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

March–April 2020 VOL. 67, No. 6

Edict from the Grand Master on COVID-19 March 18, 2020 Brethren, Due to the increasing severity of restrictions against public gatherings by government agencies in their efforts to slow Grand Master the community transmission of COVID-19, the following directives are to take immediate effect in this Jurisdiction: Final Thanks (1) All Lodge activities are hereby canceled through Friday, April 3, 2020. This includes, but is not limited to, Stated Communications, Special Communications, and special ceremonies of Minnesota Lodges. (2) In order to allow for the continuation of normal business, all usual and customary expenses of a Lodge may be paid with approval of the elected officers during this period. Phone and email are acceptable means of communi- News cation with one another to complete this specific work, and decisions shall be recorded by the Secretary. pages 1–3, 8 (3) This cancellation also applies to the Annual Communication previously set by edict for April 4, 2020, at the Minneapolis Temple, the announcement of which was made just two days ago. Members of the Corporate Board of Trustees, the Jurisprudence Committee, and the Technology Committee, have a draft proposal to do the annual work of this Grand Lodge by electronic ballot. Please keep watch for announcements in the very near future.

In this fluid time, please also know that these restrictions may change. Keep a watch for updates and revised guidance, especially at the start of the new Grand Lodge year on Saturday, April 4, 2020. As with so many of these COVID-19 directives being sent by Grand Lodges around the world, you’ll note that “Lodge” activity and not “Masonic” activity is being canceled. Brotherly love, relief, and truth—the soul of Masonry—cannot be stopped by emergency. In fact, if ever they were to be ramped up in scope, now is that time. Check on one another. Minnesota Lean on one another. Engage with one another, so that through all this, Masons will truly be men to whom distress may Masonic prefer its suit, and whose hearts are expanded by benevolence. Charities pages 4–5 Fraternal regards, Ethan A. Seaberg, Grand Master

History of Social Lodge No. 48 from the Stated Communication of May 2, 1927 Read by C. L. Weicht, Secretary, at the stated communication of Social Lodge No. 48, Northfield, Monday evening, May 2, 1927. WB John T. Murphy November 5, 1915. Both were invalids having been That he was indeed a Mason in the fullest was laid to rest in stricken with an incurable disease after they reached and best sense of the word, as it is used by Free Northfield Cemetery manhood. Both Fred and Charles were members of and Accepted Masons, with no one through April 26, 1927. At this lodge and during the 12 years of their great every member of Social Lodge 48. He was Lodge News the time of his death affliction, the brothers of Social Lodge were ever raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in & Views on April 24, he was among the most ready to aid and comfort them. I this Lodge on October 26, 1871, when the lodge the oldest living Past can think of no monument to the work of this rooms were located in the building now occu- page 6 Master of the lodge. lodge that is more significant or more beautiful pied by the Swenson-Hodorff furniture store. He In accordance with than the splendid example that Masonry is not served as the lodge’s Worshipful Master in 1885, Masonic his wishes, he was nearly an empty ritual. I think we have reason to be 1886, 1887, 1888 and again in 1895. He was a Family News buried with the hon- proud of our record in this case not because we did charter member of Sheba Chapter No. 73 Order page 7 ors of Masonry and more than we should have done, but because we of the Eastern Star and a member of Corinthian as the last rites were lived up to our obligations in the fullest measure. Chapter and Northfield Council. He was also conducted by our Worshipful Master, there must To those of us who are younger in the serv- long interested and active in the J. L. Haywood have come to many of his brethren who had ice of this lodge and who were not privileged to Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. assembled to do him honor, thoughts of the large aid in this or similar good works that preceded PH White, who is as welcome and as much part he played in doing the work of this lodge it, it is the source of pride that the lodge history at home in our lodge as his own at Faribault, during nearly its entire existence. It seems to me reveals it devoted to a non-selfish program of pays this tribute to brother Murphy: “It was my fitting that we should pause a moment at this helpfulness. privilege to be one of his subordinate officers stated communication to pay tribute to him, not That Mr. and Mrs. Murphy deeply appreci- while he was Master thirty-two years ago, and I only in his character as a Mason but as our friend ated the sustaining life of their brothers and sis- can say that he was par excellent in the work, a and co-worker. ters of the Masonic order and the Eastern Star, wise and faithful Master and a good true WB Murphy was born January 23, 1846, at they repeatedly said. As you know, Mr. Murphy Mason. His work for the brethren of Social Lexington, Indiana, where his early life was has willed that the lodge shall be the recipient Lodge will be cherished by its members more spent. There, he enlisted in Company F of the of his property thus re-paying a debt which he and more as time goes on.” 58th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, for service in did not owe as far as the lodge was concerned; In these last few years, even when his health the Civil War. He was mustered out July 25, 1865. and if he was in any measure indebted, he has was poor, he never failed those who came by In 1868 he came to Northfield and with his paid it one thousand-fold in his own example of him for advice and for help; he was always brothers was engaged for many years in the cooper patience, goodwill, courage and in his splendid ready, even when bent by age and illness, to do trade, once an important activity wherever milling attachment to the fraternity. his share in the work of the lodge. Whether in a was a flourishing industry. With the disappearance Mr. Murphy’s death came on April 24 fol- place of its highest honor—the Master’s chair— of the cooper shops, he turned his interest to lowing a two-week illness. Before his death he or among the workmen, he was always optimistic carpentry and followed that trade for some years. was confined to his bed, and he asked to be and cheerful; sympathetic and charitable and he On October 1, 1873, Mr. Murphy was mar- taken to Northfield Hospital. Acute uremia was never complained. ried to Adaline Hardy at Point Douglas, Wisconsin. the cause of death, although a contributing cause As Masons we cherish the memory of his The home they established in Northfield 54 years was chronic heart trouble. good works, we admire the record of his life, we ago remained their home until their deaths. If I were to write an epitaph for Brother are sustained by his spirit in our effort to make Two sons were born to them: Fred, who died Murphy I should say, simply: “John T. Murphy Social Lodge meet its most helpful opportunity. on April 8, 1913, and Charles who died on – Mason.” Brother Murphy was indeed a Master Mason! Minnesota/Arizona Reunion brings Masons together in fellowship Final Thanks

