The Minnesota

MASONNovember–December 2020 VOL. 68, No. 4

Grand MasterAeneas

Grand LodgeNews

pages 1–3, 8

Lodge News & Views

page 6

MinnesotaMasonicCharitiespages 4–5

MasonicFamily News

page 7

The mission of theFreemasons ofMinnesota is to

engage and inspiregood men, who

believe in a Supreme Being,to live according to Masonic tenets of Brotherly Love,Relief and Truth.

To read the Grand Lodge of Minnesota COVID-10 Preparedness Policy, please go to the Grand Lodge web site at www.mn-masons.org.

The 2020 Installation of Officers Guidelines are on page 7.

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

2 The Minnesota MASON November–December 2020

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: Office of the Grand Secretary11501 Masonic Home DriveBloomington, MN 55437-3699

Phone: 952-948-6700 or 800-245-6050

Email: grandsec@grandlodgemn.org

The Minnesota MASONNovember–December 2020 VOL. 68, No. 4

The Minnesota MASON (USPS 593-460) is the only official publication ofthe Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. ofMinnesota. It is published bimonthly inJanuary-February, March-April, May-June, July-August, September-October, and November-December.

Office of publication of The MinnesotaMASON is the Grand Lodge ofMinnesota, 11501 Masonic Home Drive,Bloomington, Minnesota 55437-3699.Telephone number is 952-948-6700.Periodicals Postage Paid at Saint Paul,Minnesota, and additional entry offices.

POSTMASTER: Please send addresscorrections to The Minnesota MASON,11501 Masonic Home Drive,Bloomington, Minnesota 55437-3699.

Design & Layout: Bobbie LampiRSL desktop publishing services

rlampi@charter.net

AeneasM.W.B. Ethan A. SeabergGrand Master

After the Interrogatories of ourEntered Apprentice Degree, one of thefirst things a candidate is told to do is towait with patience. In this time and at thishour, that’s easier said than done.

As I write this message I’m waiting likeso many of you to hear of updated COVIDrestrictions from the State of Minnesota.Our Board of Custodians is also about tomeet, and on their agenda is determininghow to safely perform Second and ThirdDegrees as viral infection rates risestatewide. Lodges around the state, many ofwhich derive their operating income from in-person fundraising, are watching reservesshrink as they’re forced to brainstorm newapproaches to generate revenue. Newlyadmitted Entered Apprentices, along withfurloughed Fellowcrafts, feel their frustrationlevels rise as our Sublime Degree remainsout of reach while they hear tell of otherGrand Jurisdictions raising Master Masonswith few restrictions. And when several ofour appendant and concordant Bodies,ungoverned in this Jurisdiction by the GrandLodge, step very gingerly down their ownconsidered COVID path, whispers go upwhen the Grand Master doesn’t slap themdown for non-compliance. And the list ofanxieties goes on and on and on and on . . .

Thank goodness we grew up in the age of commercials and know how to spellR-O-L-A-I-D-S.

Unfortunately I am not here to bring younews of anything that looks like certainty—neither a certain path forward nor a certaindate when all will return to normal. Whynot? Well, here’s one example, and it standsas an excellent representative for all.Saturday, January 16th, was slated to be the2021 One-Day-to-Masonry. However, whenCOVID infection rates started to limit theamount of time we should be spendingtogether, a nine hour event was no longer pos-sible. Even two-hour First & Second Degreesare problematic, but with aggressive use ofPPE and spacing, they seemed an acceptablerisk. So hope turned to putting on a 3rdDegree on that already scheduled JanuarySaturday, and to be held in a space largeenough for a cast of nearly twenty with plentyof air flow. And just like that, Minnesotadaily infections shot above 6,000. And just

like that, the State pulled organizations likeours back to smaller capacities. And just likethat, we’re back to a sort of stasis . . . again . .. until the time we learn once more we’re not .. . again.

Over the last six months, at a point likethis, it’s become my habit to insert somefolksy, warm blanket turn-of-phrase meantto show that we’re all in this together. Thatdespite not a single one of us being happyabout restrictions or masking or delays, thequote would remind us that if we just sticktogether we’ll emerge together on the otherside. And by way of example, like Aeneasattempting to lift the spirits of the dejectedTrojans, the quote might be “perhaps some-day it will bring pleasure to remember eventhese things.” But it’s becoming more difficult for folksy phrases to work. Moredifficult to simply nod at some Masonicteaching or tenet and pretend it’s somemagic wand that will fix all. Or is it?

