Thursday, December 22, 2022

Rex R. Hutchins




I am sad to report that our Craft has lost one of our great Masonic author, educator, speaker and luminary.

Rex R. Hutchens, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Arizona 2006-2007, passed away recently.  Rex was a 33rd degree Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Southeran Judication, the author of four books: Bridge to Light, A Glossary to Morals and Dogma, Pillars of Wisdom-the writings of Albert Pike, and The Bible in Albert Pikes Morals and Dogma. 

Rex was the 2012 recipient of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, Duane E. Anderson Award for Excellence in Masonic Education.


 Well Worn Books from My Bookshelf

I first became aware of Rex's work decades ago when I first joined the Scottish Rite. I was reading and studying "A Bridge to Light" every week as I went thru the degrees. As I began to study "Morals and Dogma" his "A Glossary to Morals and Dogma" was a companion to my learning. 

I first met Rex at an event in Washington DC in 2000 while attending a Masonic gathering, He was surrounded by and talking with so many people. That time we only had the opportunity to shake hands, and I thanked him for his books which had been a huge help to me. 


As Grand Master of Minnesota in 2011-2012, I had the distinct pleasure to award one person the Duane E. Anderson Award for Excellence in Masonic Education. The recipient received an all-expense paid trip to attend our annual communication in 2012. He was then invited to speak, usually twice, to share his extensive knowledge.  The gold medallion shown above, comes with a generous cash award to assist and encourage the recipient's Masonic scholarship. 

On the afternoon of April 12, 2012, I was informed that Rex had arrived at the Minneapolis Airport and had been transported to the hotel. Later in the day I received a message that Rex had a terrible cold and needed some time to rest. 

On April 13, 2012, at 7:00 pm, at the annual banquet, I presented Rex with the award. After the banquet Rex invited me to his room for a drink and conversation. I was pretty excited, needless to say, to have that opportunity to discuss Masonic education with him. 

I had heard that Rex was a very down to earth guy, who spoke frankly and straight forward. Something I appreciate in anyone. 

The conversation started with Rex saying that " I suppose you want to talk about "A bridge to Light"? I quickly replied, "Oh, that old thing" at which Rex broke out in laughter. I said that I wanted to discuss Rex and his scholarly thinking. Long story short here, Rex said it is a habit you train your mind for.  that advice has helped me greatly over the years. 

We also discussed share interests such as books, libraries, motorcycles, and corvettes. The hour was getting late, and we both needed to get up early, so we said our goodbyes. 

After our meeting, we talked on the phone from time to time. I followed, with great interest, his work on building the library and the Egyptian Room at the Tuson Scottish Rite. 

It is sad that Rex is no longer with us to share his wit and wisdom. I am so enriched with having known him and being able to spend time with him. He will be missed by all. 






Sunday, September 25, 2022

Minnesota Masonic Charities 17th Annual Gala

Photo by Tom Hendrickson

On September 24, 2022, the Minnesota Masonic Charities held its 17th Annual Gala in the historic Dan Patch Hall at the Minnesota Masonic Home.

The Dan Patch Hall was lavishly decorated which created a very welcoming atmosphere for the sellout crowd of 180 guests.

This year’s theme was “Boundless Realms”. This come from the Masonic Ritual in which the first three rungs of Jacobs Ladder are Faith, Hope and Charity. The greatest of these is Charity, for Charity extends beyond the grave, through the boundless realms of eternity.

After dinner, which tasted as good as it looks, the CEO of Minnesota Masonic Charities and Past Grand Master Eric Neetenbeck, presented a wonderful and inspiring video highlighting MMC’s recipients, both past and present, and its philanthropic good works.

Following the video Eric introduced the musical entertainment for the evening. An Ad Hoc musical trio the “Music Memories” featuring our very own legendary Don Severson as the drummer.

Photo by Tom Hendrickson

Don is the 1978 Past Grand Master of Minnesota Masons and he is our oldest living past Grandmaster.

At the end of the evening Eric made his closing remarks that I found touching. That Minnesota Masonic Charities has given well over one hundred million dollars over the past ten years. There are other organizations that give more, but our giving makes an immeasurable impact on the citizens and communities of Minnesota in so many ways.

Minnesota Masonic Charities has and continues to see a need to do more and stands ready to fill that need.

All who gathered celebrated charities mission of charity being the greater service to mankind.    

 


Red Wing October Education Night

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

The Freemason Who Owned Stonehenge and Gave it Away

 

Photo by Tom Hendrickson


 On September 21, 1915, Master Mason Cecil Chubb, set out to purchase a set of dining room chairs as instructed by his wife. Instead of chairs, on an impulse, he had the winning bid for Stonehenge and the thirty acres surrounding the site.

