Outdoor Degrees at the Grand Canyon August 14-15, 2026

by Christopher Hodapp

Brethren, if you are anywhere near Arizona in mid-August, don't miss this amazing event! On August 14th and 15th, the Grand Lodges of Arizona, Nevada and Utah will jointly confer all three Blue Lodge degrees under the canopy of heaven at the breathtaking Grand Canyon!

From the registration site for Camp Cornerstone 2026:

Camp Cornerstone 2026 will be held at the Shrine of the Ages, a distinctive interfaith chapel and gathering space located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Built in 1965, this unique venue has served as a place of reflection and ceremony for visitors from around the world seeking to connect with something greater amid one of nature’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.The Shrine of the Ages offers us a rare combination: a dignified indoor ceremonial space paired with immediate access to the grandeur of the canyon itself. Its architecture was purposefully designed to welcome people of all faiths and fraternal traditions, making it an ideal setting for this historic Tri-State event.

With the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon as our backdrop and the Shrine as our lodge room, we’ll experience Freemasonry as our pioneer brethren might have — surrounded by the natural world, under Western skies, at one of the Seven Natural Wonders. a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fellowship, tradition, and unforgettable memories.

Camp Cornerstone offers multiple accommodation options to fit your preference and budget, from rustic camping under the stars to comfortable South Rim lodging.

For brothers seeking the full outdoor experience, we’ve arranged camping at Tusayan-Montane Campground, located in Kaibab National Forest just south of Grand Canyon National Park. This Forest Service campground puts you close to the action while offering a true Western camping experience beneath ponderosa pines.

Schedule and Activities

Ladies Program

A special program is being planned for companions joining us at the Grand Canyon. See Ladies Program page for details

Weekend Schedule

Camp Cornerstone runs Friday through Sunday, featuring degree work at Shrine of the Ages, the Powell Point re-dedication ceremony, a Saturday night Festive Board, and a Friday evening steak dinner. View full schedule and itinerary

Friday night’s steak dinner, Saturday night’s Festive Board, breakfasts and more are detailed here: See meal details and menus

For pricing and registration visit the Camp Cornerstone 2026 website at CampCornerstone.us

May 3rd "Railroad Degree" in Northern Delaware

by Christopher Hodapp

I'm a total sucker for Masonic degrees performed in unusual settings, and outdoor degrees can be found all over the Masonic world. But for this old veteran of railroad museums from back in my teenaged years (I became a steam locomotive fireman and engineer at 15, before I could legally drive a car) you can't beat Ionic Lodge 31's "Railroad Degree" near New Castle, Delaware.

Beginning in 2016, Ionic Lodge began this unique degree conferral in conjunction with the historic Wilmington & Western Railroad. Following a scenic train ride deep into the woods, the degree is held in the Red Clay Creek/Brandywine Valley of northern Delaware, in a quiet clearing beside the flowing stream.

According to the lodge website, the Railroad Degree was the brainchild of Past Master Bill Held Jr. and he first approached the railroad's management with the idea in 2016. Brethren board the train at the Greenbank station for a scenic ride 10 miles deep into the woods of the Brandywine Valley. The Masons disembark at a secluded spot next to Red Clay Creek that's been specially prepared for an outdoor Master Mason degree conferral.

The site was consecrated in accordance with grand lodge regulations. Ornate wooden chairs and an altar were fabricated by Past Grand Master Dale Irwin, unique decorations and lodge tools and accessories were created from railroad lanterns, spikes and knockers, and the event was advertised by word of mouth and social media. Folding chairs were brought on the train and set up for the side-liners.

Naturally, it wouldn't be a proper Masonic hootenanny without a commemorative lapel pin, so Brother Fred Palmer designed a specialty Masonic pin and golf shirt for the event.

Like so much else that was fun, the Covid pandemic put the kibosh on this regular event for several years, but the Railroad Degree is back this year. It will take place on Saturday, May 3rd., beginning at 8i:00AM. Price is a paltry $40 and includes lunch, the round-trip train ride, and the Master Mason Degree. The day ends at approximately 4:00PM.

For more information and to sign up for this unique experience, visit the website HERE.

And, yes, I'm totally serious when I say everything I needed to know about life I learned on the railroad as a teenager. 

That's me on the left in the hat...