tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75182821484625377252024-03-13T07:25:33.688-05:00All Things MasonicA Masonic blog providing education and enlightenment on Freemasonry.
News,thoughts in the Freemason Community
Not telling the Masonic secrets just the newsAll Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.comBlogger350125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-72081825238732080802024-03-05T13:21:00.000-06:002024-03-05T13:21:04.066-06:00The Missing Master Mason<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxFKGZQcayYazrmOwA5u4sN3h6Cim-J0Ie4Q-JAaytM8GC9RYDWtWqGLbexkjYUjdsGSIfL3RxE2L8XlV5mXp6w6s6Dwgd7oOqdwV1uFawJ5BrFdfkJi2Vp_nO2HIBqubQgkDwzRqg5POEbjbe_5wNtdHqiwxwVnXhV4CGUoNzDL_wmsJjnhDRjcySoE/s1006/The%20missing%20Master%20Mason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="755" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxFKGZQcayYazrmOwA5u4sN3h6Cim-J0Ie4Q-JAaytM8GC9RYDWtWqGLbexkjYUjdsGSIfL3RxE2L8XlV5mXp6w6s6Dwgd7oOqdwV1uFawJ5BrFdfkJi2Vp_nO2HIBqubQgkDwzRqg5POEbjbe_5wNtdHqiwxwVnXhV4CGUoNzDL_wmsJjnhDRjcySoE/w480-h640/The%20missing%20Master%20Mason.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p></p><p align="center" class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The Missing Master Mason</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Engaging and Connecting with Your
Membership</span></b><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"> </span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">This is a typical conversation that takes place between
Brothers in most Masonic Lodges.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Brother #1. Hey where is that new Master Mason, we
raised this year. Was it Spring or Fall?</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Brother #2. Ya, I Dunno?</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Brother #1. Nice guy, seemed like a real nice guy What
was his name?</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Brother #2. I Dunno?</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Brother #1, What about those two guys we raised last
year?</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Brother #2. Ahhhh. I Dunno, they never came back either.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Sadly, it is all too common, that a new Member slowly
stops coming to Lodge, and eventually leaves totally unnoticed. What is even
sadder is most often the Lodge Secretary only notices only when he must do the
year-end report.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">In the “real” world if someone is “absent” for a period
of time, a missing person’s report is made by family, or friends and a search
party may be sent out to search for them. Not so with Masons.
We continue with our business-as-usual thinking oh well, they never came back,
and they become the missing Master Masons.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">For many of us, Freemasonry is a lifelong commitment.
For others, life’s difficulties can take precedence, such as their death in, a new job or a move and they need to leave the state. Others find it difficult to
attend regularly due to life’s commitments like children and their school and
sports schedules or perhaps a job with differing shifts. Whatever the reason,
we should stay connected with them, keep them up to date with what is happening
in the lodge and encourage them to attend when possible. The most important
thing is to stay connected.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The emphasis of this talk is new members and keeping
them engaged.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">If a new member demits or does not pay their dues and is
dropped, it can be because they did not find value, either for their time or
their money, in what their Lodge was offering. Often, we find that they were
not “engaged” either by being involved or showing a real interest in Masonry. The
saddest reason, in my opinion, is they felt they did not belong. Often because
they did not connect with the other Lodge members and had not built
relationships.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Ouch…when I hear they did not belong, I can’t help but
think that the members of the Lodge failed. They failed to engage,
connect, create a sense of belonging or provide a valuable experience. I bet if
each of us thinks back to when we joined, we must have felt connected, a sense
of belonging, which exists to this day. If not, why would we be here tonight.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><a name="_Hlk160268557"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">As an organization we want and need
new members to grow, pass on our traditions and teachings, but above all create
better men. We do not aspire to just survive as an organization but thrive as a
Masonic Lodge.</span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk160268557;"></span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">When we raise a new Master Mason, we should be thinking
about the future and preparing for a long-term relationship between the Lodge,
its members, and the new Master Mason. Think 50-year pin length of
relationship.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I believe, and think that you will agree, that 80% of
Freemasonry is about relationships. If you were to ask any roomful of Masons
for the biggest impact that Freemasonry has made in their lives, the first and
loudest answer usually is friendship. The friendships they have
made in Lodge, within their masonic circle of friends and new friendships made
through masonic activities.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Currently, our country is experiencing a loneliness
epidemic. In surveys, 54% of Americans say that no one knows them well. Men,
under age 30, are suffering, with one in four reporting having no close
personal relationships.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">That is what new members are seeking. They are looking
for what they observe we have, a safe place to be recognized as a human being,
to be understood, to meet people from diverse backgrounds and opportunity to
create a circle of friends. </span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">These men are contacting our Grand Lodge seeking
membership on an average of three to four a week. But, once they get raised
into a Lodge, we are finding that they are leaving as fast as they join.
Because we, the existing Masons, are failing to connect with them.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Oceans of ink and forests of paper have been used to
write about our membership issues. But is membership really so bewildering or
perplexing? We need to have a simple plan and then act on it. </span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Many Lodges have an investment plan and oversight of
their monetary funds. Lodges should also have an investment plan for their
membership, especially new members. A membership development plan.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Since we Masons believe that Freemasonry enhances and
strengthens the character of good men by providing opportunities for
fellowship, charity, and education, these are the focus of the plan that I am
proposing.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The execution of this plan is a two-part process and is
the responsibility of the Lodge leadership and every individual member. As a
Masonic Lodge we are a company of men who all each have a responsibility.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Here is what I propose:</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Part One</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The Lodge leadership should provide a meaningful well
thought out program, each month, which is meaningful to that particular Lodge.
I realize, that is a topic for another talk.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Part Two</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Each member engages with and connects with all members
of the Lodge, but especially with the new members, through the <b>long-lost art of
conversation</b>.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I can imagine some of your thoughts right now. We spent
three months making him a Master Mason, that’s not enough connection. Now we
have to talk to them. YES, YES, and YES. If we want to keep new members,
there is a simple secret to keeping them, <u>we must talk to them</u>.
We must show an interest in them as individuals. We cannot let them stand in
the corner alone or eat alone. We must engage them and get to know them.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I feel like, over the last few years, we have forgotten
how to have a conversation and communicate. I think our isolation due to Covid,
working from home, and even politics may have had some influence in that. We
are also a culture today, where men are immersed in their phones and social
media, some from an incredibly young age, and learning how to have a
conversation has lost out. A prime example is watching a family at a
restaurant who are all so busy texting or checking their phones they are not
speaking to each other.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">We humans are wired for connection. That has been shown
time and time again in health studies. Our relationships and connection with
people are just as important to our well-being and for our physical and mental
health, as exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">When we engage in conversation, we are making a human
connection, we are building a relationship, we are building trust and mutual
understanding. Over time, we come to feel comfortable and safe in sharing our
thoughts and feelings. Even small talk helps us to build trust and connection.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">When we have a good conversation, we feel connected.
Here is some interesting science of how connected we can be. According to
Journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner author Charles Duhigg, during a conversion
the participants pupils dilate at the same rate, breathing rates will match
each other, and our brain waves and neuro activity will look similar. The
participants become synchronized.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">After hearing that I think is easy to see how a good
conversation expands the heart, nourishes the mind, and refreshes the spirit.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">It is thru these repeated conversations and connections
with members that the sense of belonging is created. With belonging comes a
sense of ownership. With a sense of ownership, we find that new Masons return
on a regular basis and become active in Lodge activities.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Creating deep fraternal bonds doesn’t happen overnight
but making those connections can happen each time a new Mason enters the Lodge.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">As Freemasons we want to become a better man or in other
words to become the best version of ourselves. For those of us who are shy or
introverts there can be a little anxiety or dread about the concept of engaging
in meaningful dialog. The Lodge is the perfect place to practice your small
talk and conversational skills to gain your confidence, which can have great
benefits in many aspects of life.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Conversation is an art. The word art means that it is a
talent that is created with imagination and skill and can become a beautiful
thing. It’s a skill we can all perfect. In Lodge, you are among friends,
and that is what we want to convey to new Masons.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Every member of the Lodge should feel a responsibility
to get to know each member of the Lodge and they get to know you in
return. I think we assume that someone else will initiate introductions
or that the officers will take care of the new member. Often, the Master
and Officers are busy getting ready for the meeting or dealing with other
pending issues and we usually find the candidate standing alone or with another
candidate staring at the ceiling. I ask that we all engage and make those so
important connections.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">As Freemasons we are known as Builders, and we have also
been referred to as Sons of Light. I propose you apply being the Son of Light
concept to our conversation techniques. We become illuminators, focusing our
light on the person we are talking to.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">We can do that by making eye contact and giving the
other person our full attention. Yes, put your phone away while in Lodge.
Remember, paying attention to them is a moral act of kindness. Be an active
listener. Let them express their thoughts without interrupting. Wait for
natural pauses or clues before asking questions or sharing information about yourself.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Ask open ended questions that begin with how, why, or
what. These types of questions will solicit a longer more in-depth answer.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">For example, why did you take up flying? What about
flying do you like the most? How long is the process to get your license? </span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Also, share information about yourself. You may find you
have something in common to focus the conversation on. At the end of the
conversation, ask him who he hasn’t met yet and introduce him to those other
Brothers, and help get that conversation started. </span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">One of the great benefits of being an Illuminator is
that the light you share with others, comes back around to you.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Remember, the ancient Masonic Rule, No one eats alone!
Invite the new member to join your Masonic buddies at your table or go sit next
to them if they are already seated. It’s another chance for more
brotherhood, and to keep the connection alive.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Don’t forget to engage those Brothers who don’t get to
attend Lodge regularly. Give them a call and get caught up with them on a
personal level. Tell them about what has been happening in Lodge or about
upcoming events. By doing this you are keeping the connection alive, even if
you cannot connect in person.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">If you notice someone from Lodge is missing reach out to
see if everything is ok. A call or an email may be greatly appreciated. Ask how
he is? We cannot assume all is well nor that there is a crisis, but maybe he is
in the hospital or needs help with something. Even if everything is ok, he
knows that someone cared enough to call and check. That is what Brotherhood is
about.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I still laugh when I think how one of my Masonic
Mentors, decades ago, described our fraternity as the World’s Oldest and
Largest Men’s Support Group in the World.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Becoming a member of our fraternity is basically just a
checklist of procedures that is beautifully orchestrated. The new member pays
his dues, and he becomes a card-carrying member. But where he truly becomes a
Master Mason is within the Lodge by his interactions with his Lodge Brothers.
Where Iron sharpens Iron. Thru repeated conversations he develops that identity
and a sense of belonging.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">We should not think of him as just a new member, but we
are admitting him as a new Brother into our Brotherhood. Every member should
find value in their membership. Each one of us must contribute to that success.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Freemasonry is a culture or a way of life for its
members. Each Lodge is a subculture of it. It is up to us to be supportive and
uplifting to each other.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">After the meeting, while driving home, we want everyone
to review the evening and think to himself, and hopefully: </span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I met a couple of nice guys tonight.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">It was nice to get caught up with some old friends.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">That was a nice dinner and a good meeting.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I’m glad I went, I found value in it, and I’m glad I
belong </span><span style="font-family: "New serif", serif; font-size: 16pt;">to that Lodge. </span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I am glad I am a Freemason.</span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "New serif",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5926217542msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.65pt;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-83790303756502986282024-01-03T15:16:00.000-06:002024-01-03T15:16:50.611-06:00250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-ueO4iOLZGl9ZZfybBmhm3miCRkgeWiQAVRQQx4I6cLBzl_bVgt6OtjRNhrAyFv9pqeLtc27EcjLA4fqKukKmqSN-NIff41Ikv-PWLWCBttVmijWA4jlMNSEAu1_y-hxqLuWKE5nVJr2FZqXNQx_YqIesM0qDMLaVIuN8A2EDr5cuholiW0LXv213hY/s3280/teaparty-sat-72_53412612746_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="3280" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-ueO4iOLZGl9ZZfybBmhm3miCRkgeWiQAVRQQx4I6cLBzl_bVgt6OtjRNhrAyFv9pqeLtc27EcjLA4fqKukKmqSN-NIff41Ikv-PWLWCBttVmijWA4jlMNSEAu1_y-hxqLuWKE5nVJr2FZqXNQx_YqIesM0qDMLaVIuN8A2EDr5cuholiW0LXv213hY/w640-h512/teaparty-sat-72_53412612746_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Worshipful Brother Joe Raviele</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">I was thrilled to death to have received an invitation from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to join them in a three-day event to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party December 15-17, 2023.</span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Boston Tea Party has always been an event in
American history that has captivated me. As a schoolboy I was blessed with
teachers who loved history, encouraged me and provided books on the subject. As
a Young Master Mason to learn that a number of Freemasons and two Masonic
Lodges were involved in this rebellion brought the subject even closer to me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I considered this a trip of a lifetime to learn more, to
be able to associate with decedents of the original party, and to be able to
walk in mass with Freemasons and the citizens in Boston the same route, and to
cheer as the tea was dumped into the Boston Harbor. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The Boston Tea Party weekend was a collaboration with
the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, The Sons of the American Revolution, and the
Joseph Warren Foundation. I cannot say enough how this collaboration provided
such a rich, deep learning opportunities, and a wonderful atmosphere to
experience. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX6b3RzOqE2O-VT-p6X1idJF0xaiys4nkHnKtdniZjqRTgZgFPqXPj86NpsD3motN3eixg7INR05gSr4PupBRpxnjCox5mtzBOEsQ70d-zwyYU6tJelmKM8tfZpqv7kVAgJ66y61WM0z69S__uVfGm4-qBmEj71NQsVApSB-k5x9RjTqR5233HKbpmnI/s1006/Grand%20Lodge%20of%20Mass%20Building.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="769" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX6b3RzOqE2O-VT-p6X1idJF0xaiys4nkHnKtdniZjqRTgZgFPqXPj86NpsD3motN3eixg7INR05gSr4PupBRpxnjCox5mtzBOEsQ70d-zwyYU6tJelmKM8tfZpqv7kVAgJ66y61WM0z69S__uVfGm4-qBmEj71NQsVApSB-k5x9RjTqR5233HKbpmnI/w490-h640/Grand%20Lodge%20of%20Mass%20Building.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts 186 Tremont Street </b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Boston</b></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The festivities began on December 15<sup>th</sup> with
registration at the beautiful Grand Lodge building at 186 Tremont Street. It's
one of my favorite Masonic places in the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The attendees had the choice to attend the
Installation of Officers St. Johns Lodge or a Historic Tavern Tour. The tour
was a walking tour seeing many of sites of Boston and visit several of oldest
public houses in Boston. With time enough built into the schedule to sample a
pint or two I was told. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I had a very strong desire to attend Installation of
Officers St Johns Lodge. Why would I want to attend another Installation of
Officers when I have experience hundreds you ask? This one is very unique from
my perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">St Johns Lodge is the oldest Masonic Lodge in the Western hemisphere. It was chartered in 1733 celebrating 290 years. This was their 154th Installation of their Worshipful Master. It was being held on the 5th floor of the Grand Lodge Building in Ionic Hall. It is a beautiful Lodge room and there is a pipe organ that was to be played.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">St Johns Lodge met in the Bunch of Grapes Tavern
from 1733 to 1780s. On the sign of the tavern was a bunch of grapes that were
made of wood. The Lodge had preserved those and have them on display at the
Masters station that I wanted to see. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwbQnoYgxrYfWjGgvRz9lkqWwjxBMCaOUrJTEbBh34xQiE6O7YgXUhlT7SJ5jefK95YKcoi3QQXmSQYAKEWrhRDzLamchxPbkDye6VFJKMNLPvTO-Epl42r0ZCEGVoMn2FvFoyNRuqX0CI-qllpxeEp6k14RoEzbmiB-BeE1QLQWxH4XClAlPaNHQ67E/s1006/Bunches%20of%20Grapes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="472" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwbQnoYgxrYfWjGgvRz9lkqWwjxBMCaOUrJTEbBh34xQiE6O7YgXUhlT7SJ5jefK95YKcoi3QQXmSQYAKEWrhRDzLamchxPbkDye6VFJKMNLPvTO-Epl42r0ZCEGVoMn2FvFoyNRuqX0CI-qllpxeEp6k14RoEzbmiB-BeE1QLQWxH4XClAlPaNHQ67E/w188-h400/Bunches%20of%20Grapes.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The Installation was to be conducted by the Grand
Master and all the Grand Lodge Officers. Seeing the work of another jurisdiction
is very interesting, espically in Massachusetts for everything I have seen in
the past is nothing but the best. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ionic Hall had well over 200 attendees to my
estimation. It started on time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I enjoyed the nuances of the Massachusetts Installation.
They were filled with majesty, meaning and efficient. The memorization was
wonderful.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I enjoyed how they introduce and received the Grand
Master, and how all the Officers knelt at the alter to take the obligation of
their office. The memorization was wonderful. Total time according to my watch
was 55 minutes to have all the Officers installed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYBDaMOFTfrwpFvc2meBc0tmu3EgSegocACLNK726hoSUwVKwPCpcpl8GS4XJV8dD_piTzRF0IQ0yuai04y6WJXL2gsCkpDmlDflfCG0PfVSevAxgIT-iJhKjjRKsp-RGwv0np9dGuVRlJkvo_RchX5pvQ6C3QwTQZ-lTh_rTWLg_3PzD0UVzstU5fuA/s1341/Officers%20Kneeling.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1341" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYBDaMOFTfrwpFvc2meBc0tmu3EgSegocACLNK726hoSUwVKwPCpcpl8GS4XJV8dD_piTzRF0IQ0yuai04y6WJXL2gsCkpDmlDflfCG0PfVSevAxgIT-iJhKjjRKsp-RGwv0np9dGuVRlJkvo_RchX5pvQ6C3QwTQZ-lTh_rTWLg_3PzD0UVzstU5fuA/w640-h480/Officers%20Kneeling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBk9t2jKiZ3Zb98MPr16IR3rwTC5twwSbEnYITwOBhgyAInKKP2G5xViOK78LZSFknEDrXoaxVHtBy_S6eBhV1_7MxIfVZvIpsSz7FqTa884q4isIKzlcu6HTiXa_oTUS0R-UWqy7_MhZZhaRIR8GMMIVX7uVL8jGJpsaO0nymOWzVzzKfWtYbhJ1oRY/s1315/St%20Johns%20Lodge%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1315" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBk9t2jKiZ3Zb98MPr16IR3rwTC5twwSbEnYITwOBhgyAInKKP2G5xViOK78LZSFknEDrXoaxVHtBy_S6eBhV1_7MxIfVZvIpsSz7FqTa884q4isIKzlcu6HTiXa_oTUS0R-UWqy7_MhZZhaRIR8GMMIVX7uVL8jGJpsaO0nymOWzVzzKfWtYbhJ1oRY/w640-h490/St%20Johns%20Lodge%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3f9Xq9qDDO0gCY9zNQvlIk9nNSfVN-uLxPGHgWlU57AzjkR9Kaw5ffK0-o4UFzrAb67VcWINSuctFRS3XD3fkH3jyBDyutHSA8oKJYqH_m5tTKp5Uu3aGNmHi3aiBlA_XWpAUZh8fWhAApCwbk_Z7nFabbcCtJeqxwjmu8ZEpI6RC1cPqtccwfkad9E/s1341/St%20Johns%20and%20Grand%20Lodge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1341" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3f9Xq9qDDO0gCY9zNQvlIk9nNSfVN-uLxPGHgWlU57AzjkR9Kaw5ffK0-o4UFzrAb67VcWINSuctFRS3XD3fkH3jyBDyutHSA8oKJYqH_m5tTKp5Uu3aGNmHi3aiBlA_XWpAUZh8fWhAApCwbk_Z7nFabbcCtJeqxwjmu8ZEpI6RC1cPqtccwfkad9E/w640-h480/St%20Johns%20and%20Grand%20Lodge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQjWnIIY8AS4qGBicmPW3234uuOSEWJO1Vp9psaO-sdz6lW8c5Cf42skFr4NYUWE9stDFJI4dEQ2hUURKk841J2MrkHrBPTS-KxCyzg_tEmyu9ZSpQlTRf0vd68wBTf7gZW5J98Neog0om4OYXkMXX5_M6FBDNNZ_D2xrKqMUT92SrR1iWwIbcpD1jo4/s1006/WM%20Mark%20Davis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="701" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQjWnIIY8AS4qGBicmPW3234uuOSEWJO1Vp9psaO-sdz6lW8c5Cf42skFr4NYUWE9stDFJI4dEQ2hUURKk841J2MrkHrBPTS-KxCyzg_tEmyu9ZSpQlTRf0vd68wBTf7gZW5J98Neog0om4OYXkMXX5_M6FBDNNZ_D2xrKqMUT92SrR1iWwIbcpD1jo4/w446-h640/WM%20Mark%20Davis.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Worshipful Master Mark Davis St. Johns Lodge-Boston</b></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Saturday December 16</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> started bright and early in the Grand Lodge building on the 7</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> floor in the Gothic Hall with the Boston Tea Party Symposium. The symposium was a </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">lineup</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> of seven incredible distinguished speakers who were academics and authors who had an expertise in a particular aspect of the Boston Tea Party. Their photos are below with the title of their talks.</span></span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dJeoy_lQ7cJCj4FUntZPjqPmvMN2Y0kfZZAfv-euheAzJ4DS7sleBbff6leQL6_2e9ExVl_PWHIl8wV343KH8mKK94MLTCI4la2oSDjxzLdJO8eQT7DE8EKTWxbhQwH2UwJZU8NFB2PHLcS4vMisJ2f_0ISjGmduZTW_F6Yeeq9o97UM0er-5CVBGe4/s1006/Dr.%20Brooke%20Barbier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dJeoy_lQ7cJCj4FUntZPjqPmvMN2Y0kfZZAfv-euheAzJ4DS7sleBbff6leQL6_2e9ExVl_PWHIl8wV343KH8mKK94MLTCI4la2oSDjxzLdJO8eQT7DE8EKTWxbhQwH2UwJZU8NFB2PHLcS4vMisJ2f_0ISjGmduZTW_F6Yeeq9o97UM0er-5CVBGe4/w493-h640/Dr.%20Brooke%20Barbier.jpg" width="493" /></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dr. Brooke Barbier "Radicalizing John Handcock: The Tea Act and the Boston Tea Party<br /><br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaSclti4G6s6cKFe7mjYpoEcn_5bpM-nqqFO9xip1ZktcQs7vGSDc8_DdiGxDXsCnLpI0IoQ593FA1zrcmaUhcpwtaVP6WIT9kY2AHp6hrORbGdtIVoDMoAHI2ZdgaMk9wn8uvnbYhSz9uwdKQh3PWSqR0MadM9Yv8-1O9wn8R6qY-R71zJesSNE3P9g/s1006/RW%20Walter%20Hunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="712" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaSclti4G6s6cKFe7mjYpoEcn_5bpM-nqqFO9xip1ZktcQs7vGSDc8_DdiGxDXsCnLpI0IoQ593FA1zrcmaUhcpwtaVP6WIT9kY2AHp6hrORbGdtIVoDMoAHI2ZdgaMk9wn8uvnbYhSz9uwdKQh3PWSqR0MadM9Yv8-1O9wn8R6qY-R71zJesSNE3P9g/w452-h640/RW%20Walter%20Hunt.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>RW Walter Hunt " Freemasonry Before the Revolution"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwETKyAYzIggKZjooK9UROBDXfnxYIyBNn6pGlExTCpCCH01BQAlSR9LdLDcmz1WZV1Msm-VdaNDsH-2zblz-zlcMu0opBRM_rL6JVsE3OTdlGLyM87DEnrONvMOc_2xua9mjvFHTJg7L-lgwwPVJaexMBikzvPONmfcwKqPoo2JsJuHXM9mNwU1kVe8/s1006/Dr.%20Jayne%20Triber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="633" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwETKyAYzIggKZjooK9UROBDXfnxYIyBNn6pGlExTCpCCH01BQAlSR9LdLDcmz1WZV1Msm-VdaNDsH-2zblz-zlcMu0opBRM_rL6JVsE3OTdlGLyM87DEnrONvMOc_2xua9mjvFHTJg7L-lgwwPVJaexMBikzvPONmfcwKqPoo2JsJuHXM9mNwU1kVe8/w402-h640/Dr.%20Jayne%20Triber.jpg" width="402" /></a></div><b>Dr. Jayne Triber " Brother Revere: How Freemasonry Shaped Paul Revere's Revolutionary Ride</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpcljBxB0bxJT3R-BlV5p_47bwy2w2DCSo1RKRhtQ1qqOeiODY269szkmO1uSRKvTUnspGXkviaznG4R-fkxz93afa2GuMVJaFFlbyVSQgiluOJ_yb6z0dyXMVP_aJ7P42T-ARR0mBrY7Oe-EY4teo7rnzoiVWr-ToTNh0m90WAvdt3Mqt0Heo5Ica2U/s1006/Dr.%20William%20Fowler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="819" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpcljBxB0bxJT3R-BlV5p_47bwy2w2DCSo1RKRhtQ1qqOeiODY269szkmO1uSRKvTUnspGXkviaznG4R-fkxz93afa2GuMVJaFFlbyVSQgiluOJ_yb6z0dyXMVP_aJ7P42T-ARR0mBrY7Oe-EY4teo7rnzoiVWr-ToTNh0m90WAvdt3Mqt0Heo5Ica2U/w522-h640/Dr.%20William%20Fowler.jpg" width="522" /></a></div><b>Dr. William Fowler A Fireside Chat with Dr. Fowler</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipn2UKxysTMohHTr0BlI1M_iMmYQ-JwPiXY-THqs1p9bhN1FhQyh57uOxlGwjnSn1mDZfGxKijJlMaxdO1wFYGaLv04V3EEZsDEiv4YdQOAFhbbOJW8ubK9nJswmsP38JGQHtiKJ8aEdWIoeet4muZofFOm6JqU9fG9So-0ud8xpr1UDg2xZ6n1Mun5D0/s1006/JL%20Bell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="914" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipn2UKxysTMohHTr0BlI1M_iMmYQ-JwPiXY-THqs1p9bhN1FhQyh57uOxlGwjnSn1mDZfGxKijJlMaxdO1wFYGaLv04V3EEZsDEiv4YdQOAFhbbOJW8ubK9nJswmsP38JGQHtiKJ8aEdWIoeet4muZofFOm6JqU9fG9So-0ud8xpr1UDg2xZ6n1Mun5D0/w582-h640/JL%20Bell.jpg" width="582" /></a></div><b>JL Bell " How Bostonians Learned to Talk about the Destruction of the Tea</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7024oNAJp-iDnANOoFdoeH1nbMO_NSfPjta91E1PqbkUIB2-UNUvy0yFO01r3W1P4cYUUGpToifLhDEz-mPxJak05dEaf6RWqLexCiW1nEghm_uPDc6wCK9G5RcBVgdA5POLRuvIMsV90eljdx7IS5Bn5zJHiiz8N4SI9h9hilf78PQLZM6MCuuznJm4/s1006/Dr%20James%20James%20Fichter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="755" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7024oNAJp-iDnANOoFdoeH1nbMO_NSfPjta91E1PqbkUIB2-UNUvy0yFO01r3W1P4cYUUGpToifLhDEz-mPxJak05dEaf6RWqLexCiW1nEghm_uPDc6wCK9G5RcBVgdA5POLRuvIMsV90eljdx7IS5Bn5zJHiiz8N4SI9h9hilf78PQLZM6MCuuznJm4/w480-h640/Dr%20James%20James%20Fichter.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><b>Dr. James Fichter " Tea: Consumption, Politics & Revolution, 1773-1776</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVgegCbD9c1hos1p3va_O14kT_Ua0PvEdXtpoiARzH0Dr6CxAXByc9qoPdpGj0_leAg2gCwYoAvLsx9BvIwRPYLYjjGYqkWY7U-5xxwFI8QKT7McWCmIN9ivw_SxDHg3Xykef3fhStE1vuBuI7SEhHu3cm6hYWT6Q8vizmwqSLz8TPpjbLM2Syw2waXk/s1006/Dr.%20Ben%20Carp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="637" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVgegCbD9c1hos1p3va_O14kT_Ua0PvEdXtpoiARzH0Dr6CxAXByc9qoPdpGj0_leAg2gCwYoAvLsx9BvIwRPYLYjjGYqkWY7U-5xxwFI8QKT7McWCmIN9ivw_SxDHg3Xykef3fhStE1vuBuI7SEhHu3cm6hYWT6Q8vizmwqSLz8TPpjbLM2Syw2waXk/w406-h640/Dr.%20Ben%20Carp.jpg" width="406" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dr. Ben Carp " Teapot in a Tempest: The Boston Tea Party of 1773</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">The speakers allowed time for questions from the audience, and stayed afterwards so you could engage in conversation. It was a wonderful opportunity that I rarely encounter. By the end of the day, I can say I had a much more in-depth view of the Boston Tea Party and the issues surrounding it.</span></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Many of the speakers stayed the entire day, for they
brought books that they had written to sign and sell. This was a very difficult
aspect for me. I am a Bookaphile. (a person who loves books) I was forced not
to purchase any books. If I chose to, I would have to carry the thirty pounds
of books on the Rally to the harbor for the dumping of the tea, and on the walk
back to my hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I must make another confession here. I was invited to
a reception from the Grand Master, but I didn’t wish to miss two of the
speakers. He understood and was gracious. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">As I mentioned earlier that the symposium was held in Gothic
Hall. The theater holds 400 people. Attendees were free to come and go
throughout the day. I will say that Hall was pretty full the entire day. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Gothic Hall is a decorated in a Medieval-Tudor England
style. It is used by the Boston area Scottish Rite. I noticed that they were
not using the traditional theater backdrops that we use in my home Scottish
Rite. The costs of conserving those turn of the century is outrageously
expensive. They had transitioned to an LED Wall. The cost of this LED Wall was $100,000.
