March - April 2014 - The Grand Lodge of Minnesota

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 2014
VOL. 61, No. 6
Special donation made to MAC-V
Brother John Nagy
2014 Recipient of the
Duane E. Anderson
Excellence in Masonic
Education Award
David E. Olson
We Made a Difference
Grand Lodge
News
pages 1–3, 8
Minnesota
Masonic
Charities
The Grand Lodge recently made a Ladd Fund grant of $20,000 and Minnesota Masonic Charities
matched that amount, enabling the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans to make special grants to
help Minnesota veterans with the extraordinary heating and propane bills that many experienced this winter. Pictured from left to right are: Grand Secretary Douglas Campbell; Grand Master David E. Olson; Ms.
Kathleen Vitalis, CEO of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans; MWB Eric Neetenbeek, CEO of
Minnesota Masonic Charities; and Jimmy Collier, Regional Director for MAC-V. The $40,000 will be used
to help veterans throughout the state of Minnesota.
Dr. John S. Nagy
pages 4–5
Next One-Day-to-Masonry set for
June 21, 2014, at Minnehaha Lodge
Lodge News
& Views
page 6
Masonic
Family News
page 7
A special One-Day-to-Masonry event will
be held at Minnehaha Lodge No. 165, 5149
Bloomington Avenue South, Minneapolis, on
Saturday, June 21, 2014. This is open to all
Minnesota lodges—it is not just for Minnehaha
or the nearby lodges. As in the past, this OneDay-to-Masonry will again include a continental breakfast and a hearty lunch.
All three degrees will be portrayed in full
form. All Master Masons are invited and
encouraged to attend. Those on the sidelines
will enjoy the degree work every bit as much
as the candidates will. But space will be limited as Minnehaha Lodge hall is not as large the
Minneapolis Scottish Rite, where we normally
hold this event every January. But Minnehaha
Lodge is an air conditioned lodge hall, which
we hope will be needed on June 21st.
The total cost (not including the 2014
lodge dues) for each candidate will be $250,
which includes all degree fees and assessments,
the white leather apron, a ritual cipher and
Minnesota Masonic Manual, a copy of
Freemasons for Dummies, both meals and
other items.
The petitioning process can take two
months or more so do not delay—talk to your
candidates today. All petitions must be submitted to the lodge that your candidate will join.
The lodge will then submit the information on
his participation in this One-Day-to-Masonry
no later than June 13th.
As the world reeled from the attack on the
World Trade Center in 2001, Dr. John S.
Nagy’s life was forever changed when he first
held a white lambskin apron as a Freemason.
Suddenly the world looked different. As an
engineer, geometric designs took on new
meanings and as a business/life coach he
found that Masonry mirrored the education he
provided to others.
The Grand Lodge of Minnesota is excited
to announce that Dr. John “Coach” Nagy will
be coming direct from Florida to present at the
April Annual Communication. Bro. John’s talks
are directed towards all Masons interested in
Lodge Education and Mentoring who want to
make young Masons lives richer in the Craft.
As a multi-degreed educator, Dr. Nagy has
owned and operated a life coach business since
1989. He is a recognized author of the
”Builder Series” Masonic books, a regular
Masonic media contributing writer for Living
Stones Magazine, Working Tools Magazine,
Further Light magazine, Masonic Central
iTunes, and presentations within the Grand
Lodges of New York, Georgia, Mississippi,
Indiana, Maine, Michigan, and many more.
Plan on a transformative Masonic experience—as a mentor, lodge educator, and
Mason. The exact schedule is always subject
to change, but Brother Nagy is scheduled to
speak on Friday, April 4th, at 1:30 and
Saturday, April 5th, at 10:30. Call WB Doug
Campbell (800) 245-6050 to RSVP your
Annual Communication spot for Dr. Nagy’s
Friday and Saturday presentations today!
For all current Masons, sideliners and
degree workers, the fee for the two meals will
be $15. If a brother wants to witness just the
degree work, no meal reservation is required;
but if a brother plans on lunch, then we need
those reservations by June 14th.
Make reservations with the Grand Lodge
office at 952-948-6700 or 800-245-6050.
The Masonic Code on Members Stricken
from the Rolls
We made a difference
M.W.B. David E. Olson
Grand Master
Thank you, my brethren, for the great
privilege bestowed on me to serve as your
Grand Master. As my term winds down, I
can only reflect on the amazing experience
it has been. We started out with great plans
to continue to make a difference in
Minnesota, as our brethren have been doing
since 1853. Our plans were to continue the
good work that had been started in the past
with the aim of improving our efforts where
possible. This was done with the combined
effort of our Grand Lodge Officers, Grand
Lodge committees, Area Deputies, District
Representatives, Custodians and all who
were called upon to assist. My sincere thank
you to each of you!
The real joy in being Grand Master
comes from visiting our lodges. In each
of these visits, real Masonry is taking
place. Petitions were being read, degree
work was being done, fundraising was
taking place to help a cause, or a lodge
event was being planned. Whether in presenting scholarships, providing needed
dollars to local food shelves, or assisting a
brother in need, our lodges are stepping
up. I’ll also cherish the memories of honoring brothers, whether for years of membership or a Hiram award presentation. I
must also mention the great relationships
we have with our Masonic bodies and
youth organizations. These groups add so
much to the Masonic experience and I
thank each of you for your service.