His purchase of Stonehenge, and his later actions, were a major turning point in the care and preservation of Stonehenge. His actions would help transform Stonehenge from a 5,000-year-old neglected ruin to a national treasure and probably one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, that almost one million people visit each year and people travel from around the word to visit.


Cecil and Mary Chubb
Photo by The Library of Congress

Needless to say, at the time, his wife was not thrilled with his purchase, as all she wanted were dining room chairs.  But as with most things in life, there is more to the story….

Brother Cecil Herbert Edward Chubb was born on April 14, 1876. He grew up in a working-class family in Shrewton, England a very small English Village just four miles West of Stonehenge.

He attended Christ Church College Oxford and earned a law degree. Brother Ceil became a successful attorney in Salisbury and served on its City Council, and as a Justice of the Peace (Misdemeanor Court Judge). He married in 1902 after meeting his wife Mary at a cricket match.

In 1905 Cecil became the Director of the Fisherton Mental Hospital, a business his wife had inherited. The hospital was having financial difficulties when he first assumed management of the hospital.  During his direction and guidance, from 1905 the institution became solvent and eventually grew to become the largest mental hospital in Europe.

Photo by ART CARE-Salisbury District Hospital


During that time Cecil oversaw construction of new wards, which added more hospital beds.  Also, innovative, and modern treatments were introduced at the hospital.  During World War I the hospital offered services to treat those soldiers who had experienced the ravages of war, at Cecil’s direction.  Cecil even used his own home to house patients when the hospital was at capacity.

Cecil’s purpose was to help his fellow man and veterans, return to their families and transition back to a normal life.

Cecil was a smart businessman and investor.   However, he also enjoyed the life of a country farmer, and he raised short horn cattle and many successful racehorses.

Cecil Chubb was made a Mason in Lodge Elias de Durham #586 in Salisbury. The Lodge is still active, and they meet on the second Thursday of every month. The Lodge is named after the English Master Stonemason who oversaw the construction of the Salisbury Cathedral. I can attest that the Salisbury Cathedral is magnificent, and I am thankful I have been able to visit the cathedral.

His Masonic Degrees: Entered Apprentice October 1905, became a Fellowcraft November 1905, and a Master Mason December 1905.

He never held an office in the Lodge, nor belonged to any appendant bodies. He thoroughly enjoyed being in the company of his Masonic Brothers and remained a member until his death.

He was also an intelligent and prudent investor, and his careful management of his finances provided the means for him have the means to purchase Stonehenge.

Stonehenge had always been owned privately since October 2, 1538, when King Henry VII confiscated the Amesbury Abby and surrounding lands under his “Dissolution of the Monasteries. The ownership transferred several times until the Antrobus family purchased it in 1824. When the heir of the estate Lt. Edmund Antrobus was killed in combat during the opening months during World War I, it was divided up into lots and put on the auction block.

During the time of private ownership Stonehenge had not always been a showcase of a neolithic monument or a honored sacred place or always treated with reverence and respect as we are all led to believe.

During the 19th century tourists could rent hammers and chisels at local hotels and blacksmith shops to chip away souvenirs, carve their names into the stones as a keep’s sake or trophy. In the modern day, staff found stones were graffitied, had chewing gum stuck to them and had been subjected to urine, vomit, and excrement.

Over the centuries of private ownership many of the stones had been propped up using wooden timbers, others had fallen, many became twisted and were in a bad state of disrepair.

In the time leading up to the 1915 auction, many rich Americans and Foreigners were sweeping across Europe buying up castles, monasteries, and antiquities. Today we would call these items national treasures and they would be protected. AT that time they were dismantled, boxed up and shipped back to the states or whatever location was requested.

The 1915 auction was very well publicized in all the local papers. This auction caused quit a buzz among the locals as they feared the same thing might happen to their Stonehenge.

The auction was held on a Tuesday afternoon, on September 21, 1915 (106 years ago). The auction was held at the New Theatre in Salisbury England. The theater was filled with potential purchasers, interested parties, and a lot of spectators and bargain hunters.  The Estate Agents Messrs., Knight and Rutley (this company is still in existence today) began the auction in the theatre at  

When Auctioneer Sir Howard Frank announced Lot #15, and gave the description, he began with “Would anyone offer 5000 pounds for Stonehenge”. There was no response from the audience. Auctioneer Frank urged “surely someone will offer me 5,000 pounds”.

A gentlemen’s hand went up whose bid was accepted by the auctioneer. Then several others joined in the bidding in the increasing amounts of 100 pounds. On a mere impulse or whim, Brother Cecil raised his hand and bid 6,600 pounds. The Auctioneer raised his hammer and hearing no other offers, the hammer descended with a clear sharp rap. The audience applauded Brother Cecil’s new unintended purchase.

