This month, Alpha Lodge turns its attention to the idea of the threshold — that meaningful space between where we stand and where we aspire to go. A threshold invites reflection: it asks us to consider what we bring with us, what we leave behind, and how we ready ourselves for the world we are about to enter or re-enter.A reflection on gratitude, mentorship, and the gift of Freemasonry
October 30, 2025
By Adam C. Marks, Past and Presiding Master of Alpha Lodge, 32° Scottish Rite Mason, Degree Worker in the Consistory
Fifteen years ago today, I was accepted into the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and that moment continues to shape my journey—and I remain deeply grateful that it did. Even before I was made a Freemason, I had spoken with Melissa’s grandfather, Art Crapo, about joining, but both Melissa and I had learned about him being a Freemason quite by accident.
I had spent just under two years studying—obsessing, really—over this thing called Freemasonry. It was mysterious: deeply spiritual, deeply philosophical, esoteric, but also practical, supportive, a brotherhood. I knew a few friends who had Masonic symbols on their cars or wore rings with symbols, but I was afraid to ask about them. I didn’t know if you were allowed to ask. When we were kids, my older brother used to tease me whenever we drove past a Masonic Lodge:
Read more: Fifteen Years in the Scottish Rite: A Gift from One Brother to Another
At the Regular Communication of Alpha Lodge held on Monday, October 28, 2025, Worshipful Brother Donald W. Crookes, Jr., Past Master, was formally recognized by Right Worshipful Drayton Hanna, District Deputy Grand Master of the Fifteenth Masonic District, for his exemplary service to Alpha Lodge and to the Craft at large.
On September 22, 2025, Alpha Lodge installed Worshipful Adam C. Marks as Master of the Lodge, taking the helm for the 2026 Masonic year.
We are all traveling toward the East, but there are many different and interesting ways to get there. Sharing that journey is an integral part of the spirit, fellowship, and community. It provides us with learning opportunities, support, relief, comaraderie, brotherhood, and love. This year Alpha Lodge is exploring the many different ways the masonic journey materializes for our brother Masons. 
As part of our Observant Masonry series, we are delighted to have Shawn Eyer, esteemed Masonic Scholar, presenting "The Earthly and Celestial Temple" as part or our monthly series and the seventh step offered by WB Andrew Hammer in "
Shawn Eyer is a scholar researching the history, ritual, iconography, symbolism, and philosophy of Craft Freemasonry, and has lectured widely at both academic conferences and Masonic symposia. He holds advanced degrees in psychology and religion as well as business. Bro. Eyer has authored dozens of articles on Masonry, and is the editor of Philalethes, North America's oldest independent Masonic education journal. Professionally, he is the Managing Director of Communications and Education of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. He is a Past Master of Academia Lodge No. 847, California's first lodge of Traditional Observance. He now quarries with the brethren of The Harvard Lodge in Massachusetts, the oldest university lodge in the United States. He is also a member of the District of Columbia Scottish Rite bodies.
