The mission of the Freemasons of Minnesota is to engage and inspire The Minnesota good men, who believe in a Supreme Being, to live according to Masonic tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. MASON

May–June 2020 VOL. 68, No. 1

April 3–4, 2020 – Bloomington, Minnesota Summary of the 167th Annual Comunication of the of A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota

Grand Master The 167th Annual Communication of this The following Grand Officers were appointed • Grand Orient of Santa Catarina, Brazil, Grand Lodge was largely canceled due to the and installed: mutual recognition granted; Mice & Men COVID-19 pandemic, and resulting Stay-At-Home Grand L.E.O. Andrew S. Niemyer (186) • Grand Orient Paulista, Brazil, order issued by Governor Tim Walz. However, Grand Chaplain Jeffrey Seaberg (8) mutual recognition granted; arrangements were made for an electronic ballot Grand Orator Christopher Wendover (205) • Grand Orient do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to be conducted on April 3rd and 4th, 2020. Of Sr. Grand Deacon Foster Solem (1-165-176) mutual recognition granted; the 130 Constituent Lodges currently chartered Grand Lodge Jr. Grand Deacon Robert S. Davis (113) • Regular Grand Lodge of Italy, by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, 111 were News Grand Marshal Clinton Christensen (67) awaiting further information, no action taken; represented. A total of 316 delegates voted. Gr. Standard Bearer Terrance Schaffer (30-95) pages 1–3, 8 • Grande Loge Oecumenique d’Orient et During 2019 there were 285 Master Gr. Sword Bearer Zeb Dudek (25) d’Occident, France, Masons raised, 162 affiliated, and 38 restored, Sr. Grand Steward Shawn R. Carrick (8-258) recognition not granted. for a total gain of 485. Losses were 188 with- Jr. Grand Steward Charles S. Brust (21) drawn, 175 stricken, 2 suspended or expelled, Grand Pursuivant R. Sean Gardiner (5-7) and 377 deceased, for a total loss of 742; Grand Tyler Aaron Simms (21) An Installation of Grand Lodge Officers, leaving a net total membership of 10,391 as Grand Piper Ralph L. Magnusson (344) Area Deputies, District Representatives and of January 1, 2020. (Mergers inflate the with- Custodians was held Saturday, April 4, at 2:00 There were no resolutions to amend the drawn and affiliated numbers.) p.m., via Zoom meeting, and was well attended. Minnesota Masonic Code presented. The following Grand Officers were elected and installed: Elected as Directors of the Minnesota Masonic The 168th Annual Communication will be Charities board, each for a three-year term: Grand Master Ethan A. Seaberg held at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center, Minnesota M.W.B. Steven R. Johnson (209) (8), Red Wing, MN Bloomington, Minnesota, on April 9 and 10, 2021. Masonic Deputy Grand Master Rolf M. Widstrand W.B. Robert L. Fendler (176) (293), Aurora, MN W.B. James Proctor (349) Charities A full report of the modified 167th Annual Senior Grand Warden Tony R. Krall W.B. G. Roger McNear, III (273) pages 4–5 Communication, along the reports presented, (165), Eagan, MN will be printed in the 2020 Annual Proceedings, Junior Grand Warden Dayton L. Berg (2-125), Formal requests for recognition were received Rush City, MN from seven foreign Grand Lodges this past year: which will be available for distribution as soon Grand Treasurer Frank J. Spevak (118), • Grand Orient of Mines Gerais, Brazil, as possible. The Preprinted Report booklet con- Woodbury, MN mutual recognition granted; taining this year’s reports is available on the Grand Secretary Keith W. Reierson (5), • Grand Orient of Mato Grosso do Sul, Grand Lodge of Minnesota website at Eagan, MN Brazil, mutual recognition granted; www.mn-masons.org.

Lodge News Helios Lodge and Mora Lodge raise three Master Masons & Views page 6 Masonic Family News page 7

The Brethren of Helios Lodge No. 273, Cambridge, along with some Traveling Craftsman from Mora Lodge raised Brothers T. Rush and L. Furber from Helios and Brother D. Christianson from Mora to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on February 10, 2020. Grand Lodge Mice & Men of Minnesota M.W.B. Ethan A. Seaberg Grand Master GRAND VIEW

