The News from January and February 2019 Volume 102, issue 1
Minnesota
Odd Fellow Published Bi-monthly
Available For All Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Promoting Odd Fellowship through Positive Communication
IN THIS ISSUE: PG Grand Masters / Assembly Presidents Messages 2 Take the Polar Plunge! Sovereign Grand Masters Message 3 President I.A.R.A.’s Message 4 Letter from the Past 5 Lodge Activities – Herman & Hassan Valley 6 200th Anniversary of Odd Fellows Article 7 200th Anniversary Items to Order 8 86th Pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Unknowns 9
Pilgrimage Schedule of Events 10 Pilgrimage Pre-Registration Form 11 Member Update / SGM Message-con’t 12 On the Lighter Side 13 Lodge Potpourri 14 What’s Up With Your Lodge? 15 Three Links CEO Report 16 Leading Age Kal Michel’s Outstanding Leadership Award 17
Broken Links – Marge Howard – Aitkin Rebekah #151 18 Broken Links - Joan Heggeseth – Starlight Rebekah #11 19
BIRTHDAYS / Sick and in Distress 20
Coming In March & April
Month Day Event March 6 Ash Wednesday March 10 Daylight Saving Time starts March 17 St. Patrick’s Day March 23 Schuyler Colfax Day March 29 National Vietnam War Veterans Day April 13 Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday April 15 Tax Day & Patriot’s Day April 18 Maundy Thursday April 19 Good Friday April 21 Easter Sunday
MESSAGE FROM YOUR GRAND MASTER
Greetings Member All, Welcome to the tail end of winter, it has been challenging! I would like to update all on our branding project. I have completed much research and interviewed and selected a social media expert to aid our order in launching our branding project. This individual has taken time to review our current state online data (Facebook page, and MNIOOF web site). This individual feel’s that she can full heartily get behind our core values and promote Odd Fellowship and Rebecca’s. In the coming weeks you will see content updates to our state website and Facebook page, we will be purchasing social media ads as well. My goal is to start randomly receiving these ads which will paint a picture of our core values as Odd Fellows and Rebecca’s. Spreading our Brand is the upfront goal. Once we are socially recognized I firmly believe our order will grow in membership. I would like to Quote Dale Carnegie: “MOST OF THE IMPORTANT THINGS IN THE WORLD HAVE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE KEPT TRYING WHEN THERE SEEMED TO BE NO HOPE AT ALL” So, with that said, I encourage all to join our Facebook page if able and promote Friendship, Love and Truth! We are almost through the winter, hang in there!
In FL&T,
Robert Arthur, Jr., Grand Master
MESSAGE FROM YOUR ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT
Dear Rebekah Brothers and Sisters:
Oh, winter is definitely here! I don’t hate the snow and cold, but I can’t say I really like it either. Guess we just have to accept what comes; it is Minnesota. Below are a few friendly reminders regarding Rebekah Assembly sessions scheduled for June 20, 21 and 22 in New Ulm, MN.
Jurisdictional Members: If you are planning to attend Assembly sessions in June, your dues must be paid by May 1. Time is needed to process and send your card to you before sessions. If you haven’t planned to be with us in June, please think about it again. We would really like to see you as it is one of the few times we are able to see and visit with you.
All Rebekahs planning to attend sessions: Please be sure to bring your current (2018-2019) dues card to sessions. If you do not have this card, you cannot be registered or admitted.
All dues must be paid prior to sessions; they cannot be paid at sessions.
Stay warm and let’s hope spring will arrive soon.
In Friendship, Love, and Truth,
Doreita Reynolds, Assembly President 2018-2019 [email protected] - 651-565-5368
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Below is an article that was taken from a booklet titled “The Beneficent Origins of Odd Fellowship”. This booklet has only eight (8) pages, but talks about Odd Fellowship in England and the America’s in the early beginnings of the Odd Fellows. Franklin D. Roosevelt was just one of many notable individuals that were members of the Odd Fellows and Rebekah’s. This letter is in response to a letter written to Franklin Roosevelt by the Sovereign Grand Sire.
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(1) The Beneficent Orgins of Odd Fellowship Compiled by John O. Houchins, 2003
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th On January 19 (pulled pork sandwiches w/ trimmings) and January 26 (spaghetti),
Herman’s Harmony Lodge #230 served an evening meal at the Herman Community Center. A community Bingo game followed both meals. The fundraiser is providing financial support towards bringing the 9/11 Memorial Display to the Grant County Fair
in July, 2019. The lodge is working with the Grant County Fair Board who will sponsor two meals/ bingo in February to raise more needed funds. January 19th event was a slower start on a cold night and Bingo players from left to right: Carol McRoberts, Janet the crowd increased significantly by DeLong (Emily’s grandmother) Emily’s friend, Emily Oachs. January 26th. Fund raising will go a long- Emily’s grandfather, Donald Oachs had been a local Odd ways to helping support the community Fellow member before moving south. project. Photo and article courtesy of Gay Ekberg.