We had a great trip to Philadelphia,
Gettysburg and Washington, DC in
October. This was, in part, to honor those
Minnesota brothers who fought and perished in the battle of Gettysburg. During
that trip we also opened the Grand Lodge
of Minnesota for an occasional meeting at
the George Washington Masonic Memorial
at Alexandria, Virginia. What an honor it
was to represent Minnesota Masonry.
Thanks to all who participated for making
our visit a truly memorable occasion.
KidsID got a needed boost by your
generosity in the key ring medallion mailing. Dollars raised enabled the Grand
Lodge to purchase six new KidsID stations. This allows us to have equipment in
outstate Minnesota, making it easier to
schedule events. MWB John Cook, coordinator of KidsID, is busy traveling the
state promoting this program and helping
to set up events. This is a great community
service project for every lodge to consider.
I look forward to greeting each of you
at the 161st Annual Communication, April
3-5. In addition to our necessary business,
there will be informative breakout sessions,
including Mentoring and Lodge Education
sessions led by Brother Dr. John S. Nagy,
Masonic author and life coach. Going to
Grand Lodge is always a great experience
for a Mason, so I encourage you to come
and be part of that great experience.
As I make final preparations for the
Annual Communication, I wish my good
friend, Deputy Grand Master James
Christensen, the very best success as he
prepares to lead our craft. R. W. Brother
Jim has excelled at every position he’s
held and has an outstanding group of
leaders supporting him.
I thank each of you for the courtesies
and kindness you have extended to me.
May you continue to practice the tenets of
Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Together We Make a Difference!
Finally, brethren, be ye all of one
mind. Live in peace and may the God of
love and peace delight to dwell with and
bless you!
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
David E. Olson,
Grand Master
Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M.
of Minnesota
Annual Communication
The most common suspension of
members is for non-payment of dues (the
Code refers to them as members stricken for
non-payment of dues). Any member whose
dues are not paid within one (1) year after
they are due and payable shall be deemed
delinquent, and his name shall be stricken
from the roll of the Lodge, unless there is
good reason . . . [G8.05]. This is not summarily done. The due process consists of
notice at a Stated Communication four (4)
months after a member becomes delinquent
that at a subsequent Stated Communication a
motion will be made to strike said member
from roll for failure to pay dues, naming him
[G8.05(a)]. The following day the Secretary
gives notice by registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, to said member that
his name will be stricken from the rolls for
non-payment of dues at a Stated
Communication, the date of which is specified [G8.05(b)]. If a member’s address is
unknown, no notice need be sent [G8.05(b)].
If the delinquent dues are not paid at the
specified Stated Communication date, the
member is stricken from the roll [G8.05(c)].
Such member is thereafter to be known as
an Unaffiliated Mason, with no further
Masonic rights or privileges [G8.05(c)].
If such member subsequently pays his delinquent dues, he becomes a Non-affiliated
Mason and may petition his old Lodge or
any other Lodge for affiliation [G8.05(c)].
It is the duty of the Grand Secretary to
make available, as of May 1st of each year,
a list of those members suspended for nonpayment of dues to the Secretary/Recorder
of those recognized Masonic bodies and to
the Secretary/Recorder of those other
organizations whose membership is based
on those recognized Masonic bodies as a
prerequisite to membership [G8.05(e)].
A suspended Mason is still amenable to
Masonic discipline, and charges may be
preferred against him and trial held thereon
[G8.13]. Likewise, one who is subject to
suspension for non-payment of dues can be
suspended, become an unaffiliate, and may
be tried for unmasonic conduct the same as
an affiliate [G8.13].
It is relatively simple and straight-forward for a member stricken from a Lodge for
non-payment of dues to be restored to membership by paying all amounts due his Lodge
within one (1) year of being stricken. A
Brother stricken by his Lodge for non-payment of dues may be restored to membership
by a majority vote of the Lodge, without
re-petitioning or investigation if within a year
of being stricken he pays everything necessary to make him clear on the books of his
Lodge [G9.08]. It is only slightly more difficult for a member if more than one year has
passed. If after one year he wishes to be
restored to membership, it will be necessary
that he petition the Lodge for restoration, and
having paid everything necessary to make
him clear on the books of the Lodge [G9.08].
The petition must then proceed in the same
manner as a petition for degrees or affiliation
[G9.08]. There is nothing in the Code that
requires such members to go through the
degree work again, except, of course, if they
were not yet Master Masons.
One caveat – a deceased Brother, who
has been dropped for non-payment of
dues, cannot be restored on the books of
the Lodge posthumously [G9.08(e)].
There are many interesting appendices
attached to Proceedings of The Grand
Lodge A.F. and A.M. – Minnesota; most
recently 2012. These proceedings are on
the Grand Lodge website. Appendix F is
an Abstract of Lodge Returns from 1996 –
2011 (16 years). It might surprise you to
find out the average number of members
stricken for non-payment of dues over this
16 year period is 351 per year or 5,623 for
the 16 year period. All of these men had an
interest in Masonry as, at a minimum, they
submitted a Petition for Membership and
likely a good number of them were Master
Masons. Unfortunately, some of these men
have undoubtedly passed away. Collectively,
we know all of these men or have the means
to find out. It would be prudent to contact
each of these stricken members still living
with a view to reinstating them.
