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!

Masons in Motion-running Twin Cities Marathon

It’s about being a Mason … in motion.


Masons In Motion is about giving back. It’s about being a part of something bigger than ourselves. It's about uniting the Fraternity to support those who support us. It’s about supporting Minnesota Masonic Charities. “Don’t just be a Mason, be a Mason In Motion.”

Masons In Motion and the 2011 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
Should tradition prevail, RWB Tom Hendrickson will become Grand Master of Masons in MN this coming April. One of his goals is to complete the 30th Annual 2011 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon on October 2, using the event to promote the Craft. Supporting him, Sir Winston Churchill Lodge #351 formed Masons In Motion.

Goals of Masons In Motion
Masons In Motion has several important goals. The first goal is to raise money for charity with all proceeds to go to support the work of Minnesota Masonic Charities.
Minnesota Masonic Charities (MMC) is the philanthropy of Minnesota Masons and Stars which fully represents the generosity of the Minnesota Masonic Family. Whether it is support for the Masonic Cancer Center in its efforts to find a cure, the care of our seniors in the historic tradition of two Masonic Homes, Bloomington and North Ridge, the pledge to the future by providing scholarships for Minnesota students, or the partnership with Lodges and Chapters in matching grants for programs in their communities, MMC offers a capable, committed and compassionate foundation for the many charitable endeavors of Minnesota Masonry.

The second, and perhaps most important is to help unite the fraternity and give back. On behalf of RWB Tom Hendrickson, Masons In Motion is asking that each body within the Minnesota Masonic Family make a pledge to this great philanthropy of whatever sum you feel is appropriate.

How can you be a member of Masons In Motion?
You can participate in a number of ways.

Lodge or Chapter Support

As a Lodge or Chapter may make a Pledge to support Team Masons In Motion. Our goal, to support RWB Tom Hendrickson, is to recruit 100% participation of every Lodge and Chapter in the state. The amount of your pledge is secondary to your participation. The dollar amount is not the goal. Participation is.
Individual Support
As a member of the fraternity, you are encouraged to make a Pledge to support either Team Masons In Motion and/or an individual Team Runner.

Volunteer
We have a number of opportunities for you to be able to get involved and volunteer.

Cheer
Save the date! October 2, 2011. Minneapolis to St. Paul. See you at the finish!

Run
If you are a member of the Masonic Fraternity and would like to run the marathon with RWB Tom Hendrickson and Team Masons In Motion you are welcome to join them in this endeavor.
Presently the running team consists of 6 Master Masons who have committed to run. They include: RWB Tom Hendrickson; MWB Andy Rice, WM Sir Winston Churchill Lodge #351; WB Dan Akins, SW Sir Winston Churchill Lodge #351; Bro. Bob Davis, JW Sir Winston Churchill Lodge #351; Bro. Chris Taylor Sir Winston Churchill Lodge #351; and Sean Gardiner, WM Dakota Lodge #7. While presently the majority of runners are from Sir Winston Churchill Lodge #351.
To run on the team, two rules will be in effect. The first rule is you must wear the Masons In Motion Team Uniform. The second rule is that the Grand Master (should tradition prevail) must finish before all other team runners. This will not be a run for time, but a run for the fraternity, with RWB Tom Hendrickson leading the way.

Team Runs
The Running Team has already begun training for the event. We meet at least once per month to run together, followed by coffee at Caribou. Come and join us!
How to contact Masons In Motion

Make a Pledge
Pledges may be made online at: Sir Winston Churchill Lodge: www.churchilllodge.org and click on the Masons In Motion Logo on the right-hand column. Or, Masons In Motion: www.churchilllodge.org/events/MasonsInMotion.aspx. A Pledge form may also be downloaded from the website and sent to either Bro. Bob Davis, Masons In Motion Event Chair or Bro. Jim Martin, Treasurer. Their addresses are on the form.
A link to our page may also be located towards the bottom of the page on the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Charity Team web page at: http://www.mtcmarathon.org/Marathon/CharityTeams.cfm

Participate
In addition to pledging, if you, your Lodge or Chapter would like to participate in any way, contact Bro. Bob Davis, Masons In Motion Event Chair.
Bro. Bob Davis, Masons In Motion Event Chair
2200 Grimm Road
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 738-1888
rsdavis@financialcompass.com

In short, Masons In Motion is about being a part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s about coming together as a Minnesota Masonic Family and celebrating by giving back.
Be a Mason In Motion.

Happy Birthday Brother George Washington!

Happy Birthday Brother George Washington!

While researching information regarding Brother George Washington, an interesting fact is that he was born in accordance of the Julian calendar, which was the calendar used at the time of his birth, February 11, 1731. According to the Gregorian calendar, adopted in 1752, George Washington’s birth date was February 22, 1732.

Brother George Washington was an honored and respected Mason. At the age of 20, Washington was initiated as Apprentice on November 4, 1752 in Fredericksburg, VA. It was with his compassionate nature, appreciation and understanding of the Masonic system that he flourished, and on August 4, 1754 George Washington was raised to Master Mason. As his character suggests he was a ‘Just and Upright Mason’.
In his Presidential and Masonic career he presided in the cornerstone ceremony for the US Capitol in 1793.

George Washington was noted as a noble opponent, as well as a Brother. This was witnessed while a British traveling Lodge fell into the hands of American forces after being defeated; chests belonging to the British Lodge with contents of jewels and other treasures were ultimately surrounded to the American forces. Upon learning this, George Washington with his elegance and honor demanded the contents to be returned to the Lodge and regiment. With this noble act he gained much respect from the opponents.

On December 18, 1799 George Washington was laid to rest and buried at Mt. Vernon with Masonic rites.

One January 15th, 2012 The Grand Lodge of Minnesota held its annual One Day to Masonry at the Scottish Rite Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I knew it was going to be a good day when I arrived. The parking lot was full.The closest parking spot I could find was six blocks away.

The 58 Candidates enjoyed a full day of the finest Masonic Degree work in all of Minnesota. Not only the Candidates enjoyed the work but so did the 220 side liners. Here it is becoming popular for the Brothers to come and see the degrees and have lunch and renew friendships.

You hear alot of talk about those who participate in the One day Class vs those who participate in the more traditional routes. So I have some numbers for you to look at and you can decide for your self.

Since October 23, 1998 we have raised 1242 Masons in the One Day Classes. Today were still have 886 members, 36 have died, 320 have withdrawn or have been dropped due to N.P.D.

During the exact same time frame we raised in the traditional method 4523 Masons there are today 3522 members. You do the math.

I was not in favor of the One Day to Masonry when it first started.But I have come to the conclusion that there isn't any difference in the route you select. It is up to the individual and the lodge mentoring on the type and quality of Mason the Candiate becomes.

Here we have Custodians of the Ritual work, Grand Lodge Officers, a lot of Past Masters who were all One Day Candidates.

I am very proud of the quality of the work, the site that we hold the event and right down to the lunch we provide. So I invite you if you have an opportunity to come and spend the day and I think you ll enjoy it.

Photo provided by Brother Richard Herviex of Minnesota River Valley Lodge

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.

Tolerance Tuesday on Wednesday

Being Free Masons we are always seeking for enlightement and words to be inspired by. I have been meaning to make a post on a regular basis on Tolerence. I was going to call it Tolerence Tuesday.....I know Im late.

Toleration is the best religion." -- Victor Hugo

The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity.”-- Benjamin Franklin