The Minnesota

MASONMay–June 2006 VOL. 54, No. 1

Walk the walkpage 2

Grand LodgeNews

pages 1–4

MasonicFamily News

page 7

MinnesotaMasonicCharities

pages 5

Lodge News & Views

pages 6

153rd Annual Communication closes with installation of2006–2007 Grand Officers

OFFICERS OF THE GRAND LODGE A. F. & A. M. of MINNESOTA 2006-2007

Front row, left to right, Grand Secretary, Douglas J. Campbell, Minneapolis; Junior Grand Warden, Thomas G. McCarthy, Winthrop; Deputy Grand Master, RaymondG. Christensen, Duluth; Grand Master, Steven R. Johnson, Winthrop; Senior Grand Warden, Thomas C. Jackson, Rosemount; Grand Treasurer, Eric J. Neetenbeek,Eden Prairie. Second row, left to right: Junior Grand Steward, David E. Olson, Forest Lake; Grand Orator, Jon A. Hanson, Minneapolis; Grand Lodge EducationOfficer, Edward R. Halpaus, Mora; Grand Standard Bearer, Stephen A. Johnson, East Gull Lake; Grand Chaplain, Bruce L. Sherman, Oakdale; Grand Tyler, JedsonJ. (Jed) Hejda, Cook. Back row, left to right: Grand Pursuivant, George M. Hough, Elbow Lake; Assistant Grand Tyler, R. Peter Schue, Gaylord; Grand Marshal,Stephen J. Bernu, Blaine; Senior Grand Steward, Brian Beermann, Inver Grove Heights; Junior Grand Deacon, Thomas E. Hendrickson, Edina; Grand Sword Bearer,Steven S. Saxton, Winthrop; Senior Grand Deacon, John L. Cook, Jr., Stanchfield.

The weekend of June 23-24-25 has beendesignated as the time when all Masons inMinnesota are asked to attend their houses ofworship and make a special financial contribu-tion on behalf of Freemasonry in Minnesota.

In early Masonic history, our brethren wouldannually form in procession and march from thelodge to the church on St. John’s Day, there topublicly hold a special worship service. Thisyear’s celebration permits brethren of all reli-gious faiths to participate. Planning for the eventand celebration has been done by Grand MasterSteven R. Johnson with assistance from GrandLodge Education Officer Ed Halpaus. Eachlodge member is encouraged to attend servicesat his usual house of worship during that week-end. Members who may not have regular affilia-tion are invited to attend worship by joining theMaster of their lodge, or one of the GrandLodge Officers where they will be worshipping.

Some suggestions for St. John’s weekend• If you are out-of-state on that date, mail

your contribution to your house of worship.• If you are at the lake, attend in that area or

mail your gift to your house of worship.• If you wish, attend services with a brother,

your Master, or other brethren of your lodge.

• Or send your contribution to the GrandLodge office, and Grand Master Steven R.Johnson will personally drop your contribu-tion into the offering on that weekend.

Special offering envelopes have been insertedinto this issue of The Minnesota Mason to identi-fy your gift to the church or synagogue as beingfrom a member of the Masonic fraternity. Out-of-state Masons are asked to mail their contributionback to their home house of worship or to theGrand Lodge office for disposition. It is estimat-ed that if all Masons belonging to Minnesotalodges contributed an average of $25.00 each onthat weekend, the Minnesota churches and syna-gogues will receive a combined amount of morethan four hundred and twenty five thousand dol-lars on behalf of the Masonic fraternity. Pleaseencourage your Minnesota Masonic brethren toobserve the St. John’s Day weekend activities.

Why are we doing it? What’s the purpose?There are a number of reasons:• to revive a fine Masonic custom. • to demonstrate to our religious institutions

and communities our love of God, and • to show our love and support for these

institutions with a special monetary gift.

What can we as lodges, and as individualMasons, do to help make this program suc-ceed? Following are a few more suggestionsthat you might find helpful:

1. Place the special offering envelope thathas been inserted into this issue of TheMinnesota Mason in with your regularchurch envelopes so that you won’t lose it,and be sure to use it when you attend thechurch of your faith.

2. Publicize the event in your lodge newslet-ter. Use an all-member mailing and putyour calling committee to work.

3. Encourage your members to volunteer toparticipate in the worship service that dayas an usher, lay reader, greeter, etc. Themore visibility, the better.

4. Meet with your religious leaders before St. John’s Weekend and provide them with information that they might includein their announcements, bulletins, news-letters, etc.

5. Provide flowers for the worship center andindicate that they are given on behalf of allMasons who are members.Have a great St. John's Weekend.

Consider making a special gift to your house of worshipUse special envelope in this issue for St. John’s weekend

Just a month has passed since I took theobligation to serve as your Grand Master. Itwas an exciting and memorable day for me.Thanks go to all who attended and especial-ly to those who participated in that event.Having been a member of this Gentle Craftfor just over thirty one years and havingserved in various capacities in addition tothe progressive line, one would think hewould be well prepared for the duties of thishigh office. However, one can never preparefor the awesome feeling created by you, thefaithful members, that I assume all of mypredecessors have experienced and that I amso honored to be accorded. For that I offermy heartfelt gratitude. Being the recipientof those good wishes inspires me to workharder to, in turn, inspire you in your serv-ice to this fraternity.

Last year, the movie National Treasurewas released and enjoyed a great box officerun. For those of you who may not haveseen it, it was a fictional action thrillerfilled with the intrigue of a search for atrove of national treasures hidden by theFreemasons. It was a great family film thatI highly recommend; rent it if you get achance. Better yet, have a movie night atlodge and invite prospective members! Itwill certainly provoke questions from them.

While attending a recent Hiram Award,the Master who nominated the brother forthe award said that for years the recipienttold him that “he didn’t get it.” He went

through the degrees, posted his lectures infine form, attended lodge but just “didn’tget it.” That feeling continued until he wit-nessed a generous act of kindness betweenmen that could only occur if they wereMasons. He realized that they not onlyrecited words that expounded a moral les-son; they acted upon them. Talking the talkwasn’t enough to inspire this man. Butwhen he saw that Masons really walk thewalk, he got it! Once he got it, he has dedi-cated a major portion of his time and tal-ents in serving Masonry and consequentlywas chosen for this prestigious award.Remember those words at closing: meet,ACT, and part. To take good men andmake them better takes action on our part.

When a man knocks upon the door, hehas expectations. When we put action tothe lessons contained in our ritual, we canlead him to the real treasure of Masonry:you, the over 17,000 Minnesotans whohave inherited the title of Master Mason.You put your words into action via ourphilanthropies, through your lodges andin untold acts of Masonic benevolencethat go unnoticed by the general public.

In order to truly enjoy our treasure,we must not hoard it. We must act toshare it with other good men.

Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.

-- George Washington

2 The Minnesota MASON May–June 2006

Walk the walkM.W.B. Steven R. JohnsonGrand Master

CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM

Name __________________________

Lodge __________________________

Old Address ______________________

Old City __________________________

Old State/ZIP ______________________

New Address ______________________

New City ________________________

New State/ZIP ____________________

New Phone ______________________

Effective date of change ______________

Mail to: Office of the Grand Secretary200 East Plato BlvdSaint Paul, MN 55107-1618

Or call: 651-222-6051 or 800-245-6050

The Minnesota MASONMay-June 2006 VOL. 54, No. 1

The Minnesota MASON (USPS 593-460) is the only official publication of theGrand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Minnesota.It is published bimonthly in January-February, March-April, May-June, July-August, September-October, andNovember-December.

