November-December 2020

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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

November–December 2020 VOL. 68, No. 4

Grand Master issues new COVID-19 edict On Thursday, November 19, 2020, MW Brother Ethan A. Seaberg, Grand Master of Masons of Minnesota, issued the following edict: Grand Master Aeneas

Grand Lodge News pages 1–3, 8

Minnesota Masonic Charities pages 4–5

Lodge News & Views page 6 Masonic Family News page 7

To read the Grand Lodge of Minnesota COVID-10 Preparedness Policy, please go to the Grand Lodge web site at www.mn-masons.org. The 2020 Installation of Officers Guidelines are on page 7. Winter Texans to gather in South Texas For over 40 years, Minnesota Masons and featured speaker. The program will also have been spending their winters in South include an update on the work of Minnesota Texas and gathering with their fellow Masonic Charities and special recognition Masons from all over the country. to our Masonic Widows who are able to Aeneas The Annual Winter Texan Masonic attend. Reunion is sponsored this year by Minnesota Masons and their ladies M.W.B. Ethan A. Seaberg Minnesota Masonic Charities and the who are Winter Texans, as well as those Grand Master Grand Lodge of Minnesota. from other jurisdictions, are invited. The Reunion is scheduled for PGM Roger Taylor will chair the Saturday, January 23, 2021, at Victoria Reunion Committee assisted by WB Pat Palm’s Resort, 602 N Victoria Road in Norrie, WB Tim Davison and their ladies. After the Interrogatories of our like that, the State pulled organizations like Donna, Texas. The social hour will begin For information about the reunion or Entered Apprentice Degree, one of the ours back to smaller capacities. And just like at noon, followed by lunch. questions about traveling to South Texas, first things a candidate is told to do is to that, we’re back to a sort of stasis . . . again . . Grand Master of Minnesota, M.W.B. contact PGM Roger Taylor at 320-980- wait with patience. In this time and at this . until the time we learn once more we’re not . Ethan Seaberg, will be the honored guest 5240 or email at taylfi[email protected]. hour, that’s easier said than done. . . again. As I write this message I’m waiting like Over the last six months, at a point like so many of you to hear of updated COVID this, it’s become my habit to insert some restrictions from the State of Minnesota. folksy, warm blanket turn-of-phrase meant Our Board of Custodians is also about to to show that we’re all in this together. That A Master’s Guide to Mentoring meet, and on their agenda is determining despite not a single one of us being happy When thinking of a guide for the research they did make it all work. Within how to safely perform Second and Third about restrictions or masking or delays, the Master for Mentoring, you hear or see their work, I met others in the Lodge when Degrees as viral infection rates rise quote would remind us that if we just stick words such as Duties, Tasked, Job, they were challenged with ritual. I learned statewide. Lodges around the state, many of together we’ll emerge together on the other Responsibility, and Expected. No doubt, what a custodian of the work was. Every which derive their operating income from in- side. And by way of example, like Aeneas those probably all ring true. The problem challenge they faced would bring me fur- person fundraising, are watching reserves attempting to lift the spirits of the dejected though it just doesn’t sound very appeal- ther within the folds of the Lodge. Yet it shrink as they’re forced to brainstorm new Trojans, the quote might be “perhaps some- ing. Thinking along those same lines was full of laughter and friendship. The approaches to generate revenue. Newly day it will bring pleasure to remember even starts making it a very difficult role. desire to help another without regard to the admitted Entered Apprentices, along with these things.” But it’s becoming more Without question, it just adds another task, the effort, responsibility, or the sacri- furloughed Fellowcrafts, feel their frustration