“Thou, O God! knowest our down-sittingand our uprising, and understandest ourthought afar off. Shield and defend us fromthe evil intentions of our enemies, and sup-port us under the trials and afflictions we aredestined to endure, while traveling throughthis vale of tears. Man that is born of awoman, is of few days and full of trouble. Hecometh forth as a flower, and is cut down; hefleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.Seeing his days are determined, the numberof his months are with Thee; Thou hastappointed his bounds that he cannot pass;turn from him, that he may rest, till he shallaccomplish his day. For there is hope of atree, if it be cut down, that it will sproutagain, and that the tender branch thereof willnot cease. But man dieth and wasteth away;yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where ishe? As the waters fail from the sea, and theflood decayeth and drieth up: so man liethdown, and riseth not up till the heavens shallbe no more. Yet, O Lord! have compassionon the children of Thy creation, administerthem comfort in time of trouble, and savethem with an everlasting salvation.—Amen.”

That prayer worked for Job, and theSupreme Architect has offered it to workfor you and me, too.

Fraternally.

A Master’s Guide to MentoringWhen thinking of a guide for the

Master for Mentoring, you hear or seewords such as Duties, Tasked, Job,Responsibility, and Expected. No doubt,those probably all ring true. The problemthough it just doesn’t sound very appeal-ing. Thinking along those same linesstarts making it a very difficult role.Without question, it just adds anotherlarge bullet point to the Master’s list.

What it doesn’t address though is theheart of Masonry—Brotherhood. Takingfrom my own experience, my mentors com-ing through consisted of a crusty retiredNavy Master Chief and a newly introducedto me, Past Master. The Navy Chief was mytop line signer and someone I had knownfor 20 plus years. When he became mytopline signer, he wasn’t thrilled about thechallenge I created when I asked to be aMason. Little did I know the amount of“work” that lay ahead for him. Being a manwho earned leadership, he was experiencedenough to know that he needed help, and hebrought in a ringer, a Past Master, to assisthim in the task ahead. There was nothingcrusty about this Past Master; he was friendly,knowledgeable, interesting, and had an easeabout him that was in direct opposition tomy top line signer. The problem for himwas he was a Past Master of Lodge in SaudiArabia. The ritual was different, the processwas different, and he had been back in theUS for a short time. The Navy guy whowent through in Japan, a Past Master fromSaudi and a candidate with zero capacity ordesire for memory work sounds like a fail-ure before it even began, but this articlealone can attest it wasn’t. Although somemay argue differently.

Here was the key to that success…. Notonce did I ever feel or know how much of achallenge I was to each of them—howmuch effort they had to put forth and

research they did make it all work. Withintheir work, I met others in the Lodge whenthey were challenged with ritual. I learnedwhat a custodian of the work was. Everychallenge they faced would bring me fur-ther within the folds of the Lodge. Yet itwas full of laughter and friendship. Thedesire to help another without regard to thetask, the effort, responsibility, or the sacri-fice of time was unbelievable, I soon fullyunderstood it was simply Brotherhood. Irecall them both telling after several yearsthat it was hard but how rewarding it wasfor them, and they still laughed about itoccasionally.

Why did that all work? Collaborationof the effort, which should be theMaster’s guide in Mentoring. The Masterneeds the best of resources, and that’swhere we come in to help. As your GrandLodge Mentoring Committee., we are put-ting the final touches on that helpfulguide. Our recommendation is to startwith the resources currently available.Our team would strongly urge that eachLodge order and have a copy of the GrandLodge Presentation Binder. Study it,know its contents at the very least. Mostof the tools, checklists, and guides that wewill direct you to will all be found withinits pages.

You may order one of the LeatherPresentation Binder from the GrandLodge website under Mentoring. TheCollaborative Guide for the Master inMentoring will be available thisDecember within the Mentoring Tab onthe Grand Lodge web site; keep your eyesopen for that resource as well.

You may reach us at any time at 612-564-0583 voice or text.

Email mentoring@grandlodgemn.org

We are here to help.

Winter Texans to gather in South TexasFor over 40 years, Minnesota Masons

have been spending their winters in SouthTexas and gathering with their fellowMasons from all over the country.

The Annual Winter Texan MasonicReunion is sponsored this year byMinnesota Masonic Charities and theGrand Lodge of Minnesota.

