Masons at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

 

Acouple weeks ago I was the Guest of the Grand Lodge of Waswhington DC for their annual communication. One of the events was to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was a moving experience.Here is a photo for you to get a better idea.

St Johns Day Celebrated in Minnesota

St Johns Day is a day where Master Masons can renew and strengthen their fraternal ties.It is also a day that is our connection between the past and the future.
This photo is taken in front of the grave of Minnesota's First Most Worshipful Grand Master Elisa Ames in Minneapolis on a cold and windy day.
Afterwards we went to a public house and raised a glass or cup and experienced more Brotherly love.

The Days only get longer after tonight

December 22 is the Winter solstice in the northern hemisphere,bringing us the shortest daylight period and the longest night of the year.

We are the 1%

Today is a day for us Veterans to remember those who we served with,and why we served.

We are the one percent....lets be proud and Thankful

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.

Wont you join me?

“Take me out to the Ball Game”!
Minnesota Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star
Cancer Benefit Dinner & Social
Benefitting WGM, Doris and WGP Ralph’s Cancer Project
To provide for research detecting potential Lung Cancer

Saturday, October 15, 2011
Golden Valley VFW, 7775 Medicine lake Road, Golden Valley, MN

Games, Dinner, Music, Silent and Live Auction
Dress is casual. Baseball attire is encouraged.

Tickets $25


We need your help to reach our goal of raising $10,000 to help strike out Cancer

You may also make a cash donation to the Cancer Score Board.
$25 = base hit; $50 = a double; $75 = a triple; $100 = a HOME RUN!
Send payments for reservations and/or cash donations –to:
Sue Bay,
1695 4th Avenue,
Newport, MN 55055
651 459-6620 ivorymastersue@hotmail.com

Checks should be written to MN Grand Chapter OES. “Cancer Dance” in the memo.
Reservations must be received on or before October 8, 2011.

Ill be there! Show up lets talk, if you shake my hand you can have a GrandMasters Pins or a pint or a cup.

Are you having this much fun?

The Grand Master of Minnesota (me wearing the Maroon Minnesota jacket) and Minnesota DeMolay at their annual Paint Ball outting.
What a great time I had with the young men.

Now this sure beats talking about the light bill or snow removal from the parking lot. Are you doing something like this? Why not.

The DeMolay from across the State and their perspective members and the Brothers of Minneapolis #19 and their perspective members ,met for a day of running thru the woods sharing a game of combat and great food.I saw much exchange of information and Brotherly love.

Young Men and old Men love to do the same things.....What a great day!

A tradition was started a few years ago. The Sitting Grand Master and the Past Grand Masters travel to Morgan Minnesota and have lunch with Past Grand Bill Tiffany. Bill is the oldest living Grand Master. He was in office in 1968. During his year we had 268 lodges and well over 60,000 Master Masons. Bill is famous for his saying" We make Masons out of Good Men not members"My how some things don't change.
In contrast during my year there are 160 lodges and barley 15,000 Master Masons. My how things do change.

In this photo back row is my Masonic Great Grand Father John Peterson-1981, Ward Sonsteby-1989, Me, Sam Dickinson-1978

Front Row Verne E Long-1973, Bill Tiffany-1968, Tom McCarthy-2009

So there you have a picture of the youngest Grand Master and the Oldest and a few points in between.

It was a great day of Brotherhood. Oh man the stories that were flying! I learned more over a slice of home made pie than a year sitting in a Grand Lodge Chair.It was an experience Ill always remember.

I attended the Ice Cream social at the Chateau the possible new home of Zuhrah Shrine. It is located at 10715 S Shore Drive in Plymouth Minnesota.
It was a wonderful evening..hot but a great time. There was grilled Hot dogs,Brats, Ribs,and of course ice cream.But what we all really love is the social get together. I love to see everyone and get caught up .

This photo of Tiny the Clown and me( can you pick the real clown? or Cop? ha) was taken very early for as the evening progressed the place was packed.