difficult for folksy phrases to work. More large bullet point to the Master’s list. fice of time was unbelievable, I soon fully levels rise as our Sublime Degree remains difficult to simply nod at some Masonic What it doesn’t address though is the understood it was simply Brotherhood. I out of reach while they hear tell of other teaching or tenet and pretend it’s some heart of Masonry—Brotherhood. Taking recall them both telling after several years Grand Jurisdictions raising Master Masons magic wand that will fix all. Or is it? from my own experience, my mentors com- that it was hard but how rewarding it was with few restrictions. And when several of “Thou, O God! knowest our down-sitting ing through consisted of a crusty retired for them, and they still laughed about it our appendant and concordant Bodies, and our uprising, and understandest our Navy Master Chief and a newly introduced occasionally. ungoverned in this Jurisdiction by the Grand thought afar off. Shield and defend us from to me, Past Master. The Navy Chief was my Why did that all work? Collaboration Lodge, step very gingerly down their own the evil intentions of our enemies, and sup- top line signer and someone I had known of the effort, which should be the considered COVID path, whispers go up port us under the trials and afflictions we are for 20 plus years. When he became my Master’s guide in Mentoring. The Master when the Grand Master doesn’t slap them destined to endure, while traveling through topline signer, he wasn’t thrilled about the needs the best of resources, and that’s down for non-compliance. And the list of this vale of tears. Man that is born of a challenge I created when I asked to be a where we come in to help. As your Grand anxieties goes on and on and on and on . . . woman, is of few days and full of trouble. He Mason. Little did I know the amount of Lodge Mentoring Committee., we are put- Thank goodness we grew up in the cometh forth as a flower, and is cut down; he “work” that lay ahead for him. Being a man ting the final touches on that helpful age of commercials and know how to spell fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. who earned leadership, he was experienced guide. Our recommendation is to start R-O-L-A-I-D-S. Seeing his days are determined, the number enough to know that he needed help, and he with the resources currently available. Unfortunately I am not here to bring you of his months are with Thee; Thou hast brought in a ringer, a Past Master, to assist Our team would strongly urge that each news of anything that looks like certainty— appointed his bounds that he cannot pass; him in the task ahead. There was nothing Lodge order and have a copy of the Grand neither a certain path forward nor a certain turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall crusty about this Past Master; he was friendly, Lodge Presentation Binder. Study it, date when all will return to normal. Why accomplish his day. For there is hope of a knowledgeable, interesting, and had an ease know its contents at the very least. Most not? Well, here’s one example, and it stands tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout about him that was in direct opposition to of the tools, checklists, and guides that we as an excellent representative for all. again, and that the tender branch thereof will my top line signer. The problem for him will direct you to will all be found within Saturday, January 16th, was slated to be the not cease. But man dieth and wasteth away; was he was a Past Master of Lodge in Saudi its pages. 