Masons in Motion

Greetings Brothers,

This year Sir Winston Churchill Lodge asked me to be involved in a program called Masons in Motion. I was very happy to get involved in this group from the ground floor. Their purpose is to promote a positive life style and to help Brothers prepare and train to run a Marathon. Not just any marathon, but the Twin Cities Marathon, which many say is the most beautiful marathon in the United States. I may be little biased but I couldn’t agree more and I am very moved to be apart of this.

I have not been a “runner” per se, I have never really considered myself to be a runner, much less a marathoner. Never the less, I happily accepted the challenge to train for this event and I will tell you I put forth a great deal of effort, I had lots hours and, yes, lots of pain in the long training regimen. I had to make some lifestyle changes in order to prepare to run 26 miles. It requires a great deal of time to complete all the training runs to build up strength and endurance to complete an event like this. I would run after work or after attending lodge functions. My local police department often saw me running in the wee hours between midnight to three AM, that was the best time for me to find the time to log the training hours I needed.

I’m proud to say that I now consider myself to be Runner.

One day I was running what we call a long training day. I was entering my 18th mile when I heard a pop, and felt a sudden sharp pain in my knee. I didn’t know it then, but I had just torn my meniscus. I was in a considerable amount of pain, and I wound up hobbling home. I tried to work thru the pain and continued to train, but it was really difficult. I finally saw a series of Doctors and was given the bad news that the Twin Cities Marathon was not in my immediate future.

The Brothers of Sir Winton Churchill Lodge took my news as motivation to recruit other runners and volunteers, and l’m proud to say that we were able to not only provide marathon runners for the event, but we were also able to gather many volunteers from other Lodges to help staff one of the water stations along the route. We had a very nice representation from many lodges in the Twin Cities; Braden, Lebanon, Macalester, Hastings, Tussler-Summit, Star in the East, Wayzata, Shakopee, Lake Harriet and Cataract. It wasn’t just brothers, we also had a few wives and kids.....Total of thirty five were on hand to staff the water station with me.

The Masons and OES Women who ran the marathon should be congratulated. They are; Andy Rice, Daniel Akins, Chris Taylor, Roberto Gardiner, Peter Hulbert, Krista Benninger, Leslie Collins and Stoffel Reitsma

It was a wonderful day and the eight listed are all Champions and Victorious in their personal efforts. While I may have been personally sad that I couldn’t participate in the event in the way I wanted too, I was energized and excited to be able to support and encourage my Brothers and Sisters and all the members of our community who ran in the event and displayed a commitment to their own well being. Well done everyone.

Red Wing #8 is a Special Place

Red Wing Lodge#8 is a special place for me especially at their December Stated meeting. There is nothing ordinary about it.
The Grand Master of Minnesota Masons John Cook came personally to install the Officers after a beautiful meal.
It was good to see that the lodge Officers had all the Chairs filled with willing and eager Officers.
There were Awards given out as well. This years Hiriam Award was given to Jr. Past Master Ethan Seaberg.Ethan may have protested, but I couldnt have been happier for him. Ethan is very deserving.

Visitors come from far and wide to spend the evening. Last night Lebanon Lodge of Shakopee, and Montgomery Lodge of St Paul brought many members. It was such a pleasure to have the dining room filled with voices and laughter.

Worshipful Brother Gary Thomas does most of the food preparation.He usually prepares Masonic dishes known to lodges across the world. Last night was his famous Maine Oyster Stew. You can't see all of the oysters because of my love for crackers.It is such a simple dish but the flavor is out of this world. The alternative dish was a out standing vegetation Curry. I had bowls of each. I'm not telling how many bowls either.

Gary always makes his famous Christmas Pudding for this meeting . I have several photos for get a good look at it for those not familiar with the dish.

This is a dish that is very dark in appearance from all the dark sugars used. Its filled with dried fruits, nuts and suet and maybe a touch of Brandy.It was topped off with a hard Sauce.

Since my Masonic Blog is turning into something you would find on the Food Network. I will not go into the complex flavors that this heavenly dish gave me.

We were given a big treat when the lights were turned down and the pudding was aflame with blue and purple flames.

There is nothing ordinary about the Brothers of Red Wing lodge. If you have an opporunity I highly recommend you go and share the experience.

