Celebrating 130 Years of Freemasonry in North Dakota. November 2018 — Volume 107, No

North Dakota MASON Celebrating 130 years of Freemasonry in North Dakota. November 2018 — Volume 107, No. 2 — www.ndmasons.com

Grand Master’s Message: Share Masonry

Brothers, We also need to reach out to our Masonic • Support, start, or restart a Rainbow North Dakota’s brothers to more deeply share Masonry with Assembly for young women 11-20 years native son Eric them. We need to reach out to our brothers who of age. Sevareid—one of the are no longer able to get to our meetings. We • Hold a banquet to award scholarships premier journalists need to help our brothers in need. I am asking and recognize achievement. of the Twentieth every lodge to have a program of outreach to • Promote the North Dakota Spelling Bee. Century—once wrote our Masonic brothers. And I am asking every North Dakota Masons are the primary that “North Dakota brother to help. financial sponsor of the event that starts exists as a large In our ceremonies we talk about widows at the local level and leads to the state rectangular blank and orphans. The operative Masons who competition with the winner going to spot in the nation’s built the great cathedrals were engaged in the national competition. mind.” But he also Grand Master Dale V. dangerous work, and there were many widows • Promote the Know Your State Sandstrom wrote of the and orphans. Although modern Masonry is not competition. North Dakota Masons brotherhood that grew from the equality and physically dangerous, it is a fact of life that are the primary sponsor of this event. interdependence of life on the sometimes most Masons are survived by their wives. We County winners compete at the state harsh North Dakota prairie. And he entitled must be concerned about the widows of our competition in Bismarck to win his autobiography Not So Wild a Dream, taken deceased brothers. We need to reach out to valuable scholarships. from the words of Norman Corwin, “Post them with caring hearts. Many lodges maintain • Community grants and hometown proofs that brotherhood is not so wild a dream lists of their widows. Others can compile the grants through our North Dakota as those who profit by postponing it pretend.” names by looking in their records and asking Masonic Foundation are there to When we go back to the basics of Masonry, longtime members. I am asking every lodge to help. these are the basics to which we return: have some widow’s night in this Masonic year. Remember that Masonry is all of us. And all enduring principles that belong to no age or Masons have always cared about youth. of us can make a difference! time, a commitment to helping good men I am asking every lodge to have one or more become better, and the not so wild a dream of youth programs in the coming year. Fraternally yours, brotherhood. • Support, start, or restart a DeMolay Dale V. Sandstrom, Grand Master We need to share Masonry with more good Chapter for young men 12-21 years of men. age.

2018-2019 Grand Lodge Officers L-R Row 1: JGD Jon Richards, GTr Doug Melby, JGW Danny Haugen, DGM Lowell Domier, GM Dale Sandstrom, SGW Bob Wedberg, GSec Lon Kvasager, DDGN Chad Kainz, GLib George Vettel, DDGM Darrin Galde

Row 2: GCh Robert Post Johnson, GTy Tyler Hall, DDGM Aaron Restad, SGD Kirk Akerson, GMar Paul Levchak, JGS Dennis Evans, SGS Merle Halvorson, DDGM Carl Edgerly, GHist Jim Savaloja