The Reunion is scheduled forSaturday, January 23, 2021, at VictoriaPalm’s Resort, 602 N Victoria Road inDonna, Texas. The social hour will beginat noon, followed by lunch.

Grand Master of Minnesota, M.W.B.Ethan Seaberg, will be the honored guest

and featured speaker. The program will alsoinclude an update on the work of MinnesotaMasonic Charities and special recognitionto our Masonic Widows who are able toattend.

Minnesota Masons and their ladieswho are Winter Texans, as well as thosefrom other jurisdictions, are invited.

PGM Roger Taylor will chair theReunion Committee assisted by WB PatNorrie, WB Tim Davison and their ladies.

For information about the reunion orquestions about traveling to South Texas,contact PGM Roger Taylor at 320-980-5240 or email at taylfisc@gmail.com.

COVID-19 forces more changesWe’ve all seen the devastating effects the

COVID-19 pandemic has been wreaking onour beloved fraternity. From the cancellationof in-person Annual Communication activi-ties last April to delays getting candidatesthrough the three degrees, the situation hasforced Masons across Minnesota to re-evaluate the way in which we operate.

One-Day-to-MasonryUnfortunately, due to the worsening

nature of the situation in Minnesota, theGrand Master has officially canceled theJanuary 2021 One-Day-to-Masonry. TheGrand Lodge is still hoping to hold aDegree at the Minnesota MasonicHeritage Center on that date (January 16),but a One-Day isn’t possible due to thepotential risks and logistical challengespresent at this time.

Once details for January 16th have beenfinalized, they will be communicated to

lodges by District Representatives and AreaDeputies. As much as we would love topublicize a large gathering on this date, thenew capacity restrictions for the HeritageCenter auditorium leave little room for side-liners, beyond candidates and their guides.

Monitor ExamsThe second major change is the post-

ponement of the Annual Grand LodgeMonitor Exams. Traditionally held the firstFriday and Saturday in February, the 2021Monitor Exams are being postponed untillater in the spring. Once a new date hasbeen confirmed, it will be published in thispaper. If you are interested in becoming aGrand Lodge Monitor of the ritual, pleasecontact MW Brother Brian Beermann, theChairman of the Board of Custodians. Hecan be reached at custodianchair@grand-lodgemn.org.

November–December 2020 The Minnesota MASON 3

Lodge Education Officer = LEO = Leadership, Education, Oratory Andrew Niemyer, GLEO

Masonic Conundrum by Andrew Niemyer, Education CommitteeMasonic Conundrums

If you have an idea for a MasonicConundrum, we are always looking fornew puzzlers to put before MinnesotaMasons. Please send your Conundrumidea, along with the correct answer and atleast one reference to that answer tomasonicconundrum@gmail.com.

Conundrum 83Most brethren are familiar with their

own Lodge’s Charter, or Warrant, the dateit was granted from Grand Lodge, etc.Some are even familiar with the interestingsituation when, in an area that is about toestablish its own Grand Lodge, the datesthat area Lodges received their chartersfrom distant Grand Lodges may very welldetermine the Lodges sequential number inthe newly established jurisdiction.

But, there’s another kind of Lodge,besides a chartered Lodge, that also canexist in a jurisdiction. Thus, ourConundrum this time was this: What is a“Inchoate Lodge” and what’s their statusin a jurisdiction? How long can a Lodgeremain as an Inchoate Lodge?

Our answer comes from Mackey, AnEncyclopedia of Freemasonry, 1916 Edition,reprinted 1995: An “Inchoate Lodge” is onethat is working under dispensation from theGrand Master of a Grand Lodge jurisdiction.It is said to be “inchoate,” meaning “unfin-ished” because “they do not possess all therights and prerogatives that belong to aLodge under the Warrant of constitution ofa Grand Lodge.” Normally a newly estab-

lished Lodge works for its first year underdispensation that expires at the next GrandLodge, when, if tradition prevails and allnecessary requirements have been met bythe Inchoate Lodge, they are granted theirWarrant or Charter and become a fully functional Lodge.