Fraternally yours,
Dick Sellman,
Mesaba Lodge No. 255
Hibbing, Minnesota
April 3–5, 2014
Marriott Minneapolis Northwest
(formerly Northland Inn)
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
March-April 2014
VOL. 61, 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]
The Minnesota MASON
March–April 2014
Lodge Education Officer = LEO =
Leadership, Education, Oratory
First Impressions
It seems there are a million stories and
jokes out there that mean something to one
person and not the other. One story I recently
read talked about Morris Schwartz who was
on his deathbed, knowing the end was near,
with his nurse, his wife, his daughter and
two sons at his side. So, he said to them,
“Bernie, I want you to take the Minnetonka
houses.” “Sybil, take the condos in downtown Minneapolis.” “Louie, I want you to
take the offices in City Center.” Sarah, my
dear wife, you will have all the offices and
residential condos in St. Paul.”
The nurse was blown away by this, and,
as Morris slipped away, she said, “Mrs.
Schwartz, your husband must have been such
a hardworking man to have been such a success.” With that Sarah replied, “What Success?
The schmuck only had a paper route!”
First impressions happen whether we
want them to happen or not. Oftentimes,
decisions are made about that individual’s
socioeconomic status, education, and personality. We pack that impression into a
compartment in our minds and decide if
we will interact with that person again in
the future. Of course, this has nothing to
do with Freemasonry, or does it?
There were 52 newly-raised Masons
from the One-Day Class in January. What
impression will Lodge Brethren make
upon these new Masons along with new
candidates taking degrees in their lodge
for the first time? When Mentors and
Lodge Officers meet candidates and newer
brothers, what impression will they leave
with them? How does one make someone
feel welcome even before saying hello?
Carol Kinsey Goman reported that
studies have found that “nonverbal cues have
over four times the impact on the impression
you will make and anything you say.” She
went on to suggest there are seven nonverbal
ways to make a positive first impression in
seven seconds. These included the following:
1) Be positive and adjust your attitude,
2) Straighten you posture by pulling your
shoulders back and holding your head straight,
3) Smile,
4) Make eye contact, which transmits interest
and energy,
5) Raise your eyebrows to simulate the eyebrow flash showing recognition,
6) A firm handshake, but not bone crusher, and
7) Stop about two feet away from the person
and lean in slightly, which shows interest but
doesn’t invade personal space.
Intuitively we all know the above points,
but it’s good to hear them just the same. If
you’ve been a Mason for three or more years
now is a good time for you to not only use
the seven-second technique to make candidates and brethren feel welcome, but to think
about how you want to give back to the
brethren who made an investment in you.
On April 4-5th, the Grand Lodge of
Minnesota – Annual Communication will
have special breakout session presentations
by Dr. John Nagy. If you are or have ever
Masonic Conundrum
Mike Hill, GLEO
thought about being a Lodge Education
Officer, there will be a lodge education presentation for you to attend. For those willing
to be a guide there will be two mentoring
sessions. And of course, for those looking
forward to seeing old friends and wanting to
meet new ones this will the place to be.
An Old Friend
Harry looked at the old book with the
cover that was worn and binding broken
by age and use. The old book had been
there when he married, went off to war,
and came home with him afterwards.
And, while he still picked it up from time
to time, the book had its place on the
shelf. It was there as he and his wife
raised their family and lived through joys,
heart aches, and the passing of loved ones
into God’s loving hands.
And now as his own life was coming to
an end, Harry wondered who he should pass
the book to and if they would receive the
gift of learning that helped change his life.
Would that person understand Bro. Oscar
Wilde’s sentiment when he stated, “If one
cannot enjoy reading a book over and over
again then there is no use reading it all.”
As an informed Brother you know that
Masonic books on education and mentoring
are available on Kindle, found in Blue lodge
libraries, and through some bookstores. And
you also know that as Ezra Pound said,
“Men do not understand books until they
have a certain amount of life, or at any rate
no man understands a deep book, until he has
seen and lived at least part of its contents.”
Who writes these books? What insights
do they have beyond what is written and
how did they come by it? What are the
chances of meeting an author who is
knowledgeable about Masonic mentoring
and lodge education?
Bro. Dr. John Nagy is flying to
Minneapolis to attend and present at the
161st Annual Communication in Brooklyn
Park on April 4th and 5th. At the two
Friday breakout sessions his talk will be on
“Laying Strong Mentorship Foundations.”
On Saturday at 10:00 a.m., he will discuss
“Providing Education that Actually Makes
Good Men Better,” which should be of
great interest to lodge education officers.
Any interested Brother is invited to
attend these sessions. Lively discussion is
anticipated with a little fun too. Admission
is free; just bring a current dues card.
Also, please call Grand Secretary Doug
Campbell at (952) 948-6700 before March
28th so we can get a head count and set up
the room for Dr. Nagy.
