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He was actively involved with other local lodges, helped organize a fundraiser and raised $600 for a girl in need, and organized countless of other activities. With this, his Masonic brothers have honored him as the 2007 Mason of the Year.

"I was real surprised because I didn't think I felt worthy of it," said Schweninger, 52. "I'm real happy about it. It's quite an honor."

The nearly 10-year Attica resident is employed as an engineer for Chrysler, and has been a member of the lodge for eight years. His family includes his wife, Nicole, and their three children: Allison, 16, Michael, 8, and Parker, 6.

"Mike is a type of man that does so many things for the lodge," said current Worshipful Master Glenn Wright. "All of our brothers appointed him to that, for what he does for the lodge and the community."

Schweninger also acts as the scribe and promotes the lodge through local newspapers, contributes to the monthly Masonic Newsletter, and, for the past six years, has composed and published the Edgar A. Guest magazine.

Schweninger said being master of the lodge is a lot of hard work. He has stayed pretty busy during his stint last year, being involved in more than 80 activities.

"I was in charge of putting everybody to work, running meetings, representing the lodge at other lodges, on the phone a lot calling guys and asking for help for our breakfasts," he said.

The next $4 pancake breakfast will take place 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the lodge, located on Lake Pleasant Road in Attica, one mile north of I-69 at Exit 163. The breakfast features all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit salad and refreshments. A 50-50 drawing will also be held.

Schweninger added there's a lot of memorization involved with the rituals and other lectures when talking with other Masonic members. During breakfasts, he said many people always question him about the group and what it's all about.

His future plans involve more research and memorizing.

"I'm learning the rest of the rituals," he said. "I'm working very hard on memorizations. I got a book that's around 150 to 175 pages. My goal is to get it all memorized."

Even though it seems like a heavy task, Schweninger enjoys being a mason.

"It's fun. I enjoy it," he said. "I like being involved. What I really like about it is traveling to other places. Other masons welcome me with open arms. You've never been there and they make you feel at home."

Schweninger will be honored during a dinner and awards presentation on Saturday at the lodge. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. The event is open to the public, though reservations are encouraged by calling Art at (810) 245-0200.

Jeff Hoard can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8127 or jeff.hoard@lapeergroup.com