“The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Grand View was implemented in that Men gang aft agley, an’ lea’e us nought state. They loved their old system. They Your Grand Lodge Officers are pleased to announce but grief an’ pain, for promis’d joy!” also wished the that we have engaged Grand View Systems to provide hadn’t waited so long to get the new one. If there were ever a time to lead a I cannot leave this first column as an membership management and communications systems column with that particular Bro. Robert elected Grand Master without notes of for our jurisdiction. Burns line, I suppose this is it. Talk about thanks. To the Craft of Minnesota for this the universality of Masonry, with a few incalculable privilege I say thank you. To Grand View is a state-of-the-art system that will replace million Brothers around the world can- M.W. Bro. David Olson, I thank you for our existing databases and allow us to enhance management celling festive boards and Degree work setting me on this path. To the Brothers and communication at the Grand Lodge, Lodge, and individual and even strawberry festivals seemingly who worked so hard to launch electronic member levels. They have been in business for several years and by the hour. And while Charlie Brown voting for the recent Grand Officer elec- may not have been a Freemason, I’m still tion, and to the Corporate Board and are currently serving more than 30 Grand Lodges. moved to quote him, “Good grief.” Jurisprudence Committee who lent their As an active member, you will have access to update and COVID-19 may have pushed “Pause” consent to its use, I add great thanks. To on our usual Masonic plans, but—just like our Grand Secretary, I say thank you, correct your contact information, set communication preferences, scrappy Brothers everywhere—we adapt Keith,, for becoming during the last two and update other personal information, including birth date, place and we overcome. We’re meeting virtually, months the living embodiment of yeoman’s of birth, and occupation. Members will also have access to the we’re studying, we’re being charitable, work. And importantly to my wife, Karen, private member portal where you can find lodge meetings and we’re planning for the day when a for allowing me to take this journey and phased return to Masonry is possible. As coming along for the ride. Thank you, all. throughout the state, get information on lodge events, and access the shelter-in-place order moved into its I would be remiss if I didn’t end educational materials. second month, a group of Minnesota where I began, with Robert Burns and the Masons was working hard to create rec- field mouse. Most of you know Bro. This system is designed to distribute access and control of ommendations, guidance, and links to Burns was moved to write his poetic lodge records down to the lodge secretary. Your Lodge Secretary resources about how best to safely phase lament after destroying a winter home will have access to your member record to make changes to his- back to fraternal relations. I thank them made in a plowed field by a tiny little tory and office positions. for their work, look forward to sharing mouse. One needn’t be a fan of rodents to with you the product of it, and thank you still empathize with a living being whose In addition to the record management features, Grand View all for considering your own safe plans frozen death was just assured by a plow also provides communication abilities for Lodges to create posts for return. blade. But in the final stanza, Burns says Lodge administration has just been despite that mouse’s fate, humans in dis- and events that are automatically emailed to the members who made a little easier with the advent of our tress fare the worse for the curse of our use email and mail merge letters for those that do not. new statewide member management sys- being able to “backward cast [our] e’e tem. Brought to us by the Brothers at on prospects drear! An’ forward tho’ [we] Grand View Systems, the details of the canna see, [we] guess an’ fear!” We hope you are as excited as we are about this new endeavor. program are laid out in this Minnesota We Masons could do that, we could Mason, and I hope as you become accus- despair at the past losses we’ve felt or tomed to the software you’ll be as appre- fear those likely still to come. But we ciative of the resource as the other 37 needn’t . . . jurisdictions currently using it. I had the We’ve faith an’ hope after all. great delight of sitting at a banquet table of Texas Lodge secretaries shortly after Fraternally. Grand Lodge of Minnesota

Grand Lodge of Minnesota GRAND VIEW Annual Communications April 9–10, 2021 April 8–9, 2022 HOW TO REGISTER AS A MEMBER Bloomington, Minnesota St. Cloud, Minnesota Grand View Procedure

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx-WliihfcM CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM The Minnesota MASON Name ______May–June 2020 VOL. 68, No. 1 Step 1 – Enter the url for your jurisdiction: The Minnesota MASON (USPS 593- https://mn.grandview.systems Lodge ______460) is the only official publication of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Step 2 – Click on Member Portal Old Address ______Minnesota. It is published bimonthly in January-February, March-April, May- Old City ______Step 3 – Click on Member Registration June, July-August, September- Old State/ZIP ______October, and November-December. Step 4 – Enter your Lodge Number Office of publication of The Minnesota New Address ______MASON is the Grand Lodge of Step 5 – Enter your Member ID Minnesota, 11501 Masonic Home Drive, (5-digit Grand Lodge ID number from top left of your 2020 dues card) New City ______Bloomington, Minnesota 55437-3699. Telephone number is 952-948-6700. New State/ZIP ______Step 6 – Enter your Last Name (case sensitive) Periodicals Postage Paid at Saint Paul, New Phone ______Minnesota, and additional entry offices. Step 7 – Click on Check Membership Status POSTMASTER: Please send address Effective date of change______corrections to The Minnesota MASON, Step 8 – Enter your Email Address 11501 Masonic Home Drive, Mail: Office of the Grand Secretary Bloomington, Minnesota 55437-3699. 11501 Masonic Home Drive Step 9 – Enter a Password that you can remember Bloomington, MN 55437-3699 Design & Layout Bobbie Lampi Step 10 – Enter Confirmation by entering password again Phone: 952-948-6700 or 800-245-6050 RSL desktop publishing services Email: [email protected] [email protected] Step 11 – Click on Submit

2 The Minnesota MASON May–June 2020 Lodge Education Officer = LEO = Masonic Conundrum by Andrew Niemyer, Education Committee