M.W.B. Ethan A. Seaberg Grand Master

This would have been M.W. Bro. Mother Lodge and the one of which he Steven D. Johnson’s final column for the was such a proud Past Master. And to Red Minnesota Mason. Wing No. 8, he would have been so grate- Whether written by a club President ful at how quickly they made him a part of or a Potentate or a Grand Master, final the family. columns seem to have a certain rhythm to And finally there would have been them. They’re most often about thanking thanks to all of you. Steve and Lynette people, usually structured as a sort of list, had planned to criss-cross the state and and almost always make mention of the take in all the glories of Minnesota righteous fear of forgetting a name or two Masonry with Brothers from Canada to or twelve. Well, as I attempt to put a list of Iowa and everywhere in between. Now thanks together on behalf of a Brother lost, at the end of that journey, he would have that particular fear is acute. I claim no paused to say just how wonderful all of WB Ben Holt received his 50-year award. Pictured from left to right: MWB Ethan A. Seaberg, Grand level of accuracy measured against the list you are. I couldn’t agree more. Master; Sylvia Holt; WB Ben Holt; MWB Phil Soderberg, PGM; WB Jason LaVoi, SE Area Deputy. of those MWB Steve would have thanked. This year of columns has rightly Rather, I hope you’ll receive this with a bit focused on MWB Steve and his plans for of grace as I try to get as close as I can. his Grand Master year. I hope you’ll allow MWB Steve would doubtless have me to deviate here, at the very last, to add begun and continued and ended with thanks a note of personal thanks. Starting the to his dear Lynette and all his family. minute after the tragic news of Steve’s So much is asked of spouses and family death was an unending parade of help and members during the journey through any support. Minnesota Masons, Masons from progressive line, and Steve would have other jurisdictions, kind people with no wanted to heap praise and thanks and love link to the Fraternity, they all stood up to on those who waited up nights and ate all ask what they could do and how they could those green beans and drove all those help. You were all a great blessing, and I miles. I can’t imagine he would have thank you so very much. thought that simple thanks would have Better writers would close a final col- been enough to equal all they’d given, but umn about loss with something profound, his sentiment certainly would have been. like Tennyson’s “Crossing the Bar” or an There are Masons whom Steve would equivalent. For me, I’d prefer to turn to have wanted to hold up, Brothers who something with a more personal connec- Minnesota/Arizona Reunion gathering in Phoenix. either introduced him to the Craft, or tion. The last track of my favorite Leon brought meaning and impact to the Redbone album “Double Time” is a cover Fraternal work, or who saw in Steve a cer- of an old song. Its lyrics include the sec- tain something that drove appointment to ond thing I wish I would have told Steve Three generations of Masons positions of service. It’s for those reasons Johnson at the Lynnhurst Turkey Dinner that I mention the names of W. Bro. Roger on April 16, 2019, had I known it would Ledding, M.W. Bro. Eric Neetenbeek and be the last time I’d see him alive. The first M.W. Bro. Brian Beermann. There are thing would have been “I love you, absolutely more on the list, and to those Brother”—something we simply don’t tell others I hope you’ll allow Roger and Eric each other enough. And the second and Brian to act as your representatives. would have been that favorite Redbone The two Lodges that Steve belonged to lyric, “If we never meet again this side of would have made his list of thanks. He Heaven, I will see you on that beautiful would have thanked Macalester Lodge shore.” My dear Brother Steve, see you No. 290 of St. Paul for being both his again at the shore.

Please read the Edict from the Grand Master on COVID-19 on page 1, regarding directives for Minnesota Masons.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM The Minnesota MASON Name ______March–April 2020 VOL. 67, No. 6 The Minnesota MASON (USPS 593- Lodge ______460) is the only official publication of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Old Address ______Minnesota. It is published bimonthly in January-February, March-April, May- Old City ______June, July-August, September- Old State/ZIP ______October, and November-December. Office of publication of The Minnesota New Address ______MASON is the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, 11501 Masonic Home Drive, New City ______Bloomington, Minnesota 55437-3699. Telephone number is 952-948-6700. New State/ZIP ______Periodicals Postage Paid at Saint Paul, New Phone ______Minnesota, and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address Effective date of change______corrections to The Minnesota MASON, 11501 Masonic Home Drive, Mail: Office of the Grand Secretary Bloomington, Minnesota 55437-3699. 11501 Masonic Home Drive Bloomington, MN 55437-3699 Design & Layout Three Rahm generations are pictured for Derek Rahm’s installation as Worshipful Master of Minnehaha Bobbie Lampi Lodge No. 165.WB David Rahm, left, was the Installing Master; Matthew Rahm, center, was the Installing Phone: 952-948-6700 or 800-245-6050 RSL desktop publishing services [email protected] Secretary; and Derek Rahm, right, was installed for the 2020 year at Minnehaha. Four generations of Email: [email protected] Rahms were part of the installation: Derek’s son Marvin was part of the DeMolay crossed swords at the officers’ entrance and his daughter Pearl was part of the Job’s Daughters Cross Ceremony.