Heres a Great Lodge !

I had the great opportunity to spend some time with the Brothers of Albert Pike Lodge in Hopkins Minnesota this past Saturday to help them celebrate Main Street Days. I love this lodge because its an old fashion Masonic lodge that is constantly using new ideas to gain exposier to the community and gain new members. All the while upholding the traditional Masonic principils and the work.

The white things attached to the fence is a small table or ledge. The crowds of people can belly up to the counter order a Brat or Hot dog and eat in comfort. Or they can walk into the lodge and sit for awhile and rest their sore feet, and get a tour of the lodge.This picture was taken very early but by 2pm there was an expected 500 customers and positive contacts with the members of the city.

Heres a few things about the lodge you may not know. Currently the city of Hopkins is a first ring surburb of the city of Minneapolis. But in 1900 the city was a bustling town of 1600 citzens.There were 34 businesses, one grade schoo with 300 pupils and the cross roads for five rail roads. There were several franternal but not a Masonic lodge. There was 66 men who lived in the town but they traveled to to surronding lodges. I think the thought of traveling the Country roads another Winter mayhave created interest in forming a Masonic Lodge.

The Lodge received their Charter on October 20, 1901. They met like many new lodges at a store in town until they could build a lodge. They completed this building you see on October 15, 1902.Albert Pike lodge has operated non stop in this building ever since. The Brothers have taken great care of it over the years and I can testify that they have done the work themselves.

This Masonic Lodge is very well know in its community. Albert Pike Lodge has won awards from the city, the Histroical Society, and the Council of the Arts.I think that I can say that if there is an event in the City of Hopkins Albert Pike Lodge is involved in some big or small fashion.They are Relevant to their community.

The fat guy on the left is myself( the diet is going well 30 pounds so far) and the Brother on the Right is Lodge Secretery Marty Olazowka. A great man and Brother. Please remember this picture because rarely do you see Marty without a crisp white shirt and a snappy bow tie.

Alittle rain kept the crowds away Im afraid. But it was a nice time with the Brothers

Biggest Loser Finalist Is a Minnesota Freemason

O'Neal Hampton the Junior Warden of Cataract Lodge #2 of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is currently somewhere at a secret location on the famous television show The Biggest Loser. Joining him in this grueling life changing experience is his daughter Sunshine.

The photo on the below left was taken on September 8th, 2010 just before our Junior Warden O'Neal started the Biggest Loser. With O'Neal is the Master of Cataract Lodge Dave Kampf and Senior Warden Lane Guyot.


The photo on the below right is from February 23rd when O'Neal stopped in. He took us all by surprise when he took a break from his work out and exercise program and joined us for a Fellow Craft degree. You can tell he is much smaller in this photo.

Its always a great pleasure to see my Brother O'Neal . Because it means a big hug, a warm smile, and a meaningful conversation. O'Neal is a very busy man. He is a Station Manager for the Post Office. During Football season after work he rushes to one of our local high schools to help coach and mentor the kids. But he will always have time to stop and talk if you need to see him. O'Neal has been a great leader and supporter of our youth and Athletic and Scholarship programs in our community.

For those of you who are busy going to Masonic events all week and don't get a chance to watch the show, here is a quick review of what it is about. The Biggest Loser is a two hour reality television show that is on NBC. The show recruits extremely overweight people to participate in a competition. The contestants are brought to a secret location to live for several months. The object is whoever loses the largest percentage of their body weight is awarded a $250,000 cash prize.

To make it even more exciting each week, one contestant is voted off the show. The contestant is sent home, but still has a chance to win $100,000 by following a weight loss program at home.


I have watched more television in the past 14 weeks than I have in the past 15 years. Every week I make sure to see O'Neal and Sunshine. I can't believe that every week, I'm yelling words of encouragement to television as those two are involved in some weekly physical activity. Or how I had tears of joy when I saw O'Neal completing a series of push ups the week his brother died. Or I gasped when Sunshine fell below the yellow line and was almost eliminated.

Every week I watch my Brother who is subduing his passions and making himself a better man.

We at Cataract are very proud of O'Neal, but then again we always were. The biggest loser is our biggest winner.

This is week 14 and Oneal has lost 119 pounds so far, and Sunshine has lost 84 pounds.