Office of publication of The MinnesotaMASON is the Grand Lodge ofMinnesota, 200 East Plato Boulevard,Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107. Telephonenumber is 651-222-6051. PeriodicalsPostage Paid at Saint Paul, Minnesota55101 and additional entry offices.

POSTMASTER: Please send addresscorrections to The Minnesota MASON,200 East Plato Boulevard, Saint Paul,Minnesota 55107.

Design & LayoutBobbie Lampi

RSL desktop publishing servicesrlampi@astound.net

This was an unusual Hiram Award. W. Brother David Wething from CataractLodge No. 2 was to receive the HiramAward on May 7th. Two days before hewas to receive the award, Dave’s wife,Lori, had some major surgery. This keptDave at the hospital for a couple of daysand caused him to miss his ceremony toreceive the Hiram Award. But the roomand catering had all been arranged andfifty guests had already made their plansto attend, so Cataract Lodge went aheadwith the award ceremony.

In Dave’s absence his father, W.Brother Duane Wething from Mt. TaborLodge No. 106, Detroit Lakes, and Dave’sson, Eli, accepted the award. Young Elistepped up to the podium and gave a briefacceptance speech.

Shown receiving the Hiram Award inthe photo, left to right, are Eli Wething,Grand Master Steven R. Johnson, and W. Brother Duane Wething.

Cataract Lodge No. 2 presents Hiram Award

The 153rd Annual Communication ofthis Grand Lodge was held at theDoubleTree Hotel in St. Louis Park,Minnesota, on April 7– 8, 2006. One-hun-dred-twenty-nine of the one-hundred-sixty-four Constituent Lodges were represented.A total of four-hundred-forty-four Masonsregistered.

During 2005 there were 344 MasterMasons raised, 109 affiliated, and 42restored, for a total gain of 495. Losseswere 234 withdrawn, 378 stricken, 2expelled, and 581 deceased, for a total lossof 1,195; leaving a net total membership of17,351 as of January 1, 2006.

The following Grand Officers wereelected and installed:Grand Master Steven R. Johnson (209-195) P.O. Box 366, Winthrop, MN 55396Deputy Grand Master Raymond G. Christensen (286) 5175 North Shore Drive, Duluth, MN 55804 Senior Grand Warden Thomas C. Jackson (277) 13220 Crolly Path, Rosemount, MN 55068Junior Grand Warden Thomas G. McCarthy (209) P.O. Box 633, Winthrop, MN 55396Grand Treasurer Eric J. Neetenbeek (306-2) 11376 Bluestem Ln, Eden Prairie, MN 55347 Grand Secretary Douglas J. Campbell (2) 5841 Park Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55417

The following Grand Officers wereappointed and installed:Grand L.E.O. Edward Halpaus (223-273)Grand Chaplain Bruce L. Sherman (5-263) Grand Orator Jon A. Hanson (2) Sr. Grand Deacon John Cook, Jr. (263) Jr. Grand Deacon Thomas Hendrickson (2) Grand Marshal Stephen J. Bernu (30-243) Gr. Stand. Bearer Stephen A. Johnson (100)Gr. Sword Bearer Steven S. Saxton (209)Sr. Grand Steward Brian Beermann (191) Jr. Grand Steward David E. Olson (165-344) Grand Pursuivant George M. Hough (81)Grand Tyler Jedson Hejda (264) Ass’t Grand Tyler R. Peter Schue (209)

Two Resolutions were passed at the153rd Annual Communication. They were:

No. 1, 2006 – A General Regulationsamendment providing for a program torecognize and reward Masons whodemonstrate proficiency in the lectures ofthe three degrees. The Brothers so certi-fied shall be called “Lecturers” and desig-nated in the same manner as the threeMonitorial classes, with the highestLecturer grade being Grade one.

No. 3, 2006 – A General RegulationsAmendment changing the MinnesotaMasonic Foundation per capita paymentand assessments from the Foundation tothe Grand Lodge Benevolence Fund.

One Resolution was defeated:

No. 2, 2006 – A General RegulationsAmendment which would have allowedfor the first section lecture to be used asthe proficiency lecture for each degree atthe option of the Lodge Master.

Elected to the following boards forthree year terms (unless otherwise noted):Directors - Minnesota MasonicCharitiesLyle Munneke (104) to one year ofremaining term, Bruce Johnson (21) to athree year term, and Charles Nelson (3) toa three year term.

Highlights of the AnnualCommunication would have to includethe talks and the breakout session givenby the recipient of the Duane E. AndersonExcellence in Masonic Education Award,W. Brother Christopher Hodapp, author ofthe book, Freemasons for Dummies—anda Reference for the Rest of Us. Anotherhighlight was the visit to our AnnualCommunication by many distinguishedguests from other jurisdictions, includingsix Brothers from Martello Lodge No.7121 under the jurisdiction of the UnitedGrand Lodge of England. In all, theGrand Lodge of Minnesota was honoredby the attendance of fifty-six representa-tives from twelve sister jurisdictions andfourteen appendant or concordant bodies.

Upon the recommendation of theExternal Relations Committee, therequests for recognition by the MuyRespetable Gran Logia Michoacana“Lázaro Cáadenas” del Estado deMichoacán and from the Gran Logia delEstado de Guerrero, Mexico wereapproved.

The 2005 Lodge of the Year plaquewas presented to Tusler-Summit LodgeNo. 263.

Also awarded were six OutstandingArea Lodge awards for 2005:Metroeast—Ancient Landmark No. 5,Metrowest—Compass Lodge No. 265,Northeast—Euclid Lodge No. 198,Northwest—Mt. Tabor Lodge No. 106,Southeast— Rochester Lodge No. 21, and Southwest—Fraternity Lodge No. 101.

Each of these Lodges received a handsome plaque, presented by the GrandMaster on Friday night during the GrandLodge Banquet.

Recognized as the DistrictRepresentative of the Year for 2005 wasW. Brother Robert L. Darling, DistrictRepresentative No. 9 from Becker,Minnesota.

Grand Master Andrew J. Rice waspleased to honor Minnesota Order of theEastern Star’s Worthy Grand Matron,Ellie Caufman, as the Grand LodgeSweetheart.

An Open Installation of Officers, AreaDeputies, District Representatives andCustodians was held Saturday afternoonat 2:00 p.m. and was well attended.Special guests of Grand Master Steven R.Johnson included Minnesota GopherFootball All-American, Bob McNamaraand Goldie Gopher. Both were on hand atthe Installation as the Grand Masterannounced that Minnesota Masonry willhave a special day at the MinnesotaGopher football game on September 16th.

154th Annual CommunicationThe 154th Annual Communication

will be held at the Midwest WirelessCenter, Mankato, Minnesota, on April 13and 14, 2007.

A full report of the actions taken atthe 153rd Annual Communication, alongwith all of the reports presented, will beprinted in the 2006 Annual Proceedings,which will be available for distribution assoon as possible.