In today’s dollars, Brother Cecil bid about one million dollars.

Immediately following the sale, a newspaper reporter interviewed Brother Cecil, who remarked that when he entered the sale “he had no intention whatsoever of buying Stonehenge”. But he also added “while I was in the room, I thought that a Salisbury man ought to buy it, and that is how it’s done”.

When asked if he had any plans regarding the future of Stonehenge Brother Cecil replied, that the situation was new to him, and he didn’t have any time to think of any plans. He went on to say that all should be assured that every means of protecting Stonehenge will be taken.

The second highest bidder at the auction was Isaac Crook, a local farmer who wanted to purchase the land for the purpose of grazing sheep.  

Cecil’s wife was not thrilled with his purchase. I can imagine she may have reminded him of why she sent him to the auction in the first place. “But Cecil darling where are the dining room chairs”?

Personally, I think as Cecil waiting for the auction of the dining chairs, he was filled with anxiety and doubt about the fate of Stonehenge. He was quoted latter as saying, “he was born close to it, and during my boyhood and youth visited it at all hours of the day and night, under every conceivable condition of weather-in driving tempests of hail, rain and snow, fierce thunderstorms, glorious moonlight and beauitful sunshine”. I think that his love for Stonehenge caused him to become an impulse buyer that day.

Three years after the auction and influenced by the Ancient Monument Act, Cecil wrote a letter to the Office of the Works (a predecessor of English Heritage). In the letter he offered Stonehenge “as a gift to be held for the nation”.

The First Commissioner of the Works, Sir Alfred, accepted Cecil’s offer with great pleasure. He must have been excited for he informed the Prime Minister and the King of the offer.  

On October 26, 1919, Cecil and Mary Chubb passed Stonehenge into the public’s hands for safekeeping, at a special ceremony held at Stonehenge, where the Chubb’s signed a deed of gift to the nation. By giving Stonehenge to the government, it gave the government the responsibility of the conservation of Stonehenge. The conservation task today is performed by English Heritage.  However, the Chubb’s set some special conditions, for their gift, that are still in effect today.  The conditions were that local residents have free access to the site; and entrance fees for all others were not to exceed one shilling. (With inflation increases have occurred and today the entrance fee is 14.50 pounds or $ 27.20 American dollars.)

As a token of a grateful nation, Prime Minister David Lloyd George awarded Brother Cecil with Knighthood, and the title of Sir Cecil Chubb First Baronet of Stonehenge. His local nick name was Viscount Stonehenge.

Brother Cecil died of heart disease on September 22, 1934. He was the last private owner of Stonehenge. When Cecil Chubb made his generous gift of Stonehenge to the nation, this marked a critical turning point in the care and restoration of this iconic Neolithic monument. Between 1919, 1964, and 2021 there were a series of major restoration projects, accompanied by archeological excavations, and scientific studies.

Brother Cecil Chubb’s gift helped Stonehenge go from a little-known unprotected ruin to a national treasure that is recognized and visited by millions of people all over the world.

Brother Chubb’s Masonic Values……

While Brother Chubb’s actions occurred over a hundred years ago and his gift of Stonehenge was a grand gesture for his community and his country, Brother Cecil Chubb demonstrated, through his actions, the masonic ideals of:

 

Brotherly Love - devotion to and the caring for each other and our community; and

Relief - caring for and selflessly giving to those in distress; and

Truth – using knowledge, honesty and understanding to build ourselves into men.

 

These are the same masonic principles that we practice, and that Red Wing Lodge demonstrates today.  While Red Wing Lodge may not have some great monument to donate, it is not the monetary value that makes any action valuable, it is the contribution to the betterment of the community and assisting mankind. When a mason participates and contributes in their own way to their community, that is equally important. Red Wing Lodge has displayed compassion our fellow men, a public minded spirit and has been an active part of the community.

 

By our participation in Salsalicious, awarding scholarships, serving meals for Loaves and Fishes along with Books for Bikes, these are but a few of the things that Red Wing Lodge has done that demonstrate our masonic ideals.  I think we, as a lodge, have a lot to be proud of.

 

And here is one last thing to think about:

As individual Freemasons we need to stay on the path in our daily advancement of becoming a better man, so we can make our community and our world a better place.




 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

FACE IT FOUNDATION

Photo by Tom Hendrickson

On September 19, 2022, Red Wing Lodge #8 held its second evening dedicated for the purpose of Lodge Education.

After a nice light lunch put together by our Worshipful Master Gary Thomas, we retired to the Lodge room where Past Grand Master John Gann introduced Mark Meir and Bill Dehkes of the FACE IT Foundation.

The FACE IT Foundation addresses the one in ten men who experience depression. Most men fear the stigma, shame, and the lack of understanding surrounding depression. This fear prevents many men from dealing with or asking for help. Untreated depression in men’s lives leads to ruined lives, and shattered families.