2021 One-Day-to-Masonry. However, when yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is Arabia. The ritual was different, the process You may order one of the Leather COVID infection rates started to limit the he? As the waters fail from the sea, and the was different, and he had been back in the Presentation Binder from the Grand amount of time we should be spending flood decayeth and drieth up: so man lieth US for a short time. The Navy guy who Lodge website under Mentoring. The together, a nine hour event was no longer pos- down, and riseth not up till the heavens shall went through in Japan, a Past Master from Collaborative Guide for the Master in Saudi and a candidate with zero capacity or Mentoring will be available this sible. Even two-hour First & Second Degrees be no more. Yet, O Lord! have compassion desire for memory work sounds like a fail- December within the Mentoring Tab on are problematic, but with aggressive use of on the children of Thy creation, administer ure before it even began, but this article the Grand Lodge web site; keep your eyes PPE and spacing, they seemed an acceptable them comfort in time of trouble, and save alone can attest it wasn’t. Although some open for that resource as well. risk. So hope turned to putting on a 3rd them with an everlasting salvation.—Amen.” may argue differently. Degree on that already scheduled January That prayer worked for Job, and the You may reach us at any time at Here was the key to that success…. Not Saturday, and to be held in a space large Supreme Architect has offered it to work 612-564-0583 voice or text. once did I ever feel or know how much of a enough for a cast of nearly twenty with plenty for you and me, too. Email [email protected] challenge I was to each of them—how of air flow. And just like that, Minnesota much effort they had to put forth and We are here to help. daily infections shot above 6,000. And just Fraternally.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM The Minnesota MASON COVID-19 forces more changes Name ______November–December 2020 VOL. 68, No. 4 We’ve all seen the devastating effects the lodges by District Representatives and Area Lodge ______The Minnesota MASON (USPS 593- 460) is the only official publication of COVID-19 pandemic has been wreaking on Deputies. As much as we would love to Old Address ______the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of our beloved fraternity. From the cancellation publicize a large gathering on this date, the Minnesota. It is published bimonthly in of in-person Annual Communication activi- new capacity restrictions for the Heritage Old City ______January-February, March-April, May- ties last April to delays getting candidates Center auditorium leave little room for side- June, July-August, September- through the three degrees, the situation has liners, beyond candidates and their guides. Old State/ZIP ______October, and November-December. forced Masons across Minnesota to Monitor Exams New Address ______Office of publication of The Minnesota re-evaluate the way in which we operate. The second major change is the post- MASON is the Grand Lodge of One-Day-to-Masonry ponement of the Annual Grand Lodge New City ______Minnesota, 11501 Masonic Home Drive, Unfortunately, due to the worsening Monitor Exams. Traditionally held the first New State/ZIP ______Bloomington, Minnesota 55437-3699. nature of the situation in Minnesota, the Friday and Saturday in February, the 2021 Telephone number is 952-948-6700. Grand Master has officially canceled the Monitor Exams are being postponed until New Phone ______Periodicals Postage Paid at Saint Paul, January 2021 One-Day-to-Masonry. The later in the spring. Once a new date has Minnesota, and additional entry offices. Effective date of change______Grand Lodge is still hoping to hold a been confirmed, it will be published in this POSTMASTER: Please send address Degree at the Minnesota Masonic paper. If you are interested in becoming a Mail: Office of the Grand Secretary corrections to The Minnesota MASON, Heritage Center on that date (January 16), Grand Lodge Monitor of the ritual, please 11501 Masonic Home Drive 11501 Masonic Home Drive, but a One-Day isn’t possible due to the contact MW Brother Brian Beermann, the Bloomington, Minnesota 55437-3699. Bloomington, MN 55437-3699 potential risks and logistical challenges Chairman of the Board of Custodians. He Design & Layout: Bobbie Lampi present at this time. can be reached at custodianchair@grand- Phone: 952-948-6700 or 800-245-6050 RSL desktop publishing services Once details for January 16th have been lodgemn.org. Email: [email protected] [email protected] finalized, they will be communicated to