Summary of Annual Communication

May–June 2006 The Minnesota MASON 3

LEO – Lodge Education Officer Ed Halpaus, GLEO

Leadership, Education, Oration – LEOWe had a great Grand Lodge Annual

Communication at the DoubleTree Hotel inSt. Louis Park this year. We are going to havea Grand Lodge year that is full of some inter-esting and worthwhile events that we can alllook forward to. These activities will addenjoyment to all who participate as well asvisibility to help our fraternity expand itsidentity in the communities of Minnesota.

One of the things the EducationCommittee is getting going now is a MasonicEducation Forum on http://www.lodge-builder.org. Thanks to Right WorshipfulBrother Tom Jackson, our Senior GrandWarden, we are being allowed to use part ofthe web site he developed. His site containsother forums you might be interested in too,but the one I’m promoting here is the LodgeEducation Forum.

This forum is a place for LodgeEducation Officers, and other Masons whoare interested in lodge education, to go forsome information on Lodge EducationPrograms; to ask a question and to offeranswers and information to other Masonswho ask questions; to share information onLodge Education Programs that have workedwell in your Lodge, and maybe some pitfallsto avoid. This forum will encompass allaspects of Lodge Education including ques-tions and information on our Grand LodgeMentor Program, so check out the site andthe forums and participate when you can. Wecan all share information and learn from eachother and that’s what the Lodge EducationForum is for. If the site happens to not beworking when you go to it, don’t be discour-aged. That’s just something that happens onthe internet from time to time; check backlater and enjoy the site.

If you have any comments or suggestionsregarding the forum or have any specificquestions for me or the Education Committee,please contact me at ed@halpaus.net or at763-552-0466; our question box is still hereand we do enjoy hearing from you.

In some other parts of this issue of theMinnesota Mason you will find informationabout St. John the Baptist Day, which is June24th of each and every year. This year ourGrand Master is reinstating the tradition ofMasons worshiping together to remember St.John’s Day. This year that will be June 24thfor those who worship on Saturday and June25th for those who worship on Sunday, tocommemorate St. John the Baptist Day.

In Minnesota, as in all the Grand Lodgejurisdictions in the United States, our Lodgesare erected to God and dedicated to the HolySaints John. So Freemasons observe the daysand festivals of the Holy Saints John as ourpatron saints.

Whatever religious faith a Mason mayhold and observe he can participate in com-memorating St. John’s Day. The symbolismof the two Saints John, as our patron saints,represents the covenant every Mason haswith his Lodge and with his brother. St. Johnthe Baptist represents that type of moralpurity we should all strive to attain, and St.John the Evangelist represents the brotherlylove and affection we should all entertaintoward each other. Together they symbolize

the belief and faith that is necessary in everyFreemason’s life. i

One of the ways a Lodge can commemo-rate St. John the Baptist Day, besides attendinga house of worship, is to have a festive boardfor the members of the Lodge and their guests.A Masonic Festive Board is many timesthought of as a Table Lodge; it can be that, butit can also be a fine dinner with a program.Masonic Festive Boards are one of the oldestforms of Masonic fellowship, and it is appro-priate for a Lodge to have a Festive Boardwhenever they would like to. It’s not some-thing you need to restrict to special occasions.

Festive Boards go back to the timeswhen toasting and eating were considereda natural part of festive occasions, andMasons getting together with their wives iscertainly a festive occasion. “Toasts,speeches, eating, drinking and having funare the details of the event, but fellowshipand relaxation are the effects.” ii

An interesting thing about toasts is that atoast should be a short story or a shortdescription of why the toast is being given,and when the reply is given it is supposed tobe a thank you for the toast as well as someother short return comment. iii

No matter what shape of tables a Lodge,or a fine restaurant, might have available inthe dining room used for the Festive Boardit is best for a festive Board if they arearranged in a U shape: this will work withround, square or rectangular tables as longas there is a head table with other tablesextending from the ends of the head table.The Master, Chaplain and the Master ofCeremonies, spouses and distinguishedguests should be at the head table. TheJunior and Senior Wardens should be seatedat the ends of the extending tables.

It is best to have someone to serve themeal, such as the Job’s Daughters, DeMolay,Scouts or restaurant servers, someone otherthan the Masons or Star members so all theBrethren and the ladies can just enjoy the fel-lowship and the meal. [Brother Doley Daigle,from St. Paul, caters such events; if youwould like to contact him just phone me, orthe Grand Lodge office.] If wine is servedthen the Stewards ought to be the ones to dothat, since people under 21 are not allowed toserve alcoholic beverages in Minnesota, and Ithink it is nice to have some non-alcoholicwine available for those of us who like thatsort of thing. One or two glasses of wineshould be sufficient to warm the heart andaid the digestion in the most lengthy dinnerand program. Any more than that and theLodge might want to consider designateddrivers to get the Brethren home safely.

The tradition of the festive board is onethat would be enjoyed by the Brethren andtheir ladies; if your Lodge would like to havesomething to commemorate St. John’s Daythis is something to think about. The tradi-tions and connections to the past is a fine partof Masonic activities and a welcome additionfor Masons to enjoy Masonic Fellowship. = = =i The Lost Key, by Prentiss Tuckerii GL of Michigan Renewal Programsiii ibid

Once again, the Minnesota MasonConundrum has occupied the minds ofthose willing to be challenged by a puzzleof Biblical proportions!

A total of forty-seven Masons fromnear and far provided the correct answer tothe last conundrum found in the MinnesotaMason! This is a new record to be sure!Due to the volume of responses (very fewof which were incorrect), I have made thedifficult decision not to include the nameof every winner in this column. I receivedanswers from a total of four states, twochurches, two wonderful women of theEastern Star, and more! The puzzle was ahit! Thanks for your responses! I’mpleased to know that so many of you andyour loved ones took the time to partici-pate, and, between you and me, each ofyou are “winners” by virtue of your partic-ipation, whether or not you were the “first”to submit the answer from your area.

But rules being what they are, we willneed to keep the official winners limitedto the first six correct respondents.

Please help me congratulate theseworthy brothers as winners of Conundrum2, Minnesota Mason Vol. 53, No. 6:• NE area Brother Aaren R. Petersen of

Lake Superior Lodge No. 349• SE area Brother David F McCormick II of

Carnelian Lodge No. 40• ME area Brother L.C. Addison II of

Montgomery Lodge No. 258• MW area Brother Mark Moriarty of

Arcana Lodge No. 187• NW area Brother Mike Kvarnlov of

Roseau Lodge No. 106 • SW area Brother Robert C. H. Schmidt of

Charity Lodge No. 98For those of you who threw your arms

up in despair, incurred a mild case of insom-nia, anxiety, and irrational behavior attempt-ing to complete this less than holy undertak-ing, here are the answers to the puzzle(which nearly fifty seemed to whiz rightthrough) in the order the names appear.1. Amos 11. James 21. Hosea2. Mark 12. Ruth 22. Lamentations3. Luke 13. Romans 23. Revelation4. John 14. Titus 24. Timothy5. Joel 15. Matthew 25. Samuel6. Judges 16. Genesis 26. Numbers7. Job 17. Philemon 27. Malachi8. Hebrews 18. Chronicles 28 - Peter9. Esther 19 - Daniel 29 - Exodus10. Acts 20 - Nahum 30 - Kings

Now, on to our 2006 Conundrum #3Of the fourteen Freemasons who were

delegates to the Constitutional Conventionof 1787, please answer the followingquestions regarding them:1. Which brother was tall, fat, sociable, andwilling to argue with anyone?