I took a good look at the new place. I believe that this new faculity will serve us well and allow the Divan to get back to working on membership, program development, and important things that matter and what makes a Shrine Temple Great Again.

The membership will vote at the next stated meeting which I believe will be on August 12th. Its also the night of the Corn feed and grilled steak dinner.

YA new place, new Day and Zuhrah with a great tradition building a new future

Minnesota River Valley Lodge #6

I was talking to my Brother Rich Hervieux of Minnesota River Valley Lodge a few nights ago.We were just checking in with each other. Rich mentioned he was helping his lodge with their big annual parade and fund raiser of the year. OHHHH we all know that it is the annual Kolacky Days in Montgomery Minnesota. So as Grand Master, I twisted his arm to invite me. So I had to bring my beautiful wife and middle daughter to experience Kolacky days.

The lodge has one of the best food booths of all of Minnesota....period the best! They serve a beautiful pork burger and a ear of corn dripping in real butter (in Minnesota Winters we dream of food like this is heaven sheer .....heaven baby!).

You can see the evidence in my hand and upon my face.....maybe even on my shirt.

Look at those smiles -- isn't that a priceless photo?

Well I'm not like any other Grand Lodge Officer. If I come to your event, I'm washing dishes or whatever it takes to help, and as you can see, today I'm filling balloons -- lots and lots of balloons. I think I filled a couple hundred myself. It was great fun.

One of the newest members James. What a great guy.....He is in the Air Force Reserve and going to College on the GI Bill. It was nice to spend some time and get to know him alittle better.

Hey I'm moving as fast as I can.....ok My daughter was also filling balloons and she was kindly advising or ribbing me I'm maybe not as fast as she was.

This is the Fire Truck owned by the lodge. They use it just for parades like today. The driver is Rich Hervieux. He is the brain child behind the 700 to 1000 balloons we filled and gave away. To children along the parade route.

You want a true awaking experience in this life.....you give a balloon (or hundred) to a young child. When they smile you think the heavens have opened and you are looking upon the face of the Angels.

This is the fire truck just before we left for the parade...how did we do?
Don't you want them to come to your town? WELL IF YOU ASK I KNOW THEY WILL.

Now did I tell you about Rich.......well he is my official photographer. He has taken my portraits...all three. His work is absoutely beauitful and he pays attention to every: yes every detail. Rich has been traveling with me across the state and documenting my official duties by taking wonderful photos. He provides beauitful images to those who cannot be with us.

OHHHH well today guess what....the photos you see here were taken by my beauitful wife Jane and myself. Why you ask??? Haaa thats because the Official Photographer Rich Hervieux forgot his camera.

Rich has a heart thats made of GOLD and I could not let him live this one down. Rich and I have many miles yet before us and if he brings his camera I'm sure you'll see the images.

Now what is a parade without a Shriner and a miniature car? Oh gosh a parade be without
them? Here is the HO HO Zuhrah Classic car guys.
These guys are a blast to watch. Some day I'd like to join them.

Ya know if a Cop or a Shriner eats at a place its gotta to be good. This is the food booth of the Minnesota River Valley #6.

My Daughter Sarah on top of the Fire Engine with all those balloons.

In my life I am surronded by women (Lucky me) and these are two who have stolen my heart. My beauitful wife Jane and my middle daughter Sarah.

Hawaiian Shirt Night

My home lodge and our Brother Lodge Minnehaha host an annual joint July Lodge meeting.
This year theme was Hawaiian Shirt Night,and the meal was the best bar b que around. Provided by The Bones Brothers of Anoka Lodege.
It was truely a night to remember!

Last evening Braden Lodge #168 of St. Paul Minnesota celebrated its 125 Anniversary.It was a evening to remember,and i will for some time.
It started off with a wonderful dinner of: Texas Style Brisket
Carolina Style Coleslaw
Tapenade Tofu
Texas Baked Potato Salad
Cornbread
Cake
It was a very hearty and delicious dinner. It was pretty quiet in the dining room.The only thing you could hear was me scraping my plate. After dinner we went upstairs for a nice well thought out program.
A paper was presented on the history of the lodge by Erick Crail,then an address from a Past Master and the Eminent Grand Commander of Knights Templar Ray Hayward. Next was a Symbolic Reenactment of the signing of the Decaration of Independence. That well thought out piece was written by Matt Gallagher.Then a quick speech by myself.The closing was performed the Tylers Toast lead by John Stitely.