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

Leadership, Education, Oratory Andrew Niemyer, GLEO Conundrum 79 The following sent answers to this For this Conundrum, we looked to the Conundrum. The answers were numbered “On the Level” The Romans made various improve- Southern Hemisphere and almost halfway and then a random number generator was As Masons we have heard the above ments on the Egyptians’ invention, but their around the planet to the islands that consti- used to select six winners. Those winners three words countless times, and with good real inventive genius lay in other devices tute New Zealand. We asked for the are indicated by an asterisk. They will reason. Many brethren grew up hearing that they used to lay out their roads and extensive approximate date, location and under what receive a prize from Grand Lodge: same phrase commonly used by the adults aqueduct networks throughout their empire. Masonic body the first Masonic meeting 1. Dennis Rafson, Delta Lodge No. 119* around them, always denoting that a person occurred in New Zealand? Fun bonus: 2. Clay Anderson, Saint Paul Lodge No. 3* 3. Ronald Bradley, Ancient Landmark Lodge No. 5 or deal was honorable and to be trusted Could entrants name the month and year 4. Steve Bernu, Anoka No. 30* without reserve. The same applies to how and from what Lodge and where a warrant 5. H.V. Casey Wolford, North Star Lodge No. 23 we pledge to be whenever meeting another was issued for the formal formation of a 6. Nic Jordan Mason. As well it should, as we are taught New Zealand lodge and where that Lodge 7. Harlan Brand, Templar Lodge No. 176* that our ancient operative Brethren used the was to be located? 8. Rick Vance, Corinthian Lodge No. 67* 9. Erwin “Bud” Bluhm, Aurora Lodge No. 100 level to make their edifices true in all ANSWER: (From “The Formation of the respects as we should in our actions with all. 10. Edwin Fillman, Mesaba Lodge No. 255* Grand Lodge of New Zealand” 11. Keith Myhre, Chain Lake Lodge No. 64 That being said, outside of those among by Br. Dr. Michael Kearsley, Ars Quatuor 12. Doug Twite, Red River Lodge No. 292 us who are professional builders or talented Coronatorum, Vol 132, pp. 193-215, 2019) around-the-house/Lodge amateur users of Conundrum 80 A meeting of all Freemasons in the vicini- After the two prominent English Grand such tools, how much do you know about ty of Port Levy, South Island, New the history of this “most useful tool?” Lodges of the 1700’s—the so-called Zealand was reported to have been held in “Moderns” and “Ancients”—reconciled in Midieval Inverted-T Level 1837/38 aboard the whaling ship November 1813, by the Articles of Union L’Anglois under the auspices of the Grand and began to combine their rituals and However, the medieval level made an Orient of France. practices, the Lodge of Reconciliation was advancement over its Egyptians and chartered to combine that work. That Roman predessor. Bonus answer: September 1842, Lodge first performed their work in May In the thirteenth century, there is pictorial Australian Social Lodge No. 260 granted a 1816 and then dissolved in September of evidence of a level which was essentially a warrant for a Lodge to be formed in that year. Three new Lodges were then straight-edge (typically a long wooden board) Auckland, New Zealand. This became Ara chartered specifically to work to continue with a raised semi-circle in the middle of the Lodge No. 348 (IC, “Irish Constitution”) to reconcile the work. What were their top edge where a string hung down with a There existed for some time a friendly names, when were they chartered and what plumb bob attached. The string would be debate between this lodge and the lodge eventually became of their efforts? long enough to hang below the bottom of the that become Pacific Lodge, which was Egyptian Builders Level Send your answer in an email to level. A fifteenth century picture also shows a chartered under the English Constitution, [email protected]. Please Ancient Egypt was one of the first similar level, except instead of a semi-circle as to which one came first. Ara is, as of remember to include your name, lodge civilizations to have solved many prob- at the top, there was a vertical board parallel this writing, considered the first New name and number, and area. Six correct lems of construction as evidenced by the with the bottom board. Zealand lodge. (This information was entries, randomly selected from among Great Pyramids at Giza. Specifically, The reason this tool was an advance- drawn from “The Formation of the Grand those received by 6/26/20, will receive a when it came to construction, the leveling ment over the ancient tool was that tech- Lodge of New Zealand” by Br. Dr. prize from the Grand Lodge Education problems facing the Egyptians were: nically level could only be verified in the Michael Kearsley, Ars Quatuor Committee. 1. Leveling a coarse stone horizontally ancient tool by comparing the points at Coronatorum, Vol 132, pp. 193-215, 2019) to make room for another stone to be which the legs of the “A” frame rested. added on top (the stone had to be With the medieval tool, the levelness of level on top and bottom). the masonry could be checked along the bubble in a tube of water (or later, spirit) to 2. Plumbing the side wall of the stone to entire length of the board (the level). be positioned centrally, it required the tube fit appropriately next to another stone When working with smaller stones and a Updates from be mounted on a surface that was exactly (the stone had to be straight up and larger level, several stones could be horizontal. From these early findings circa down). checked for level at once, providing a 1661, further developments were made, the Mentoring The solution was a simple “A” frame time advantage and greater accuracy. mainly in the use of alcohol, which did not structure, most likely made of wood. From Variations on this concept grew, with freeze and led to use of the term “spirit” in the top of the “A” frame was a string various structures holding the plumb and Committee defining the level’s principal feature. attached to the center of the top of the “A”. the lower horizontal piece being of varied However, it was not until the early 18th Where is your Grand Lodge A weight was placed on the other end of lengths, depending on the job and length Century that the spirit level is thought to Presentation Binder from the Grand Lodge the string so when gravity took over, the of the work that needed to be determined have widespread use. It is worth noting string would hang plumb or straight down. to be level. Mentoring Committee? Are you still using To make seeing plumb easier, a vertical that the rise of the spirit level, now the it? Do you know where your lodges flash marking or notching out of the wood near commonly accepted traditional level tool, drive is? where the string was fixed to the frame coincides with the rise of speculative We have updates for you. Do you want would indicate when the string is sitting masonry. Although, it is the more tradition- them? Drop us a note text or call. We are straight down, or plumb. al medieval level that we use as a badge of going to release these updates for our In use, when the “A” frame sits flat on office for our Senior Wardens and to allude Binder after the Annual Grand Lodge to the deep and abiding ties we have with a surface, the weight on the string hangs Communication. our ancient brethren. down straight as measured by the vertical One of the updates that will be published marking, but if the string falls off-center, included what we call “I Can” statements. an adjustment would have been needed. These progress or competency statements The limitation of this level and plumb rule, are to be given to the candidate so that they like the spirit level of today, is its size. You Georgian Era Spirit Level Modern Digital Level can confidently say they can or are able to can only measure level the span of the legs identify the posed question or problem pre- of the “A” frame, therefore, to measure No one knows how old what we now In our own age, we now have elec- sented. We are hopeful that by showing the over a greater distance, several measure- refer to as “spirit levels” really are. tronic digital levels to give us what we candidate “what it is” they are supposed to ments side by side would need to be made. However, it is known that the Romans used think is totally unprecedented perfection, Essentially, what the Egyptians, and water filled tanks as primitive spirit levels a claim our ancient brethren might chose know in an easy readable format that this later the Romans, used was a combination when building their famous aqueducts. By to challenge; but even they contain the will start as well as continue conversations of a plumb bob with a span to view studying the water surface mode in the tried-and-true spirit level to assist us in with their mentors and Brothers. These con- “level.” The key to constructing this sim- vessel, the Romans could determine if the determining physical level and plumb. versations will help them learn more about ple mason’s level would have been the base was completely flat or at an angle. Somehow, though, I do not think any of the lodge operations, how to volunteer from precise construction of symmetry of the For a long time though, many builders still us aspire to wear one of these about our fundraisers to degree cycles. “A” frame tool and the perpendicular of preferred old bottles with water and used necks as a symbol of both our office and Just in case your Lodge is still in need each leg of the frame to the plumb bob, in these as a sort of spirit level. Others used to that conduct to which we aspire to of a few for your next degree cycle or if you particular, the “square” or 90-degree them, too, and it can be supposed that they achieve each and every day! are interested in a Leather Mentoring angle of the top of the “A” frame, which found adherents in stone masonry as well. Binder for yourself, drop us a note or a can be accomplished using both geometry Their main drawback was that in northern “Every Mason can be an Educator.” quick call at the contact info below. They and the stars on the horizon for alignment climes the water froze, expanded and With fraternity and in light, currently are still available for the subsidy (another ancient Egyptian mathematical cracked open their tubes, rendering the WB Andrew Niemyer, Grand Lodge LEO price of $50 dollars each. and astrological genius). The bottom sur- entire instrument useless. [email protected] Are you interested in shaping the future face of the legs of the “A” that rested on The true spirit level was invented by “Quarite plus lucem – Seek More Light” of Mentoring? If so we are interested in the rock must also be parallel with the Melchisedech Thevenot. Melchisedech was you and having you become a member of frame and even across. The area of the a wealthy Frenchman and, although known our team. The Grand Lodge Mentoring level touching the area being leveled is as a royal librarian for King Louis XIV, Committee has a few openings currently. what we call today the “gauging edge” of was in fact an amateur mathematician and Our email is [email protected] the level. scientist. He noticed how, in order for a or call/text at (612) 564-0583.

