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.
------------
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