Another nice touch was the lodge had arranged to have everyone who attended to have their photo taken by a professional photographer.He had set upstairs in the library, it was a beauitful setting that was arranged.
The photo below is the Brothers of Braden Lodge. I took this with my brownie and thats why Im not in it.
It was a great night and I thank you all for letting me share it with you.

Zuhrah goes to Denver with the Grand Master

I was invited by the Minnesota Shrine Temples to join them to attend the 137 Imperial Shrine Session which was held in Denver Colorado. It was my first time Id ever been to a Imperial Session, and didnt want to pass up the opportunity. I had a great advantage over some other Grand Masters. Not only am I a Shriner but I am also a proud member of Zuhrah and my love runs deep for them.So I was not just a tag a long, but an a accepted Brother.

There is no better image for a parade than a Shriner driving a small car-dont ya just love it!
In this photo you see only Verl Raap, and Tim Jirak. But everyone from Zuhrah was just as special-Ted Martz and his wife Lori (she is a Saint right Ted!),Tony Kroll and Bev,Gary Sibben and his Son Justin, Al Niederhaus,Ross Hjermstad(who got me to sing songs performed by the Monkees---oh gosh) John Hanson, Mike LaVine,Brad Roberts,Jim Burlingame,and Darryl Metzger-who got me to laugh till I couldnt breath sometimes)
Every day we ate together,went to the sessions, talked,smoked Cigars,talked,laughed,they provided so much insite in Shrinedom,did I say talked and laughed?
Their cordial manner and smiles made you feel so welcome and accepted.I am thinking Im going to stay near these folks and Zuhrah for a long time.

Those zany guys from Zuhrah. I think Tim is checking his tan line.
This was a beauitful car....it was huge. I wish I could drive it sometime.

I did find and talked with the Brothers from Osman, but never found the guys from Duluth


This was a trip I will always remember thank you!

The International Peace Garden is 2,339 acres situated on the border between Manitoba and North Dakota, on the longest north-south road in the world and almost at the geographic centre of North America. It was dedicated on July 14, 1932 and has become a living monument symbolizing the two nations living in harmony along the longest unfortified boundary in the world. The Garden is a non-profit organization which is supported by, among others, several fraternal organizations: Freemasons; Order of Eastern Star; Oddfellows; Rebekahs; Daughters of the British Empire (IODE), and Knights of Columbus.

The International Peace Garden Lodge of Freemasons was formed in 1993 with Warrants granted by the Grand Lodges of Manitoba, North Dakota and Minnesota. The Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan became a chartering Grand Lodge in 2000 by motion of the members. Its purpose is "to promote and enhance fraternal relations among Freemasons of North America and to assist in the expansion and maintenance of the International Peace Garden."

Membership in the International Peace Garden Lodge of Freemasons is open to any Master Mason for a once-in-a-lifetime fee of $50.00, providing the Mason is, and remains, in good standing in any jurisdiction in the world which is recognized by the chartering grand jurisdictions. At the time of this writing, total membership is over 835 with members from Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Norway, Australia and the Bahamas.

Membership fees are placed in trust and may not be used for any purpose other than to generate interest which is used to defer operating expenses of the Lodge and other such expenditures as may be approved at the annual communication.

An annual meeting is held at the Peace Garden, usually in the Burdick Center for the Performing Arts, on the Saturday before the second Sunday in August, with arrangements in charge of the Chartering Grand Lodges on a rotating basis. Officers' titles and positions as well as the customs correspond to those of the Chartering Grand Lodge in charge of the arrangements in any given year.

The meeting deals with regular business and includes an inspirational speaker. Following the meeting, Masons and their ladies, usually enjoy some entertainment and a lunch in the Masonic Auditorium. If the meeting is tyled (for Masons only) there is a program arranged for the ladies.