They did not get the cheap one. I will say it took me a few minutes to adjust
to this new concept.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-HU2mRvpDKx-rtoCmVjUwwrhZXr5gMFYpE-cv3O0Zz7i-0Y-XpYXGXIGQKkd5g-IaRPQ1W0us8Eoq45nAghQ9OCZ-xuC9RnzAeAez9K2fU7R3_Efyl4rAoVp8cMqK97fmzyPjQDITYhuLF5PoIKas-69FTOA1A0Vk8ddti4pVaMPHYqqGq98J2n7mes/s6684/teaparty-sat-40_53412790083_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4456" data-original-width="6684" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-HU2mRvpDKx-rtoCmVjUwwrhZXr5gMFYpE-cv3O0Zz7i-0Y-XpYXGXIGQKkd5g-IaRPQ1W0us8Eoq45nAghQ9OCZ-xuC9RnzAeAez9K2fU7R3_Efyl4rAoVp8cMqK97fmzyPjQDITYhuLF5PoIKas-69FTOA1A0Vk8ddti4pVaMPHYqqGq98J2n7mes/w640-h426/teaparty-sat-40_53412790083_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Worshipful Brother Joe Raviele</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The speakers made use of the LED Wall to display their
power points. I will say it was just a perfect. Later in the day the Scottish
Rite Boston-Lafayette Lodge of Perfection performed a play for us called
“Treason to the Crown using the LED Wall for backdrops. I can say that it
worked very nicely. The acting was wonderful, and the combination with the LED
Wall system made a suburb experience.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirv6f1FnpzS0Vb_J-1a3f1aTnp-yPjwtXLek6c8XYJbmiUI0vBRQsSl3t0lURRa6wQGWtopuw_TB4STpRae-bWozqPT6GD47ejuTRMWTKd9K3-OB_G1zEzDXN0optEmOlszWQAxO3C48-gyrMtDUipmFM7PhKVkOJt8KZRb9WvBQRHVmShuoVHWog6bZI/s5858/teaparty-sat-23_53413068510_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3905" data-original-width="5858" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirv6f1FnpzS0Vb_J-1a3f1aTnp-yPjwtXLek6c8XYJbmiUI0vBRQsSl3t0lURRa6wQGWtopuw_TB4STpRae-bWozqPT6GD47ejuTRMWTKd9K3-OB_G1zEzDXN0optEmOlszWQAxO3C48-gyrMtDUipmFM7PhKVkOJt8KZRb9WvBQRHVmShuoVHWog6bZI/w640-h426/teaparty-sat-23_53413068510_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Worshipful Joe Raviele</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">At the conclusion of the symposium at approx. 5;30
many of us gathered in Corinthian Hall to get our coats, and aprons on, and
squeeze in a little more social time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ppf_2urPswjM6fPomppXn1l8s4j0qrgmMVkF9-eTlabDZltHFzloFVJRl19UEtd1x2IMXg4mSsdc7MasIkegnZoFhSCqaxtVAmRepUeB3pCBNOghyphenhyphenptK6l4I4mCid6yV_YPAVjmetMkqHsPhUoBzrYXcPL3gccj8c78t93CnXz-CKeaBAxwFYZensDg/s1341/Corinthian%20Hall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1341" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ppf_2urPswjM6fPomppXn1l8s4j0qrgmMVkF9-eTlabDZltHFzloFVJRl19UEtd1x2IMXg4mSsdc7MasIkegnZoFhSCqaxtVAmRepUeB3pCBNOghyphenhyphenptK6l4I4mCid6yV_YPAVjmetMkqHsPhUoBzrYXcPL3gccj8c78t93CnXz-CKeaBAxwFYZensDg/w640-h480/Corinthian%20Hall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corinthian Hall</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMak5U1kjmIcexHI2Mu9O60lbr5P2tr9qPaOodZmzFHeHtB4WL3e0l-yWr-YPNM2SR-Nplccqu0W4qDk0C3RcaJNlMbrEZtS7XyPjfz7qR9K6Ir4IhI3WVAyyDbsMA-bVOttAjLl1nld62MuqupxLpvyqx3mwpdKQopQcvZqyqKl5E0LbrQodlNyaMsw/s1439/Commerative%20Apron.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1439" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMak5U1kjmIcexHI2Mu9O60lbr5P2tr9qPaOodZmzFHeHtB4WL3e0l-yWr-YPNM2SR-Nplccqu0W4qDk0C3RcaJNlMbrEZtS7XyPjfz7qR9K6Ir4IhI3WVAyyDbsMA-bVOttAjLl1nld62MuqupxLpvyqx3mwpdKQopQcvZqyqKl5E0LbrQodlNyaMsw/w640-h448/Commerative%20Apron.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We all wore the 250th Commemorative Apron</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">We exited the building and were met by another large group of Brothers who were waiting. We formed up on the sidewalk walking two abreast creating a ribbon of Masons as far as the eye could see. There were 1,000 Masons registered to walk Rally.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The procession was led by a color guard and the Most
Worshipful Grand Master George F. Hamilton. We walked about seven blocks to the
Old South Meeting Hall where we were met by thousands of people. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQEdfLgfnjNX3AYJElCDghsyipUkm5TohVRRz-aF2Ue9x3PUtQSxrU88AMiS_2DJSMbN-DY_7HEAZhDmrx_pGhlnS_oFJekCKbsJ6OAoqyhB6a72YcD_ahesyWFfxgb9zFOKJD8tKQe57GrhXmU3buQgGAlB6IaKRbOpP1XS5QjHGuk0V2e0KXcbe3mc/s4235/teaparty-sat-66_53412942724_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4235" data-original-width="3388" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQEdfLgfnjNX3AYJElCDghsyipUkm5TohVRRz-aF2Ue9x3PUtQSxrU88AMiS_2DJSMbN-DY_7HEAZhDmrx_pGhlnS_oFJekCKbsJ6OAoqyhB6a72YcD_ahesyWFfxgb9zFOKJD8tKQe57GrhXmU3buQgGAlB6IaKRbOpP1XS5QjHGuk0V2e0KXcbe3mc/w512-h640/teaparty-sat-66_53412942724_o.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Worshipful Brother Joe Raviele</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLxs2qV5jwfy3VyIKeXI4nB6RP6K2QBA8ok00DSmOD3ORmPbcCzS7XMxVeirgDGy_LmoklxmbjkXC9Jy4zy2BYUnCmui2B6TMHXJs4eq8qTHOc4AUPSb2iaDGfe4KdtjLLtd_AbajjiKhDmOz3X6ytakC3w9yNVtCPgnVYPLeuE3sw3i5IO6lfOyaRaE/s5014/teaparty-sat-68_53411694017_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4011" data-original-width="5014" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLxs2qV5jwfy3VyIKeXI4nB6RP6K2QBA8ok00DSmOD3ORmPbcCzS7XMxVeirgDGy_LmoklxmbjkXC9Jy4zy2BYUnCmui2B6TMHXJs4eq8qTHOc4AUPSb2iaDGfe4KdtjLLtd_AbajjiKhDmOz3X6ytakC3w9yNVtCPgnVYPLeuE3sw3i5IO6lfOyaRaE/w640-h512/teaparty-sat-68_53411694017_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Worshipful Brother Joe Raviele</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">We were guided to onto Milk Street to wait outside
while a reenactment of the meeting about what to do about the tea sitting in
Boston Harbor. I thought this was a great spot to wait for people watching. The
Sons of the American Revolution were directly ahead of us. They were dressed in
their colorful colonial soldiers’ uniforms. There were multiple fife and drum
corps ahead of them keeping us entertained playing military music. There were
hundreds of people dressed in colonial clothing. It was here that I felt that
we had just immersed ourselves in the atmosphere of 1733.</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpfJiEA2A7EwIy9hlGEhTXmJxwaY609OCR1XwK_dVYrDJRJ_RMpC8QxGwVqT6FDtl_LcB3mU-cT0H9MPgI_f_WEOJGUaLS4Fi6wHXIVHAzqCyUa4XZS5v6i5ptNazBEoRBMcGOTHyiSg6zO6OoVDel7jnB0gLhxR3RAFJWcwldCtc0iZYteyZbr8admU/s1006/Old%20South%20Meeting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="755" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpfJiEA2A7EwIy9hlGEhTXmJxwaY609OCR1XwK_dVYrDJRJ_RMpC8QxGwVqT6FDtl_LcB3mU-cT0H9MPgI_f_WEOJGUaLS4Fi6wHXIVHAzqCyUa4XZS5v6i5ptNazBEoRBMcGOTHyiSg6zO6OoVDel7jnB0gLhxR3RAFJWcwldCtc0iZYteyZbr8admU/w480-h640/Old%20South%20Meeting.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9WZ3T96xpRZxsaWJy_4aTAEpKhJCDVTTvlHmSlI70AJbk4_wVvTmIF2ZLSudGNOpDpvGPtttkpgSr7SJe05lSGuLCSh2Kgq2QsQJG8BR617JNCGfW4iXuJsLH1hThwMVVNoacJ46SgosM_Vfzn3_3o8yKD5a2alF9bdUgEHZH4mF0PH63lsAKE8K0rM/s6070/teaparty-sat-67_53413057125_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4047" data-original-width="6070" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9WZ3T96xpRZxsaWJy_4aTAEpKhJCDVTTvlHmSlI70AJbk4_wVvTmIF2ZLSudGNOpDpvGPtttkpgSr7SJe05lSGuLCSh2Kgq2QsQJG8BR617JNCGfW4iXuJsLH1hThwMVVNoacJ46SgosM_Vfzn3_3o8yKD5a2alF9bdUgEHZH4mF0PH63lsAKE8K0rM/w640-h426/teaparty-sat-67_53413057125_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Worshipful Brother Joe Raviele</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHrG2Zw-3Q731glujlDTUhK31o3OuWq8O9ietEZBs1HPBZbdajeE2Eive3Pd8KoHW-o4X-KPl4im7NGNJ2YGRHGauk7WbJbiJqw0wrRUtOKPDqbWfSrEqThilp2bSEU-1E0CAEpaiUCYMgyx8s3hka71FKQvokNcQ4EHVUd4_urkAY7UL9OdvJzvdLbs/s1341/Colonial%20Dress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1341" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHrG2Zw-3Q731glujlDTUhK31o3OuWq8O9ietEZBs1HPBZbdajeE2Eive3Pd8KoHW-o4X-KPl4im7NGNJ2YGRHGauk7WbJbiJqw0wrRUtOKPDqbWfSrEqThilp2bSEU-1E0CAEpaiUCYMgyx8s3hka71FKQvokNcQ4EHVUd4_urkAY7UL9OdvJzvdLbs/w640-h480/Colonial%20Dress.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The temperature was 40 degrees and a slight cold
breeze, but the warmth of Brotherly Love was glowing. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_IsMWksNvYoJQGgBfKNZNme7Mu9mePUgjG4LhJq_tlm9bL3EsDvAocHqcgSDXCovbmvctRDClBhZle_94lMnBeZzGIND-yHdm9nceuNIKLsMaVNJq9GF_TMlUYto7ItljSvbm1ufBjnjV53MuFS-A19u2JbhebinsHhnT5OWv5BDk9id1aaI2BvxFNA/s1583/Christopher%20Cross,%20Me,%20Brad%20Greenbank.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1583" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_IsMWksNvYoJQGgBfKNZNme7Mu9mePUgjG4LhJq_tlm9bL3EsDvAocHqcgSDXCovbmvctRDClBhZle_94lMnBeZzGIND-yHdm9nceuNIKLsMaVNJq9GF_TMlUYto7ItljSvbm1ufBjnjV53MuFS-A19u2JbhebinsHhnT5OWv5BDk9id1aaI2BvxFNA/w640-h406/Christopher%20Cross,%20Me,%20Brad%20Greenbank.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 107%;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: left;">Christopher Cross, Me, Brad Greenbank Leo Lodge Indiana</span><br style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: left;" /></div></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I did run across a group of Brothers from Ohio.
Several were only wearing a polo shirt with their logo on it, and a long
sleeve tee shirt underneath for warmth. I asked one of the Brothers if he
wanted my gloves or scarf for warmth. He said no as his teeth were chattering
Ill be ok once we get moving. Got to admire those Brothers from Ohio for their
dedication!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">According to my watch we began walking at 7:40 down
Milk Street turning right onto Pearl Street. Somewhere in the Post Office
Square there were a detachment of reenactors dressed as British Redcoats. The
passing crowd shouted Down with the Redcoats and I yelled Lobster backs in fun
jest. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">It was here that I saw streams of people coming in all
directions to join us. We were shoulder to shoulder as we were funneling into
the Wharf area. A squad of British Soldiers walking in file then began gently
forcing its way thru the crowd and the crowd having fun booing, adding a sense
of realism to the event. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYnQ0jXEF8-SngEfWd9zhPGXoRt4stI6sUiZrN82Kb-rQreanBhJ17WYMNtneLSjtUvAFVTzJeLlxCUh34U7ljnGeofBbFaHc3wrh8uWdq7HoNqOpHXx_2XsXH_0KlVwyeQ9eE0Wfq4AxKUxidnS7db0ixKlf5MC8wYgPFBCp7UxK-NUJB9tX2yIzhfc/s1651/crowd%20Boston.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1651" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYnQ0jXEF8-SngEfWd9zhPGXoRt4stI6sUiZrN82Kb-rQreanBhJ17WYMNtneLSjtUvAFVTzJeLlxCUh34U7ljnGeofBbFaHc3wrh8uWdq7HoNqOpHXx_2XsXH_0KlVwyeQ9eE0Wfq4AxKUxidnS7db0ixKlf5MC8wYgPFBCp7UxK-NUJB9tX2yIzhfc/w640-h300/crowd%20Boston.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8PRpMvVQGl17a8WY7bw0Xty5r9RydX5ESSKQoEIp6rXHl2y2-CRYLEUOvJHdfYqDaNKkpNf8vMDZJzbnY89GWlrkhte1_w6XeFAfy6QY6slYZ1n3oZTYOWqa0aCa_yjHsw1wHbZdKOX81YODBYohHb48vLPO4Sgqddcxc2ppqX7GOo4NbpOl5Dwz7mM/s1408/British.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1408" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8PRpMvVQGl17a8WY7bw0Xty5r9RydX5ESSKQoEIp6rXHl2y2-CRYLEUOvJHdfYqDaNKkpNf8vMDZJzbnY89GWlrkhte1_w6XeFAfy6QY6slYZ1n3oZTYOWqa0aCa_yjHsw1wHbZdKOX81YODBYohHb48vLPO4Sgqddcxc2ppqX7GOo4NbpOl5Dwz7mM/w640-h458/British.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We were now directly across the waterfront of the
ships for the reenactment of the dumping of the tea. There was a Jumbotron with
a great sound system directly in front of me which I enjoyed getting a close-up
view. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The program began with opening statements from various
politicians. I was impressed that Dr. Peter Abbott OBE The British Counsul to
New England presented his comments. He
stated to the best of my notetaking “I am His Majesty King Charles III official
representive. Yes, you heard that right, 250 years ago representatives of the
British Crown were deeply unpopular here. Today I am honored to take part in
the commemoration of the Boston Tea Party 250<sup>th</sup> Anniversity. Latter
on, I will be presenting Mayor Michelle Wu with an invoice for the 90,000
pounds of tea that were destroyed in 1773, With interest. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The crowd broke out in laughter. I was laughing so
hard my notetaking stopped, but he said many kind words. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Next on the Jumbotron speaking was the Grand Master of
Massachusetts Masons George Hamilton. He spoke for Freemasonry, and I couldn’t
hear much else, for the crowd was cheering so loudly. As an outsider it appears
to me that the Masons of Massachusetts are well known and loved here. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Here is an interesting point on the evening in 1773
there were 350 chest of tea which contained 92,586 pounds of tea that was
dumped into the Boston Harbor. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz1glTkyiasIIj1W6oWwO2V3Yba8nLaSfa2sYkn1ZkTcFsgUZRbSP3GE1UX5w9Mg7iljFBbbP5sNa9gc0IWDRwvf3NEkSYY9hy6HH7rEfjqh-B9rQT6FJVuvlH9JTIN7QZpl4FaEdEfnmrH1OeUDyuHvcZlhYJtJmMYU1RDD046ZXnFaRn32h-R-zfiM/s4970/teaparty-sat-48_53411697752_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3976" data-original-width="4970" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz1glTkyiasIIj1W6oWwO2V3Yba8nLaSfa2sYkn1ZkTcFsgUZRbSP3GE1UX5w9Mg7iljFBbbP5sNa9gc0IWDRwvf3NEkSYY9hy6HH7rEfjqh-B9rQT6FJVuvlH9JTIN7QZpl4FaEdEfnmrH1OeUDyuHvcZlhYJtJmMYU1RDD046ZXnFaRn32h-R-zfiM/w640-h512/teaparty-sat-48_53411697752_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Worshipful Brother Joe Raviele</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">In 2023 a campaign was developed to collect tea for
the 250</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Anniversary</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> dumping. 2,000 pounds was donated from people
across the world. The London East India Company donated 250 pounds. The same
company that had its tea dumped in 1773.</span></span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYHGqVPDRaFcrLJnZ6XzIyPa21pGsxSnMvQp2X4zx3KpVpE48yZxlW6sR8J9M7FhhW_k4bVeX4ksEUosW21tKtDKyxGlIcCRAMDyCOfVim0ylp6mtuCsfPGLAfHDfuEHLwkTCRLEEDLA7SsQMii6ittBJtm1Tvh9sCt1pd-Vtn4R4S-e0-_kdwgfNe74/s5398/teaparty-sat-47_53411697957_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4318" data-original-width="5398" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYHGqVPDRaFcrLJnZ6XzIyPa21pGsxSnMvQp2X4zx3KpVpE48yZxlW6sR8J9M7FhhW_k4bVeX4ksEUosW21tKtDKyxGlIcCRAMDyCOfVim0ylp6mtuCsfPGLAfHDfuEHLwkTCRLEEDLA7SsQMii6ittBJtm1Tvh9sCt1pd-Vtn4R4S-e0-_kdwgfNe74/w640-h512/teaparty-sat-47_53411697957_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Worshipful Brother Joe Raviele</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Upon the completion of the dignitaries’ speeches the
crowd enthusiastically shouted Huzzah.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Our attention was then drawn to the ship on the
waterfront where the costumed professional reenactors started the program. As
the reenactors began to dump the tea. The crowd was yelling Dump the tea, Spill
the tea, Down the British up the Yanks and Huzzah! One young woman nearby me
yelled “No taxation without Representation! My eye caught hers and she said “What?