ME?......................................I'm down 12 pounds in 8 weeks. For as huge of an effort that this weight loss has been for me, it pales in comparison to their accomplishments.

The British are Coming! The British are Coming!

April 18th/19th I am celebrating the famous midnight ride of Paul Revere: Master Mason and later the Second Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

Paul Revere and William Dawes were instructed by Joseph Warren (another great Freemason) in 1775 to ride from Boston to Lexington to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British Army was coming to arrest them, and to seize the Patriot's weapon stores in Concord.

Paul Revere was sent across the Charles River to begin his journey from Charleston to Lexington. William Dawes was sent a on different path the long way via the Boston neck to Lexington.

Both men sounded the alarm and helped the colonists prepare for the advancement of the British Army. Hours after the alarm was sounded the "shot that rang out around the world" was heard. America was born in blood.

This American story is one of my favorites and is rich in details and lore. One man became famous, while the other died in obscurity. I have had many books read to me as a child, and I now have read the stories to my children. It's a tale that's based in history, and one which I never grow tired of.

Here are a few facts you may not know about Paul Revere. He was a Mason in St. Andrews Lodge in 1760 in Boston. Paul Revere was active in his lodge and worked his way through the chairs. He served nine terms as Worshipful Master. At 60 years old he was elected as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts December 8, 1794 to 1797.

These are just a few facts and I hope it encourages you to find out more about Grand Master Revere and his life .

I can't help it but I would like to post the poem by Longfellow. It may be filled with inaccuracies but it is one of my favorites. Here is the link:
//http//www.paulreverehouse.org/ride/poem.shtml

Maybe next year we should take a trip together and see the route of the famous ride! Would you like to come? Think about it ... won't you?

National Treasure #3

Attention National Treasure fans! I have good news. It was announced earlier this week that the Disney Corporation is planning for the third installment of National Treasure and the film is in the making and speeding ahead.

The film will have a very established production staff. The Director is Jon Turtelbaub and the screen writers are Carlo Bernard and Doug Miro. They have just finsihed up the Disney movie with Nicolas Cage in "The Sorcers Apprentice"

It is my understanding that Nicolas Cage will return to play the adventurous archaelogist and historian Benjamin Gates. Actors Justin Bartha, Dian Krugerand, Jon Voight are also expected to return.

The movie is expected to be released sometime in 2011.

I am going to go out on a limb very early even before the movie is even written and predict the plot of National Treasure Three. My prediction is based on a clue that was given to us in "National Treasure Book of Secrets."

If you recall from the plot line of the movie, there was a book kept by the President of the United States for the eyes only of the Presidents following him. This book was passed from President to President. This book contained all the answers to the biggest secrets in American History.

In the movie, Benjamin Gates (Nicolas Cage) convinced the President to tell him where the book was kept, and the President told him that the book was in the Library of Congress. The President then directed Ben Gates to read Page 47.

At the end of the movie the President asks Ben about what he read on Page 47 of the Book of Secrets, Ben replied, "It's life altering, sir." Of course we dont know what that information is, but that might be the starting point to the new movie.

I am anxious to learn more about National Treasure #3. I hope that film director Jerry Bruckheimer and actor Nicolas Cage will bring incredible surprises from Page 47 of the Book of Secrets. Whatever it is I'm sure it's going to be another cliffhanger.

PS at this stage there has been no mentions of Freemasons in the Movie. But its very early to tell.

Happy to Meet, Sorry to Part, Happy to Meet Again

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. I am always apprehensive about driving in this part of the US during the winter because of the legendary storms across the plains. But once you have attended this great get-together, there is no snow or ice that can withstand the warmth and Brotherly love from the Brothers of Nebraska.
It is an environment more like a family reunion than a business meeting. It's a place where Freemasonry is a viable part of their life, just like their family and community.
As I was driving away from the hotel on Saturday, I think that the best way to describe my feelings about the Grand Lodge of Nebraska is captured, and rings so true in the Masonic saying:
"Happy to meet, Sorry to part, Happy to meet again..."

Below are some photos and notes about the Brothers.

This is the newly elected Most Worshipful Grand Master of Nebraska Masons John T. Parsons. John is a retired military man who has many talents and the time needed to lead the craft in the right direction. Great guy with a common sense approach. John has rolled out a program that will have a very positive impact on the lives of our men and women who are being deployed overseas. I hope to unveil this concept here within the next few months.

