Happy St. Johns Day

 

Illustration created by A.I. 

Freemasons around the world celebrate the Holy Saints John—St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist—as enduring symbols of moral integrity, balance, and Light. Their feast days, closely tied to the summer and winter solstices, reflect nature’s rhythms and the eternal cycle of renewal. This year, St. John’s Day falls on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, honoring  St. John the Baptist, a figure of bold conviction and spiritual preparation. St. John the Evangelist, celebrated in December, embodies thoughtful wisdom and spiritual insight.

Together, these two Saints stand as a pair of guiding lights—mirroring the parallel lines in Masonic symbolism that frame the individual Mason's journey toward truth and self-mastery. Lodges mark the occasion with joyful fellowship: festive meals, toasts to Light and Brotherhood, and reflections on Masonic teachings. Some communities include public ceremonies or attend services in honor of the Saints. Others hold solemn lodge gatherings that reconnect Brothers to the ancient values we’ve each vowed to uphold.

It’s a celebration rooted in our ancient history but renewed each year through personal meaning and shared tradition. The Holy Saints John remind us why we walk this path—together, in pursuit of wisdom, compassion, and the Light.

I wish you a Happy St. John’s Day.

Lessons in Candlelight

 I’m a Traveling Mason at heart. There’s something truly special about visiting different Masonic Lodges, near and far, and experiencing the Brotherhood in its fullest. The great lodge meals, renewing old friendships, and making new friends, sharing their rich traditions, they all make each visit meaningful.

I have a deep appreciation for the Lodge buildings themselves, each one carrying their own history and character. I love seeing how a Lodge was constructed, how it’s laid out, and the thoughtful details in its decorations and memorabilia. Every Lodge has a story to tell, and I enjoy taking it all in.

My journey as a Traveling Mason began during my time serving in the Grand Lodge and as Grand Master of Minnesota. Those years gave me the opportunity to visit numerous Lodges, each one leaving a lasting impression.

So, when I heard that Forest Lake Lodge #34 was hosting a Master Mason degree by candlelight—with a fried chicken dinner, no less—I didn’t hesitate to send in my RSVP. Not only does Forest Lake Lodge have a fine reputation for its degree work, but the combination of candlelight and fellowship promised to make for an unforgettable evening. I knew I was in for something truly special.

I had visited this Lodge many years ago and had the privilege of assisting in raising a new Brother, so I was eager to see how the lodge had changed. As I stepped into the lodge room, I was immediately drawn to the glow of candlelight, setting the stage for the degree ahead.

On the North wall, I noticed a series of nine beautifully handcrafted Masonic symbols. I quickly recognized them as the symbols displayed on a trestle board for the Master Mason degree. They were created by Worshipful Brother Dick Anderson of Forest Lake Lodge. 

At first, they appeared to be simply decorative, but during the third lecture, they transformed into a powerful visual teaching tool. As Shannon, the lecturer, explained their deeper meanings, both he and the candidate gazed upon them, bringing the lessons to life in a profound way. 

Our Masonic Trestle boards, or also known as Tracing Boards, have evolved significantly over the ages. For those of you that are unfamiliar Ill try to provide a short history.

Trestle boards originally were used by operative stonemasons to outline construction plans. They became in use by Speculative Masons to hold the symbolic blueprints for a Mason’s personal and spiritual development. In speculative Freemasonry, they represent the divine plan and moral law, guiding members in their journey. While some jurisdictions use "tracing board" and "trestle board" interchangeably, they have distinct historical and symbolic meanings.

 In the 18th century, lodges often met in private rooms above taverns, where symbolic designs were drawn using chalk or charcoal directly onto the floor or a table. These drawings were temporary, erased after each meeting to maintain secrecy. Over time, removable floor cloths or known as the Masters Carpet were introduced, allowing lodges to just roll them up after use and reuse the symbolic designs without redrawing them each time

By the 19th century, beautifully painted tracing boards had become a staple in Masonic lodges. These boards, often framed and proudly displayed, played an important role in teaching Masonic degrees. Some were designed like roller shades, easily pulled down for use and neatly retracted when not needed—a practical and elegant way to share knowledge.

The early 20^th century Masonic Lodges used a Magic Lantern (an early light projector) with hand painted glass slides of Masonic symbols that were projected onto a screen or wall. To help members understand Masonic teaching and meanings. Sometimes creating sound effects such thunder and lightning to add a dramatic effect.