What was his name and of which Lodge washe a member?

2. Which brother and delegate did WilliamPierce, of Georgia describe as “one of themost respectable Men in Virginia, both onaccount of his family as well as his fortune.”

In which Lodge did the delegate in questionpass to Fellowcraft?

3. True or False: Rufus King was the AttorneyGeneral of the State of Delaware at the time ofthe Constitutional Convention.

4. Which delegate served as a judge on theSupreme Court of New Jersey?

What was his name and what was the highestMasonic position he held/where? When did hedie?

5. Jacob Broome had an alternative spelling ofhis last name.

What was it? How old was he at the time of theConstitutional convention? Was he thought tobe vocal or quiet at the convention?

6. One of the co-signers of the Articles ofConfederation, Washington later selected himas one of the commissioners to lay out thenation’s capital.

What was his name? What religious aspect of hislife may have influenced him to demit? Whereand when was he made a Mason?

7. Of which delegate was the following written: “[he] is a young gentleman of talents with ambitionto exert them. He possesses a good education andsome reading: he speaks well, and seems desirousof improving himself in Oratory. There is animpetuosity in his temper that is injurious to him;but there is an honorable rectitude about him thatmakes him a valuable Member of Society, andsecures to him the esteem of all good men.”

What was his name and how old was he saidto be at the time of the ConstitutionalConvention?

8. This delegate was a member of Lodge No._?__, He was famed throughout America for hismfasrem sletert and signed both the Declarationof Independence and the Articles ofConfederation.

What was his name and religious affiliation?How old was he at the ConstitutionalConvention?

9. This delegate was elected master of theLodge of ienn usesm.

What was his name? How old was he at thetime of the Constitutional Convention?

10. This delegate fought in the war, laterbecoming a congressman, then a senator, theposition he held until his death in 1814. He was30 years old at the time of the ConstitutionalConvention. He was known as a “modest, gen-teel and sensible man.”

What was his name? He was a member ofwhat lodge?

11. “Much distinguished for his eloquence andgreat parliamentary talents, in his speaking,there is something particularly strong and richin his expression, clear and convincing in hisarguments. A gentleman about five feet teninches in height, well formed with a handsomeface and expressive eye. He may with proprietybe ranked among the Luminaries of this age.”

Please name this delegate, and his age.

12. This delegate was not a Freemason at thetime of the Constitutional Convention. Rather, hereceived his degrees in uatlisrpi oegdl No. 23 in1806. He served in the war, becoming a general.He served as an aide to Washington and later toGeneral Lafayette.

What was this delegate’s name? What misfor-tune befell him during the war? How old washe at the time of the Constitutional Convention?

13. This delegate was a “Classic, a Lawyer,and an Orator.” He received his master masondegree 4 years after the ConstitutionalConvention.

What is his name and where did he receive hisMaster Mason degree in 1791?

14. This delegate became an entered apprenticein the month of November 1752 and in 1753 wassent to the Ohio Territory by the governor. Hewas an accomplished military man and wouldlater spend his adult life working for Virginia andAmerica.

What was this delegate’s name? What was hisrank when he received his entered apprenticedegree? What month, day and year did hebecome a Master Mason?

15. While this man was not a signer of theConstitution, he became a Master Mason inWilliamsburg Lodge No. 6 in 1774, later affili-ating with other Virginia Lodges. In 1788 hesigned the charter of eadlxnaira olgde o.n 22.He was a member of the Continental Congressfrom 1779 to 1782. It is written of him: …ayoung gentlemen in whom unite all the accom-plishments of the scholar and statesman. Hecame forward with the postulate, or first princi-ples, on which the Convention acted, and hesupported them with a force of eloquence andreasoning that did him great honor.

Who was this remarkable brother? How oldwas he at the time of the convention? Whatoffice did he hold at the time of theConstitutional Convention? His refusal to signthe Constitution helped bring into being whatimportant early American document?

The first brother from each area tosend in a complete set of correct answerswill be named as the official winner ofthis issue’s conundrum. Please submityour answer to:Brother Dan Lang61084 290th Street, Warroad, MN 56763 snonoble@hotmail.com

Masonic Conundrum by Dan Lang, Education Committee

On April 7, I was very surprised anddeeply humbled when I heard Grand MasterAndrew Rice announce my name as the 2005District Representative of the Year from theGrand Lodge of Minnesota.

First, I would like to say thank you to M. W. Brother Andy for a wonderful year ofleading the craft and all of the support Ireceived from him, as well as the rest of theGrand Lodge officers.

Secondly, I would like to thank all of thelodges that I represent in District No. 9, includ-ing Monticello No. 16, North Star No. 23,Clearwater No. 28, Star in the West No. 60,Paynesville No. 71, Constellation No. 81,Valley Lodge No. 174, and Griswold No. 218for the support and encouragement they gaveme during the year. I love the craft and most of

all I get great satisfaction when I am involvedwith helping these brothers whenever I can.

I am also very fortunate to not only have onementor I can call on for guidance, but I have threespecial brothers who are or have been involvedwith Grand Lodge to give me good council whenneeded. They are M. W. Brother Alyn Dull, M. W.Brother Roger Taylor, and W. B. Doug Caskey. Ialso received special help from the late M. W.Brother Ed Waldon. Thank you for being therewhen I need the guidance and encouragement.

Finally, a special thank you to my lovelywife, Kathy. She supports all my involvementwith Grand Lodge as well as Masonry in general.Without her love and support it would have notbeen possible.Fraternally,Bob Darling, District Representative No. 9

Thank you! Thank you!

4 The Minnesota MASON May–June 2006

Pictured from left to right, Ben Rice, son of Grand Master Andrew Rice; Grand Master Andrew J.Rice, Minnesota DeMolay State Master Councilor, Brother Tyler Beauchamp; and W. Brother MarkHailer, Minnesota DeMolay Executive Officer.

Scenes from the Grand Lodge Annual CommunicationPhotos by W. Brother David Olsen, the official 2006 Grand Lodge of Minnesota Photographer

Gala fund raiser dinner for “Partners for Life” Campaign by W. B. Bob Darling

Grand Master Andrew J. Rice, left, shownmaking a presentation to Jerry B. Oliver,Sovereign Grand Inspector General of theScottish Rite in Minnesota.

Pictured as a walk-on drummer with the entertainment for the Grand Master's banquet, theMedicine Show Company, is Robin Lever. Robin is a boyhood friend of Grand Master Rice andwas visiting from England.

Shown from left to right, R. W. Brother Fred Vihovde, Past Grand Treasurer; W. Brother ThomasHendrickson, Junior Grand Deacon; W. Brother Christopher Hodapp, author of "Freemasons forDummies" and the recipient of the Duane E. Anderson Excellence in Masonic Education Award;and W. Brother Cliff Isley, Associate Grand Guardian of Minnesota Job's Daughters.

A fund raiser dinner for MinnesotaMasonic Cancer Center Fund's “Partnersfor Life” campaign is being planned forthe Central Minnesota area on November4, 2006. The dinner will be held at theTrobec’s Event Center in St. Joseph,Minnesota. Cost of the event will be $50per ticket. The meal, entertainment, andkeynote speaker are still being planned, sowatch for further details in the next fewissues of the Minnesota Mason. But pleaseput the date on your calendar today. Thisevent will be open to the public.