Row 3: GOr Michael Bakken, GLec Ronald Penfold, GLec Fred Kitko

www.ndmasons.com Grand Master Dale V. Sandstrom Dale V. Dale served on the North A Mason for 47 years, he is Past Wayne Lee Lauwers Shiloh Lodge 1 8/26/2018 Sandstrom is Dakota Supreme Court from first Master of Lewis and Clark Lodge David C Blair Acacia Lodge 4 6/9/2018 the 130th Grand being elected in 1992 until his No. 132. He is a member of the Fred G Stewart Acacia Lodge 4 5/8/2018 Master of the retirement at the end of 2016. He El Zagal Shrine Dusters, a 33rd Norbert C Kinnischtzke Bismarck Lodge 5 8/29/2018 Grand Lodge of chaired the North Dakota Judicial degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a Frank J Bavendick Bismarck Lodge 5 3/8/2018 Upcoming North Dakota. Conference, the North Dakota member of York Rite and Eastern Michael R Kennedy Bismarck Lodge 5 6/1/2018 A fifth- Judges Association, the Joint Star. He is a Past Rainbow State Wesley D Norton Bismarck Lodge 5 7/8/2018 Events generation Procedure Committee, and the Dad. Donald C Hanson Mandan Lodge 8 9/17/2018 North Dakotan, Court Technology Committee. He He served on the national Jackson H Brown Tongue River Lodge 22 9/1/2018 Jason L Laxdal Tongue River Lodge 22 3/21/2018 Oct. 29 Dale Sandstrom was born in is the 7th longest-serving Justice Church Council of the 4.1 Kenneth J Bartron Tongue River Lodge 22 9/27/2018 District 5 Meeting and Grand Forks and is a graduate of since statehood. He served in million member Evangelical David P Symington Tongue River Lodge 22 8/30/2018 Instruction - Fargo the Fargo public schools, North elected statewide office for more Lutheran Church in America for Marvin D Hoffman Star in the West Lodge 33 7/26/2018 6:30 dinner Dakota State University, the than 33 years, making him North 8½ years, chairing its Legal and University of North Dakota School Dakota’s 7th longest-serving Constitutional Review Committee, Gary R Rockefeller Star in the West Lodge 33 7/31/2018 Robert M Glessing Star in the West Lodge 33 8/9/2018 Nov. 6 of Law, and the National Judicial elected statewide official. He was and serving on its 11-member Marvin Otto Hoel Lebanon Lodge 34 4/8/2018 District 2 Meeting and College. He did postgraduate study the first recipient of the Gerald W. Executive Committee. He is Jim Crooks Fairmount Tri-State Lodge 37 3/29/2018 Instruction - Rolla at Harvard Law School and the VandeWalle Medal in recognition active in Rotary, having served David F Knecht Fairmount Tri-State Lodge 37 9/11/2018 6:00 dinner Graduate School of Business at of his “significant dedication and as club president and as assistant Michigan State University. contributions to the administration district governor. An Eagle Scout George D Thompson Welcome Lodge 54 5/2/2018 Richard W Christ Wimbledon Lodge 71 8/23/2018 Nov. 29 He worked for the United State of justice and the improvement of in his youth, in 1997, he was the Max Hurdelbrink Tyrian Lodge 113 8/10/2018 District 6 Meeting and Senate under Senator Milton R. the judicial system.” seventh North Dakotan named a James C Cook Roosevelt Memorial Lodge 129 5/28/2018 Instruction - Grand Forks Young, and served on the staff Dale was active in the Distinguished Eagle Scout by the Donald C Wold Sunrise Lodge 130 5/20/2018 7:30 pm of the North Dakota Criminal Order of DeMolay in his youth, national Boy Scouts of America. Justice Commission. He served including serving as State Master He was served Scouting at every H George Poulson Pgm Sunrise Lodge 130 7/11/2018 Raymond H Severson Sunrise Lodge 130 10/8/2018 Dec. 1 as Assistant Attorney General for Councilor. In 1979, he became the level from Scoutmaster to member Bobby G Noblin Malta Lodge 131 1/21/2018 District 9 Meeting and six years, heading the Attorney youngest state Executive Officer in of the National Council. Stanley H Whicker Malta Lodge 131 8/20/2018 Instruction - Tioga General’s Consumer Fraud and DeMolay history. In 1994, he was He is married Clarence L Esser Lewis & Clark Lodge 132 10/6/2018 10 am Antitrust Division. After serving installed as Grand Master of the to District Judge as in the Governor’s cabinet as International Supreme Council of Gail Hagerty, and Lowell F Johnson Fargo Daylight Lodge 135 1/8/2018 Dec. 8 State Securities Commissioner, he the Order of DeMolay during its they have three Grand Lodge served nearly a decade on the state 75th Anniversary Session. children. Quarterly Meetings Public Service Commission. Bismarck - Noon Award recipients from 129th Annual Communication of Grand Lodge A.F. Dec. 18 & A.M. of ND District 6 Meeting and Jeff Nelson heads Grand Encampment of Knights Instruction- Mandan By Mark Williamson, P.G.M. 6:00 dinner Templar The greatest Fraternity you, their success is directly related to the Masons of North Dakota would not have been in the World can only exist involvement and contributions of the members as successful as it was without them. Every Brother Dakota. He is retired legal counsel chairing the Grand Lodge bylaws Feb. 2 because of its members. of that organization. I would like to take this mason in North Dakota has a special place in Jeffrey N. and Assistant Code Revisor for committee and trial commission. District 1 Meeting and The stronger the individual opportunity to once again thank some very my heart and I would love to recognize every Nelson, the N.D. Legislative Council. Jeff has headed all three North Instruction - Cavalier becomes in Masonry, the special Brothers and to congratulate them on one of them, however, given space constraints Bismarck, He heads his family’s mineral, Dakota Grand York Rite bodies. 10 am stronger the group becomes a tremendous year of growth and support of and practicality here is the list of Brothers has been farming, and ranching operations. He is a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite as a whole. As leaders of any our Fraternity. Additionally, my term as Grand receiving special recognition at the 129th installed as Jeff is past master of Bismarck Mason and a member of the El Mar. 8-9 organization will tell Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Annual Communications in Grand Forks. the Grand Lodge 5. He is also a member Zagal Shrine Dusters (a classic Grand Lodge Master of of Mandan Lodge 8, Chancellor car unit) numerous other Masonic Quarterly Meetings the Grand Walworth (Steele) Lodge 102, organizations. Fargo District 1 District 5 District 7 Encampment of Knight Templar West Gate (Tioga) Lodge 125, Jeff is an accomplished Mason of the Year – Harold McConnel Mason of the Year – Martin Kloster Mason of the Year – Kelly Klusman of the United States. His three- Lewis and Clark (Bismarck) runner, having finished fifty- June 14-15 Ritualist of the Year – Jack Ottem Ritualist of the Year – John Campbell Ritualist of the Year – Bob Brew year term will conclude with the Lodge 132, International Lodge three marathons and completed Grand Lodge Triennial in 2021 in Minneapolis. of Freemasons, Northern marathons in thirty-one states, in Annual Communication District 2 District 6 District 9 Jeff was born and graduated Lights Historic Lodge 68, and two Canadian provinces, in seven Bismarck Radisson Mason of the Year – Bob Leonard Mason of the Year – Lynn Buri Mason of the Year – Bill Rafferty from high school in Tioga, N.D. Yellowstone Historic Lodge 88. countries, on four continents, Ritualist of the Year – Jim Bennington Ritualist of the Year – Ken Snyder Ritualist of the Year – Don Akins, Jr. He has bachelor and law degrees He is active in local and statewide and finished five of the six World from the University of North Masonic activities, including Major Marathons. Distrzict 4 Mason of the Year – David Rustebakke Ritualist of the Year – Tom Moe