March–April 2020 The Minnesota MASON 3 Be the Moving the Past MATCH

GRAND MASTERS The mission of Minnesota Masonic Charities awarded 325 Masonic Charities is to enhance the grants to Lodges and Chapters, Many of you have had occasion to of the Alfred Elisha Ames Lodge ability of the Masonic Fraternity to totalling nearly $480,000. visit the Grand Lodge office. You may Room. Funding for the project was deliver services and support to its It’s hard to know how many people remember that the photographs of provided by the Col. James B. Ladd members, their families and others. are touched by the program. Annual PGMs lined both sides of the hallway Fund administered by the Grand Lodge An excellent example of this mission events, such as Newport Lodge and of the Minnesota Masonic Charities of Minnesota. in action is the Minnesota Masonic Queen Esther Chapter’s “Santa (MMC) offices, and were spilling The project and resulting move of Charities Matching Grants Program. Project” (pictured above), distributed around the corner. No more! The hall- the PGM portraits was completed at Embedded in their communities, over $5,000 in toys and gifts to children way has been updated with beautiful the end of December 2019 by Art Lodges can accurately identify what at the Masonic Children’s Hospital last full color photos of MMC functions Partners Group, of St. Louis Park. (see local organizations and programs year with the help of a matching grant and celebrations from the last several photo). It took the installers two days, have the greatest need. They fundraise from MMC. years. If you think about it, the change ensuring that all was level, plumb and for those programs, and then request makes sense. What better way to show square. matching funds from MMC to double visitors what MMC does in The names of Past Grand Masters their donations. The process encourages Minnesota? may be familiar to Minnesota Masons, Lodge participation in their communi- Where then, are the depictions of but what each looked like my not be ties through both their fundraising the Past Grand Masters? Think logical- familiar. The lodge room is open efforts and their gifts. And the impact ly… doesn’t it make sense that they be Tuesday through Friday 10 to 5; is substantial. In 2019, Minnesota near the lodge room named for our first Saturday 12 to 5, and Sunday 12 to 3. Grand Master of Masons in When you have a chance, please come Minnesota? The new home commemo- view the display. rating these leaders of Minnesota Fiat Lux, Masonry is in the ante room just ouside Mark Anderson Helping our Veterans HEAL

