The mission of the
Freemasons of
Minnesota is to
engage and inspire
good men, who
believe in a
Supreme Being,
to live according
to Masonic tenets
of Brotherly Love,
Relief and Truth.
The Minnesota
MASON
March–April 2011
VOL. 58, No. 6
Team Minnesota Masons “Freezin’ for a Reason”
Strength in
Lodges
page 2
Grand Lodge
News
pages 1–3, 8
Minnesota
Masonic
Charities
pages 4–5
Team Minnesota Masons, spearheaded
by Deputy Grand Master Tom Hendrickson,
rallied the troops and made a splash of a team
consisting of thirteen Masons from different
lodges throughout the Minneapolis Metro area,
raising approximately $6,000 for the Special
Olympics of Minnesota Polar Bear Plunge,
March 5th, at Lake Calhoun.
After a quick briefing of temperatures,
precise cannonball or belly flop instruction,
Team Minnesota Masons took to the plunge
line to attend the task at hand. With determined
eyes and quick strides, Team Minnesota
Masons made their way to the plunge hole.
The men jumped with precision and grace into
Lake Calhoun. Some jumpers tried to maintain
their smile upon exiting the jump hole, however
it was later admitted it was too cold to hide the
simple fact it was freezing cold.
Team Minnesota Masons was recognized
and received lots of cheers and other encouragements from the crowds, often receiving shout
outs and posing for a few pictures from enthusiastic and excited spectators. After a quick warm
up in the provided hot tubs, Team Minnesota
Masons and friends met at Bunnies Bar and
Grill for burgers and to plunge reminisce.
This is the 14th year of the Polar Bear
Plunge. Monies raised goes to the Special
Olympics of Minnesota bringing together children and adults with intellectual disabilities
and uniting them in various sporting events
based on skill level.
Special thanks to Brother Bob Peterson for
all his assistance and hard work. Be sure to
check out the Polar Bear Plunge tour dates for
next season!
The Polar Bear Plunge is just one of many fundraisers associated with the Law Enforcement to benefit
Special Olympics. The recent plunge at Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis had a team of Masons taking the
plunge, lead by Deputy Grand Master Tom Hendrickson. Also pictured in the photo, among others, is Robert
Peterson (165), M. W. Brother Andy Rice, Jr. Grand Deacon John Gann, Sr. Grand Steward Bob Darling,
District Representative Kris Pich, Jason Pibal (165), District Representative Rick Wallace, Doug Beach
(165), Matthew Lundgren (165), Charles Henrickson (263), Matthew Fuller (165), and Paul Scofield (165).
Grand Lodge 158th Annual Communication
St. Cloud Civic Center – April 8–9, 2011
Grand Master John L. Cook, Jr. and
Deputy Grand Master Thomas E. Hendrickson welcome you
Four Masons raised at Quarry Lodge with ten lodges assisting
Lodge News
& Views
page 6
Masonic
Family News
page 7
Ten lodges were represented and most took part in conferring the degree. Participating Lodges included Quarry Lodge No. 148, Prudence Lodge No. 97, Fraternity
Lodge No. 101, Lebanon Lodge No. 346, Tracy Lodge No. 155, Delta Lodge No. 119, Ben Franklin Lodge No. 114, Murray Lodge No. 199, and Lake Wilson Lodge
No. 262. Back row: Dave Rambow – 148; Kjell Turner – 97; Bob Demuth – 101; Mike Bell – 346; Ben Pamp – 55; Jim Nesseth – 97; Merle Cole – 346; Jerry
Randby – 6; Duane Pingeon – 97; Mike Maxwell – 119; Don Nichol – 97; Ronald Smidt – 148. Front row: Bud Muller – 97; Fred Benson – 97 (District Rep); Bill
Pamp – 155; Lanny Overson – 96; Grant Lillevold – 96; Doug Pamp – 155 (Area Deputy); Tim Knaak – 96 (Candidate); Bryce Stoltenberg – 114; Thomas Anderson
– 96 (Candidate); Bob Dorn – 114; Andrew Buntjer – 101; Dennis Rafson – 99; Nick Muller – 97 (Candidate); Curt Reinert – 155; Al Peterson – 97; Ervin Pribyl –
148; Don Gass – 199; Douglas Theel – 148. Not pictured: Ray Pierson – 262; Verne Long – 148 (photogrpher).
The Master Mason Degree was put on by
the very best of the ritualists in southwestern
Minnesota. Several of the active degree team
members met a few days before the degree
was put on for a practice. Quarry Lodge furnished the evening meal for the practice and
furnished the noon meal the day of the degree
from the famous Lange's Café & Bakery.
Over the past 64 years I’ve had the opportunity as Lodge member, as a District
Representative, as a Custodian, and as a GL
member to see the 3rd degree put on—and
I’ve seen some really good ones, BUT in all
honesty, what these fellows, from so many
different lodges, did here in Pipestone that day
was as smooth and as close to flawless as I’ve
ever witnessed. We were all impressed.
Submitted by Past Grand Master Verne Long
Strength in Lodges
M.W.B. John L. Cook, Jr.
Grand Master
The time is rapidly approaching us
and another chapter in Minnesota
Masonic history is about to close. I sit
here at my desk realizing that this is my
last article in the Minnesota Mason that I
will write as your Grand Master. I am not
saddened, because each day that I have
served you, it has been with every ounce
of my energy to ensure that Masonry
stays a part of Minnesota. By that I mean
ensuring that lodges grow stronger in
Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, and
maintaining a vision to serve their communities, while striving to be better men.
Let us enjoy this auspicious occasion,
and the beautiful season of the year, when
nature is putting off the pomp of her summer regalia, her livery of green, coronal of
flowers. It has been a year that, as your
Grand Master, I am extremely proud to be a
part of Minnesota Masonry. I will choose
not to make my official account of my
duties here that will be part of our Annual
Communication. Instead I will give an
account of those visions that make Masonry
the fraternity it is. Furthermore, I will not
use this time to identify lodges by name, but
by what I feel defines these brothers as having ideas that embrace Masonry.
I could not begin without first and foremost thanking every Mason across this great
state for the genuine courtesy and brotherly
love each of you has shown me as your
Grand Master. Many Lodges that I visited
have special characteristics, not characteristics that can be explained but these are lodges
that, when you walk into the lodge room,
you get a cold chill from feeling the history
woven into its wall. Walls that define what
Masonry stood for years ago and today.
There are a few lodges that have some
unique programs or have developed ideas
that set them apart. There is a lodge that has
a program called “The Housewives of
Minnesota Masons” (I should say this is not
truly the name but close). This group was
formed to promote unity among the ladies
of the lodge. They get together in two ways.
Sometimes, while the brothers are meeting,
their ladies go out to dinner. Other times the
wives and children are invited to the lodge
for dinner before the stated meeting.
Another lodge that has membership
as a priority uses their website to capture
90-95% of its new members. They average
approximately 15–20 new brothers a year.
They have an inquiry page and, once a man
fills out the page, it goes to the Master,
Wardens, Secretary and chairman of the
membership committee. The person will get
a response within 24 hours, normally from
the membership chair. At the same time, he
lets all the officers know he has responded
to the inquiry. Depending on the type of
inquiry the man may be invited to meet for
coffee, or even to the lodge. A third lodge
has a calendar that has a community program every month. They work hard to show
themselves to their community. They love
their work so well that they are the first
Minnesota Lodge to win the Mark Twain
Community Awareness Award sponsored by
the Masonic Information Center.
How about those lodges that have programs that keep getting better year after
year, like their annual outdoor degrees.
Many have taken to doing table lodges, but
there are those that use it for degree work,
and others find it is a great way for friends
and family to enjoy an evening together.
Lodges that have an annual picnic so brothers and friend can renew those special
bonds. Lodges that have taken an ancient
tradition and found a way to support their
community and lodges by working together
and making pasties. I must admit I made my
contribution to this effort and have eaten
well. Many lodges took this past year and
concentrated on their future—membership,
not by raising one new Mason but several.