The following sent answers to thisConundrum. The answers were numberedand then a random number generator wasused to select six winners. Those winnersare indicated by an asterisk. They willreceive a prize from Grand Lodge:1. Dave Saranen, Eveleth Lodge No. 239*2. Dick Sellman, Mesaba Lodge No. 255*3. Vern Raap, Wayzata Lodge No. 205*4. Clay Anderson, St. Paul Lodge No. 3*5. Harlan Brand, Templar Lodge No. 1766. Casey Wolford, North Star Lodge No. 23*7. Steve Bernu, Anoka Lodge No. 308. Gale Campbell, Newport Lodge No. 118*

Conundrum 84We are familiar with the white rod

carried by our Lodge Stewards as they conduct their various duties about theLodge, as well as the angle at which theyhold them and the reason behind this. Manyof us are also familiar with the ancient usesof the rod to denote stations and offices. Inthis Conundrum, we ask: Can you namehow the white rod was used in England andby whom in the era immediately precedingits use by Masons as a symbol of the LodgeSteward?

Send your answer in an email byDecember 26, 2020, to masonicconun-drum@gmail.com.

Grand LodgeWebsite

www.mn-masons.org

Esotericism, Masonry and EsotericMasonry

As we travel on our individual Masonicjourneys, we often encounter words andphrases that everyone seems to know, yetwhen casually queried, no one, save a few,can really articulate exactly what the phrasemeans, other than that they vaguely knowwhat it might mean. The phrases “EsotericMasonry” and “Masonic Esotericism”certainly fall into that category, and asexplored further, one can certainly see why.

In this edition’s column, we’ll take abrief look at what is generally meant, butwith some significant caveats, by the phrasesabove. Given the vast body of lengthyworks by highly-noted Masonic scholars,this will be a brief survey meant to merelygive a framework for interested Brethren tobegin their own journeys, should they sochoose, into this potentially vast field ofpersonal inquiry and discovery.

We are best served by starting by defin-ing as best we can the meaning of the word“Esotericism.” The New World Encyclopediabegins its entry on the topic, thus:

“Esotericism refers to the doctrines orpractices of esoteric knowledge, or thequality or state of being obscure. Esotericknowledge is that which is specialized oradvanced in nature, available only to anarrow circle of “enlightened,” “initiated,”or highly educated people. Typically, eso-teric knowledge is contrasted with exotericknowledge, which is well-known or publicknowledge perceived as informally canonicin society at large. Items pertaining to esotericism may be known as esoterica.

“Esotericism largely involves an elementof initiation such as the requirement that onebe tested before learning the higher truth.However, such knowledge may be kept secretnot by the intention of its protectors, but byits very nature—for example, if it is accessi-ble only to those with the proper intellectualbackground.”

Noted Masonic scholar, Arturo deHoyos, 33°, Grand Cross, Scottish RiteGrand Archivist & Grand Historian in hiswell-known 2017 essay “Is FreemasonryEsoteric?” writes, “By definition, esotericismis any topic ‘intended for or likely to beunderstood by only a small number of peoplewith a specialized knowledge or interest.’This certainly applies to Masonry; but on adeeper level, and in a Masonic context, it’susually taken to mean that our ceremoniesand rituals allude to realities and/or truthsnot generally understood, or which mayhave a spiritual component to them.”

Keying off of this, we can all certainlyagree that Freemasonry as practiced ismost certainly arguably esoteric in and of

itself, given that candidates and brothersadvancing through the degrees are testedbefore being exposed to higher truths, andthat these truths are not shared overtlywith the world outside of our lodges. Weare bound by our oaths and obligations tomaintain secrecy before we advance fur-ther in our journeys in both the BlueLodge and appendant body rituals.

But, does this make all Masonic study“Esoteric Masonry?” The answer to thatquestion—like so many personal moral andphilosophical journeys—lies in the eye ofthe one doing the studying.

Several authors argue that MasonicEsotericism is best defined as the exami-nation of the greater aspects of variousphilosophical schools, parts of which thenumerous authors of the over 1,000 differ-ent Masonic degree rituals have become ingreater or lesser parts as part of our tradi-tions over the past 303 years. Theseschools include Hermeticism, Gnosticism,Kabbalah and so many more. It is said thatby in-depth study of the greater aspects ofthe highly diverse “Western EsotericTradition”—parts of which are foundthroughout the Prestonian rituals—welearn of greater and higher truths, furthersmoothing our personal rough ashlars.

But, given the definition of esotericismwith which we began this column, theproposition can be made that any study one does of the writings, rituals, allegoriesand symbols of the Craft we commonly useis also an equally valid form of MasonicEsotericism. From the examination of thecontrast of ancient and modern meanings of the words we use in our rituals, to theallegorical meanings of our working tools or the intricate symbols used on varioustracing boards, all these studies help us consider and reflect upon what is taught and practiced by Masonry collectively andby Masons individually.