In closing, remember that old friends,
learning something new, and good books
are like a sunrise for the soul. They bring
a smile to your face and make you wonder about tomorrow’s possibilities. See
you at the Annual Communication…
Conundrum #43
This conundrum took us to early 18th
century Ireland, and the story of a woman
who was made a Mason after she surreptitiously observed her brother’s lodge putting on the degrees in their home. She was
initiated in order to place her under a
Mason’s obligation to not reveal what she
had learned. The question was to identify
her name. She was Elizabeth St. Leger,
married name Elizabeth Aldworth. By the
way, the date I listed for her initiation, ca.
1735, had been generally put forth by
Masonic historians, however, it is now
believed to have occurred much earlier,
likely 1710-1712, further evidence that
speculative Freemasonry was common
prior to the formation of the Premier
Grand Lodge in 1717.
Following are the names of all those
who submitted the correct response, in
order of submission (first in each area
indicated by an asterisk):
Clay Anderson, Saint Paul No. 3, Metroeast*
Matthew Nohr, Garnet No. 166, Metroeast
Nick Johnson, Corinthian No. 67, Southeast*
Christopher Boyce, Mankato No. 12, Southeast
Charley Korsch, Palestine No. 79, Northeast*
Todd A. Mayer, Anoka No. 30, Metrowest*
Gary G Westerlund, Northeast-Winslow Lewis No. 125,
Metrowest
Robert C. H. Schmidt, Charity No. 98, Southwest*
Lauren R Lampi, Itasca No. 208, Northwest*
Ronald Bradley, Ancient Landmark No. 5, Metroeast
Kevin Acker, Euclid No. 198, Northeast
Edwin Fillman, Mesaba No. 255, Northeast
Donald M. Severson, Arcana No. 187, Metrowest
Chuck Weisbrod, Pleasant Grove No. 22, Southeast
Kjell Turner PM, Prudence No. 97, Southwest
Dick McGinnis, Phoenix-Daylight No. 350, Metrowest
Dan Katzenberger, Minneapolis No. 19, Metrowest
D. F. McCormick II, Carnelian No. 40, Southeast
Larry L Erickson, Excelsior 113, Metrowest
Lance A. Bursch, Helios No. 273, Metroeast
Jerret Thompson, Nicollet No. 54, Southeast
Dennis Walker, Sherburne No. 95, Metrowest
Ron Nelson, Phoenix Daylight No. 350, Metrowest
H.V. Wolford, North Star No. 23, Northwest
Stanley Shapiro, Albert Pike No. 237, Metrowest
Karl N. Aho, Fortitude No. 188, Northeast
Barry Nelson, Mystic No. 213, Northwest
Harold Holt, Otter Tail No. 284, Northwest
Kim Mollberg, Mt. Tabor No. 106, Northwest
Tracy W Nitch, Prudence No. 97, Southwest
Dennis Rafson, Delta No. 119, Southwest
Mark Wallen, Monticello No. 16, Metrowest
Matthew Fuller, Minnehaha No. 165, Metrowest
Eric Wiersma, Dalles No. 181, Northeast
Verl W. Raap, Wayzata No. 205, Metrowest
Steve Bernu, Anoka No. 30, Metrowest
Larry Lilly, Dalles No. 181, Northeast
by Mark Robbins, Education Team
Arun Natarajan, Cataract No. 2, Metrowest
Reed Houge, Nelson No. 135, Metrowest
Samuel P. Burkland, Red River No. 292, Northwest
Conundrum #44
This conundrum is about our Masonic
calendar. You are all aware that the current year is 2014, often followed with
A.D., which stands for Anno Domini,
Latin for “year of our Lord,” or becoming
more common is the abbreviation C.E.,
for Common Era. You are probably aware
that Craft Masonry often has a date that
has an additional 4000 years, making this
year 6014 A.L., which means Anno Lucis,
or “year of light.” You probably haven’t
given it a lot of thought. It is based on the
calculations of Bishop James Ussher
(1581-1656) who calculated what he
believed to be the age of the earth by
comparing the apparent dates of Biblical
events and concluded that the earth was
created in the year 4004 B.C. (or B.C.E.
if you prefer.) He called this Anno Mundi
(year of the world), so our 2014 would be
6018 A.M. Freemasonry just simplified
this date to an even 4000 years to establish our “year of light.”
Less well-known is that other
Masonic bodies have calendars of their
own, based on other important occurrences. The following are the year 2014
expressed as those calendars would:
1. 3014 A.D. (this A.D. has a different
meaning)
2. 5774 A.M. (It is Anno Mundi, but
calculated differently than Bishop
Ussher)
3. 896 A.O.
4. 2544 A.I.
Your challenge is to identify which
Masonic body each of these calendars
represents (just list them by the numbers
1 through 4) and what the initials stand
for. You’ve already been given the second
part of the answer to #2, Anno Mundi, as
this Masonic body interprets the date
slightly differently.
Send your answer in an email to
[email protected]. Please
remember to include your name and 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 prize from
the Grand Lodge Education Committee.