38th Annual Fargo Masonic Corn Feed: Brotherly Love, Relief, & Truth Grand Jewel of Solomon works to achieve an upstanding life and and Fred Kitko, thank you for all of your hard By Darrin Galde DDGM The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and diligently strives to obtain enlightenment. work and congratulations on your award. The Annual Fargo All-Masonic Cord Feed was held on August 15th Accepted Masons of the State of North Dakota, at El Zagal. Brotherly Love and teamwork was on display with Shiloh with sincere appreciation for your leadership So as the newer mason becomes more Next time you see any of these guys in No. 1, Eastgate No. 120, Sunrise No. 130, Daylight No. 135, Mecca No. and service to the craft, presents to Worshipful educated and grows, he improves his spiritual lodge or socially, shake their hand and thank 5, and Rainbow No. 4 all working in harmony to put on a great event. Brothers Darrin Galde and Chad Kainz the and moral being. This is a continual process them for their contributions to our craft. I know The meal was sure to add Relief to everyone’s hunger. We went through Grand Jewel of Solomon Award. that just keeps getting better. I can’t thank them enough! about 100 dozen ears of corn along with hot dogs, potato salad, and baked beans. The Truth was that everyone had a great time and no one The Ashlar Award How does this process start? We need an Fraternally, went home hungry. The corn feed is a great example of the Masonic In Masonry, a rough ashlar is an allegory Educator, a Mentor and Teacher! The first two Mark Williamson, PGM Bodies working together. The funds generated from the corn feed are to the uninitiated Freemason prior to his recipients of this award exemplified this process used to maintain our Fargo Masonic Center. Thanks to all that attended Deputy Grand Master Lowell Domier and discovering enlightenment. thinking only of helping the Brotherhood and we look forward to next year’s event! wife Deb A perfect ashlar is an allegory to a receive further light in Masonry. Lon Kvasager Freemason who through masonic education