Leadership, Education, Oratory Andrew Niemyer, GLEO Conundrum 80 and then a random number generator was Our last Conundrum turned out to be used to select six winners. Those winners “Washington Lodge, No. 1, of Baltimore, quite a puzzler, judging from the respons- are indicated by an asterisk. They will was organized 26 April 1819 under the lead- es. In Conundrum #80, we looked at what receive a prize from Grand Lodge: ership of Thomas Wildey, now recognized as happened after the two prominent English 1. Clay Anderson, St. Paul No. 3 the founder of American Odd Fellowship.” Grand Lodges of the 1700’s, the so-called 2. Doug Twite, Red River No. 292 Thomas Wildey was born in London, “Moderns” and “Ancients,” reconciled in 3. Ronald Bradly, Ancient Landmark No. 5 4. Casey Wolford, North Star No. 23 Who Are Those Guys? England, January 15, 1782. He was left an November 1813, by the Articles of Union 5. Steve Bernu, Anoka No. 30 As a youth, every summer was marked orphan five years later – and the Odd Fellow and began to combine their rituals and pledge to “Educate the Orphan” sprang from practices. At that time, the Lodge of with a lengthy camping trip somewhere in Conundrum 81 his personal childhood experiences. At the Reconciliation was chartered to combine America’s west. We passed through many This issue of the Conundrum is a bit age of 14, Wildey went to live with an uncle... that work. That Lodge first performed their a small, picturesque town, be it in the older, but in many ways more relevant: It He was initiated into the in work in May 1816 and then dissolved in Rocky Mountains, California’s Sierra involves one of the most storied Brothers 1804 on reaching manhood (age of 21) in September of that year. Three new Lodges Nevada foothills (a.k.a. “Gold Country”) in United States Masonry, President which he distinguished himself by his zeal were then chartered specifically to work to or elsewhere in the many scenic by-ways George Washington. Somewhere in the and integrity and quickly “passed the chairs.” continue to reconcile the work. What were and back-country places across the region. US Capitol Building is a scene portraying When restlessness brought Thomas their names, when were they chartered and In almost every single town, my father our first US President in his Masonic Wildey to America in 1817, the British were what eventually became of their efforts? would note and point out an older build- apron laying the cornerstone of the build- still unpopular in the States because of the ing, generally made of stone, and graced ANSWER: Stability Lodge of Instruction, ing in 1793. Can you name where that War of 1812. In that year Baltimore was 1817; Lodge of Perseverance, January with three, inter-twined rings, and the ini- depiction is, what it is part of and when it suffering both a yellow fever epidemic and 1818; Emulation Lodge of Improvement, tials “I.O.O.F.” “Look,” he’d remark, was installed in the Capitol Building? mass unemployment. An outgoing personal- 1823. They did not meet with success; “there’s the Odd Fellows Hall!”* Send your answer in an email to ity, Wildey missed companionship and was each Lodge wound up teaching different The Odd Fellows? Who were they? [email protected]. Please determined to find if there were any other rituals; Emulation Lodge taught the Why were they considered “Odd” and why remember to include your name, lodge Odd Fellows in Baltimore Williams ritual; Stability taught the were their halls seemingly everywhere? Hemmings ritual and various other rituals name and number, and area. Six correct It took Wildey two attempts, on 13 English Origins stayed in use throughout the British Isles. entries, randomly selected from among February 1819, when he advertised in the Much like our own Craft, Odd The answer was drawn from Coil’s those received by 6/25/20, will receive a Baltimore American; and, again, 27 March Fellowship (“Oddfellows” in British English) “Masonic Encyclopedia, 1995” Revised prize from the Grand Lodge Education 1819, before the required “five for a quorum” traces its origin to the first half of the 18th Ed. Allan E. Roberts, Editor had been obtained. On the 26th of April 1819 Committee. Century and London, England. There’s no The following sent answers to this in the Seven Stars Tavern, the five self-insti- definitive source to define what an Conundrum. The answers were numbered tuted Washington Lodge No. 1. The minutes “Oddfellow” is, but speculation is that it state that the manner of institution was “ancient refers to those trades that were too small or usage.” This ceremony consisted of Wildey’s too obscure to have a large Guild and were obligation of himself in the presence of the It was during this same period that the in the individual IOOF lodge, but in their thus the “Odds and ends” of craftsmen. others, and, in turn, the obligation of his Odd Fellows became the first to establish appendant bodies, using allegory and lessons Another theory is that in the earliest days of companions. Subsequent events would indi- charitable homes for its elderly, infirm and to “elevate and improve the character” of speculative Masonry, many Lodges were cate that the Manchester Unity ceremonies other members in good standing, living up those who partake of the degree work. populated by the titled and well-to-do of of 1816 were used by Wildey and his four to its solemn pledge to attend to its members’ In sum, the IOOF has proclaimed the their communities and others were “too odd” associates: John Welch, John Duncan, John welfare. These homes remain in operation following as their stated purposes: to be considered for the administration of Cheatham and Richard Rushworth. to this day in locations around the United • To improve and elevate the character the then-two Degrees. Again, much as American Masonry States. of mankind by promoting the princi- Nonetheless, one theme remains clear, grew and contracted in cycles, so did the By 1861, Odd Fellows in the United ples of friendship, love, truth, faith, as the United States-based Independent States numbered in excess of 200,000, reflect- Order of Odd Fellows state on their website: Odd Fellows throughout the 19th Century. hope, charity and universal justice. ing its popularity and the appeal of its basic “The Odd Fellows started as a way to care for But, unlike in the United • To help make the world a better place to their members in a time when there were no sys- States, the Odd Fellows felt a need for an call for mutual support for members. After a live by aiding each other in times of tems in place to insure one’s welfare, health or job over-arching hierarchy, and in January 1825 contraction in membership due to the shatter- need and by organizing charitable proj- protection. Back in the early days, insurance com- the “Grand Lodge of the United States” was ing of the Union by the Southern Secession, ects and activities that would benefit the panies and government programs that provided