The Minnesota

MASONMay-June 2008 VOL. 56, No. 1

Setting goalspage 2

Grand LodgeNews

pages 1–3, 8

Lodge News & Views

page 6

MinnesotaMasonicCharitiespages 4–5

MasonicFamily News

page 7

Front row, left to right, Grand Treasurer, Brent L. Metcalf, Tusler-Summit Lodge No. 263; Junior Grand Warden, Thomas E. Hendrickson, Cataract Lodge No. 2; Deputy Grand Master,Thomas G. McCarthy, Sibley Lodge No. 209; Grand Master, Thomas C. Jackson, Lake Harriet Lodge No. 277; Senior Grand Warden, John L. Cook, Jr., Tusler-Summit Lodge No. 263; Grand Secretary, Douglas J. Campbell, Cataract Lodge No. 2.

Second row, left to right: Grand Piper, Gary Webb, Anoka Lodge No. 30; Grand Pursuivant, David E. Johnson, Lake Harriet Lodge No. 277; Junior Grand Steward, John R. Gann,Lake Harriet Lodge No. 277; Grand Orator, Dale R. Seubert, Lake Harriet Lodge No. 277; Grand Lodge Education Officer, Edward R. Halpaus, Mora Lodge No. 223; Grand Marshal,Jacob A. Geer, Tusler-Summit Lodge No. 263; Grand Tyler, James O. Burlingame, Sr., Plymouth Lodge No. 160; Junior Grand Deacon, David E. Olson, Forest Lake Lodge No. 344.

Back row, left to right: Grand Master’s Aide, Shane F. Wendt, Lake Harriet Lodge No. 277; Grand Sword Bearer, Jason R. Berger, Lake Harriet Lodge No. 277; Grand Standard Bearer,Daniel F. Akins, Lake Harriet Lodge No. 277; Grand Chaplain, John B. Studell, Minnehaha Lodge No. 165; Senior Grand Deacon, Brian Beermann, Mizpah Lodge No. 191; SeniorGrand Steward, James A. Christensen, Lake Superior Lodge No. 349; Ass’t Grand Tyler, R. Peter Schue, Sibley Lodge No. 209; Grand Flag Bearer, Jonathon L. Morris, TaconiteLodge No. 342. Not Pictured, Grand Master’s Aide Bradley C. Skeel, Lake Harriet Lodge No. 277.

Photo credit: Grand Lodge Photographer, W. Brother David M. Olsen, Mound Lodge No. 320

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (April 10, 2008)—The University of Minnesota has received itslargest gift ever—$65 million from MinnesotaMasonic Charities—to the University ofMinnesota Cancer Center. With this pledge,Masonic support of cancer research and care atthe University of Minnesota over the past 53years totals $100 million. In recognition of thisrecord-breaking gift, the University of MinnesotaCancer Center will now be called the MasonicCancer Center, University of Minnesota.

“The Masonic Fraternity is proud to expandits partnership with the Masonic Cancer Centerfor a cure. The gift is new, but the giving is not,”said Raymond G. Christensen, M.D., just prior tothe end of of his tenure as Grand Master.

The new name of the Masonic CancerCenter, University of Minnesota was unveiled atthe press conference on April 10, 2008, to a largecrowd attending the event at the McNamaraAlumni Center.

“The Masons’ legacy of giving to cancerresearch at the University of Minnesota has trans-formed our ability to find cures and better ways ofpreventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer,” saidRobert Bruininks, president of the university.

The $65 million over 15 years will allow theMasonic Cancer Center to expand its work in anumber of areas, including translating researchto clinical applications for cancer prevention,diagnosis, treatment, and expanding studies incancer survivorship to better understand and

Minnesota Masons: a history of giving marked by the biggest giftever to the University of Minnesota for cancer research and treatment

In happy agreement: U of M President, Bob Bruininks; WGM Helen Johnson; MMC President/CEO Eric J.Neetenbeek; and MCCF Board Chair, Bruce Johnson, with GM Dr. Ray Christensen in background left.

address care for people living with cancer.“Our continued partnership… this extremely

generous gift will allow us to take the MasonicCancer Center to the next level,” said DouglasYee, M.D., director. “We will be able to signifi-cantly expand our capabilities in cancer researchand treatment. We thank the Masonic family fortheir confidence in us.”