Hassan Valley Lodge #109 of Hutchinson held their annual Valentine’s party on February 14, 2019 at the Lodge hall. There were 14 members and guests that enjoyed a delicious meal followed by trivia games and prizes. Those pictured above are (seated l to r): Ann Stockert, Lisa Rasmussen, Connie Saloum, Ed Stockert, and Duane Jindra. (Back row l to r): George Berg, Theresa Berg, Jan Sebesta, Dave Sebesta, Jackson Kramer, Dave Kramer, Alex Berg, and Brett Rasmussen. Alex Saloum was taking the picture.
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Washington Lodge, No. 1, of Baltimore, was organized 26 April 1819 under the leadership of Thomas Wildey, now recognized as the founder of American Odd Fellowship. Thomas Wildey was born in London, England, January 15, 1782. He was left an orphan five years later – and the Odd Fellow pledge to “Educate the Orphan” sprang from his personal childhood experiences. At the age of 14, Wildey went to live with an uncle. After he had 9 years of schooling, he became an apprentice to a maker of coach springs. He was initiated into the Odd Fellows in 1804 on reaching manhood (age of 21) in which he distinguished himself by his zeal and integrity and quickly “passed the chairs”. When restlessness brought Thomas Wildey to America in 1817, the British were still unpopular in the States because of the War of 1812. In that year Baltimore was suffering both a yellow fever epidemic and mass unemployment. An outgoing personality, Wildey missed companionship and was determined to find if there were any other Odd Fellows in Baltimore.
It took Wildey two attempts, on 13 Feb. 1819, when he advertised in the Baltimore American; and, again, 27 March 1819, before the required “five for a quorum” had been obtained. On the 26th of April 1819 in the Seven Stars Tavern the five self-instituted Washington Lodge No. 1. The minutes state that the manner of institution was “ancient usage.” This ceremony consisted of Wildey’s obligation of himself in the presence of the others, and, in turn, the obligation of his companions. Subsequent events would indicate that the Manchester Unity ceremonies of 1816 were used by Wildey and his four associates: John Welch, John Duncan, John Cheatham and Richard Rushworth. A second lodge was formed in Baltimore in 1819, but these two lodges and those in New York were unaware of each others’ existence for some time, communications being slow in those days, and there being no reason such information would travel from one city to another except by pure chance. On 26 Dec. 1821 Pennsylvania Lodge, No. 1, Philadelphia, was formed, like those in New York, Boston and Baltimore, on the self-institution principle, John Pearce being the leader and his associates were, likewise, English mechanics. While the Order had been planted in four States and the chief cities thereof according to ancient usage, an effort was soon made to frame constitutions and to obtain charters from the so-called regular bodies of Odd Fellows in England. Thomas Wildey held the position of Grand Sire (Now referred to as Sovereign Grand Master) until 1833 when he retired from official station, though remaining an active working member of the Order, and a regular attendant at the sessions of the Grand Lodge of the United States. With the official split from the Manchester Unity in 1843, the organization name was changed to Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On September 20, 1851, IOOF became the first national fraternity to accept both men and women when it formed the Daughters of Rebekah. Schuyler Colfax(Vice President of the United States (1869–1873) under President Ulysses S. Grant) was the force behind the movement. This is a branch to which both sexes are admitted, but was made with a view to admitting women to the Order. Later the name was changed to Rebekahs. In 1861, Thomas Wildey passed away. At the time of his death, there were more than 200,000 members of the IOOF. In April 1865 a monument was erected to Wildey in Baltimore, consisting of a statue on a Doric column in the U.S.A. that is 52 feet in height. The monument is located on North Broadway Street between East Baltimore and Fayette Streets. 7
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As everyone is aware of Donna Steele’s mishap while attending the Grand Lodge Committee meetings last November in Hutchinson.
Well, Donna’s daughter, Eva, and the
help of her grandson, Ben, fashioned a vest made out of bubble wrap for Donna so just in case she would fall again, she would have some “bounce” and a little protection.
This article should have really been included “On the Lighter Side”. We all hope Donna is feeling much better.