established, with the Grand Lodges of the rebuilding years saw more growth again less fortunate, the youth, the elderly, the sick and death benefits did not actually exist. Massachusetts, Maryland, New York and as the displacements caused by industrializa- environment and the community in Sickness or death of a breadwinner frequently Pennsylvania subordinate to the GLUS. As tion led many to seek the pledged mutual aid every way possible. meant poverty and the responsibility of burial; noted above, no such over-arching Grand and support offered by the Odd Fellows. As • To promote good will and harmony depended on the family. During the 19th Century, Lodge exists to this day in the United the westward expansion continued across the amongst peoples and nations through life insurance was available only to the wealthy Kingdom. Yet, a trans-Atlantic unity was North American continent, so did the Odd the principle of universal fraternity, and beyond the financial ability of the average achieved when the GLUS was recognized as Fellows expand, establishing lodges in many working class. For these reasons, the Independent holding the belief that all men and such by the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows of the newly established cities and towns Order of Odd Fellows took on the responsibilities women regardless of race, nationality, across the American west, with Odd Fellow of visiting the sick, burying the dead, educating a year later, in 1826. This itself lasted until religion, social status, gender, rank the orphans and caring for the widows as a way 1843, when the GLUS split from the Halls or Temples proliferating. At one point and station are brothers and sisters. to support widows, orphans and families in need.” MUOO and chose to stand fully on its own they were presumed to have larger member- • To promote a wholesome fraternal Nonetheless, the earliest known records merits. It changed its name to the Sovereign ship than Freemasonry did in the United experience without violence, vices of a Lodge are that of Aristarchus Lodge No. 9, Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows in 1879. States. The movement spread world-wide, and discrimination of every form. dated March 12, 1748. Given its number, we It was during the Pre-Civil War period, especially in the British Commonwealth and Much as in Blue Lodge, after a member can assume there were eight other, earlier too, that the Grand United Order of Odd by 1922 it claimed 2,676,582 members. is admitted, they go through degree work, Lodges as well. The organization did not Fellows, American Jurisdiction, received its Modern Times although in Odd Fellows there are four, not remain monolithic for long, however. During charter from the Leeds-based British The Odd Fellows have, like so many three Degrees. The first is the Initiatory the struggle for the British crown of the mid- Oddfellows governing body, being chartered fraternal organizations, experienced contrac- Degree. Then follow the three degrees 1700’s, they split between the Order of as Philomathean Lodge No. 644 on March 1, tion over time, attributable by some to the named for the Odd Fellows’ motto (The ini- Patriotic Oddfellows, favoring William III of 1843. Much like Freemasonry, expansion of other social “safety nets,” tials for which fill in the three rings illustrat- England and the Ancient Order of Oddfellows, the GUOOF was and remains predominant- often established by governmental entities, ed at the top of this piece) Friendship (First), who supported the Scottish House of Stuart. ly African American in membership, a as well as the evolutionary and generational Love (Second) and Truth (Third). Upon (The discerning masonic scholar will note the reflection of the state of affairs that was part changes in American family structures, poli- being conferred with the Truth Degree, a use of the term “Ancient” here, much as the of the period. They are considered to stand cies and other factors in potential members’ member can then hold offices in the Lodge. on totally equal footing with all Odd fellows lives. However, with their full acceptance of we experienced our own issues between the Besides the Odd Fellows lodges them- and are in comity with the IOOF, who struck women from the Order of Rebekah as fully English “Moderns” and the Scottish selves, members have the opportunity to their previous racially restrictive membership “Ancients” within the Craft.) integrated members of the Odd Fellows in join the Rebekahs, Encampment, covenants decades ago, in the 20th Century. Various Oddfellow bodies sprung up the beginning of the 21st Century, they now Patriarchs Militant, Ancient Mystic Order across the British Isles over the ensuing Growth and Evolution report growing membership, as more men of Samaritans, the Ladies of the Orient and centuries and have never coalesced in a On September 20, 1851, IOOF became and women discover the Order. a number of youth-oriented groups. body like the UGLE. Yet, they remain the first national fraternity to accept both men Fundamental Beliefs, Degrees and For more information, including the active in society across the British Isles. and women when it formed the Daughters of Appendant Bodies location of several Odd fellow Lodges here Odd Fellows Come to America Rebekah. , Vice President of The Odd Fellows core tenants are as stat- in Minnesota, their Sovereign Grand Lodge Just as Masonry expanded first to the the United States (1869–1873) under ed at the beginning of this article and reflect website is http://www.odd-fellows.org colonies that clung to the eastern edge of President Ulysses S. Grant, was the force its underpinnings as a mutual aid society. * My paternal grandfather, an operating engi- North America and then to newly independ- behind the movement. This is a branch to They can be summarized in three words: neer, was an Odd Fellow in New Mexico and ent states and nation, so did Odd fellowship which both sexes are admitted but was made Friendship, from being part of a greater net- California. spread westward across the Atlantic. The with a view to admitting women to the Order. work of men and women around the world, “Every Mason can be an Educator.” first recorded lodge was Shakespeare No. 1, Later the name was changed to Rebekah’s. regardless of faith, race, gender, occupation established in New York City in 1806. This system remains in place, but in 2001, and ability. Love, which directly reflects on With fraternity and in light, Others followed throughout the region, some Rebekah’s were fully admitted to the IOOF the mission to “visit the sick, relieve the dis- WB Andrew Niemyer, Grand Lodge LEO meeting with success, others not so much. on a completely equal standing and fully able tressed, bury the dead and educate the [email protected] Finally, as the Odd Fellows note to hold any and all offices in Odd Fellows. orphan.” Truth, reflects the ritual work, both “Quarite plus lucem – Seek More Light”