One group of lodge leaders had their
degree work at the Minneapolis Scottish Rite
and raised 14 new Masons. Then there were
lodges who brought the candidates to the
One-Day-to-Masonry event. I will forever
say that membership must be a top priority of
every lodge. I strongly suggest that there be a
membership committee in every lodge, especially if you have not raised a new Mason in
three years or more. There was even a lodge
that took a candidate to our neighboring
jurisdiction—Wisconsin—and had a great
day of degree work and fellowship.
There were two lodges who saw the
need to improve their lodge buildings. One
remodeled the kitchen, and the other
thought about their senior membership by
putting in an elevator. The planning stages
CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM
The Minnesota MASON
Name __________________________
Lodge __________________________
Old Address ______________________
Old City __________________________
Old State/ZIP ______________________
New Address ______________________
New City ________________________
New State/ZIP ____________________
New Phone ______________________
Effective date of change ______________
Mail:
Office of the Grand Secretary
11501 Masonic Home Drive
Bloomington, MN 55437-3699
Phone:
952-948-6700 or 800-245-6050
Email:
[email protected]
2
March–April 2011
VOL. 58, No. 6
The Minnesota MASON (USPS 593460) is the only official publication of the
Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Minnesota.
It is published bimonthly in JanuaryFebruary, March-April, May-June, JulyAugust, September-October, and
November-December.
Office of publication of The Minnesota
MASON is the Grand Lodge of
Minnesota, 11501 Masonic Home Drive,
Bloomington, Minnesota 55437-3699.
Telephone number is 952-948-6700.
Periodicals
Postage
Paid
at
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 and
additional entry offices.
POSTMASTER: Please send address
corrections to The Minnesota MASON,
11501
Masonic
Home
Drive,
Bloomington, Minnesota 55437-3699.
Design & Layout
Bobbie Lampi
RSL desktop publishing services
[email protected]
have just been announced for the renovation
of the only lodge building that is on
Minnesota’s historical register. This lodge
wants to raise a million dollars to do major
improvements and ensure the lodge’s future.
There are many good and great things
lodges are doing, and I commend every
lodge for having the vision and strong leadership. Of course nothing is perfect, and
there are a few lodges that need to revitalize
themselves. To do that you do not have to
reinvent the wheel, but first and foremost
you just need someone who can be a strong
leader, one who has the desire to relight the
spark. This cannot be just talk. It will be
hard work, with tough decisions and serious
planning. But there is plenty of help, so
form a team, go to other lodges, find out
what they do best, use any of the ideas
here—as long as it gets you started, it’s the
right thing to do. You probably will need to
call in your District Representative, to help
you put your plan on paper. You are going
to have to ask brothers to come back to
lodge, but don’t just ask them to come back,
give them a job to do. When everyone first
sits down at the meeting, each one needs to
make a promise that Masonry will not die in
their heart nor in their community.
It has been a great year, one that every
Minnesota Mason should be proud of.
Stay well, my brothers, and keep up the
work in the quarry.
Fraternally,
John L. Cook Jr., Grand Master
Grand Master at Conference of Grand Masters
Grand Master John L. Cook, Jr. served as the Vice Chairman of the Conference of Grand Masters
in North America held recently in Denver, Colorado. Almost all Grand Masters and Grand
Secretaries from across North America attend the annual conference. M.W. Brother Cook is
shown here on the left, enjoying a pleasant moment with Charles “Fuzzy” Cox, Grand Master of
Masons in Mississippi, and Gale Turner, Grand Master of Masons in Missouri, on the right.
Masonic reunions in Texas and Arizona
31st Annual Minnesota–Texas Reunion
We had a big surprise for Grand
Master John L. Cook, Jr. when he arrived
in Texas—we greeted him with
Minnesota weather, temperatures in the
30 degree range and freezing rain.
However, before he left us we were back
to our usual 75+ degrees.
The 31st annual Minnesota–Texas
Masonic Reunion was held at the Rio
Grande Valley Shrine Club in La Feria,
Texas on Saturday, February 5, 2011, with
89 Masons, wives and friends attending
from Texas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa,
Illinois, and Manitoba. Five Past Grand
Masters of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota
were present: Alyn Dull, Donald Flood,
Ward Sonsteby, Charles Baltos and Roger
Taylor. We were also pleased to welcome
Past Grand Master Kenneth Butchart of
Manitoba.
An excellent chicken and roast beef
dinner was served by the Shrine Club.
After dinner we were entertained by M.
W. Brother Baltos who played the guitar
and sang several songs; he also told a few
timely jokes.
The highlights of the evening were
provided by Grand Master Cook who presented a Widows Pin to Pat Schwappach—
a Minnesota widow, a 50-year pin to
Brother Reuben Van Luik from Valley
Lodge No. 174 and a 55-year pin to
Brother Hugh Heinecke from Cataract
Lodge No. 2. Both ceremonies were very
impressive. The Grand Master then spoke
about Masonry in Minnesota and the
upcoming Grand Lodge communication
and invited all to attend.
Saturday, February 4, 2012, is set for
the next reunion, same time, same place.
The Minnesota MASON
Pictured receiving his fifty-year award is Bro.
Reuben Van Luik, with his wife, Bettyann.
Minnesota-Arizona Masonic Reunion
Pictured, left to right, are: John Peterson, Past
Grand Master of Minnesota and 50-year award
recipient and current Master of Crescent
Lodge No. 207 in Staples; LaDonna Peterson,
Grand Master John L. Cook Jr; Norma Sandvig
and William E. Sandvig, 60-year award recipient, a member of Lake Harriet Lodge No. 277
in Minneapolis, and Past Potentate of Zuhrah
Temple (1988).
Mark your calendars—next year’s
Minnesota–Arizona reunion is tentatively
set for February 6, 2012, in Phoenix.
March–April 2011
Lodge Education Officer = LEO =
Leadership, Education, Oratory
Masonic Conundrum
Ed Halpaus, GLEO
Masonic Potpourri from the Grand L.E.O.
Dear Brethren,
By now many of you know that, tradition prevailing, I will be moving on to
other duties with our Grand Lodge, and
that there will be a new Grand Lodge
Education Officer. He will be installed at
our upcoming annual communication on
April 9th in St. Cloud.
Our new Grand LEO will be Brother
Stanley Shapiro of Albert Pike Lodge No.
237. Brother Stan has been the Lodge
Education Officer there for some time,
and he is a very knowledgeable and
insightful Masonic student and teacher.
Brother Stan is a retired medical
doctor, who in his practice specialized in
psychiatry. Stan and his wife Berta reside
in Minnetonka, which is close to Albert
Pike Lodge in Hopkins.
Brother Stan is an excellent Masonic
writer. I’m sure many of you who receive
the e-publication T.F.S. will remember
reading some of Brother Stan’s articles.
I’m very pleased that Stan will be taking
over as the Grand Lodge Education
Officer, and I look forward to the future
of Masonic education in Minnesota under
Stan’s leadership.
There is another improvement in our
Education Committee as well. Brother
Adam Lang of Trinity Lodge No. 282 in
Duluth will be heading up our Education
Committee as the chairman of the committee. Brother Adam has been heading
up our Masonic Light program, and under
his leadership it has been revised and has
grown significantly. The Masonic Light
program is definitely a program every
Masonic student would benefit from by
enrolling and taking part in it. Brother
Adam will be working closely with
Brother Stan to help improve the quality
of Masonic education in our jurisdiction.
This is truly an exciting time to be a
Masonic student. We are in such a wonderful time for the resurgence of Masonic
literature and education materials available; we haven’t seen a time with so
much good Masonic information available
since the mid-20th century as we have
had in the last ten years or so, and it
seems to be improving rather than waning. The Internet has a lot to do with it,
but still there are many good Masonic
books being published every month.