It is through that reflection—casual orserious in its nature—that we educate our-selves and perhaps others by sharing whatwe have learned, be it orally when gatheredin fellowship, or more formally through aLodge education talk, presentation or evenan essay. As initiates into a closed systemthat celebrates personal growth, develop-ment and refinement on both individual andcollective levels, every time we learn some-thing more about Masonry, we can be saidto be practicing a form of “EsotericMasonry” every bit as much as those whostudy the deep and complex ancient Schoolsof Mystery, theoretical and mysticalphilosophies or even more highly refinedtheoretical geometry. It might very well bethat it is as much the act of studying anaspect of the Craft by a curious individualbrother that elevates him, as much as what it is he chooses to study.

“Every Mason can be an Educator.”With fraternity and in light,WB Andrew Niemyer, Grand Lodge LEO aniemyer@gmail.com

“Quarite plus lucem – Seek More Light”

If you would like to contribute anessay of any length to share withyour Brethren, please feel free to

reach out to me at my emailaniemyer@gmail.com.

Your submissions are warmly encouraged.

Plan for Success with LRPLessons from the Leadership Committee by Larry Lyman

It is time to plan for the future! If youhave not already done so, contact yourDistrict Representative to schedule a meet-ing with the current and future officers inyour Lodge. Take advantage of the LodgeRecognition Program, available through allDistrict Representatives. This tool will helpyou see clearly how to establish a track torun on—helping you to build on successesof the past while avoiding pitfalls along theway. Let’s take a look.

The Grand Lodge seeks to ensure thatall Lodges in Minnesota are prepared to beviable for the future, and to do that, theylook at certain basic things that allow aLodge to move towards success. The LodgeRecognition Program provides a checklistto the District Representative. This check-list allows him to quickly evaluate somebasic functions necessary to the health ofthe Lodge. Is your Lodge Charter in order?Do you know how to properly examine avisiting Brother, and can you open theLodge properly on any degree? Such thingsas conducting a Stated Communicationwith an agenda, having at least one Brotherin the line who is not a Past Master, havingat least one LEO program and one Charityprogram… these are not difficult things toaccomplish, but are things that will help

maintain a healthy Lodge. All Lodges should strive to have the

Master and Wardens, or their proxies,attend Grand Lodge, and every Lodgewould do well to attend Area Conferences.

Does your Lodge assign Mentors to helpnewer members learn the Craft? Do yourStated Communications include the LEO?Are you proficient in degree work, or do youknow how to reach out for help? Are youinvolved in your community, do you have anewsletter or some other means of keepingall your members informed? Do you allowfor social time before or after meetings?

Finally, a Lodge that does not raise atleast one new Brother each year may be introuble in short order. New members allowfor Lodge growth and these new membersbenefit from working with your more sea-soned Brothers as they learn what it meansto be a Mason. By working with yourDistrict Representative, your Lodge will bemuch more likely to stay strong, and con-tinue to be a vital part of your community.

Editor’s note: Lodge recognition program sta-tuses have been suspended, by order of theGrand Master for 2020-2021, due to the ongo-ing pandemic. Please continue to use the pro-gram to help guide your lodge, but there willbe no official ratings for this year.

Looking back, Looking forward – Your thoughts on FreemasonryThe world is a changing place where

values and traditions have come and gone.Freemasonry has withstood the test oftime by instilling core values in men thatremain true, regardless of change.

The Grand Lodge of Minnesota, andits constituent lodges, face the challengeof aligning the principal themes withinFreemasonry with the everchanging needsthat arise from society. It is thereforemost appropriate to examine “the state of

expectations. Your feedback is critical inhelping us identify potential shortcomingsin order to develop plans to address them.

The Grand Lodge will be sending amembership survey by email in earlyDecember. Please consider adding yourvoice to this initiative and help the GrandLodge of Minnesota improve the mem-bership experience for future generationsof Freemasons.

the craft” and direct its efforts towardsinitiatives that facilitate a contemporaryexposure to the time-tested values andalign these with the needs of today’sFreemason.