2 The Minnesota MASON November–December 2020 Lodge Education Officer = LEO = Masonic Conundrum by Andrew Niemyer, Education Committee Andrew Niemyer, GLEO Leadership, Education, Oratory Masonic Conundrums lished Lodge works for its first year under If you have an idea for a Masonic dispensation that expires at the next Grand Esotericism, Masonry and Esoteric itself, given that candidates and brothers Conundrum, we are always looking for Lodge, when, if tradition prevails and all Masonry advancing through the degrees are tested new puzzlers to put before Minnesota necessary requirements have been met by As we travel on our individual Masonic before being exposed to higher truths, and Masons. Please send your Conundrum the Inchoate Lodge, they are granted their journeys, we often encounter words and that these truths are not shared overtly idea, along with the correct answer and at Warrant or Charter and become a fully phrases that everyone seems to know, yet with the world outside of our lodges. We least one reference to that answer to functional Lodge. when casually queried, no one, save a few, are bound by our oaths and obligations to [email protected]. The following sent answers to this can really articulate exactly what the phrase maintain secrecy before we advance fur- Conundrum 83 Conundrum. The answers were numbered means, other than that they vaguely know ther in our journeys in both the Blue Most brethren are familiar with their and then a random number generator was what it might mean. The phrases “Esoteric Lodge and appendant body rituals. own Lodge’s Charter, or Warrant, the date used to select six winners. Those winners Masonry” and “Masonic Esotericism” But, does this make all Masonic study it was granted from Grand Lodge, etc. are indicated by an asterisk. They will certainly fall into that category, and as “Esoteric Masonry?” The answer to that Some are even familiar with the interesting receive a prize from Grand Lodge: explored further, one can certainly see why. 1. Dave Saranen, Eveleth Lodge No. 239* question—like so many personal moral and situation when, in an area that is about to In this edition’s column, we’ll take a 2. Dick Sellman, Mesaba Lodge No. 255* philosophical journeys—lies in the eye of establish its own Grand Lodge, the dates brief look at what is generally meant, but the one doing the studying. 3. Vern Raap, Wayzata Lodge No. 205* that area Lodges received their charters 4. Clay Anderson, St. Paul Lodge No. 3* with some significant caveats, by the phrases Several authors argue that Masonic from distant Grand Lodges may very well 5. Harlan Brand, Templar Lodge No. 176 above. Given the vast body of lengthy Esotericism is best defined as the exami- determine the Lodges sequential number in 6. Casey Wolford, North Star Lodge No. 23* works by highly-noted Masonic scholars, nation of the greater aspects of various the newly established jurisdiction. 7. Steve Bernu, Anoka Lodge No. 30 this will be a brief survey meant to merely philosophical schools, parts of which the 8. Gale Campbell, Newport Lodge No. 118* But, there’s another kind of Lodge, give a framework for interested Brethren to numerous authors of the over 1,000 differ- besides a chartered Lodge, that also can Conundrum 84 begin their own journeys, should they so ent Masonic degree rituals have become in exist in a jurisdiction. Thus, our We are familiar with the white rod choose, into this potentially vast field of greater or lesser parts as part of our tradi- Conundrum this time was this: What is a carried by our Lodge Stewards as they personal inquiry and discovery. tions over the past 303 years. These “Inchoate Lodge” and what’s their status conduct their various duties about the We are best served by starting by defin- schools include Hermeticism, Gnosticism, in a jurisdiction? How long can a Lodge Lodge, as well as the angle at which they ing as best we can the meaning of the word Kabbalah and so many more. It is said that remain as an Inchoate Lodge? hold them and the reason behind this. Many “Esotericism.” The New World Encyclopedia by in-depth study of the greater aspects of Our answer comes from Mackey, An of us are also familiar with the ancient uses begins its entry on the topic, thus: the highly diverse “Western Esoteric Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, 1916 Edition, of the rod to denote stations and offices. In “Esotericism refers to the doctrines or Tradition”—parts of which are found reprinted 1995: An “Inchoate Lodge” is one this Conundrum, we ask: Can you name practices of esoteric knowledge, or the throughout the Prestonian rituals—we that is working under dispensation from the how the white rod was used in England and quality or state of being obscure. Esoteric learn of greater and higher truths, further Grand Master of a Grand Lodge jurisdiction. by whom in the era immediately preceding knowledge is that which is specialized or smoothing our personal rough ashlars. It is said to be “inchoate,” meaning “unfin- its use by Masons as a symbol of the Lodge advanced in nature, available only to a But, given the definition of esotericism ished” because “they do not possess all the Steward? narrow circle of “enlightened,” “initiated,” with which we began this column, the rights and prerogatives that belong to a Send your answer in an email by or highly educated people. Typically, eso- proposition can be made that any study Lodge under the Warrant of constitution of December 26, 2020, to masonicconun- teric