Fraternally,
Mike Hill
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Lodge Pancake Breakfasts in April
Lebanon Lodge No. 346 Pancake & French
Toast Breakfast. For only $7, including
Sausage, coffee, orange juice.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Savage American Legion
12375 Princeton Avenue
Savage, Minnesota
Fraternal Lodge No. 92
35th Annual Palm Sunday Breakfast
Meal includes scrambled eggs, sausage,
square biscuits and beverage. Cost is $6 for
adults and $3 for childern 12 & under.
Proceeds go to Fraternal Lodge’s High School
Scholarship Fund.
March–April 2014
Sunday, April 13, 2014
7:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Fraternal Lodge No. 92
101 6th Avenue North
Princeton, Minnesota
Minnehaha Lodge Hall All Bodies
Pancake Breakfast. Come and enjoy pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage. Presale
tickets from members or at the door.
Phone (612) 722-3103
Sunday, April 27, 2014
8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Minnehaha Lodge No. 165
5149 Bloomington Avenue South
Minnapolis, Minnesota
The Minnesota MASON
3
COMPASSIONATE. COMMITTED. CAPABLE.
Soliciting Masonic
Artifacts
SALSA-LICIOUS!
2ND ANNUAL EVENT SUPPORTS
RED WING NONPROFITS
This Freemason’s canvas bag is believed to be over 100 years old.
Calling all collectors! We’re looking for Masonic books and artifacts for the expansion of our
Minnesota Masonic Museum. All
items should have a clear Masonic
tie.
Please also provide the history
behind the artifact, if available!
Contact us for item dropoff
instructions: [email protected]
or (952) 948-6200.
Items also may be loaned to the
Museum for display.
Red Wing Lodge No. 8 held their
second annual “Salsa-licious” event at
Sargent’s Nursery in Red Wing on
Saturday, March 1, 2014. The event raises funds and awareness of local nonprofits, this year totaling 22 organizations.
Ethan Seaberg, Secretary of the
Lodge and Jr. Grand Steward, greeted
guests at the door, who were given a bag
of tortilla chips and instructions on sampling the homemade salsas at each organization’s table. Guests were allowed to
vote on their favorites, but the real prize
was enjoying a blistering winter’s day
inside the nursery, in the great tropical
environment the Lodge created.
Great Programs
to Support
Throughout the years, MMC has doubled the support that Lodges offer community programs through Matching
Grants. Many programs represent great
endeavors that Lodges can get behind
and MCC is happy to endorse.
While all the programs MMC helps
fund are worthy, there are several mainstays that we see every year and that well
represent the mission and objectives of
Minnesota Masonic Charities. Here are a
few examples:
Bikes for Books
This initiative is a school favorite,
students are encouraged to read more
books by offering new bikes as an incentive. A number of Lodges support Bikes
for Books with great success, including
the Oriental and Meridian Lodges.
Coats for Character
Students who exhibit elements of a
strong character are nominated by teachers
to receive gifts of winter coats.
Connecting Kids
Youth are sent to summer camp
through this program that connects at-risk
kids with a great outdoor experience.
Minnesota Masonic Home was
again chosen as a top nursing
home by U.S. News & World
Report, an honor that places
MMH among the best of the
best in the country.
More “Great Programs” coming soon
to the Minnesota Mason!
MINNESOTA MASONIC CHARITIES
4
MMH NAMED
“BEST”
952.948.6200
The Minnesota MASON
March–April 2014
Our Vision
••
To be the charity of choice because of the difference we make.
Taft entertains sold-out crowd
at Toast to George Washington
Minnesota Masonic Charities
hosted their annual “Toast to George
Washington” Dinner on Saturday,
February 22, 2014, enjoying a record
number of guests.
Popularity for the event has
grown over the years, in part due
to the incredible impersonators of
historic Masonic figures that tend to
show up. This year’s famous guest:
the Honorable William Howard Taft,
played beautifully by actor Dale
Liikala.
Pictured clockwise from far left:
· Dale Liikala addresses the sold-out
crowd as William Howard Taft;
· MMC Chairman David Wething,
Liikala, GM David Olson and
MMC President/CEO Eric Neetenbeek;
· Lynette Johnson, WB Steve Johnson,
WB Clark Neetenbeek and Ann
Neetenbeek;
· Lynn and WB Robert King with
Johanne King;
· Members of the Minnesota Chapter
No. 25, National Sojourners, Inc.,
prepare to present the colors to kick
off the evening.
Save the date for next year’s event:
FEBRUARY 21, 2015!
Scholarships
Reception
Worthy recipients of the 2014
Minnesota Masonic Charities
Scholarships will be honored at an
awards reception to be held Thursday,
June 12, at the Landmark Event Center
on the picturesque grounds of Minnesota
Masonic Home.
Awardees, their family members and
school representatives will hear from past
Masonic Scholars and enjoy refreshments and a chance to mingle with peers.
Masonic Fraternity members are encouraged to attend.
If you would like to be included as a
guest at the reception, please contact us
at 952.948.6202.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. There still seems to be a lot of confusion in my Lodge about what Minnesota
Masonic Charities does and how members can get involved. How can I increase
awareness of MMC within my Lodge?
