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.