Support Masonic Charities. www.ndmasons.com Grand Master Dale V. Sandstrom Dale V. Dale served on the North A Mason for 47 years, he is Past Wayne Lee Lauwers Shiloh Lodge 1 8/26/2018 Sandstrom is Dakota Supreme Court from first Master of Lewis and Clark Lodge David C Blair Acacia Lodge 4 6/9/2018 the 130th Grand being elected in 1992 until his No. 132. He is a member of the Fred G Stewart Acacia Lodge 4 5/8/2018 Master of the retirement at the end of 2016. He El Zagal Shrine Dusters, a 33rd Norbert C Kinnischtzke Bismarck Lodge 5 8/29/2018 Grand Lodge of chaired the North Dakota Judicial degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a Frank J Bavendick Bismarck Lodge 5 3/8/2018 Upcoming North Dakota. Conference, the North Dakota member of York Rite and Eastern Michael R Kennedy Bismarck Lodge 5 6/1/2018 A fifth- Judges Association, the Joint Star. He is a Past Rainbow State Wesley D Norton Bismarck Lodge 5 7/8/2018 Events generation Procedure Committee, and the Dad. Donald C Hanson Mandan Lodge 8 9/17/2018 North Dakotan, Court Technology Committee. He He served on the national Jackson H Brown Tongue River Lodge 22 9/1/2018 Jason L Laxdal Tongue River Lodge 22 3/21/2018 Oct. 29 Dale Sandstrom was born in is the 7th longest-serving Justice Church Council of the 4.1 Kenneth J Bartron Tongue River Lodge 22 9/27/2018 District 5 Meeting and Grand Forks and is a graduate of since statehood. He served in million member Evangelical David P Symington Tongue River Lodge 22 8/30/2018 Instruction - Fargo the Fargo public schools, North elected statewide office for more Lutheran Church in America for Marvin D Hoffman Star in the West Lodge 33 7/26/2018 6:30 dinner Dakota State University, the than 33 years, making him North 8½ years, chairing its Legal and University of North Dakota School Dakota’s 7th longest-serving Constitutional Review Committee, Gary R Rockefeller Star in the West Lodge 33 7/31/2018 Robert M Glessing Star in the West Lodge 33 8/9/2018 Nov. 6 of Law, and the National Judicial elected statewide official. He was and serving on its 11-member Marvin Otto Hoel Lebanon Lodge 34 4/8/2018 District 2 Meeting and College. He did postgraduate study the first recipient of the Gerald W. Executive Committee. He is Jim Crooks Fairmount Tri-State Lodge 37 3/29/2018 Instruction - Rolla at Harvard Law School and the VandeWalle Medal in recognition active in Rotary, having served David F Knecht Fairmount Tri-State Lodge 37 9/11/2018 6:00 dinner Graduate School of Business at of his “significant dedication and as club president and as assistant Michigan State University. contributions to the administration district governor. An Eagle Scout George D Thompson Welcome Lodge 54 5/2/2018 Richard W Christ Wimbledon Lodge 71 8/23/2018 Nov. 29 He worked for the United State of justice and the improvement of in his youth, in 1997, he was the Max Hurdelbrink Tyrian Lodge 113 8/10/2018 District 6 Meeting and Senate under Senator Milton R. the judicial system.” seventh North Dakotan named a James C Cook Roosevelt Memorial Lodge 129 5/28/2018 Instruction - Grand Forks Young, and served on the staff Dale was active in the Distinguished Eagle Scout by the Donald C Wold Sunrise Lodge 130 5/20/2018 7:30 pm of the North Dakota Criminal Order of DeMolay in his youth, national Boy Scouts of America. Justice Commission. He served including serving as State Master He was served Scouting at every H George Poulson Pgm Sunrise Lodge 130 7/11/2018 Raymond H Severson Sunrise Lodge 130 10/8/2018 Dec. 1 as Assistant Attorney General for Councilor. In 1979, he became the level from Scoutmaster to member Bobby G Noblin Malta Lodge 131 1/21/2018 District 9 Meeting and six years, heading the Attorney youngest state Executive Officer in of the National Council. Stanley H Whicker Malta Lodge 131 8/20/2018 Instruction - Tioga General’s Consumer Fraud and DeMolay history. In 1994, he was He is married Clarence L Esser Lewis & Clark Lodge 132 10/6/2018 10 am Antitrust Division. After serving installed as Grand Master of the to District Judge as in the Governor’s cabinet as International Supreme Council of Gail Hagerty, and Lowell F Johnson Fargo Daylight Lodge 135 1/8/2018 Dec. 8 State Securities Commissioner, he the Order of DeMolay during its they have three Grand Lodge served nearly a decade on the state 75th Anniversary Session. children. Quarterly Meetings Public Service Commission. Bismarck - Noon Award recipients from 129th Annual Communication of Grand Lodge A.F. Dec. 18 & A.M. of ND District 6 Meeting and Jeff Nelson heads Grand Encampment of Knights Instruction- Mandan By Mark Williamson, P.G.M. 6:00 dinner Templar The greatest Fraternity you, their success is directly related to the Masons of North Dakota would not have been in the World can only exist involvement and contributions of the members as successful as it was without them. Every Brother Dakota. He is retired legal counsel chairing the Grand Lodge bylaws Feb. 2 because of its members. of that organization. I would like to take this mason in North Dakota has a special place in Jeffrey N. and Assistant Code Revisor for committee and trial commission. District 1 Meeting and The stronger the individual opportunity to once again thank some very my heart and I would love to recognize every Nelson, the N.D. Legislative Council. Jeff has headed all three North Instruction - Cavalier becomes in Masonry, the special Brothers and to congratulate them on one of them, however, given space constraints Bismarck, He heads his family’s mineral, Dakota Grand York Rite bodies. 10 am stronger the group becomes a tremendous year of growth and support of and practicality here is the list of Brothers has been farming, and ranching operations. He is a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite as a whole. As leaders of any our Fraternity. Additionally, my term as Grand receiving special recognition at the 129th installed as Jeff is past master of Bismarck Mason and a member of the El Mar. 8-9 organization will tell Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Annual Communications in Grand Forks. the Grand Lodge 5. He is also a member Zagal Shrine Dusters (a classic Grand Lodge Master of of Mandan Lodge 8, Chancellor car unit) numerous other Masonic Quarterly Meetings the Grand Walworth (Steele) Lodge 102, organizations. Fargo District 1 District 5 District 7 Encampment of Knight Templar West Gate (Tioga) Lodge 125, Jeff is an accomplished Mason of the Year – Harold McConnel Mason of the Year – Martin Kloster Mason of the Year – Kelly Klusman of the United States. His three- Lewis and Clark (Bismarck) runner, having finished fifty- June 14-15 Ritualist of the Year – Jack Ottem Ritualist of the Year – John Campbell Ritualist of the Year – Bob Brew year term will conclude with the Lodge 132, International Lodge three marathons and completed Grand Lodge Triennial in 2021 in Minneapolis. of Freemasons, Northern marathons in thirty-one states, in Annual Communication District 2 District 6 District 9 Jeff was born and graduated Lights Historic Lodge 68, and two Canadian provinces, in seven Bismarck Radisson Mason of the Year – Bob Leonard Mason of the Year – Lynn Buri Mason of the Year – Bill Rafferty from high school in Tioga, N.D. Yellowstone Historic Lodge 88. countries, on four continents, Ritualist of the Year – Jim Bennington Ritualist of the Year – Ken Snyder Ritualist of the Year – Don Akins, Jr. He has bachelor and law degrees He is active in local and statewide and finished five of the six World from the University of North Masonic activities, including Major Marathons. Distrzict 4 Mason of the Year – David Rustebakke Ritualist of the Year – Tom Moe