A. There are many ways to get involved with Minnesota Masonic Charities!
Keep in mind that MMC represents the charitable interests of all Lodge and
Chapter members, so participation is encouraged and feedback welcomed.
Contact John Schwietz directly at 651.210.5240 or email him at
[email protected].
Eric Neetenbeek, President/CEO
(952) 948-6213
[email protected]
Sue Mork, CFO
(952) 948-6205
[email protected]
One thing you can do right away is encourage your Lodge’s leadership to invite
MMC’s Director of Development, John Schwietz, to present at your next Lodge
meeting. John can offer a well-rounded introduction to Minnesota Masonic
Charities and the best ways to get involved.
John is also a wonderful resource for questions relating to planned giving and
estate planning. Your Members might like some guidance regarding the best
possible methods for making contributions to their charitable interests now
and as a part of their future legacies.
Main: (952) 948-6200
Web: mnmasoniccharities.org
John Schwietz,
Director of Fund Development
(952) 948-6209
[email protected]
Kelly Johns, Director of Communications
(952) 948-6202
[email protected]
Deb Cutsinger, Executive Assistant
(952) 948-6206
[email protected]
Christa Buhl, Scholarships Admin. Asst.
(952) 948-6204
[email protected]
WWW.MNMASONICCHARITIES.ORG
March–April 2014
The Minnesota MASON
5
News & Views from the Lodges
Corinthian Lodge tours and makes donation Palestine Lodge No. 79 installs officers
to the Shriners Hospital – Twin Cities
Palestine Lodge No. 79, Duluth, recently installed its officers for 2014. Pictured, left to right: LEO
WB Mark Furo, SW Bro. Ben Marsen, Treasurer Bro. Jeffery Larkin, JD Bro. Dennis Adamski,
Deputy Grand Master Jim Christensen, Chaplain WB Paul Reinier, WM Justin Stokke, SD Bro.
Donald Brewington, JW Bro. Scott Twining, Marshal WB Brad Uselton.
Brothers, family, and friends of Corinthian Lodge No. 67 in Farmington toured the Shriners
Children’s Hospital – Twin Cities on Tuesday, February 11th. They learned about the fabulous
orthopedic and prosthetic work done for children at no charge that truly changes the lives of the
children and their families. While there, they made a donation of $500 worth of $10 gift cards to
provide gifts to distribute to the children. The money was raised by Corinthian Lodge brothers
with a supporting donation from Minnesota Masonic Charities. Pictured are Shrine Hospital
Development Assistant Allison Fox receiving the donation from Jr. Steward Clint Christensen who
organized the event. Other attendees were W. Brother Joe Kivens and his daughter Lillie, Sr.
Steward Brian Hoyland, Brother Mark Kujawa, Katie, W. Brother Rick Vance, and Sr. Deacon Jerry
Zierdt. The Brothers of Corinthian Lodge thoroughly enjoyed this event and encourage other
lodges to visit and support the Shrine Hospital as well.
Sherburne Lodge No. 95 works and plays
Glen Avon Lodge No. 306 celebrates
Scotch Toasting & Tasting
Brothers of Sherburne Lodge No. 95 and Monticello Lodge No. 16
When we’re goun up the hill o’ Fortune
May we ne’er meet a frien’ comin’ down!
May puirtith (poverty) ne’er throw up in
the mire (mud).
Our goud (gold) in the high saddle.
— Dean Ramsay
“Fortune—good and bad—was even
more acutely felt by our forefathers than
by us today.” Ramsay (1793-1872), an
Episcopalian priest, published this poem
in his book Reminiscences of Scottish Life
and Character (1858). Ramsay also wrote:
May the honest heart ne’er fill distressed.
May the winds of adversity ne’er blow in
your door.
The toasting began in front of the fireplace over which hung the charcoal
depicting Robert Burns and Sir Walter
Scott (a young lad) meeting for the first
and only time. W. Master Scott
Glendenning presented the Selkirk Grace
by “Rabbie” Burns at that time as food
was to come. For each toast there was a
6
taste. Many of Burns’ poems were read as
were one Cantos of Scott’s from Lady of
the Lake and Marmion. These worldwide
famous poets were both Lowlanders. Yes.
Sr. Warden Kurt Erickson brought the
most liked flavor...and for that was awarded the traveling trophy, presented by the
previous prevailor, W. Master
Glendenning. Don’t be confused, there
wasn’t a bad single malt, just a better one.
Remember that! Then food of Scotch
eggs, shortbread (well made by the WM’s
mother), and (English) beef; and candies
were mixed in with the toasts.
May the hill rise behind you,
And may the mountain be always over the
crest,
And may the God that you believe in,
Hold you in the palm of his Hand.
(Author unknown)
WM Dustin Wiebold has made one of
his goals for this year to promote
Brotherly interaction and renewing those
ties between Sherburne Lodge No. 95 and
the surrounding lodges and all brothers
around the state. He hopes to bring us all
together and share in our ideas and plans
as a fraternity and strengthens the bonds
of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
The Brothers of Sherburne have made
various plans to achieve these goals, the
first of which was holding a joint meeting
with the brothers of Monticello Lodge
No. 16, which in fact turned into a joint
Entered Apprentice Degree, with both
lodges assisting in the work, with
Shannon Krecklau of Nelson Lodge No.
