These major donors to the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation deserve our deepest gratitude.  Because of their generosity and commitment to the future of Masonry, the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation is able to invest in programs and services that make life better for Michigan Masons, their families, and their communities.

Edward F. Bousman and Bernice M. Bousman (Chapin)

Edward Bousman, a Chrysler retiree, was born in Troy, Ohio on August 24, 1920. He married his wife Bernice on October 12, 1950. Brother Edward was raised as a Master Mason on October 25, 1968 in Northwood-Ancient Craft Lodge #551.

Bernice was born in Detroit on September 8, 1917. She worked for and retired from the Ford Motor Co. Prior to her death in October of 2009, Bernice developed the Bernice Bousman Irrevocable Trust. In December of that year, the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation received a generous donation that totaled $337,500. The donation was placed in the Foundation's endowment fund.

William O. and Edna H. Septrion (Griffes)

According to William Septrion’s neice, Patsy J. Tickle of Clare, Michigan, “William Orville Septrion was born on April 1, 1911 in Riverton Michigan. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Core (CCC) at Camp Goodar in South Branch Michigan from May 14, 1933 to August 25, 1934. He married Edna H. Griffes on August 25, 1936 and was married to her for over 65 years.”

“He became a Master Mason on April 22, 1940 in Redford-Metropolitan #152 and was a loyal member until his death on September 27, 2001.”

“He was drafted and served in the navy as a Carpenters’ Mate First Class USNR from August 1943 through November of 1945. He maintained his Boy Scouts of America membership in Detroit until September 1976 and was a member of the Elks since 1942.”

“His hobby was fishing and he spent a great deal of time on the Great Lakes’ waters by Ludington.”

“My uncle Bill was a Mason for over 50 years, but, unfortunately, he did not live long enough to enjoy the Michigan Masonic Home. My aunt Edna honored his wishes and left this money to the Home.”

On July 8, 2009, MMCF received a $40,910.68 donation from the Edna H. Septrion Estate.