This award is presented annually to a Brother Mason who epitomizes the highest standard of leadership, fellowship, service to the Craft, and brotherly love. The man receiving this award demonstrates a willingness to serve, not only his individual Lodge, but Masonry in general through his conduct and actions during the preceding year. This man stands out among his peers at almost every level in life, and thus is truly deserving of these accolades which we have chosen to bestow upon him. As a Lodge of Masonry, through this award, we honor the recipient as a valued member of our Lodge and as an intricate and integral part of it’s continued success in the future. It goes without saying that the “Mason of the Year” award is, without a doubt, one of the highest honors any Mason, in any Lodge, can ever receive.
MASON OF THE Year in 2025
Bill Berklich
Ancient Craft Lodge #551
Brother Bill Berklich was selected as Ancient Craft 551’s 2025 Mason of the Year. Having served our country in the Marine Corps, in various adult leadership roles in Scouting America (formerly BSA) and as a Vigil Member of Michigami Lodge #29 of the Order of the Arrow, Bill is no stranger to a life of service. Bill joined our Lodge 2 years ago and immediately dove into his degrees and participated in our lodge’s service projects. On being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason Brother Bill stepped into the role of Steward and then WB Ray Doyscher passed the reins of Trestle Board Editor and Chief to Mr. Berklich. Brother Bill stepped up and became an integral part of our 2025 Table Lodge Team and has since taken the lead for the 2026 Table Lodge. You can find Brother Bill in his 2026 position as Junior Deacon at Lodge most Wednesdays and at our service projects and social events. If you don’t know him yet, be sure you walk up and say “Hi”. UPDATE: On 4/11 at the District 24 Mason of the Year Dinner, Bill was selected as the District Mason of the Year. Additional congratulations to Bill!