Today, tracing boards and trestle boards remain essential tools in Masonic education, with modern versions incorporating digital formats such as Power Point and artistic reinterpretations. Their evolution reflects the fraternity’s adaptability while preserving its rich traditions.

Occasionally, you’ll find a lodge that’s home to an incredible craftsman, like Dick Anderson, who generously gave his time and talent, transforming raw wood into exquisite masterpieces.

Though Worshipful Brother Dick passed away in 2019 and is no longer with us on this earth, his legacy continues to live on through his extraordinary craftsmanship. Each piece he created tells a story, guiding those who seek to understand the profound meanings of the Third Degree. Through his artistry, Worshipful Dick brought symbols to life, transforming wood into lessons that resonate far beyond their physical form.

His dedication to the craft was never just about creating beautiful works of art; it was about passing down knowledge, inspiring reflection, and helping brethren grasp the deeper truths of Masonry. His work remains a testament to his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to his fellow Masons.

While his hands may no longer create, the impact of his work endures—touching the hearts and minds of those who learn from it. His legacy will forever be a guiding light, ensuring that his lessons and artistry continue to enrich the Masonic journey for generations to come. 

If you would like to see more detailed photos-continue to scroll down

Pot of Incense

Beehive

Book of Constitutions Guarded by the Tylers Sword

Sword Pointed to a Naked Heart

Euclid's 47th Problem

Hourglass

Scythe

Spade, Sprig of Acacia, Setting Maul, Coffin

Forest Lake Lodge #344

Thank you my Brothers for such a great experience.

Reflections from the 2025 Midwest Conference on Masonic Education

 

 The 2025 Midwest Conference on Masonic Education, Hosted by The Grand Lodge of Indiana was held May 2-4, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Midwest Conference is a great gathering of Masonic educators and enthusiasts from various Grand Lodge jurisdictions across the Midwest. Since its founding in 1949, the conference has served as a place to come together to exchange ideas, learn from each other, foster discussions, provide valuable networking opportunities and strengthen Masonic education.

The conference accommodation was at the Embassy Suites in downtown Indianapolis, which was centrally located within easy walking distance to the Masonic Temple and Restaurant.

Registration for our conference was in the hotel lobby. The lobby and atrium area were alive and buzzing with people. Because there were 20,000 people in town that had registered for the IU Health 500 festival Mini Marathon that was going to take place one block from our hotel Saturday morning.

The Friday evening was a dinner and program at the Rathskeller German Restaurant which has been serving authentic cuisine since 1894. The restaurant is in the historic Athenaeum building which was built in the German Renaissance Revival style. This old-world classic charm set the stage for our lively and meaningful discussions.  

The conference attendees were directed to a private room on the second floor. Upon arrival I found the room buzzing with energy as 95 Brothers gathered from 17 different jurisdictions, many having traveled great distances to be there. I had the pleasure of meeting Brothers from as far as Winnipeg Canada, Florida, Alabama, and Montana. Though we were tightly packed at our tables, and the warmth of the room was undeniable, the conversations were nothing short of electric engaging, thought provoking and full of brotherly love.

After a hearty German dinner. President James Buckhorn made a welcoming statement and introduced the program for the evening. “An Idiot and a Dummy” Brent Morris and Chris Hodapp.

It was good to see my two old friends, and their names and faces were known by most in the audience. There was some gentle joking from the audience as they took to the stage.

For those of you unfamiliar with Morris and Hodapp they are both authors of two best-selling books about our fraternity.

“The Complete Idiots Guide to Freemasonry” by Brent Morris

“Freemasons for Dummies” By Chris Hodapp

Neither author had known each other at the time of writing, and they both had separate publishers. They both were writing their books at the same time.

Chrises book “Freemasons for Dummies” was published July 2005 and Brents book “The complete Idiots Guide to Freemasonry” was published four months later.

They both met at Masonic Week in Washington DC to promote their book. They both have been good friends since.

The focus of their talk was how their books came about, and the methods they used for researching and writing, and their toils and tribulations of producing a book.  Which was perfect for the audience, which was made up of Masonic scholars, writers and educators. Giving us a different perspective.

On Saturday the conference itself was held in the heart of the city at the Indianapolis Masonic Temple. It is an eight-story building in the shape of a cube fashioned in Classical Revival Architecture. It is made of Indiana limestone and is adorned with rows of Ionic columns. The building was completed in 1909 and is a testament to early 20^th century design and craftsmanship.