The FACE IT Foundation is the only organization of its kind in Minnesota where all the services that they provide are free. Just some of their services include support groups, retreats, Saturday breakfasts, monthly education classes, help in navigating available resources and social activities. 

One of the very important aspects of the program is friendship and support. A man who can develop relationships and a sense of community will not be so apt to isolate themselves when dealing with life’s problems. When men isolate themselves its easily can lead to alcohol and drug abuse or suicide.

In 2019 47,511 Americans died by suicide. Men die by suicide four times as often as women.

The FACE IT Foundation is a unique organization that works to create an awareness and a support system for men to be able to ask for help. It’s an organization that saves lives.

The Grand Lodge of Minnesota has made contributions to FACE IT for the past ten years. This year Minnesota Masonic Charities has made a three-year financial commitment to help them continue their valuable work.

If you would like help or more information or would like to make a contribution the information is below.



 

 


 

Saturday, September 10, 2022

Red Wing Lodge #8 Hiram Award 2022

 


Today Worshipful Master Gary Thomas presented Red Wing Lodge #8 Hiram Award 2022 to Duane R. Baringer.

Duane worked hard to help lead a team to develop a successful business plan and find a tenet for the generation of income for the Lodge building.
Duane's hard work put our lodge in a successful position and we as members today enjoy the fruits of his labor.
Thank you, Duane,





Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Minnesota Past Grand Master Gathering 2022




Once a year, for well over a decade, the Past Grand Masters along with the sitting Grand Master and his Officers, gather at the Minnesota Masonic Home for a luncheon. We are fortunate to have a range of years of service represented from 1978 to the present. Of course, not everyone was able to attend due to summer vacations, occupational commitments, but we had a great group attend this year. 

This is one of my favorite events of the year. It's a chance for us to all get caught up on how, and what we are personally doing, and to hear about the State of the Craft. 

I would also like to thank Past Grand Master and the CEO of Minnestoa Masonic Charites Eric Neetenbeek and Deputy Grandmaster Dayton Berg for hosting the event and providing their valuable input for the day. 

Sunday, June 5, 2022

The Late Late Show with James Corden coming to Freemasons Hall

 

Photo from UGLE-CBS

The United Grand Lodge of England has announced that "The Late Late Show with James Corden" will broadcast four episodes from Freemasons Hall which is located in central London England. These shows will air at their normal time beginning on Monday June 27th thru June 30th, 2022. 

It's great to see that the Freemasons Hall can attract such big and notable venues. I hope that this exposer will show off some of the most beautiful architectural elements of the building.  It's a place that I have been too often and hope to see again soon.

If you happen to be in London, I understand that tickets are available for the show. Here is the link.  

It's also nice to see that they don't have to host Pancake breakfasts, Fish Frys, or sell raffle tickets like the rest of us in order to raise money to pay for a new roof on the Lodge or its maintenance...ha

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Friday, May 20, 2022

Memorial Service for Past Grand Master Charles Baltos

 


Charles Baltos

Red Wing Lodge #8 Memorial Service

September 13, 2021

 Update May 20, 2022, They say a person only dies when people stop saying his name, that is the reason why I I am putting this memorial on my blog. This is the memorial speech that I gave at his Memorial. I apologize that I didn't do it much earlier.  

 

Our last living legacy of us on this earth is our tombstone. It contains a very limited information about us. Our name, the date we are born and the day we die. Those two dates are days that we as humans have no control over whatsoever. What really matters is the dash that’s between those two dates. For that little dash represents our life.

If we were to look at Chucks tombstone. We would see that he was born on July 24, 1935 and he died on June 25, 2021. For those of us who knew him THE DASH represent that He was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, he had a wonderful childhood, enjoyed sports in High School. He fell in love with Mary Virginia Christ and they were married. Chuck left his bride to join the Navy where he proudly served as a Steam Fitter and Mechanic on the aircraft carrier Tarawa. Is was filled with pride when he said that it was ship shape, never had a breakdown. Because we didn’t let it happen.

Chuck liked to work with is hands, and that required a good eye to get the job done correctly. He worked in the hot and dangerous steel mills of Pittsburg, stone mason. He went to school and learned to be a draftsman. He worked at the Prairie Island Nuclear Power station for Northern States Power. He told me he was the Supervisor of the design and drafting support group. Chuck smiled at me, and said I ran a tight ship, we didn’t have any room for errors.

Chuck and Mary had three children and moved to Red Wing Minnesota. He was an active and supporting citizen in his new hometown. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where he was a lay worship leader, treasurer of the church foundation, involved reading the scriptures on Sunday, and sang as a bass in the church choir.