Originally this event was to include onlythe lodges in District No. 9. After receiving

guidance from my steering committee andhaving offers of help from other appendantbodies of Masonry, the event will be spon-sored by any of the Masonic bodies wishingto be involved. Additional information willbe given as it becomes available.

The steering committee consists of thefollowing: M. W. Brother Alyn Dull,Annie Dull, M. W. Brother Roger Taylor,Worthy Matron Nancy Fischer, KathyDarling, and Bob Darling.

Please call Bob Darling at 763-262-1583 (home) or 320-250-4121 (cell) ifyou would like to be involved or helpwith the event.

Left to right are Mrs. Carol Benson, Past GrandMaster Jack Benson and retiring DistrictRepresentative for District 1 (International Falls,Baudette and Roseau), and Harley Johnson.

Is Masonic Public Awareness impor-tant? Is Masonic Awareness by our ownmembers important? Is there any connec-tion between our loss of Masonic identity,our lack of energy and enthusiasm forleading a Masonic way of life, and ourdramatic loss of members? Taking advan-tage of the MSA/MIC’s unique position-ing as a producer of Masonic informationthe Conference of Grand Masters in 2004asked the Masonic Information Center tolook at the possibility of developing aNational Masonic Public AwarenessProgram. So the questions posed abovebecame the subject of a year long study.A study that resulted in a report titled It’sAbout Time. (A copy of that report isenclosed and is also available on the web-site www.msana.com)

One of the conclusions in this study isthat any serious attempt at revitalizing ourfraternity must begin with, and workthrough, our lodges. Any realisticapproach toward energizing our fraternityand renewing our commitment to aMasonic way of life requires lodge partic-ipation. As a first step, in a long processof revitalization, the Masonic Information

Center is very proud to announce a newaward-called the Twain Award-to honorlodge achievement in Masonic Awareness.(Full details are available on the websitewww.msana.com/twainaward) A copy ofthe letter introducing this award to thelodges is reprinted on this page for yourinformation. The Twain Award is a seri-ous initiative on the part of the MasonicInformation Center to recognize thoselodges already enhancing MasonicAwareness and to encourage others tobegin to do the same. We are already see-ing great interest and support for this pro-gram, and we want to thank the GrandLodges for entrusting to the MasonicInformation Center an opportunity to helprevitalize our fraternity.

Sincerely and fraternally,RICHARD E. FLETCHER, PGMExecutive SecretaryMASONIC INFORMATION CENTER8120 Fenton StreetSilver Spring, MD 20910Telephone 301-588-4010Fax 301-608-3457Website: www.msana.com/twainaward

Twain Award initiated by MasonicInformation Center

Dear Brothers:

Does your lodge have an interest in Masonic Awareness? You bet it does! Sodo we at the Masonic Information Center. In fact, MIC feels strongly that thoselodges which seriously support Masonic Awareness, both within the lodge andthroughout the community, deserve to be recognized.

Additionally, these lodges need an opportunity to share their views andaccomplishments with other lodges across North America, and to build a networkof Masons committed to a strong Masonic fraternity today and in the future.Based upon this understanding, it is with great pride that the MasonicInformation Center announces a new award—called the Twain Award—to honorlodge achievement in Masonic Awareness. Participation in the Twain Award com-petition is a journey enhanced through learning, doing, and networking.

The Twain Award offers another step in answering the Grand Masters’ call in2004 for an MIC-initiated public awareness program. The first step was thereport, It's About Time! that can be used as a resource for Twain Award partici-pants. (Find full details at www.msana.com/twainaward)

We heartily invite your lodge to participate in this important effort to broadenand strengthen our Masonic identity and to do so with energy and creativity.

Good luck and best wishes!

May–June 2006 The Minnesota MASON 5

W.B. Clarence Russell and BrotherPaul Durand shared the success story of thepartnership between the Winona AreaPublic School District and Winona LodgeNo. 18. It began as a pilot project to distrib-ute warm coats to students in grades K-4,targeting only needy students. It was thenchanged to target students who were nomi-nated, selected, and awarded a coat earnedthrough merit and displays of strong char-acter. There are approximately 1,390 K-4students in the district, and 61 boys’ and 39girls’ winter coats were purchased.

Both Brothers encouraged Masonswho might be interested in the project tocall them for further information.Paul Durand – Work phone: 507-494-0861Clarence Russell – Cell phone: 507-429-9102

Dramatic and occasionally tough toobserve, the breakout session given byPGM Roger Taylor was forthright aboutthe family tragedies which stem fromdomestic abuse. Opening with a video ofreal life testimony including 911 calls,the presentation underlined the sad truththat domestic violence is increasing inour communities, that no one economicor social class is immune, and that thereneeds to be increasing awareness andalso education beginning with youngmen and women in their teens.

W.B. Tom McCarthy, Jr. GrandWarden, a District Court Judge in SibleyCounty, noted that domestic abuse casesare the most troubling cases that comeinto his courtroom.

On two separate Friday evenings inApril, at well-attended banquets, themessage was clear: it is an exciting timefor Minnesota Masonry!

First on April 7, at the Grand LodgeAnnual Communication dinner, theannouncement was made by MinnesotaMasonic Charities (MMC) ChairmanW.B. Robert O. Ulland that the MasonicCancer Center Fund (MCCF) was offi-cially a member of the MinnesotaMasonic Charities (MMC) family. W.B.Ulland pointed out that MMC was nowin a position to support the efforts of allMasons and Eastern Star members intheir endeavors to carry out charitableservices for each other, for their familiesand for their communities. A significantexample of that support came with theadditional announcement that the MMCBoard of Directors had gone on recordin support of the MCCF campaignPartners for Life with a matching grant.MMC has pledged to match, dollar fordollar, all contributions to the campaignuntil the 10 million dollar commitmentto the University of Minnesota for can-cer facilities and care has been met!

Three weeks later, at the AnnualDinner for the Masonic Cancer CenterFund, sponsored by the University ofMinnesota, the University recognizedthe MCCF for its more than fifty yearsof support and the continuation of thatsupport through the Partners for Lifecampaign. Dr. Philip McGlave, Directorof the Hematology, Oncology andTransplantation Division at theUniversity, thanked Minnesota Masonsand Eastern Star members and MCCF

MMC WELCOMES MASONIC CANCER CENTER

FUND; SETS GRANT FOR “PARTNERS FOR LIFE”

MMC Chair, Brother Robert Ulland; MCCF President,Brother Bruce Johnson; with Dr.Philip McGlave,Directorof the Hematology, Oncology and TransplantationDepartment of Medicine at the University; followingannouncement of the Matching Support Grant by MMCfor the Partners for Life campaign.

Beginning with this issue, the activities ofthe charities founded under the Grand Lodgeand the charitable programs sponsored byour Lodges and OES Chapters will be show-cased. If you know of a program thatdeserves recognition, contact us at mnma-soniccharities.org or call 952-948-6004. It ishoped that by recognizing these charitablegood works, we underline the need for theirexistence and support their ongoing success.

MMC has a grant application specificallyfor all Minnesota Lodges and OES Chaptersto apply for matching funds grants for charita-ble programs and services. It also includes the2007 Scholarship Program application.Guidelines, as well as supporting information,are included with the application, all of whichconform to the grants criteria and governanceestablished by the MMC Board of Directorsand in accordance with the governmental reg-ulations for non-profit organizations.