The $775,000.00 Masonic Auditorium was dedicated in 1981 as a centennial project of the 20,000 Masons of Manitoba and North Dakota. It is built in the shape of the Square and Compasses and has seating for 2,000. It is the only building of its kind in the world.

As Grand Master I will be co-leading with the Worthly Grand Matron Doris Korthof the Minnesota Eastern Star a group to the Peace Garden.We will be leaving by motor Coach and staying in a hotel close by.There are a few spaces left,but you have to have a passport.

The Faithful Few

The Faithful Few
By Unknown
When the meeting's called to order, and you look around the room;
You're sure to see some faces, that from out the shadows loom,
That are always at the meeting and stay till it is through.
The ones that I would mention, are the Always Faithful Few.

They fill the vacant offices, as they are always on the spot.
No matter what the weather, though it may be awful hot;
It may be dark and rainy, but they are tried and true;
The ones that you rely on are the Always Faithful Few.

There's lots of worthy members, who will come when in the mood;
When everything's convenient, they can do a little good;
They're a factor in the order, and necessary too,
But the ones who never fail us are the Always Faithful Few.

If it were not for these faithful, whose shoulders at the wheel,
Keep the order moving onward, without a halt or reel;
What woud be the fate of Orders, who have so much to do,
They surely would go under, but for the Faithful Few.

I attended the 122nd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota. It was held on June 17th and 18th in Bimarck North Dakota.

Out going M.W.Brian Burkett did a great job as Grand Master this past year.He had a diffcult job traveling this winter in the middle of Winter blizzards, and having to work long hard hours during this Springs flooding.

In coming Grand Master Lon Kvasager is going to have a outstanding year as well.Im the lucky one this year.For Lons paths and mine will cross many times this year. He is one of the guys I love to just sit and talk and laugh.This is very unusual. Normally contact with other Grand Masters who you have become friends is usually reserved with phone calls and text messaging.
PERFECT EXAMPLE The Grand Master of Nebraska watches the weather channel and he text messages me every time it snows in minnesota........
North Dakota is a place I love to visit and a great place to be a Brother.
Best Wishes LON !

July 4th is the day we celebrate our Nations birthday, but June 14th is the day we celebrate our Nations Flag.
Ive included the Presidents Proclamation only because it does a nice job in describing what Flag Day is really about.So on the 14th I ask that you take a minute and gaze upon our Nations symbol and give it a thought,a word of thanks or even a prayer. That our flag may wave in freedom for many years to come.
Oh by the way "Thank you Besty Ross"



Presidential Proclamation--Flag Day and National Flag Week
On June 14, 1777, the Second Constitutional Congress adopted a flag with thirteen stripes and thirteen stars to represent our Nation, one star for each of our founding colonies. The stars were set upon a blue field, in the words of the Congress's resolution, "representing a new constellation" in the night sky. What was then a fledgling democracy has flourished and expanded, as we constantly strive toward a more perfect Union.
Through the successes and struggles we have faced, the American flag has been ever present. It has flown on our ships and military bases around the world as we continue to defend liberty and democracy abroad. It has been raised in yards and on porches across America on days of celebration, and as a sign of our shared heritage. And it is lowered on days of remembrance to honor fallen service members and public servants; or when tragedy strikes and we join together in mourning. Our flag is the mark of one country, one people, uniting under one banner.
When the American flag soars, so too does our Nation and the ideals it stands for. We remain committed to defending the liberties and freedoms it represents, and we give special thanks to the members of the Armed Forces who wear our flag proudly. On Flag Day, and during National Flag Week, we celebrate the powerful beacon of hope that our flag has become for us all, and for people around the world.
To commemorate the adoption of our flag, the Congress, by joint resolution approved August 3, 1949, as amended (63 Stat. 492), designated June 14 of each year as "Flag Day" and requested that the President issue an annual proclamation calling for its observance and for the display of the flag of the United States on all Federal Government buildings. The Congress also requested, by joint resolution approved June 9, 1966, as amended (80 Stat. 194), that the President annually issue a proclamation designating the week in which June 14 occurs as "National Flag Week" and call upon citizens of the United States to display the flag during that week.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2011, as Flag Day and the week beginning June 12, 2011, as National Flag Week. I direct the appropriate officials to display the flag on all Federal Government buildings during that week, and I urge
all Americans to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by displaying the flag. I also call upon the people of the United States to observe with pride and all due ceremony those days from Flag Day through Independence Day, also set aside by the Congress (89 Stat. 211), as a time to honor America, to celebrate our heritage in public gatherings and activities, and to publicly recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA

What Are Policemen Made Of? By Paul Harvey

A Policeman is a composite of what all men are, mingling of a saint and sinner, dust and deity.
Gulled statistics wave the fan over the stinkers, underscore instances of dishonesty and brutality because they are "new". What they really mean is that they are exceptional, unusual, not commonplace.
Buried under the frost is the fact: Less than one-half of one percent of policemen misfit the uniform. That's a better average than you'd find among clergy!
What is a policeman made of? He, of all men, is once the most needed and the most unwanted. He's a strangely nameless creature who is "sir" to his face and "fuzz" to his back
He must be such a diplomat that he can settle differences between individuals so that each will think he won.
But...If the policeman is neat, he's conceited; if he's careless, he's a bum. If he's pleasant, he's flirting;if not, he's a grouch.
He must make an instant decision which would require months for a lawyer to make.
But...If he hurries, he's careless; if he's deliberate, he's lazy. He must be first to an accident and infallible with his diagnosis. He must be able to start breathing, stop bleeding, tie splints and, above all, be sure the victim goes home without a limp. Or expect to be sued.
The police officer must know every gun, draw on the run, and hit where it doesn't hurt.He must be able to whip two men twice his size and half his age without damaging his uniform and without being "brutal". If you hit him, he's a coward. If he hits you, he's a bully.
A policeman must know everything-and not tell. He must know where all the sin is and not partake.
A policeman must, from a single strand of hair, be able to describe the crime, the weapon and the criminal- and tell you where the criminal is hiding.
But...If he catches the criminal, he's lucky; if he doesn't, he's a dunce. If he gets promoted, he has political pull; if he doesn't, he's a dullard. The policeman must chase a bum lead to a dead-end, stake out ten nights to tag one witness who saw it happen-but refused to remember.
The policeman must be a minister, a social worker, a diplomat, a tough guy and a gentleman.
And, of course, he'd have to be genius....For he will have to feed a family on a policeman's salary.

Its Police Week so I thought this would be fitting since I am one. But more importantly I do this to remember those who I have served with for over 32 years.Many are no longer with us on this earth.And for the guys I work with today.

Churchill Lodge #351 & Internet Lodge #9659
Proudly Present
The Atlantic Brotherhood Summit
June 2nd – 5th
An unprecedented event in the history of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, lodges
from Minnesota and England are meeting in June to celebrate friendship across the wide Atlantic Ocean.
We are proud to announce the Atlantic Brotherhood Summit, to be held here in the Twin Cities. The UK's global Internet Lodge #9659 travels annually away from their base in Manchester, UK to a foreign locale

This year, the Lodge is visiting Minnesota. We've planned an exceptional series of events with them for the benefit of all Masons. You are invited to join us by registering for one or more of these events. Highlights include a St. Croix River sunset boat cruise, a barbeque dinner for lodge members at the home of MWB Andrew Rice, and a much-anticipated Festive Board to be held at the inneapolis Club, following the first-ever exemplification of the English Masonic Ritual, "Emulation Working" in Minnesota, at the Minneapolis Scottish Rite Temple. A question-and-answer discussion will follow the degree exemplification, along with coffee, tea and a selection of English biscuits.

Some events will require a fee to cover expenses, which we have tried to keep as low as possible. The brethren of Sir Winston Churchill Lodge invite any regular Masons to join with us in this 4-day celebration of Masonic brotherhood, and hope you will join us in welcoming up to forty traveling English Masons who will be here June 2-5. Save the Dates!