He served on the Building fund-raising committee for the Red Wing YMCA.

He loved hockey, and eventually became the past head coach for the Red Wing Bantam Hockey Club.

Chuck was involved in the Elks and was the Past Exalted Ruler.

Chuck had a love and passion for playing the guitar, and banjo. I kidded him that he looked like Slim Whitman. He said “Thanks but I can’t yodel.

He shared that talent and joined a musical group called “Powerhouse Pals” They played as regulars at the Minnesota Masonic Home, local nursing homes, and the Veterans Hospital.

In addition to his community worked Chuck enjoyed golf, archery, weight training, motorcycling and computers.

When I was Deputy Grand Master I wanted to get in shape and lose a lot of weight. Chuck said “You need to buy a bicycle” Ya see Chuck also rode his bicycle 10 to 20 miles every day.

So, I did buy a bike, and would call Chuck for some tips. He said Come on down and we can ride together. I did and I think that Chuck and I rode maybe two hundred miles together.

One day I mentioned to him that I was going to start Running to help in my conditioning. Chuck then told me all the problems with running. Speed Walking is what you need. Ill mail you a book, and then we will get you started. All I will say is that Olympic Speed Walking isn’t for me.

Chuck and Mary liked to Winter in Texas and especially in Kerrville with its rolling hills, streams and rivers. It was a wonderful place for him.

They traveled to Texas in their RV. Listening to Chuck describe all the stuff he had to pack into the RV and the techniques he used to pack it to avoid the dreading rattling, dinging, and clashing for the thousand-mile journey. Remember Chuck ran a tight ship.

One trip he heard a very upsetting rattle. He thought he would try to ignore it. Well somewhere on 35W in Oklahoma he pulled off the side of the highway and unloaded items, and boxes on the shoulder. Chuck said he was concentrating and not paying any attention when he heard a voice. He looked up and it was two of the biggest Oklahoma State Troopers. They were very stern and informed him that he just couldn’t camp anywhere in Oklahoma. Chuck said he was pretty nervous when he explained what he was doing. They listened intently and helped him load the boxes back onto the RV. Chuck said it was pretty heart warming to see two state troopers waving good bye in the rear view mirror.

We have heard Chucks Masonic Record. He loved being the Master and Lodge Secretary and working on the Building Committee. Chuck also became the first Publisher of the Lodge Newsletter 8 News Slate.

He was appointed to the Grand Lodge as Grand Pursuivant in 1982 by Past Grand Master Jay. A. North.

When Chuck was Grand Master he had 35,000 Members, and 205 Lodges. His first act as Grand Master was to merge eight lodges. His Deputy Grand was Ed Walton who was a great help to him. He encouraged his Officers to travel the state. They traveled mostly with their wives as companions 129,000 miles together. Most of it was at their own expense.

Chuck was the kind of guy who wasn’t looking to be in the spotlight, looking for honors, medals or plaques. Chuck said that he just wanted to make the world a better place.

 

It was just a couple of years ago at our Scholarship awards dinner in the St. James hotel. Chuck knew he was slipping, and we said our goodbyes.

I think that we could all take a lesson from Chuck and try to make the world around us a better place.

When we look at Chucks tombstone or any tombstone. We don’t learn much about the person expect the day they were born and the day they die. We can only keep them alive when we speak their names and tell their stories. For when we stop doing that. That is truly the day they become forgotten and die.

Believe it or not. Our own Tombstone is already half complete. Our names and the date of our birth on upon it. We are now” Living the Dash on our tombstone.” This is now a good time for us to think about how we want to be remembered. This will want us to Own the Dash, Embrace our Dash. To make good decisions, on how we will make the world around us to be a better place. Just like Chuck did.

There is a nice poem by Linda Ellis called “The Dash” and it was the inspiration for this talk

 

Thank you

 


                                                                                                                       


Sunday, May 8, 2022

Masonic Cancer Center Annual Dinner-Igniting the Imagination 2022

Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota

The Masonic Cancer Center annual dinner was held at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center on April 29, 2022. 

It was our first gathering since the COVID-19 isolation. Two hundred attended the dinner which include donors, researchers and many whose lives have been touched by cancer.  Those gathered received updates on the progress at the Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center. 

The attendees were a most honorable and distinguished group as you could ever find. There were past and present Grand Lodge of Minnesota leadership, the CEO of Masonic Charities and its various board members, the President of the University of Minnesota, the Director of the Masonic Cancer Center, as well as staff, scientists, researchers, and medical professionals as well as donors and those interested in the current research. But probably the most important guests were any cancer survivors as they represent the progress that has been made in treating and curing cancer.   

During the social gathering before dinner there were five interactive exhibits where everyone could speak with an expert in the represented field. 

