Keeping the Heartbeat Strong: The Enduring Legacy of M.W. Bro. Stanley Erwin Mottershead

Written by Bro. Trevor Eliott, Acacia Lodge No. 11 and Arkhitekton Lodge No. 205

In a world where change races ever faster, there remain few constants. For Freemasonry, one of those constants has been the steady, unwavering heartbeat of M.W. Bro. Stanley Erwin Mottershead — a Brother whose life’s journey has not only witnessed the evolution of the Craft but has actively shaped it. As we celebrate his remarkable achievement of 70 years in Masonry, we also recognize that his devotion, leadership, and love for the fraternity have kept its heart beating strong across generations.

Stan Mottershead is more than a name etched into the annals of Masonic history; he is a living bridge between the traditions of the past and the promises of the future. His story reminds us that the true strength of Freemasonry lies not just in its grand rituals or ancient landmarks, but in the steadfast spirit of its members — those who dare to dream, to lead, and to love.

A Humble Beginning, a Steadfast Journey

Born on May 21, 1931, to George and Ava Mottershead, Stan grew up in Edmonton with five brothers and a sister. Like many of his generation, his early years were shaped by hard work and modest means. As a young boy, he picked potatoes for ten cents a bag in south Edmonton — a reminder that strength of character is often forged in the fires of necessity.

But there was also joy: Stan’s musical talents blossomed early, and he became known for playing the banjo and the kazoo at family functions and Lodge gatherings. His easy smile and infectious energy foreshadowed a life devoted to bringing people together in harmony.

"When you picked up the kazoo, you had to hum and blow at the same time — that’s life too, isn't it? You can't just make noise; you have to put your spirit into it."

At the age of 19, Stan married his beloved Izola. Together, they built a family rooted in love, raising three children — Vicky, Wayne, and Linda — and later welcoming grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was this foundation of loyalty and compassion that would define Stan’s life in Masonry.

On February 24, 1955, Stan was initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry. Passed on March 24 and raised on April 28 of that same year, he began a journey that would stretch across seven decades — a journey marked not merely by years, but by profound and lasting impact.

Leadership Rooted in Vision and Action

Stan’s Masonic career is a study in service through leadership. Installed as Worshipful Master of his Lodge in 1965, he quickly earned a reputation for quiet strength, thoughtful counsel, and a tireless commitment to the welfare of others.

In 1978-79, he served as District Deputy Grand Master of what was then District No. 12 (now Northern Lights District), where his visionary leadership helped reinvigorate Lodges and foster collaboration across the jurisdiction.

But it was as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Alberta (1989-1990) that Stan’s influence soared to its greatest height. His theme for his year as Grand Master — "Dare to Dream" — was not merely a slogan. It was a call to action, a reminder that Freemasonry thrives when Brothers aspire toward their highest ideals.

"I dream of a system where men can disagree without becoming offended by the opinions of others, and through compatible dialogue, reach decisions that are just and fair for the betterment of the majority; a system that allows us to respond to every Freemason’s needs, whether financial or inclined need."

During his tenure, Stan was instrumental in revising the financial arrangements of the Grand Lodge, putting it on a sounder fiscal foundation that endures to this day. He traveled tirelessly to ensure that Lodges — even those long overlooked — received visits from Grand Lodge officers, restoring connections that had frayed over time.

"The monuments of Masonry are not stone or mortar — they are the lives we touch and the love we share."

A Personal Approach: Heart-to-Heart Freemasonry

While his titles and accolades are impressive, what truly sets Stan apart is his personal approach to Freemasonry. His devotion was never abstract; it was embodied in acts of quiet, persistent kindness.

One moving example is his support for Bro. Bill Towers, a friend and fellow Freemason who, in declining health, struggled to participate in committee work. Stan personally read all nomination documents aloud to Bill, took his comments, and ensured that his voice continued to be heard. This was not an assignment; it was an act of love — the kind of brotherhood that defines the Craft at its best.