This particular document is designed for local, US participants, and priced accordingly. Hotel and travel information is available on the main information page at www.ChurchillLodge.org.

Or, if you wish, snap this QR Code with your smartphone to reach the website. 􀃆
The Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis will serve as our base of operations, with transportation for registered guests provided by Churchill Lodge members, other Grand Lodge of Minnesota volunteers,and Eclipse Transportation.

At this writing, at least four of the Churchill Lodge brethren have agreed to open their homes to allow members of Internet Lodge to stay with them for the duration of the event. Let us know if you wish to offer your home for the same purpose. Jason Berger is coordinating this effort, vonberger@comcast.net .

We encourage lodge brethren and other interested Masons to take time to participate in any of these events.

To register, please fill out and return the following page, to:
Atlantic Brotherhood Summit
c/o Frank Harris
1200 Nicollet Mall, #610
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Send inquiries to Jason, or fharris@usinternet.com – we will contact you to confirm your reservations.

Atlantic Brotherhood Summit - Main Events Persons Price Each Amount
Thurs 6/2:- American BBQ: Join us at the home of Past Grand Master and
British ex-pat Andrew J. Rice. This is an event hosted by SWCL to welcome
our British brethren to the United States. It is complimentary to members of
those two lodges and their guests. Otherwise, $20 will cover food and drinks.
x
$20 (nonmembers)
$0
(members)
=
Fri 6/3 – Boat Cruise on the St. Croix by Paddleboat: This event will be held
on one of the historic riverboats that still ply the waters of the St. Croix and
Mississippi. The 2.5 hour cruise will include dinner. Prior to departure, guests
will have time to explore the antique shops, bookstores, river walk, and pubs of
historic Stillwater, Minnesota.
x $45
=
Sat 6/4 – British Emulation Master Mason Degree and Discussion at the
Minneapolis Scottish Rite Temple: For the first time in Minnesota history,
witness a performance of the Emulation Work by the officers of Internet Lodge
#9659. There is no charge for this event and the Q&A session immediately
following, but guests are encouraged to purchase for $12US a pair of souvenir
white gloves, specially created for this occasion. Funds will go to defray the
costs of bringing this unique event to the Masons of Minnesota. White gloves,
dues card, aprons (provided), dark suit will be required.
x $0
=
You may pre-pay for white gloves if you desire them, and do not have a
suitable pair of such gentlemens’ gloves. We appreciate your support. x $12 =
Sat 6/4 – British Festive Board at the Minneapolis Club: SWC Lodge will
host a formal dinner in this superb setting, complete with seven toasts,
delightful good cheer and their own unique tribute to our brother Winston
Churchill and the Sceptered Isle. Seating is limited to the first 110 guests.
x $75
=
Optional Events (all guided by local Masons)
Thurs 6/2 - Twin City Highlights Tour - Guided tour of Mpls & St. Paul -
provides an excellent orientation to the area. 3 hrs. x $32 =
Thurs 6/2 - Magical History Tour of Minneapolis on a Segway scooter. 3
hrs. Includes scooter rental. x $80 =
Thurs 6/2 - Walker Art Museum & Sculpture Gardens Tour Begins at 2pm.
This is a first-class modern art museum. x $10 =
Fri 6/3 - Fishing Expedition on City Lakes x $25 =
Fri 6/3 - Guthrie Theater Tour & Matinee x $36 =
Fri 6/3 - Pedal Pub Tour – Take a 2 hour cruise of the ethnic neighborhoods of
Northeast Minneapolis on a 16 person rolling pub that you pedal yourself.
Includes a visit to Nye’s Polonaise, Minnesota’s most famous Polish Bar. x $25 =
Sat 6/4 - Mall of America & Scavenger Hunt (organized for the ladies.)
Transportation and guide, included. x $20 =
Sat 6/4 - People Watching and Walk around city lakes w/ lunch at nice
lakeside restaurant, The Tin Fish. x $20 =
Mon 6/6 – Minnesota Third Degree at Lake Harriet Lodge. Some UK Masons
will stay to see our degree work. Includes a nice steak dinner.
x $10 =
Total – Add your fees here, and send a check for the total amount. =
Print Name___________________________________ Lodge _________________ Phone_____________________