As I stood before the building, seeing it for the first time looking at its sheer size and the architectural beauty stirs a quiet respect for the craftmanship an vision in its construction.

When you first step inside the main lobby entrance. You are struck by the classical elegance of Masonic Architecture. This space is more than just a building-it is a treasure chest that holds the jewels of history, tradition and knowledge.

Stepping into the elevator was like stepping back in time to my childhood. The journey upward to the fifth floor was slow and deliberate. Then without warning it jerked to a sudden stop. The old elevator had some character. It was a breathtaking experience.

After stepping off the elevator and walking into the reception area of the museum-library I was met and greeted by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Indiana David G. Morgan. I enjoyed our time together and had a chance to get to know him.

The conference itself was held in the Lodge room across the hall. When stepping into such a grand and historic lodge room is like entering into a world suspended in time-where craftsmanship and tradition whisper from every corner. Seeing the pipe organ with its golden pipes hints at the past ceremonies and melodies that fill the air of mystery and solemnity. I was informed that there are seven such pipe organs in the building and six of them are fully functional.

Later I looked behind the gold curtain behind the Senior Wardens chair and saw a backdrop to aid the dramatic effect in the Third Degree.

The first speaker was Author Steven L. Harrison, who shared the fascinating journey of writing his book, The Perfect Storm. His work delves into the stolen secrets of the Freemasons, the most infamous cold case of the 19th century, and a modern-day key to unraveling the mysteries of the baffling crime known as the Morgan Affair.

The William Morgan Affair remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in American history. It fueled enduring conspiracy theories and historical intrigue—much like the cases of organized crime figure Jimmy Hoffa or the daring airplane hijacker D.B. Cooper in more recent history.

But the Morgan Affair was more than just a local scandal. It reshaped American politics, sparking the rise of the Anti-Masonic Party—the very first third party in U.S. history. It transformed public attitudes toward Freemasonry and left an indelible mark on the nation's political landscape.

Over the past 200 years, the Morgan Affair has inspired countless books, articles, and pamphlets, each attempting to shed new light on the story. Steven L. Harrison approached writing his book much like a detective working a cold case—carefully piecing together fragments of information, uncovering hidden truths, and following leads until the full story took shape. His meticulous process took over three years, driven by patience, persistence, and deep investigative work to ensure every detail contributed to the final narrative.

As someone who has worked on cold cases myself, I was particularly intrigued by Steven's relentless pursuit of original documents. What stood out most was his discovery of corroborating testimony from a living descendant of William Morgan—an incredible breakthrough in unraveling this historical puzzle.

I enjoyed his presentation so much that I bought the book and plan to prepare a Lodge Education Program based on his research.

 The second speaker was Dr. Heather K. Calloway of the Indiana University Fraternal Center. The title of her talk was Hands-on History; Volunteer to Save Our Fraternal Heritage.

She provided a historical overview of the role of fraternal organizations in America. The Golden Fraternal Era was from 1870-1930. It was estimated that there were approx. 600-850 different fraternal organizations in America during that time, and how the role of the fraternal lodges were the centers of social life, civic service and mutual aid.

Dr. Calloway emphasized how important it was for us to preserve our history. One important hint was to make sure our records stay safe through changing technology is key. The files we once stored on floppy disks, and CD are already difficult to retrieve, and memory cards and flash drives might not be reliable either in the near future. Thinking ahead can help us protect what matters.

She informed us as Lodge Educators that we are the Guardians of our history. She encouraged us to build a culture of preservation, by including our Masonic history into our lodge education programs.

After lunch Daniel Gardiner presented “Research for Anyone”. His talk began with various examples of just ordinary Masons who had the desire to make significant discoveries in their research.

He also provided several online resources that could be valuable aids to one’s research.

The final Speaker of the day was Adam Kendell. His presentation was “Historical Content and the Fraternal Experience”

Brother Kendall’s busy schedule kept him from being present with us. He appeared to us from his Oakland California home via a live Zoom Video.

After the scheduled speakers wrapped up, we headed to the second floor for the evening program and dinner, where the election of officers for the upcoming 2025-2026 year took place.

Our dinner speaker was the esteemed Brent Morris, who delivered his thought-provoking talk, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Lodge.” He shared valuable insights into his work with the Scottish Rite, discussing membership trends, retention challenges, and the ever-evolving dynamics of our organization.