Speaking of that, our Minnesota
Masonic Book Club is still one of the best
ways to get and own good Masonic books at
a fair price. Our club always provides these
books to its members at a price that is lower
than the publisher’s list price. Our good
Brother John Freeburg heads up our book
club for our committee, and he does a fine
job with it. Joining our club is easy; simply
contact our Grand Secretary, R.W. Brother
Doug Campbell, telling him you would like
to join. If you have questions about it he can
answer them, or you can contact Brother
John for the answers too. Brother Doug’s
email address is [email protected] and
Brother John’s email address is [email protected]. If you don’t have a computer, simply phone our Grand Lodge office
at 800-245-6050 or 952-948-6700.
Another important thing for you to
know is that there is always room on our
committee for Masons who would like to
get involved with it to help promote
Masonic education, and we’re always looking for ideas to make Masonic education
better in the future for our jurisdiction. So
if you would like to be of help on our committee and/or have an idea that will help us
in our efforts, we would like to hear from
you. We’re actively looking for more
Masons to get involved. Contact Brother
Adam Lang at [email protected] or by
phone at 218-390-5828 or contact Brother
Stan Shapiro at [email protected]
or by phone at 952-935-8137. Plus you can
contact these two brothers by regular mail
by sending it to our Grand Lodge office at
11501 Masonic Home Drive, Bloomington,
MN 55437-3699. Please put to the attention
of either Stan or Adam.
On a personal note I have enjoyed my
eight years as the Grand LEO for the
Grand Lodge of Minnesota. I’m pleased
with the progress we have made in
Masonic education over those years. One
of my great pleasures in life is being a
Masonic student, and I am so thankful to
my late brother and friend, Frank Johnson,
who mentored me as a young Mason, and
who introduced me to the joys of learning
more about this wonderful fraternity. I will
continue learning and will continue to
help our Grand Lodge Education
Committee in the future as a member of it.
Being a Masonic student is a life-long
passion every Mason can enjoy, no matter
how much time and effort he is able to
invest. I say invest because as our Deputy
Grand Master, R.W. Brother Tom
Hendrickson (and tradition prevailing, our
next Grand Master), says, "Masonry is a
way of life,” and the way to make it a way
of life for each one of us is to take what
we learn, internalize it, and apply it, so
that it becomes a part of us; in that way
we can improve ourselves in Masonry.
Masonic Study Is Life Changing!
KidsID Program is back on track
The new KidsID program was rolled
out at the last annual communication in
March 2010 after completing three pilot
programs. The three pilot programs were
held in Rushford, St. Cloud and Mound.
During the pilot programs and the first
few programs hosted by the lodges, there
were major issues with the computer
equipment. It was recommended at a
Grand Lodge Corporate Board meeting to
bring in the company representative for
the equipment to watch a KidsID event in
person and see the problems first hand.
The company representative traveled to
Minnesota and watched an event in
October and saw the problems with the
equipment and software issues first hand.
He agreed to take all of the units back and
correct the problems, which also included
upgrading the software programs. This
resolved the major issues with the computer equipment, and events are now runMarch–April 2011
ning smoother. We hope lodges that experienced the problems with the equipment
will host another event and see the difference with the new units.
Since the start of the new KidsID program until January 25, 2011, there have
been fourteen KidsID events hosted by
local lodges with a total of 926 children
going through the program. There are currently six new events scheduled for 2011
and calls are coming into the Grand
Lodge office checking availability of
dates. The Grand Lodge is encouraging
local lodges to host a KidsID event in
their communities. The KidsID event is a
great way to provide an important service
to their community.
The KidsID program has received
endorsements from the following groups:
National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children, Minnesota Dental
Association, The Minnesota Sheriffs
Dear Masonic student,
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we
are unable to print the names of the Masons
who answered Masonic Conundrum #25.
We sincerely apologize for not being able
to provide the list of those learned and
excellent researches among our Brothers
who had the right answer.
Conundrum #25 answer
However, we can tell you that the
answer to Conundrum #25: the Annual
Feast of the Premier Grand Lodge taken
from: http://freemasonry.dept.shef.ac.uk/
(no longer active).
Conundrum #26
Just about every Mason knows that our
Brother, President George Washington,
took his degrees in Fredericksburg Lodge
in Virginia in 1752 & 1753. The 258th
anniversary of his 2nd degree was just this
past March 3rd. By the way the anniversary of his 3rd degree is coming up
August 4th, in case your Lodge would like
to have something to honor him then.
At the time, Fredericksburg Lodge was
a time immemorial Lodge, meaning it was
formed under the immemorial right of
Masons to meet as a Lodge. The first record
of this Lodge is a minute book dated
September 1, 1752, so that is the date
agreed to as the beginning of the Lodge at
Fredericksburg. It has been well recorded
that one of his favorite meals was Hoe
by L. C. Addison, Education Committee
Cakes, which are cornmeal pancakes
cooked on the blade of a large (clean) hoe
over the hot coals of a camp fire. The best
café I’ve found to get George Washington’s
favorite pancakes (and they’re labeled that
way on the menu) is at the K-Bob
Restaurant in Princeton, Minnesota. You
might want to stop by there on your way to
or from our annual Grand Lodge
Communication in April and have some
great Cornmeal Pancakes.
What seems to be a little known fact
about Fredericksburg Lodge is that it warranted other Lodges much as Mother
Kilwinning Lodge in Scotland is known
for. Here is the question: What are the
names of the Lodges warranted by the
Lodge at Fredericksburg.
When you have the answer you
can submit it by sending an email to
[email protected]. Or by
regular mail to Masonic Conundrum, c/o
The Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of MN,
11501 Masonic Home Drive,
Bloomington, MN 55437-3699. Please
remember to include your name and your
Lodge name and number. We will keep
track of who sends in the correct answers,
and the first one by date and time from
each area of our jurisdiction will receive a
nice prize from the Grand Lodge
Education Committee.
Masonic research is fun!
Grand Lodge booth at the Minnesota State Fair
The Grand Lodge Corporate Board
voted at its November 13, 2010, meeting
that the Grand Lodge would not renew its
space at the Minnesota State Fair for 2011.
The Grand Lodge has had a booth at
the Minnesota State Fair dating back to
the early 1980s and possibly earlier.
Reports state that at least since the early
1990s the Grand Lodge has had a booth
every year since then.
In the early years, the primary focus
was to disseminate information about the
Masonic Fraternity. Then the booth focus
changed to KidsID with photos and finger
prints only. The focus changed again in
2009, after it was decided the Grand Lodge
would expand the KidsID Program to the
national recognized Child Identification
Program. Hosting a KidsID event with the
new equipment requires more time and
space for processing each child through the
program. It is estimated it takes approximately 10–15 minutes per child.
The limited size of the booth at the
Minnesota State Fair (approximately 10
feet x 20 feet) and the time needed to
process each child through the new
KidsID program prohibited conducting
the KidsID program at the fair.
Therefore in 2009, the main focus at
the State Fair Booth was changed to handing out “Take 25 information.” The Take
25 information was provided by the
National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children organization. Take 25 is a national child safety campaign encouraging parents and or guardians to take time on May
25th, National Children’s Day, to talk to
their children about ways to stay safer. For
more information on the Take 25 program,
you can go to www.take25.org.
Starting in 2010 at the State Fair
booth, the Grand Lodge incorporated
Association, and The Minnesota Chiefs of
Police Association.
Please call Gary Odegard in the Grand
Lodge office, 952-948-6700 or 800-2456050, to schedule a KidsID event in your
community.
Robert L. Darling, Senior Grand Steward,
on behalf of the KidsID Executive Team
The Minnesota MASON
handing out information on both the Take
25 program and the Masonic fraternity.
The Minnesota State Fair is a place for
businesses and organizations to showcase
their products or services. The way a company or organization presents their goods or
services is a chance to make a lasting first
Impression to the fair goers. A company or
organization only has a limited time (maybe
1–2 minutes) as thousands of individuals
walk by their booths. Most experts state you
should retool your booth or presentation
every 3–5 years to make a bigger impact
and to stay current with the ever-changing
times. You should have your goods or services presented in a way that will show case
these items to the targeted audience.