 

Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota

Director& CEO Minnesota Masonic Charities and President of the University of Minnesota Joan Gabel

Joan Gambel, the 17th President of the University of Minnesota and the first woman to serve in that position, began the dinner with her opening remarks. 
\
She stated that with an accelerated gift from the Minnesota Masonic Charities, the University of Minnesota has just recently been able to kick off "The 10,000 Families Study". The goal is to study the health of 10,000 Minnesota families, to better understand the influences of genetics, lifestyle and environment on their health. 

photo by Tom Hendrickson


I was very happy to hear the update regarding the Masonic Discovery Lab which was started in March 2020. The university has brought together over 30 researchers under one roof to find the next breakthrough in cancer research. 


Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota

The seating arrangement for dinner was carefully crafted to ensure that staff from the Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center were seated at each table along with a variety of individuals to ensure meaningful dialogue as well as learn more about each other.  At my table we had an Epidemiologist and I the opportunity to learn more her job in investigating why some people are more susceptible to cancer than others. 


Photo by Tom Hendrickson

The Masons of Minnesota relationship with the University of Minnesota began with a one-million-dollar gift to build the Masonic Memorial Hospital in 1955. 

In April 2008, I had the opportunity to be present at the luncheon when Minnesota Masonic Charites presented the University of Minnesota with a gift of $65 million dollars. This was the largest gift ever made to the University. The message with the check was simple, seek a cure for cancer. In recognition of that gift, the name of the University's cancer center was changed to the Masonic Cancer Center -University of Minnesota. 

Since 2008 the Minnesota Masonic Charities has provided $160 million dollars to the University, President Joan Gable announced at the dinner. Minnestoa Masonic Charites is the largest donor to the University. 

There has been great improvement in the survival rate for the many different types of cancer since 1955 when the relationship began between MMC and the University. That is due to the improvement on the research on the causes, prevention, detection and treatment of cancer. 

To those of us who have lost loved ones from this terrible disease, attending this annual event and hearing the progress that is being made give us great hope.  While the fight to eradicate cancer is not over, the survivors of today give us all hope for tomorrow. 

One day, at this annual dinner, we all hope to hear that the cure for cancer has been found. Minnesota Masonic Charities will have been instrumental in making that happen, when it does.



Photo by Tom Hendrickson



Saturday, April 30, 2022

Cathedrals Built by Masons

 


I had the opportunity to meet the Author Russell Herner of “Cathedrals Built by Masons” at the North Central Grand York Rite Conference October 26, 2019, in Sioux Falls South Dakota. Where he gave a very passionate presentation covering the contents of his book. 

For over thirty years Russell made fifteen trips to England and Europe. Russell first became fascinated with Cathedrals on his first trip in 1969 to England Salisbury Cathedral. He said “I first walked in, and Wow how did they do this? and it just intrigued me. How could they build these Cathedrals 800, 900 years ago”?

Russell started giving out some mind-boggling fact of the Cathedrals:

The longest Cathedral is the Canterbury Cathedral in England. It is more than a tenth of mile long or about as long as a city block.

The tallest Cathedral is the Ulm Minster in Germany. The steeple reaches 530 feet.

The Metz Cathedral in Lorraine France has 70,000 square feet of stained-glass windows. That’s more than 1.5 acres of glass.

Russell had on display a variety of stone masons chisels, gouges, clawed bolsters, stone claws, smoothing planes, saws and setting mauls. He also had a fine collection of carpenter’s tools. Many of the tools dated back to the 1600s. It was fun to see and hold them as Russell explained how the craftsmen used them. Im sure each tool had a story if they could of talked.

He also demonstrated how an operative mason would place the layout of the building on the site using two principals; How to establish the Cathedrals sacred orientation towards the East based on the rising sun and establishing the alter stone. And how a operative mason would lay out the design of the cathedral floor using the Pythagorean Theorem Triangle.  

At the conclusion of Russel’s presentation, he had copies of his book for sale. I must admit that I had an opportunity to reconnoiter it earlier in the day. I loved the book for it is printed on chrome paper, and it’s a larger format. The book is 240 pages with 259 beautiful colored photos that will take you on a photographic tour capturing the splendor of thirty cathedrals in England, France, Germany and Washington D.C.

I had just returned from England where I had visited many of the Cathedrals that I saw in the book. The photos in the book truly captures the beauty of the carved stone arches, the clustered columns, flying buttress, spires, vaulted ceilings, and oh the magnificent stained-glass windows.

He tells us the wonderful story of the monumental task of how the Master Builders designed and constructed these glorious cathedrals during the Middle Ages. While illuminating the quality and the highly technical skills exhibited by the stonemason.