Support Masonic Charities. www.ndmasons.com 129th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota Brother Sol Wezelman turns 100 The Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of North Eric Roder, Langdon, was elected to the Grand Master Dale Sandstrom is a past Grand On Sept. 21, 2018, Brother Sol M. Grand Inspector General in North Dakota. Dakota met at the Grand Forks Masonic Policy and General Purposes Committee; Master of DeMolay International who recently Wezelman celebrated his 100th birthday at Sol joined Bismarck Lodge No. 5 in 1949, Temple, June 15-16, 2018, with Grand Master Matt McGrew, Grand Forks, to the Finance retired after 24 years as a Justice of the North Touchmark, an assisted living community in not long after he moved to the community. He Mark Williamson, Larimore, N.D., presiding. Committee; and Bill Steckler, Grand Forks, Dakota Supreme Court. Deputy Grand Master Bismarck where he lives with his wife Sybil. was active in the lodge and in Scottish Rite Thursday the Grand Lodge golf and skeet- to the North Dakota Masonic Foundation. Lowell Domier, a contractor, is a Past Potentate Sol’s daughter, Joy, lives nearby. degree work. shooting tournament was held at Larimore. Bylaw amendments provided for the addition of Kem Shriners. Senior Grand Warden Robert Sol’s apartment was filled with flowers, Sol grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, as the Friday, Grand Lodge elected committees of the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens to the Wedberg, a farmer, is Past Potentate of El Zagal balloons, and congratulatory cards. Calls and eighth of nine children. He attended Creighton met, followed by educational programs in Finance Committee, and requiring mandatory Shriners. The Junior Grand Warden Daniel visit continued throughout the day. Among his University and then the University of Missouri. the afternoon. After the evening banquet, the criminal background checks before balloting on Haugen, the Director of the North Dakota Law visitors was Grand Master Dale Sandstrom who With his first wife, Natalie, Joy’s mother, he Banner Girls from the farming community petitioners. The Grand Lodge and the Masonic Enforcement Training Academy, is a previous expressed the congratulations of the Masons of moved to Bismarck in 1947 intending to work of Leeds presented an impressive concert. Foundation budgets provided for acquisition District Deputy Grand Master in three different North Dakota. for only one year at the North Dakota Insurance The Banner Girls previously performed at of a new database system to provide better districts. Sol expressed his best wishes to his Department as an assistant actuary. He the George Washington National Masonic information, to better maintain contact with Grand Master Sandstrom outlined plans Masonic brothers, and his regret at not having ended up working for Provident Life Insurance Memorial and at the Rededication of Mount members, and to facilitate fund raising. “to support our youth, care for our brothers’ been able to get to the Masonic meetings for for 30 years serving as chief actuary and vice Rushmore. The installation of officers included an entry widows, and reach out to all our members.” the last year. Until a year ago, Sol had served president until his retirement when he turned The Saturday business meetings included arch by Rainbow Girls and arch to the East by as treasurer of the Masonic coffee group that 65. Intending to stay in Bismarck for only one election of the Grand Line and committees. members of DeMolay. North Dakota’s new meets at the Bismarck Masonic center every year, he has actually stayed for 71+ years. As Wednesday morning at 9. Before he would he says, “I was the longest temporary resident leave, he would take treats to the Scottish Rite to Bismarck but don’t regret it a bit.” Speech Therapy Center. Sol and family have been strong advocates Earlier this year, Sol was invested a Knight for the developmentally disabled which include Commander of the Court of Honor awarded by son Ira. He was active in the Rotary Club the Scottish Rite Supreme Council. The special for fifty years. The Wezelman family was conferral in the library at Touchmark was also recently honor by the Bismarck Library presided over by Charles Ottem, the Sovereign Foundation.

Midwest Conference of Grand Lodges meets in Bismarck The Midwest Conference of Grand Lodges The Saturday meetings were held at the of the Conference of Grand Masters in North met in Bismarck, August 17-18, with nine North Dakota Heritage Center—the State America; N.D. PGM Arnold Ellingson, a Past grand lodges represented. In addition to sharing Museum. “The Smithsonian of the Plains” Chair of the Conference of Grand Masters; Masonic knowledge and ideas, the conference located on the State Capitol Grounds. The N.D. PGM and Grand Historian Jim Savaloja showcased North Dakota. Representatives of recent $52-million dollar expansion doubled and Historical Society Director Claudia Berg. Rainbow Girls form an entry arch of roses. several jurisdictions came in early to take in the size of the Center. Exhibits include amazing Past Imperial Potentate Dale Stauss was the historic sites. Native American and dinosaur collections with Saturday evening banquet Speaker. The conference began with a Friday- one of only a handful of mummified dinosaurs The Midwest Conference comes to North evening excursion and dinner on the Lewis and ever found in the world. The venue also Dakota once every decade. Clark Riverboat on the Missouri River. highlighted the partnership of the North Dakota Following breakfast at the Radisson on Masons and the North Dakota Historical GM Sandstrom delivers his address as Installing Office and PGM Gerald Skogley looks Saturday, the El Zagal Shrine Dusters with their Society involving state historic sites. on. Classic Cars helped transport the group to the Conference speakers included Joe Heritage Center. Manning, PGM of Oklahoma, a Past Chair