I'm a history major and want to be accurate. We laughed and high fived. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">When an actor read the King Georges order to close
Boston Harbor the crowd gave a tremendous Boo. When the narrator described the
drafting of the Declaration of Independence the crowd broke out in cheers, and
chanting USA.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The performance with the audience participation made
for a wonderful event. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">As I was walking the eight blocks back to my hotel. I
realized that my voice was hoarse. I hadn’t yelled that much since my last
attendance at a hockey game. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSRkAxs5HuO-WhQyLmBGyE8HYUDQfrcpkcl8-hWlRPlQEsECQVKWRWKmuXat8clQCmAaB0kPCTCU7Zapb_JdcLwEhhJ-kiFsO84C9dXrktOfvGP4lYFi5BvJtkcHEE5hyX-tUWIYANMYpMJRr1x84SrY45f2pGwXAdtca7JgH25lUISj4AK5I6cmc8Wk/s1006/Program%20Boston.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="738" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSRkAxs5HuO-WhQyLmBGyE8HYUDQfrcpkcl8-hWlRPlQEsECQVKWRWKmuXat8clQCmAaB0kPCTCU7Zapb_JdcLwEhhJ-kiFsO84C9dXrktOfvGP4lYFi5BvJtkcHEE5hyX-tUWIYANMYpMJRr1x84SrY45f2pGwXAdtca7JgH25lUISj4AK5I6cmc8Wk/w470-h640/Program%20Boston.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">On Sunday the 17</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> at 10:00 AM an Ecumenical Service was held for all those wishing to join together in </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">a spirit</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> of prayer. The Service was conducted by three of the Grand Chaplains (there are eight with two Emeritus)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Right Worshipful & Reverand Dr. Richard Haley-Senior
Grand Chaplain,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Right Worshipful & Reverand Henry Peirce,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Right Worshipful & Cantor Seth Landau.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheH0X5YADl1LN1_9fe9uMq_t84kr24po_RviLOdG_gfWIsm6gsifOYhtVByZOY98ukPW6a1vSzi6sKD0OWqL4z39BXjbot_rQgv8lL_KEKm7OzxewZ4dByQ3vimy4YtghO9qAK0_CawwNzdHCOLFOZjRzQSeeVwmB0OFSfMbr2MgXQ80NJAvllerR8-Kk/s3650/teaparty-sun-10_53414952980_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3650" data-original-width="3650" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheH0X5YADl1LN1_9fe9uMq_t84kr24po_RviLOdG_gfWIsm6gsifOYhtVByZOY98ukPW6a1vSzi6sKD0OWqL4z39BXjbot_rQgv8lL_KEKm7OzxewZ4dByQ3vimy4YtghO9qAK0_CawwNzdHCOLFOZjRzQSeeVwmB0OFSfMbr2MgXQ80NJAvllerR8-Kk/w640-h640/teaparty-sun-10_53414952980_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Worshipful Brother Joe Raviele</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">It found it to be a inspiring service. The lodge room
had a pipe organ and lodge room was filled by Christmas music, and inspiring
hymns. Unfortunately, I cannot give the credit to the RW. Brother who was
playing for his name was not printed in the beautiful program that was given
for the service. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEEL_uNemdQgpQe00bLOZkZiYZJSo4m5jPtTzTTv-rlSvYMQNJnFKonllKOwUj2NfHYQBR8dfXwZ5pCndtPm5QDpuXEcxsfkTPbEkL7ska2DjXFp0h09sHkFEGnro73m-n6Pc3trJ0lwGAPN1RU1YfwSqhEedzVPTK4gm7pEnDGxeovMBEY1aGM7HUXA/s3280/teaparty-sun-6_53414682088_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="3280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEEL_uNemdQgpQe00bLOZkZiYZJSo4m5jPtTzTTv-rlSvYMQNJnFKonllKOwUj2NfHYQBR8dfXwZ5pCndtPm5QDpuXEcxsfkTPbEkL7ska2DjXFp0h09sHkFEGnro73m-n6Pc3trJ0lwGAPN1RU1YfwSqhEedzVPTK4gm7pEnDGxeovMBEY1aGM7HUXA/w400-h320/teaparty-sun-6_53414682088_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Worshipful Brother Joe Raviele</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Following the Service was a Celebratory Tea Party
Brunch held in the Grand Masters Banquet Hall. There were 150 people in
attendance from The Sons of the American Revolution, and invitees of the Grand
Lodge. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNb07GcPAaxQiFjysPs4bTnMJSpvLBVaYli3NXCG0-rhHg3IF7Wd-vdoEvZgFhv4-nQ_pgn5pG_DRjO0AOYwAC04DRqaIllYd7CEzKXAKbMfBMsTl1ixDNwmSJ9zz7CIUrwPUntbYXB2iQju1oUWViJndOEMCIEjUyFocjSOMGo53NtuTxEPoLg8EtkkQ/s1006/Brunch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="755" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNb07GcPAaxQiFjysPs4bTnMJSpvLBVaYli3NXCG0-rhHg3IF7Wd-vdoEvZgFhv4-nQ_pgn5pG_DRjO0AOYwAC04DRqaIllYd7CEzKXAKbMfBMsTl1ixDNwmSJ9zz7CIUrwPUntbYXB2iQju1oUWViJndOEMCIEjUyFocjSOMGo53NtuTxEPoLg8EtkkQ/w480-h640/Brunch.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">After a magnificent brunch our speaker was Brother Christian
Di Spigna Author and Chairman, Executive Director of the Joseph Warren
Foundation. We also heard from Shawn Connely a direct descendent of Paul
Revere. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVr75WRoBEMn3MxhUWGU08nDsdpiTX4TkmniAr3nFXDI3zdqrdHKOzFkBRDS9M2y7dmBIRxB1FIwIGDJZBU9i0fPuAzvDWzzGxW6kjBjYwi6TthyW2U8VmFJimbQ5Tw9aazuB_MIcuo6ctt9PDyw5SataVUF7U532OdBhSv7nYtmAEL8-dmwh6Zf_hyphenhyphen8/s3197/teaparty-sat-4_53411709027_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2558" data-original-width="3197" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVr75WRoBEMn3MxhUWGU08nDsdpiTX4TkmniAr3nFXDI3zdqrdHKOzFkBRDS9M2y7dmBIRxB1FIwIGDJZBU9i0fPuAzvDWzzGxW6kjBjYwi6TthyW2U8VmFJimbQ5Tw9aazuB_MIcuo6ctt9PDyw5SataVUF7U532OdBhSv7nYtmAEL8-dmwh6Zf_hyphenhyphen8/w640-h512/teaparty-sat-4_53411709027_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Worshipful Brother Joe Raviele</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Concluding the program, I made my goodbyes to so many wonderful people that I had the opportunity to share the 250</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Anniversary</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> of the Boston Tea Party with.</span></span><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMioDagTFnAnFUxvA-GOOS1xAx9WUOco46xCwsHSaH6SU01ea8NHudmr43yJFFDSFNCtkkJNyjGilQcDJ2xX0HqrRtbBiDOUcw_ONz70fDiPonab3aBUnJSeVc8J_PpA1oRb3MsUD602r6cYsViSJb_njAZ5Z5TR3tC2WB0ECbwcRHeEZfVjYRy0rsqDI/s1041/Bryan%20Simmons%20and%20me.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1041" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMioDagTFnAnFUxvA-GOOS1xAx9WUOco46xCwsHSaH6SU01ea8NHudmr43yJFFDSFNCtkkJNyjGilQcDJ2xX0HqrRtbBiDOUcw_ONz70fDiPonab3aBUnJSeVc8J_PpA1oRb3MsUD602r6cYsViSJb_njAZ5Z5TR3tC2WB0ECbwcRHeEZfVjYRy0rsqDI/w640-h618/Bryan%20Simmons%20and%20me.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">This is Worshipful Brother Bryan Simmons the Chairman of the 250th Commemoration Committee for the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Thru his hard work, and coordination of many, many diligent Brothers. The 250th Anniversary was a brilliant success.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I would like to personally thank the Most Worshipful
Grand Master George F. Hamilton and the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for inviting
me to be able to share this once in a lifetime experience of the 250<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of
the Boston Tea Party. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A special shout out of thanks goes out goes to Worshipful Brother Joe Raviele and the 250th Commemoration Committee for giving me access to the official photos of the weekend to tell a better story. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For me this wasn’t just another wonderful trip to
Boston a city I love, but an experience that I will always cherish. Thank you. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig21uvsaQxs8eZikrGBLI3QHl3npnr9umyPy1Qcfz4Lx0s5BTfQK17oojVi22VwsaTf2cOfiijxxzL80c05U0AmYB0OQYVx-eTsx22_L4gpixpHzrIjwmHEAqfjOrdaNUYi9I6W256CPCMkGnpqORCJmqeejbaGMkDnP2IC0FZkiUUSGwZQ8kCRu6nVqs/s1006/Grandmaster%20and%20me.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="947" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig21uvsaQxs8eZikrGBLI3QHl3npnr9umyPy1Qcfz4Lx0s5BTfQK17oojVi22VwsaTf2cOfiijxxzL80c05U0AmYB0OQYVx-eTsx22_L4gpixpHzrIjwmHEAqfjOrdaNUYi9I6W256CPCMkGnpqORCJmqeejbaGMkDnP2IC0FZkiUUSGwZQ8kCRu6nVqs/w602-h640/Grandmaster%20and%20me.jpg" width="602" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p></div>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-40495356207475828442023-12-05T16:12:00.000-06:002023-12-05T16:12:28.869-06:00Red Wing Lodge #8 December Tradition<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GQeYNWN27OdOTvw2wdPvEi3ojF9XP4_krUS3GD5_Yy6oozCktv8Y53E2zg4MEiljYxDvbPh36FEwwOg9ubNpAOyVRV70IBv7ncZV3PWV9Mr7rDvZW5ukYemkz_JmpYwT0P6wEYiZchNPrlaBQmVCMVFZ0HmyZicYSti69lQo4l6NphIjVzMrNlfPdKY/s987/Plum%20Pudding%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="771" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GQeYNWN27OdOTvw2wdPvEi3ojF9XP4_krUS3GD5_Yy6oozCktv8Y53E2zg4MEiljYxDvbPh36FEwwOg9ubNpAOyVRV70IBv7ncZV3PWV9Mr7rDvZW5ukYemkz_JmpYwT0P6wEYiZchNPrlaBQmVCMVFZ0HmyZicYSti69lQo4l6NphIjVzMrNlfPdKY/w500-h640/Plum%20Pudding%202023.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Masonic Christmas Pudding </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the past sixteen years Red Wing Lodge #8 has held a traditional dinner including a Christmas Pudding at the December Stated Meeting with the focus being the Officer Installation for the ensuing year. It is a tradition that has grown over the years, but this year is a blossoming time for our Lodge. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a wonderful sight to see so many older members, and the Brothers who have been raised in the past year or two taking an active role. There were many guests who had come from neighboring Lodges to share the evening with us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5f_gsTYK4AgbbBR9gM2lLaDu8d4mg46ygSpBzvbl246RqfRb-b7rb77j7Ty7QYTTP4CpWRWmefiXKDli55hdsOSL9xkmFlCEw-D3adNGRSWwCzYJZvzBW33QvAQZaN4Jtn-6rm6U8g9sxFo8F5i5eQgrJ8kUdlZy7AO3fezxWYvRMcNS4UYRNh37ld_Q/s1587/Dining%20Room%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1587" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5f_gsTYK4AgbbBR9gM2lLaDu8d4mg46ygSpBzvbl246RqfRb-b7rb77j7Ty7QYTTP4CpWRWmefiXKDli55hdsOSL9xkmFlCEw-D3adNGRSWwCzYJZvzBW33QvAQZaN4Jtn-6rm6U8g9sxFo8F5i5eQgrJ8kUdlZy7AO3fezxWYvRMcNS4UYRNh37ld_Q/w640-h285/Dining%20Room%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The evening kicked off with a wonderful dinner prepared by WB Jeff Seaberg. It was a pleasure to see every chair filled in the dining room. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4a3ZTMLBEKE9O-U2ZLzfF7GbNS0CVf8u-6woYNOHbNPUHfADWsA2Bl3tRWR7_fWuVJ8049l0dn9R4iw4HDbd8LI3NfUrcnFq510zGurq8Hwu821NsSwVDG0sq1k2U_YmZ_4wWzH3H6zMjN1m1XHktXCYDQnuJCUnk7W6gWQKL4G2l0jJk3mPoM3RIAA/s987/dinner%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="740" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4a3ZTMLBEKE9O-U2ZLzfF7GbNS0CVf8u-6woYNOHbNPUHfADWsA2Bl3tRWR7_fWuVJ8049l0dn9R4iw4HDbd8LI3NfUrcnFq510zGurq8Hwu821NsSwVDG0sq1k2U_YmZ_4wWzH3H6zMjN1m1XHktXCYDQnuJCUnk7W6gWQKL4G2l0jJk3mPoM3RIAA/s320/dinner%202023.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1m6Te_-Tp5E2LjDwuk28xU6cOtH_rJfRBLpQy93eWJD1XESyW7cU4Nic0VSMv44JW7159iSlxXNvSStEgGispVVQehOThdoaAPz4mSz6TKL-WhrZjLo741IH92bVXtvhn3R6NG71Pap-UWV3z4t9pEspSwC8hpghXYtasCjep8ZlATl2KVL31ld3-jY/s987/Pudding%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="916" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1m6Te_-Tp5E2LjDwuk28xU6cOtH_rJfRBLpQy93eWJD1XESyW7cU4Nic0VSMv44JW7159iSlxXNvSStEgGispVVQehOThdoaAPz4mSz6TKL-WhrZjLo741IH92bVXtvhn3R6NG71Pap-UWV3z4t9pEspSwC8hpghXYtasCjep8ZlATl2KVL31ld3-jY/s320/Pudding%202023.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Christmas Plum Pudding has been a labor of love for WB Gary Thomas. A Christmas Pudding is a very traditional dessert in England. In England the pudding is typically very small. But this year's pudding was a behemoth to all those that I have seen in the past. Gary stated that his recipe involves three pounds of butter, three cups of sugar, and a pound or two of plums, raisins, currents and other chefs' secrets. The flames are produced by a half pint of brandy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was an All-Star Installation Team this year, and a real treat for us. The Installing Officer was our very own Grand Master of Minnesota Masons Dayton Berg, Installing Chaplin Senior Grand Deacon, Chuck Burst, Installing Secretary Junior Grand Warden RW Shawn Carrick, Installing Marshal Area Deputy Clint Christianson.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuewuOikPoukfG05KQner7ZP15Bb51gT47VnwjVlT8QpGj8k-Af-XqOSHo4fgN-TaUEhyphenhyphencBrziZn1FTqeEJ1-YerzEl4qCGW4U-z1TH0YKtpFSJnJ0M98dX7Km8BY9P_gC6PPMyaibTt1yt4sVHmHr5_v9X2ftFGA3QVH89yUMJoNMlwPL3N6qoreW-DM/s1316/Officers%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1316" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuewuOikPoukfG05KQner7ZP15Bb51gT47VnwjVlT8QpGj8k-Af-XqOSHo4fgN-TaUEhyphenhyphencBrziZn1FTqeEJ1-YerzEl4qCGW4U-z1TH0YKtpFSJnJ0M98dX7Km8BY9P_gC6PPMyaibTt1yt4sVHmHr5_v9X2ftFGA3QVH89yUMJoNMlwPL3N6qoreW-DM/w640-h480/Officers%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a full slate of Officers to include Stewards! With each and every Brother looking forward to taking an active role. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were a dozen spectators sitting on the side lines, including the Grand Lodge Education Officer Bradley Phelps. It's great to see that we are getting back to normal after Covid. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzQDdCYCkCu_XRtiwiIrArKgtD2Nj1koZoxONAt-oPaABomwd4uzeQxd2Y2D6Z2_Xe96jBAQ6ut9P4I3e7u9OTkX5iBHBhyfteXP5gWEqMs3XJNzyQ1Wac5h8m2NHaPJbSB4DNb-i3KE_B7TeU1lHd_SxvN_I14mNSdTLo8HtqqBwrKWWCcQwNkHpflo/s987/Jon%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="575" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzQDdCYCkCu_XRtiwiIrArKgtD2Nj1koZoxONAt-oPaABomwd4uzeQxd2Y2D6Z2_Xe96jBAQ6ut9P4I3e7u9OTkX5iBHBhyfteXP5gWEqMs3XJNzyQ1Wac5h8m2NHaPJbSB4DNb-i3KE_B7TeU1lHd_SxvN_I14mNSdTLo8HtqqBwrKWWCcQwNkHpflo/w372-h640/Jon%202023.jpg" width="372" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Jonathon Lombardo our new Worshipful Master</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We are very fortunate to have Jon as a member and now our Worshipful Master. He already has to start preparing for the new petitions that are coming in, and Jon told me that he is looking forward to it. </div><p></p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-80529633644059577562023-11-24T15:41:00.002-06:002023-11-24T16:37:55.351-06:00Yeomen of York-Minnesota Preceptory #16<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K5tmc8TYzalcD9UkCnJuHp-tuLrpHif_rd_cJewneFS6Eu0NVPNaKZXrnHiDKQuywcy-tbqXJH4m87CtDqePE7ZuNYl1jTVAXV4ze7_0Bldn_tHxBCWrgrci_JkKKs0lmFaZQy73z7xqa8BJxnFwcfLe7F1_Gi9M1-WcFohEE9QXriJxpEt5QIQbU9k/s1193/IMG_20231121_201252620.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1193" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K5tmc8TYzalcD9UkCnJuHp-tuLrpHif_rd_cJewneFS6Eu0NVPNaKZXrnHiDKQuywcy-tbqXJH4m87CtDqePE7ZuNYl1jTVAXV4ze7_0Bldn_tHxBCWrgrci_JkKKs0lmFaZQy73z7xqa8BJxnFwcfLe7F1_Gi9M1-WcFohEE9QXriJxpEt5QIQbU9k/w400-h328/IMG_20231121_201252620.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: left;">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.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRczYIBMoq0NgXr63r1srOql9zCq46_ssWjWc7-pyIZOsIMsfiwifVP2cBfXpeKdPWMp6KwOI6kyS8aRJ01Wv9BD_Wmyn3leL75m98fZEhA7PaTW1gggrEeCDs8QuthoxX_6czAIOneQzwdQqiNVwZw2WBVeNOsi-6bo2pTm3Btis5P9Gbk6jtQYjzfhU/s1587/yeomen%20of%20York2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="1587" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRczYIBMoq0NgXr63r1srOql9zCq46_ssWjWc7-pyIZOsIMsfiwifVP2cBfXpeKdPWMp6KwOI6kyS8aRJ01Wv9BD_Wmyn3leL75m98fZEhA7PaTW1gggrEeCDs8QuthoxX_6czAIOneQzwdQqiNVwZw2WBVeNOsi-6bo2pTm3Btis5P9Gbk6jtQYjzfhU/w640-h238/yeomen%20of%20York2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNCr0ufDKPNwzeaWo82zqB2IUI0L7ubL24tAdpEIEZ6FyQU_lpx-Q1PrlRqaPNUxpXGtoV5Rz1tp3MTZGz_piYQwJ6e6f8tn0R3WJ2G87_po6tEy_OsPVq6Ozj0YNUs6ADEmPnqS3LvdlxbrDy_YIcoCaBMbzHFpi8oYpPrO_VJ8jkjZyRY-VzC7P-ig/s1587/yeomen%20of%20York%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1587" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNCr0ufDKPNwzeaWo82zqB2IUI0L7ubL24tAdpEIEZ6FyQU_lpx-Q1PrlRqaPNUxpXGtoV5Rz1tp3MTZGz_piYQwJ6e6f8tn0R3WJ2G87_po6tEy_OsPVq6Ozj0YNUs6ADEmPnqS3LvdlxbrDy_YIcoCaBMbzHFpi8oYpPrO_VJ8jkjZyRY-VzC7P-ig/w640-h278/yeomen%20of%20York%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">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.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrB38B-x3r20kMlVz7FvYl0aTBhvXITYVNAykmjilal0BkR2gKA3mw1UXImS0-fRQDcuYIiEP57d6fkjb4cgiCzu-JQa76fsPdS3z1homKiIf_mLLYL5vChnEROn0aodW3HvsEnbm22QE4gII9ewnp8Ra7TAoWgWyoFHsUxI6nhljuBOzGDXckGWaARg/s969/yeoman%20of%20york.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="727" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrB38B-x3r20kMlVz7FvYl0aTBhvXITYVNAykmjilal0BkR2gKA3mw1UXImS0-fRQDcuYIiEP57d6fkjb4cgiCzu-JQa76fsPdS3z1homKiIf_mLLYL5vChnEROn0aodW3HvsEnbm22QE4gII9ewnp8Ra7TAoWgWyoFHsUxI6nhljuBOzGDXckGWaARg/w300-h400/yeoman%20of%20york.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-52762983694880435962023-11-20T14:57:00.000-06:002023-11-20T14:57:13.990-06:00The York Rite Of Freemasonry<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TYBCtRf-1dA" width="459"></iframe><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Degrees and Bodies explained by Thomas W. Jackson, R.W.P.G.S. of The Grand Holy Royal Arch of Pennsylvania.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Written and produced by Peter F. Gross</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">This was produced in Pennsylvania, and is narrated by one of the very notable Masons Thomas W. Jackson.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">I think it is an excellent over view of the Rites </span></span></span>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-71536360196150888212023-11-12T14:24:00.008-06:002023-11-12T14:47:10.953-06:00Lebanon Lodge #346 Presents Hiram Award to WB Reed Bornholdt<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2o9JV-Mdk-uuskzKM-tzh4QmPxHfEK5YTHQ2VuW4D5lCBkbPKVnVR6ca6NxhPdqQDPnnbD5_HGWBXM0pEUpAqfdOpVgbofeyxNX-cY1K5rYIOySQW5BkCRZIqGIFzlWjsvWwe8rWL96nAMTJVaGqMiyoqPz2fQusxJaWU-K-T52vTRFUcpvrxQLEtNdQ/s2048/Lebannon%20Lodge.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="2048" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2o9JV-Mdk-uuskzKM-tzh4QmPxHfEK5YTHQ2VuW4D5lCBkbPKVnVR6ca6NxhPdqQDPnnbD5_HGWBXM0pEUpAqfdOpVgbofeyxNX-cY1K5rYIOySQW5BkCRZIqGIFzlWjsvWwe8rWL96nAMTJVaGqMiyoqPz2fQusxJaWU-K-T52vTRFUcpvrxQLEtNdQ/w640-h390/Lebannon%20Lodge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Lebanon Lodge 13th Hiram Award Recipient Reed Bornholdt-Photo by Terrance M, Schaffer<br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">On November 10, 2023, Lebanon Lodge #346 hosted its 13<sup>th</sup>
Hiram Award ceremony at Turtles Social Center in Shakopee, Minnesota.
