Imperial Masonic Lodge

08/07/2026

On National Purple Heart Day, we recognize the service and sacrifice of every Purple Heart recipient. Your courage is what strengthens our Nation. Thank you.

08/06/2026

On This Day in Masonic History August 5, 1884

On August 5, 1884, the cornerstone of the Statue of Liberty was laid on Bedloe’s Island (now Liberty Island) in a traditional Masonic cornerstone ceremony conducted by the Grand Lodge of New York, led by Grand Master William A. Brodie.

Long before the statue welcomed millions to America’s shores, Freemasons took part in dedicating its foundation according to ancient customs dating back centuries. During a Masonic cornerstone ceremony, the stone is tested with the Square, Level, and Plumb the working tools that remind Masons to live lives of morality, equality, integrity, and upright conduct. The cornerstone itself symbolizes the importance of laying a firm foundation, both in architecture and in our own character.

The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France inspired by Édouard de Laboulaye, represents the universal ideals of liberty, justice, and democracy. These principles closely align with the timeless teachings of Freemasonry, which encourage every Mason to improve himself, serve his community, defend freedom of conscience, and promote peace and goodwill among all people.

Many of America’s most enduring monuments, public buildings, and institutions have been dedicated through Masonic cornerstone ceremonies, reflecting the fraternity’s longstanding commitment to supporting strong communities and preserving the values upon which our nation was built.

As members of Smithfield Masonic Lodge No. 182, we honor this historic occasion and remember that every great structure and every honorable life begins with a solid foundation. May we continue to build upon the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, striving each day to leave our communities better than we found them.

“The strength of every building begins with its cornerstone. The strength of every Mason begins with his character.”

08/04/2026

Happy 236th birthday to our brethren and Masonic family who served in the United States Coast Guard.

08/04/2026

Saturday, August 1st, I had the pleasure of traveling with Yuma Territorial Lodge 17 to Casa Granda Pinal Lodge 30. We had the opportunity to help the Lodge put on a double Second Degree. The new Fellowcraft’s one from Pinal Lodge 30 and the other was from Eloy Lodge 46.
After the degree work we then went to the very first Stated Meeting of a brand new lodge. Fil-Am Lodge UD is the newest Masonic Lodge in the state of Arizona.

07/14/2026

Wishing Brother Patrick Abad a very Happy Birthday and may he have at least a 125 more 🎂

07/09/2026

07/09/2026

07/04/2026

**This Week in Masonic History**

⚒July 4, 1776 – Freemasons & The Declaration of Independence⚒

On July 4, 1776, fifty-six men put their names to one of the most influential documents ever written—the **Declaration of Independence**.

It wasn't simply a declaration of separation from Britain.

It was a declaration of an idea.

That governments exist to serve the people.

That every person possesses inherent rights.

That liberty, justice, and human dignity are worth defending.

Among those signers were several Freemasons.

While tradition has long claimed that more than thirty of the signers belonged to the Craft, modern scholarship can confidently verify at least **eight**, including **Benjamin Franklin**, **John Hancock**, **William Whipple**, **Joseph Hewes**, **Robert Treat Paine**, **Richard Stockton**, **George Walton**, and **Thomas McKean**.

These men did not sign the Declaration *as Freemasons.*

They signed it as men.

But they were also Brethren whose lives had been shaped by the ideals of the Enlightenment—many of the same principles discussed within Masonic lodges of the era:

📜 Liberty over tyranny.

⚖️ Justice over oppression.

🤝 Equality in human dignity.

💡 Reason over ignorance.

🕊️ Brotherhood beyond social class.

Those principles did not begin in 1776, nor did they end there.

Like the rough ashlar, they remind us that society itself is never finished.

Each generation is handed the tools.

Each generation must continue the work.

The Declaration challenged its own time.

It wasn't perfect.

It didn't instantly create the just society it envisioned.

But it pointed humanity toward an ideal worth striving for—a nation where freedom would continue to expand, rights would continue to grow, and future generations would build upon the foundation that had been laid.

That is the work of every Mason.

Not merely to preserve history...
..but to improve upon it.