knowledge is contrasted with exoteric one does of the writings, rituals, allegories a Grand Lodge.” Normally a newly estab- [email protected]. knowledge, which is well-known or public and symbols of the Craft we commonly use knowledge perceived as informally canonic is also an equally valid form of Masonic in society at large. Items pertaining to Esotericism. From the examination of the esotericism may be known as esoterica. contrast of ancient and modern meanings “Esotericism largely involves an element of the words we use in our rituals, to the of initiation such as the requirement that one allegorical meanings of our working tools Plan for Success with LRP be tested before learning the higher truth. or the intricate symbols used on various However, such knowledge may be kept secret tracing boards, all these studies help us Lessons from the Leadership Committee by Larry Lyman not by the intention of its protectors, but by consider and reflect upon what is taught It is time to plan for the future! If you maintain a healthy Lodge. its very nature—for example, if it is accessi- and practiced by Masonry collectively and have not already done so, contact your All Lodges should strive to have the ble only to those with the proper intellectual by Masons individually. District Representative to schedule a meet- Master and Wardens, or their proxies, background.” It is through that reflection—casual or ing with the current and future officers in attend Grand Lodge, and every Lodge Noted Masonic scholar, Arturo de serious in its nature—that we educate our- your Lodge. Take advantage of the Lodge would do well to attend Area Conferences. Hoyos, 33°, Grand Cross, Scottish Rite selves and perhaps others by sharing what Recognition Program, available through all Does your Lodge assign Mentors to help Grand Archivist & Grand Historian in his we have learned, be it orally when gathered District Representatives. This tool will help newer members learn the Craft? Do your well-known 2017 essay “Is Freemasonry in fellowship, or more formally through a you see clearly how to establish a track to Stated Communications include the LEO? Esoteric?” writes, “By definition, esotericism Lodge education talk, presentation or even run on—helping you to build on successes Are you proficient in degree work, or do you is any topic ‘intended for or likely to be an essay. As initiates into a closed system of the past while avoiding pitfalls along the know how to reach out for help? Are you understood by only a small number of people that celebrates personal growth, develop- way. Let’s take a look. involved in your community, do you have a with a specialized knowledge or interest.’ ment and refinement on both individual and The Grand Lodge seeks to ensure that newsletter or some other means of keeping This certainly applies to Masonry; but on a collective levels, every time we learn some- all Lodges in Minnesota are prepared to be all your members informed? Do you allow deeper level, and in a Masonic context, it’s thing more about Masonry, we can be said viable for the future, and to do that, they for social time before or after meetings? usually taken to mean that our ceremonies to be practicing a form of “Esoteric look at certain basic things that allow a Finally, a Lodge that does not raise at and rituals allude to realities and/or truths Masonry” every bit as much as those who Lodge to move towards success. The Lodge least one new Brother each year may be in not generally understood, or which may study the deep and complex ancient Schools Recognition Program provides a checklist trouble in short order. New members allow have a spiritual component to them.” of Mystery, theoretical and mystical to the District Representative. This check- for Lodge growth and these new members Keying off of this, we can all certainly philosophies or even more highly refined list allows him to quickly evaluate some benefit from working with your more sea- agree that Freemasonry as practiced is theoretical geometry. It might very well be basic functions necessary to the health of soned Brothers as they learn what it means most certainly arguably esoteric in and of that it is as much the act of studying an the Lodge. Is your Lodge Charter in order? to be a Mason. By working with your aspect of the Craft by a curious individual Do you know how to properly examine a District Representative, your Lodge will be brother that elevates him, as much as what visiting Brother, and can you open the much more likely to stay strong, and con- If you would like to contribute an it is he chooses to study. essay of any length to share with Lodge properly on any degree? Such things tinue to be a vital part of your community. your Brethren, please feel free to as conducting a Stated Communication “Every Mason can be an Educator.” Editor’s note: Lodge recognition program sta- reach out to me at my email with an agenda, having at least one Brother tuses have been suspended, by order of the [email protected]. With fraternity and in light, in the line who is not a Past Master, having WB Andrew Niemyer, Grand Lodge LEO Grand Master for 2020-2021, due to the ongo- Your submissions are at least one LEO program and one Charity ing pandemic. Please continue to use the pro- [email protected] warmly encouraged. program… these are not difficult things to gram to help guide your lodge, but there will “Quarite plus lucem – Seek More Light” accomplish, but are things that will help be no official ratings for this year.