The Grand Lodge Corporate Board
felt the information that was being presented at the State Fair did not showcase
the Masonic Fraternity. The cost for the
booth at the Minnesota State Fair is
approximately $10,000–$15,000 annually.
This cost includes the booth space rent
(with electrical supply), admission tickets
for volunteers, printing of brochures, and
shirts for volunteers. This does not
include all of the hours worked (donated)
by the volunteers to work at the booth.
Therefore, the Grand Lodge Corporate
Board decided not to have a booth at the
State Fair until it could put a program or
presentation together that would showcase
the Masonic fraternity.
Bob Darling, Senior Grand Steward
KidsID Program
is the nationally recognized Child
Identification Program, which includes
digital photos, digital videos, digital
voice recordings, digital finger prints,
and cheek swab for DNA, and personal
information stored on a CD. All this
information is given to the parent or
guardian. The computer software
equipment prevents any information
from being stored on the computer for
future access. The only items kept by
the Grand Lodge are the permission
slips signed by the parents or guardians.
3
COMPASSIONATE. COMMITTED. CAPABLE.
Stronger Together…by sharing a great evening together
NEW! Beginning in April
A new tradition designed for those who don’t often make it to the Minneapolis/St.Paul
metro area...A casual evening of families and friends breaking bread together while
learning more about the ways that your charity, Minnesota Masonic Charities,
can support your activities in your community.
Masons, Stars, fraternal and non-fraternal guests are heartily welcome.
Social at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m, with a smart and short film and program
following.
Family-style Italian dinners will be provided:
Adults – $20
Children 6 to 12 – $10
Children under 6 -–free
Check out these dates for the one nearest you:
April 16 at Willow Creek Golf Club Rochester
April 23 at North Star Lodge, St. Cloud
April 30 at Scottish Rite Center, Duluth
You can make reservations by credit card online at www.mnmasoniccharities.org
or by phone at 952-948-6004. Prefer to pay by cash or check at the door?
Then simply call 952-948-6004 and tell us how many will be in your party.
A new way to spell “Filanthropy”: Fun. Family. Fraternal.
Riddle:
Name three things that MMC Matching Grants and MMC Scholarships have in common.
1.
They are both supported through Minnesota Masonic Charities AND they both have matching funds
available. (Matching Lodge & Chapter Scholarships are now a higher match in 2011 as matching funds for
scholarships have been raised to up to $2000 per Lodge or Chapter.)
2. Both depend upon the initiative of the members of Minnesota Lodges and Chapters - Matching Grants
support programs and services in local communities that have been chosen by local Masons and Stars.
Matching Scholarships provide matching funds for scholarships given to student recipients chosen by the local
Lodge or Chapter.
3.
Both are successful opportunities for Masonic philanthropy demonstrated by the continual growth in
number of Lodges and Chapters participating every year.
Riddle solved.
MINNESOTA MASONIC CHARITIES
4
952.948.6004
The Minnesota MASON
March–April 2011
Our Vision
••
To be the charity of choice because of the difference we make.
Minnesota Masonic Charities and the Minnesota Masonic Historical Society & Museum hosted the annual
MMHSM celebration of President, General, and Worshipful Brother George Washington on February 26 at
Landmark on the Bluffs, Masonic Home Bloomington, and welcomed a large and smiling crowd and one
very special guest.
Inventor, Printer, Statesman and Past Grand Master,
Dr. Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was keynote speaker.
With an amazing physical resemblance, Mr. Dean Bennett
has created the persona of Dr. Franklin since 1981 and has
appeared throughout the country and overseas, at the White
House, the National Archives, and on the Discovery Channel
and A & E. He kept the crowd listening intently with anecdotes
and “insider knowledge” about his life and relationships with
some of the greatest of our founding fathers
(most of whom were also Masons...)
PGM Ben Franklin with three honorees of
the Minnesota Masonic Historical Society &
Museum: (left to right) Curator Dave
Nystuen, W. Bros. Gary Bill, and Jack
Morehouse. (Photo courtesy of Lissa Bill.)
A social hour which included mulled wine, a tasty catered dinner
of roast turkey with all the fixings plus the opportunity to honor
the tireless commitment of three Historical Society volunteers added
to the evening. Curator Dave Nystuen, and W. Bros. Gary Bill,
Cataract Lodge No. 2 and and Jack Morehouse, Newport Lodge
No.118 were acknowledged by MMC CEO Eric Neetenbeek for
their years of dedication to preserving, curating and exhibiting
the historical artifacts of Minnesota Masonry.
After spending last year with President George Washington,
and this year with Ben Franklin, enthusiastic guests asked
as they departed, when and who for next year? Stay tuned.
A shared laugh with men in uniform: Ben Franklin and, standing left to right, Don Warden, Bob Selden, Don Baumann, and
Fred Vihovde,seated, all of the Minnesota Chapter No. 25 of
Sojourners International.
Sign of the Times...
If you are planning to go to
St. Cloud for the 2011 Grand Lodge
Communication, April 7–9, be sure
to stop by the MMC booth for
information, grant applications,
giveaways and a “nice to see ya...”
Good acting job all around:
Ben with MMC Chair, Rita Glazebrook, and
Grand Secretary, Doug Campbell.
It’s free, it’s informative,
and it’s about good stuff...
Have you received your
copy of the Spring 2011
issue of the Pillars
magazine?
(photo by S. Beddow)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Main: (952) 948-6004
Web: mnmasoniccharities.org
Just curious: My Lodge and my wife’s Chapter are thinking about going
in together on a project for a local food shelf. Is that something where we
could apply for a matching grant—or does it have to be only one group that
can apply, like a Lodge OR a Chapter?
D.S. Duluth area
ANSWER:
Call 952-948-6004 for a copy
or contact us at
www.mnmasoniccharities.org
We suspect there will be a food shelf that will be very grateful for your
curiosity...
YES, you can absolutely apply for one grant sponsored by both a Lodge and
Chapter. Several of our most successful grants have been those that were such
a collaboration—and they were renewed the following year! Call 952-948-6206
for an application or you can download one at www.mnmasoniccharities.org.
Eric Neetenbeek, President/CEO
(952) 948-6213
[email protected]
Sara Beddow, Director of Communications
(952) 948-6202
[email protected]
John Schwietz,
Director of Fund Development
(952) 948-6209
[email protected]
Deb Cutsinger, Executive Assistant
(952) 948-6206
[email protected]
Sandy Knoke,
Fund Raising Administrative Assistant
(952) 948-6208
[email protected]
WWW.MNMASONICCHARITIES.ORG
March–April 2011
The Minnesota MASON
5
News & Views from the Lodges
Mora Lodge conducts degree work
Fresh officer line at Winslow Lewis Lodge
At the end of a recent E.A. Degree at Mora Lodge No. 223 particpants posed for a photo. Back,
left to right: Brian Beerman, Brian Sjoberg, Warren Sjoberg, and Dean Randt. Front, left to right:
Mark Bruske, Don Suave (the new Entered Apprentice), and Ed Halpaus.
Ancient Landmark No. 5 holds installation
After many years, Winslow Lewis Lodge No. 125, Anoka, has a fresh progressive line with no Past
Masters. “This is as much a credit to the Worshipful Brothers who shored up the lodge in prior
years as it is to the current line officers of no Past Masters.” said WM John Hepola. During the
Installation of Officers ceremony, W. Master John Hepola delivered his stirring “I have brothers
there” speech to the audience. Pictured, back row: Chaplain Jim Luchsinger, and Treasurer Llyod
Bendickson; middle row: SD Johnnie Fair, Jr., and JD Scott Wagener; and first row: SW Joel
Noble; WM John Hepola; and JW Jason Ashmead
Ben Franklin No. 114 donates to Honor Flight
Ancient Landmark Lodge No. 5 installed officers on January 8, 2011, at the Saint Paul Masonic
Center. Front row: Junior Warden Joe Amos, W. Master Drew Bjorklund, and Senior Warden Keith
Reierson. Middle row: Junior Deacon Jeremy Nienow, L.E.O. WB Barnes Sharitt, Treasurer WB
Alan Peterson, Marshal WB Allan Floyd, Senior Deacon Danny Baker, Secretary Doug Kuchera.