Minnesota Masons and members of theOrder of the Eastern Star have generously pro-

vided $35 million to support cancer research andpatient care, including a $10 million pledge tobuild a new state-of-the-art cancer clinic. Thatfour-story building, completed in 1996, is hometo the newly renamed Masonic Cancer Center,one of just 39 comprehensive cancer centers rec-ognized by the National Cancer Institute(NCI)—and the only one in the Twin Cities area.This highest level designation is awarded toinstitutions that make

Officers of the Grand Lodge 2008–2009

Brethren, it is a privilege to write toyou today as your Grand Master.Speaking on behalf of all of our dedicatedstatewide, area and district volunteers, itis an honor to serve the Craft.

Of course, that sense of honor to serveis the reason we are all here—includinglodge officers, committeemen, sidelinersand those who cheer the work on from afar.It is the reason a lodge secretary toils onthe June newsletter until midnight or 1a.m., to meet a self-imposed press deadline.It is the reason a group of lodge officersgather for a 6 a.m. breakfast meeting toplan the work of the lodge, before going onto their offices. It’s the reason Bill or Bobopens up the lodge hall for bridge club andthe kaffe klatch three times a week, brew-ing a pot and setting out the treat du jourthat their wives lovingly baked for them, asshe and her peers have done for twentyyears now. With honor and with love. Blessyou all for your good stewardship of this,our mutual affection and common endeav-or. Because these examples and hundredsmore are Masonry in action.

Ironic, isn’t it? Though some lodgesgo dark in the summer, often that is justwhen Masonry heats up with picnics, proj-ects and the many county fairs that lead tothe State Fair. As you can tell from thebusy calendar on our website, our work—and our fun—continues all summer long.

I’m going to address a couple of specialprojects at the end of this letter. Please takenote of these if you were a college frater-nity man, or if you regularly travel out ofthe state. If so, I’d like to hear from you.

First though, I’d like to encourage yourattention to the Lodge RecognitionProgram goals for this year. Much thesame as last year, we adjusted a few itemsthat were missed in the Silver and Goldlevels, and added stretch goals for thoselodges that have achieved Gold, and whoneed new designs on the trestleboard.These LRP levels (Good Standing, Bronze,Silver and Gold) explain in broad strokeshow to improve your lodge. Importantly,this isn’t a competition against the lodgeacross the river. Rather, the criteria helpyou assess your current program against thepast, and give you a baseline to plan forfuture improvement. All measurement is

2 The Minnesota MASON May-June 2008

Setting goalsM.W.B. Thomas C. JacksonGrand 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 Secretary11501 Masonic Home DriveBloomington, MN 55437-3699

Or call: 952-948-6700 or 800-245-6050

The Minnesota MASONMay-June 2008 VOL. 56, 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, 11501 Masonic Home Drive,Bloomington, Minnesota 55437-3699.Telephone number is 952-948-6700.Periodicals Postage Paid atMinneapolis, Minnesota 55401 andadditional entry offices.

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

Design & LayoutBobbie Lampi

RSL desktop publishing servicesrlampi@charter.net

now against a standard set of simple crite-ria. All lodges that attain a level of per-formance of Bronze or higher will receive anice wooden plaque the first time, and anannual medal denoting their achievementeach subsequent year. We’d like nothingmore than to award 160 Gold medals, onefor each lodge in Minnesota, when theresults are posted at the end of the calendaryear. Find the 2008 LRP goals and infor-mation on the grand lodge website, first byclicking Lodge Resources, then MemberResources.

On this, I have two points to make. First, we all need goals. We need them

as individuals, as leaders, as lodges, and asan entire grand lodge. Lacking goals—liketaking a trip without a map—we have noplan to rally the troops, and little chance toend up at a place we want to go. Lodgegoals are the same way. The LodgeRecognition Program sets forth a set of fiveto eight goals for each level. Once these areattained, you can set your sights on the nexthigher set, even if it is a bit of a s-t-r-e-t-c-hto get there. —If you had two educationprograms last year, try four this year. —Ifyou enjoy cookies and coffee before themeeting, try grilling hamburgers, and makesure Chef Eddie knows how much youappreciate his skill. He may even volunteerto cook again. Good leaders challenge, coaxand cajole their members to do more, to dobetter. And they praise them for effort.