State Spelling Bee Since 2000, the North Dakota Masons The competition begins in the local schools, Contributions to the North Dakota have been a gold sponsor of the North Dakota moves to the county level and the state level at Masonic Foundation help support this iconic State Spelling Bee for young people less than the end of March in Bismarck. Approximately competition. 16 years of age and not beyond eighth grade. 100 students compete at the state level. Funding through the North Dakota Masonic The winner at the state level competes in The Banner Girls from Leeds, N.D., present an impressive concert. Foundation is the most important financial the national spelling bee. support of the competition.

Members of DeMolay form arch to the East. Looking to visit other lodges? There’s an App for that! The Grand Lodge of North Dakota has joined other The app can also be used by the tiler and other lodge grand lodges in participating in Amity, an online listing of officers to verify if the dues card of a visiting brother is recognized Masonic lodges in the United States and around from a recognized lodge. the world. Simply go to the Apple App Store or Google Play and The app can be downloaded for free. Our Grand search for “Amity.” Download and follow the instructions. Secretary will verify that you are a Mason in good standing. Then you will be able find lodges here and around the More information is available from: world recognized by the North Dakota Grand Lodge. http://amity.copiri.com Currently more 36,000 lodges worldwide are in the system. GM Mark Williamson presents the Grand Jewel of Solomon Award to Chad Kainz (L) In addition, the app tells when and where a lodge meets. and Darrin Galde (R).

Support Masonic Charities. www.ndmasons.com H. George Poulson 1924-2018 Herman Stern subject of a documentary film Most Worshipful H. George Poulson, 93, meetings throughout the state. George and Marj Prominent Valley City Mason Herman Stern Stern founded the Greater North Dakota the ninety-second Grand Master of the Grand formed lifelong friendships in their travels to continues to be posthumously honored—this Association, known today as the Greater Lodge of North Dakota, died July 11, 2018, at Manitoba, Minnesota, and Florida for Masonic time with a documentary film, “The Mission North Dakota Chamber, and served as the Fargo. events. He was an Honorary Past Grand Master of Herman Stern,” which chronicles his quiet organization’s first president. He is also M.W. Brother Poulson was born at Wishek, of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba. work saving German Jews from the Holocaust. recognized as the founder of the Valley City N.D., and at the age of 6 months was adopted The Masonic Auditorium at the In addition to a book which traces his Winter Show, and as a founder of Boy Scout by Harry and Rose Poulson. He grew up in International Peace Garden was completed extraordinary life, Stern was posthumously Camp Wilderness. Jamestown, graduating from Jamestown High during his term as Grand Master. He was a presented with North Dakota’s highest honor— With family and friends in Germany during School. His studies at Jamestown College were board member and treasurer of the International the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, in the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, interrupted by his service as a U.S. Marine Peace Garden Lodge. A supporter of Masonic 2014. His portrait which now hangs in the State Herman became worried about their welfare Corp officer during World War II. youth organizations, he was invested with Capitol includes the Masonic emblem. and embarked on a mission to bring them to After the war he returned to complete the DeMolay Honorary Legion of Honor. He Governor Jack Dalrymple recognized Stern America. With assistance from state and federal his degree from Jamestown College in 1947. served as Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star in as a businessman, a visionary leader, and a leaders, he made it possible for between 175 In 1948, he married his college classmate, Casselton for 16 years. He was a member of humanitarian who quietly saved many from the and 200 German Jews to escape the Holocaust Marjorie Peeler of Chaffee. York Rite, Scottish Rite, and the Shrine. Holocaust. and come to America. The exact number he In 1950, he received his law degree from He strongly believed in serving the Stern was born in Oberbrechen, Germany saved is uncertain because of his humility. the University of North Dakota. He never community and was a member of many in 1887. He came to America at the age of In addition to his involvement with the practiced as a lawyer but used his legal boards including Chaffee Lions Club, Chaffee 16 to work at the Straus Clothing Store in Masonic Order, Stern was active in Rotary. He background as longtime Casselton Municipal Public School Board, Cass County School Casselton, a clothing store established by his was instrumental in founding the Community Judge and as a Delegate to North Dakota’s Reorganization Committee, N.D. Selective cousin, Morris Straus. In 1910, Herman became Chest, now known as the United Way of Barnes Second Constitutional Convention. He was a Service, and Bonanzaville, USA. After Marjorie Minn.; Bruce (Diane) Poulson, Lynchburg, manager of the company’s second store located County. farmer and a banker. was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they became N.D.; Steve (Melissa) Poulson, Chaffee, N.D., in Valley City, where he remained for the next Herman Stern died in 1980 at the age Brother George was raised a Master Mason active in supporting the local Alzheimer’s and Gail McMartin, Detroit Lakes, Minn; 13 70 years. In addition to Casselton and Valley of 92. The book, You Have Been Kind “The Mission of Herman Stern” has in Jamestown Lodge No. 6, in 1950. He Association. grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, two City, the company operated stores in LaMoure, Enough to Assist Me: Herman Stern and the had showings around the state and has been affiliated with Casselton Lodge No. 3 in 1954, He was preceded in death by wife, parents, nieces and a nephew. Carrington, Grand Forks, Jamestown and Jewish Refugee Crisis, by Terry Shopbaugh, shown on Prairie Public Televison. It is serving in as Worshipful Master in 1962. He sister, and twin brother. He is survived by The funeral was at Westminster Devils Lake. chronicles his life and is available from the available for download and on DVD at www. later affiliated with Daylight Lodge No. 135 his children Kathryn Orban, Harrisburg, Presbyterian Church in Casselton, with burial at Herman Stern joined the Casselton Lodge NDSU Institute for Regional Studies and from themissionofhermanstern.org. The website also in Fargo. He was installed as Grand Master Penn.; Randy Poulson and Sean Nowak, the Casselton Cemetery. No. 3 in 1908, and in 1913 transferred his Amazon.com. contains links to related classroom lessons. in 1980. As Grand Master he attended lodge Apple Valley, Minn.; Ann Poulson, Lakeville, membership to Valley City Lodge in 1913.