This is my Brother and Friend Alvin Benemerito, the new Worshipful Master of Long Pine Lodge. Last year when I met Alvin, I asked him where Long Pine, Nebraska was. He replied, "We are four hours from an airport, three hours from a Walmart, and two hours from a MacDonald's. Alvin then looked at me and said, "Minnesota? You know Frank Harris?" I was shocked -- then I said, "How do you know my Lodge Brother Frank?" Alvin replied, "I belong to Internet Lodge UGLE...we also met in person in England." Small world, huh?

Well, Long Pine Lodge is keeping Freemasonry very much alive in their remote part of the state. It's a Lodge that has only 32 members, but they average over 22 members for meetings. They just raised two Brothers in the last few months. The Lodge does all the ritual work. They are also active in their community. Here is a link to the Lodge website. I think we can all learn a few things from them. It made my trip to be able to see Alvin again and hear what he has been doing.

This is the Potentate of the Tehama Shrine of Nebraska. I had the great pleasure to have lunch with Bob. He is a man I quickly liked and came to respect for many reasons. Bob lives 90 miles from his lodge where he attends very regularly. He is a Rancher and Farmer. You can tell that from his powerful hand shake. He is also a board member of his local Electrical Cooperative.

We had the most stimulating conversation over one of the best fried chicken and mash potatoes lunches I've had in ages. I enjoyed my time with Bob and plan to look him up at the next Shrine that I attend so we can get caught up.

This distinguished gentleman is Brother Cullen Pilker, the Representive from the Grand Lodge of Nebraska to the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. As always, it was a great pleasure to see Cullen again. Cullen drove from his home near Ohama to Grand Island in winter driving conditions to visit Fred Vihovde and me for a few hours. Cullen is a Brother who always has a warm smile, a caring ear and many kind word words to share.

This is my Lodge Brother Fred Vihovde. Fred is the Grand Representive from Minnesota to the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. Fred represents Minnesota very well. He has been to every Annual Communication in Nebraska since 1988. Most importantly we are very proud of Fred, for he is also the National President of the National Sojourners. Fred does an excellent job, no matter if he is cooking dinner with the Eastern Star or putting together a National Convention.

These three very distinguished gentlemen are the Leadership for the Grand Lodge of Iowa. From left to right is William Crawford the Grand Lodge Secretary, Craig Davis the Chairman of Division and Reference, Grand Master Craig Hummel. It was a pleasure to meet again and talk.

This is Brother Jeffrey Coleman, the Senior Warden of Papillion Lodge. Jeff is an Business Analyst for a National Natural Gas provider that keeps us warm up here in Minnesota. When we met, Jeff said "Do you know Marty Olszowka? He is the Secretary of Albert Pike Lodge up in Minneapolis." Marty happens to be on my short list of well-love Brothers! Isn't this a small world? Jeff is married to Marty's Niece and lives in the Omaha area.

This is the Outgoing Grand Master Russell Reno presenting a Grand Masters Membership award to Patrick Barger for being the First Line Signer of 12 new Brothers in the past 12 month! That evening there were many awards presented to the First and Second Line Signers. I had the opportunity to speak with many of them and they were all very humble and expressed their thanks for having the opportunity to do it...

The weather was not the best for traveling. There was light freezing rain and snow on the trip there. Two inches of snow and rain fell during the Communication, and another front of heavy snow was on its way. I left early after breakfast on Saturday. I did stop at two accidents and offered my assistance when I saw a car wreck that had some shaken up folks. I was impressed by the number of snow plows and sand trucks that were out plowing and taking care of the highways for travelers like myself.

Here are some photos of what I saw on the way back to Minnesota:

Art Work From Rite to Ritual

This artwork is the winner of the 2009 Australian Telstra National Indigenous Art Award. The artist is Danie Mellor. It is a large drawing created on paper done with crayon, pencil and glitter pen.
The name of this work is "From Rite to Ritual." This work explores the encounter between the Indigenous people of Australia and the Settler Cultures. The meeting of the two very different cultures takes place in the interior of a Freemasons lodge. This is a comment on the importance of secret and public cermony in both cultures. It also speaks on the differences in spiritual beliefs.
I think you could call it a clash of cultures with similarities.
I've included the link to a very nice Australian website to give you a much better description and look at it.