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A Little Humor
A blonde and a redhead have a ranch. They have just lost their bull. The women need to buy
another, but only have $500. The redhead tells the blonde, "I will go to the market and see if I can find one for under that amount. If I can, I will send you a telegram." She goes to the market and finds one for $499. Having only one dollar left, she goes to the telegraph
office and finds out that it costs one dollar per word. She is stumped on how to tell the blonde to bring the truck and trailer. Finally, she tells the telegraph operator to send the word "comfortable." Skeptical, the operator asks, "How will she know to come with the trailer from just that word?" The redhead replies, "She's a blonde so she reads slow:
'Come for ta bull.'"
Word Search for the Month
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On January 6, 2019, Dave Sebesta of Hassan Valley Lodge #109 was sworn in as Hutchinson’s City Councilman for Seat #2. He will serve a four (4) year term as councilman. This is a new chapter in Dave’s life and we all wish him well.
Above: Dave used the Bible from Hassan Above is Dave being sworn in by
Valley Lodge #109 for his swearing in Hutchinson’s City Attorney. Dave’s ceremony. This Bible has been part of wife, Jan, is holding the Bible for the Hassan Valley’s Lodge for over 130 years. swearing in.
Above: Pictures of Hopkin’s Lodge members and guests enjoying their monthly cribbage tournament at the Hopkin’s American Legion. The picture on the right is of Wayne R. Johnson and a new prospective member (application on table – Ask1-2B1).
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Fill out the above form and send into the address below:
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Photo and article from Three Links Gazette.
At the yearly Holiday Brunch put on by Three Links Care Center for their Home and Foundation Boards on November 29th, Kathy Olson was officially made aware that she was the recipient of this prestigious award. She was speechless after it was announced she had won the award.
17 BROKEN LINKS In Loving Memory
SISTER: MARGERY LENA (DAVIES) HOWARD DATE OF BIRTH: December 2, 1919 DATE OF DEATH: December 13, 2018 MEMBER OF: Aitkin Rebekah Lodge #151 DATE OF MEMBERSHIP: 9/9/1955
Margery Lena (Davies) Howard was called to her heavenly home on December 13. She resided at Aitkin Health Services, where she was lovingly accepted and cared for as a member of their family. She was born in Ipswich, South Dakota on December 2, 1919. She was the third child of Chester and Ella Davies. When Marge was eight, Chet and Ella loaded the family in the car and moved from South Dakota to a farm in rural Aitkin. She attended Spencer School and Aitkin High School. She graduated in 1937, and went on to graduate from Crosby Teacher Training. She taught for seven years at different country schools in the Aitkin and Palisade area.
After being engaged for five years, Margery and Francis Howard were married on September 15, 1944, while he was home on leave from the Army. They raised their six children in a loving home on a farm just outside of Aitkin. After the kids were out of school, Marge was Bailiff for Aitkin County for 22 years. She was an active member of Bethesda Lutheran Church of Rossburg, where she had served as Ladies Aid President, and organized the Turkey Dinner for many years. She was also a 4-H leader, Boy Scout Den Mother, and Girl Scout Leader, along with anything else that involved her children. Marge belonged to Rebekah's Lodge, and was a member of the Moose Lodge, Legion Auxiliary, and Aitkin County Historical Society.
Marge loved to play Scrabble and do crossword puzzles. She was an avid quilter, embroidering and hand- quilting many of her own quilts, and also doing quilting for others. She won several grand champion ribbons at the Aitkin County Fair, which she attended every year. She looked forward to any, and all, family gatherings.
Marge will have a joyous reunion in heaven with her husband, Francis, son, James, grandson, Krane, sisters; Bernice Klingelhofer, Leota Howard, Erma Killeen, and brothers; Glenn, Donald, Larry, Maynard, Calvin, and Everett. Those who are left behind to honor her amazing life are: sons, Wayne "Duff" Howard, of Ottertail, MN, Roger (Linda) Howard of Aitkin, daughters, Jill (Mark) Herron of Merrifield, MN, Lorelie (Bruce) Robinson of Palisade, and Lael (Francie) Vaith of Aitkin, one brother, John (Shirley) Davies, of Crosby, sisters-in-law, Shirley (Everett) Davies of Aitkin, Babe (Maynard) Davies of Florida, Betty (Larry) Howard of Aitkin, and Darlene (Richard) Howard of Brainerd. Fifteen grandchildren, thirty-six great- grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, who were the joys of her life, are mourning, but will celebrate her full life.
Memorial services will be held at First Lutheran Church in Aitkin on Friday, December 21 at 11 AM, with Pastor Jon Yarger officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 on Thursday, December 20 in Sorenson Root Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin and one hour prior to services at the church. Committal will be in the Howard Family Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Sorenson Root Thompson Funeral Home.