May–June 2020 The Minnesota MASON 3 Introducing the MASONIC INSTITUTE FOR THE DEVELOPING BRAIN

The former Healthcare for Children campus will now house the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain.

Minnesota Masonic Charities has School and College of Education roof at the site of the former example of how we can unite the announced a gift of $35 million to the and Human Development (CEHD), Shriners Healthcare for Children incredible expertise of the University University of Minnesota to establish this first-of-its-kind institute will campus in Minneapolis, an array of with the capacity of Minnesota and name the Masonic Institute for bring together teams of researchers experts will tackle such disorders Masonry to benefit all Minnesotans the Developing Brain, an interdisci- and clinicians who study how the as autism, ADHD, cognitive delays, and, indeed, the world,” said MMC plinary initiative focused on the early brain is built during early childhood drug addiction and severe depression— President and CEO, Eric diagnosis, prevention and treatment and adolescence—formative years conditions that often start early and Neetenbeek. Leadership is in place of neurodevelopmental disorders in when the brain is most receptive to have lifelong consequences. for the new Institute, which is set to early childhood and adolescence. positive intervention. “The Masonic Institute for the open in fall 2021. For more informa- Led by the U of M Medical Working together under one Developing Brain is yet another tion, visit MnMasonicCharities.org.

2020 Masonic Scholars ANNOUNCED

The 2020 Minnesota Masonic $1,500 for up to two years. Scholarships Program announced the Over 600 applicants vied for the recipients of this year’s awards on May 1, coveted scholarships; the process of 2020. applying is open from December 1 to Awardees, listed on the February 15 each year. For more MnMasonicCharities. org website, information, or to see a full list of the include six Signature Scholarship 2020 Masonic Scholars, please visit recipients, each receiving $5,000 per MnMasonicCharities.org/what-we-do/ year for up to four years, 11 Legacy scholarships. Scholarship recipients, each receiving $4,000 per year for up to four years, 20 Heritage Scholarship recipients, each receiving $3,000 per year for up to four years, 25 Undergraduate Scholarship recipients, each receiving $2,500 per year for up to three years, and 23 Two- 2020 Signature Scholar Year College and Vocational/Technical 2020 Signature Scholar Angelina Dodge Scholarship recipients, each receiving Thor Oase