135 jumping in. The Degree went on
wonderfully, and it was great to work
with our brothers to the North whom we
never get to see due to the fact that we
have lodge on the same nights!
John (Jock) M. Glendenning, Jr.
Glen Avon Lodge No. 306
Lodge Education Officer & Lodge Piper
The Minnesota MASON
The following weekend we held a
Casino Night at Riverwood Inn and
Conference Center, the purpose of which
was to invite brothers of all surrounding
Lodges and spend a night as brothers in a
social forum. Now we all know that many
of us are able to do this as we belong to
appendant bodies that hold functions and
we get the opportunity to meet and spend
time with brothers from all over, but not
all brothers are members of these groups.
So we hoped to get them and others out
and get to know each other.
It was a good start to what will hopefully become an annual event as 21 brothers from five Lodges—including
Sherburne No. 95, Anoka No. 30,
Monticello No. 16, Nelson No. 135 and
Helios Lodge No. 273—made the effort
to come and meet brothers from all
around. It was an evening of fun and great
conversation and Brotherly Love.
Some of the brothers from five Lodges who gathered for
Sherburne Lodge No. 95’s Casino Night!
March–April 2014
News from the Masonic Family
The Minnesota Opera – April 2014
Bro. Wolfgang Mozart’s Masonic Opera
“The Magic Flute”
Templar Lodge No. 176
presents the
80th Annual Lynnhurst
Turkey Dinner
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Masonic Discount!
Social at 5:00 · Dinner at 6:30
St. Paul Osman Shrine Circus
Osman Shrine Center
2750 Sibley Memorial Highway
Eagan, Minnesota
Minnesota State Fairgrounds Coliseum
Limited to Master Masons only and 40 tables
Contact WB Chris Ronich
[email protected] (preferred)
612-961-3051
March 26–30, 2014
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
The Minnesota Opera has included in
its 2014 season Mozart’s last opera, “The
Magic Flute”. The opera’s connection to
Masonry is well known, and an opportunity to see it performed live is both infrequent and a real treat for Freemasons.
For its Wednesday evening performances
on April 16th and 23rd, the Minnesota
Opera has made a very generous offer to
the members of our Grand Lodge. Tickets
purchased using the code included in the
advertisement on this page will be reduced
in price by 50%. It is hoped that many
Brothers and their families will take advantage of this special offer, and in doing will
thank the opera company for including this
piece in its repertoire.
Wolfgang Mozart was raised in Zur
Wohltätigkeit Lodge in Vienna, Austria, in
1785. His connection to the Fraternity is evident in his active engagement in a number of
Viennese Lodges, through his close friends
and family who were Masons, and in the
themes and content of his compositions. In
“The Magic Flute” those themes take on a
subversive context as they become social
commentary on the anti-Masonic hegemony
in the Vienna of Mozart’s day. Watch
throughout the performance for that commentary, and see just who Bro. Mozart’s real
heroes and villains were meant to be.
You will remember that Masons are
taught to be great lovers of the arts and sciences. There is no better opportunity to
show your love of great art than to attend
“The Magic Flute” this April. And the
Mason who doesn’t add dinner to the
evening’s performance before the show is
missing out on a perfect date night. Please
contact the Minnesota Opera to purchase
your tickets today.
Grand Lodge
Cornerstone
Ceremony
dedicating the new
Solomon’s Lodge No. 286 and the
Moose Lake Community Center
May 31, 2014
1:00 p.m.
Moose Lake, Minnesota
Montgomery Lodge No. 258 is happy to announce that it is hosting the
6th Annual Grand Master’s Table Lodge.
This tradition was started as a way to say “Thank You” to our
out-going Grand Master for his years of service to the craft.
It is his last event before attending Grand Lodge.
We are happy to announce this year’s dinner will be
Friday, March 28, 2014
St. Paul Masonic Center – 200 East Plato Boulevard
Social Hour 5:30 p.m.
Dinner at 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25/each or $40/couple
Seating limited to 100
Social Hour: Coffee, Punch, Fruits, Cheeses, Crackers, Nuts
Dinner: Prime Rib including, Salad, Potato, Veggie, Dessert
The traditional toasts throughout the dinner will be with non-alcoholic beverage.
Attire: Suit (sport coat)/tie for men; casual dress or pants suit for ladies.
Tickets available from any Montgomery Lodge Officer,
or send a check payable to Montgomery Lodge No. 258 to:
Kenneth White
1621 Independence Avenue North
Golden Valley, MN 55427
We are looking forward to seeing you there.
Timothy Julin, Master
Montgomery Lodge No. 258
March–April 2014
The Minnesota MASON
7
The Philalethes Society article submitted
The Members of The Philalethes
Society, the oldest Masonic Research
Society in North America, as a service to
Grand Lodges periodically offer Masonic
papers published in the Philalethes; the
journal of The Philalethes Society for use
by Grand Lodges in their efforts to provide educational material to the new
Masons of their jurisdiction.
This article is suitable for Masons of
all degrees, but particularly relevant to
Fellow Craft Masons. Submitted by M.