The second point is that the resur-gence of interest in Masonry continuesall around us. Many lodges have sensed itand are taking advantage of the renewedinterest among men. There are a dozenexamples already of lodges that are aheadof their recruitment pace of last year. Thereare several dozen more who now admitthey were about to shut it down five yearsago, but today are raising their own candi-dates, in their own lodge halls, not evenrelying on the boost of a One-Day Class.Two candidates lead to four, four lead tosix, then ten… Since it’s a fact that thenewest members often drive recruitment,that’s where the process begins to snowball.

Can I let you in on a secret? We cameup with an effective little strategy at arecent meeting in outstate Minnesota. Thelodge I visited had a nice ceremony

The 155th Annual Communication ofthis Grand Lodge was held at the DuluthEntertainment and Convention Center inDuluth, Minnesota, on April 11–12, 2008.Of the 160 Constituent Lodges, 105 wererepresented, in spite of the worst Aprilblizzard to hit Duluth in many years. Atotal of 372 Masons registered.

During 2007 there were 415 MasterMasons raised, 294 affiliated, and 47restored, for a total gain of 756. Losseswere 377 withdrawn, 315 stricken, 0expelled, and 581 deceased, for a totalloss of 1,273; leaving a net total member-ship of 16,271, as of January 1, 2008.

Officers and AppointmentsThe following Grand Officers were

elected and installed:Grand Master Thomas C. Jackson (277) 610 17th Avenue NE, Minneapolis 55413 Deputy Grand Master Thomas G. McCarthy (209) P. O. Box 633, Winthrop 55396Senior Grand Warden John L. Cook, Jr. (263) 47981 Barber Drive, Stanchfield 55080

Junior Grand Warden Thomas E. Hendrickson (2) Minneapolis, MNGrand Treasurer Brent L. Metcalf (263) 3785 Mt. Vernon Lane, Woodbury 55129 Grand Secretary Douglas J. Campbell (2) 5841 Park Ave South, Minneapolis 55417

The following Grand Officers wereappointed and installed:Grand L.E.O. Edward R. Halpaus (223-273) Grand Chaplain John B. Studell (165-243) Grand Orator Dale R. Seubert (277)Sr. Grand Deacon Brian E. Beermann (191) Jr. Grand Deacon David E. Olson (165-344) Grand Marshal Jacob A. Geer (263)Grand Standard Bearer Daniel F. Akins (277)Grand Sword Bearer Jason R. Berger (277)Sr. Grand Steward James Christensen (293-349)Jr. Grand Steward John R. Gann (277)Grand Pursuivant David E. Johnson (277)Grand Tyler James O. Burlingame, Sr. (160)Assistant Grand Tyler R. Peter Schue (209)Grand Piper Gary Webb (30)Grand Flag Bearer Jonathon L. Morris (342)

Summary of the 155th Annual Communication ofthe Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of MinnesotaApril 11–12, 2008 in Duluth, Minnesota

planned for some 50- and 60-year pinawards. In several conversations I wastold that “this lodge is a jewel, but hardlyanyone knows we’re up here any more.”They needed some publicity. But how?For all the new ideas out there, like web-sites, or billboards, sometimes it’s the oldideas that work best. They had a nicekitchen and dining room, and I was cer-tain they could run a pancake breakfast,but was told they hadn’t tried one inyears. To which I replied, “Why not try aTom Sawyer, and get a couple of ‘volun-teers’ to pitch in?” Responding to severalquizzical looks, I knew that these fellowshad all read the story by our BrotherMark Twain. So I said, “Go up to theyoung fellow down at the grocery store orthe bank. You talk with him every week.Tell him you are looking for a couple offellows to assist with a breakfast in a cou-ple of months. Size him up, like he may betoo young at 25 to do the job, but you’vebeen thinking about it and are willing togive him a chance. Tell him you have thesuper-secret Shriner, or Masonic, pancakerecipe, and that you and the boys aregearing up to serve a hotcake mealbecause everyone has been asking for it.But that you could use his help, becauseyou think the crowd will be a little biggerthan you can handle.”

—Now, I know that you and any halfdozen of your lodge brothers can run atop-notch pancake breakfast better thananyone. But so what! The point here is tolet five or six good potential candidatesexperience the kind of fun WE have run-ning our events, before you hit them witha petition. Smile, and tell the fellow thathe’ll earn a free breakfast, and if he workshard, you may let him copy the secretrecipe, hidden in old Mel’s chefs hat.

See, there’s a little mystique aboutMasonry in everything we do. Even anole’ fashioned pancake breakfast.