The perspective of current and formermembers of our fraternity is especiallyimportant to us. We know men becomeFreemasons for a variety of reasons andwe acknowledge that, at times, the realityof what they find does not live up to

4 The Minnesota MASON November–December 2020

WWhheerree eevveerryyoonnee hhaass

AA VVOOIICCEE

Clara Peterson was just threeyears old when her parents turned toMinnesota Masonic Children’s Clinicfor Communication Disorders(MMCCCD) to help her learn to talk.At that point, Clara, who was bornwith Down Syndrome, utilized a mere30-40 words and some sign languageto communicate to her parents andolder sisters. The Petersons tried otherplaces to get help.

“At Masonic, there is more of anemphasis on getting family involved,”said Clara’s Mom, Mandy. “When westarted here, our fears just fell away.Family is immediately included sowe can support what is being done inthe therapy sessions.”

Clara was matched with Speech/Language Pathologist, Jillian, whoinstantly discovered her young client’sstrengths. “The girl loves bubbles,” saidJillian of Clara. “She’s got an amazingimagination. Typically, I do well by justfollowing her lead during our sessions.”

In the nearly two years sinceClara and Jillian have been workingtogether, Clara can now speak four-word phrases and has “done reallywell,” said Jillian. “She’s blown meout of the water with her progress.”

Jillian was particularly impressedby Clara’s growth throughout themonths of teletherapy that were nec-essary due to COVID-19 and theClinic’s temporary closure. Duringthat time, Clara was able to focus fortheir twice weekly sessions online.Jillian credits the dedication of herfamily for Clara’s ongoing success.

“Clara’s parents are really involvedand follow through,” said Jillian. “Theprogress is that much faster.

Clara’s dad, Nick, agreed. “Wegot involved in the PACC (Parentsand Children Communicating) pro-gram early on and the whole familygot a lot out of that,” he said. “Herolder sisters participated, and that hashelped tremendously.”

The Minnesota Masonic

Children’s Clinic for Communication

Disorders is located in Duluth,

Minnesota, and offers diagnostic and

treatment services for children ages 0

to 9 at no cost to families. Visit:

MasonicChildrensClinic.org

Top: Clara Peterson was unable to communicate effectively before gettinghelp from MMCCCD.

Above: Clara and her parents, Mandyand Nick, join clinic director Niki Lampi(right) in some therapeutic play time.

November–December 2020 The Minnesota MASON 5

SSttiillll aavvaaiillaabbllee iinn 22002200::QQCCDDss

In response to the pandemic, theCoronavirus Aid, Relief andEconomic Securities (CARES) Actwas passed by Congress. Included inthis giant relief package was a provi-sion that waives required minimumdistributions (RMDs) for 2020 fromretirement accounts.

You may be wondering if you canstill do a Qualified CharitableDistribution (QCD) for 2020 eventhough your RMD is waived. Theanswer is yes! QCDs can still be madeeven in years when no RMD is required.QCDs from IRAs are still available in2020 and still offer tax benefits.

QCDs allow IRA owners who areage 70 1/2 or older to directly transferup to $100,000 annually from an IRAto charities, like Minnesota MasonicCharities, tax free. If you are married,you and your spouse may both trans-fer $100,000 for a total of $200,000.QCDs are limited to pretax IRAfunds. One key component of a QCDis that the funds must be paid directlyfrom the IRA to the charity.

If you have any questions, pleasecall John Schwietz at 651- 210-5240or email him atJohn.Schwietz@mnmasonic.org.

Eric Neetenbeek Sue Mork Deb Cutsinger Kelly Johns

President/CEO CFO Executive Assistant Director, Marketing & Communications

Eric.Neetenbeek@mnmasonic.org Sue.Mork@mnmasonic.org Deb.Cutsinger@mnmasonic.org Kelly.Johns@mnmasonic.org

Kim Ramaker John Schwietz

Funds Development Acctg Manager Director of Institutional Advancement

Kim.Ramaker@mnmasonic.org John.Schwietz@mnmasonic.org

RReeddeeddiiccaattiioonn sseett ffoorr AApprriill 22002211In light of the continued restric-

tions placed on business and socialgatherings due to the pandemic, wehave pushed the date for the OES

Memorial Chapel Rededication toThursday, April 8, 2021. Pleasecheck our website for updates at:

MnMasonicCharities.org

An Evening with EllaDecember 31, 2020 at 7 p.m.MasonicHeritageCenter.org

SSCCHHOOLLAARRSSHHIIPPSS AAMMAAZZOONNSSMMIILLEE

Last year, Legacy Scholar AbbyNelson, pictured above, was one of 90awardees of MMC scholarships in 2020.Applications for 2021 will be available onDecember 1, 2020 on the MMC website:MnMasonicCharities.org. The deadlinefor applications is February 15, 2021.