MMC is already receiving grantrequests. For an application or informationabout the process, please call MinnesotaMasonic Charities at 952-948-6004.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

MMC GRANT APPLICATIONS

MMC “BREAKS OUT”AT GRAND LODGE

PGM Roger Taylor displaying the Masonic Pledge toEnd Abuse that he shared at the AnnualCommunication breakout session on DomesticAbuse, sponsored by Minnesota Masonic Charities.

For information about Minnesota MasonicCharities, call us or visit our website:

Main: (952) 948-6004

Website: mnmasoniccharities.org

Eric Neetenbeek: (952) 948-6213eric.neetenbeek@mnmasonic.org

Sara Beddow: (952) 948-6202sara.beddow@mnmasonic.org

Lissa Bill: (952) 948-6200lissa.bill@mnmasonic.org

COMPASSIONATE. COMMITTED. CAPABLE.

Minnesota Masonic Charities provides a united focus for the many charitable activities of the Minnesota Masons.

MINNESOTA MASONIC CHARITIES 952.948.6004 WWW.MNMASONICCHARITIES.ORG

WELCOME TO THE

MMC SECTION!

specifically, for the partnership that hasbeen waging the war against cancer.

The campaign is intended to expand,enhance, and secure the University’stremendous expertise in cancer care andresearch. Proceeds will be used to build aMasonic oncology pavilion and build theendowment to ensure continuing annualsupport of research, education, andpatient care at the University.

W.B. Bruce Johnson, PGP andPresident of MCCF, moderated the eventwhich introduced the excellent team ofdoctors and scientists working at theUniversity Masonic Cancer Center. Inaddition, there was a personal testimonialfrom patient, Mrs. Tammy Dudley, whohad the audience both crying and laugh-ing with her. In the next issue of TheMinnesota Mason, we hope to share herremarks as they were truly inspirational.

Brother Charlton (Chuck) Dietz, chairof the Partners for Life Campaign, support-ed the official announcement by stating:This campaign is important to the Masonsbecause over the last 50 years, we havebecome part of the University’s family, andthey have become part of ours… This is anopportunity to not only honor that tradi-tion, but to also address a disease thataffects nearly every family in Minnesota. Itis important that we rise up and helpimprove the efforts at the University to findbetter and more effective treatments forthose who suffer from cancer.”

MMC chairman Robert Ulland notedin the same announcement, “The Charitiesboard is excited about this new opportuni-ty to help with the Masonic Cancer CenterFund’s visions for the future.”

With this new match, the Partnersfor Life Campaign has raised nearly$2.3 million toward the $10 million cap-ital goal. Individuals or groups whowould like to contribute are encouragedto contact Campaign Director JohnSchwietz (651-210-5240) or CampaignManager Sarah Henry (612-396-7896).

Two different sessions were intro-duced at this year’s Grand LodgeAnnual Communication under the spon-sorship of Minnesota Masonic Charities.

Coats for Character, a programbetween Winona Lodge No. 18 and theWinona Area Public Schools, has been arecipient this year of a matching fundsgrant from MMC. Support programs forthe victims of domestic abuse was thesecond breakout session, whichdescribed activities sponsored by twoLodges and offered education presenta-tions at the Lodge level. Both sessionswere well-received and generatedinquiries about initiating similar pro-grams from those Masons who attended.

W.B. Clarence Russell (left) and Brother PaulDurand, Superintendent of the Winona AreaPublic School District, show jackets like thosegiven to the students. All are embroidered withthe Winona Area Public Schools Winhawk logo.Brother Durand became a Mason because of hisparticipation in this project.

IN THE NEXT ISSUE with MMC

• A Scholar’s Story• From the Heart – personal

testimony from a cancer survivor • Stars at the Home

• Save the Date

Helios Lodge No. 273, along withKedron Chapter, has provided Christmasparties for the mothers and children atthe Refuge Crisis Center in Cambridge.North Star Lodge No. 23 has offeredsupport at Christmas for Anna Marie’sAlliance which provides services to bat-tered women and their children inCentral Minnesota.

M.W.B. Taylor uses the MasonicPledge to End Abuse as part of this educational program which is availableto all Lodges. Call Grand Lodge at 651-222-6051 or Minnesota MasonicCharities at 952-948-6004.

Minnesota Masonic Home North RidgeApartments and Personal Care Suites in New Hope have openings for efficiencyand one bedroom apartments, as well asa short wait list for personal care suites.Apartments are designed with seniorneeds in mind; the 172-unit residentialcommunity provides an environmentwhich fosters vitality, activity, independ-ence, and good health.

Call today to schedule a tour 763-592-4000

6 The Minnesota MASON May–June 2006

News & Views from the Lodges

July 200615 Corporate Board with social events14-16 Masonic Renewal Committee of

the Conference of Grand Masters18 Lodge meeting St. Paul No. 320 Lodge meeting Bethel No. 103,

Lake Crystal21 Lodge meeting Caledonia No. 2022 Southwest Area Masonic Conference

August 20061 Lodge meeting Evergreen No. 46,

Utica (Clyde)9 Accacia No. 51, Cottage Grove15 Lodge meeting Shell No. 184,

Park Rapids26 Northwest Area Masonic Conference28 Lodge meeting Trinity No. 282,

Duluth

May 2006

June 20061 Lodge meeting Ben Franklin No. 114,

Luverne5 Lodge meeting Mora No. 2236 Lodge meeting Mound No. 3207 Lodge meeting Wayzata No. 2058 Lodge meeting Rising Sun No. 49,

St. Charles11 Lodge meeting/Strawberry Festival

Orient No. 84, Money Creek12 Lodge meeting Crescent No. 207,

Staples15 Lodge meeting Prudence No. 97,

Windom16-17 Grand Lodge of North Dakota20 Lodge meeting Pleasant Grove No. 22

Director of Fraternal Operations Calendar

Lake Wilson Lodge No. 262 celebrated its 100th Anniversary on March 12th. Grand MasterAndrew J. Rice was among the many who attended the celebration. Pictured in the front rowfrom left to right: Craig Nepp, Mark Carlson, Jim York and Steve Hartle; pictured in the back row:Brent Miller, Lee York, then Grand Master Andrew J. Rice, Ray Pierson and Gary Carlson.

Lake Wilson Lodge celebrates 100 years

Prudence Lodge No. 97 conducted theKidsID at the Windom Farm and HomeShow on March 11 and at the JacksonFarm and Home Show on March 18. Wehad 120 kids at Windom and 85 at Jackson.The Lodge will have another event comingup in May, a family fun night in Jackson.

It is not too early for your lodge to bethinking about making your KidsID reser-vation for the upcoming summer season.Contact the Grand Lodge office or theKidsID Coordinator, W. Brother GeorgeMiller, georgeppanther@aol.com.

Prudence Lodge No. 97 presents Hiram Award

W.B. Bob O’Connor, right, of Prudence Lodge No. 97, Windom, honored Brother Duane Pingeon,with the Hiram Award on March 24, 2006. Steven R. Johnson, then Deputy Grand Master, wason hand and saluted Duane with a few well-chosen words about the meaning of the Hiram Awardand why Duane was deserving of the honor.