We meet by the Light of the Full Moon

In the early days, many Masonic lodges used to organize their meeting nights to coincide with the phase of the full moon. This had a lot to do with the fact that transportation was very poor then. Getting from home to lodge was often a problem. Having lodge the same night as a full moon was to help ensure the brothers traveling to and from lodge would have the advantage of the bright moon to aid them in navigating on the rough country roads and footpaths.

As transportation and roads improved, and since many Grand Lodges insisted that lodges meet upon fixed dates, many lodges gave up the old practice.

I understand that there are less than 500 "moon lodges" in the United States today.

My first experience with a "Moon Light Lodge" was a very memorable one. I was making a Grand Lodge visit to Accacia Lodge #51 in Cottage Grove Minnesota. As I was driving to the lodge the moon was big, full and shining brightly over the pine trees. The light of the moon allowed me to see a large jack rabbit and pheasants in a field covered in snow. It was one of those beauitful sub-zero Minnesota nights.

Following the stated meeting and a wonderful dinner, the Worshipful Master and Wardens presented me with a key fob. On the back side all the dates of the full moon were printed on it to help the brothers remember lodge night dates.

So I have added a Moon Phase indicator icon to the blog. This is to aid any brother in planning his Calendar and is reminiscent to the days of Freemasonry before us.

U.S. Congressman Refuses to tell if Freemasons wish to rule the World

Sorry I couldnt help myself...........Happy New Year

The Tun Tavern

The Tun Tavern is known as the birth place of the United States Marine Corp. It happened on November 10,1775 the Contiental Congress commissioned Samuel Nicholes to raise two Battalions of Marines.....the rest is history.

Interesting side notes. -In 1732 the tavern was also the location of ST. Johns Lodge #1

-The Tavern burned down in 1781

- The orginianl location is in Philadelphia occuppied by Interstate 95

- The Marine Corp Museum in Quantico Virginia hosts a Tun Tavern
they offer a lunch menu with alcoholic beverages and bread pudding


SEMPER FI

THATS OOO RAHHHH TO YOU MY FRIENDS

Happy Birthday Brother Teddy Roosvelt

Today October 27th is the 151 birthday of Teddy Roosevelt. I thought we would take a minute together to honor Master Mason Theodore Roosevelt.

But first here is a short list of his accomplishments that commemorates TRs legacy.

As Colonel of the Rough Riders during the Spanish American war he led the charge at the battle of San Juan. Earning himself the Medal of Honor.

In 1901 when President McKinley was assassinated Roosevelt became President at age of 42. Making him the youngest President in history.

Environmental hero-Conservationist He preserved 230 million acres creating National parks and Forests, wildlife refuges and bird sanctuaries.

Theodore Roosevelt became the first American to win the Nobel Prize in 1906 for negotiating for Peace in the Russo-Japanese War.


This is the petition that Brother T.Roosevelt completed to join his home town lodge Matinecock #806 in New york The year dated is 1901, he declared his occupation as Governor. This was just weeks before President McKinley was assassinated.


Theodore Roosevelt, said in 1902"One of the things that attracted me so greatly to Masonry...was that it really did live up to what we, as a government, are pledged upon to--of treating each man on his merits as a man.

The following is an excerpt from Theodore Roosevelt's obituary. His obituary further validated his love and commitment to Freemasonry.

"Colonel Roosevelt was a member of the local lodge of Masons,and never failed to keep up his interest in it. He made a habit for many years of visiting Masonic lodges wherever he went,as a member of the Oyster Bay lodge,and returning ,to tell his brother Masons of his visits. He found Masonic lodges when he was in Africa at the Nairobi, and in South America he found a lodge on the Asuncion River. The Masons here knew from Colonel Roosvelt of the doings of Masonic lodges in all parts of the world......




The Masonic lodge that Brother TR loved and called home is Matinecock #806. The Lodge is still an active lodge. Click here if you have a few minutes. They have a very interesting page on TRs Masonic Life.

FYI

Theodore Roosvelt didnt mind being called Theodore. He prefered TR. He loved the name Colonel (refering to his rank in the Army) He despised the name Teddy.