In 2019, Minnesota Masonic Charities granted the Eagle’s Healing Nest in Sauk Centre $40,000 in pro- grammatic support. This extraordinary organization helps veterans and their families heal from the sometimes invisible wounds of war. The Grand Lodge of Minnesota also granted the organization $30,000 last year, totaling $70,000 in Masonic support. Learn more about Eagle’s Healing Nest: eagleshealingnest.org or about MMC Mission Grants at MnMasonicCharities.org.

4 The Minnesota MASON March–April 2020 Time to submit Renovation work begins on COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS OES CHAPEL

Unity Chapter’s Community Scholarship recipients in 2018 Architectural rendering of the renovated OES Chapel.

Minnesota Masonic Charities has The process is simple: Participating Work began in February on the reno- Eastern Star. The original stained glass its own Scholarships program, but it Lodges/Chapters must fill out an appli- vation of the Order of the Eastern Star windows will also be preserved. also suppports Lodges and Chapters cation, available on our website, within Chapel on the Minnesota Masonic Home Completion of the renovation is interested in awarding scholarships to the designated timeframe (March 1 – campus. The building was originally scheduled for August 2020 with a dedica- young adults in their communities. April 30). Lodges and Chapters are opened in 1958. tion ceremony slated for August 8. Chapel MMC’s Community Scholarships also asked to complete a student certi- The renovation will feature a new services will be held in Dan Patch Hall program offers each Minnesota fication form for each of their award roof, windows and tuckpointing, a new until the renovation is complete. Please Lodge and Chapter up to $3,000 per recipients (due by September 1, 2020). wheelchair lift and ramp, new HVAC and exercise caution when walking around or year to match funds they have desig- For more information, visit our website: lighting systems, new furniture and finish- near the construction site. nated for scholarships. MnMasonicCharities.org/masons-stars. es, new restrooms, preparation and storage rooms, and the addition of a stained glass Please visit our website at rose window in honor of the Order of the MasonicHeritageCenter.org.

Join the 10K FAMILIES

Part of the Masonic investment at good health. The study is looking for the Masonic Cancer Center, the more participants in rural areas. By University of Minnesota has taking part, participants not only get launched the 10,000 Families Study, to be actively involved in an important a multigenerational study of family study, but also receive the results of health in Minnesota that looks at the their biometric measurements. influences of genetics, lifestyle and Interested families need to com- environment on health and illness. plete an online questionnaire and take The study recruits people and fol- part in a family health fair. For more lows them as a group moving forward information, visit: to learn about the causes of illness and TenThousandFamilies.umn.edu.

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 Accounting Manager Director of Institutional Advancement [email protected] [email protected]

March–April 2020 The Minnesota MASON 5 News & Views from the Lodges Corinthian Lodge raises new Mason Garnet Past Masters Club meets

Corinthian Lodge No. 67, Farmington, had thirty Brothers at the raising of their newest Master Mason, Brother Stephen M. Colford. Included among the Brothers were Junior Grand Steward On February 21st, the 104th annual meeting of the Garnet Lodge No. 166 Past Masters Club took place Shawn Carrick and Southeast Area Deputy Jason LaVoi. at the Cherokee Tavern. The club is believed to be the oldest active past master’s club in the state and perhaps in the United States. The club still has the original handwritten minutes from the first meetings that established its existence. After much discussion, the members voted unanimously to accept Nelson Lodge performs EA degree Garnet’s sitting master, Ramses Byron, to its membership (back row, second from right). Trinity Lodge takes the Traveling Gavel

The Brothers of Nelson Lodge No. 135, Buffalo, had the beginning of a new degree cycle and, along with a courtesy candidate from Arcana Lodge No. 187, put on a great EA Degree.

WB Bob Bowersox Highland Table Lodge Trinity Lodge No. 282, Duluth, with seven of its members visited Euclid Lodge No. 198, Duluth, to obtain pos- sesion of the Traveling Gavel. WM Nick Katich of Euclid presented the gavel to WM Chris Steinhaus of Trinity.