Back row: Chaplain WB John Watson, Senior Steward Terry Mallberg, Junior Steward Johnnie
Timm, and Tyler Mickey Cupkie
Minnesota River Valley Lodge No. 6 Hiram Award
Ben Franklin Lodge No. 114, Luverne, recently donated $1000 to the Honor Flight program. Over the
years Ben Franklin Lodge has donated many hours helping serve the veterans at the local veterans
nursing home. The donation was a natural extension of that service. Lodge officers shown making
the presentation are Secretary Robert Dorn; W. Master Jerry Wieman; Terry Guilden, President of
Southwest Honor Flight; Sr. Warden LeRoy Luitjens; and Treasurer Everett Brandenburg.
65-year pin awarded
MWB John L. Cook, Jr., Grand Master of Masons in Minnesota, right, and DGM Thomas
Hendrickson, left, were on hand to congratulate WB Charles Richter with PM Gary Sankary.
Minnesota River Valley Lodge No. 6,
Shakopee, awarded Charles H. Richter the
Hiram Award. Past Master WB Gary
Sankary presented WB Richter his award
at Minnesota River Valley’s annual Table
lodge on January 15, 2011, held at the
American Legion in Montgomery.
WB Sankary remarked, “WB Richter
has been the behind-the-scenes guy for our
lodge for years. He’s one of those brothers
who works quietly to make things happen
for our lodge. He’s been responsible for
helping lead our Kolacky Days Fundraiser,
our food booth, organizing our KC/Masons
Dinner, and heading our finance committee, among other things. WB Richter has
been active in the Shrine as well, a leader
of the Ho-Ho Shrine Club and skilled driver of a very sleek mini-car.”
6
WB Richter exemplifies an upright
Mason, with strong community ties. He is a
past commander of the Montgomery
American Legion and a leader in his community, always looking for a way to help
the community and make a difference; last
year he organized the lodge’s participation
in the Montgomery Area ECFE Picnic.
Members were able to help out selling food
and making a donation to the organization.
Moorhead Lodge No. 126 W. Master Michael
Feske is shown presenting Brother Garfield
McAllen with his 65-year member pin and certificate at his home.
Hiram Award presented
at Lake Superior Lodge
Brother seeks Pilot Employment
Experienced charter pilot looking for work
as a professional pilot. Has flown charter,
cargo and air ambulance.
Contact the Grand Lodge office if you
know of any open positions in the area.
Prudence Lodge No. 97
installs officers
Lake Superior Lodge No. 349, Duluth, presented
the Hiram Award to Brother Bruce A. Carson.
Pictured, left to right, are Grand Lodge District
Representative David L. Houle, W. Brother Bruce
A. Carson and W. Master Craig Kvale.
The Minnesota MASON
W. Master Tracy W. Nitch and a full slate of officers were installed on December 27, 2010, at
Prudence Lodge No. 97 in Windom. The
evening started with a delicious pot luck dinner to celebrate St Johns Day and was followed by the open Installation. Every seat in
the lodge room was filled, with 44 friends and
family members attending. Pictured is W.
Master Tracy Nitch being congratulated by
Deputy Grand Master Thomas Hendrickson
who served as Installing Officer.
March–April 2011
News from the Masonic Family
The Masonic Code
The Masonic Code consists of State
Laws and Statutes, Constitution of Grand
Lodge, General Regulations and Standing
Resolutions. Do we, as Masons, have an
obligation to know the content of the
Masonic Code? Section C2.03 of Article II.
Masonic Laws, Ancient Constitutions having the force of Ancient Landmarks, states
at (3) “that obedience to Masonic Law and
authority, being voluntarily assumed, is of
perpetual obligation.” Also, Section C2.04
states that our actions are regulated and
controlled by Ancient Landmarks, Written
Constitutions and General Regulations,
Rules, Edicts and Resolutions, usages and
customs as to Masonic matters. So the
answer is, without question, yes, we have
an obligation to know the content of the
Masonic Code.
Also, you may recall from the last
installation of officers in your Lodge that
the Worshipful Master’s obligation is to
comply with the Constitution, Laws, Rules
and Regulations of the Grand Lodge of the
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of
Washington, DC Bus Trip
Roseau Lodge No. 268 is organizing a
chartered, 4-day bus trip to Washington, DC
to tour the George Washington Masonic
Memorial and other Masonic sights in
August 2011. The luxury coach has TVs,
bathrooms and comfortable chairs.
Brethren will be able to board the bus
in areas close to where they live.
For information and to get on the reservation
list, call Michael Kvarnlov at 218-386-1554
or email [email protected]
Think Spring …
Minnesota, the Bylaws of their own
Lodge, and all other ancient Masonic
usages, so far as the same shall come to
his knowledge. Thus, as a Mason, he
should cling to the old Landmarks and
have a knowledge of the laws, language
and literature of Freemasonry. The installation also instructs the Worshipful Master
that “the Book of Constitutions you are to
search at times. Cause it to be read in your
Lodge, that none may pretend ignorance
of the excellent precepts it enjoins.” Also,
in the Committee on Masonic Research
and Education publication Officers Duty
Booklet, it is stated as the first of sixteen
duties to “know the Ancient Landmarks
continuously study the Masonic Code of
Minnesota and the Masonic Manual and
the Bylaws of his Lodge.” The importance
of acquiring a working knowledge of the
Masonic Code cannot be overstated.
Fraternally yours,
Dick Sellman
Mesaba Lodge #255
Hibbing, Minnesota
Minnesota Job’s Daughters
2nd Annual All-Masonic Day
Minnesota Twins & Detroit Tigers
at Target Field
All members of the Masonic Family are
welcome – bring your friends and family.
Game Day: Sunday, July 24th @ 3:10 p.m.
Sections U & V – Skyline Deck
Tickets $40 – includes a custom
souvenir commemorative T-shirt.
Information at http://www.mnjd.org
Click on the ball player at the bottom
or e-mail [email protected]
or call 763-550-9369
Huron District BSA and Minnesota Masons
The Grand Lodge of Minnesota Masons
has been a Chartered Partner with the Huron
District of the Boy Scouts of America for
over ten years. The Huron District is the
name given the non-geographic grouping of
the 60-plus units and 1,500-plus youth we
serve. Consistent with the teachings of
Masonry, this partnership serves these youth
who come from socio-economically challenged homes in high risk and low income
neighborhoods. 95% of our programs are at
schools with more than 85% of their youth
qualifying for free or reduced lunch.
These youth benefit from our partnership
and also need our volunteer and financial
support. An intense effort is underway in the
Twin City metro area to obtain volunteer and
financial support. Each Metroeast and
Metrowest Area Lodge will receive a request
asking for volunteer leaders and financial
support in two areas:
1. Money to go to the Northern Star
Council of the Boy Scouts of America in
support of Huron District to help defray
the costs of hiring professional leadership and to provide program support.
The majority of these youth come from
single-parent homes where mom has to
work to provide support for her family
which prevents her from providing volunteer support for her Scouting children.
2. Money to go to camping scholarships
so the youth can participate in camping activities along side of their peers
who come from homes that can provide volunteer and financial support.
All Masons in the entire state of
Minnesota are encouraged to consider
March–April 2011
making a contribution to the camping
scholarship fund for these 1,500 youth
to enable them to participate in Boy
Scout camping activities (prepare your
check and enter the information in the
coupon at the bottom of this article).
