The Grand Master's Pin

GM’s Pin Reflects Personal Experience

By Mark A. Genung

Grand Lodge PR & Marketing Director

 

Every Grand Master beginning in 1992-93 with Max Carpenter, PGM have designed and made available to the Craft a Grand Masters Pin. The designs of the pins are inspired by the GM’s journey to his year as leader of Freemasonry in Indiana. Several of our Brothers collect and display the thirteen available (some very hard to find) pins.

 

Grand Master Barkdull’s pin design was first considered while GM Barkdull was at Sugar Creek Lodge No. 279 on February 12 th 2005. The Grand Lodge had been requested by Sugar Creek to dedicate there newly constructed lodge building. Upon arrival the brothers from Sugar Creek adorned all the Grand Lodge officers and other guests in attendance with their pin to memorialize the occasion.

 

Before Grand Master Barkdull applied his newly acquired pin to the usual location he studied the design and at that moment moved by this singular circumstance knew that he had just found the basic design for his Grand Masters Pin.

 

Grand Master Barkdull then reflected on his journey through his various stations in Freemasonry. One thing stood out is his mind. How PROUD he was to be a Freemason. After much consideration and deliberations the final concept was decided.

 

Over the next several months the Grand Master consulted with the pin vendor and finalized the design.

 

The Grand Master felt strongly about the message on the pin, he reflected on how to spread this message effectively throughout Indiana. He decided he needed to get a pin in the hands of every Brother. With additional consideration the Grand Master concieved the idea of the letter with the pin insert that every Freemason in Indiana received in June 2006.