Know Your State Contest: IF YOU DON’T, WHO WILL? North Dakota Masons have been the driving The preliminary tests are online and the place winners receive $200 each. Each school By: Daniel Haugen force behind North Dakota’s Know Your State finals were held at the campus of Bismarck library of a winning student receives $100 to Junior Grand Warden Contest for more than 60 years, with funding State College. purchase North Dakota books for their library. In 2000, I started my career with the North have spent a large number of volunteer hours will volunteer to work concessions at the Shrine through the North Dakota Masonic Foundation. A banquet is held and in recent years the Contributions to the North Dakota Masonic Dakota Highway Patrol after my discharge working on our lodge building doing drywall circus. Yet again, if we all think that, no one The Know Your State Contest was born in meal has been sponsored by Watford City’s Foundation help support this important program. from the U.S. Marines. I attended a 24-week and other repairs. My wife asked me why, and will show up and the services that we provide the year, 1954. It is a contest for juniors and Fort Union Lodge No. 128. Bismarck State academy and was assigned Crosby as my first I quickly responded, “If I don’t, who will?” will disappear. seniors of North Dakota High Schools with the administration and faculty, state government post. When I got to Crosby, I began a long We are all family members and co-workers intent for students to learn more about North officials, Masons, students, and chaperones 8-week field training process. In this process, in the world’s greatest quarry, continuously Dakota’s history, geography, politics, economy attend . I had a 25-year veteran sergeant ride next to building our symbolic temples. Just try to ask and current events. The North Dakota Masonic Foundation me in the passenger seat. For those eight long yourself these questions: North Dakota Masons have partnered with presents eight scholarship awards for prizes weeks, I was quizzed, questioned, second If I don’t attend lodge, who will? various institutions of higher education over and a book to each of the students. The top two guessed, and critiqued. We had nothing in If I don’t attend the annual communication, the decade. Since 2012-13, the North Dakota winners receive $1,000 each; two second-place common, other than the Colonel that signed who will? Masonic Foundation partnered with Bismarck winners receive $750 each; two third-place our checks. During one very boring night on If I don’t learn a lecture for degree work, State College to sponsor the event. winners receive $500 each; and two fourth- patrol, I met a vehicle that had a headlight out. who will? I continued driving, because for all in tense of If I don’t help at a Shrine circus, who will? purposes, it was just a headlight and we only If I don’t volunteer at the lodge with give warnings for those. Not like, it was a maintenance and upkeep, who will? serious crime. My sergeant looked at me and If I don’t help flip pancakes at a scholarship North Dakota Masons support their communities asked why I hadn’t stopped that vehicle. I fund raiser, who will? Working with the local Masonic Lodges, (2) Community Grant: gave him my answer. What I heard next, was If I don’t seek out worthy men to become the North Dakota Masonic Foundation sponsors The North Dakota Masons through the something I have applied in my life for the last brothers, who will? two types of grants for the lodges and their N.D. Masonic Foundation sponsor $500 18 years. He had asked, “IF YOU DON’T, If I don’t live by my masonic obligations, charities. nonmatching grants is to be used by local WHO WILL?” He was right. If everyone who will? These grants are for the fiscal year from lodges to give for some charity within their had the attitude that I held that night, no one The other day I heard a brother say that he We can’t do all of these things without July 1 until June 30 of each year. community. would ever stop that simple headlight. No hasn’t attended lodge recently, because no one something being neglected in return, like family (1) Hometown Grant: Lodges apply to the Foundation Board. one would let that driver know that they had was showing up. Well, if we all had that mind or employment. However, we all can try to The Hometown Grant was established by Guidelines have been developed and sent to a headlight out, as they probably did not even set, no one would ever show up. If I don’t ask ourselves that question and find a happy the Foundation in 1991. The program requests the lodges. know. No one would possibly find that they attend lodge, who will? When we sit in lodge balance. that lodges do fund raising events within their MASONIC SITES were actually impaired and minutes away from watching the most beautiful apron or G lecture Fraternally, community and apply to the Foundation for a The Foundation maintains five Masonic killing an innocent family. Or was that driver given by an eighty-year-old mason by memory, Danny matching grant dollar for net dollar raised to historic sites in North Dakota. They are transporting a human-traffic victim? shouldn’t we ponder that we will need to $1000. Pembina; Ft. Buford; Lt. Beever Gravesite I have used that simple question that I was replace him some day? Age and memorization Through the years, most of the money has near Bismarck; Masonic Island at Lake asked 18 years ago, in everything I do in life, do not tend to go together. If I don’t attempt to been used for student scholarships. Some of the Metigoshe; and Lewis & Clark at Washburn. whether at work, home, or in lodge. I recently learn a lecture, who will? Ah, someone else other charities include Bikes for Books, Close Activity is found at the sites with renovation Up Program, Boys Scouts and other youth and renewal in the spirit of their original activities, and Scottish Rite Language and significance and intent. Learning Centers.