You will be happy to know that our
Minnesota Masonic Charities pays the
registration fees for these partnership
units. MMC has also provided funds for
GPS units to be used in Scouting Units to
attract disadvantaged youth and give them
an activity to keep them interested in the
Scouting Program and hopefully keep
them away from the criminal activities
that prevail in their neighborhoods.
A committee of active Minnesota
Masons with assistance from the
Northern Star Council supports all the
units and youth in the Huron District.
Thank you for your volunteer and
financial support of the youth in Huron
District.
2nd Annual Rev-up
For Camp-up
A ride to reduce the cost of camp
for Minnsota Job’s Daughters
Saturday – May 21, 2011
Camp Lake Hubert
Ride begins:
At your Lodge or wherever
your group chooses to meet.
Fun begins:
Cookout at 3:00 p.m.
Camp Lake Hubert near Nisswa, MN
Shown with the bikes at one of the many rides
last season are Lloyd Bendickson and Lane
Guyot. The Masonic Motorcycle Club International
annual meeting will be held in Red Wing this year,
August 1-5, with W. Brother Ken White from
Winslow Lewis Lodge No. 125 and Montgomery
Lodge No. 258 being installed as the president for
the coming term.
We’ll have music, fun, and fellowship. A tour
of Camp Lake Hubert will be given and we will
enjoy a ride around Lake Country. Bring a
bedroll and join us for Breakfast at the
Country Kitchen in Baxter.
Saturday only: $30/rider, Overnight: $50/rider
RSVP by May 15, 2011
Jimmy Harris, [email protected]
One if by land, two if by sea, or would email be faster?
The British are coming! The British
are coming! And a few others from across
the Big Pond.
This June 2-5, 2011, the Sir Winston
Churchill Lodge No. 351 will be host to
the annual meeting of Internet Lodge No.
9659. This is the world’s first virtual lodge
and, while it is based out of Manchester,
UK, it includes brothers from around the
world. Hosting this meeting is an historic
first for Minnesota Masonry, and all are
cordially invited to participate in any of
the events planned to welcome our distinguished guests.
The keystone event will be a first ever
presentation of the “Emulation Ritual”
Master Mason degree in Minnesota, conducted by our British and Canadian brothers at the historic Minneapolis Scottish
Rite Temple. The Emulation Ritual is that
used by the vast majority of British
Commonwealth lodges and is one of several ritual forms officially endorsed by the
United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE),
the birthplace of Ancient Craft Masonry.
It will also include explanations of the
origins of various elements and how they
differ from our Prestonian Ritual. This is
an event not to be missed, especially by
those with an interest in ritual.
Following the Emulation Ritual 3rd
degree, we will retire to the stately
Minneapolis Club for a British-style Festive
Board, hosted by our own Sir Winston
Churchill Lodge No. 351. The Festive
Board will feature seven special toasts,
styled to this unique event, to celebrate the
Lion of Winter, Winston Churchill, and our
strong ties to the Sceptered Isle. Good
cheer and a sharing of Masonic knowledge
and tradition will be the order of the day as
we cement the fraternal bonds between our
great bastions of liberty and fraternity.
Our other events during the weekend
include an authentic American BBQ, paddle boat cruise on the St. Croix, fishing
expedition on the Minneapolis Lakes, a
pedal pub tour of Northeast Minneapolis,
scavenger hunt at the Mall of America
(for the ladies), and much more.
Complete information on the visit can be
found at www.churchilllodge.org or call
WB Frank Harris at 612-673-0013. All
events have limited seating, so we encourage you to make your reservations soon.
Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!
Templar Lodge No. 176
presents the
77th Annual Lynnhurst
Turkey Dinner
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Masonic Discount!
Social at 5:00 • Dinner at 6:30
St. Paul Osman Shrine Circus
Name:___________________________
Crowne Plaza
March 31–April 3, 2011
Address:_________________________
Great River Ballroom
Minnesota State Fairgrounds Coliseum
City/State/ZIP:____________________
11 East Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul
My contribution to Huron District, BSA,
Youth camping scholarships:
Mail this coupon and your check
payable to Northern Star Council to:
Northern Star Council, BSA
5300 Glenwood Avenue
Golden Valley, MN 55422
$26 per person/$260 table of 10
Contact WB Chris Ronich
[email protected]
612-961-3051
The Minnesota MASON
Discount is $5 per ticket, a 20–30%
saving from regular prices!
For the best discounts and to select your
own seats, get your tickets on-line at
http://www.OsmanCircus.com .
Use the special Masonic Discount Code:
MASON2
7
Second annual membership seminar
Brethren, this a short synopsis of the
Minnesota Grand Lodge membership seminar
which I attended. I felt it was so worthwhile that
I wanted to share its highlights. The thoughts
rendered here are those of the speakers that day
and not my own. The speakers included two
Masters of Minnesota Lodges that had made
great turnarounds, Jeffrey Sowder, a Past
Potentate and Past Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of Kansas, and Christopher Hodapp,
author of Freemasonry For Dummies.
Over the past ten years, Minnesota has
been losing an average of 13 members per
week. The main theme of the day was the “3
Rs”; Recruitment, Retention, and Restoration.
We are not meeting the expectations of our
members. What we need is not membership
GAIN, but membership IMPROVEMENT.
Due to popular movies, TV shows, and
Dan Brown books, Masonry is in the spotlight
for the first time in decades. We have an
opportunity for a membership BOOM if we
take advantage of it. The 60s and 70s left our
Craft in a rut. “The only difference between a
rut and a grave is the depth.” Too many
Lodges have 300 members and have seven
show up to a meeting. Is an episode of CSI
more interesting than a Lodge meeting?
Recruitment
Who are we? Why are we part of this
organization? Masonry is not “just another
men’s club” and must never become so. We are
a part of the largest, oldest, and greatest fraternity in the history of mankind for a reason. We are
NOT ordinary, we are exceptional. Be proud of
it, and let others know! Surveys show new members want it BETTER, not quicker, cheaper, or
easier. People value something more when it is
hard to attain, making it harder to leave. Try to
think like a new candidate.
Have everybody in your Lodge think of two
men they know who would make good Masons.
DON’T think of two men you think would
JOIN. Everybody knows two men. Regardless
of whether you think they would join or not,
invite them to your information or guest night.
Also invite the mayor, city councilmen, businessmen, teachers and coaches. They just may
surprise you. Even if they don’t join, they still
can be a positive mouthpiece for the Craft.
When men ask for information we must
respond IMMEDIATELY. A candidate should be
treated as a VIP in every sense. Also their wives
must feel a part of the lodge also. Keep them
informed. If you “get” the wife, you’ve got the
guy. Have a written membership plan. No goals
a review by Bro. Derek Berg, SW – Mystic Star No. 69 and LEO – Preston No. 36
+ No expectations = No results. Make use of the
appendant bodies. Their future is directly tied to
the success of the Blue Lodges. They WANT us
to succeed! Always keep a petition in your car.
BE VISABLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY! In
the 1700s everybody in America knew what
Freemasonry was and what we stood for.
Retention
In the last ten years Minnesota has lost
3,212 members for non-payment of dues. That
is sickening because these are men who wanted
to be members but we didn’t meet their needs.
We failed them! Retention begins when you
give them a petition. We are a volunteer organization that men are paying good money to
belong to. Are we making our good men better?
What are members’ needs? Fraternity, a need to
feel useful, a sense of accomplishment, having
a respect for their time. Communicate!
Communicate! Communicate! Use many different modes of communication: websites, email,
snailmail, Facebook, Twitter, etc. A member
1,000 miles away wants to feel appreciated and
remembered too. Post cards only cost 28 cents.
Keep members engaged. Contact members
who don’t come to lodge and find out why.
Are there ways they can be useful? Do they
need a ride? Are there health problems or troubles at home? Be flexible to your members’
needs. If you have a lot of members in nursing home, have electric wheelchair races, etc.