Worshipful Master William Loman announced that his 2023 honoree was Worshipful Brother
Reed Bornholdt. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For those of us who know Reed, we couldn’t be happier
for him, and are proud to call him our Brother. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reed has demonstrated dedication and leadership and is an inspiration to Freemasonry in Minnesota. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9D8hnfZ-SP4aAdQXaw3WDBi7AZJ8bcbuSdDzrA-UacWlBCmT5EeMRykHIwM85nPx2-8B-kiIhuM7VAPD8rIEGq0yb7yP0uwPDomur8H1mvd5FpLOzivEfVmRDzFKuP0ayv1NJxya9wbuqY6NGhxxxndW3RKCYNpVZsKQUBPxJUU-N5gljbyyNRMcC2Q/s1587/Reed%20Bornholdt-Group%20shot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1587" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9D8hnfZ-SP4aAdQXaw3WDBi7AZJ8bcbuSdDzrA-UacWlBCmT5EeMRykHIwM85nPx2-8B-kiIhuM7VAPD8rIEGq0yb7yP0uwPDomur8H1mvd5FpLOzivEfVmRDzFKuP0ayv1NJxya9wbuqY6NGhxxxndW3RKCYNpVZsKQUBPxJUU-N5gljbyyNRMcC2Q/w640-h276/Reed%20Bornholdt-Group%20shot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Tom Hendrickson</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Reed has a Masonic resume that is very lengthy, so here
is just a few of the highlights. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Reed served as Worshipful Master to Lebanon Lodge in
2019. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He is an active member of the Scottish and York Rite. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Outside of Freemasonry Reed has been an active adult
leader with the Boy scouts for the past sixty years, and active in his church. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Reed’s remarks were inspirational and touching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great pleasure to be in attendance to
see Reed received his award.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVExr5LOM0gPQn2LIifE8_r6p7WhyphenhyphenJeHlhod8OwivrKnQ3zKFnpfLMfMAD8l5NLSGad9MidWRKmK6qO-ocJrhXO-vbla4zURhQaa2uxonVP_-Il-OBukrL477GniBS61wDxEMQteibD_1s0eIg0UCtXG1ez0yVeYWoi5bllxLQtNpmTCjxQg9TGwuVOGs/s1406/Reed%20Bornholdt%20cake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1406" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVExr5LOM0gPQn2LIifE8_r6p7WhyphenhyphenJeHlhod8OwivrKnQ3zKFnpfLMfMAD8l5NLSGad9MidWRKmK6qO-ocJrhXO-vbla4zURhQaa2uxonVP_-Il-OBukrL477GniBS61wDxEMQteibD_1s0eIg0UCtXG1ez0yVeYWoi5bllxLQtNpmTCjxQg9TGwuVOGs/w640-h444/Reed%20Bornholdt%20cake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Tom Hendrickson</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-24184946843287456852023-10-30T14:26:00.005-05:002023-10-30T14:26:48.721-05:00Veterans Day 2023-Thank You for Your Service<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DMyajcMaLcZTopiq6U2sXjUIgYLNXdUakvfl2SNg38CA2cksbb0Y8WJQ_Okxrs7Bt3ku3koDxpdW0fcK56J9rj0u6JlHHBHWvULfLdhRB7rZ_bwzyDZRUgQFmk_RQXOuf5JjWLI0R5HKXMs7Ep7w8BELZwm1ivi6sF-kuCa_vy3GC-UlMLjExEWagDk/s973/Veterans%20Day%202023.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="730" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DMyajcMaLcZTopiq6U2sXjUIgYLNXdUakvfl2SNg38CA2cksbb0Y8WJQ_Okxrs7Bt3ku3koDxpdW0fcK56J9rj0u6JlHHBHWvULfLdhRB7rZ_bwzyDZRUgQFmk_RQXOuf5JjWLI0R5HKXMs7Ep7w8BELZwm1ivi6sF-kuCa_vy3GC-UlMLjExEWagDk/w480-h640/Veterans%20Day%202023.webp" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created by Gene Russell -Thank you U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-22993642194533839772023-10-23T12:15:00.000-05:002023-10-23T12:15:10.600-05:00Red Wing Lodge #8 Helps United Way Packing for the Weekend<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Charity has always been one of the
fundamental principles of Freemasonry, and at Red Wing Lodge #8 we are proud of
our 167 years of helping those in need. Our members make an important
contribution every year by giving both their time and money to make a real difference
to the community of Red Wing and the surrounding area. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioB_Mc9787KuZT5jmM8P3z3CqjzQSC6gAYm-_qgMPA-tZ4qEDXy-b_hc5-2aVQhv5Evnf6LoYw-TG9SjZxv4TXZKVXQU7vtdXGCHA4ddQrSPuUFIs46Fno3w6opE1iZVRGd64v_TYOtC25Hi4PqPF_VbVTE-QG96eC-vyw48K4LL_lAHwO0jG-3uToy0/s1300/Red%20Wing%20Packing%20for%20the%20Week%20End%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1300" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioB_Mc9787KuZT5jmM8P3z3CqjzQSC6gAYm-_qgMPA-tZ4qEDXy-b_hc5-2aVQhv5Evnf6LoYw-TG9SjZxv4TXZKVXQU7vtdXGCHA4ddQrSPuUFIs46Fno3w6opE1iZVRGd64v_TYOtC25Hi4PqPF_VbVTE-QG96eC-vyw48K4LL_lAHwO0jG-3uToy0/w640-h480/Red%20Wing%20Packing%20for%20the%20Week%20End%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">On Sunday October 22, 2023, members of Red Wing Lodge #8 volunteered their services to assist the United Way of Goodhue and Wabasha County with a fundraiser for “Packing for The Weekend” held at the Southeastern Minnesota Technical College.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iG8H9dzJE7bANBoc799dFdaRGIZg8stqN9CmJhem3HakfLoWyHsL9fftAl1oWRGhn4hcHf0HYfpCfT6RBvW9a3si_OpXAT61fxNj8sA2k36Nnn0oP_Bf39wjepVWqBaAQGoShkoEeogw2A-zYKuyztP9J4ZMqsVwDVkQ1fxxzf3gb2g6GvHUQIga0vE/s975/Red%20Wing%20Packing%20for%20the%20Week%20End%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="752" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iG8H9dzJE7bANBoc799dFdaRGIZg8stqN9CmJhem3HakfLoWyHsL9fftAl1oWRGhn4hcHf0HYfpCfT6RBvW9a3si_OpXAT61fxNj8sA2k36Nnn0oP_Bf39wjepVWqBaAQGoShkoEeogw2A-zYKuyztP9J4ZMqsVwDVkQ1fxxzf3gb2g6GvHUQIga0vE/w309-h400/Red%20Wing%20Packing%20for%20the%20Week%20End%202.jpg" width="309" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Packing For the Weekend” began at the Sunnyside School in Red Wing in January 2011. Today the program covers seven schools in Goodhue, and Wabasha counties. The program provides a backpack containing meals of approx. four to five pounds of nutritious nonperishable meals for school age children who are experiencing food insecurity at home. It is a program to make sure that no kids go hungry. To date the program has provided 8477 backpacks of food. Currently 200 back packs a week are distributed. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">For this year’s fundraiser, the participants could donate
$30.00 and enjoy gourmet soups and breads made from local restaurants and chose
an artesian handmade bowl to take home with them. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkb33V0SsOdd0cOsFbjKMwRfJiU1rRqXEynml1R9pd2MyNY-dPNxbZWX-GFQt8KjFgt5Ko8b687ggI4a15GRmia6tzx9zRXnFeHgA9chJR257beuFU2rWh1BQeGs1m3e-DfNZzsJkoh5wkkHU3omoCsBivwN3q5E2mccgb956NZCN75A6-Mp_eMwE2N1U/s975/Red%20Wing%20Packing%20for%20the%20Week%20End%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="831" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkb33V0SsOdd0cOsFbjKMwRfJiU1rRqXEynml1R9pd2MyNY-dPNxbZWX-GFQt8KjFgt5Ko8b687ggI4a15GRmia6tzx9zRXnFeHgA9chJR257beuFU2rWh1BQeGs1m3e-DfNZzsJkoh5wkkHU3omoCsBivwN3q5E2mccgb956NZCN75A6-Mp_eMwE2N1U/w341-h400/Red%20Wing%20Packing%20for%20the%20Week%20End%203.jpg" width="341" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The 109 handmade bowls were made by three local
artists applying their own creative skills. The bowls were created at the Red
Wing Arts Clay and Creative Center. Of note, the making of a bowl is a three-day
process by the artists. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RLnvQHIq8Zr_VqXTsb_bpSc5N2b1RkcQu0jjHjEEqU_ZBsmdhmo7sV9841Qyz8WUYm4VwDdZti4Fcv6fx4sDRupFEEnVkei1jALV_G8qB4yZO_pLvkz47q8VfTuYCLVuSmf2IC_eTk6eyQTJTh8igADSiJQ77LSpTvwIrKdp8zJBjOqH6eQ2fSOFy3A/s1300/Red%20Wing%20Packing%20for%20the%20Week%20End%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RLnvQHIq8Zr_VqXTsb_bpSc5N2b1RkcQu0jjHjEEqU_ZBsmdhmo7sV9841Qyz8WUYm4VwDdZti4Fcv6fx4sDRupFEEnVkei1jALV_G8qB4yZO_pLvkz47q8VfTuYCLVuSmf2IC_eTk6eyQTJTh8igADSiJQ77LSpTvwIrKdp8zJBjOqH6eQ2fSOFy3A/w400-h300/Red%20Wing%20Packing%20for%20the%20Week%20End%204.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The empty bowl that was purchased now sits in my
cupboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing reminds of my time overseas
when I saw many people extend their hand holding an empty bowl which expressed
their need and hunger. Hunger exists everywhere today, in every community and
every city. Helping this charity was a very worthwhile thing for Red Wing
Lodge, in my opinion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBc6CIWzpLSuEiCOMByDo2Sq5ISRG-1TcSdUIOw1dHeXUrIkROeBsXy_sdvi5ktHPnkXN4rKgiked93QFFR9yJSV_YPDX5yqZU0HptJ7Bkb5U4bv0mJ0SANR8l6ifoYtwUU8taBBVvQhJJvt9qVbX3onOGg1e7xGZ-_HxMIOJjrsQ2GYbbUfMZPTHEhk/s1300/Red%20Wing%20Packing%20for%20the%20Week%20End%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBc6CIWzpLSuEiCOMByDo2Sq5ISRG-1TcSdUIOw1dHeXUrIkROeBsXy_sdvi5ktHPnkXN4rKgiked93QFFR9yJSV_YPDX5yqZU0HptJ7Bkb5U4bv0mJ0SANR8l6ifoYtwUU8taBBVvQhJJvt9qVbX3onOGg1e7xGZ-_HxMIOJjrsQ2GYbbUfMZPTHEhk/w400-h300/Red%20Wing%20Packing%20for%20the%20Week%20End%205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The members of Red Wing Lodge along with friends or
family assisted with the serving of the soup, bussed tables, and general clean
up. It was a lot of fun, and laughs. Most importantly it was wonderful again to
see Red Wing Lodge come together with other members of the community to help
their neighbors. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC7DKUpmpV03OrFmz-qKeULZjHzq1wM9a08KCTGGzZXWJUR5FebNHbQgPuTSllbjXcsCeYAHcBrkxkza8xHyK2IUmnbXRo0f0vIBlVgmpNUDhyphenhyphenER_VglTQQifb0tiy2IoWelBJ5LSWFqpUTyXykspIe1EOx2RsLnuLonnXayebXjcMwX-RAcS4dggYPw/s975/Red%20Wing%20Packing%20for%20the%20Week%20End%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="817" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC7DKUpmpV03OrFmz-qKeULZjHzq1wM9a08KCTGGzZXWJUR5FebNHbQgPuTSllbjXcsCeYAHcBrkxkza8xHyK2IUmnbXRo0f0vIBlVgmpNUDhyphenhyphenER_VglTQQifb0tiy2IoWelBJ5LSWFqpUTyXykspIe1EOx2RsLnuLonnXayebXjcMwX-RAcS4dggYPw/w335-h400/Red%20Wing%20Packing%20for%20the%20Week%20End%206.jpg" width="335" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Brother Ben Manning and his wife Kat provided
wonderful music for the event. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I would also like to thank Nicolle Mechelke the
Executive Director of the United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha and Pierce County for
the delightful and informative conversation which provided the facts for this
article.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cx7sYJoVreHFJmREj_7ekrCCavjdxLhR64qjNjmbtdNsm-unCG5FKsr9R5LqU-x3rRMa6UpbQq6bevvFKQz9VOpQT0ArYKqWFVBtbNUyUsKZHe_eK9pQgGZJQNtr96IOCDU6bQSEbhx19GD4oUPTF5WDd_MgtTZ9mLX6-4WVOd2WSFIUOqBj_oHUXCM/s1300/Red%20Wing%20Packing%20for%20the%20Week%20End%207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1300" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cx7sYJoVreHFJmREj_7ekrCCavjdxLhR64qjNjmbtdNsm-unCG5FKsr9R5LqU-x3rRMa6UpbQq6bevvFKQz9VOpQT0ArYKqWFVBtbNUyUsKZHe_eK9pQgGZJQNtr96IOCDU6bQSEbhx19GD4oUPTF5WDd_MgtTZ9mLX6-4WVOd2WSFIUOqBj_oHUXCM/w640-h480/Red%20Wing%20Packing%20for%20the%20Week%20End%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Wing Lodge helps to Fight Child Hunger</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-44617285489750047762023-10-10T17:04:00.000-05:002023-10-10T17:04:45.477-05:00Minnesota Masonic Charities 18th Annual Gala<div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RLW4c9uY03H83V-m6kNsqqYe4o3O1movQGg47WrDyKGIhHOywDHl_qSRE-j-mJ9kbsvNnZkTfgjtfvdr36PRN3loucYjth3Zui_7NIa2h1-ieuU6JaE5bbLSLsYy8nFkCjw-mpulAL5NSqNaAAJTECHQ4QbJs6LGxjsFpqrk7AKu4c6fazdXLsC8iwQ/s1489/Gala%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1489" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RLW4c9uY03H83V-m6kNsqqYe4o3O1movQGg47WrDyKGIhHOywDHl_qSRE-j-mJ9kbsvNnZkTfgjtfvdr36PRN3loucYjth3Zui_7NIa2h1-ieuU6JaE5bbLSLsYy8nFkCjw-mpulAL5NSqNaAAJTECHQ4QbJs6LGxjsFpqrk7AKu4c6fazdXLsC8iwQ/w640-h424/Gala%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On Saturday, September 23, 2023, Minnesota Masonic Charities hosted its 18</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Annual Gala at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center in Bloomington, Minnesota.</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The MMC Gala is my favorite Masonic event every year.
When I receive my invitation, I am always excited to attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a chance to see old friends as well as
learn about the organizations that MMC supports.<span style="color: red;"> </span>The
word gala originates from old French word gale, meaning to rejoice as in a
festive celebration.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For the past 17 years the MMC gala had followed a
standard format, that I thought was a very pleasing, of a social gathering of attendees
from across Minnesota, some that I had not seen in some time, a delicious
dinner in the beautifully decorated Dan Patch Hall, updates on charities
supported and concluding with an inspirational message from the CEO. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This year the invitation letter promised there would
be some exciting changes for the gala this year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realize that the word change can cause
anxiety for most of us older Freemasons, so I took a big breath and read on. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This year’s gala dinner focus was fundraising for our
scholarship programs, specifically the new <b>“Kindness Scholarship, The
Selfless Scholar.</b>” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For those of you who are not familiar with Minnesota
Masonic Charities, one of the many programs it supports is a scholarship
program. They are one of the largest providers of scholarships in the state of
Minnesota. MMC has given fifteen million dollars has already been given to recipients
with an average of $1,500,000 a year awarded. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Education is a very powerful tool for transforming a person’s
life. With MMC’s support and contributions, the Freemasons make a direct impact
for deserving students to enable them to pursue their dreams, and make a
positive impact on their community, state, and the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The promised changes to the evenings program, were a silent
auction, a live action and other activities to enhance the fundraising efforts
while providing a more enjoyable and engaging time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Upon arrival, on a rainy Minnesota evening, the Heritage
Center was filled with many of my old Masonic friends, plus I had the
opportunity to make some new ones as well. In exploring the Heritage Center, I
found a photo booth that had been set up just outside of the Museum-library.
There was a wine pull plus in the hall the silent auction items were on
display.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were also descriptions of
the live auction items to prepare everyone for the bidding.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvyTtzHKo5MC-O3zdAzzC9u1Plchsd9VSf_7mIlbl8sPlNmsKIYXtvoE0bX1w_byjOpxqyijO71xnz0Yvq_wktddngssOdeboMxLFTvd_fYyaZGivzzGZpMPactTNFAgFNSR2yLdagMoOW5CxgxxhPfeSSMH6aUbnaXC8ZaVQsKiSL-nSo3pjmmWU8Sc/s987/Gala%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvyTtzHKo5MC-O3zdAzzC9u1Plchsd9VSf_7mIlbl8sPlNmsKIYXtvoE0bX1w_byjOpxqyijO71xnz0Yvq_wktddngssOdeboMxLFTvd_fYyaZGivzzGZpMPactTNFAgFNSR2yLdagMoOW5CxgxxhPfeSSMH6aUbnaXC8ZaVQsKiSL-nSo3pjmmWU8Sc/w259-h400/Gala%202.jpg" width="259" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most Worshipful Grand Master Dayton Berg</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8nFzJ_JC6ifb9GOL4gngqZPfLMKACTRbAd1l3af6bRBpMOhy62nxeevEf7Z1TUpTkNhyphenhyphenn7Rz_e1ex6J26hXlh3MP97hgFvMKeylBIJHYVGBmnuPj40_O4850fX_hcS-2HBQul97hy2HATmibZU_bQrzO68yNPbW7DJ87pfwnP0dTmjl4vtf0ZCvbY54/s987/Gala%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="740" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8nFzJ_JC6ifb9GOL4gngqZPfLMKACTRbAd1l3af6bRBpMOhy62nxeevEf7Z1TUpTkNhyphenhyphenn7Rz_e1ex6J26hXlh3MP97hgFvMKeylBIJHYVGBmnuPj40_O4850fX_hcS-2HBQul97hy2HATmibZU_bQrzO68yNPbW7DJ87pfwnP0dTmjl4vtf0ZCvbY54/s320/Gala%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Markus Muller-MMC-Duluth</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It was fun to watch people dressed up enjoying
themselves having their photos taken and my wife and I decided to join in and
have our photo taken as well. Afterwards we were presented with a print of the
photos that provided a memorable keepsake of the evening. You may see by the
photos that not everyone was as serious in their photos.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">There was ample opportunity to wander the halls and a chance to mingle with the many guests. Music was provided by Past Grand Master Don Severson and his trio.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGg1a5dTi6l5p3B9zG4cD4eEdmFt5KFWzqY5brg_1PRTrOF4_SxII4i0ktyE93Gygeeuq6MJElF481Dw8hn7YPje4yTehE1rZ0v_f8nL0SpuoN01hO1j1Z3mejzQEHX4t2Xn5svLiVx8r6SwNr9lhzFXxuVnFpIg-WbXoFW1b9A30okQdwv3fokrYMb7w/s987/Gala%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="336" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGg1a5dTi6l5p3B9zG4cD4eEdmFt5KFWzqY5brg_1PRTrOF4_SxII4i0ktyE93Gygeeuq6MJElF481Dw8hn7YPje4yTehE1rZ0v_f8nL0SpuoN01hO1j1Z3mejzQEHX4t2Xn5svLiVx8r6SwNr9lhzFXxuVnFpIg-WbXoFW1b9A30okQdwv3fokrYMb7w/w136-h400/Gala%204.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNnNLE_h0rImzt5P0GdH2XAlJPwXsi5FdsTD6NIi65gSJHqsWKo0BvfO6wT-LwDIduFccfOM1JGRGUj2OYK95LQQjZHhFiIkI0VPlNTcBy1tDGAx_pm-MozgjupalFsBnK1HSQojIKGMH7G_IQ6a7CASNnbB1gEhC8QUXx4yZBDEFS-7gi95GYtMcjrY/s1531/Gala%202023-blog.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1531" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNnNLE_h0rImzt5P0GdH2XAlJPwXsi5FdsTD6NIi65gSJHqsWKo0BvfO6wT-LwDIduFccfOM1JGRGUj2OYK95LQQjZHhFiIkI0VPlNTcBy1tDGAx_pm-MozgjupalFsBnK1HSQojIKGMH7G_IQ6a7CASNnbB1gEhC8QUXx4yZBDEFS-7gi95GYtMcjrY/w502-h640/Gala%202023-blog.jpeg" width="502" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymKqBDoOIbjgQSyIoXOs5jwdB34Fuh3NihTctooEuAER5nSlBdq8HdxxWkIY1SH_Pf_U11a3kkDcHxfxUoxYJTXiw-8H7HfKUbuAQ4_DbGnE9wjyp3KC10X9xAxN0-4JiJtsumoTyfaNmOxSSzPnAaXcuMQWPowsR3EBJaGIYPmdK4NP-TQyMAmUjw0I/s1169/gala%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1169" height="541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymKqBDoOIbjgQSyIoXOs5jwdB34Fuh3NihTctooEuAER5nSlBdq8HdxxWkIY1SH_Pf_U11a3kkDcHxfxUoxYJTXiw-8H7HfKUbuAQ4_DbGnE9wjyp3KC10X9xAxN0-4JiJtsumoTyfaNmOxSSzPnAaXcuMQWPowsR3EBJaGIYPmdK4NP-TQyMAmUjw0I/w640-h541/gala%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reed Endersbe-Director of Membership Engagement</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8A_sa839pdwnaZiMjnGatFQ_h6WFe0JHIjFjkO7_COOlT23cpEJlVgLQZPD0s4HO0x7ZLf0wl9xQplvl_xpqH3UttbubbmBkEE1UItM26keIBenljqYOfLI7ZwvFXxazc1YeKN2tFDhWUZVXKA3IHbnBhyphenhyphen8m1dXkzug2CiCRxaSutkHWOVgvlwnlZ1Q/s1587/gala%206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1587" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8A_sa839pdwnaZiMjnGatFQ_h6WFe0JHIjFjkO7_COOlT23cpEJlVgLQZPD0s4HO0x7ZLf0wl9xQplvl_xpqH3UttbubbmBkEE1UItM26keIBenljqYOfLI7ZwvFXxazc1YeKN2tFDhWUZVXKA3IHbnBhyphenhyphen8m1dXkzug2CiCRxaSutkHWOVgvlwnlZ1Q/w400-h211/gala%206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Just outside of Dan Patch Hall, where the dinner is
served, a table of glasses of champagne or sparkling juice were available to
take with you for dinner. Dan Patch Hall was lavishly decorated which created a
very warm and welcoming atmosphere for the sell out crowd of 210 guests. The
dinner and desserts were the normal excellent fare. The dessert, three mini
bundt cakes in 3 different flavors, were on the table when we were seated, and
I must admit I started with a couple tastes, and can vouch, they were
excellent. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQqRIUvN9x-IKXb6d28-jQImdR-MpkHtzHFfUseTfvTGbpX45sYwQQBlUDstkXPFAX2ZJPTJOTHvwbwpnw_YWSqZDAViuz7YJewMS0edV45kmZr8nHCVpWpBPd-ydOVYmwd0HXO9g2UHl10hJkw9wMFjOPTKt02GKq5b-HyqLeDrgUhdoZWkZSn3zCM8/s1316/gala%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1316" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQqRIUvN9x-IKXb6d28-jQImdR-MpkHtzHFfUseTfvTGbpX45sYwQQBlUDstkXPFAX2ZJPTJOTHvwbwpnw_YWSqZDAViuz7YJewMS0edV45kmZr8nHCVpWpBPd-ydOVYmwd0HXO9g2UHl10hJkw9wMFjOPTKt02GKq5b-HyqLeDrgUhdoZWkZSn3zCM8/w640-h480/gala%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqsGDIM62bRC4zlbRTKfv-WCFvrXrBAhJkx_pxyI1ZT44TF1xHYJAz9A8Xa0J6RTupLSfxs0tHLDjN_gOWjTsQVkrQPItG3JuPh7YINQz67Huw1Xcfvic72UuwzcyPeuJTfXeV4fa-l7d_6gw5bsYMVbvMftbh578Zvykm70np0EnzEWAuRGZWHJtIUw/s987/Gala%208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="390" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqsGDIM62bRC4zlbRTKfv-WCFvrXrBAhJkx_pxyI1ZT44TF1xHYJAz9A8Xa0J6RTupLSfxs0tHLDjN_gOWjTsQVkrQPItG3JuPh7YINQz67Huw1Xcfvic72UuwzcyPeuJTfXeV4fa-l7d_6gw5bsYMVbvMftbh578Zvykm70np0EnzEWAuRGZWHJtIUw/w253-h640/Gala%208.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqY_IGux9H4HlBpZaa6S2xRVCUD7OYhoKL37zfEutKJvfBbcHAp9ALxY9JIogHgwyI-9H0TijBzsxf9dacZagAr1FXdpgxAfEh_EKyp9-oWCJgpJ3PWp9TpFKdbhmM4w2m1SiBJpKtxwZZC59rtS9WzJAmV4NIz0CIdsbpyAIhFsJowbRXCeoPSFrTAo/s987/Gala%209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="740" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqY_IGux9H4HlBpZaa6S2xRVCUD7OYhoKL37zfEutKJvfBbcHAp9ALxY9JIogHgwyI-9H0TijBzsxf9dacZagAr1FXdpgxAfEh_EKyp9-oWCJgpJ3PWp9TpFKdbhmM4w2m1SiBJpKtxwZZC59rtS9WzJAmV4NIz0CIdsbpyAIhFsJowbRXCeoPSFrTAo/w300-h400/Gala%209.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTczKmXzUwGJcmHCVQ_baM14UPl5cKqk2XQsFRZsqinOEZmVKWIil5m11HxQwEyxPx9efbvwRXhoc6-ypZeLdQnMOglAWkyog-ijw_k6rgesGxV9w-7d_nsfT8zy5REN_qWl8gG5FAY8EH2-iGaK0c9bpe_L2q1XNxesO2v53084zuGzg8aWs85W01LEc/s1316/Gala%2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1316" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTczKmXzUwGJcmHCVQ_baM14UPl5cKqk2XQsFRZsqinOEZmVKWIil5m11HxQwEyxPx9efbvwRXhoc6-ypZeLdQnMOglAWkyog-ijw_k6rgesGxV9w-7d_nsfT8zy5REN_qWl8gG5FAY8EH2-iGaK0c9bpe_L2q1XNxesO2v53084zuGzg8aWs85W01LEc/w400-h300/Gala%2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">There were two other notable firsts that occurred this
year, the first being that for the first time ever, rain dampened the arrival
of the guests. The second being that the program did not start on time, promptly
at 7:00 pm but did start at 7:01 pm.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Any of you familiar with MMC know that it runs a very tight schedule, so
yes, this is certainly notable.</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After dinner, John Schwietz, described the new scholarship
program, the Selfless Scholar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then COL.
Kurt Johnson took the stage to begin the Fund a Need and then the live auction.