New Grand Master of Minnesota

I was gazing out the window the other day watching the snowflakes falling upon the first new flowers of Spring. It reminded of a poem I learned from grade school.”Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal. The snows of winter melt away, flowers bloom, and the world seems new again.
What I appreciate about Spring is that explosion of new growth. The trees and plants and the air is filled with new energy. With the display of beauty that is better than I can remember.
So what does Spring have to do with Freemasonry? I think that we can learn from Mother Nature and use the time to give birth to new and better ways of doing things. Much like in the fall when trees drop their leaves and then are re-born in the spring.
And just like the Spring. Minnesota Freemasonry is experiencing new growth in new leadership, and many new programs that will be rolling out. While renewing many existing established one .
Just two weeks have passed since I took the obligation to serve as your Grand Master. I would like to give you an outline here of what you may expect to see in the next few week. The below is a part of my acceptance speech.

At this time I’m going to give you an outline -- in a nutshell -- of what I envision for the Craft for the upcoming year.
I believe that the Grand Master and Grand Lodge must lead by example…. to demonstrate its relevancy to our lodges and thereby inspire the lodges to be even more relevant to their members and community.
Some have remarked, with the best of intentions, that I’m a shadow of my former self…
Last year on April 8th, 2010 I applied my Masonic teachings and started my diet-Today I stand in front of you 100 pounds lighter.
I wanted to be prepared for the race ahead of me. I want to show you, that you up and coming leaders must prepare for the race ahead of you, as you plan for your coming year, or you masters, as you race to complete yours.
Many changes are ahead:
This year we will be breaking new ground in Minnesota by establishing pilot projects that will bring greater visibility to the Masonic lodges in their communities all across the state of Minnesota.
We are going to address some of our old problems using new ideas while holding on to our valued traditions.
These projects are based on other programs that have had great success in other Grand Lodges and by a small number of successful Minnesota Lodges.
Number #1
2011 will be a pilot year for the Lodge Open House Program where at least twenty specifically selected lodges will be asked to participate in holding events spanning three months. This will include Lodge Re-union, Open Houses, and New Member Nights. Lessons of learned successes and challenges experienced this first year will be collected for program improvement going forward.
This three part plan will help the local lodge become more relevant to its members, gain positive exposure in their community and provide new opportunities to obtain new members.
Number #2
It is the solemn duty of the Grand Master to promote the image of Minnesota Freemasonry, and part of that job is to support Minnesota Masonic Charities. Therefore, I will be leading a team called “Masons in Motion” in running the Twin Cities Marathon while using that race to raise money for Masonic Charities. Supporting me in this venture and highly visible around here this weekend are the brethren of one of my lodges, Sir Winston Churchill #351.
This event supports those who support us, in order to give back, and make Minnesota Masonic Charities even stronger for future generations. The goal for the Masons In Motion project is to encourage pledges as individuals or lodges. A letter was mailed to all lodges several weeks ago, encouraging participation, and to attempt to gain a pledge from every lodge in the state. We also hope to earn pledges from as many individuals as possible. This pledge can be large or small.

Training like this is…, well…, I thought losing weight was tough. Let’s just say that marathon runners are a breed apart. Already, the team has added five other runners.
I need your help… I’ll be 57 years old just days after the Marathon. This time last year I couldn't’t run across the street not to mention 26 miles. Now, I come home from work and put my shoes on and out the door I go. I run for three to five miles to train for the day… its exhausting work.
Run with me. By that, I mean, step up for your lodges, and pitch in. Sure, you can run the race. But, in a larger sense, step up and accept my challenge to take your game up a notch, and make this a great year for your lodge and your community. And brothers, dig deep and consider a donation to Charities as part of our Masons in Motion project.
It is important for you to know that 100 % of the funds you pledge goes directly to Charities. Neither my race team, nor Sir Winston Churchill retains any of the funds in this effort.
I hope to see you all at the finish line.