Looking back, Looking forward – Your thoughts on Freemasonry The world is a changing place where the craft” and direct its efforts towards expectations. Your feedback is critical in values and traditions have come and gone. initiatives that facilitate a contemporary helping us identify potential shortcomings Freemasonry has withstood the test of exposure to the time-tested values and in order to develop plans to address them. Grand Lodge time by instilling core values in men that align these with the needs of today’s The Grand Lodge will be sending a remain true, regardless of change. Freemason. membership survey by email in early Website The Grand Lodge of Minnesota, and The perspective of current and former December. Please consider adding your its constituent lodges, face the challenge members of our fraternity is especially voice to this initiative and help the Grand of aligning the principal themes within important to us. We know men become Lodge of Minnesota improve the mem- www.mn-masons.org Freemasonry with the everchanging needs Freemasons for a variety of reasons and bership experience for future generations of Freemasons. that arise from society. It is therefore we acknowledge that, at times, the reality most appropriate to examine “the state of of what they ﬁnd does not live up to

November–December 2020 The Minnesota MASON 3 Where everyone has A VOICE

Clara Peterson was just three In the nearly two years since years old when her parents turned to Clara and Jillian have been working Minnesota Masonic Children’s Clinic together, Clara can now speak four- for Communication Disorders word phrases and has “done really (MMCCCD) to help her learn to talk. well,” said Jillian. “She’s blown me At that point, Clara, who was born out of the water with her progress.” with Down Syndrome, utilized a mere Jillian was particularly impressed 30-40 words and some sign language by Clara’s growth throughout the to communicate to her parents and months of teletherapy that were nec- older sisters. The Petersons tried other essary due to COVID-19 and the places to get help. Clinic’s temporary closure. During “At Masonic, there is more of an that time, Clara was able to focus for emphasis on getting family involved,” their twice weekly sessions online. said Clara’s Mom, Mandy. “When we Jillian credits the dedication of her started here, our fears just fell away. family for Clara’s ongoing success. Family is immediately included so “Clara’s parents are really involved we can support what is being done in and follow through,” said Jillian. “The the therapy sessions.” progress is that much faster. The Minnesota Masonic Top: Clara Peterson was unable to Clara was matched with Speech/ Clara’s dad, Nick, agreed. “We Children’s Clinic for Communication communicate effectively before getting Language Pathologist, Jillian, who got involved in the PACC (Parents help from MMCCCD. instantly discovered her young client’s and Children Communicating) pro- Disorders is located in Duluth, strengths. “The girl loves bubbles,” said gram early on and the whole family Minnesota, and offers diagnostic and Above: Clara and her parents, Mandy Jillian of Clara. “She’s got an amazing got a lot out of that,” he said. “Her treatment services for children ages 0 and Nick, join clinic director Niki Lampi (right) in some therapeutic play time. imagination. Typically, I do well by just older sisters participated, and that has to 9 at no cost to families. Visit: following her lead during our sessions.” helped tremendously.” MasonicChildrensClinic.org

4 The Minnesota MASON November–December 2020 Still available in 2020: QCDs

In response to the pandemic, the QCDs allow IRA owners who are Coronavirus Aid, Relief and age 70 1/2 or older to directly transfer Economic Securities (CARES) Act up to $100,000 annually from an IRA was passed by Congress. Included in to charities, like Minnesota Masonic this giant relief package was a provi- Charities, tax free. If you are married, sion that waives required minimum you and your spouse may both trans- distributions (RMDs) for 2020 from fer $100,000 for a total of $200,000. retirement accounts. QCDs are limited to pretax IRA You may be wondering if you can funds. One key component of a QCD Rededication set for April 2021 still do a Qualiﬁed Charitable is that the funds must be paid directly Distribution (QCD) for 2020 even from the IRA to the charity. In light of the continued restric- Memorial Chapel Rededication to tions placed on business and social Thursday, April 8, 2021. Please though your RMD is waived. The If you have any questions, please gatherings due to the pandemic, we check our website for updates at: answer is yes! QCDs can still be made call John Schwietz at 651- 210-5240 have pushed the date for the OES MnMasonicCharities.org even in years when no RMD is required. or email him at QCDs from IRAs are still available in [email protected]. 2020 and still offer tax beneﬁts.