Support Masonic Charities. www.ndmasons.com The North Dakota Masonic Foundation Since 1978, the ND Masonic Foundation • Hometown Matching Grant Program has funded/managed numerous North Dakota • Community Grants without a required Projects that have provided assistance to youth lodge match and communities. These projects have made the • N.D. Masonic Historical Sites Foundation’s name synonymous with dedicated • William Tuntland Foundation community service throughout the State. Scholarships • Sponsor of North Dakota State Spelling Current Projects like: Bee • “Know Your State” scholarship program • ND State Rainbow for Girls with Bismarck State College • ND DeMolay for Young Men

Becoming A Foundation Bridge Builder is an Investment in One’s Values. An individual or a lodge who contributes Your NAME will $1,000 to the N.D. Masonic Foundation, will be be added to a Bridge recognized as a Foundation Bridge Builder. Builder Plaque that is Bridge Builder contributions are placed located in the Grand in an endowment fund. Only the interest will Lodge Office. be used annually for state Masonic service This award and projects. recognition will be An individual or lodge may give smaller given at the Grand amounts until they have contributed $1,000 and Lodge Annual then be recognized as a Bridge Builder. Communication. Individuals become members of the Diamond Level of North Dakota Masonic Funds contributed Foundatoin with additional gifts of $1,000. to the North Dakota All Bridge Builder donors will receive the Masonic Foundation are tax deductible in Bridge Builder Medallion enclosed in a walnut the U.S. uncer the provisions of the IRS Code and velvet shadow box for display along with a 501(c)3. lapel pin.

History: The endowment originally was created Bridge Builder Program Harry Miller Masonic Endowment when an appeal was made to constituent lodges In 1991, the Bridge Builder In 1997, the North Dakota to take out an insurance policy on the life of Program was developed. The Bridge Masonic Found received a sizeable some brother in favor of the Foundation. Builder Program is designed to gift from the will of Harry Miller The Foundation is an IRS 501(c) 3 Private award the contributor of $1,000 with of Ambrose, ND. This money Is Foundation and only the interest from the a shadow box and medallion and a invested with only the interest used endowment can be used for the purposes of the Bridge Builder lapel pin. For each to support scholarships and other Foundation. additional $1,000 contribution, a diamond is programs of the Foundation. The ND Masonic Foundation Board added to the medallion. The Bridge Builder Since the beginning, the Foundation which consists of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand money is invested in a restricted fund and only is an IRS 501 (c) 3 Private Foundation has used Master, Grand Secretary- Treasurer, Finance the interest is used for Foundation Programs. the Interest to support various programs. Committee Chairman, and FIVE elected Money can be contributed in smaller committeemen. amounts to the Bridge Builder until the $1,000 Other contributions have been encouraged level is reached. by the Foundation Board to increase the Forty-five Masons are Bridge Builders, five endowment value: ladies, and Eight lodges and shrine groups are 1. Wills and Bequests: members. 2. Bridge Builder Program 3. Donations 4. Fundraisers (Affinity Marketing)

FREEMASONS: PROUD OF OUR PAST, FAITH IN OUR FUTURE!

Yes, The NorthDakota Masonic Foundation can count on me to be a BRIDGE BUILDER! Here is my contribution:

$25______$50______$100______$1,000______Other $______

Name:______

Address:______

City:______State:______Zip Code:______

Please make check payable to North Dakota Masonic Foundation. Funds contributed to the ND Masonic Foundation are tax deductible in the U.S. under provisions of the IRS Code 501(c)3. A letter of receipt will be provided after the Foundation receives the contribution.

Support Masonic Charities.