The book “Cathedrals Built by Masons” is the culmination of more than fifty years of research and fifteen trips by Russell Herner. For me this book is more than just another book of pretty pictures what makes it special for me is that Russell is a Past Master of Roby Lodge #534 in Monroeville Ohio, and he tells the story of the Operative Mason demonstrating many of the known ancient construction methods and revealing what the stone mason regarded as the mysteries and secrets of the trade. And Russel contends how our Speculative freemasonry descends from them and devotes much researched material to make his case.

I must apologize for this late posting. Today I went to use Cathedrals Built by Masons for a Lodge Education lecture as I have done many times since 2019. I went to my blog to refresh myself with the photo I had taken of Russell. I realized that I had not posted review. For this my most sincere apologies.

It’s a great book that I always come back to for reference, and for the wonderful photos of some of the Cathedrals I have visited.

 

 

 


Thursday, April 28, 2022

Red Wing Lodge #8 Cleans UP

 

On April 24, 2022, the cold gale force winds didn’t hamper the enthusiastic spirt of the members of Red Wing Lodge #8. We were armed with gloves, bags, and a strong sense of purpose to picking up litter on a two mile stretch of highway 61 that approaches the city of Red Wing.

Last year Red Wing Lodge joined thousands of other volunteers who participated in Minnesota Department of Transportation Adopt a Highway Program.

Last year’s volunteers from across our state collected 40,000 bags of litter, saving Minnesota taxpayers 7 million dollars.nd we show pride in our community that’s why we did it.

 

 


Monday, April 11, 2022

Grand Lodge of Minnesota 2022-2023 Grand Master


 The Grand Lodge of Minnesota held its 169th Annual Communication on April 8th-9th at the Park Event Center in Waite Park, Minnesota.  

Tony R. Krall was elected as the169th Most Worshipful Grand Master. G. M. Krall is a very dedicated Mason, and we wish him a successful and most prosperous year. 

I was unable to attend due to a mishap that resulted in a sprained ankle.

Sunday, April 3, 2022

Three Reasons Why Freemasonry is like a Gym Membership

Photo by Tom Hendrickson

 

Three Reasons Why Freemasonry is like a Gym Membership

1. You have to show up and apply yourself. 

2. The lessons of Freemasonry are a workout for your mind, heart and soul.

3. If you don't show up and apply yourself, it's just another expensive card in your wallet. 

Thursday, March 3, 2022

The World is My Lodge and Getting to Know it

 

Photo thanks to NASA

The World is My Lodge and Getting to Know It

Tom Hendrickson-PGM and Lodge Education Officer Red Wing Lodge #8

 

 

“Knowledge must enlighten the mind and heart for the application of our ideals’ is one of the goals for the Lodge Education Officer.

Tonight, I would like to review a couple of our principles in contrast to the world in which we live today.

As Freemasons, we believe in the Fatherhood of God, and the Brotherhood of Man. We also believe that we are to conduct ourselves in the same manner in Lodge as well as outside of the Lodge. I have always believed that the world is my Lodge, and its inhabitants are my Brothers. And for me to be a better man, I should learn more about my fellow men, to help me understand more about this planet that I reside upon.

Like many of you, I like to travel, and I enjoy meeting and talking with people who reside in the places I have visited. Traveling has certainly broadened my views and understanding of the world. However, I think a quote from our departed Brother and Master Mason Mark Twain, from Polar Star Lodge #79 of St. Louis, Missouri, is very appropriate.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s life.” (From his book Innocents abroad)

The last two years travel has been severely limited due to COVID and the associated lockdowns. During this time, our travel adventures may have been confined to a weekly outing to the grocery store or maybe a trip to Walmart or Target. Now with the current war in the Ukraine, and the fears that the conflict will spill into Europe and surrounding countries, it may be that we will be staying close to home for some time to come.

I would propose that since we may not be imminently packing our bags, getting roadmaps, airline tickets or renewing passports, I suggest we become armchair explorers to expand our horizons.

As a child, I explored many states and countries, never leaving my home by reading.  Reading can be a great way to explore or the next best way to learn about people, places and other cultures. Reading can open your eyes to new perspectives and places without the hassles or hazards of traveling there.

One of my favorite things is reading which is something that has been a constant in my life. Reading is a natural way to help all of us make daily advancement to becoming a better man. That’s what Freemasonry is all about right? Becoming a better man.

First, reading creates cognitive engagement in the brain that improves vocabulary, thinking skills, concentration, speaking skills, and creativity. It also increases our knowledge and reduces stress. By developing these skills, we can move our attention on to other improvements.

For many of us boomers, when we were boys and teenagers, I think most of us read about the great celebrated explorers who ventured off to the far, exotic and unexplored parts of the world that captivated our attention and filled our imaginations. Their stories of suffering, hardship and survival kept us spellbound.