Did you know you can supportMinnesota Masonic Charities simplyby shopping for items you wouldnormally purchase? And it’s so easyto do!

Visit smile.amazon.com andshop for the same products younormally would find onamazon.com for the same prices.AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% ofeligible purchases to your charityof choice with no fees or extracosts! It’s a win-win for everyoneand a great way to support MMCand our many critical programsand services. Get shopping!

6 The Minnesota MASON November–December 2020

News & Views from the LodgesMetrowest work brings in nine new members

Wayfaring Man visit to Lebanon Lodge

The most recent Metrowest Entered Apprentice Degree brought in nine new members to the Fraternity from six Lodges. It was a great day and wonderful work put on by our Custodians andMonitors!

Even during this time of COVID-19, following all safety protocols, and of course checking ahead with the lodge, you could still be a “WayfaringMan” and travel to visit other lodges. Here a small group from Sherburne Lodge No. 95, led by their WM Phil Johnson, front row left, they visitedthe Brothers of Lebanon Lodge No. 346 and their WM Joel Porter, center, continuing the ties of Brotherly Love and Affection!

On November 5, 2020, GM Ethan Seabergawarded WB Stanley Campbell of Pleasant GroveLodge No. 22, his 75-Year pin and certificate.

GM Seaberggives 75-yearaward

Western Star Lodge No. 26, Albert Lea, donated $500 to the Salvation Army. Pictured are BrotherWayne Bellrichard and Major Sandra Hunt of the Salvation Army.

Western Star Lodge donates to Salvation Army Euclid Lodge holdshighway clean-up

Pictured are Ella H and Keely W. of Job’sDaughters Bethel #28, Duluth.

The Brothers of Euclid Lodge No.198, Duluth, and Job’s Daughters ofBethel #28 met for the semi-annual high-way cleanup north of Duluth. This hasbeen a spring and fall tradition started in1992 by WB Don DeMars. After clean-ing both sides of the two-mile stretch onHighway 53, there was outdoor, socially-distanced fellowship. Euclid Lodge hasalso met outside this fall for an informal“bring your own coffee thermos” gather-ing at West Duluth’s Memorial Park.WM Nick Katich would like to thank theEuclid Lodge Brothers, Job’s Daughtersand families for their hard work on cleanup day!

November–December 2020 The Minnesota MASON 7

News from the Masonic Family

The Grand Lodge website is at

www.mn-masons.org

8 The Minnesota MASON November–December 2020

Your Grand Lodge Officers are pleased to announce that we have engaged Grand View Systems to providemembership management and communications systemsfor our jurisdiction.

Grand View is a state-of-the-art system that will replace our existing databases and allow us to enhance management and communication at the Grand Lodge, Lodge, and individualmember levels. They have been in business for several years andare currently serving more than 30 Grand Lodges.

As an active member, you will have access to update and correct your contact information, set communication preferences,and update other personal information, including birth date, placeof birth, and occupation. Members will also have access to theprivate member portal where you can find lodge meetingsthroughout the state, get information on lodge events, and accesseducational materials.

This system is designed to distribute access and control oflodge records down to the lodge secretary. Your Lodge Secretarywill have access to your member record to make changes to his-tory and office positions.

In addition to the record management features, Grand Viewalso provides communication abilities for Lodges to create postsand events that are automatically emailed to the members whouse email and mail merge letters for those that do not.

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

Grand Lodge of Minnesota

GRAND VIEW

Grand Lodge of Minnesota

GRAND VIEWHOW TO REGISTER AS A MEMBER

Grand View Procedure

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

Step 1 – Enter the url for your jurisdiction: https://mn.grandview.systems

Step 2 – Click on Member Portal

Step 3 – Click on Member Registration

Step 4 – Enter your Lodge Number

Step 5 – Enter your Member ID(5-digit Grand Lodge ID number from top left of your 2020 dues card)

Step 6 – Enter your Last Name (case sensitive)

Step 7 – Click on Check Membership Status

Step 8 – Enter your Email Address

Step 9 – Enter a Password that you can remember

Step 10 – Enter Confirmation by entering password again

Step 11 – Click on Submit