Chippewa Lodge celebrates Feb. 22

For a sixth year, the Brethren of Sherburne Lodge No. 95 held their Annual WB Bob Bowersox Highland Table Lodge. This grand event featured Scottish pipers and dancers with singing and Celtic poetry. It was attended by 134 Guests from 26 Lodges, including a number of Grand Officers lead by Grand Master, MWB Eathan Seaberg. Winona Lodge donates to local group On February 18th at their second month- ly dinner club, Larry Lyman, Worshipful Master of Winona Lodge No. 18, presented Lynette Johnson, Outreach Coordinator for the Winona Warming Center, with a total of $500. $250 was raised by the Masons, their families, and other attendees of public events Appearing as George Washington was PM Rex Sala, PM Zachary Cheney as Benjamin Franklin, at the Lodge in December and January. The PM Chris Cheney as our scribe from Scotland and Colton Cheney the Master of Chippewa 275. other $250 was a match provided by Minnesota Masonic Charities. We thank all Chippewa Lodge No 275, Big Fork, George’s favorite rum punch, followed by who helped make this happen and invite fel- celebrated George Washington’s Birthday apple and walnut pies. low Masons, family, friends, and the public on February 22 (Gregorian Calendar) with Short presentations were made regard- to join us at the lodge on the 3rd Tuesday of a dinner of the President’s favorite foods: ing George Washington’s qualifications to WM Larry Lyman presents a check to Winona every month at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and roast beef, corned venison, ham, roasted be Commander in Chief of the Warming Center Outreach Coordinator Lynette informational program. Free will donations sweet potatoes, and braised green beans Continental Army, his history as a Mason Johnson. support lodge contributions. with bacon and onions, as well as and the life style in the18th century.

6 The Minnesota MASON March–April 2020 News from the Masonic Family MMCI #24 secretary/treasurer retires Taconite Lodge brother attains 65 years as Mason

WB Chuck Rathbone, left, of Taconite Lodge No. 342 in Silver Bay presents a 65-year award to Brother Gerald Anderson. Brother Gerald was unable to attend lodge to receive the award, so WB Chuck visited him in Baudette, while on a fishing trip, to make the presentation in person.

Masonic Motorcycle Club International – Chapter #24 A retirement party for Gordy Aune was held on January 25, 2020, to mark the end of his twenty years as secretary/treasurer of the Masonic Motorcycle Club #24. For Information: MMCI #24 President Andy Harvego and Gordy Aune, on the right, are sitting in the front row surrounded by members and significant others. MMCI#24 www.masonicmotorcycleclub.org Aurora Lodge donates to Brainerd school groups www.mn-masons.org

Minnesota Masons — Are there any future attendees of Southwest Minnesota State University in your Masonic family? Maybe our lodge can help.

Please contact: W.M. JV Christianson, PGM Delta Lodge No. 119 Marshall, Minnesota 507-531-0013

Gary Whiteman of Aurora Lodge presents a Sixteen fifth grade students at Forestview Elementary School in Brainerd won a new bike from diabetic monitor to Jamie Shypkowski. Aurora Lodge’s “I Love to Read” program.

A diabetic monitor was presented to Jamie Shypkowski, a Pillager school nurse, by Gary Whiteman, a member of Masonic Corinthian Lodge No. 67 raises $5,089 for Special Aurora Lodge No. 100 of Brainerd. For a number of years diabetic monitors and Olympics in the Polar Plunge supplies have been donated to area schools by the Masons to be used by the nurses when diabetic students need their blood tested in school. The Masons have donated scholarships to graduating seniors and bikes for the fifth grade “I Love to Read” program. Masons Masonic Discount! also provide funds to the Masonic Cancer and Research Center and provide transporta- St. Paul Osman tion to Healthcare for treatment. Shrine Circus March 26–29, 2020 Minnesota State Fairgrounds Coliseum

Pictured plunging are, left to right: WB AD Jason LaVoi, Sunny Andreassen, Founding Member WB Nick Johnson, Br. Aaron Oesterreich, Br. David Orsi, Lee Ann Lehto, and Founding Member WB Rick Vance. Missing from photo is Pascal Pierre-Louis. CANCELED Brothers of Corinthian Lodge No. 67 in $5,089 for the Polar Plunge held at Crystal Farmington have participated in the Polar Lake in Burnsville on February 22nd. Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Some brothers wore George Washington for eight years in a row. This year, The T-shirts to commemorate Most Worshipful Stonecutters team raised a team record Brother George’s 288th birthday.

March–April 2020 The Minnesota MASON 7 New Minnesota Master Masons raised in 2019 Congratulations to each of the 277 new Master Masons raised during 2019, to their Masonic family members and to these lodges that brought them into Masonry.

