Team Minnesota Masons Freezin’ For A Reason

Team Minnesota Masons Freezin’ For A Reason

Minnesota Mason (Lake Calhoun, March 5, 2011)

Team Minnesota Masons, spearheaded by Deputy Grand Master Tom Hendrickson rallied the troops and made a splash of a team consisting of 13 Masons from different lodges throughout the Minneapolis Metro area, raising approximately $6,000.00 for the Special Olympics of Minnesota Polar Bear Plunge, March 5th at Lake Calhoun.

After a quick briefing of temperatures, precise cannon ball or belly flop instruction, Team Minnesota Masons took to the plunge line to attend the task at hand. With determined eyes and quick like strides, Team Minnesota Masons made their way to the plunge hole.

The men jumped with precision and grace into Lake Calhoun. Some jumpers tried to maintain their smile upon exiting the jump hole, however it was later admitted it was too cold to hide the simple fact it was freezing cold.

Team Minnesota Masons was recognized and received lots of cheers and other encouragements from the crowds, often receiving shout outs and posing for a few pictures from enthusiastic and excited spectators.

After a quick warm up in the provided hot tubs, Team Minnesota Masons and friends met at Bunnies Bar and Grill for burgers and to plunge reminisce.

This is the 14th year of the Polar Bear Plunge. Monies raised goes to the Special Olympics of Minnesota bringing together children and adults with intellectual disabilities and uniting them in various sporting events based on skill level.

Team Minnesota Masons Jumpers:
RWB Tom Hendrickson, Cataract #2; MWB Andy Rice, Tuler-Summit #263; WB Robert Darling, North Star #23; WB John Gann, Sir Winston Churchill #351; WB Matthew Lundgren, Minnehaha #165; District Representative No. 36 Kris Pich, Lake Harriet #277; Charlie Henrickson, Tusler Summit #263; Doug Beach, Minnehaha #165; Matthew Fuller, Minnehaha #165; Jason Pibal, Minnehaha #165; Robert Peterson, Minnehaha #165; Paul Scofield, Minnehaha #165 and District Representative No. 25 Rick Wallace, Star of the East #33.

Special thanks to Brother Bob Peterson for all his assistance and hard work.
Excellent Photos taken by Brother Rich Hervieux
Be sure to check out the Polar Bear Plunge Tour Dates for next season!

Click on the pictures to enlarge


" Lead by example is my motto"



Its cold dont let any body fool ya!
A happy band of Brothers

Dry and wearing our new shirts
Its all about the Brotherhood!

Happy Birthday Robert Burns

Happy Birthday Robert Burns!

Brother Robert Burns is considered Scotland’s most noted poet and lyrists figure in the 18th century, with works including A Red, Red Rose, A Man’s A Man For A’ That,
To A Louse, Ae Fond Kiss and Auld Lang Syne.

On July 4, 1781 when Robert was 22, he was initiated into St. David Tarbolton Masonic Lodge, where he was passed and raised on October 1, 1781; however the actual location of the Temple where Robert was made a Freemason is unknown.

Burns was very active in his Lodge; in 1784 he attended all nine meetings, passed and raised brethren, and over saw and attended to most Lodge business. In 1785 Burns was appointed Depute Master, again being very committed in his duties within the Lodge. His passion for Masonry enabled him to initiate, pass and raise his brother Gilbert in 1788.

Burns was highly respected by Grand Master and Grand Lodge of Scotland, and in 1787 was named Poet Laureate of the Lodge. During this time he visited lodges in Ayrshire and became an honorary member at most lodges.

After his passing, Burns’ friends held the first Burns supper in Ayrshire to gather, remember and celebrate Robert. The suppers are more common in the Scotland and Northern Ireland and most notably in Scottish Societies and those familiar with Burns’ literary works.
The supper is usually held around the 25th of January in celebration to Robert’s birthday. Depending on the suppers, they can either be formal or informal with an underlying theme of haggis, Scotch whisky and works of Burns’ recited.

A typical formal event is hosted by organizations (Freemasons or other affiliations) and follows a format where guests gather for social hour and are welcomed by the host. After the welcome speech, many wait with anticipation for the Entrance of the Haggis, followed by the dinner.

Typically Burns’ Dinner starts off with Cock A Leekie Soup, essentially an American version of chicken and barley soup with leeks thrown into the mix.

Haggis is served with Tatties and Neeps as sides. Tatties, or potatoes follows the recipe similar to the American version of mashed potatoes. Neeps rounds out the dish by adding roughage to the plate and adding a creaminess texture of the Tatties. The Neeps, or turnips are prepared in similar fashion as a side of sauté spinach.

If one saved enough room for dessert, a specialty severed on Burns’ night would include Tipsy Laird Triffle. It’s appropriately named due to the main ingredients-whisky and sherry. The layering of sponge cake, raspberry preserves, whisky, sherry, and cream and topped, with a layering of bananas and almonds lends one to think of the similar dish Sherry Triffle.

During this time and other small intermissions of the evening, toasts will be given, including the Immortal Memory to Robert Burns, and appreciation toasts to the Lassies if present. Burns’ works are recited and reflected on, and a final closing to the evening includes singing Auld Lang Syne.