4 The Minnesota MASON May–June 2020 Minnesota Masonic Charities’ Response to EMERGENCY RELIEF

At Minnesota Masonic Charities, Protecting Our Most more by visiting our website or con- we are dedicated to being a sage Vulnerable tacting Lauren Ide at 952-948-6502. steward of your donations, and of Very early on in the pandemic’s your charitable interests. In times of cycle, Minnesota Masonic Home Responding to Minnesota hardship, it is never more important implemented strident procedures to Communities that we have the resources and forti- protect our residents, patients and staff As the COVID-19 pandemic taxes tude to respond to society’s most from the novel cornovirus (COVID-19). local nonprofit resources, Minnesota pressing needs. As we face the chal- As recommended by the Minnesota Masonry works with Minnesota lenges today and ahead, rest assured Department of Health and the CDC, Masonic Charities to provide help in that MMC is capable: our capacity to regular screening of the entire staff the form of matching grants. MMC continue our charitable endeavors upon entrance to our facility was provides matching grants up to and nimbly address new ones implemented as well as other infection $10,000 per grant and a maximum of remains strong and steadfast. control protocols. $25,000 per Masonic organization in Thank you to those who recognize Nevertheless, introduction of the any one calendar year! To take that, by investing in MMC today, you COVID-19 virus to the Home occurred advantage of this program, visit have the ability to impact so many on April 10, when an employee tested Curating our Heritage MnMasonicCharities.org/masons- when it is most vital. Contact John positive. We moved from a state of Although offerings at the Ives stars or contact Deb Cutsinger at Schwietz, our Director of Institutional “readiness” to a state of “rapid Auditorium have ground to a halt and [email protected] or call Advancement, for more information response,” working tirelessly to imple- our museum and library are closed 952-948-6200. on how you can make a difference at ment all precautions to eradicate the for the safety of our patrons, we’ve 651-210- 5240. And read on to dis- virus and keep others from infection. A taken this opportunity to focus on cover the many ways in which MMC “no visitors” policy remains in effect some significant internal projects at is springing into action. at the Home. For up-to-date informa- the Masonic Heritage Center. We’ve tion, visit MnMasonicHome. org. been adding artifacts to our online A Voice for Children collection and searchable library The Minnesota Masonic databases, which you may find at Children’s Clinic for Communication MasonicHeritageCenter.org. COMMUNITY Disorders in Duluth, Minnesota, has If you are cleaning house during temporarily closed in response to the this time of social distancing, contact Governor’s mandate, but will resume us if you come across any Masonic SCHOLARSHIPS services soon. Our therapists keep artifacts you’d like to donate to our busy, regularly checking in on their collection: 952-948-6507. As we DEADLINE clients through telephone and online anticipate opening soon, please note visits. Meanwhile, we’ve ramped up that we are accepting rental reserva- our communications to supplement tions for our beautiful spaces! Find out JUNE 30 our support, offering weekly “Tips from the Clinic” blog posts and daily Forms located at social media suggestions for thera- peutic play. In addition, the clinic has MnMasonicCharities.org/ moved its popular Autism Parent Workshops to webinar format, draw- masons-stars ing participants from across the state. Our heroes at Minnesota Masonic For more information, visit Home MasonicChildrensClinic.org.

Eric Neetenbeek Sue Mork Deb Cutsinger Kelly Johns President/CEO CFO Executive Assistant Director, Marketing & Communications [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Kim Ramaker John Schwietz Funds Development Acctg Manager Director of Institutional Advancement [email protected] [email protected]

May–June 2020 The Minnesota MASON 5 News & Views from the Lodges Anoka Lodge performs degrees Mound Lodge gives to area food shelf

The Masons of Mound Lodge No. 320 announced their gift, combined with community donations, total- ing $10,000 to the Westonka Food Shelf, located in Mound, MN. The donation also includes a match- ing gift from Minnesota Masonic Charities. “It’s what we do,” said Vernon Schwalbe, Lodge secretary. “We fundraise to help people in our communities, and we’re fortunate to also have the support of The Brethren of Anoka Lodge No. 30 put on a Fellow Craft Degree, bringing five Brothers to More Minnesota Masonic Charities to be able to double these donations.” The grant to Westonka Food Shelf Light, Brother Julio Herrera did great his first time in the East, as Brother Daryl Warmack performed will help diminish food insecurity during this time of pandemic and economic insecurity in the areas of the Middle Chamber as the actual Senior Deacon for his first time and nailed it perfectly! Mound, Minnetrista, St. Bonifacius, Navarre, Minnetonka Beach, Maple Plain and surrounding areas. Cass Lodge raises three brothers in Master Mason degree

The Brothers of Cass Lodge No. 243 put on a Master Masons Degree for three new Brothers, one being a courtesy for Newport Lodge No. 118. Prudence Lodge holds fundraiser to support scout troop

The Brethren of Prudence Lodge No. 97 at Windom sponsored a Waffle Brunch Fundraiser to benefit the local Scout Troop 10 – BSA recently. They were assisted by Ben Franklin Lodge No. 114 from Luverne who provided the waffle irons and expertise to serve the hungry patrons. Members of the scout troop pitched in, helping to serve plus clearing and resetting tables.The benefit raised $940.83 which was matched by Minnesota Masonic Charities to fund scouting activities. Thanks to Br. Mitch Voehl, Senior Warden of Prudence Lodge, for chairing the event.

