Masonry teaches us that men from different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences can meet together in harmony, united by Brotherly Love and mutual respect. That lesson shouldn't end when we leave the Lodge. It should be reflected in how we speak, how we listen, and how we treat others every day.

Civility isn't about giving up your convictions. It's about expressing them with respect, listening before reacting, and remembering that every person deserves dignity.

This year, I challenge every Arizona Mason to be known as the man who builds bridges instead of walls, who chooses understanding over anger, and who leads through character and example.

The world doesn't need louder voices, it needs better examples. Let's show our families, our communities, and our nation that Brotherhood is stronger than division, and that Freemasonry's timeless values are needed now more than ever.

Fraternally,

Roger C. Biede III
Most Worshipful Grand Master
Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Arizona

07/31/2026

Quick visit to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial always reveals something new or different! We ran into an old friend, MW Michael Manning's apron is now on display in the Library!

07/16/2026

07/10/2026

We are just $250 from reaching our goal to support this important 9/11 memorial - will you be the one to help us cross the finish line?

9/11 Glade Paver Sponsor, Grand Lodge of Arizona

07/03/2026

A Happy Fourth of July from the Grand Master of Arizona

Brethren, families, and friends,

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, I want to wish each of you a safe, happy, and memorable Independence Day.

This year is especially meaningful as we begin celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation. For two and a half centuries, the ideals of liberty, personal responsibility, and service have shaped America and inspired generations of citizens. Those same principles have long been reflected in the teachings of Freemasonry and in the men who have worked to strengthen their communities through our Craft.

Here in Arizona, we have a unique appreciation for both freedom and heritage. From our small towns to our growing cities, from the Sonoran Desert to the high country, we are blessed to live in a state where neighbors still lend a hand, communities come together, and patriotism remains strong. It is something worth celebrating and preserving.

As Masons, let us take a moment to remember those who came before us, our Founding Fathers, our veterans, first responders, and all who have sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Let us also remember the Brothers who built our Lodges across Arizona, leaving us a legacy that is now our responsibility to preserve for future generations.

Whether you're enjoying a barbecue with family, watching fireworks, traveling across our beautiful state, or simply spending time with those you love, I hope you take a moment to reflect on the blessings of living in this great nation.

May we continue to live by the values of Brotherhood with Civility, Tradition, and Community, honoring our past while building an even brighter future together.

On behalf of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Arizona, I wish you and your families a very Happy Fourth of July and a wonderful celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

Happy Independence Day, and may God continue to bless Arizona and the United States of America.

Fraternally,

Roger C. Biede III
Grand Master

07/03/2026

In the last 24 hours we have made it to 68% of our needed funds - thank you to all our donors!! Only $850 left to meet our goal. Help us celebrate America's 250th Anniversary of freedom by donating to our fund to support this important memorial!

9/11 Glade Paver Sponsor, Grand Lodge of Arizona