By the end of the evening $102,000 was raised for the Scholarship Program, with
an additional $32,000 raised for the Masonic Children’s Hospital. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9ZpPUW6ygU8xpUfB8QHbxGhXEZZbKuQXA39bYbTfYP_1HzToBLbK9lUoN8UD8B6BsqYM1EiGVIABK-D6mD27_q5OQgp2T8fpLfMfmKoGg9BLJy44UPnOQwLJhLxt2a22ErHIXBjW0BQnct6nZM8YTpSRDMdYe_jhEeSzjk83YCwKkNXt80mC-jNATwA/s987/Gala%2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="688" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9ZpPUW6ygU8xpUfB8QHbxGhXEZZbKuQXA39bYbTfYP_1HzToBLbK9lUoN8UD8B6BsqYM1EiGVIABK-D6mD27_q5OQgp2T8fpLfMfmKoGg9BLJy44UPnOQwLJhLxt2a22ErHIXBjW0BQnct6nZM8YTpSRDMdYe_jhEeSzjk83YCwKkNXt80mC-jNATwA/w446-h640/Gala%2011.jpg" width="446" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President & CEO Eric J. Neetenbeek</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My favorite part of the evening is always when the
President and CEO Eric J. Neetenbeek makes the closing comments for the
evening. He reminded us of the noble and worthwhile on-going efforts supported
by Minnesota Masonic Charities which include:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Masonic Cancer Center-University of Minnesota; and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Masonic Children’s Hospital-University of Minnesota;
and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain; and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Minnesota Masonic Home; and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Minnesota Masonic Scholarships; and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">many other community services that directly impact the
lives of Minnesotans. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For me, and I know many feel the same, that the
Minnesota Masonic Charities Gala is a wonderful time to celebrate and rejoice in
the great work that is done throughout the year to help others in our
communities. It is also a time to renew our commitment as Freemasons to our
tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth by continuing our support to
Minnesota Masonic Charities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We were promised a few changes at this year’s MMC Gala,
and I certainly enjoyed them, and I believe the other attendees did as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-46981727185861406262023-10-09T21:53:00.000-05:002023-10-09T21:53:04.237-05:00Message from the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Israel<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnjT0CCE0hnc-9jB9l5R_jiPMqMxb2TMqBY5qNdZSpd8e4y-_x56-fT4i1RvtVnyq02QLI3ZnMeMRqzAgMhX57ObNhboLiY5u2ThLV5F894U4LhnbYm8pv3YK789oj4a5ywec31jN8Re9xVNnSjJInt1gLZUqGb2TzQSQaCLU4w-W7KjZnOgCQhgc3yU/s960/Grand%20Lodge%20of%20Isreal.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="679" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnjT0CCE0hnc-9jB9l5R_jiPMqMxb2TMqBY5qNdZSpd8e4y-_x56-fT4i1RvtVnyq02QLI3ZnMeMRqzAgMhX57ObNhboLiY5u2ThLV5F894U4LhnbYm8pv3YK789oj4a5ywec31jN8Re9xVNnSjJInt1gLZUqGb2TzQSQaCLU4w-W7KjZnOgCQhgc3yU/s16000/Grand%20Lodge%20of%20Isreal.jpg" /></a></div>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-75607449975286054382023-09-05T13:35:00.003-05:002023-09-05T13:35:39.537-05:00Everything Old is New Again<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYmDBhU88YXz8iVJTxwT1iBF1xR8oHshqXR0Tv8-_B4gXLEmypa_iIYrudbqNr3jakIQHk8eFdbeVYx-iFll4o1dppnvUwAWUMr23EUmtIcv4v2n0jfiFbSOngwUNtawrAS6KqeLIJ6kQaTScB04Mtkq7bblznav0nB_pXW-l7kc_cW43KcuIJaH4dvo/s1587/Tractor%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1587" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYmDBhU88YXz8iVJTxwT1iBF1xR8oHshqXR0Tv8-_B4gXLEmypa_iIYrudbqNr3jakIQHk8eFdbeVYx-iFll4o1dppnvUwAWUMr23EUmtIcv4v2n0jfiFbSOngwUNtawrAS6KqeLIJ6kQaTScB04Mtkq7bblznav0nB_pXW-l7kc_cW43KcuIJaH4dvo/w640-h302/Tractor%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1955 International Farmall -WB Paul Otte Proud Owner</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 26pt; line-height: 107%;">Everything
Old is New Again</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Potluck
and Hayride- Oriental Lodge #34 of Cannon Falls, MN<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">In my opinion, there is a lot to be said for the
famous quote from the 1700’s writer Johathan Swift, who wrote Gulliver’s Travels,
that “everything old is new again”. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">This quote demonstrates the reoccurring nature and
cycle of life, the drawing wisdom from past experiences to navigate solutions
to today’s problems or situations. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">When I was a young Mason, many moons ago, but who is
counting, I attended many potlucks and get togethers with my brothers, outside
of regular Lodge nights. Most of those events were not even in the lodge, but
in Brothers homes, backyards, garages, and city parks. I have many memories of
these informal gatherings that provided an opportunity to get to know each
other and create bonds between us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">It was during those informal activities that I really
got to know my Lodge Brothers and forged solid lifelong relationships. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I can’t put my finger on the time frame when these
types of get togethers started to diminish, but like many things in life, the
frequency gradually reduced, until the gatherings no longer happened at the
Metropolitan Lodges. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">As I was progressing thru the Grand Lodge line during
the 2000’s, and as Grand Master, I had the great pleasure of traveling around
every corner of the state from the “big city” Lodges to smaller rural Lodges. I
must say I fell in love with many of the rural lodges because they were deeply
involved in their communities, a principle tennet of Freemasonry, I even joined
Red Wing Lodge and am active. <span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I was very excited when I received an invitation to
attend Oriental Lodge #34 annual Potluck and Hayride on August 30, 2023. It’s a
lodge that I have been to many times, but not recently, and it was a gracious
offer I couldn’t refuse. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Oriental Lodge is located in Cannon Falls, Minnesota,
approximately 45 miles from Minneapolis. The Lodge will be celebrating its 163rd
Anniversary this October. The Lodge building has a very prominent location in
the towns center. The Lodge members are very active in the town’s civic
affairs. If you’re curious how the Brothers came up with the Lodge’s name 163
years ago, the word Oriental means “from the East”, how fitting for Masonic
Lodge. <span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The lodges Secretary, Paul Otte, has hosted a lodge
gathering at his country home to kick off the start of the Lodges Fall calendar
for the past four years, factoring out the pandemic years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a wonderful way for the members to
gather and reacquaint themselves, with the Lodge being dark of the summer
months. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The timing of the gathering is strategically important,
it is exactly one week before the return to the normal Lodge calendar. This
opportunity to gather in an informal setting, creates interest and generates
excitement among the Brothers for the returning to Lodge and formal Lodge
nights. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I have been told by the MN Grand Lodge, that
attendance in our Lodges is down, with Brothers very slow to return to Lodge
since the pandemic. I believe if more Lodges would host kick off events, like
Oriental Lodge, it could greatly help generate interest in the return normal
Lodge activities. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3f6VeNARQLS_7JeSXbK0UwN-8hET5WVICzESurX2qxi5s27FGHstfgJBVknuBU9fOfjC5OuXNNTtu9F6AVqq4dRtmWWgJemuJX6KkgRR3rThs7Ry1K3Osop6pdhCFwoMZuTFcmUzU9BfNGfxObXQzvqwGYnNeT31wQiXdRqpUt2-33hKs9R19vQWnBpo/s1587/Hayride%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1587" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3f6VeNARQLS_7JeSXbK0UwN-8hET5WVICzESurX2qxi5s27FGHstfgJBVknuBU9fOfjC5OuXNNTtu9F6AVqq4dRtmWWgJemuJX6KkgRR3rThs7Ry1K3Osop6pdhCFwoMZuTFcmUzU9BfNGfxObXQzvqwGYnNeT31wQiXdRqpUt2-33hKs9R19vQWnBpo/w640-h365/Hayride%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1XOc8d9E3CBMbXXrLTGeuS0v7ALICxNdK_KWzjSSPu4vRPgKg35Js7ES31sucTEbTM92IPWbW7Z9NO1T51cTURdmdBC5AE_f7eQoJLE37xB0hn5KwEHl32xbnzCd-StwN-aIpohvkOI2e--J7MPrb_LivMync9KUU5ZGO0K1ldxloR4Y7vFVskGeAzg/s1472/Hayride%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1472" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1XOc8d9E3CBMbXXrLTGeuS0v7ALICxNdK_KWzjSSPu4vRPgKg35Js7ES31sucTEbTM92IPWbW7Z9NO1T51cTURdmdBC5AE_f7eQoJLE37xB0hn5KwEHl32xbnzCd-StwN-aIpohvkOI2e--J7MPrb_LivMync9KUU5ZGO0K1ldxloR4Y7vFVskGeAzg/w640-h429/Hayride%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcjOaTSWHHdJeGMEYdX3bvvUZ3ZWZ48GIEYpln-I0jjWgUtm7ZlB7JWDpIn1z1UrWhmRMAEYGL5lg1RKhNQAZyAfXTfpcmC1_fMMhslw2ZloqYKQyra-hnnAFq1IcWILaSejYk-oYX-Ysu4-tuFS2vfMbKiQnEUoxSpx7_heBW9mIDlAOwH6Auojx354/s1416/Hayride%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1416" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcjOaTSWHHdJeGMEYdX3bvvUZ3ZWZ48GIEYpln-I0jjWgUtm7ZlB7JWDpIn1z1UrWhmRMAEYGL5lg1RKhNQAZyAfXTfpcmC1_fMMhslw2ZloqYKQyra-hnnAFq1IcWILaSejYk-oYX-Ysu4-tuFS2vfMbKiQnEUoxSpx7_heBW9mIDlAOwH6Auojx354/w640-h446/Hayride%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">There was also ample time to socialize before and
after the potluck dinner, but the highlight of the evening, for me, was a
hayride for those who wished to ride. It was a picture-perfect evening for a
hayride. Riding on the country roads thru the forests, and fields thru the
scenic rolling countryside. The tractor pulling us along was a 1955
International Farmall, built solid last the test of time, much like
Freemasonry. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Having grown up in Minnesota, a get together and a
potluck just go together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a great
way to bring people together in a relaxed atmosphere that allows time to talk,
eat and get caught up on what everyone was doing over the Summer. It was also
an opportunity for the six new Master Masons to get to know their Lodge
brothers. The wives also got a chance to renew friendships and make new
friends.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Also, a potluck get together has many Masonic
qualities. It’s a shared activity with shared responsibilities. Everyone brings
something to the table. It doesn’t matter if it’s something homemade or a last-minute
purchase. It is a shared endeavor with something for everyone. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKIv6EoIsvk5v6HbduM37MS2USzxm9jz5iKgVkStTsRH4qGxPg5pPgMTIJaWVy2MzsR6-6d0Nbz6Yi5uzajmAERb5oIzjmO74GtLzggw6fOU3dftHBy62cN9xFlEERwUjOdPamvEpcIY1V2mOvj8HjfrUaDhO2zk9tZv3qyjKww9mGl4qnzuMRiW1mSM/s1048/Potluck%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1048" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKIv6EoIsvk5v6HbduM37MS2USzxm9jz5iKgVkStTsRH4qGxPg5pPgMTIJaWVy2MzsR6-6d0Nbz6Yi5uzajmAERb5oIzjmO74GtLzggw6fOU3dftHBy62cN9xFlEERwUjOdPamvEpcIY1V2mOvj8HjfrUaDhO2zk9tZv3qyjKww9mGl4qnzuMRiW1mSM/w640-h602/Potluck%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For those of us who practice our Freemasonry in the
metropolitan areas, we can forget that just as many Masons practice Freemasonry
in small towns and country Lodges. Attending Oriental Lodge’s potluck was also
a wonderful reminder of my families farming background, and a way for us to
quietly celebrate our Minnesota Farming heritage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Lodge Education Officer, Roger Otte, presented an
informative talk on the Plumb Line. The information was educational for the
Brothers, and informative regarding an aspect of Freemasonry for the others
attending “all without revealing the secrets” Roger said with a chuckle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Oriental Lodge has had a very successful year bringing
in six new members and in doing the degree work, with all six new members attending
the potluck. Two of those new members drive 60 miles to attend Lodge. They pass
five to ten Masonic Lodges to get to their new Lodge in Cannon Falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is impressive and tells me that Oriental
Lodge has done an excellent job of making their Lodge a special place that is
welcoming, relevant, and a meaningful experience for them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I had a chance to chat with, and get know, Worshipful
Master Greg Ziemer. I congratulated him on the six new Brothers that he raised.
He said thank you and gave me smile, and said I think we may have couple of more
soon, which is really encouraging. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I think Oriental Lodge may have a blueprint that can
help some other Lodges. I hope to explore this further in the coming months.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5Rs0magMyCT07TZLb9ynb7Zd4pk2IYEzlkR3cfLpNBVgE5-7wQem69CGef3bJoasV_NPqtmqjVblu2mldE6thBqdQE7DiyAkNz2wWDR3sRldVPLKMoGRfrIzRVrn-16Gj5sZCqbJpJhmDo8hV5d0qEqxjHjoo7TQnHXGwn0inPAKXaAdTM8hzUGhhNA/s1113/Fire%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1113" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5Rs0magMyCT07TZLb9ynb7Zd4pk2IYEzlkR3cfLpNBVgE5-7wQem69CGef3bJoasV_NPqtmqjVblu2mldE6thBqdQE7DiyAkNz2wWDR3sRldVPLKMoGRfrIzRVrn-16Gj5sZCqbJpJhmDo8hV5d0qEqxjHjoo7TQnHXGwn0inPAKXaAdTM8hzUGhhNA/w640-h566/Fire%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">At the close of the evening, our hosts Paul and his
wife Tracy, stood in the driveway as we said our goodbyes. In another fine
Minnesota tradition, they stood with plates full of their garden’s bounty
offering home grown tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini to any takers. I couldn’t
pass that up! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The evening was fun, uplifting and memorable while
being nostalgic and thoroughly enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I thank Oriental Lodge for the invitation to attend and thank to
everyone for the wonderful food and fellowship.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4y_PmmTwbYut2dpmnWiu4foVJfPyuL-lz8FpIq6OgfkIdBBz1tiCQOTnEdAsGkDkoSy0lI7LGhogALQyfufAvl_QmEXLdFddEq_KQcrgzuZd7Ic_R4PjqJVD6dirSDMec3BgGZTlBmnbLe0h8km20Asm1ZsXy4lh9X1gqx8ruAe0xIA7pY5dmR2pugk/s1587/Tractor%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1587" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4y_PmmTwbYut2dpmnWiu4foVJfPyuL-lz8FpIq6OgfkIdBBz1tiCQOTnEdAsGkDkoSy0lI7LGhogALQyfufAvl_QmEXLdFddEq_KQcrgzuZd7Ic_R4PjqJVD6dirSDMec3BgGZTlBmnbLe0h8km20Asm1ZsXy4lh9X1gqx8ruAe0xIA7pY5dmR2pugk/w640-h346/Tractor%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some may call her a "Concrete Princess, but she is a beauty. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCj4KXopHIQjAAoXBAR2m5xLLFIMBLvtWrnBNzA0Jr38CyFJgWz75k3-zJBRg_Z_EJrfsCgi7W0l4AKSnSIos6LPJjfL67cFmAITDUkI-SE_75PZnOpDcSmJrIImrlAruFiHZmd9eYv6jstnGfFQ8TYlwTxruP9KnNpZKgoVOq8oVBaY_ARikuY-64lY/s986/Tractor%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="740" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCj4KXopHIQjAAoXBAR2m5xLLFIMBLvtWrnBNzA0Jr38CyFJgWz75k3-zJBRg_Z_EJrfsCgi7W0l4AKSnSIos6LPJjfL67cFmAITDUkI-SE_75PZnOpDcSmJrIImrlAruFiHZmd9eYv6jstnGfFQ8TYlwTxruP9KnNpZKgoVOq8oVBaY_ARikuY-64lY/w480-h640/Tractor%203.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-89000531195992818452023-08-25T14:24:00.000-05:002023-08-25T14:24:00.155-05:00Rochester Valley Scottish Rite BBQ<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvFkXw99NPDAbAzCDIkunDLgjL1vfn9USk349JsA1lGjBgui11CrIcLCmE9Rg_dn8qMzuf5vxytGbbJAjZL7SboqAEaZoC_Pl_7L8UidRR1impoH0EfWr4ni9_LZTZr4CAVV54Qlua3ObxHwEgE7CDON45Rfm-s7Kv_9Rd0MdrN4kcfCJiM2qlIqE888/s1440/Rochester.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvFkXw99NPDAbAzCDIkunDLgjL1vfn9USk349JsA1lGjBgui11CrIcLCmE9Rg_dn8qMzuf5vxytGbbJAjZL7SboqAEaZoC_Pl_7L8UidRR1impoH0EfWr4ni9_LZTZr4CAVV54Qlua3ObxHwEgE7CDON45Rfm-s7Kv_9Rd0MdrN4kcfCJiM2qlIqE888/w480-h640/Rochester.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />On Thursday August 24th I had the opportunity to drive 90 miles to Rochester Minnesota to enjoy an evening of fellowship and BBQ with my Brothers with the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons of the Valley of Rochester. <div><br /></div><div>This is a small group who are energized to do the work of bringing more light to Free Masons in Southeran Minnesota. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was pleasure to spend time with them and feel their energy and enthusiasm. They were discussing the plans for their upcoming calendar of degrees for their class of candidates, plans for education for the new candidates, plus education of existing members for the year. They also discussed selection of restaurants to hold feasts, and of course a Road Trip to the Grand Daddy of all, the Scottish Rite Festivals in Guthrie Oklahoma.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can see for yourself the full calendar below. <br /><p></p><p>Oh, and the BBQ dinner of ribs, slaw, potato salad, beans, corn bread was just outstanding. All were made by our very own Past SGIG and Potentate, Jerry Oliver. </p><p>If you are a Master Mason who lives in Southern Minnesota, there is still time to get your petition in to be part of the 2023-2024 Class of Candidates. The Class will start in two weeks. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gqP22iWHVAPW0x3_8QxNp0Lwf-3KBFxj1OGVqFIeRCZEse1bOF0GCfpwoyODSglMAfxvEGuD28Sm5_c6SPOqpBh-18GGxUscSbHQ8ITS_Ga9WnDSa0Qc77CJ-vHb7zRXofZtckQT7ZxDrB2NkvXRcT2Dmx0hdBAYU0tSPrj8OYlks5AB1lDVyhcm58s/s1587/Rochester%20Scottish%20Rite%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1587" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gqP22iWHVAPW0x3_8QxNp0Lwf-3KBFxj1OGVqFIeRCZEse1bOF0GCfpwoyODSglMAfxvEGuD28Sm5_c6SPOqpBh-18GGxUscSbHQ8ITS_Ga9WnDSa0Qc77CJ-vHb7zRXofZtckQT7ZxDrB2NkvXRcT2Dmx0hdBAYU0tSPrj8OYlks5AB1lDVyhcm58s/w640-h334/Rochester%20Scottish%20Rite%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFntBHs315rnzJw2o1LJUkFhD1xuv3B6vMxJBHZ9jLbIm5MHlApau0ElGZ8ZA_Goi5H_0qCyKbiwGD8wIB0JOXzhAn-QO4mROpOy6bed_-Cr1xGW9l6WVc0sz_eLoDmqGk1CQF5N-X4L-uOtHIk9fbgzF5Mq2sVMvjqJ9AGmLh3TMmDXFUk5Mlv7YLtFs/s1508/Rochester%20Scottish%20Rite%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1508" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFntBHs315rnzJw2o1LJUkFhD1xuv3B6vMxJBHZ9jLbIm5MHlApau0ElGZ8ZA_Goi5H_0qCyKbiwGD8wIB0JOXzhAn-QO4mROpOy6bed_-Cr1xGW9l6WVc0sz_eLoDmqGk1CQF5N-X4L-uOtHIk9fbgzF5Mq2sVMvjqJ9AGmLh3TMmDXFUk5Mlv7YLtFs/w640-h418/Rochester%20Scottish%20Rite%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1WHfSAKxBlZuFfXgBKUsEhPsXVS4e6KvWGloFfAn-mp_myB54wFXr3QIUhKTkOqenwT5YEOyKVEi1wThvNbgZ5ct2RDg_OS5f_9cWrD-Jv7eFDiYid7Ki6QguR_TqzGK7ShbZYNi8MByLGfP4J29fVS-PTr08uID1Ah8DNwY9MQTPSyWVxqbfWY8qqc/s986/Scottish%20Rite%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="737" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1WHfSAKxBlZuFfXgBKUsEhPsXVS4e6KvWGloFfAn-mp_myB54wFXr3QIUhKTkOqenwT5YEOyKVEi1wThvNbgZ5ct2RDg_OS5f_9cWrD-Jv7eFDiYid7Ki6QguR_TqzGK7ShbZYNi8MByLGfP4J29fVS-PTr08uID1Ah8DNwY9MQTPSyWVxqbfWY8qqc/w478-h640/Scottish%20Rite%203.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><p><br /><br /></p></div>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-52114833568068535872023-08-11T14:36:00.001-05:002023-08-11T14:36:46.920-05:00 Grand Lodge of Minnesota- Past Grand Master Luncheon 2023 <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVuiYaBaSrwFVBnpAT-lDOdcsyGfr9zx9oVTf3TpFOuN6NkMCvmEzXrPu2C4mFjdqkRe264keMGWPq9WaWO2WvRd5YTKn4IQ8reWXJKJXzsyqIAs5lvciOWoOe3JF6Jza4L2J14nSJVMuHKaKZmg_3lPs7QKAcpZaZsZDyazgXbirGheGQAUWZol0aYY/s1298/2023%20Past%20Grand%20Masters.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1298" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVuiYaBaSrwFVBnpAT-lDOdcsyGfr9zx9oVTf3TpFOuN6NkMCvmEzXrPu2C4mFjdqkRe264keMGWPq9WaWO2WvRd5YTKn4IQ8reWXJKJXzsyqIAs5lvciOWoOe3JF6Jza4L2J14nSJVMuHKaKZmg_3lPs7QKAcpZaZsZDyazgXbirGheGQAUWZol0aYY/w640-h490/2023%20Past%20Grand%20Masters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Fourteenth Annual Past Grand Masters luncheon was held on August 11, 2023, at the Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington, Minnesota (Covid prevented us from meeting in 2020).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is an occasion for all the Past Grand Masters along with the current Grand Master and his Officers to celebrate our heritage and honor our traditions, embracing the present while looking to the future. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We have gathered since 2009 in the mid to late Summer when things are more relaxed, and it’s easier to travel. It’s also a more convenient time for the Grand Master and his officers to attend before their calendars become filled with Lodge events.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.5in;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It’s a wonderful opportunity for all of us to escape our daily activities for a time and to gather together in one place for just a couple of hours to share past memories and discuss the future with the newest officers.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">There were many who could not attend due to health issues, work and family commitments and we missed them, we were able to receive updates from those familiar with their circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">There were no deaths to report among us this year, and that's something to celebrate! </span></p><p></p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-62474052525832657462023-07-31T14:44:00.000-05:002023-07-31T14:44:02.808-05:00Boston Commandery #2 Strawberry Festival<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIphTIOCgcN1HmiWOYRcX3D2AEbuI1Rjs-Rn9sjJT9DRGjiUD7gxEAzukmAUDTYoij9vU33wM7fgUAsaq262rprXDKFlmoc89o1GbiMCD0u4JtwnYpegMd_vJNH3H3wGhEECYx7SnkBeUvt1vSM7wB71s-SMzD3z8nTUTY3ZMzf8CmToVUK9uWuFUubw/s1051/Boston%20Commandery%20Patch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1051" height="605" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIphTIOCgcN1HmiWOYRcX3D2AEbuI1Rjs-Rn9sjJT9DRGjiUD7gxEAzukmAUDTYoij9vU33wM7fgUAsaq262rprXDKFlmoc89o1GbiMCD0u4JtwnYpegMd_vJNH3H3wGhEECYx7SnkBeUvt1vSM7wB71s-SMzD3z8nTUTY3ZMzf8CmToVUK9uWuFUubw/w640-h605/Boston%20Commandery%20Patch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had the distinct honor and privilege to attend one
of the finest Masonic events and one of the preeminent Knights Templar events
that I have ever attended, thanks to my Masonic Brother and Eminent Commander
Dan Daily, and the Boston Commandery #2.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The invitation materialized because I was planning a
trip to Boston that was a combination of business and pleasure. I was excited
for this trip as a chance to renew my relationship with my Masonic Brothers
that I had developed when I visited Boston as the Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of Minnesota in 2011. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Boston Commandery#2 Strawberry Festival is one of
their premier events of the year. It is a social gathering held each year just
before they stop activities for the Summer. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Boston Commandery has a 221-year history that is
deep, rich and unsurpassed. I would be amiss if I didn’t briefly mention their
history and to add perspective for all to appreciate it more.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When knowledge of the
Order of the Temple came to Boston. America was part of the British Empire, and
King George III was its King</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Traveling British Military Lodges played an important
role in the spread of Freemasonry across the globe. When on October 1, 1768,
several regiments of British soldiers arrived in Boston, among them were
several regiments that had military lodges. The 14<sup>th</sup> Regiment
(Irish) in which Army Lodge #58 was held, and the 29<sup>th</sup> Regiment
(Irish) in which Army Lodge #322 was held. A month latter the 64<sup>th</sup>
Regiment (Irish) in which Army Lodge #106 was held was added. It was these Army
Lodges which brought to Boston a knowledge of the Order of the Temple.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These troops held regular Masonic relations with the
Lodge of St. Andrew in Boston which had received its charter from Scotland.
Within a year, a Royal Arch Chapter under the charter of St. Andrews was formed.