SCHOLARSHIPS AMAZON SMILE

Did you know you can support Minnesota Masonic Charities simply by shopping for items you would normally purchase? And it’s so easy to do! Visit smile.amazon.com and shop for the same products you normally would ﬁnd on amazon.com for the same prices. AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of Last year, Legacy Scholar Abby eligible purchases to your charity Nelson, pictured above, was one of 90 of choice with no fees or extra awardees of MMC scholarships in 2020. Applications for 2021 will be available on costs! It’s a win-win for everyone An Evening with Ella and a great way to support MMC December 1, 2020 on the MMC website: December 31, 2020 at 7 p.m. MnMasonicCharities.org. The deadline and our many critical programs for applications is February 15, 2021. and services. Get shopping! MasonicHeritageCenter.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]

November–December 2020 The Minnesota MASON 5 News & Views from the Lodges Metrowest work brings in nine new members

The most recent Metrowest Entered Apprentice Degree brought in nine new members to the Fraternity from six Lodges. It was a great day and wonderful work put on by our Custodians and Monitors! Wayfaring Man visit to Lebanon Lodge GM Seaberg gives 75-year award

On November 5, 2020, GM Ethan Seaberg awarded WB Stanley Campbell of Pleasant Grove Lodge No. 22, his 75-Year pin and certiﬁcate. Even during this time of COVID-19, following all safety protocols, and of course checking ahead with the lodge, you could still be a “Wayfaring Man” and travel to visit other lodges. Here a small group from Sherburne Lodge No. 95, led by their WM Phil Johnson, front row left, they visited the Brothers of Lebanon Lodge No. 346 and their WM Joel Porter, center, continuing the ties of Brotherly Love and Affection!

Western Star Lodge donates to Salvation Army Euclid Lodge holds highway clean-up The Brothers of Euclid Lodge No. 198, Duluth, and Job’s Daughters of Bethel #28 met for the semi-annual highway cleanup north of Duluth. This has been a spring and fall tradition started in 1992 by WB Don DeMars. After clean- ing both sides of the two-mile stretch on Highway 53, there was outdoor, socially- distanced fellowship. Euclid Lodge has also met outside this fall for an informal “bring your own coffee thermos” gathering at West Duluth’s Memorial Park. WM Nick Katich would like to thank the Euclid Lodge Brothers, Job’s Daughters Western Star Lodge No. 26, Albert Lea, donated $500 to the Salvation Army. Pictured are Brother and families for their hard work on clean Pictured are Ella H and Keely W. of Job’s Wayne Bellrichard and Major Sandra Hunt of the Salvation Army. up day! Daughters Bethel #28, Duluth.

6 The Minnesota MASON November–December 2020 News from the Masonic Family

November–December 2020 The Minnesota MASON 7 Grand Lodge of Minnesota GRAND VIEW

Your Grand Lodge Officers are pleased to announce that we have engaged Grand View Systems to provide membership management and communications systems for our jurisdiction. Grand View is a state-of-the-art system that will replace our existing databases and allow us to enhance management and communication at the Grand Lodge, Lodge, and individual member levels. They have been in business for several years and are currently serving more than 30 Grand Lodges. As an active member, you will have access to update and correct your contact information, set communication preferences, and update other personal information, including birth date, place of birth, and occupation. Members will also have access to the private member portal where you can ﬁnd lodge meetings throughout the state, get information on lodge events, and access educational materials. This system is designed to distribute access and control of lodge records down to the lodge secretary. Your Lodge Secretary will have access to your member record to make changes to his- tory and office positions. In addition to the record management features, Grand View also provides communication abilities for Lodges to create posts and events that are automatically emailed to the members who use email and mail merge letters for those that do not.

We hope you are as excited as we are about this new endeavor.

Grand Lodge of Minnesota GRAND VIEW HOW TO REGISTER AS A MEMBER

Grand View Procedure

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx-WliihfcM

Step 1 – Enter the url for your jurisdiction: https://mn.grandview.systems Step 2 – Click on Member Portal Step 3 – Click on Member Registration Step 4 – Enter your Lodge Number Step 5 – Enter your Member ID (5-digit Grand Lodge ID number from top left of your 2020 dues card) Step 6 – Enter your Last Name (case sensitive) Step 7 – Click on Check Membership Status Step 8 – Enter your Email Address Step 9 – Enter a Password that you can remember

Step 10 – Enter Conﬁrmation by entering password again The Grand Lodge website is at Step 11 – Click on Submit www.mn-masons.org

8 The Minnesota MASON November–December 2020