We talked about this at the lodge I wasvisiting. One of the fellows said, “I couldgive tours of the building.” Since he wasone of the friendliest fellows I’d met, Ithought it made sense to station him there,at the front, to do just that. I also cau-tioned the lodge to bring in more than justone new fellow to help. Why? By showingfive or six potential candidates severalother men of their own age group, andthen breaking the ice by working together,they are no longer a fish out of water.They’ll be able to visualize themselves as

members because shared work createsbonding. They can work there for a 2- or4-hour shift, and never once see a petition,and that’s OK. Wait until the next timeyou see the man, and ask him what hethought. Tell him that you all liked him,and thought he might have a place in yourlodge, if he wanted one. Then smile, closeyour mouth, and let him talk…

So the secret is that the pancakebreakfast isn’t about breakfast—it’s arecruitment tool. Who knew?

Special project #1 – Later this sum-mer I’m going to call a meeting of anyMason who spent time as a member of acollegiate fraternity. Whether it was in the1950s or the 1990s, it doesn’t matter. Thiscan be from any school, any fraternity,and from any state. Please write me a lineat tom@pro-activemktg.com, and copythe Grand Lodge office atgrandlodge@qwest.net. Let me knowwhich house, general dates you werethere, whether you have a current connec-tion with the chapter, and give me yourname, lodge, phone and address. We’llcontact you with further instructions.

Special project #2 – Do you have busi-ness or personal projects that take you outof the country or to a specific other statefrom time to time? Or do you have familythat hails from another part of the UnitedStates or the world? No, I’m not looking forpassage to Ethiopia. I’m compiling a list ofour brothers with such connections for thebenefit of traveling Masons, and havenoticed that we have a few Grand LodgeRepresentative positions open. No promises,but if you have a good connection to anoth-er state or nation (both are called ‘foreign’jurisdictions), I may be able to recommendyou as a representative from those friendlygrand lodges to us here. Just having yourname as a possible contact here can helpspread the cement of brotherly love to thosewho are visiting from afar. Please write mea line at tom@pro-activemktg.com, andcopy the Grand Lodge office at grand-lodge@qwest.net. Let me know which stateor country you have a connection to, andthe nature of that connection, and give meyour name, lodge, phone and address. We’llcontact you with further instructions.

Brothers, have a wonderful summer;safe travels to you all, and say hello toHiram on the way.

Thomas C. JacksonGrand Master, 2008-09

Annual Communication continued on page 8

May-June 2008 The Minnesota MASON 3

LEO = Lodge Education Officer =Leadership, Education, Oratory Ed Halpaus, GLEO

We had a great Grand LodgeCommunication in Duluth this past April11th and 12th. Duluth is a great place tohold a Grand Lodge Communication.Mother Nature could have skipped the‘unusual April blizzard’ as far as most ofus were concerned. But all who arrived inDuluth for Grand Lodge had a great time.

Many think one of the best things wedo at our annual communication is tohave breakout sessions on various sub-jects of interest to Freemasons. This yearwe again had a breakout session forLodge Education Officers; it was open toall who are interested in MasonicEducation. We had a good turnout in oursession, and I thoroughly enjoyed visitingwith all the Brethren who were there. Anumber of interesting topics were broughtup and discussed. Unfortunately, as muchas we’d like there to be, there never seemsto be enough time to cover everything.

Throughout this Grand Lodge year, Iintend to address some of these topics inthis column, as well as in the e-publica-tions I write for Masonic information andeducation. If you don’t receive these e-publications, and would like to, just sendme an email at ed@halpaus.net and I’lladd your email address to the list.

Topics from Grand Lodge sessionThese are some of the topics brought

up by the representatives of our con-stituent lodges during the Educationbreakout session. 1. How can we best inform candidatesand members?2. What can we do to learn what our can-didates, as well as new and establishedmembers, are interested in knowing moreabout? 3. The what and how of having LodgeMasonic Education Programs.4. A question came up as about our GrandLodge having something that will leadpeople to our Grand Lodge Web Site as aresult of publicity from sources such asauthor Dan Brown’s next book.5. A related concern was about improvingour external public relations.6. How and what can a lodge do to have agreater turnout for lodge communications? 7. Another concern was about having agreater understanding of the Great Lightof Masonry. 8. The last one was about our Grand Lodgeweb site having templates to make it easierfor a lodge to have its own web site.