6 The Minnesota MASON May–June 2020 News from the Masonic Family

Laid up among the archives… The Zarthan Lodge Bible When doing an inventory of the Nelson Library, I found that we have many, many copies and versions of the Holy Bible. They are small and large, good condition and not-so-good condi- tion, Masonic and non-Masonic style. By definition, a Masonic bible typically has Masonic symbols stamped on the cover, additional informational pages, and places to enter dates for degrees received. Variations for the Order of the Eastern Star, Job’s This photo shows a section of one of the Daughters, Royal Arch Order of High pages listing the names of charter members of Priesthood (and so on) may follow in a simi- Zarthan Lodge. lar format as the Lodge-style bible, but with items specific to the particular organization. The subject of this piece is, and is not, a Masonic Bible. How’s that, you say? The Zarthan Lodge bible was a stock, early-20th Further Light century A. J. Holman bible to which items Inside the front cover is a group of photos of peculiar to the Symbolic Lodge have been the first Master, first Senior Warden, first The front cover of the Zarthan Lodge No. 309 added. A. J. Holman did produce Masonic Junior Warden, and fist Brother raised. bible gives dates for Dispensation (November 26, bibles, but this isn’t one of them. A. J. in Masonry 1921), Charter Granted (January 19, 1922) Holman’s (now B&H Publishing Group) and Constituted (March 1, 1922). beginnings go back to 1738, and their wisdom from which we draw strength has products were known to be quality goods. been adorned with beauty. Though in poor This volume is 37 cm. tall x 30 cm. is a Brush’s Photo Studio montage of the condition (translation: well-used), this wide x 9 cm. thick, with gilt-edged pages, first: Master (Edgar Francis Comstock), , now nearly 100 and weighs over five pounds. The photo Senior Warden (Wesley Charles Bryant), years old, is a commemoration of those shows the stamped front cover. Junior Warden (Artemas Rice Hopkins), and who left it to us and future generations. There are ribbon bookmarks for the the first Brother Raised (Richard Charles Fiat Lux, Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft Winters). The following three of four flyleaf Mark Anderson degrees, on which the working tools of pages list the names of the 158 Charter —The author, Mark A. Anderson, is Library and each have been hand painted. The Master Members of the Lodge, as well as the first Museum Coordinator at the Minnesota Masonic Mason bookmark is missing. ten Brothers raised, on April 29, 1922. The Heritage Center, and the 2018 recipient of the national Duane E. Anderson Award for Excellence in Masonic Up to this point, there’s nothing remark- hand-written Engraver’s script, a lost art, Education. He has numerous Masonic honors, titles, able about this Bible. Its uniqueness begins was done by an unknown person. letters, and insignia which he could list after his name, We as Masons joined this great frater- behind the front cover. On back of the cover You could say that this volume of but prefers to hide his light under a bushel basket. nity for a variety of reasons: some were drawn by the history of the craft, some were brought to it by family ties, while others were hoping to find something Fidelity Lodge donates pancake breakfast proceeds more in life, to become better men or help their communities. Each of us first dis- covered this desire to be a Mason in our hearts and later by starting our journey by asking someone how to be one of us. The Degrees of the Blue Lodge begin the path that we all take towards Masonic Light and for some that is enough for them. They find harmony, joy and fulfill- ment by doing the work we do with our Brothers in the quarries. They may serve as Officers or on those important commit- tees or perhaps just be being one of those guys who come and help in any way needed—as so many great Brothers do. Our Appending Bodies play an impor- tant role in our growth as Masons and bring us closer as a fraternity, bringing Brothers from all over the state and some- times over the country together in more Fidelity Lodge No. 39, Austin, held a pancake breakfast fundraiser for the Austin High School National Honor Society. The efforts of that activity ways than even our Blue Lodges do. We generated a total of $890.00 to be used for their projects. The amount included a matching grant from Minnesota Masonic Charties. Pictured with learn new lessons to teach us how to be members of the at the check presentation are Chloey Camerer, Natalie Nunez, Kyle Murphy, and Kory Engelstad. more like that perfect ashlar and they remind us of those tenets and morals we wish to keep in our lives. For some, chari- ty is key to its most important lessons, though all have something more to share with those that join them. The variety of the appending bodies and the varying manner in which they provide their teachings make it so all can find some path that speaks to something within them. From the Shrine, , Grotto, Order of the Eastern Star or any one of the Bodies, there is much to be gained by joining any one of these. Knowledgeable Brothers are out there to explain and assist those who wish to know more about these organizations. LIFE of Mower County held a pancake breakfast fundraiser at the in January to support their program and projects. A total of Even if you don’t find a home in one $658.00 was raised which included a matching grant from Minnesota Masonic Charities. Pictured at the check presentation are members of the of them, the information gained by learn- LIFE Board of Directors and members of the Masonic Families in Austin. Pictured from Fidelity Lodge and Unity Chapter are, left to right, Wade ing more may spark your desire to seek Novak, Neil Hanson, Mary Hanson, Steve Neiswanger, and Brad Stout. light elsewhere.

May–June 2020 The Minnesota MASON 7 The Grand Lodge of Minnesota and Northern Star Scouting