W. Brother John L. Cooper, Grand
Master of Masons in California and acting
President of the Philalethes Society
MASONIC BROTHERHOOD
By Leland B. Tainter. M. P. S.
Published in the Philalethes Magazine,
1946
What do the words “Masonic
Brotherhood” really mean? Is it an
expression or term which has no meaning—empty, vague, and without value?
Or does it mean something that is real,
concrete, and of endless value in furthering our “Way of Life” in a manner that is
pleasing in the eye of God?
There are many who use this expression in their daily intercourse with society
to gain its favor and respect by leaving
the false impression that they really
understand its philosophy, and then fail
miserably in their attempt to put it into
practice through their daily words and
actions. This group has failed to grasp the
true meaning of their teachings regarding
Masonic Brotherhood.
There are also those who do understand to some extent the real meaning of
this term but fail to carry out their convictions when it might put a crimp in their
selfish interests or cause them physical
exertion to carry through.
Those who do understand the full
meaning of Masonic Brotherhood are
well-known through the sincere expres-
sion of their thoughts and their humble
deeds, not only among their Brethren, but
also among their neighbors, associates,
and friends.
We are all Brothers in the sight of God.
If our Brother should stumble, are we ever
ready to prevent his fall? If our Brother
needs aid, do we say, “My hand is yours—
use it; my strength is united to yours, you
are not alone in your struggle for I stand
with you?” It makes no difference in what
way our Brother stumbles. It may be mentally, it may be spiritually, it may be materially, it may be morally. To supply his
need is our moral responsibility. There are
no exceptions in the practice of true
Masonic Brotherhood.
We do not learn to stretch forth our
hand in aid if, and perhaps, or but! It is
not for us to judge, to condemn, to
admonish. It is for us to put forth our
strength unto our falling Brother in his
time of need without question and without
stint. For of such is the Kingdom of
Brotherhood.
Too often we are prone to offer counsel when it is not advice but help that is
needed. Too often do we admonish of
motes in our Brother’s eye when our own
vision is blinded by beams. We are not
taught to admonish our Brother by the
plumb, square and level we carry in our
own hearts, but his plumb, his square, and
his level.
If he build true by his own tools we
have no right to judge him by ours. He
may differ from us in opinion but we
must not judge him by the plumb line of
our own beliefs. When we observe a
brave Brother shrinking, a virtuous
Brother abandoning himself to vice, a
good Brother acting as a Bad Man, then
his building is faulty, judged by his own
plumb line, and it is then we should offer
counsel and advise him to turn back and
build again true to his own working tools.
Robbinsdale Area
Shrine
Club
Sausage and
sage
u
a
S
The Original
(1949) Pancake
Recipe Using
Unbleached
Natural
Hard Durum
Wheat Flour
In times of sickness and distress, we
should go to our Brother and extend him
our aid without concern what the need
may be. Visualize, if you will, his humble
reaction to this kindly deed, the gleam in
his eye, and the sunshine in his smile in
expression of his gratitude for such
Brotherly devotion.
In times of sorrow and bereavement
let us journey to his home and give of
ourselves that his burdens may be lightened or those of his loved ones he has left
behind. Our greatest virtue is to “keep
faith” with our Brother by our kindly
words and actions that our Brother may
keep faith with us.
In all our dealings and associations
with our fellowman, in business, in society, and as public servants, we should ever
be truthful, honest and just, keeping our
faith with all mankind, ever meeting upon
the level, ever acting by the plumb, and
ever parting upon the square.
These teachings of Masonry put to
work properly in our daily lives become a
broad and beautiful band of blue—the
True Blue of Masonic Brotherhood
=======
Information on The Philalethes
Society; our history, journal, membership,
sample article, and contact information
for our executive committee can be found
at the society’s web site;
http://www.freemasonry.org
The Philalethes Society exists and has
existed since 1928 to serve Freemasons,
their Lodges, and Grand Lodges, in furthering the interest and enjoyment of
Freemasonry through scholarly Masonic
education and information.
Bemidji Lodge No. 233 installs officers
Bemidji Lodge No. 233 installed its officers for 2014 recently. Pictured, seated left to right: LEO
Dick Labraaten, Jr. Steward John Seegmiller, Sr. Warden Mert Scripture, W. Master Robert
Saddoris, Jr. Warden Mike Allen, Marshal Mike Sadek and Secretary Kevin Lind. Standing, left to
right, are: Chaplain Dennis Depew, Jr. Deacon Tim Johnson, and Tyler Steve Johnson. Not pictured Sr. Deacon Jimmy Burgoon and Sr. Steward Brooks Clemenson. Installing Master was Bill
and Installing Marshal was Steve Kovacic.
Sunday,
April 13, 2014
8:30 a.m. to
12:30 p.m.
NEW LOCATION
Crystal Community
Center
4800 Douglas Dr. N.
Crystal, MN 55429
Donation – $7.00
Children 6 & under
$3.00
Over
1,500,000
Served
Tickets Available
from any
Club Member
or at the Door
Proceeds from this activity are for the benefit of the
Robbinsdale Area Shrine Club.
Payments are not deductible as charitable contributions.
8
The Minnesota MASON
March–April 2014