One of the evening’s standout moments was the recognition of Grand Lodge Education Officer Bradley Phelps, who received the prestigious Edward Rund Memorial Masonic Education Award for 2025. This honor celebrates his dedication to promoting Masonic learning and leadership, reinforcing the vital role education plays within Freemasonry. His contributions have enriched the fraternity, and the heartfelt applause he received spoke volumes about his impact.

The night concluded with an exciting announcement: The 2026 Midwest Conference on Masonic Education will be hosted by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska A.F. & A.M.,
taking place April 24-26 at the stunning Scottish Rite Temple in downtown Omaha, Nebraska.

Looking back on the weekend, I found that the conference truly embodied the fraternity’s unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth among its members. And of course—A Good Time Was Had by All!

The Minnesota Delegation 

 

Inspiring Growth: Midwest Conference Highlights Bradley Phelps' Contributions

 The Midwest Conference of Masonic Education gathered in Indianapolis, bringing together esteemed Masonic leaders and educators. A key moment of the event was the recognition of Grand Lodge Education Officer Bradley Phelps, who received the Edward Rund Memorial Masonic Education Award for 2025. This prestigious honor highlights his dedication to promoting Masonic learning and leadership. Phelps’ contributions have strengthened the fraternity by emphasizing the value of education. His achievement was widely applauded, reinforcing the significance of knowledge within Freemasonry. The conference served as a testament to the fraternity’s ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth among its members.

Bagging Laughs and Litter; Red Wing Lodge Adopt a Highway Spring 2025

 

The wind blows, but the sun shines brightly on a crisp Minnesota day as members of Red Wing Lodge gather along the edge of Highway 61. They are not armed with golf clubs nor picnic baskets, but with gloves, trash bags, and grabbers. What is their mission? To restore beauty to their little corner of the world under the Minnesota Adopt a Highway Program.

As we begin our work, we settle into the rhythm of the task. Some Brothers pick up old beverage cans and bottles, food wrappers, while others find the occasional oddity—a weathered license plate and a lopsided tennis ball.

What begins as a chore quickly transforms into something deeper. Amid the hum of cars, there’s a sense of camaraderie, pride, and purpose. Each bag of litter represents not just a cleaner highway, but a reminder of the difference a small group can make.

By day’s end, the roadside sparkles. Our team admires their hard work, knowing they’ve contributed to the state’s natural beauty. They leave tired, but fulfilled, with a renewed sense of connection—to each other, their community, and the Red Wing landscape. And as they head home, they carry with them the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.

 

2025 Masonic Cancer Center Annual Dinner

 

"Continuing the Minnesota Masons' Proud Tradition of Generosity in Combating Cancer."

The 2025 Masonic Cancer Center Annual Dinner was held on Friday, April 25th at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center in Bloomington, Minnesota. Once a year, an extraordinary group of scientists, researchers, physicians, medical professionals, and Masons gathers to celebrate something truly special—the remarkable 70-year partnership between Minnesota Masonic Charities and the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota.

Since 1955, this transformational partnership has fueled groundbreaking advancements in cancer research, deepened our understanding of its causes, and strengthened efforts in prevention and early detection. Our annual dinner serves as a renewal of our long-term commitment to cancer research, aiming to improve the lives of Minnesotans and countless others beyond our borders. It is also an opportunity to hear directly about the cutting-edge work being done.

This evening, we were privileged to hear from Dr. David Largaespada, the Deputy Director of the Masonic Cancer Center. Dr. Largaespada shared hopeful and innovative updates about his project, which is poised to enter clinical trials. The research centers on Adaptive Cell Therapy using NK cells to combat various types of brain cancers. These immune cells act as cancer-fighting machines, targeting cancer cells with precision. By injecting NK cells directly into the brain where the cancer resides, this approach maximizes their efficacy. If successful, these trials could pave the way for combating other types of cancer in the future.

Dr. Largaespada expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support from Minnesota Masonic Charities and the Masons of Minnesota, emphasizing their critical role in advancing this research. He highlighted how the University of Minnesota is at the forefront of adoptive cell therapy.

As we reflect on the evening’s inspiring stories and groundbreaking advancements, it becomes clear that the fight against cancer is not one that can be won alone. It is a shared mission—a partnership between dedicated researchers, compassionate medical professionals, and the unwavering support of Minnesota Masonic Charities and the Masons of Minnesota. Together, we are lighting the path toward a future where cancer is no longer a source of fear but a challenge that we boldly conquer.