As I mentioned I will do my best toaddress some of these topics. The others Ihave sent on to other members of ourEducation Committee, and our GrandLodge team—Masons who can addressthem better than I can.

Today I would like to touch on itemthree: how and what to have for an inter-esting Lodge Education program. I’ll onlymention one idea today.

Our Grand Lodge EducationCommittee, as I see it, has the task of help-ing the Lodge Education Officer provide aprogram of interest as easily as possible.Many LEOs, if not most, are busy men. Ittakes time to come up with a program for alodge communication, and to do it welltakes a lot of time. If a Mason wanted todevelop a program, he would need to beworking on it now, for instance, to presentit a month or six weeks from now. Havinga good Masonic education program for alodge involves more than reading a shorttalk to our Brethren. If that was to be done,it takes a while to learn and understand itwell enough to be able to talk about it andexplain it to the members of the lodgewithout reading it word for word.

However, one way to have educationprograms ready more quickly is for theLEO to have some help from a couple ofhis Brethren. They could be a Lodge

Education Committee or Team.

Masonic JeopardyHere is an idea that the LEO and pos-

sibly two others can work on that wouldbe a lot of fun for a lodge communicationor social event that is also an educationalprogram. I think three Masons are a goodnumber for this idea—one as the MC, oneas the judge as to the correct response,and one to keep score. This idea is calledMasonic Jeopardy, and it is patternedafter the popular TV Show.

Materials and equipment needed are acouple of rectangular poster boards; someVelcro dots; a marking pen; ideas for shortquestions and answers; paper to affix to theboard with the Jeopardy topics andanswers; a notebook with the correctresponses to the different topics and pointvalues for those responses; an easel orsome way of hanging the board from a wallor propping it on a table top; and finally,sheets of paper to affix to the board withthe topics and point value in each column.

The board is divided into five columnswith a subject area at the top of each column,such as, Masonic History; Famous Masons;Masonic Baseball Players; Masonic SportsFigures; Masonic Word Meanings; MasonicSymbolism; Masonic Ritual; MasonicSymbols and Emblems; and Masonic Books.I’m sure you can think of some I didn’t thinkof—the possibilities are numerous.

Next, have five squares below the topicfor each column where you can Velcro apiece of paper with a point value for thegame on it (like from 100 to 500). In thenotebook, have a list of Jeopardy answersalong with the right response in each catego-ry and point value. [Remember in Jeopardythe response needs to be put in the form of aquestion.] Having many topics, answers andquestions, on a variety of Masonic subjectswill help keep the game fresh, so that it canbe ‘played’ many times in the course of ayear. Then have a good time with yourbrethren. One board is for the first half of thegame, and other is for the second half. Andunder a square or two you can have a doublepoint value to add more excitement to thegame. The room is divided into two or threeteams (maybe more, or, with a very largegroup, teams are formed with the othersbeing the audience). With the flip of aMasonic coin, it is decided which team goesfirst. The answers are given quickly, andwhen the team says, for instance, Masonichistory for 100; they are encouraged to col-laborate quickly and shout out the question.The first response given is the answer for theteam—right or wrong. If wrong, the otherteam has a chance to answer and get thepoints. If no one can answer, the answer isgiven, and the other team is next to close atopic and point amount. At the end, the win-ning team can have bragging rights and highfives. Possibly a prize might be given onpoint values for the team—much like moneyis given in the TV Jeopardy show—such ascandy bars or packaged cookies bought fromthe Jobies or DeMolay, or another fund-raiserfrom a school group or the Boy or GirlScouts; some small but enjoyable prize. Theobject is to have fun, as well as to learn.When Masons have an enjoyable time theyare more likely to be regular attendees intheir lodge.

Masonic Conundrum by L. C. Addison, Education Committee

Hello, everyone. I’ve just returned from my 1st Grand

Lodge experience at the 155th AnnualCommunication in Duluth. That weatherwas great, wasn’t it? Just kidding. I had awonderful time and met some greatBrothers. Especially the Brethren of GlenAvon Lodge who braved whiteout condi-tions in Kilts!