I, like many of you, had my favorite adventurers. Lewis and Clark and Zebulon Pike were my American explorers of choice, but I also had a strong fascination with the artic and Antarctic explorers, Amundson, Scott, Perry, Byrd, and Shackleton.

I thought that what to me was the golden age of exploration, had passed, all the great adventures had been done and all those blank spaces have been mapped. Heck, you can see any place in the world on Google Maps, so what could be left to explore?  With eco-tourism you can make a day trip to the South Pole, and I would guess that there are thirty people sitting on Hilary Step waiting their turn to climb to the summit of Mt. Everest. Even Pongo Pongo has a nice swimming beach and cold beer today.

There are modern day explorers, and I am sure there are some good one, but many of the accounts I read fell flat. I’m sure there are other excellent adventurers I just have found them yet.

Last year I discovered Levison Wood who has a fresh angle, and a new approach to exploring. Levison is a British Parachute Regiment Officer who spent four years in combat in Afghanistan. His tough military training provides him with the ability to navigate and when paired with his passion for exploring exotic places provides the reader with an exciting adventure.

When Leveson was transitioning out of the active military, he wanted to find a way to earn a living that would also fulfill his passions for writing, photography, and travel.

His envisioned projects that would need to be big and bold enough to write about, but it would have to be something that no one else had done before. His military career had provided physical conditioning and had prepared him for adventure. Levison’s first adventure, he decided to walk the length of the Nile River.

Walking the Nile was his first book that encompasses his adventures over the nine months that it took for him to walk the 4,250 miles.

For his second book, Walking the Himalayas, he walked 1700 miles in six months.

Walking the Americas, 1,800 miles, Eight Countries and one Incredible journey from Mexico to Columbia, was his 3rd book.  

His fourth book Arabia: A Journey Through the Heart of the Middle East. A 5,000-mile circumnavigation of the Arabian Peninsula.

I think you get a sense of his adventurous spirt by the titles of some of his books.  I think his writing strength is that his books are not just a travel diary.  He shares the stories he learned of the geography, history, civilizations, cultures, and the current day situations that he is walking through. He includes the viewpoints of his local guides and the local people he encounters during his journeys. This helps the reader comprehend and understand the lives of the residents. He informs the reader yet is thoughtful and entertaining.  His books do not bore you to tears, but instead I find myself wanting to read more and more.

I have brought these four books with me tonight, and they will be in the library for you to look at.  

Levison Wood’s approach to travel is very different compared to most others. He does not utilize helicopters, Range Rovers, and a support team of fifty. He simply takes a traveling companion, finds a local translator and walks with a backpack. When they find a local village along the way they purchase food or whatever is available. The daily fare ranges from fish, rice, dried goat and even rats. They sleep in a hammock to avoid snakes and many times rely on the hospitality and kindness of the people they encounter along their path.

One thing that really brought his books alive for me is that even though Wood’s travels have been in the 21st Century, he experienced the hardships and suffering of many of those explorers from years ago. He journeyed thru jungles, rainforests, swamps, burning hot deserts, and into the freezing temperatures of the high mountain terrains. He was faced with the possibility of catching any number of tropical illnesses from insects or water borne illnesses. Then there was the wide assortment of poisonous snakes, spiders, fire ants, crocodiles, hippopotamus and other such predatory animals. But also, he faced the complexity of attempting to traverse modern day wars, conflicts, human and narcotic traffickers, your normal run of the mill kidnappers, and robbers.

But also important is the human element of his writing. While walking the Nile Wood’s traveling companion was overtaken by heat exhaustion and Wood desperately tried to save his life, but his traveling companion dies. There were a multitude of hazards he faced, but this was particularly difficult for Wood yet he made the decision to go on and complete his journey.

While perhaps my travels do not compare in intensity to Wood’s, I have always viewed traveling as an opportunity to look beyond my immediate world and learn about the other 7 billion people who also inhabit this earth.  I love to look and learn of their cultures and what they value, to learn their history and views of the world. I have also learned that while we may have different faiths, different cultures, and very different ways of life, we have much more in common than we expect and share many of the same concerns regarding our families and our world.  Yet, we can come together, have dinner, and celebrate the brotherhood of man.

Though I live in Minnesota, in my little corner of the world, I can travel the entire world via reading and will travel in person again, I know.  While there are times, I may think we live in an uncivil and thoughtless world, the people that I have met traveling have proved me wrong.  They have provided any number of heart-warming experiences that always restore my faith in humankind.

I never leave home without my Masonic Dues Card, and it also has been my passport to many other wonderful experiences.

The world is vast and full of differing styles, perspectives, people, customs and conflicts.  Wood’s books bring these to life for me in my subzero cosmopolitan Minnesota home, but I have learned a lot from my armchair travels with him.

The World is My Lodge