Now if that’s not enough pain and suffering how about this?
Number Three
I have always encouraged lodges to support those charities that help their local communities. One such charity is Special Olympics. Special Olympics Minnesota is founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports.
The Minnesota Special Olympics is one of those organizations who can help make a difference in people’s lives.
I will lead teams of Local Lodges across the state to participate in the annual Polar Bear Plunge, benefit ting the Special Olympics.
For some reason it was chillier this year than it had been in previous years…
Again, we will jump into frozen lakes in the middle of a Minnesota Winter to gain positive awareness of Minnesota Freemasonry while raising money for children with disabilities. Those of you that have jumped with me before will be able to attest to that this is one of those experiences that is filled with Brotherly Love.
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These are just a few of the events that are going to be going on in the next few months. If you want to hear a lot more stick around for the installation.
Let’s briefly talk about appointments:
Worshipful Brother Ed Halpaus, will you please rise?
My plan is to appoint Worshipful Brother Ed Halpaus as the Junior Grand Warden to the progressive line. If tradition prevails he will be Minnesota’s Grand Master in 2018. As you know, Brother Ed is a tireless worker of the Craft. He works four to eight hours a day to provide Masonic Enlightenment as the Grand Lodge LEO. His work is published and read worldwide. He brings much credit to Minnesota Freemasonry.
Ed will never say that a project is too big or will take too much time.
Ed’s Masonic resume and credentials provided him with the tool box of knowledge to get the job done.
He is driven for his love and passion for the Craft.
Ed is ready for the challenge of guiding the Grand Lodge into the future.
I am proud to call him my friend and Brother.
There are a number of other important and strategic appointments that I am planning to make. I will reveal those latter this afternoon.
My theme for this year will be “Freemasonry A Way of Life.” I will be talking about this theme throughout the year, and celebrating the ideals and teaching that sets Freemasons apart from the rest.
The blueprints are now complete and will be placed upon the trestle board. Now is the time for us to work together and overcome some of the challenges that we face to ensure the future of Freemasonry in Minnesota.
And last
It is my wish that you be blessed with good health and accomplishments now and in the days to come.
I pray that our Great Architect will watch over us but more especially our men and women in our Armed Forces. May he bless them and keep them safe.
Together, we can fight the good fight. Together, we will win the race.
See all at the finish line !

Worlds Oldest FreeMason dies at 114

The Worlds oldest man Walter Breuning of Great Falls Montana has layed down his working tool and walked out the West gate at 114 years.

He passed away of natural causes in a Great Falls hospital. He has not been feeling good most of April.

Walter was born in Melrose Minnesota on September 21 1886.

Walter has requested no funeral service. He asked that donations be made to the Shriner's Hospital and to the Scottish Rite Language Disorder Center.

I know Walter will be missed by his Brothers. I was at a few Masonic gatherings and heard stories about Walter from a few Past Grand Masters that knew him.

Alas My Brother

Great Idea to Raise Money fror the Shrine Hospitals

The Long and the Short of It – Shrine Sporting Clays Association Going on its fifth year, the Yaarab Shriners out of Georgia has taken their skill and passion and made it into a local and national event to support and raise monies for The Shrine Hospitals for Children. Clay shooting has become a popular sport and past time, so it was an easy decision to tap into their interests to raise monies for the Shriners Children Hospitals and reach out to potential members for Yaarab Shrine to bring greater awareness of the organization and the Shrine Hospitals for Children. The success of Shrine Sporting Clay Association has attracted national attention and others look to their organization for ways of making their own events successful. To learn more about Shrine Sporting Clays Association and ways they have made this event and others successful; please visit their website, www.shrinesportingclays.org/about-us/get-involved/.

Things to Come

This was taken the day I posed for my officical portrait.

Looks pretty good now that I have lost 100 pounds since April 9th, 2010.

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!