Article and photo courtesy of Elaine Wischmann. 18 BROKEN LINKS In Loving Memory
SISTER: DATE OF BIRTH: July 10, 1944 DATE OF DEATH: February 14, 2019 MEMBER OF: Starlight Rebekah Lodge #11 of Winnebago DATE OF MEMBERSHIP:
Joan Alberta Heggeseth was born on July 10, 1944 in Blue Earth, Minnesota to the late Peter and Anna (Johnston) Brausen. She received her education in the Blue Earth Public Schools; graduating in the Class of 1962.
On October 12, 1969, she was united in marriage to Conrad Heggeseth at the Hemnes Lutheran Church in Minneota. After marriage, they lived in the Windom area and were blessed with three children, Kevin, Kathy and Adrian. For 10 years, Joan was a certified nursing assistant at the Westbrook and Heron Lake nursing homes. She also was a member of the American Lutheran Church in Windom, a 4-H Leader for Springfield Sparklers 4-H Club and a member of the Rebekah’s-Fidelity Lodge #140. Her enjoyments included watching Perry Mason mysteries, listening to Irish music and playing cribbage.
On February 14, 2019, Joan passed away at the Good Samaritan Society-Sogge Memorial in Windom at the age of 74 years.
Joan is survived by her husband, of forty-nine years, Conrad Heggeseth of Windom; three children, Kevin (Kristina) Heggeseth of Windom and their children, Ryan Helmoski, Eric and Ruby; Kathy (Monte) Hendricksen of Lakefield and their children, Brandon, Austin and Nicholas; Adrian (Kimberly) Heggeseth of Las Vegas, NV and their children, Parker and Daphne.
Sister Janet Froslan, Aunt Jean (Russel) Schavey, Sister in law Edith (Cliffard) Jeremison, and many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.
Joan is preceded in death by her parents.
Blessed be the memory of Joan A. Heggeseth.
A Rebekah's Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Also, visitation will continue on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service at the church in Windom.
19 Please send any information that could be used in the newsletter or the Web Site to me (Editor:) at the
address listed below. If you think someone may have sent it, send it anyway, better that I get 5 copies
than none at all. Anytime you send me information please enclose your name and lodge number. If you
have any questions, suggestions, ideas call me anytime at 320-234-0101.
The Grand Lodge of Minnesota Grand Secretary/Editor: Alex Saloum PO Box 7415 Hutchinson, MN 55350-7415 Office Phone 320-234-0101 E-mail: [email protected] Grand Lodge of Minnesota Instituted May 5th, 1853
The Minnesota Odd Fellows Web Site is at mnoddfellows.org
Happy Valentine’s Day!! Minnesota’s Odd Fellow/Rebekah Birthday Club MARCH BIRTHDAYS: APRIL BIRTHDAYS: Date Name Lodge Date Name Lodge 2nd Bernard Leach # 102 & 026r 1st Janice Erwin # 161r 3rd Albert Alitz # 134r 1st Elaine Kienitz # 151r 6th Robin Bohland # 002 1st Thomas Millering # 084 8th Mavis Corneliussen # 105 1st Michael Vogt # 118 8th Mike Maiers # 109 4th Bob Hoover # 105 11th Richard Erwin # 084 4th Harold Lanz Jr. # 101 & 011r 11th Dr. Larry Rapp # 230 6th Kevin Pattison # 230 11th Allan Denny # 084 7th William Alitz # 050 & 134r 11th Lynn Glamm # 084 8th David Elston # 108 11th Adeline Sherbrooke # 105 9th Bobby Rasmussen # 109 14th Hank Reitan # 105 13th Wayne R. Johnson # 017 16th Alex Saloum # 109 & 129r 14th Michael Richards # 230 19th Larry Carlson # 050 16th Herb Kloos # 230 20th John Ekberg # 230 16th Dale Johnson # 230 20th Gene Lewis # 101 16th Melody Bruns # 230 23rd Nathon Steele # 030 17th Gay Ekberg # 230 23rd Gary Whitney # 101 18th Betty Gural # 109a 23rd Mark Whitney # 101 19th Frank Ricci # 002 26th Lisa Rasmussen # 109 19th Donald Weis # 084 26th Herb O’Neil # 109 20th David Kramer Sr. # 109 27th Jerald Otto Jr. # 002 21st Roberta Hickey # 161r 30th James Stelflug Sr. # 002 24th Christine Johnson # 230 30th Merlene Keeler # 026r 26th Earl Johnson # 154 30th William Schwind # 102 27th Richard Stroncek # 118 28th Katie Hohensee # 011r
Sick and Distressed Those that are sick and in distress are listed below. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Name Lodge In Sickness or Distress Everett Hantge Hassan Valley #109 Recuperating after eye surgery.
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