The correct answer to Conundrum #8is: HMS Vanguard from The History ofFreemasonry in Canada, Vol. I, p.162 Thefollowing Brothers answered Conundrum#8 correctly:

Out of StateJim Barbour, Greenleaf No. 561, Allentown,PA (1st Answer)

Metro WestAdam Grau, Compass No. 265 Hugh Heinecke II, Cataract No. 2 Robert Peterson, Minnehaha No. 165 Mark Hailer, Minnehaha No. 165 Tim Jirak, Wayzata No. 205 Elliott Saxton, Lake Harriet No. 277

Metro EastKeith Reierson, Ancient Landmark No. 5 Sean Bulenrose, Tusler-Summit No. 263 Clarence Anderson, St. Paul No. 3 Joseph Will, Forest Lake No. 344 Stephen Beying, Accacia No. 51 Justin Carlin, Ancient Landmark No. 5

North EastChris Brelie, Fortitude No. 188 Edwin Fillman, Mesaba No. 255 Craig Kvale, Lake Superior No. 349 Rob Bubalo, Euclid No. 198 Tom Westby, Grand Marais No. 322

North WestKim Mollberg, Mt. Tabor No. 106 (1st in MN) Mike Kvarnlov, Roseau No. 268 Rick Johnson, Mt. Tabor No. 106 Robb Orr, Aurora No. 100 Lauren Lampi, Itasca No. 208

South EastEthan Seaberg, Red Wing No. 8 Roger Boyd III, Mankato No. 12 Gary Thomas Jr., Red Wing No. 8

David McCormick II, Carnelian No. 40 Steve Bernhardt, Corinthian No. 67 Darius Knox, Mankato No. 12 James McNeely, Star in the East No. 33 Richard Armstrong, Rochester No. 21 Michael Norman, Red Wing No. 8

South WestDick Bowdin, Chain Lake No. 64 Sheldon Rucks, Sibley No. 209 Lance Wilken, Chain Lake No. 64

Conundrum #9 Thank you to all who participated, as

we arrive at Conundrum #9, as follows:If anything is to come into existence or isto be born or is to begin, it can do so onlyif it is some particular plant or animal ormaterial thing. There is nowhere in theworld any mere flux, or chaos, or void.Each thing is always “a this particularthing.” Aristotle stated the fact in his ownshorthand in his treatise on logic by say-ing that a thing is either A or it is B; itcannot be A and yet not be A, neither canit be A and B at the same time. Any think-ing of any sort must take it for grantedthat this is true; no man can think aboutnothing in particular, he can think onlywhen he has some given, identifiable,knowable thing to think about; you cansay that a horse has four legs but you can-not say that X has four legs because youdo not know what X is. What would aphilosopher describe that in the shorthandof his own profession as?

When you have the answer, send it byemail to: laddisonii@gmail.com (remem-ber to include your name and lodge) or byU.S. mail to: Masonic Conundrum,Attention L.C. Addison, c/o the GrandLodge of Minnesota, 11501 MasonicHome Drive, Bloomington, MN 55437.Please remember that the first correctresponse received from each area of thestate will receive a nice gift from the edu-cation committee. Have a good time withthis question—Masonic research is fun!

Brother Douglas Wyman from Newport Lodge No. 118 in St. Paul Park

likes the discussions about Masonry that he finds on Yahoo at

globalmason@yahoogroups.com. He recommends that you check

this group to see if there is something of interest there for you too.

Past Grand Mastersshare a visitKidsID –

Come join us at the “Great Minnesota

Get-Together”The KidsID booth will be running at

the education building again this year,and we expect thousands of children

to need our services. Our booth needseight people per shift (spouses, family

and friends) and, with three shifts per day, we need volunteers.

Shift 1, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.Shift 2, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.Shift 3, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.

We need to get our schedule set for theseason, and times are on a first comebasis. Come join with our good work.

Bruce L. Clarke, Senior WardenSaint Johns No. 1

Past Grand Master Verne Long, left,recently stopped to see M.W. Brother D.William Tiffany at his home in Morgan,Minnesota. Bill, Grand Master of Masonsin Minnesota in 1968 and our most seniorliving Past Grand Master, now lives in asenior citizen center. Verne Long, GrandMaster in 1973, reported that they had agreat visit and although Bill is starting toexperience some mobility challenges, heis still as sharp as ever.

Area Leadership Conferences ScheduledFull details will be mailed to the lodge leaders

approximately four weeks before the conferences.