To leave our families, our Lodges, our communities, and our world a little more just than we found them.

The men of 1776 left us more than signatures on parchment.

They left us an unfinished blueprint.

It now belongs to us.

May we continue building a society where liberty is protected, justice is pursued, truth is sought, and every person is treated with dignity.

Because that's the kind of Temple worth building.

Happy Independence Day to our American Brethren.

May the principles of liberty, justice, and Brotherly Love continue to inspire men everywhere.

**What principle from the Declaration do you think remains most important today?**

07/04/2026

Today in Masonic History...several brothers decided to get together in a stifling hall in Philadelphia and change the world. Pretty successful lodge night :-)

**This Week in Masonic History**

⚒July 4, 1776 – Freemasons & The Declaration of Independence⚒

On July 4, 1776, fifty-six men put their names to one of the most influential documents ever written—the **Declaration of Independence**.

It wasn't simply a declaration of separation from Britain.

It was a declaration of an idea.

That governments exist to serve the people.

That every person possesses inherent rights.

That liberty, justice, and human dignity are worth defending.

Among those signers were several Freemasons.

While tradition has long claimed that more than thirty of the signers belonged to the Craft, modern scholarship can confidently verify at least **eight**, including **Benjamin Franklin**, **John Hancock**, **William Whipple**, **Joseph Hewes**, **Robert Treat Paine**, **Richard Stockton**, **George Walton**, and **Thomas McKean**.

These men did not sign the Declaration *as Freemasons.*

They signed it as men.

But they were also Brethren whose lives had been shaped by the ideals of the Enlightenment—many of the same principles discussed within Masonic lodges of the era:

📜 Liberty over tyranny.

⚖️ Justice over oppression.

🤝 Equality in human dignity.

💡 Reason over ignorance.

🕊️ Brotherhood beyond social class.

Those principles did not begin in 1776, nor did they end there.

Like the rough ashlar, they remind us that society itself is never finished.

Each generation is handed the tools.

Each generation must continue the work.

The Declaration challenged its own time.

It wasn't perfect.

It didn't instantly create the just society it envisioned.

But it pointed humanity toward an ideal worth striving for—a nation where freedom would continue to expand, rights would continue to grow, and future generations would build upon the foundation that had been laid.

That is the work of every Mason.

Not merely to preserve history...
..but to improve upon it.

To leave our families, our Lodges, our communities, and our world a little more just than we found them.

The men of 1776 left us more than signatures on parchment.

They left us an unfinished blueprint.

It now belongs to us.

May we continue building a society where liberty is protected, justice is pursued, truth is sought, and every person is treated with dignity.

Because that's the kind of Temple worth building.

Happy Independence Day to our American Brethren.

May the principles of liberty, justice, and Brotherly Love continue to inspire men everywhere.

**What principle from the Declaration do you think remains most important today?**

07/01/2026

🇺🇸 On This Day in History July 1, 1776

On July 1, 1776, the Second Continental Congress resumed debate in Philadelphia on the Lee Resolution, the proposal that the thirteen colonies declare themselves free and independent from Great Britain.

These historic debates would lead to the vote for independence on July 2 and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, forever changing the course of history.

Among the delegates of the Second Continental Congress were several Freemasons, including Brother Benjamin Franklin and Brother Robert R. Livingston, who played important roles in shaping the nation’s future. While historians cannot determine the exact number of Freemasons who served in Congress due to incomplete 18th-century lodge records, it is well documented that a number of delegates were members of the Craft.

Although the American Revolution was not a Masonic undertaking, many Freemasons answered the call to serve their country. They carried with them the same timeless principles that continue to guide our fraternity today integrity, moral character, charity, and a commitment to the common good.

As Masons, we do not claim ownership of history, but we take pride in remembering the Brothers who helped shape it. Their legacy reminds us that true patriotism is demonstrated not only through words, but through honorable actions and faithful service to our communities.

As we reflect on this pivotal day in our nation’s founding, may we continue to uphold the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, building a better future just as those who came before us sought to build a better nation.

Fraternally,
Smithfield Masonic Lodge No. 182
Making Good Men Better Since 1849.