The Grand Lodge of Minnesota is the Chartered Organization for Northern Star Scouting’s Huron and Polaris Districts. Through the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, Northern Star Scouting’s Special Programs Team is able to provide Scouting opportu- nities to underserved communities in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding suburbs. Northern Star Scouting’s Special Programs Team was established with the goal of addressing a lack of accessibility to Traditional Scouting, through unique and adaptable models. The Huron District was established with the intent to address a lack of accessibility to Traditional Scouting due to barriers such as cost, transportation, knowledge of scouting, and community presence. The Huron District’s Programs are free programs that operate in various schools, housing commu- nities, and recreation centers in Minneapolis, Programs focus on good citizenship, character ences for people of all ages and abilities. St. Paul, and the surrounding suburbs. The development, and a positive attitude through The Grand Lodge of Minnesota is an fun and adventurous programming for stu- unparalleled supporter of Northern Star dents designed to engage, enrich, and excite. Scouting’s Huron District and Polaris The Polaris District was established District. It is through the Grand Lodge of with the intent to address lack of accessibility Minnesota that in 2019 the Northern Star good coordination regarding the Huron to Traditional Scouting to due barriers such Scouting’s Special Programs Team was and Polaris Districts, as well as to build as age and ability. The Polaris District pro- able to serve nearly 5,000 individuals upon the relationship between Northern vides free Special Needs and Disabilities through the Huron and Polaris Districts, Star Scouting and the Grand Lodge of Programs based on cognitive skills through provide programs to more than 80 Program Minnesota. The Masonic Committee on hands on, interactive activities, while focus- Partners, and expand to more than 30 New Scouting will meet on a regularly sched- ing on character development and social Program Partners. uled, quarterly basis. If you are interested, skills. With a variety of programs focusing Northern Star Scouting with the partic- please reach out to Tammy Kvidera, on different curriculums, the Polaris District ipation of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota District Director of the Special Programs strives to ensure quality Special Needs and would like to form a Masonic Committee Team at [email protected], or by Disabilities Programming in the hope that on Special Programs to help build momen- phone at (612) 261-2374. we can provide positive scouting experi- tum of, provide continuity for, ensure

Planning for the future Section 9 – Mentoring For the better part of three years, the If all of this sounds foreign and you haven’t heard of or Lessons from the Leadership Committee by Larry Lyman Grand Lodge Mentoring Committee took yet grasped the Presentation Binder concept we plan to hold on developing a mentoring tool that an introduction on it at a yet to be scheduled Webinar in the We have certainly found research for the presentation of would be available for every Lodge to very near future. We also are available for a Lodge LEO ourselves in an unusual time, a sixty year pin, for example, use. We wanted the mentoring to be an presentation of it. haven’t we? As leaders, Masons you may ask a newer Brother to authentic experience for the candidate and are showing resilience by shift- interview the recipient and help [email protected] | 612-564-0583 newly made Mason. In it we wanted it to ing to new technology where prepare the award presentation. provide knowledge and a bases for inter- necessary, while staying in Remember, if a man has served actions/ instruction with the mentors, touch with each other, as the Brotherhood for sixty or making more than just a proficiency Brethren have done for cen- seventy years, so has his fami- exam. Together we wanted to include sig- turies. How we relate to each ly! Don’t be afraid to involve nificant and important aspects of Masonry other seems odd, for the them in a special moment for in a consistent quality process for each moment, but, as we begin to the Brother. candidate every time. From that came the return to a more normal way of Masters, are you reviewing Presentation Binder and the additional life, I am certain that we will your goals, and planning on tools to create it. Within that binder is once again be able to feel that ways to bring your plan home Section 9, Mentoring. certain grip, whereby one this Fall? How are you leading It is here that we began to focus on Mason may know another, in your Lodge during these chang- our wish to expand our mission. the dark as well as in the light. ing, challenging times? Section 9 was to provide the mentor How I long for that day to come Learning how to manipulate the with tools to help with those discussions Subject to current COVID-19 guidelines soon! various platforms for communi- including quiz answers and discussion Meanwhile, how are you cating on the internet is crucial. items. maintaining your Lodge? Zoom Senior Wardens, are you work- Surprising that the first revision of meetings, Hangout meetings, ing with the Master to help keep the candidate binder will be two addition- and other means seem to be the the Brothers informed and al tools to help in the process. First is a primary way to stay in touch included? If there are chal- check list with a Masonic guide for activ- for now. Many Brothers com- lenges, how might the Lodge ity to work with. The second is a group municate on Facebook, by text help? From the South, have you of competency statements that will reflect or Twitter, and don’t forget that considered making sure that all a progress for the new Brother as well as grand old standby—the phone! the Brothers are cared for and the Mentor. A lesson plan so to speak to I hope you remember to check have all the supplies needed? help guide the Mentor as he begins the in with Brothers who may be Though it is a bit of a different process of enriching a new Brother in the alone, unable to get to the store approach to refreshment, the light of our beloved Fraternity. This revi- or doctor, and offer whatever Stewards, in concert with the sion is available now on the Mentoring assistance you can. Particular Junior Warden, may be able to site of the Grand Lodge or you may emphasis should be on contact- assist the older Brothers in get- request them directly at our contact info ing those widows of fallen ting those things they need. below. Brothers. Let them know that Finally, check in early and Over the next year our Section 9 core you are always there for them! often with each other. If some- goal is to help every Lodge have a quali- This is a great time to make one needs assistance, provide it ty and consistent program for mentor- sure those longevity pins and if possible, and seek help from ing—how to start and how to keep it certificates are ordered and Grand Lodge if necessary. We going forward. We will begin the process ready to be presented when the will stand together through with a Webinar in conjunction with the time comes for such events. these troubled times and Grand LEO on May 28th “Mentoring the And yes, make those presenta- emerge even stronger as Mentor” with the Section 9 updates and tions events! In doing your Masons. how to use them.

8 The Minnesota MASON May–June 2020