St. Johns Lodge No. 1 Minneapolis Lodge Social Lodge No. 48 Corner Stone Lodge No. Golden Sheaf Lodge Ionic Lodge No. 186 Eveleth Lodge No. 239 Trinity Lodge No. 282 Stillwater No. 19, Minneapolis Northfield 99, Fergus Falls No. 133, Morris Duluth Eveleth Duluth Daryl J. Bolicek Ernest L. Anunciacion Mauricio Lozada- Izack Bailey Brandon Benson Paul T. Fischer Derek Houtkooper Glen Dianoski Anthony Cardinal Tyler M. Cranston Hernandez Cameron Dean Thomas Bovee Jared S . Katzmark Robert D. Krog Zach Ekman Cataract Lodge No. 2 Nicholas G. Pechman Chris E. Savaglio Jon DuBois Deron Erickson Talaibek E. Suermenov Thomas Maki Bret Ekman Minneapolis DeAndrae Rolley Phil Tarmann John S. Good Nicholas J. Heck Arcana Lodge No. 187 Maxwell Omdahl Mark Macklin Thomas J. Daigle Christopher W. Urman Accacia Lodge No. 51 Steven Just Zachary T. Good Minneapolis Cass Lodge No. 243 Shane Verber Maxwell A. Rochester Lodge No. 21 Cottage Grove Scot Thompson Daniel L. Burchette Minneapolis Hiram Lodge No. 287 Hollingsworth Rochester John Amundson Lee Griffin Zak Threadgill Joshua H. Mades Joseph Banks Lindstrom David M. Sodergren Josh Hulberg Matthew Dake Scott Rachels Trevor Webb Zanhachou Yanshilue Adam Eggleton Trent Lundeen St. Paul Lodge No. 3 Adam Peterson Adam Martin Matthew C. Spielman Nelson Lodge No. 135 Ryan A. Zeuli Austin Nelson Glen Avon Lodge No. 306 St. Paul Juancarlos Rodriguez Michael Mazzitello Nicholas B. Waskosky Buffalo Fortitude Lodge No. 188 Justus M. Pope Duluth James Winkels Pleasant Grove Lodge Nicollet Lodge No. 54 Aurora Lodge No. 100 Joseph Happe Two Harbors Antoine Rodgers Dane M. Banks Ancient Landmark No. 22, Pleasant Grove St. Peter Brainerd Bob Meeker Andrew Johnston Mesaba Lodge No. 255 Silas Simone Lodge No. 5, St. Paul Richard S. Bottorff Eugenio Castro Taylor A. Bradley Jeremy Sabinash Brad Hedberg Mizpah Lodge No. 191 Hibbing Waconia Lodge No. 326 Ronnie Emmanoulakis Ron Davis Herman Bradley III Crookston Lodge Nathan Hurliman Dustin Dohrn Star Lodge No. 62 South St. Paul James Helms Waconia Joshua Erdmann No. 141, Crookston Brian J. Raykowski Chase Staub Rockford David Anger Justin Whirley Joaquin Bourgeois Colton J. Hanson Paul A. Nelson Tyler Seydel Derek J. Titus Jeff Demeules Ray Moore Montgomery Lodge Forest Lake Lodge Zachary A. Jimenez Tracy Lodge No. 155 Edwin Welter Matthew Verdick Shawn Hamilton Paul Stotts No. 258, St. Paul No. 344, Forest Lake Kevin J. Koop Tracy Dustin Wilhelmy North Star Lodge No. 23 Pierre Klee Anthony Beguhl Zachary Braun Bruce Flesner Euclid Lodge No. 198 Minnesota River Valley St. Cloud Adam Shepard Conrad Molin Perham Lodge No. 157 Duluth Thomas J. Boyles Tom Croce Lodge No. 6, Savage Kristian Burr Dylan Thomas Martin Olson Perham Shawn Herhusky Thomas Davis Eric Ernst Michael Bauer Joe Kolfage Shane Williams Gary Walters Antonio Enriquez Martin E. Larson Raferez L. Lafi Billy Flanagan Dean Becker Bob Lee Chain Lake Lodge No. 64 Sharon Lodge No. 104 Matthew Peterson Evan Unverdorben Landon Larivee Walter Frauenberger Tony Callahan Drew Nichols Fairmont Willmar Stewartville Lodge Bruce Peters Kyle Hintz Perry M. Johnson Alex Robinson Dustin Johnson Plymouth Lodge No. 160 Josiah Crawford No. 203, Stewartville Perry Trowbridge Patrick Kenny Matthew Kreger Dave Williams Corinthian Lodge No. 67 Crystal Jeremy Evans Tusler-Summit Lodge Kevin Michael. Kujala Dale P.Tellers Western Star Lodge Farmington Rubel Carter James Heydt Jacob Hendrickson Dale J. Le Bar Jared Wingo No. 26, Albert Lea Terence A. Brown Nicholas Hechtman Wayzata Lodge No. 205 No. 263, Roseville Isaiah Rudolph Robert Winters Jordan Jensen Mystic Star Lodge No. 69 Patterson P. Nyenetue, Jr. Wayzata Jordan P. Gittens Brian Morgan Mt. Tabor Lodge No. 106 Dakota Lodge No. 7 Daniel J. Minear Rushford Christopher L. Rogers Paruj Acharya John J. Hanson III Christopher Stauner Hastings Clearwater Lodge No. 28 Merrill Schroeder Detroit Lakes Johnson M. Russ Kelly Carlson Theodre E. Johnson Lebanon Lodge No. 346 7 Ryan C. Scott Clearwater Constellation Lodge Brian Anderson Isaac G. Sampson Warren W. Day Compass Lodge No. 265 Savage Red Wing Lodge No. 8 Steve J. Balster No. 81, Alexandria Carlandus Downing Christie Savice Brian C. Feia Robbinsdale Corey J. Crawford Red Wing Randy Scarborough Jacob G. DeMartelaere Jason Kirkwood Arving Smith Iaan Hunt Mawuli K. Blabuh Robert Storm Williams O. Arizmendi Anoka Lodge No. 30 Rudolph C. Denke, IV Cody Knopf Ciafa B. Yarsiah, Sr. Chad M. Morgan Nate Coppock Lake Superior Lodge Brady Bosshart Anoka Christian Huggins Kyle L. Meacham Minnehaha Lodge Wayne Sala Jack V. Ehle, Jr. No. 349, Duluth Richard Jungquist David E. Everett Jr. Evan Lindberg Channing Peyton No. 165, Minneapolis Hans Snyder Kyle McDaniel Aaron T. Luhm Jonathan A. Lombardo Ben Martinson Ronald A. Mikel Excelsior Lodge No. 113 Tracy E. Anderson Andrew Sparrow Michael Soltys Phoenix Daylight Lodge Benjamin J. Schmidt Star in the East Lodge Greg Raether Jason C. Dove Excelsior Itasca Lodge No. 208 Roseau Lodge No. 350, Savage Grant H. Wall No. 33, Owatonna Golden Fleece Lodge Ambruce Freeman James Brown Grand Rapids No. 268, Roseau Charles D. Knilans Kasson-Mantorville Ross W. Campbell No. 89, Litchfield Joe M. Glass Ben Franklin Lodge Albert J. Morse Eric Dunrud Sir Winston Churchill Lodge No. 11, Mantorville Dennis Doyon Steve Case Joshua Glass No. 114, Luverne Stanley A. Morse Brian L. Monsrud Lodge No. 351 Dennis Reinert Daryl Draheim Mark Kellen Lucas R. Stanton Mystic Lodge No. 213 Steve Puttbrese Minneapolis Mankato Lodge No. 12 Walter Prescott Bruce Sunsdahl Chad A. Anderson John E. Theis Aitkin John Shade Todd Thorsen Mankato Oriental Lodge No. 34 Tim Swenson Kevin D. Furgeson Brett K. Wagner Tony Siats Tyler Firchau Cannon Falls Fraternal Lodge No. 92 Anthony J. Gacke Garnet Lodge No. 166 Dennis J. Eggert Chippewa Lodge Jacob Nies Robert Durdahl Princton Lucas A. Peters White Bear Lake Alexander L. Erickson II No. 275 Big Fork Monticello Lodge No. 16 Samuel G. Landon Scott Moore Newport Lodge No. 118 Reithen Curtis Mora Lodge No. 223 Matthew Mews Monticello Tim Malchow Myron Wilson St. Paul Park Andy Wigart Mora Skyler Quamme Sherburne Lodge No. 95 David Erickson Larry Bounds Braden Lodge No. 168 David F. Etter Braden Thom Steven J. Hill Ryan Quiggle Osseo Lake Harriet Lodge Carter D. Pettit Minneapolis Bemidji Lodge No. 233 Winona Lodge No. 18 Fidelity Lodge No. 39 Tim Flickinger No. 277, Minneapolis Lonnie Satter Christopher G. Larson Bemidji Winona Austin Marc Malek Templar Lodge No. 176 Scott Johnson Dennis Cavallo Nathan Bergler John Gardner Douglas J. Weiser Shawn Shopek St. Louis Park Northern Lodge No. 236 Millard G. Haley, Jr. Zachary Hoard Marcus A. Gutierrez Prudence Lodge No. 97 Northeast-Winslow Lewis Randy Sawatzky Thief River Falls Daniel Reid Daddio Mangum Mark Mincks Windom Lodge No. 125, Osseo David Zimmerman Curtis Zoller Tyler L. Sparks Andy Zabel Wade J. Novak Steven Fresk Ryan B. Martin Brotherly Love came in the form of an umbrella by Tom Hendrickson, PGM, Grand Lodge of Minnesota