The recordings of this first meeting were preserved and today we can see that
at the meeting ten Brothers were present, of which six were soldiers, and four
were members of the Lodge of St. Andrew. The British Soldiers were chosen as
the top three officers. This implies that the soldiers knew the work of the
Royal Arch. The orders of the Knights Templar were performed under the Royal
Arch Charter. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">From August 28, 1769, until 1794 the orders of the
Knights Templar were worked in the Royal Arch Lodge. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then from 1794 the Orders were continuously worked
without a chartered authority, but the knowledge of the ritual was never lost.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On March 12, 1802, a group of Masons who were Sir
Knights, established Boston Encampment of Knights of the Red Cross. On December
21, 1805, these same Masons formed the Encampment of Knights Templar, and on
March 15 of that same year, the Encampment of Knights of the Red Cross
dissolved, and later the name was changed to Boston Commandery #2 Knights
Templar. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thomas Jefferson was President when Boston
Commandery #2 was formed. –</span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxFIdzuAAPIjLrUMvEgUE7rBsgxD0EYxwTdM5H-V8JfVGb7SB7YWp7TjDZrIktwDbaeuDFcuVP022GHnpUJ9y8al4uh0_xFunabDnL_iqpqngdbKBj9suZpKOdTGpTnoU9cR9SVwxXHhwQhXelnXRQAABErEZp2vQkFPlmehoqdFxv6_XQtGIbozV0G8/s1591/Boston%20Commandery%20Daversport.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="1591" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxFIdzuAAPIjLrUMvEgUE7rBsgxD0EYxwTdM5H-V8JfVGb7SB7YWp7TjDZrIktwDbaeuDFcuVP022GHnpUJ9y8al4uh0_xFunabDnL_iqpqngdbKBj9suZpKOdTGpTnoU9cR9SVwxXHhwQhXelnXRQAABErEZp2vQkFPlmehoqdFxv6_XQtGIbozV0G8/w640-h221/Boston%20Commandery%20Daversport.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The venue for the festival was the Daversport Yacht
Club, located just thirty minutes north of Boston. If you have traveled to Boston, you are
aware that traffic in and around Boston, can be challenging at all times of the
day. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Daversport is tucked away on a nineteen-acre
picturesque waterfront peninsula on the Porter River that leads directly to the
Atlantic Ocean. The idyllic view is just a classic Massachusetts waterfront
view. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The gathering location was a courtyard surrounded by
groomed gardens with a large tent pavilion. The weather could not have been
more </span>perfect, which<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> given the rainy days
leading up to the event, was a bit of a surprise to me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Inside the tent, the tables were set with white linens
for the 98 attendees. Waiters were roaming with trays of appetizers, a
bartender was serving refreshments, and just outside the door was a
well-proportioned table full of cigars. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;">
</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEv24wyykzOuaaOZnbKW-jEx4jvMzoY4xDBv2d8SBxzYOVJGlHzE1EYsT3XEGb7gX8OmqF9PP6iH9GNEVIgxH3pr2DrIpm3biWiglqgzz7GOcFfD_piVbFnxgHYfUb_WIqRfxAJ9kBsYgOgVVD1M91EWf5vXj47r9nJkoxvnuBOREnUnoTA565TcIn6E/s1324/Boston%20Commandery%20Inside%20tent%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1324" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEv24wyykzOuaaOZnbKW-jEx4jvMzoY4xDBv2d8SBxzYOVJGlHzE1EYsT3XEGb7gX8OmqF9PP6iH9GNEVIgxH3pr2DrIpm3biWiglqgzz7GOcFfD_piVbFnxgHYfUb_WIqRfxAJ9kBsYgOgVVD1M91EWf5vXj47r9nJkoxvnuBOREnUnoTA565TcIn6E/w640-h480/Boston%20Commandery%20Inside%20tent%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3bXpzl74tB_95dvUJhik0nrVoPohsmFquOLBGPF__vsHuCsgpuE8JX7RaTa4q8szVoPAxUUzTLvikwHvLxiKMo7PCbzTj_NjzyIgJzVGw736FayVQwn7vjy1AjPKemsjUrIZknfgvZV3FuRIF40-tox1wxyg_UpKr4qUkIy1xmQVvKDDOKF0YuVkp18/s1316/Boston%20Commandery%20Inside%20tent%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1316" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3bXpzl74tB_95dvUJhik0nrVoPohsmFquOLBGPF__vsHuCsgpuE8JX7RaTa4q8szVoPAxUUzTLvikwHvLxiKMo7PCbzTj_NjzyIgJzVGw736FayVQwn7vjy1AjPKemsjUrIZknfgvZV3FuRIF40-tox1wxyg_UpKr4qUkIy1xmQVvKDDOKF0YuVkp18/w640-h482/Boston%20Commandery%20Inside%20tent%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkfEnfNhWSmTWuSOflJzpLHM8lxJ9GFi8Dd4WTeF00lMqkQcbQkanrzK3uSxD_7dODYGPd1CjmHXQKt5NpgC7kO17vxxo8TzJhCZJ5JtlalmkD4r-QZoYmJwMzPHdUpbkVa4VaHLgvpWXkkj3zHeSB1HG0iszdtRs15JWGJs_HyUn8bsJ3nMHq3ihwmI/s1349/Boston%20Commandery%20Cigar%20Table.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1349" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkfEnfNhWSmTWuSOflJzpLHM8lxJ9GFi8Dd4WTeF00lMqkQcbQkanrzK3uSxD_7dODYGPd1CjmHXQKt5NpgC7kO17vxxo8TzJhCZJ5JtlalmkD4r-QZoYmJwMzPHdUpbkVa4VaHLgvpWXkkj3zHeSB1HG0iszdtRs15JWGJs_HyUn8bsJ3nMHq3ihwmI/w640-h472/Boston%20Commandery%20Cigar%20Table.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">The stage was certainly set to facilitate for the magic that occurs when the Masonic Brothers gather and engage in conversation, but we simply call it Brotherly Love. When this group of Masons meet, their conversation is relaxed, open, caring, curious, nonjudgmental and filled with humility. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was so good to see familiar faces and re-connect
with acquaintances, as was well as meet so many new Brothers. It was the most
welcoming of meetings, and as a matter of fact, they were very concerned about
my welfare being from the Midwest, so they wanted to help me fit in. My
Brothers at the table, as we waited our turn at the buffet line, conducted “how
to speak like a Bostonian lesson”. Yes,
I took notes…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was politely informed that for those natives from
Massachusetts or MA, as they refer to the state, only have 25 letters in their
alphabet, which does not include the letter R. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We had a lot of fun as they helped me learn the
correct Bostonian pronunciation of chowda, lobstah, wotta, or the phrase, I
pahk the cah in Havahd yahd. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now that’s Brotherly Love! </span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAk-M48_wUx8Kbb1Yd3b9W7yDKmGuUsX9rCyeGEhvea1ktPNJpgUXnbj08Fa2_9bJyRH7flWhuRXQlglHvl_t7_-a5kwFkk7h0mmI7SWhVV53M2ZFPXFYYwueyk0dyTi8LnCN9XWxzaZdxD28Z1NY8L9yjvAQsVUJ4N0nLjHLKav5QDyWETU976AvmvdM/s1023/Boston%20Commandery%20Steamers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1023" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAk-M48_wUx8Kbb1Yd3b9W7yDKmGuUsX9rCyeGEhvea1ktPNJpgUXnbj08Fa2_9bJyRH7flWhuRXQlglHvl_t7_-a5kwFkk7h0mmI7SWhVV53M2ZFPXFYYwueyk0dyTi8LnCN9XWxzaZdxD28Z1NY8L9yjvAQsVUJ4N0nLjHLKav5QDyWETU976AvmvdM/w640-h622/Boston%20Commandery%20Steamers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rwTGDI8-NZY3lId_Ffx8fkGpsbRknLoCCWFVkMmtwoq-XucgGnSd20z_cFtiaB-ia2krzG434CUHEyLAswRNRu8yW9arWSAVYuE6GeR0-q1NFtBbjxLFL22NUlM0xediHnblNx2-eLulyOjhy9y4IudfbPOrelvOgQNud3DNbMXGm77PkA1854hQ6wU/s993/Boston%20Commandery%20Chowda.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="766" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rwTGDI8-NZY3lId_Ffx8fkGpsbRknLoCCWFVkMmtwoq-XucgGnSd20z_cFtiaB-ia2krzG434CUHEyLAswRNRu8yW9arWSAVYuE6GeR0-q1NFtBbjxLFL22NUlM0xediHnblNx2-eLulyOjhy9y4IudfbPOrelvOgQNud3DNbMXGm77PkA1854hQ6wU/w309-h400/Boston%20Commandery%20Chowda.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">As we were waiting for the main course to be served, I was asked if I liked lobster. I replied that it is a delicacy in Minnesota, and I enjoyed the sweet tender meat. As I finished speaking the waiter placed a platter containing the biggest lobster, I have ever seen in my life in front of me. I had never seen a lobster that big back at my hometown Red Lobster!!!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJqJ_OgAeWnbz-KXtKZpy1_yRb3RDtt_QudVo-rxU3DJ305lhqAsnZ-h6Poo9frgGmK0YAtB0wRLaIQLREk7UiHillMDjsQbjyloafBEqLpRVOmaeX72j4yMdvTCIyQvqnHPEvVVGnGOYHBHBw4wB_sYhbI_xkHrV1LkW8F8gLKQqqHmP63eyI4eee1k/s1307/Boston%20Commandery%20Lobster%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1307" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJqJ_OgAeWnbz-KXtKZpy1_yRb3RDtt_QudVo-rxU3DJ305lhqAsnZ-h6Poo9frgGmK0YAtB0wRLaIQLREk7UiHillMDjsQbjyloafBEqLpRVOmaeX72j4yMdvTCIyQvqnHPEvVVGnGOYHBHBw4wB_sYhbI_xkHrV1LkW8F8gLKQqqHmP63eyI4eee1k/w640-h486/Boston%20Commandery%20Lobster%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It had been a decade since I had eaten a whole lobster
and as I looked at that huge lobster, I was trying to recall the process to get
to that highly prized succulent meat. I observed that the brothers sitting
around be appeared to be true afficionados, so I followed their lead.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">First, when eating a lobster, one does not utilize a
lot of culinary sophistication. No way
around it, I was going to get up close and personal with my meal. I was going
to be eating with my fingers, and it was going to be messy. That big lobster
bib they handed to me was a suit saver, and I highly recommended that you use it
whenever eating lobster, for that bib is all that stands between you and a
multitude of lobster juices. It will be
come your best friend, especially if you happen to be wearing a suite and silk
tie as I was. What commenced was a lot of cracking, pulling, and twisting with
bits of shell and juices flying in all directions. I used a tremendous number or napkins and wet wipes,
and I wished I had thought to bring a roll of paper towels. Eating a lobster
isn’t just a meal, but an experience, and a workout as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As I was busy cleaning the flying lobster juices from
my glasses and getting my fingers caught in the lobster cracker, I found the
conversation between the Brothers both uplifting and pleasing for they were
discussing what activities they were planning for their Lodges and the York
Rite. It was so exciting to hear of the plans for an upcoming installation of a
new Worshipful Master and officers of a Lodge and that they were expecting 120
people to attend. The York Rite degree teams had been holding rehearsals and
had a few last degrees to perform before the summer season, and they were already
throwing out ideas for Fall activities. For me, as a Craft Mason, it was
warming to the heart to hear that the state of Freemasonry is alive and in such
good caring hands. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwPc1qFJzwCt_My1lIMCwi5yiF5c0nT1IBbBk6WzaSvD7lwbeL7zNtWYyiL-AkQEbmXc9SapUzqIcQ_KfDEYwIb1kbp-n6mkMEx8dHh6B60D2VTnMhJSjwFwBVkgGXfzdLs-D8mrZctfp_R5AidekhfUSvsu__yYpvwN8sxRGkRjvdeQjSC0aQFuOZGc/s1172/Boston%20tableside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1172" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwPc1qFJzwCt_My1lIMCwi5yiF5c0nT1IBbBk6WzaSvD7lwbeL7zNtWYyiL-AkQEbmXc9SapUzqIcQ_KfDEYwIb1kbp-n6mkMEx8dHh6B60D2VTnMhJSjwFwBVkgGXfzdLs-D8mrZctfp_R5AidekhfUSvsu__yYpvwN8sxRGkRjvdeQjSC0aQFuOZGc/w640-h542/Boston%20tableside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">After dinner the R.E. Grand Commander, Sir Knight, Eugene Blake Nichols, of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, held a short ceremony passing out some well-deserved recognition certificates. Afterwards I had the pleasure of chatting with him for a few minutes. What a nice guy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSRH_0qO4TXWXSMitXh33ksb-WHFS6kSsF-LufjBjMIKT0DI_qkVVQqlA3hCqMp9XK49JRWNpPAm9s7VwBtLikEBcxwf86-XDtdV2J_WpKqvuoUwbs13ogFdxmmX-Mp_TQt4iiPxlBBJEAsYRyOrMm1ZiF2yRka1uJuKXw2N3q05vK8oiPFQm3dH6ri0/s993/Boston%20Commandery%20Grand%20Commander.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="660" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSRH_0qO4TXWXSMitXh33ksb-WHFS6kSsF-LufjBjMIKT0DI_qkVVQqlA3hCqMp9XK49JRWNpPAm9s7VwBtLikEBcxwf86-XDtdV2J_WpKqvuoUwbs13ogFdxmmX-Mp_TQt4iiPxlBBJEAsYRyOrMm1ZiF2yRka1uJuKXw2N3q05vK8oiPFQm3dH6ri0/s320/Boston%20Commandery%20Grand%20Commander.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">But I must also include meeting WB Jim Orgettas, the
Executive Personal Assistant to the Grand Master. He was so gracious when he refused
my offer to pay for the dry cleaning of his suit, as he sat next to me at
dinner, and I splashed him many times with lobster juice as I was trying to eat
my lobster. For more information on WB Jim, see my blog post of July 21, 2023
“My Visit with the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts”.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">After the comments were concluded by the distinguished Brothers, we </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">all gravitated</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> out into the </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">courtyard</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, where we watched the sun set in the painted sky, with a cup of coffee, dessert, and a cigar. We did what Mason’s do best, had more meaningful conversion.</span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUhGe2gCFDaSINkK1et7ZxfzXeM8PXYEZ5XclQYmaW7Y4lz_NpXJk9PNRs5KLhsDxjtU_Q2e9OWGeAPDlkwq5j_7gq4wIQuM8zYvW3rw8SJaXqV93WXrJa5C8FTWRvVye7U3TEnsXBBV1ANrqR_VCsZNn-Sy4ve8qNLC8AswSAAnOcoLCqYvUHhlpZ7Q/s1262/Boston%20Commandery%20Courtyard.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1262" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUhGe2gCFDaSINkK1et7ZxfzXeM8PXYEZ5XclQYmaW7Y4lz_NpXJk9PNRs5KLhsDxjtU_Q2e9OWGeAPDlkwq5j_7gq4wIQuM8zYvW3rw8SJaXqV93WXrJa5C8FTWRvVye7U3TEnsXBBV1ANrqR_VCsZNn-Sy4ve8qNLC8AswSAAnOcoLCqYvUHhlpZ7Q/w640-h504/Boston%20Commandery%20Courtyard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As the evening waned, we began saying our goodbyes.
Every hand that I shook and pair of eyes I looked into, was a wonderful masonic
moment, for it was very much a “happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet
again” moment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I think the nicest complement I received was when I
heard the words, “We hope you make Boston your second home’”. Upon consideration, I think I will try to do
that. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I especially wish to give many heartfelt thanks to my Masonic
Brother who is the Eminent Commander of Boston Commandery, Daniel J.T. Daley, who
invited me to attend and transported me to, this wonderful Boston Commandery
celebration. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am going to let the cat out of the bag. It was Dan
who was responsible for the organizing of this event. It was with his caring
heart, keen eye to detail, style and panache that brought a Strawberry Festival
to a whole new level that I had not experienced. As Grandmaster, all we ever
had in Minnesota was strawberries. Let
me just say, lobster versus strawberries. There really was not a contest.</span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ9QipVS5EduwQMZo9a6K4liXZLGV0Yj8bI6mpY3ZG80pGPqzXHW5pR_lpyOJdmUj7BhLfEfXDAWvIH4xLU_wkWI6FmtEJwutIfkR1RaPiNQgC02NdTbloLdU0TxKA8zLmylGDMD_IDqFsLnY72deBFGidX8IGb9XrX_9z2XsR3RpGmLF5Qt_xdKFJxE/s993/Boston%20Commandery%20Me%20and%20cigar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="774" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ9QipVS5EduwQMZo9a6K4liXZLGV0Yj8bI6mpY3ZG80pGPqzXHW5pR_lpyOJdmUj7BhLfEfXDAWvIH4xLU_wkWI6FmtEJwutIfkR1RaPiNQgC02NdTbloLdU0TxKA8zLmylGDMD_IDqFsLnY72deBFGidX8IGb9XrX_9z2XsR3RpGmLF5Qt_xdKFJxE/s320/Boston%20Commandery%20Me%20and%20cigar.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-8642661779052826422023-07-21T14:39:00.007-05:002023-07-21T14:47:14.274-05:00My Visit with the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7EXo2GagrQJg8BHwM4x4PEnjItvFbiXbdobHOcd_YK0kztXUYva267Lp2Et5jn7QjROTwlyoWuTUJ3MvaPkhl2AM1pssLvhklT6Ppvx1ZIwxfJGLDoYD2OfHwXN-_zP0CdTN35tzm1BZqA25s3rzPzIsbthX37cyYL-JNkFE7LDhUs9_K53ClbiyxFk/s993/Grand%20Master%20of%20Mass.%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="793" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7EXo2GagrQJg8BHwM4x4PEnjItvFbiXbdobHOcd_YK0kztXUYva267Lp2Et5jn7QjROTwlyoWuTUJ3MvaPkhl2AM1pssLvhklT6Ppvx1ZIwxfJGLDoYD2OfHwXN-_zP0CdTN35tzm1BZqA25s3rzPzIsbthX37cyYL-JNkFE7LDhUs9_K53ClbiyxFk/s16000/Grand%20Master%20of%20Mass.%202023.jpg" /></a></div><p dir="rtl" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Grand Master </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">George F. Hamilton</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> and I at the Massachusetts Grand Lodge </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I recently visited Boston on a trip that was a combination of business and pleasure. I was excited for this trip as I was anxious to renew relationships with my Masonic Brothers that I had met when I visited Boson as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota in 2011. Renewing these friendships was the highlight of the trip for me. I had attempted to return to Boston years before, but those trips did not materialize due to Covid.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I had been invited to the Boston Commandery #2 Strawberry Festival, one of the premier events for their Commandery, and one of their main social events of the year. It was a classy event and one of the most pleasurable Masonic events I have attended, but more to come on that later. There will be another upcoming blog post with photos of this event in the very near future. It was so good to see so many familiar faces, renew acquaintances, and meet so many new Brothers as well. The words warm and cordial don’t describe the event well enough.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">WB Jim Orgettas, whom I met at the event, is the Executive Assistant to the Grand Master of Massachusetts. He told me that the Grand Master had heard I was in town and invited me to come to the Grand Lodge and meet with the Grand Master. I was really stunned by such an honorable and courteous invitation. During the dinner, two Brothers approached me and offered to drive me to the Grand Lodge so I would not get lost. If you have ever driven in Boston, you know how honorable those offers were. I stated I could walk as my hotel was not far from the Grand Lodge, Boston is a very walkable city, plus I could not inconvenience anyone to drive me 1.2 miles in Boston. So, on June 21st I walked from my hotel on the Long Wharf to the Grand Lodge. It was a most enjoyable walk.</span></p><div><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ajRTbcOlbuaMpeQVQD5MQpLpX1q1_sQ15fusMgvQJaTZ8K40BcmBnUnBwW4lRxEIRQwLDYopkYkp831Y0xu-B_tD5KLL4LFyf5UgjGbhyu70-_kb9K8_hcBhnYvdv7H4BwaT9bPVaX_JBspSIZU3aRmWeiPH45GaO5qtSJeADIo-I97fbtyITGKpc2s/s993/jim%20Orgettas-Executive%20Assistant%20to%20the%20Grand%20Master.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ajRTbcOlbuaMpeQVQD5MQpLpX1q1_sQ15fusMgvQJaTZ8K40BcmBnUnBwW4lRxEIRQwLDYopkYkp831Y0xu-B_tD5KLL4LFyf5UgjGbhyu70-_kb9K8_hcBhnYvdv7H4BwaT9bPVaX_JBspSIZU3aRmWeiPH45GaO5qtSJeADIo-I97fbtyITGKpc2s/s16000/jim%20Orgettas-Executive%20Assistant%20to%20the%20Grand%20Master.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Orgettas-Executive Assistant to the Grand Master<br /><div style="text-align: center;">(When the above sign is lite-The Grand Master is in)</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When I arrived at the Grand Lodge, I was greeted and escorted by Jim
Orgettas to the Grand Master’s suite of offices. Standing in the doorway was
Grand Master George F. Hamilton. He greeted me warmly and we had the most delightful,
informative, and uplifting conversation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In Massachusetts, the Grand Master serves a three-year
term with Grand Master Hamilton’s term running from 2023-2025. The three-year
term ensures continuity and ensures deliverable programs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In the 288 years the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has existed,
they have chartered a number of Lodges overseas, so the Grand Master does a lot
of foreign travel. He is also responsible for developing programs to serve the 20,000