Let tonight serve as a reminder that each contribution, no matter how small, fuels this journey. Whether it is supporting innovative research, spreading awareness, or simply providing a shoulder to lean on, we all have a role to play. United, we hold the power to not only improve lives but to save them.

Let us move forward with hope, determination, and a renewed commitment to our cause, knowing that the investments we make today will hopefully blossom into a healthier, brighter tomorrow for generations to come.

Forging Bonds and Guiding the Future: The 172nd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota

 

The Grand Lodge of Minnesota held its 172nd Annual Communication on April 10–12, 2025, at the Premier Event Center in Waite Park, Minnesota. For those unfamiliar with Freemasonry, the annual communication is a time-honored tradition akin to a corporation’s annual stockholders' meeting. Across this weekend-long event, significant legislative matters are discussed, officers are elected and installed, and new initiatives and programs are unveiled to shape our fraternity’s future.

That’s the business side of it—but many of us affectionately call it the Great Minnesota Masonic Get-Together. It’s more than an official gathering; it’s a celebration of fellowship, kinship, and belonging. After the isolation of the COVID years, our bonds of Brotherhood, once tested, have been renewed and cherished even more deeply.

This year’s attendance was the most vibrant I’ve witnessed in years, with representatives from 80 of the state’s 113 lodges and 420 Minnesota members in attendance. Sitting with my fellow Past Grand Masters, we reflected with pride and joy upon witnessing the continuation of our cherished traditions.

When the Membership Summary Report was presented, it revealed the challenges we face. Over the past year, we lost 265 brothers to death and 277 were marked as stricken, leaving us with 8,034 members in good standing. While we cannot prevent the natural course of aging, the “stricken” reflect an ongoing challenge—many brothers lost their connection to their lodges during the pandemic.

Recognizing this, the Grand Lodge Leadership has launched a new initiative by appointing three Regional Directors: Markus Muller (North), Reed Endersbe (Central), and Ethan Seaberg (South). They are tasked with managing the pipeline of new prospects, fostering member engagement, and providing operational support to lodges and Grand Lodge officers to improve retention.

The Grand Lodge is proud to be part of the Masonic Service Association (MSA), which provided an inspiring report this year. Administrator Craig L. Davis, PGM (Iowa), highlighted their significant contributions, including collecting and disbursing nearly $1 million for disaster relief in North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, California, and Brazil. Their Hospital Visitation Program also received a generous donation of 127,000 pairs of socks from the Bomba Sock Company, distributed to veterans in medical centers.

Closer to home, Minnesota Masonic Charities continues its vital work, including funding the “Short Talk Bulletin Podcast,” which remains a beacon of Masonic thought and education.

The highlight of the weekend was the election and installation of officers. By 1:00 PM, polls closed, and shortly after, the voting delegates announced the 173rd Grand Master: Robert S. Davis. Joining him are Deputy Grand Master Shawn R. Carrick, Senior Grand Warden Charles S. Brust, Junior Grand Warden Bruce A. Carson, Grand Secretary Keith W. Reierson, and Treasurer Frank J. Spevak. Following the public Session, Past Grand Masters, Andrew Rice, Terry Tilton, Foster D. Solem, and I conducted the formal Installation ceremony.

Grand Master Davis shared a compelling vision for the year ahead. This year, instead of the traditional pins, he distributed challenge coins bearing the slogan “Everything You Do Matters.” The reverse features a hexagon, symbolizing the industrious beehive, with six traits he aims to emphasize: Volunteer, Training, Education, Connection, Community, and Leadership.

His priorities are clear—he seeks to elevate leadership within our Craft. He has appointed Grand Lodge Leadership Officer Steve Stobbs, who will spearhead a leadership program offering training for lodge leaders and officers. Other notable initiatives include the Lodge Records Scanning Project, preserving our history while creating a digital legacy, and a pilot community-building project in collaboration with the University of Minnesota, strengthening bonds between Masonic lodges and their local communities.

Out Going PGM Foster Solem

Incoming Most Worshipful Grand Master Robert S. Davis

As we transition from the dedicated leadership of Grand Master Solem to the fresh vision of Grand Master Davis, we are reminded of the profound nature of this moment. It’s not merely the passing of a baton—it is the fusion of tradition with advancement and progress with transformation. Leadership is a privilege, a responsibility, and a testament to our shared commitment to the ideals and ambitions of Freemasonry. Everything we do truly matters, and as we continue this journey, we honor our past while daring to dream boldly of the future.