Yeomen of York-Minnesota Preceptory #16

 

On November 20, 2023, I had the privilege to attend my Yeomen of York meeting. We met at Mancini’s Char House in St. Paul. It’s a meeting I didn’t want to miss, for if you never have been to Mancini’s, it’s a family owned fourth generation old school steak house that is in the retro style of a Las Vegas lounge with the tunes of Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennet playing in the background.

If you’re not familiar with the Yeomen of York. It’s an invitation only appendant body of the York Rite. To recognize those who have demonstrated exceptional service to the Blue Lodge, and to the bodies of the York Rite. (Chapter, Council, Commandery), and to promote the Blue Lodge and York Rite Masonry.

Qualifications to be invited is that you must have presided in all four York Rite Bodies. To be an Officer you must have received your Knight of York Rite Cross of Honor.

I enjoy the style of Minnesota Preceptory # 16 meetings. There are monthly Zoom meetings with quarterly dinner meetings that you may bring your wife or date.

The recipe for these successful meetings is that we meet in a private room in a classy place, generous time to socialize with appetizers, with your favorite beverage, dinner choice of steak, chicken or fish, a short meeting, cake for dessert.

The Yeomen of York wear a black military style beret, with a crest attached that is two laurel branches with the symbols of the Blue Lodge, Royal Arch, Cryptic Council, Commandery in the center. But don’t be disappointed, we have other masonic bling in the form of a handsome name tag, and a polo shirt with the logo embordered that you can wear every day.

In case you’re wondering according to Websters dictionary the word Preceptory means a community of Knights Templar. The word Yeoman has various uses over the periods of time, so I'll use the Oxford dictionary definition that I believe is a good fit. Yeoman is a middle rank of servant in English royal or noble household.

Now I may get some flak for saying this. The big reason I enjoy the Yeomen of York it is one masonic organization where I do not have to do ritual work, nor prepare thought provoking lodge education pieces, nor organize a fund raiser. It’s a Masonic evening of just enjoying an evening of Brotherly love.

 

The York Rite Of Freemasonry

Degrees and Bodies explained by Thomas W. Jackson, R.W.P.G.S. of The Grand Holy Royal Arch of Pennsylvania.

Written and produced by Peter F. Gross

This was produced in Pennsylvania, and is narrated by one of the very notable Masons Thomas W. Jackson.
I think it is an excellent over view of the Rites 

Lebanon Lodge #346 Presents Hiram Award to WB Reed Bornholdt

 

   Lebanon Lodge 13th Hiram Award Recipient Reed Bornholdt-Photo by Terrance M, Schaffer

On November 10, 2023, Lebanon Lodge #346 hosted its 13^th Hiram Award ceremony at Turtles Social Center in Shakopee, Minnesota. Worshipful Master William Loman announced that his 2023 honoree was Worshipful Brother Reed Bornholdt.

For those of you who are not familiar, the Grand Lodge of Minnesota Hiram Award is a well-earned, once in a lifetime recognition presented to a Brother in tribute of his outstanding service to Freemasonry. The Worshipful Master of the Lodge is entitled to recognize one Brother with this special distinction during the term of his office.

For those of us who know Reed, we couldn’t be happier for him, and are proud to call him our Brother.  Reed has demonstrated dedication and leadership and is an inspiration to Freemasonry in Minnesota.

The fifty-three attendees gathered at 6:00 for social mingling. A delicious dinner of prime rib and chicken was served at 7:00. Following dinner, the Master of Ceremonies, WB John Curlott, conducted the program.

Photo by Tom Hendrickson

Reed Bornholdt is a fourth generation Mason. He was raised in 1972 at Rising Star Lodge in Iowa. Last year Reed was presented with his 50-year award.

Reed has a Masonic resume that is very lengthy, so here is just a few of the highlights.

Reed served as Worshipful Master to Lebanon Lodge in 2019.

He is an active member of the Scottish and York Rite.

Reed is a member of the Funsters Unit of Zuhrah Shrine where he can be seen every weekend as a clown entertaining young and old at various parades across Minnesota.

He is the leader of the Dan Patch Masonic Club at the Minnesota Masonic Home where he provides monthly programs, and a newsletter to all the Masons who live there. 

Outside of Freemasonry Reed has been an active adult leader with the Boy scouts for the past sixty years, and active in his church.  

The center of Reeds life is his cherished family, who were in attendance to see Reed receive his award and Reed’s son, also a mason, present the award to his father.

Reed’s remarks were inspirational and touching.  It was great pleasure to be in attendance to see Reed received his award.

I would like to thank Lebanon Lodge for the invitation and for providing a marvelous event for Brothers and family to enjoy. It was a festive evening for all to come together in the spirit of Brotherly Love to celebrate the presentation of the Hiram Award to Reed Bornholdt, and honor his talents, achievement, and success in Freemasonry. It was an evening that was uplifting, inspirational, reflective, and very enjoyable.

 

Photo by Tom Hendrickson