Masons in the state. It was exciting to hear about the new programs and efforts that Grand Master Hamilton is initiating. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">As I was about to depart, Grand Master Hamilton offered the services of his Grand Lodge to me. I asked to speak with the Grand Lodge Historian Walter Hunt. I had some questions that I knew he could help me with on upcoming articles that I was writing. Unfortunately, he was unavailable at that time, but arrangements were made for me to contact him later. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I stated that I had been to this beautiful building before, but I wanted a few photographs for my blog. Before I knew it, the senior tour director appeared and took me thru the Grand Lodge. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is located at 186 Tremont Street overlooking the Boston Common. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">The current building is the third Grand Lodge erected on this site. The current building was designed by the architectural firm Loring and Phillips. It was made of concord granite and completed in 1898. It has nine floors above the street level, and two below. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">The interior of the building houses six very large lodge rooms with six fully functioning pipe organs, the Samuel Crocker Lawrence Library, which contains one of the largest and most important masonic collections in the world, administrative offices, and enough meeting space for All the Masonic bodies. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">The mosaic of the coat of arms for the Grand Lodge is on the exterior of the building and was placed there in 1966. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSrxspS4VyXq8ZOKf7GLCxYQSyf48GQhssYxmxCkQ9PrdrSMYPOTBYd0Z29yXUpxNa4aYrvOkcpWNXWnbOTA9sA64YQMCaVBCcy1Yp7yi3v2AP2i-Xo0ZFEGIzeBZOa_A6rpBL5GjWfZ9aK_1bv6QvIrcgQRknbUDUQwO5azY1aoZANnnJcA8e7fQY5c/s993/Grand%20Lodge%20Mass%20Door.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="745" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSrxspS4VyXq8ZOKf7GLCxYQSyf48GQhssYxmxCkQ9PrdrSMYPOTBYd0Z29yXUpxNa4aYrvOkcpWNXWnbOTA9sA64YQMCaVBCcy1Yp7yi3v2AP2i-Xo0ZFEGIzeBZOa_A6rpBL5GjWfZ9aK_1bv6QvIrcgQRknbUDUQwO5azY1aoZANnnJcA8e7fQY5c/w480-h640/Grand%20Lodge%20Mass%20Door.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyazsi1jwKgUYg7qLXJUKLtLayK19HOivkEUSxxqjYQqbtoMPZJ4u9-5e2GOxrG9wOUYr1FuQ-a81M26rTSwZQT7Dswo_NQu0xFoO3_fhE7nI-zpzzgq13QxGkkt16nPj_rqTra6mquaNBwqXJCl2ivYKUAVfpR1xszCsxEUX4AogdwxSdA_GknAZ6zIY/s1324/Grand%20Lodge%20Room%20Mass1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1324" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyazsi1jwKgUYg7qLXJUKLtLayK19HOivkEUSxxqjYQqbtoMPZJ4u9-5e2GOxrG9wOUYr1FuQ-a81M26rTSwZQT7Dswo_NQu0xFoO3_fhE7nI-zpzzgq13QxGkkt16nPj_rqTra6mquaNBwqXJCl2ivYKUAVfpR1xszCsxEUX4AogdwxSdA_GknAZ6zIY/w640-h480/Grand%20Lodge%20Room%20Mass1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzRbXgbGn08UUTowgjaZNlJDQvsznb0RBq8nq1UFA56bsCuEYEGuoc5nLmCV3la5QqedtYWIn8P88QKrAtEmryoGYhXXuBRzJgwYQWDELy8gElvxUa2wDZbKClo8hF8TstjX4JfzxSohzkRyvzdC2ZjDVtrJgMoYxatUwZOUO1t0pHqcvJYTaGlw0aNo/s1324/Grand%20Lodge%20Room%20Mass2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1324" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzRbXgbGn08UUTowgjaZNlJDQvsznb0RBq8nq1UFA56bsCuEYEGuoc5nLmCV3la5QqedtYWIn8P88QKrAtEmryoGYhXXuBRzJgwYQWDELy8gElvxUa2wDZbKClo8hF8TstjX4JfzxSohzkRyvzdC2ZjDVtrJgMoYxatUwZOUO1t0pHqcvJYTaGlw0aNo/w640-h480/Grand%20Lodge%20Room%20Mass2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cTX3C8xY58_fW--12nnkNno4nGsC9yRO9c-8qMJ8FUs5jqk7Ft5xINymOgQJMy8sWXK4R9GeYqcjwpE5V17ma1UcW_lcXaVfy3PvhXrsXunV15IO8RGt_0gtLwZA1PpZnhYLnqfOj3VoZsWtwaQI3gSewmEF0tzqBDcD3nAkqdNMdZIGPiCivxKp2d4/s993/Grand%20Lodge%20Mass%20Moasic%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cTX3C8xY58_fW--12nnkNno4nGsC9yRO9c-8qMJ8FUs5jqk7Ft5xINymOgQJMy8sWXK4R9GeYqcjwpE5V17ma1UcW_lcXaVfy3PvhXrsXunV15IO8RGt_0gtLwZA1PpZnhYLnqfOj3VoZsWtwaQI3gSewmEF0tzqBDcD3nAkqdNMdZIGPiCivxKp2d4/w370-h400/Grand%20Lodge%20Mass%20Moasic%201.jpg" width="370" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Grand Lodge is truly filled with treasures that are steeped in history. I don't have enough time in this one article to cover a lot of them. Here is two items I dont think you will find in other Masonic places that are of interest. <br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c-ropONvBnvC6sdMHXuAOraRwPJoXOgH8Ze5bHPGaUNifQourCNpHGg2r-f7c7opKfq0mqSMtjSdDOtGDZk_upLMw8ghAIaFvIRLAn-TiygHe8kkNr6qkEAhPpoEej5j3KH1vxwfW6wATjFYSnY3L1exL30pUvTi6xlmUKp5BKlmTP2EBtx-on642UI/s993/Grand%20Master%20Heard%20Chair.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c-ropONvBnvC6sdMHXuAOraRwPJoXOgH8Ze5bHPGaUNifQourCNpHGg2r-f7c7opKfq0mqSMtjSdDOtGDZk_upLMw8ghAIaFvIRLAn-TiygHe8kkNr6qkEAhPpoEej5j3KH1vxwfW6wATjFYSnY3L1exL30pUvTi6xlmUKp5BKlmTP2EBtx-on642UI/w428-h640/Grand%20Master%20Heard%20Chair.jpg" width="428" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">This beautiful hand-crafted chair was a gift to Grand Master John T. Heard (1857-1859)</span></span><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">from the Brothers of the Craft to ensure the comfort of the Grand Master.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Please notice the eight legs supporting the chair...It was said that Grand Master was a big man and the Brothers didn't wish to see him embarrassed by crashing onto the floor. Now that's Brotherly Love!<br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next three photos are "A Room of Reflection." We would call it A Chamber of Reflection, but we don't talk about that in Minnesota...ha.</p><p></p></div><div>The photos do not do this room justice. It truly is a work of fine art, and can only be fully appreciated by seeing it in person. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHXcpLdhDdDuPMEyt3ewsBQIwuMsgMtAym870yiTwo3oDUJI-xwx5sootw7w3QQ77dntRSrT4htdR-rGfnb_rgMNuaCJs-6W1ZKew3sz5eKoj4yWPFaQ4zAQ4VggdJPL_e59LS31BLtq0GjCa0-Np7W1Ld-qD5FZxBkzKVwdPpRdZ4TiWnhcf6XlYR9I/s993/Room%20of%20Reflection%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="745" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHXcpLdhDdDuPMEyt3ewsBQIwuMsgMtAym870yiTwo3oDUJI-xwx5sootw7w3QQ77dntRSrT4htdR-rGfnb_rgMNuaCJs-6W1ZKew3sz5eKoj4yWPFaQ4zAQ4VggdJPL_e59LS31BLtq0GjCa0-Np7W1Ld-qD5FZxBkzKVwdPpRdZ4TiWnhcf6XlYR9I/w480-h640/Room%20of%20Reflection%201.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CbXTDYuYrsY1-14jbMSkF0foAHxu5bRZwexCV96tUNFox0PkPsecD3gY2tx9uown4DIdDMRgk0kIQtzi3oZ43Er7Z6BFhtXRDIJf5c5PjlBVZ9ydKetVvJsQqqsGGe5tIF1dBFmD1jASEgDyF-pZfVBNDcwSWlnv2HUBuZnXnV4Av3LmMMdfm2lxZ8c/s993/Room%20of%20Reflection%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="784" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CbXTDYuYrsY1-14jbMSkF0foAHxu5bRZwexCV96tUNFox0PkPsecD3gY2tx9uown4DIdDMRgk0kIQtzi3oZ43Er7Z6BFhtXRDIJf5c5PjlBVZ9ydKetVvJsQqqsGGe5tIF1dBFmD1jASEgDyF-pZfVBNDcwSWlnv2HUBuZnXnV4Av3LmMMdfm2lxZ8c/w506-h640/Room%20of%20Reflection%202.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbF2_-KGzU3RoO5NkDSkXtNarQxHZ_OYMis-MzzbZdplVEhte51nHUgcPLQJA4GVYj9BodaEEWOyvwnpMjl1liKoUQIhne3pQuietisCQrvEdvWu6_O38Edbg2pBApKMQ993riut5oyXMyFO9xqKHE3fEeS6gsmN6ANSo0NcTIPtxJJviugPI6j93UdU/s1324/Room%20of%20Reflection%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1324" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbF2_-KGzU3RoO5NkDSkXtNarQxHZ_OYMis-MzzbZdplVEhte51nHUgcPLQJA4GVYj9BodaEEWOyvwnpMjl1liKoUQIhne3pQuietisCQrvEdvWu6_O38Edbg2pBApKMQ993riut5oyXMyFO9xqKHE3fEeS6gsmN6ANSo0NcTIPtxJJviugPI6j93UdU/w640-h480/Room%20of%20Reflection%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCs1eOQ5oaUDvtbgD2NYx1pcn7fb3Ca-J-VoHz1sH0j5R2XmAJGqINYD958QXnVDGgXWWEfZOUgtn3GMSBJRZ0NkdL6FwuK0f9YtLW9Ns1M_FZmGqmyaLdn_ioeUZEqAn04GzUcnw0A8hXpu-t4KmxrfJXt22-aGkxcohkGe_k7FoIXUcwSI2ZB9yO3D0/s993/Grand%20Lodge%20Mass%20Moasic%20Me.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="745" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCs1eOQ5oaUDvtbgD2NYx1pcn7fb3Ca-J-VoHz1sH0j5R2XmAJGqINYD958QXnVDGgXWWEfZOUgtn3GMSBJRZ0NkdL6FwuK0f9YtLW9Ns1M_FZmGqmyaLdn_ioeUZEqAn04GzUcnw0A8hXpu-t4KmxrfJXt22-aGkxcohkGe_k7FoIXUcwSI2ZB9yO3D0/w300-h400/Grand%20Lodge%20Mass%20Moasic%20Me.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boston is my favorite place to visit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-1662496873394251612023-05-27T10:47:00.000-05:002023-05-27T10:47:05.514-05:00Honor and Remembrance 2023<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAr9wBxC7ZoNm20FG3ISOr8FPIVmX8-CM5bbVRWoxDPdB9Re0zMp9rTgyEZUUIA5anaQDcKqw6Y-8aVue7s1S3-u5dpGVQTsEv0UClbOZlv4yHVnB2kbfcNu3xQg8u2Y2Q2Lqon9rmb_nED1AQrzx4aHoTGN00Uh1XqVYCmWhqtZIA7exZqgyrwh8I/s3600/memorial%20day%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAr9wBxC7ZoNm20FG3ISOr8FPIVmX8-CM5bbVRWoxDPdB9Re0zMp9rTgyEZUUIA5anaQDcKqw6Y-8aVue7s1S3-u5dpGVQTsEv0UClbOZlv4yHVnB2kbfcNu3xQg8u2Y2Q2Lqon9rmb_nED1AQrzx4aHoTGN00Uh1XqVYCmWhqtZIA7exZqgyrwh8I/w480-h640/memorial%20day%202023.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poster thanks to the US Air Force</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-77138155456273404962023-05-23T21:36:00.000-05:002023-05-23T21:36:47.645-05:00Service and Fellowship: A Spring-Cleaning Celebration at St. Paul #3<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYt76Z7FTlESoOj45NtiD1feahRe1wZhRO8sqxBsfN61ZQtpcdIuFvK01wbgluttf7z0C6ADAQ5ZcU-6WXku9e3SRKvjL1UWrWPTIivDDDulHcCHzSbx4f1vkNqgMftECw6RhMP6q6xYNuSuYYtSFStRHjCszVvR36er8as5RafzNrPF0uSxUFLLs/s1265/%233%20Clean%20up%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1265" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYt76Z7FTlESoOj45NtiD1feahRe1wZhRO8sqxBsfN61ZQtpcdIuFvK01wbgluttf7z0C6ADAQ5ZcU-6WXku9e3SRKvjL1UWrWPTIivDDDulHcCHzSbx4f1vkNqgMftECw6RhMP6q6xYNuSuYYtSFStRHjCszVvR36er8as5RafzNrPF0uSxUFLLs/w640-h498/%233%20Clean%20up%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">St. Paul #3 gathered for a service and fellowship night, bringing together the Brothers to accomplish some clean up on the exterior of the Triune Lodge building at the same time enjoying each other's company. Its events like this that serve as an opportunity for the members to work together, bond together, and create a more welcoming environment for the lodge and neighborhood. </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">In between shoveling dirt and rubble, making trips to the dumpster with heavy buckets, the Brothers took advantage of sharing stories, experiences, and making the evening a truly meaningful and enjoyable event.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sometimes you have to do more than just pay your dues...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDLWqoX9X8H6ufA5PO1GQz8Fz8BuifDMPxPQ85qYlWRa8GaS6GR_gNgKPE7XpNQWtUrCu66KbH0uN38TAzPnTOKHjCOA4uAgf0czvPubJa835PMvCU0kFOr-n0EBk3iCmMz0aBRx5uRePAMR1k6_yPipphgPoZbR3F6KesloguDIkfFpcPRVr0H59/s985/%233%20Clean%20up%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="797" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDLWqoX9X8H6ufA5PO1GQz8Fz8BuifDMPxPQ85qYlWRa8GaS6GR_gNgKPE7XpNQWtUrCu66KbH0uN38TAzPnTOKHjCOA4uAgf0czvPubJa835PMvCU0kFOr-n0EBk3iCmMz0aBRx5uRePAMR1k6_yPipphgPoZbR3F6KesloguDIkfFpcPRVr0H59/w518-h640/%233%20Clean%20up%201.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjPVV2OubEzijZJOr2ZZrH0OuwIzxmfUG7xHzqd1lO6S0j-QFcZmVEUlIZoyNrxpuCWeBPa2fPeF6ilAfzXCneNbTUa5BI1YZbfmmMkKIaytOUfOe3ARn7xbPhS9TrzZ6v-wt232DVCuTlnylq7EobrqgZnXWGmvCBnXbYlfLzS3KLKFiKLrYohGp/s985/%233%20Clean%20up%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="708" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjPVV2OubEzijZJOr2ZZrH0OuwIzxmfUG7xHzqd1lO6S0j-QFcZmVEUlIZoyNrxpuCWeBPa2fPeF6ilAfzXCneNbTUa5BI1YZbfmmMkKIaytOUfOe3ARn7xbPhS9TrzZ6v-wt232DVCuTlnylq7EobrqgZnXWGmvCBnXbYlfLzS3KLKFiKLrYohGp/w460-h640/%233%20Clean%20up%203.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIZuuctNIJz5vgV1_0_RHZhAlRhlI46iWybmOwzELv73maG0tK6nNkpyrf8QjDd0asZL6Vo9MOsjF73fsotQebR-gF2LNq5cMr3KPleNiaBrro_H67Uta_-uwytd5Ppnpvkzin9aFh8Fk_Bw9gdduNH1tXVBY68tT_2kBSUGE_0tYckYNRNqsVGFp/s985/%233%20Clean%20up%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="781" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIZuuctNIJz5vgV1_0_RHZhAlRhlI46iWybmOwzELv73maG0tK6nNkpyrf8QjDd0asZL6Vo9MOsjF73fsotQebR-gF2LNq5cMr3KPleNiaBrro_H67Uta_-uwytd5Ppnpvkzin9aFh8Fk_Bw9gdduNH1tXVBY68tT_2kBSUGE_0tYckYNRNqsVGFp/w508-h640/%233%20Clean%20up%204.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eiIQRoY0DtsyZ7eJ6HbtHwYjs9vYiCzcWjydiOS8TQ2Wjxibr7oaPvFOfpzH199EgQbRLwaSR0BsXAboJuJ93aVzYH5NTMcTlUKAoWIwtDo7RgLCxQ--OC_r5AxqKDc86Kg4EcBv-i7HBB_IwZuAreGruI52b3b-M8XMtWxLJw6pUFjNAtID4IPa/s1313/%233%20Clean%20up%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1313" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eiIQRoY0DtsyZ7eJ6HbtHwYjs9vYiCzcWjydiOS8TQ2Wjxibr7oaPvFOfpzH199EgQbRLwaSR0BsXAboJuJ93aVzYH5NTMcTlUKAoWIwtDo7RgLCxQ--OC_r5AxqKDc86Kg4EcBv-i7HBB_IwZuAreGruI52b3b-M8XMtWxLJw6pUFjNAtID4IPa/w640-h480/%233%20Clean%20up%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-40516566226770440072023-05-20T18:09:00.004-05:002023-05-20T18:09:58.836-05:00Red Wing Masonic Lodge 15th Annual Table Lodge<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnm1MNyM267qr2ENOeUaKsYFl2B0DYGQkOQQH7Fz_o5u4K6igyaiZLJpLP_vTnqBoTaTTtXIEUPr4UxITWEWoMVa3xKP8i8IxyXTlYxHR3XKYdpQBbL8DMHGKtT2ca6cU_mlwHNpYVBoQ6UZhuVw-CI3Mxul0z5zTDkhS9QPKsDyoC66DBZpoP2H2/s1313/Red%20Wing%20Table%20Lodge%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1313" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnm1MNyM267qr2ENOeUaKsYFl2B0DYGQkOQQH7Fz_o5u4K6igyaiZLJpLP_vTnqBoTaTTtXIEUPr4UxITWEWoMVa3xKP8i8IxyXTlYxHR3XKYdpQBbL8DMHGKtT2ca6cU_mlwHNpYVBoQ6UZhuVw-CI3Mxul0z5zTDkhS9QPKsDyoC66DBZpoP2H2/w640-h480/Red%20Wing%20Table%20Lodge%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>On May 19, 2023, fifty-eight members and guests gathered at the historic St. James Hotel to celebrate Red Wing Masonic Lodge 15th Annual Table Lodge. </p><p>The evening began with a two-hour social with refreshments as Past Grand Master Rolf Widstrand provided musical entertainment on the grand piano. </p><p>Promptly at 7:00 PM we moved to the dining room and Worshipful Master Jake Facile began the program. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwWpetFLxqEDH0had4V9lBwQZTKJBGKUQ0gIOEgAZzeV-H1p_1lyzgx1sZDtsdSME_I3Tdd8NoVqTiQJWkkLOg_aJ1Kaa_i3ni5oHqYSLeDAJTQNeVYe07JdeiuU4CWrqifFGnQrTItQtMWeIAqFmaNEsy7Vf86B9nGGo9EKRCTpyir35D0sB0Kma/s1313/Red%20Wing%20Table%20Lodge%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1313" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwWpetFLxqEDH0had4V9lBwQZTKJBGKUQ0gIOEgAZzeV-H1p_1lyzgx1sZDtsdSME_I3Tdd8NoVqTiQJWkkLOg_aJ1Kaa_i3ni5oHqYSLeDAJTQNeVYe07JdeiuU4CWrqifFGnQrTItQtMWeIAqFmaNEsy7Vf86B9nGGo9EKRCTpyir35D0sB0Kma/w640-h480/Red%20Wing%20Table%20Lodge%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The food provided by the St. James Hotel was a culinary delight, the conversations at the table were light and festive as we progressed thru the seven toasts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The St. James Hotel is beautiful hotel built on top of the rolling bluffs of Red Wing overlooking the Mississippi river. Architect Edward P. Bassford designed the building in the Italianate style. The hotel became a hub of activity serving businessmen and passengers from the steam trains and steamboats. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The hotel opened in 1875 just 19 years after Red Wing Lodge #8 received its Charter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The St. James Hotel continues today to provide old world service, luxurious amenities and excellent food.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptl_Fy8HzjfzFtJbJGGHYzn56_dU1J0n-7V8ENFvBk3IjWW32Z3Wg56y47f9q8LvEuwfz0M8gEkj-iFO685kOXpGoDbYXKiv4vAa2GCx-oeGMhiVafNKNNmnQrPjxpot1gjCA2ZieQmaV2TBjUE8655KttFcq9kri_PLTIqpn9AOr_Lg7qa3a1wHj/s985/Red%20Wing%20Table%20Lodge%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptl_Fy8HzjfzFtJbJGGHYzn56_dU1J0n-7V8ENFvBk3IjWW32Z3Wg56y47f9q8LvEuwfz0M8gEkj-iFO685kOXpGoDbYXKiv4vAa2GCx-oeGMhiVafNKNNmnQrPjxpot1gjCA2ZieQmaV2TBjUE8655KttFcq9kri_PLTIqpn9AOr_Lg7qa3a1wHj/w506-h640/Red%20Wing%20Table%20Lodge%203.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For decades Red Wing Lodge has recognized students from the local high schools along with providing selected individuals with scholarships to assist the students in the opportunity to continue their education. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year we were able to provide four $1,000 scholarships. Three of selectees and their parents were able to spend the evening festivities. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about them, and their future plans. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We would like to thank Minnesota Masonic Charities for matching our scholarship funds to help make a deeper and positive impact on our community. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8_9oVJyGIJjKDP2qFAKs-I_vvy4zVsa_-fpL8PUSGKW1VjAPd_AVNQX9ag4wtx8TRjG9-_m-1iRUNcYCUx-XlhSFsc7HZcWfDje9zxSqEqxn0KxVEjTdQ1d7yS7akxIGd5CInJc5RgqSvgoLViZMfItVOtGtpKvjO6cSi5fuWlsgBmqC6pruuIT7/s1080/Red%20Wing%20Table%20Lodge%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1080" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8_9oVJyGIJjKDP2qFAKs-I_vvy4zVsa_-fpL8PUSGKW1VjAPd_AVNQX9ag4wtx8TRjG9-_m-1iRUNcYCUx-XlhSFsc7HZcWfDje9zxSqEqxn0KxVEjTdQ1d7yS7akxIGd5CInJc5RgqSvgoLViZMfItVOtGtpKvjO6cSi5fuWlsgBmqC6pruuIT7/w640-h446/Red%20Wing%20Table%20Lodge%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 2023 Scholarship Recipients -Photo by Terrance Schaffer</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5B9UNGkGsjBPG9K6DLMzR92SEtnQr1hYuyBTIPGG2Czwnz9d8HiHJZUxmUnLcqnbSjep33rwsuIww_wCacKar2f_n28PG32ZqbtPL5vUecEUUWihb1Y07L9a98UJW8PFhFR6dAaR2H4VKWkI4gVpbnzTRMMNBbMorhksOsXQV8fze8IMX2YcWK-R/s1313/Red%20Wing%20Table%20Lodge%20last%20night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1313" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5B9UNGkGsjBPG9K6DLMzR92SEtnQr1hYuyBTIPGG2Czwnz9d8HiHJZUxmUnLcqnbSjep33rwsuIww_wCacKar2f_n28PG32ZqbtPL5vUecEUUWihb1Y07L9a98UJW8PFhFR6dAaR2H4VKWkI4gVpbnzTRMMNBbMorhksOsXQV8fze8IMX2YcWK-R/w640-h480/Red%20Wing%20Table%20Lodge%20last%20night.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Grand Master of Minnesota Masons, Dayton Berg, joined us for the evening. You can see our Grandmaster sharing a moment of humor with Worshipful Master Jake Facile and our newest member.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NfQydj-M16ZZqPGTiFbWhxAopsIoBblEXbX1SG1ZzVryotpvaTQxKxMe4Ejt2c1i2TVAwjR6kauPxleZ9Sn7u9jM13XrXryVcHGgSZLUbjwjx-0PW5ZHwF_MpbIxlfeLxYzq4zI9nC_58jUwHwI-9e-peUFpATiCVOXFyVVLT4yNphK3LVl3iynD/s985/Red%20Wing%20Charging%20Cannon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="739" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NfQydj-M16ZZqPGTiFbWhxAopsIoBblEXbX1SG1ZzVryotpvaTQxKxMe4Ejt2c1i2TVAwjR6kauPxleZ9Sn7u9jM13XrXryVcHGgSZLUbjwjx-0PW5ZHwF_MpbIxlfeLxYzq4zI9nC_58jUwHwI-9e-peUFpATiCVOXFyVVLT4yNphK3LVl3iynD/w480-h640/Red%20Wing%20Charging%20Cannon.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a nice treat to see the Charging Cannon from my year as Grand Master. I filled mine with coffee because I had a long drive home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The dinner is a wonderful tradition for Red Wing Lodge and a great night was had by all. </div></div><br /> </div><br />All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-35860537935142261362023-05-17T13:25:00.000-05:002023-05-17T13:25:38.343-05:00It was a Special Night at St. Paul Lodge #3<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2ld8gW02LmG9PiEVddaBytAh2G9calB9ssPV8V9Mg-vOnjzKHVZCtfDrzynCk8QyLhWPkmG3RmTD8D5zRkXDcLvfiJ0KtLg0A70Atej9BEa9SnNuHHn4M7YaNg7rtbYX05Jcb88lrgQsZJMABqz5TNX7EeWTtE1Vx0FLTEwtkui-MZdcMCYWACvZ/s985/Ancient%20Landmark%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2ld8gW02LmG9PiEVddaBytAh2G9calB9ssPV8V9Mg-vOnjzKHVZCtfDrzynCk8QyLhWPkmG3RmTD8D5zRkXDcLvfiJ0KtLg0A70Atej9BEa9SnNuHHn4M7YaNg7rtbYX05Jcb88lrgQsZJMABqz5TNX7EeWTtE1Vx0FLTEwtkui-MZdcMCYWACvZ/w416-h640/Ancient%20Landmark%203.jpg" width="416" /></a></div> On May 16, 2023, St. Paul Lodge #3 held its regular Stated Meeting, but it was a special night filled with special guests, with a special program in a special building. <p></p><p>The evening began with the gathering of Masonic Brothers in the Triune Masonic Lodge which is located in the Merriam Park Neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota. Our building was designed and built exclusively for the single use as a Masonic Blue Lodge over one hundred years ago by Henry C. Stuchen in the Neo-Classical Revival Style. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. </p><p>Our special guests for the evening were the Worshipful Master and Brothers from Ancient Landmark Lodge #5 of St. Paul. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkHZRiAZlE3oDbbW3cCQ8WmOXbtckPfTjnx1SrbQhzDGRcYAw98qyiz_VP9qEBtq6spRI3FhKB26sMgrsyiq--y5r3-x7VQaWtSadS7rEwPZHyNgXkEGBdyqwLNVL6xgZuZBcxrH2DpE6n5zGurJremxlhEY8PvNUYSvpJvNjXxYZSNiO7LDpSR86/s1523/Ancient%20Landmark%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1523" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkHZRiAZlE3oDbbW3cCQ8WmOXbtckPfTjnx1SrbQhzDGRcYAw98qyiz_VP9qEBtq6spRI3FhKB26sMgrsyiq--y5r3-x7VQaWtSadS7rEwPZHyNgXkEGBdyqwLNVL6xgZuZBcxrH2DpE6n5zGurJremxlhEY8PvNUYSvpJvNjXxYZSNiO7LDpSR86/w640-h414/Ancient%20Landmark%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The evening began in the Lodge Room opening on the First Degree in the traditional observance style. Strickley using the Minnesota work, but has customary periods of silence for self-introspection, and musical selections. </p><p>A Emulation of the pre-1990 First Degree was performed which included the "Stevenson Lecture" which is a narration or commentary explaining many of the elements to the degree. </p><p>The Stevenson Lecture was written by our late Masonic Scholar and Past Master James Stevenson. A man I dearly miss. </p><p>This degree has not been performed in over five years, so it was a special treat. There were a number of the Lodges Entered Apprentices attending, so it was very educational for them, and a wonderful reminder for the rest of us. </p><p>After we retired to the library for a traditional Festive Board. Which was a wonderful three course meal followed by a series of toasts with sparkling apple juice. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwjthEzYZPQWb8_ZnHXQyBGPCSnnS8YeOPDIi5Bn7F8A73sWmKQECr9wMRzYGZ2mYl6jkARH3yjuLJW2gh6hxCmWrIouQYnuGxw7otNh9rYu8mFbwYo8kF3uuarWrg97WpnJJ6GNQZLm420Porzr5QsU8LxqOsdfBG_Vr1erejSI6PgWAzrKi3Eqa/s1600/Ancient%20Landmark%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwjthEzYZPQWb8_ZnHXQyBGPCSnnS8YeOPDIi5Bn7F8A73sWmKQECr9wMRzYGZ2mYl6jkARH3yjuLJW2gh6hxCmWrIouQYnuGxw7otNh9rYu8mFbwYo8kF3uuarWrg97WpnJJ6GNQZLm420Porzr5QsU8LxqOsdfBG_Vr1erejSI6PgWAzrKi3Eqa/w640-h394/Ancient%20Landmark%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>After the social isolation that we all experienced during the pandemic. It is certainly a joyous occasion to get back to into Lodge again, and celebrate our Masonic traditions. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-32093165202634786162023-04-30T12:42:00.000-05:002023-04-30T12:42:41.408-05:00Masonic Cancer Center Annual Dinner-Forging the Future of Cancer Research and Care<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIZA3QXe89r7PIVbWAzciEL-xGNlr2UrEwj8rtfFZKxsOtAvuLvEHOSCEZVXUEr9JAj1uwfC-L4Z9bOk0O7dv2uIx_Epl4DrUNTZfT61nwiDvgCfDJSo6LaacNSkigHStBEx5molGV0HScJQwYVuHs8mzqgoWQPu7Fb6rHiGLxf0m2Psif6clop_M/s1395/MCC%202023%20Annual%20Dinner1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1395" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIZA3QXe89r7PIVbWAzciEL-xGNlr2UrEwj8rtfFZKxsOtAvuLvEHOSCEZVXUEr9JAj1uwfC-L4Z9bOk0O7dv2uIx_Epl4DrUNTZfT61nwiDvgCfDJSo6LaacNSkigHStBEx5molGV0HScJQwYVuHs8mzqgoWQPu7Fb6rHiGLxf0m2Psif6clop_M/w640-h456/MCC%202023%20Annual%20Dinner1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">The Masonic Cancer Center annual dinner was held at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center on April 28, 2023. This year's theme was Forging the Future of Cancer Research and Care. </span></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">194 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. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;">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 Directors 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. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;">During the social gathering before the program and dinner there were five interactive exhibits where everyone could speak with an expert in the represented field. I spent some time with the Coding for a Cure booth and learned about how the process to reprogram the DNA of the immune cell to help them fight cancer, and the Aging and Cancer Connections. I also had a photo opportunity with the Mascot of the University of Minnesota Goldy the Gopher. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQAzaMkYKnYwz76cZAGUtZ2Jm-YZONT_cvAVSWSqNNHlW1oEqSPSAuFzeKwaqRiMxnN3oeQWdAwNnFWsnu_lVraD-dLpE8Q5c6Bz_-rxvtNkfKKeE0IMiG0KuxWNMuTGUxjGoZ5_J5jmzYtuH5gHsVjF0TLrPxuGYcG6b4omEZjhY4tnMnKLVuaYv/s1661/MCC%202023%20Annual%20Dinner2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1661" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQAzaMkYKnYwz76cZAGUtZ2Jm-YZONT_cvAVSWSqNNHlW1oEqSPSAuFzeKwaqRiMxnN3oeQWdAwNnFWsnu_lVraD-dLpE8Q5c6Bz_-rxvtNkfKKeE0IMiG0KuxWNMuTGUxjGoZ5_J5jmzYtuH5gHsVjF0TLrPxuGYcG6b4omEZjhY4tnMnKLVuaYv/w400-h223/MCC%202023%20Annual%20Dinner2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;">This year the program was held in the Ives Theater where we would be more comfortable. Sitting on our chairs was just the right size bag of popcorn. I needed a little snack before dinner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqsFTAiTcJR3yjMHbtXqvZZ5i_PyNEYoU31MIOl4OjxguaT53jga3W_B24JvM9UFZJotHZbhfxnxJbCsQwrOeAkodi8RYFneKNWG7bdp-I6UeYvfulFV-ugUwgmbTrFxPuO-rmMq1x79BkSapNRtpyub5G6WbtTWhGgdu3Wy_j7O5S4zRdQ1JkbUD/s993/MCC%202023%20Annual%20Dinner3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="830" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqsFTAiTcJR3yjMHbtXqvZZ5i_PyNEYoU31MIOl4OjxguaT53jga3W_B24JvM9UFZJotHZbhfxnxJbCsQwrOeAkodi8RYFneKNWG7bdp-I6UeYvfulFV-ugUwgmbTrFxPuO-rmMq1x79BkSapNRtpyub5G6WbtTWhGgdu3Wy_j7O5S4zRdQ1JkbUD/w534-h640/MCC%202023%20Annual%20Dinner3.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">Executive Director Aaron Schilz began the program with opening comments and introduced the evening speaker Karen Bohn. Her heart rendering story of being diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) and her 43 days stay in the hospital, and the eight months of Chemotherapy in her battle with this rare form of cancer. She found her stay and treatment at the Masonic Cancer Center based on cutting edge science and technology and filled with caring support. She found strength in their support as she lived with hope while coping with the uncertainty of the disease. I found her story filled with optimism and inspiration.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuTHXLgSSO4gCgJdxUM0Z4ypozBVh9MqFSV5WbwoGK8lvqn9PW9QkhYMGdEdDdJ-s_FXqm2e6dR61VEysa3Nm4Pv9s3RSRbo-cqbcwKpGWhQyKkQzzwNgEl7FqFfx04eESdfB1Q3lcxlvonv7b33zkURZJtEfGvHM2AvmCVKREq7_I_AYmjmPb_6N/s993/MCC%202023%20Annual%20Dinner4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="745" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuTHXLgSSO4gCgJdxUM0Z4ypozBVh9MqFSV5WbwoGK8lvqn9PW9QkhYMGdEdDdJ-s_FXqm2e6dR61VEysa3Nm4Pv9s3RSRbo-cqbcwKpGWhQyKkQzzwNgEl7FqFfx04eESdfB1Q3lcxlvonv7b33zkURZJtEfGvHM2AvmCVKREq7_I_AYmjmPb_6N/w480-h640/MCC%202023%20Annual%20Dinner4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">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. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaI9qLhZijwwaqvAlpstqdRFVNIT_LKRQDYw_CNUUAZ-tU9MFNX02ITL9X561_X_CjbIurTZmWLhYx9OhFXsCYRm4yF1rbi23amV5TMuvIk_R9s9Br0omjaJflE2XgWBlo1ehNzOc-xris_mOx1pdOvuCxOvaf8uPhpv4yEq2uZDtc10yws9MxtKV/s1502/MCC%202023%20Annual%20Dinner5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1502" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaI9qLhZijwwaqvAlpstqdRFVNIT_LKRQDYw_CNUUAZ-tU9MFNX02ITL9X561_X_CjbIurTZmWLhYx9OhFXsCYRm4yF1rbi23amV5TMuvIk_R9s9Br0omjaJflE2XgWBlo1ehNzOc-xris_mOx1pdOvuCxOvaf8uPhpv4yEq2uZDtc10yws9MxtKV/w640-h424/MCC%202023%20Annual%20Dinner5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIH40uHFyqXEtLTYlAVqL_kf7sXHkpqK02nNMJjXyvbrT0JIlOzmXYiBgAo02U6nldbf04ANQZ9MXp6DevcRqEkmOEMNhILxJIodTF0iyDfgxYQ79LyBoWcnIG8Dt3h6ZOGGM9BE6b7BNd9iucEzo61XPZuW87ksuCYxNM9VzQgoi-yO57sJxwLEJA/s1324/MCC%202023%20Annual%20Dinner6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1324" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIH40uHFyqXEtLTYlAVqL_kf7sXHkpqK02nNMJjXyvbrT0JIlOzmXYiBgAo02U6nldbf04ANQZ9MXp6DevcRqEkmOEMNhILxJIodTF0iyDfgxYQ79LyBoWcnIG8Dt3h6ZOGGM9BE6b7BNd9iucEzo61XPZuW87ksuCYxNM9VzQgoi-yO57sJxwLEJA/w640-h480/MCC%202023%20Annual%20Dinner6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;">Director Dr. Douglas Yee gave a wonderful recap after dinner. I was happy to hear about the update to the Masonic Discovery Lab which was started in March 2020. The university has brought together researchers under one roof to find the next breakthrough in cancer research. He stated that the program has become so successful with new discoveries, and additional researchers working on viable projects that they are now in the need for more space. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;">For myself this annual dinner puts a human face to this wonderful charity that we support and reaffirms the reason why I support it so strongly. Having the opportunity to spend an evening with dedicated individuals who all share one common goal. To find a cure for cancer is deeply inspiring, and to treat and deliver great care for those who suffer from it in the meantime. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;">I am proud to be a Minnesota Mason to be able to take part in this 65-year-old tradition, and to be able to see how our Masonic Cancer Center is making a great contribution to the lives of many people and creating a brighter future for all people affected by cancer here in Minnesota, and far beyond our borders. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="font-size: 15.4px;" /></div></div>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-47064748390931732692023-04-17T18:25:00.000-05:002023-04-17T18:25:02.979-05:00170th Grand Lodge of Minnesota Annual Communication<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTT4E9TdlxBxVgCxQeKvtmX7hvYeIJK0mob3PBh-wt3nqwrbRdUFoLTKguyxzk_hOSV22UCXtNWHLRZZjBuW0nhRQjMZ3Kkb76meheZ5tGb02PDuqO6zlrpcVYvqGRhGfFGC5kmsEvmAFRDAIWiA1-2tLCNYP8bHqK-2CT-6bjD8X8NuiG3yWobsj/s1345/Grand%20Lodge%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1345" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTT4E9TdlxBxVgCxQeKvtmX7hvYeIJK0mob3PBh-wt3nqwrbRdUFoLTKguyxzk_hOSV22UCXtNWHLRZZjBuW0nhRQjMZ3Kkb76meheZ5tGb02PDuqO6zlrpcVYvqGRhGfFGC5kmsEvmAFRDAIWiA1-2tLCNYP8bHqK-2CT-6bjD8X8NuiG3yWobsj/w640-h480/Grand%20Lodge%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The 170th Annual Communicaton of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota was held on April 13-15, 2023, at The Park Event Center in Waite Park, Minnesota. <div><br /></div><div>Our yearly Masonic gathering is where the important business gets done for the Grand Lodge to effectively operate for another year. This year there were many needed resolutions and administrative details that were discussed and passed. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is also a wonderful opportunity for Brothers across the state to meet, and renew lifelong friendships, to meet new people and create new bonds. In other words, it's a three-day celebration of Freemasonry. </div><div><br /></div><div>The culmination of this three-day event was the 171st Installation of Officers Ceremony which took place on April 15th at 1:00pm. This was one of the best attended installations that I have seen in decades. Many of us had our concerns considering that we are in a changing post Covid period. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoTGGyIIW9YkDavBc0wwj7y51wpdJwrYeuKhpcnCr0kRrTIdHkbCJ3ZNClqCmrU4mvKEvWFn-ueY1XSWGVYfyaJvi-PmSX6Ul5uP4ep9q53l-LWjlXqz48y_IAW2vxLux0ZNTqSCQCMcejZ3lLhVEICK7EHdzjnTA7mf2e87MoyjztyhMKRHjBj4S/s1009/Dayton%20Berg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="661" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoTGGyIIW9YkDavBc0wwj7y51wpdJwrYeuKhpcnCr0kRrTIdHkbCJ3ZNClqCmrU4mvKEvWFn-ueY1XSWGVYfyaJvi-PmSX6Ul5uP4ep9q53l-LWjlXqz48y_IAW2vxLux0ZNTqSCQCMcejZ3lLhVEICK7EHdzjnTA7mf2e87MoyjztyhMKRHjBj4S/w420-h640/Dayton%20Berg.jpg" width="420" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most Worshipful Grand Master Dayton L. Berg-Grand Lodge of Minnesota</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This year our elected and installed beloved Most Worshipful Grand Master is Dayton L. Berg. </div><div><br /></div><div>Personally, for me, Dayton is a Masons Mason. He has worked tirelessly for 25 years, in my estimation, in many leadership roles for the Grand Lodge, traveling to every corner of Minnesota to help advance Freemasonry, all while creating strong bonds and understanding. Our Craft is in good, caring and loving hands. </div><div><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwK-OU5myP86ccXkWu2MFwDDRJqEXSfh0VRc6YYjKzR1K-JVqYEyEFNvjcg0Ieu3GOHfxetkayPbbVX2oCkmRoypx4H2BAXwbFKYWShtARWrUwBV6L1JYW_xPxZPETvcoZstHiDeMEiZemHH12_n1FC9RnkgcFSa_91k9f_fh7YPGpI7G7z0Txi-0B/s1283/Oscar%20Alleyne%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1283" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwK-OU5myP86ccXkWu2MFwDDRJqEXSfh0VRc6YYjKzR1K-JVqYEyEFNvjcg0Ieu3GOHfxetkayPbbVX2oCkmRoypx4H2BAXwbFKYWShtARWrUwBV6L1JYW_xPxZPETvcoZstHiDeMEiZemHH12_n1FC9RnkgcFSa_91k9f_fh7YPGpI7G7z0Txi-0B/w640-h504/Oscar%20Alleyne%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This year our guest speaker was Masonic Scholar, Lecturer and good friend Oscar Alleyne who presented " Prevalence of Clandestine Freemasonry in the U.S". </div><div>This was a marvelous time for us to see each other in person and get caught up. We first met over a decade ago in Washington D.C. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think I can positively say that the 170th Communication was successful in so many ways. The popular refrain from The Tylers Toast applies. Happy to Meet, Sorry to Part, Happy to Meet Again. </div>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-76401889016969141732023-04-02T14:33:00.001-05:002023-04-02T14:45:22.265-05:00I Am a Mason in Motion<p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXYMFR1wi67XaCv1od7hWZ0lgu3wVK5lMmY-QCiFjHHyQrxxDFefSG-5sOSmNYixjn01HNhorHOs6_RakO2WcsBXT8RKjpLXzObsf9Jt4HFMut3C4Jl17EG74znaNrlKu-b-ZegGuDsjF0cMV2Xqm-JrL2ekr75K5HGVIoHoqAJUrDzNgpp-WW8d-/s1345/Goldy%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1345" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXYMFR1wi67XaCv1od7hWZ0lgu3wVK5lMmY-QCiFjHHyQrxxDFefSG-5sOSmNYixjn01HNhorHOs6_RakO2WcsBXT8RKjpLXzObsf9Jt4HFMut3C4Jl17EG74znaNrlKu-b-ZegGuDsjF0cMV2Xqm-JrL2ekr75K5HGVIoHoqAJUrDzNgpp-WW8d-/w640-h480/Goldy%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p></blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Today, I took part in supporting one of our Masonic charities
and became a little better and healthier man for it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Today I participated in the 13<sup>th</sup> Annual
Goldies Run at the University of Minnesota. This is an annual fund raiser to support
the pediatric patients with heart disease at Masonic Children’s Hospital. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Goldy’s run is one of the first early Spring running
events in the area, so it’s a great way to get out of the house after a long winter’s
hibernation, for a shakeout run to get you in the right mindset for the running
season. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mother nature played an April Fools joke on us by
dumping 8 inches of snow two days before the race, making running conditions
icy, slippery, not exactly ideal…but hey this is Minnesota!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The 5K course took us thru the campus while the 10K course
went thru the campus and along the Mississippi River. For anyone who had
attended the University of MN, we saw all the hallowed landmarks of the U that
brought back many memories. The finish line was on the 50-yard line of Huntington
Bank Stadium. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5r4AeCM5DT8GmzZPNZx7fUGu_J28v4-cj_X0FkUtdVkK0PMngJlLOie4jHOSyNEsbrKme6hH8Os3rluAs50uDJmJYEslX3a5UOiguGaPo1_vTkhQzg6wUVoD_ZjNxJ3iWR_zhQjSvzZM0NBnR7M2dDOfy2_A1VKjcsVGbmD1sLNYeXoD2Nu3Fz2U/s1266/Goldy%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1266" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5r4AeCM5DT8GmzZPNZx7fUGu_J28v4-cj_X0FkUtdVkK0PMngJlLOie4jHOSyNEsbrKme6hH8Os3rluAs50uDJmJYEslX3a5UOiguGaPo1_vTkhQzg6wUVoD_ZjNxJ3iWR_zhQjSvzZM0NBnR7M2dDOfy2_A1VKjcsVGbmD1sLNYeXoD2Nu3Fz2U/w640-h510/Goldy%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Standing with 7000 registered runners at the starting
line, I had a lot of emotions running thru my head. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was anxious, excited all while hoping the last
ten months of hard work, would pay off for me. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLYjHPVXkws-owGqziFWKRADt0X7QQ4m49IGX_5xXZtAELnPUwj1FWMiHTGBribPjo0l55g7QlUVjI7Xv9PatYXfmijgcSW2fn8ndTAb0EqbaZc9t5pm7_VNRdAsZaXLIg339b7sn15av2m7g2uNcgY-4QN-g5D866-Y3GdCHtChhzyYoymPvIZJR/s1733/Goldy%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1733" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLYjHPVXkws-owGqziFWKRADt0X7QQ4m49IGX_5xXZtAELnPUwj1FWMiHTGBribPjo0l55g7QlUVjI7Xv9PatYXfmijgcSW2fn8ndTAb0EqbaZc9t5pm7_VNRdAsZaXLIg339b7sn15av2m7g2uNcgY-4QN-g5D866-Y3GdCHtChhzyYoymPvIZJR/w640-h317/Goldy%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My journey to the starting line started ten months ago
when I stepped out of the shower and looked in the mirror. That prompted me to
get on the dreaded bathroom scale. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Being mildly shocked by the number displayed, I knew I
had to do something if I wanted to maintain my health. I believe at that moment,
I directly applied one of the Masonic teachings we learn to arrive with a
solution. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have always believed that Freemasonry takes good men,
and makes them better by teaching them valuable lessons, so the individual can
directly apply those lessons to their lives. In essence, self-help, but with
more.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The tool I applied to myself, was introspection or self-examination.
Then I determined my needs and methods to achieve results.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I started by visiting my doctor and consulting with
her. My proposed solution was to move more and eat less. Follow a sensible diet
called “My Plate” and exercise. My plan met with her full endorsement, although
to be honest, I think she was skeptical. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My journey took ten months, and I lost 90 pounds. To
exercise, I started riding my bicycle, then I started walking and running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I ran my first 5K run with 7,000 others,
who I imagine are all on their own journeys. . <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Running for a guy receiving Social Security benefits isn’t
easy, and I can see that there is room for improvement, but I finished in the
top 2500 runners, is nothing to sneeze at either.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPzT1NdLHJ5FAeCRooBITr2vqYXvU7Q6inL13SNuKCmf17umYNPPaUraFAGf2OAsQXp7btQOmg3-EzluidhS_0cAqJ-Ci8xK306iE0kLZlgzDtswdK2dFCa5bnxJnYqFwDAhdQNpXcO30cV3Kq_Un2Mccmi4vjgJBOO1Ha5eCqZyilLnl_bmmewqf/s1182/Goldy%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1182" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPzT1NdLHJ5FAeCRooBITr2vqYXvU7Q6inL13SNuKCmf17umYNPPaUraFAGf2OAsQXp7btQOmg3-EzluidhS_0cAqJ-Ci8xK306iE0kLZlgzDtswdK2dFCa5bnxJnYqFwDAhdQNpXcO30cV3Kq_Un2Mccmi4vjgJBOO1Ha5eCqZyilLnl_bmmewqf/w640-h546/Goldy%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In case you are wondering. I finished 29 in my age
group and yes, I was passed by four students who were members of the marching
band and carrying tubas. But I finished and thus the journey continues. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVokvsdT-A1Qvqj5TScslgTITWQWNANl723PuiinQFVgrb5hAu9QP61RHQyb3imhT5zhdKC2yphFkHsCtLC3LWi3moNfZ11trmwXFvAKkdWeV-jubCTAKgiM4nme13M5pBC0gPENe_dkM0KnF1bx7is6Xws0tZo8NA-AFOv88iBRxW2B76SQrnLM4w/s1733/Goldy%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1733" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVokvsdT-A1Qvqj5TScslgTITWQWNANl723PuiinQFVgrb5hAu9QP61RHQyb3imhT5zhdKC2yphFkHsCtLC3LWi3moNfZ11trmwXFvAKkdWeV-jubCTAKgiM4nme13M5pBC0gPENe_dkM0KnF1bx7is6Xws0tZo8NA-AFOv88iBRxW2B76SQrnLM4w/w640-h358/Goldy%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am now a Mason in Motion and, I hope, in a way, an
inspiration or example for any other Masons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The journey begins with that first thought and then that first step. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVZWOs3r0pZL-kOBbH2ErjFk82ZhximpQXD3o7vkZ9NMWw_n8Q4O4tug_wBXxf_FfvxESHvbHr1drHeCEWlpZ32RhfPoIfqvBTvVLa_6CvumHt79YFuv8JbvkQ6w0t8yJvSqYCdOiujvYmEa6LWtZRS2SExYp9nTZTMAfV7AQDoeQxNNNAew26Jgv/s1009/Goldy%206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="876" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVZWOs3r0pZL-kOBbH2ErjFk82ZhximpQXD3o7vkZ9NMWw_n8Q4O4tug_wBXxf_FfvxESHvbHr1drHeCEWlpZ32RhfPoIfqvBTvVLa_6CvumHt79YFuv8JbvkQ6w0t8yJvSqYCdOiujvYmEa6LWtZRS2SExYp9nTZTMAfV7AQDoeQxNNNAew26Jgv/w556-h640/Goldy%206.jpg" width="556" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span><p></p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-88978120156703700772023-03-29T18:27:00.000-05:002023-03-29T18:27:03.380-05:00The new Grand Lodge of Minnesota Director of Membership Engagement<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnm-u5bGqoVhLfhwd9N3IFZObEbKXI1h3nkcJTuatXYKib0mkI6RQbRB_95ygK1DrWYtaLHqSC38QeymcVxSu12tCBGFn4Qt2tijzj4-CJwSCkIGBgppa0Sau_2Gfxek_Z8Drse_l4IOx-7KdRO4G-hEQbzSqzvjTv0jlRdyxT3h-nNCMHjOL68Z_p/s600/reed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnm-u5bGqoVhLfhwd9N3IFZObEbKXI1h3nkcJTuatXYKib0mkI6RQbRB_95ygK1DrWYtaLHqSC38QeymcVxSu12tCBGFn4Qt2tijzj4-CJwSCkIGBgppa0Sau_2Gfxek_Z8Drse_l4IOx-7KdRO4G-hEQbzSqzvjTv0jlRdyxT3h-nNCMHjOL68Z_p/s16000/reed.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo provided by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Grand Lodge of Minnesota is proud to announce. The hiring of Worshipful Brother Reed Endersbe as the new Director of Membership Engagement. </p><p>Reed most recently worked for Robert Half Talent Solutions as Recruiting Manager in the Finance and Accounting based in Minneapolis. </p><p>Reed in 1994 joined Acacia #4 Lodge in Grand Forks North Dakota. He is a Past Master of Minneapolis #19. He has served the Grand Lodge as a District Representative, and as Grand Orator. He is a member of the Minneapolis Scottish Rite and is the sitting Junior Warden in the Lodge of Perfection. He is also a member of the Minnesota York Rite, and Zuhrah Shrine. </p><p>He will join the Grand Lodge Office Team on April 3, 2023</p><p>Reed we all wish you the best of success in your new venture!<br /> </p><p><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 13px; outline: none !important;"><br /></p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-66951415112754307062023-03-26T12:37:00.000-05:002023-03-26T12:37:37.974-05:00Red Wing Masonic Lodge 11th Annual Salsa-licious Community Fund Raiser<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsv13bWdSBFcplvCnT5X4P5WHzhijUA2PRNsR_WTp24gEXwXgXL-7T0v2budbsFa57lk1dbM1fPgeDGVZKLF5z_HAtP_bCIxdQD25Bqpmz4qXb6PZxn6yoIIfNkyoSk3ESAnmLr3wLXzOYSr8FzolFc1ovWK2XpmCIWJk645MMwRa1sgvnnXtY5h6P/s1121/salsa-2023.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="740" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsv13bWdSBFcplvCnT5X4P5WHzhijUA2PRNsR_WTp24gEXwXgXL-7T0v2budbsFa57lk1dbM1fPgeDGVZKLF5z_HAtP_bCIxdQD25Bqpmz4qXb6PZxn6yoIIfNkyoSk3ESAnmLr3wLXzOYSr8FzolFc1ovWK2XpmCIWJk645MMwRa1sgvnnXtY5h6P/w422-h640/salsa-2023.webp" width="422" /></a></div><br />Red Wing Masonic Lodge is proud to announce the 11th annual Salsa-licious Celebration and fund raiser to be held on Tuesday, April 4th from 5 to 8 pm on the 5th floor of the St. James Hotel in Red Wing. <p></p><p>All funds raised will be distributed directly to 25 different nonprofit organizations that make a wonderful contribution to the citizens and community in the Red Wing area. Since 2013, this celebration has raised $272,388, which has made a very positive impact for the Red Wing community. </p><p>This is a wonderful event to socialize, make new friends, taste a wide selection of homemade salsas, and help support the community organizations. </p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518282148462537725.post-56946050556096156652023-02-24T10:37:00.000-06:002023-02-24T10:37:53.502-06:00Happy Birthday Grand Lodge of Minnesota<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivISihJrLxNAH6LGkgQOlO3Ew6zzO4ba1ds_hNPWrhbfzRczj2Oj4zatRGUTptsQ-DDtdUM1fhTpXVUjAJUUfEa-Qj7TvmmDz6nSzAjyklAe6bMjwn4aouhGntENPjp1H91Ho_jsg80UGXVRkwPJv2lrv6fCcSg2swMjCD41QKjAKPbPIyR4jKaxEi/s2048/Gl%20minnestoa%20Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="2048" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivISihJrLxNAH6LGkgQOlO3Ew6zzO4ba1ds_hNPWrhbfzRczj2Oj4zatRGUTptsQ-DDtdUM1fhTpXVUjAJUUfEa-Qj7TvmmDz6nSzAjyklAe6bMjwn4aouhGntENPjp1H91Ho_jsg80UGXVRkwPJv2lrv6fCcSg2swMjCD41QKjAKPbPIyR4jKaxEi/w640-h514/Gl%20minnestoa%20Logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Today marks the 170th anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. We were chartered on February 24, 1853, five years before Minnesota was a state. </p><p>Oh my...how fast time goes by. I remember the 150th anniversary like it was yesterday!</p>All Things Masonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618212364156435558noreply@blogger.com0