16 Lodge meeting Mystic No. 213,Aitkin

18 Lodge meeting Montgomery No. 258,St. Paul

21 Cornerstone Winona 22 Lodge meeting Stewartville No. 20323 Lodge meeting Traverse No. 189,

Wheaton

On Sunday, April 9, Minnesota RiverValley Lodge No. 6 was privileged to spon-sor the South Metro Chorale, with whomour brother, Chaplain Alan Greene, is oneof the 45 singers. Brother Greene, as part ofhis mission, brought to the residents of theBloomington Masonic Home, and ourLodge, a wonderful afternoon of music andjoy. There were many of us in attendanceand we were entertained with selections ofsacred, gospel, folk, and love songs.

The songs broke over the audience inwaves of peaceful and joyful feelings, and

KidsID programs activity by Prudence Lodge

Minnesota River Valley Lodge sponsors concertat Masonic Home Bloomington

of course nostalgia. We were treated to atruly wonderful selection of music sungwith exceptional quality and great stagepresence. These talented men and womensang with melodic voices worthy of angelsand they succeeded in raising us up toheaven thereby releasing us from our cares.

On behalf of myself and our lodgebrothers I extend our thanks and conveyour appreciation to Brother Alan Greene,and ask that he extend our grateful thanksto his chorale group.

Mike Sullivan, Worshipful Master

WB Duane Pingeon is fingerprinting while WM Fred Benson helps with the paperwork and WB KjellTurner is ready to take care of the height and weight.

Neil’s News by Neil Neddermeyer, Director of Fraternal Operations

As your DFO I have been travelingaround the state of Minnesota. I havefound Lodges that need help and Lodgesthat are doing terrific. I have found Lodgeleaders who could use a little support andsome who should be used as great exam-ples. I have found frustration and despair,but I have also found optimism and hope.I will use the opportunity of writing thiscolumn for the Minnesota Mason as a wayto share ideas and offer improvement forthe future. I will also include my intendedcalendar so you might see when I will bein your neighborhood.

It is apparent that one of the mostimportant things any Lodge can do is toconcentrate on bonding with their newmembers. Here are some ideas that areworking around the state:• Minnesota River Valley No. 6 in

Shakopee contacts every new brotherpersonally each week for his first sixmonths after he becomes a Mason.

• Corinthian Lodge No. 67 of Farmingtonhas started to give out the book“Freemasons for Dummies” to all oftheir new candidates. It is a great bookfor a beginning Mason.

• Wayzata Lodge No. 205 has a dinner

before each meeting and invites potential candidates to join them.

• Otter Tail Lodge No. 284 in PelicanRapids gives a special Masonic bible tonew brothers when then they prove upon the 3rd degree.

Here are some other ideas that yourLodge might consider:• Paul Revere Lodge No. 321 of Saint

Louis Park has each attendee at its meet-ings bring a non-perishable food itemfor the local food shelf.

• The Master of Clearwater Lodge No. 28has decided that a large part of theirmeetings should be used to discuss whatpurpose they want to fulfill as a Lodgeand how they want to proceed in accom-plishing their goals.

• This coming September 11th North StarLodge No. 23 is having Heroes Dinnerwhere they will honor local police andfirefighters.

• Cuyuna Range Lodge No. 276 of Crosbysells 650 bags of Vidalia onions eachspring and uses the profits to take thethird graders from the local elementaryschool to the Shrine Circus in Duluth.

Remember that you are someone’simpression of Freemasonry…

21 St. John’s Day observances25 St. John’s Day26 Metroeast Masters & Wardens, Newport27 Lodge meeting Mt. Tabor No. 106,

Detroit Lakes

Reading the account of some of ourBrethren coming together in Masonic fellowshipis a good way for us to remember the obser-vance of the Festivals of the Saints John. Enjoythe account of their gathering at Brother LottMoffett’s home on June 24, 1851, a year-and-a-half before the formation of the Grand Lodge.

Printed in The Masonic Review, VolumeVI, No. 11, August 1851, the Secretary’saccount of this early meeting of Masons to cel-ebrate the Festival of St. John the Baptist ishistorical to the Grand Lodge of Minnesota.

St. John the Baptist and St. John the

Evangelist are recognized as the patron saints ofMasonry, and Masonic Lodges are dedicated tothem in Ireland, Scotland and the United States.St. John the Baptist symbolizes the awakeningof our Moral Nature. St. John the Evangelistsymbolizes the awakened Spiritual Nature.

Today we observe the Saints John’s Daysby attending church on the Sunday closest toJune 24th and December 27th. If it is possiblefor you to attend the same church one of ourGrand Lodge officers is also attending youmight want to do that; if not, attend your ownhouse of worship.

Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist

May–June 2006 The Minnesota MASON 7

News from the Masonic Family

Knife and Fork Degree

During a BBQ a friend stumbled andtook a little fall—she assured everyonethat she was fine (they offered to callparamedics) and had just tripped over abrick because of her new shoes. They gother cleaned up and got her a new plate offood. While she appeared a bit shaken up,Ingrid went about enjoying herself therest of the evening. Ingrid’s husbandcalled later telling everyone that his wifehad been taken to the hospital—at 6 p.m.Ingrid passed away. She had suffered astroke at the BBQ—had they known howto identify the signs of a stroke perhapsIngrid would be with us today.

It only takes a minute to read this—A neurologist says that if he can get to

a stroke victim within three hours, he cantotally reverse the effects of a stroke—total-ly. He said the trick was getting a strokerecognized, diagnosed and getting to thepatient within three hours which is tough.

Thank God for the sense to rememberthe “3” steps. Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke aredifficult to identify. Unfortunately, thelack of awareness spells disaster. Thestroke victim may suffer brain damagewhen people nearby fail to recognize thesymptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander canrecognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

1. Ask the individual to SMILE.

2. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTHARMS.

3. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLESENTENCE coherently (e.g. It issunny out today.)

Grand Lodge of Wyoming to host event

Cuyuna Range Lodge No. 276Pancake Breakfast Sunday, June 4, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.Tickets available at the door.Masonic Hall in Crosby

Olive Branch Lodge No. 47, Sturgis, SD welcomes all Masons to a

Special Meeting of the Lodgeduring the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

and Races (first full week of August)

Wednesday, August 8, 2006, 7:30 p.m.605-717-1115 or Email: crest@rushmore.com

A special ceremony will be hosted bythe Grand Lodge of Wyoming, August 4thand 5th, in Cheyenne. The morning ofAugust 4th the Grand Lodge will conferon a special exemplar, the EnteredApprentice Degree using the Wyomingritual. That afternoon, the Grand Lodge ofColorado will pass the exemplar to thedegree of a Fellowcraft using theColorado ritual. Next morning, August

5th, all will convoy to the Kennedy Ranch(about 35-miles due west of Wheatland inthe Wyoming mountains) where theOklahoma Grand Lodge Country BoysDegree Team will raise the exemplar tothe Master Mason Degree using theOklahoma ritual. All Master Masons areinvited to attend. Contact Wyoming PastGrand Master Gary Skillern for any addi-tional details; phone 307-632-0491.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Grand MasterCharles L. Brinkerhoff and the GrandLodge Officers will be in Clermont, Iowaon June 16th to “Write an exciting chapterin the history of the Grand Lodge of Iowa.”At the request of the Trustees of theHeritage Farm Park, the Grand LodgeTrustees have agreed to allow the Civil WarBattle Flag that was presented to the GrandLodge at the 2004 Annual Communicationto be displayed (under strict supervision)during the Annual Civil War Living HistoryEncampment in Clermont. Iowa during theweekend of June 16-18.