We in Minnesota have light to change. I performed my simple task We humans have become so self- been talking about our Civility Project lately again. The women’s son looked up at me absorbed and connected to our cell phones which I think is important. I want to move and in his own special way said thank you. that there are days we don’t connect to the this discussion up a notch and talk about Just by extending my arm and causing world around us. You may need to look up Grand Lodge of Minnesota one of our tenets of Brotherly Love and the rain to cease for just a few moments from your small screen, to see and connect maybe get you thinking of what you can do. provided a human touch of warmth in the to the world around you to observe that This past Autumn on a Sunday afternoon, cold autumn rain. someone may need a helping hand or a kind Annual I was walking in downtown Edinburgh, I was walking back to my hotel from the word. Then you need to act, however small Scotland, and it was raining very hard. when this all took that may be. Communication The sidewalks were bustling with shoppers place. I was a long way from my home and An act of kindness takes a small effort carrying bags and families with kids. You my Lodge in Minnesota. But that doesn't on our part, yet it pays a huge dividend in could pick me out of the crowd easily matter, does it? For the world is my Lodge. our lives and in the lives of the people we enough, for I was the guy under the big As Freemasons we are to practice our princi- touch. I hope you will consider what simple April 3–4, 2020 American golf umbrella. The street traffic pal tenets of: Brotherly Love, Relief and things that you can do in your daily life to there was heavy with double-decker buses, Truth in our daily lives. These words said in bring relief or a kindhearted act or words of Bloomington, Minnesota delivery trucks and cars. For survival the Lodge must become our actions. encouragement to our fellow man. (In-person meeting canceled pedestrians cross at the intersections with A simple act of kindness can create a by Edict of the Grand Master the traffic lights (unlike back home). moment of connection with another human due to COVID-19 pandemic) While waiting for the light to change, in a way that we cannot always understand. How do we change the world? I noticed a woman standing near me in the That act of kindness signals that someone One random act of kindness at a time pouring rain carrying two heavy bags filled cares about them and their plight or situa- — Morgan Freeman with groceries. I moved a foot closer to her tion. For a moment their world has April 9–10, 2021 and extended my arm to cover her with my changed for the better. Even more signifi- Bloomington, Minnesota umbrella. She set down her two bags and cant, you, as the Good Samaritan, may wiped the rain from her face and looked at experience a sense of happiness or pride me, smiled and said thank you. knowing that you may have made a mean- A block later at another pedestrian ingful impact in someone’s life that day. April 8–9, 2022 crossing, I stood next to a woman who had This may result in more acts of kindness, St. Cloud, Minnesota her adult son by the hand waiting for the as kindness can be contagious.

8 The Minnesota MASON March–April 2020