Adapt and overcome. Keep activities FUN.
Try new things. Look for fresh ideas. All great
ideas come from somebody else.
Restoration
Look at your secretary minutes for members who demitted. Why? Were their needs not
met? Talk to them, explain how things have
changed and get them back in the fold. No
matter what, keep them in the communication
loop (mailing list) for at least a couple of
years. They joined for a reason. They also left
for a reason. Break down the walls.
In conclusion, use every communication
media there is—website, Facebook, email,
snail mail, posters, advertising, and telephone.
All members need CONSTANT contact! Ask
yourself, what are members getting out of their
membership? Can they “take something home”
from every meeting? Are we making these
good men better? Stay away from “That’s the
way we’ve always done it.” Don’t be afraid to
try new things and dare to succeed.
May the Grand Architect of the Universe
bless you and this great fraternity.
New Minnesota Master Masons raised in 2010
Congratulations to each of the 395 new Master Masons raised during 2010, to their Masonic family members and to these lodges that brought them into Masonry.
St. Johns Lodge No. 1
Stillwater
Lee, Allen V
Olson, Eric D
Solberg, William E
Sullivan, Brand W
Thomsen, Happy B
Cataract Lodge No. 2
Minneapolis
Morris, Thomas W
Nielsen, Jeffrey S
Buckner, Michael B
Reiter, Jason
Kennelly, Stephen J
Wood, Scott F
St. Paul Lodge No. 3
St. Paul
Robinson, Craig A
Vierow, John E
Cusick, Christopher D
Ancient Landmark
Lodge No. 5, St. Paul
Guetter, Aaron M
Campbell, Jr., Robert K
Crespin, Jason
Cupkie, Mickey A
Doyle, Michael T
Ploeger, Eric
Rouleau, John M
Suarez, Louis
Timm, Johnnie
Bennett, Dustin
Hoven, Martin G
Korpah, John
Simmons, Jeremy T
Truitt, David E
Minn. River Valley Lodge
No. 6 Shakopee
Cotter, James M
Underwood, Thomas J
Dakota Lodge No. 7
Hastings
Thue, David A
Brown, William K
Murphy, Jesse
Novak, Robert
Uhl, Markus
Red Wing Lodge No. 8
Red Wing
Boigenzahn, II, Jeffery E
Ellison, Chris
Ellison, Dylan
McConnell, Timothy A
Thea, Paul
Faribault Lodge No. 9
Faribault
Herkenratt, Brian
Lavoi, Jason
Mankato Lodge No. 12
Mankato
Mourad, Houssam Abou
Wennes, Darcy L
Guthmiller, Benjamin D
Hanson, Craig
Bondy, Kevin
Halvorson, Nicholas D
Johnson, Marc H
Mizejewski, Dan
Olson, Adam
Polster, Jonathan B
Triantafelo, Robert J
Monticello Lodge No. 16
Monticello
Anecki, Art
Peterson, Joel B. G
8
Winona Lodge No. 18
Winona
Lamkin, Michael S
Mathis, David
More, Clinton
Minneapolis Lodge
No. 19, Minneapolis
Arnold, Christopher
Christensen, Thomas L
Hogan, Patrick M
Moore, Kevin J
Bucher, Noah S
Dehler, Brian L
Dillon, Ezra J
Grandgenett, Joseph D
Hedin, Mark A
Mills, Robert E
Mueller, Steven G
Oslund, Brett B
Bradley, Kenneth J
Brevig, Michael E
Kerfeld, Jason A
White, Colin C
Cranston, Daniel A
Cranston, Matthew W
Ellwood, Michael J
O’Dell, Michael G
Shanahan, Robert P
Slaughter, Kristofer A
Dailey, Damon Phillip
Rochester Lodge No. 21
Rochester
Coursey, Scott J
Dohrn, Dillan
Gillard, Douglas A
Grossman, Joshua
Pool, Eric T
Saunders, Casey
Koenck, Jr., James A
Smith, Darrell
Pleasant Grove Lodge
No. 22, Pleasant Grove
Ragan, Todd
North Star Lodge No. 23
St. Cloud
Hopkins-Hoel, Jesse
Meyer, Cullen
Pederson, Raymond
Skahan, Edward F
Meridian Lodge No. 25
Chatfield
Lee, Brian C
Western Star Lodge No.
26 Albert Lea
Grove, Anton P
Mickelson, Jeremiah
Schewe, Kevin
Clearwater Lodge No. 28
Clearwater
Mitchell, Ernest
Theisen, Todd M
Anoka Lodge No. 30
Anoka
Franz, Scott
Agustin, Paul
Carney, Timothy
Dawson, Ryan
Emery, III , William D
Kingdon , Steve
Miller, Nicholas
Storch, Bradley J
DiMatteo, Brian
Siegel, William
Stone, Tony
Young, Joshua
Goebel, Daniel J
Goebel, Daniel W
Neisz, Hans
Nelson, Kirk
Oerschlager, Blake
Star in the East Lodge
No. 33, Owatonna
Arriaga, Jose M
Baker, Greg
Matejcek, Eric
Peterson, Casey E
Johnson, Anthony L
Oriental Lodge No. 34
Cannon Falls
Grote, Jeffrey D
Shades, Kaleb W
Fidelity Lodge No. 39
Austin
Johnson, Jamie D
Reinartz, David E
Hope Lodge No. 42
Glencoe
Sheets, Shane P
Social Lodge No. 48
Northfield
Freeland, Alan W
Charles, David
Foster, Timothy
Maier, Erik
Accacia Lodge No. 51
Cottage Grove
Anderson, Sidney W
Hanson, Mark A
Heller, IV, Lawrence
Koehler, Grant J
Nicollet Lodge No. 54
St. Peter
Combellick, Blake A
Owens, Joseph
Honetschlager, Chad D
Honetschlager, Daniel J
Hartung, Michael
Thompson, Jerret
Dobie, Joseph R
Schoeb, Adam
White, Kenneth
Temple Lodge No. 59
Hutchinson
Martinez, Donald C
Star Lodge No. 62
Rockford
Reiter, Todd
Schauer, Brandon
Corinthian Lodge No. 67
Farmington
Freeburg, III, John N
Simon, Darren I
Simon, Jon D
Swager, Bradley
Cummings, Scott A
Grudzinski, Jarrod
Nelson, Steven
Slater, Sr., De Andre L
Franek, Russell R
Zierdt, Jerry
Mystic Star Lodge No. 69
Rushford
Hanson, Alan
Pederson, Cory
Tuscan Lodge No. 77
Waseca
Boje, Cory A
Hammell, Lucas
Miller, Jon S
Srp, Roy
Strand, Adam
Palestine Lodge No. 79
Duluth
Stockland, Chris A
Marsen, Benjamin
Underdahl, Thor
Constellation Lodge
No. 81, Alexandria
Fischer, Christopher
Johnson, Brian P
Wilson, Brian
Wilts, Timothy D
Hurum A’Bi Lodge No. 83
Kasson
Gregor, Bob
Hippert, Scott
Holst, Kurt
Saathoff, Jeffrey
Golden Fleece Lodge
No. 89, Litchfield
Kayser, David J
Larsen, Jerry
Kahleen, Lennie
Hoffman, Wes
Fraternal Lodge No. 92
Princeton
Craig, Lee
Libanus Lodge No. 96
St. James
Anderson, Thomas A
Knaak, Timothy J
Prudence Lodge No. 97
Windom
Muller, Nicholas E
Charity Lodge No. 98
New Ulm