The Grand Lodge Officers will partic-ipate in a very special and moving “FlagPresentation Ceremony” that has beenwritten especially for the event. The thir-ty-minute ceremony will start at 5:00 p.m.on Friday, June 16, in a natural outdoorhillside amphitheater.

All Masons, their families, and friendsare invited and urged to attend this excit-ing event. The brethren of ClermontLodge No. 160 are planning to host aTable Lodge in the Clermont CommunityCenter following the Battle FlagPresentation Ceremony. While thebrethren are attending the Table Lodge,the ladies will enjoy a special tour ofMontauk, the historic mansion of formerIowa Governor William S. Larrabee andhis wife, Anna.

Make your plans NOW to attend thisexciting event. Clermont is located ninemiles east of West Union on U.S.Highway 18. Heritage Farm Park is on thenorth edge of Clermont on U. S.18. Don'tforget to bring your lawn chairs.

For further details, contact the GrandLodge of Iowa, phone 319-365-1438 orvia email at gs@gl-iowa.org.

Thunder in the Hills to feature Grand Lodge Civil War battle flag

If he or she has trouble with any ofthese tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately anddescribe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facialweakness, arm weakness and speech prob-lems, researchers urged the general publicto learn the three questions. They presentedtheir conclusions at the American StrokeAssociation's annual meeting last February.Widespread use of this test could result inprompt diagnosis and treatment of thestroke and prevent brain damage.

America's National Stroke Associationlists the following as common symptomsof stroke:• Sudden numbness or weakness of face,

arm or leg, especially on one side of thebody

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking orunderstanding

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or botheyes

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, lossof balance or coordination

• Sudden severe headache with no knowncause

Given this list of symptoms, it is easyto see how the simple three-question testcould help identify a stroke.

However, there is an important point thatneeds to be considered. While the centralinformation in the “three simple questions”is true, the absence of these symptoms doesnot necessarily indicate that a person is NOThaving a stroke. It could be extremely dan-gerous to reach the conclusion that a persondid not require medical attention justbecause he or she could successfully carryout the three steps outlined in the test.

Recognizing a stroke – 3 simple stepsMay is Stroke Prevention Month

Good afternoon,My name is Ashley Bican, and I am

Miss Congeniality for Minnesota Job’sDaughters this year. I had a big surprise acouple of weeks ago when I got a call fromour Miss Minnesota Job’s Daughter, ErinMacPherson, telling me that unfortunatelyshe had prior commitments and was not ableto attend today, and would I like to help rep-resent the Minnesota Job’s Daughters? I wasvery excited and accepted right away. Then Istarted feeling very nervous.

So I asked my mom how manyMasons she thought would be here. Herresponse was “Two or three…give or takea couple hundred.” And then I realizedthat there was nothing to be nervousabout. Ever since I was two years old andmy sister Alida joined this Order I haveknown, respected and have been support-ed by the Masons. That support has beenshown in many ways. A pat on the backfor a job well done, financial contribu-tions to our Order, and supplying ice coldbottled water at our hottest camp ever! Iwill never forget the looks on the girls’faces when our Grand Master stood upthere and said that the Minnesota Masonswould be supplying us with the water.Believe me it was appreciated by all.

That same support has been recognizedby the family of the girls. All three of mysisters and I got into Job’s through mygreat-grandpa. My dad didn’t join untilmuch later. While I was sitting with myfamily the other day, I asked my dad,

“Why did you join the Masons?” And witha smile on his face and a wink of his eyehe said, “Because you girls made me.” Andthen his real response came out, “When Isaw what the Masons and Job’s Daughtershas done for you and your sisters and then,when I got hurt, the Masonic family wasthere with a helping hand. That’s when Idecided that this was the time to getinvolved and help people, too.” While Ididn’t know it was possible, by my fatherbecoming a Mason it has brought my fami-ly closer to each other as well as to theMasonic fraternity. I would love to haveevery girl experience that love.

Here is a personal invitation to eachone of you Masons present today. Pleasejoin us at a Bethel function and let uswelcome you into our Bethels andencourage you to educate other girlsabout this wonderful fraternity. Thisknowledge could not only bring theMasonic family new membership butbring their families closer together asmine has gotten to be. I believe that byworking together we can increase themembership of every Masonic organiza-tion. Increasing membership is one of ourMiss Minnesota’s goals. One of herQuotes is: “It is hard to see an organiza-tion loved by so many become so small.”So let’s work together to accomplish thatgoal. I would like to thank all of you foryour time. Have a wonderful day.Thanks again,Ashley Bican

Job’s Daughters greeting to MasonsSpeech prepared for Grand Lodge gathering

Masonic Youth Day at

Sunday, May 21, 2006 Park Hours Are 10 am to 8 pm

Ticket cost $20.00 Kids under 48” and 62+ Seniors $10.00

Ticket price includes admission to Valleyfair and picnic lunch in the picnic cove next to the park at 12:30

Purchase tickets the day of the event at the Group ticket booth marked “Masonic Youth Day”

Ticket booth hours are 9:30 am to 1:00 pm

All Masonic Friends and Family members are welcome

Questions contact Karen Pehle 651-775-2957 or kpehle@hotmail.com,

Tyler Beauchamp 612-964-6512 tyler__beauchamp@hotmail.com Jean Shepersky 218-966-4955 or shepersk@msn.com

Job’s Daughter, Rainbow and DeMolay chaperone rules apply.

Oct. 27—Nov. 2, 2006 REACH 6000+ ATTENDEES

As a SPONSOR—EXHIBITOR!

Join the 45th Triennial AssemblyGeneral Grand Chapter,

Order of the Eastern Star

Call Marsha Golob @ 763.548.1307 or email: marsha.golob@eventshows.com

TODAY to receive sponsorship information.

Cancer is the Disease

Most Feared by Women

When American women are asked

about their greatest health fears, most

of them quickly name breast cancer for

its tremendous emotional and physical

toll. With every diagnosis and better

treatments available, survival rates are

now improving.

For more than 50 years, the Masonic

Cancer Center Fund, through the

generosity of the Masonic Fraternal

Families, has provided the necessary

funding to the Masonic Cancer Center

at the University of Minnesota. They

fund cutting edge projects, clinical

trials and research that has lead to

tremendous breakthroughs.

To learn about the Partners for Life Campaign andhow you may be a part of the next great advance inthe fight against cancer call: 651.639.8433

Masonic Cancer Center Fund CampaignOffice will be happy to work with you todevelop a gift plan that fits your particularneeds and interests.

For more information about the Partners forLife Campaign please contact:

John Schwietz, Campaign Director orSarah Henry Campaign ManagerMasonic Cancer Center Fund, Inc.,1700 West Highway 36, Suite 120Roseville, Minnesota 55113

We hope you will join the Masonic Cancer Center Fund,Inc. in our effort to create partnerships and funding thatwill support the cure.

MasonicCancerCenterFund, Inc.

—Partners for Life The Campaign for the Masonic Oncology Pavilion