Stan’s mentorship has shaped generations of Masons. For many, meeting Stan was a pivotal moment — a glimpse of what true Masonic leadership, rooted in humility and compassion, could be.

"Stan, you taught us that leadership isn't about how loud your voice is — it's about how strong your heart is."

His dedication was not limited to individuals. He worked to foster Lodge health, inspire emerging leaders, and champion inclusivity at a time when such values were still finding their place in Masonic conversations.

A Legacy Carved in Stone and Spirit

One of Stan’s most enduring legacies is the George M. Armstrong Memorial Outdoor Lodge, founded in 1990. Conceived with the help of Brother Roy Husband and other dedicated Brethren, and with Stan’s encouragement and support, the outdoor Lodge at Wainwright became a living tribute to Masonic fellowship and tradition.

Built with stones moved by hand and tools crafted by Brothers, the Lodge is a place where nature and Freemasonry meet under the open sky. Stan's dream — that Masonry should not be confined by walls but flourish in every corner of life — found perfect expression here.

Today, the George M. Armstrong Memorial Outdoor Lodge continues to thrive, attracting Brethren from across Alberta and beyond to gather, labor, and celebrate the Craft under the sun and stars.

"We didn’t need a reminder to love one another. We lived it."

This project, like so much of Stan’s life, reminds us that the real monuments of Freemasonry are not the buildings, but the bonds formed between men of good will.

The Heartbeat of Love and Dedication

Perhaps the most powerful theme of Stan’s Masonic life is his insistence on love as the foundation of the Craft. In a heartfelt address, Stan reflected on the importance of “teaching how to love” — not in the sentimental sense, but as a principle of action.

"Freemasonry teaches how to love, and how to live graciously today, tomorrow, and forever."

Love, in Stan’s vision, is expressed through hard work, responsibility, kindness, and respect. It is the love that prompts a Brother to rebuild a widow’s home after a fire, to care for the sick, to raise a Brother’s spirits when hope seems lost.

"You didn't do it because you had to — you did it because you were a Mason. That's why you helped. That's why you loved."

In an era where many lament the loss of community, Stan has modeled a Masonry where community is reborn each day through small, courageous acts of care.

"There is nothing — nothing — that will ever have an impact as strong as a Shrine or Masonic order. All you need to know is love."

He reminds us that the heartbeat of Freemasonry is not sustained by ritual alone, but by the living commitment of men who choose to embody its values — even when no one is watching.

Seventy Years of Inspiration

Over seventy years, Stan has seen Freemasonry change — sometimes in ways that saddened him, sometimes in ways that inspired him. But he never wavered in his belief that the Craft’s best days are always ahead, so long as we nurture its core truths.

Through every decade, he has been a mentor, a builder, a friend, a teacher, and a dreamer. His story is not just a personal achievement; it is a call to all of us to dream a little bigger, to love a little more freely, and to lead with a little more courage.

At 93 years old, Stan remains a vibrant example of what it means to live the teachings of the Craft. His wisdom, humor, and steadfast presence are gifts to us all.

The Road Ahead: Following the Heartbeat

Stan’s life offers a simple but profound lesson: if we wish to keep Freemasonry’s heartbeat strong, we must first keep our own hearts open.

We must:

• Dare to dream of a fraternity where every Brother finds a place to belong.

• Lead with courage when tradition must be balanced with innovation.

• Work with humility when service calls us into action.

• Love with patience when others falter or fall away.

  
  

As Stan taught us through word and deed, the future of Freemasonry will not be built by grand pronouncements or sweeping reforms alone. It will be built — as it always has been — by the quiet, steady labor of those who believe in the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God.

"The heartbeat of Masonry is kept alive by men who show up, who care, and who build without asking for thanks."

And so, as we honor M.W. Bro. Stanley Erwin Mottershead today, we do more than celebrate a milestone.We recommit ourselves to the dream he dared to dream — and to the living heartbeat he helped to keep strong for seventy years.