Hazen, Douglas
Bourn, John A
Corner Stone Lodge
No. 99, Fergus Falls
Thoen, David
Aurora Lodge No. 100
Brainerd
Knight, Thurman
Billington, Bruce
Glassmann, Chris
Hintgen, David
Fraternity Lodge No. 101
Worthington
Bogie, Daniel
Buntjer, Andrew D
Bethel Lodge No. 103
Lake Crystal
Gilman, Seth
Jones, Aaron
Peterson, Matt
Sharon Lodge No. 104
Willmar
Bendix, Jed J
Huber, Earl J
Mt. Tabor Lodge No. 106
Detroit Lakes
Rindahl, Jeremy J
Steichen, Erick L
Bennett, Gary D
Van Dam, G. Andrew
Khurum Sunlight Lodge
No. 112, St. Louis Park
Ancier, Clifford
Zaun, Thomas D
Excelsior Lodge No. 113
Excelsior
Godiwalla, Yazad Y
Lane, Patrick B
Wilkerson, Jason M
Newport Lodge No. 118
St. Paul Park
Molenda, Keith
Momsen, Martin
Solt, Peter
Mott, Paul
Delta Lodge No. 119
Marshall
Berreth, Russell P
Winslow Lewis Lodge
No. 125, Osseo
Barber, John E
Reynolds, Anthony S
Wagener, Scott
Cross, Steven
Moorhead Lodge No. 126
Moorhead
Rosenfeldt, Gary
Vollmar, Jason
Golden Sheaf Lodge
No. 133, Morris
Nelson, Shane
Crookston Lodge
No. 141, Crookston
Axtel, Douglas
Hoiland, Mark
Halvorson, Travis
Stahlecker, Trent F
Canby Lodge No. 147
Canby
Sik, Daniel E
Plymouth Lodge No. 160
Crystal
Chea, Thomas B
Clinton, Frank S
Fofanah, Elvis A
Ponnie, Moses J
Sendolo, Teddy M
Brierton, Korey
Schwartz, R. Paul
Barnett, Justin
Barway, Sluward D
Blanchard, Kevin
Dougherty, Anthony
Peterson, Loren J
Weeks, Brownell D
Wilson, Kla M
Wonder, Sr., Thompson J
Minnehaha Lodge
No. 165, Minneapolis
O’Hara, Ryan T
Christopherson, Jason
Fullerton, Adam
Gonzalez, Gregory A
Philippi, Dennis M
Yale, Gregory L
Duncan, Warren
Penrose , Shane J
Garnet Lodge No. 166
White Bear Lake
Hughes, Mark
Carlson, Erik
Frey, Eric
Johnson, Anthony J
Smith, Alexander M
Tompsett, David N
Braden Lodge No. 168
St. Paul
Brown, Robert
Dorfsman, Jeff
Gallagher, Matthew
Grube, Timothy
Horon, Dan
Martins, Jac
The Minnesota MASON
Templar Lodge No. 176
St. Louis Park
Epstein, Philip W
Henry, Curtis
Lapakko, Dale
Scott, Christopher M
Soliday, Javan C
Leek, Todd B
Maddox, Claude C
Maroney, Ryan
Pabst, John
Peil, Jeffrey
Dalles Lodge No. 181
Cloquet
Nelson, Daniel
Painter, Dennis M
Arcana Lodge No. 187
Minneapolis
Ranallo, Larry
Settich, Nicholas J
Hunter, Matthew G
Wilson, Arlando L
Fortitude Lodge No. 188
Two Harbors
Kaylor, Tom
Mattson, Paul
Mizpah Lodge No. 191
South St. Paul
Gallahue, Tony
Houle, Mitchell
Hulse, Brent
Lanners, Mark
Ablan, James D
Ablan, Nicholas
Euclid Lodge No. 198
Duluth
Acker, Kevin J
Boisjoli, Kyle
Denzler, Christopher
Moore, Marcus C
Hite, Nicholas
Wayzata Lodge No. 205
Wayzata
Berg, Eric
Leviton, Nick
Christensen, Corey R
Gallagher, Kody
Raap, Alexander M
Verrico, Giuseppe Patrick
Wendover, Christopher
Itasca Lodge No. 208
Grand Rapids
Carlson, Caleb
Danielson, Simon
Fortune, Jeff
Sibley Lodge No. 209
Winthrop
Gordon, Charles J
Mystic Lodge No. 213
Aitkin
Christensen, William R
Kurtz, Carl B
Mora Lodge No. 223
Mora
Larson, James
Scheibe, Nate
Larson, Robert C
Maack, Jon A
Bemidji Lodge No. 233
Bemidji
Fisher, Jeremy
Gilstad, Anders C
Hemp, Travis
Kilde, Jeff
Liend, Jeremiah
Schneider, Dean
Northern Lodge No. 236
Thief River Falls
Anderson, Ben B
Howard, Kevin
Hustad, Jim
Albert Pike Lodge
No. 237, Hopkins
Hartke, II, Gary
Gatlin, Philip
Kinnard, Angus B
Roberts, Moses T
Eveleth Lodge No. 239
Eveleth
Turner, Steven
Mesaba Lodge No. 255
Hibbing
Spiering, Curtis J
Ulrich, John
Montgomery Lodge
No. 258, St. Paul
Elmquist, Chris
Salstrom, Douglas
Zack, Christopher
Tusler-Summit Lodge
No. 263, Roseville
Moss, Kay E
Buettner, Dan
Lyngdal, Steven J
Virginia Lodge No. 264
Virginia
Burns, Andrew C
Gustafson, Bradley C
Compass Lodge No. 265
Robbinsdale
Lehnertz, Mathew W
Ree, Christopher J
Bradley, Phillip E
Fisher, Matthew
Steller, Jason G
Roseau Lodge No. 268
Roseau
Johnson, Jacob
Kvarnlov, Christopher
Gustofson, David
Koochiching Lodge No.
270, International Falls
Wagness, Barrett
Helios Lodge No. 273
Cambridge
Miller, Zachary
Maas, Christopher S
Milliman, Robert G
Hematite Lodge No. 274
Chisholm
Chaput, Keegan J
Nutzhorn, Jeremiah D
Lake Harriet Lodge
No. 277, Minneapolis
Kramer, Jon
McVann, Ryan P
Rodacker, DuWayne
Haymaker, Mark H
Johnson, Jason V
Spaulding, Robert
Wagstaff, Reece K
Trinity Lodge No. 282
Duluth
Pfau, Michael W
Otter Tail Lodge No. 284
Pelican Rapids
Rivington, David D
Bjorgo, David
Ely Lodge No. 288
Ely
Cox, II, Loren A
Foster, David E
Loisel, Joseph G
Roberts, Paul
Macalester Lodge No.
290, St. Paul
Hunter, Shawn H
Sargent, Patrick D
Johnson, Lowell B
McCarthy, Patrick C
Red River Lodge No. 292
E. Grand Forks
Janzen, William
Thingvold, T. Kyle
Bolstad, Jacob
Biwabik Lodge No. 293
Biwabik
Pospeck, Donald J
Glen Avon Lodge No. 306
Duluth
Glendenning, Scott E
Hausch, Raymond C
Lindquist, Lance G
Meldahl, Scott
Reinertson, Erik D
Como Park Lodge
No. 324, St. Paul
Chastain, Chris
Edman, Micheal P
Ramos, Gerardo
Thomas, Jermain T
Taconite Lodge No. 342
Silver Bay
Morsette, Dan
Forest Lake Lodge
No. 344, Forest Lake
Ferneyhough, Stanley L
Miska, Justin
Simpson, Michael
Backman, Aaron
Schaller, Luke
Lebanon Lodge No. 346
Shakopee
Shipley, Mark A
Boever, Steven
Ross, David
Medhanie, Amanuel
Vazquez-Carrillo, Jesus
Ricardo
Herrmann, Ryan
Williams, Joshua
Brown, La’Narus
Porter, Joel
Rittman II, Peter
Ross, Vincent
Unizar Lodge No. 347
St. Paul
Jenkins, Derryl M
Hoeschen, Scott
Sir Winston Churchill
Lodge No. 351
Minneapolis
Ordorff, Michael
Gen. Douglas MacArthur
Lodge No. 352, St. Paul
Hall, Richard E
Sherry, Peter D
March–April 2011