Southwest Area — July 19, 2008 Sunset Lodge No. 109 – Montevideo

Southeast Area — September 13, 2008 Winona Lodge No. 18 – Winona

Metroeast and Metrowest Areas — October 4, 2008 Location To be announced

Northeast Area — October 11, 2008 Lake Superior Lodge No. 349 - Duluth

4 The Minnesota MASON May-June 2008

COMPASSIONATE. COMMITTED. CAPABLE.

MINNESOTA MASONIC CHARITIES 952.948.6004

Masonic piper, Bro. Gary Webb of AnokaLodge No. 30, officially heralds the press conference.

Seated for the formal signing, left to right: Dr. Bruininks, President, University of Minnesota;Becky Malkerson, President, Minnesota Medical Foundation; Eric Neetenbeek, PGM, Pres./CEO,Minnesota Masonic Charities

This new wordmark will now appear on all multi-media materials from the University.

AA GGrreeaatt DDaayy ffoorr MMiinnnneessoottaa MMaassoonnrryy:: PPrreessss CCoonnffeerreennccee oonn AApprriill 1100,, 22000088,, aatt tthhee

MMccNNaammaarraa AAlluummnnii CCeenntteerr ttoo aannnnoouunnccee tthhee llaarrggeesstt ggiifftt eevveerr ggiivveenn ttoo tthhee UUnniivveerrssiittyy ooff MMiinnnneessoottaa

There was a buzz of excitement in the crowd as they mingled in the striking architectural space of the McNamara AlumniCenter at the University of Minnesota…

The University had worked for months prior to the event with personnel from Minnesota Masonic Charities to ensure thedetails of the conference: a marvelous breakfast buffet was provided for the attendees, the walls were lined with specially createdposters on display easels featuring the archived photographs of Masonic support throughout the years, a large dais prominentlydisplayed an easel draped in scarlet yet to be unveiled, a small stage midway to the dais was built to hold the multiple cameras ofattending press media and tv stations, and tables in the back featured stoneware mugs created for the event along with print mate-rials from MMC… then the recognizable sounds of a bagpipe caught the attention of everyone. (see the press coverage on localstations at www.masoniccharities.org)

U of M President, Dr. Robert Bruininks at the podium; MMC Chairman, Mark Campbell; Drs. Yeeand McGlave; MCCF Chair, Bruce Johnson; WGM Helen Johnson; and GM Dr. Ray Christensen.

May-June 2008 The Minnesota MASON 5

WWW.MNMASONICCHARITIES.ORG

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

“People say, ‘I want to give something back.’Well, Masons give back. Always have, always will.”

Main: (952) 948-6004Web: mnmasonicchar i t ies .orgEric Neetenbeek, President/CEO(952) 948-6213eric.neetenbeek@mnmasonic.org

Sara Beddow, Director of Communications(952) 948-6202sara.beddow@mnmasonic.org

John Schwietz,Director of Fund Development(651) 210-5240john.schwietz@mnmasonic.org

Deb Cutsinger, Executive Assistant(952) 948-6206deb.cutsinger@mnmasonic.org

Megan Roering, Office Assistant(952) 948-6200megan.roering@mnmasonic.org

My Lodge does an annual fundraiser to support the

local high school band. Can this be matched by MMC?

K. R. in Eveleth

It sure “sounds” eligible! Just complete all the required sections of the MMC grant application (you can request oneby mail or download from the MMC website) and send it toMMC. If it is approved, matching funds will be given to theschool directly along with notification of your sponsorship.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MMMMCC MMaattcchhiinngg FFuunnddss GGrraannttss PPrrooggrraamm::

OOnnggooiinngg aanndd OOnn--ggrroowwiinngg

In the first quarter of 2008, Minnesota Masonic Charities awarded 23 grants to nineteen Lodges, totaling nearly $20,000! This represents four times the amount in first quarter, 2007.

Since 2005, matching grants have been awarded to the following Lodges:is your Lodge among the recipients?

Acacia Lodge No. 51 Mt. Tabor Lodge No. 106Albert Pike Lodge No. 237 Mystic Star Lodge No. 69Ancient Landmark Lodge No. 5 Nelson Lodge No. 135Bloomington Lodge No. 340 Newport Lodge No. 118Caledonia Lodge No. 20 Olivia Lodge No. 220Cataract Lodge No. 2 Oriental Lodge No. 34Compass Lodge No. 265 Ottertail Lodge No. 34Eveleth Lodge No. 239 Prairie Lodge No. 123Fidelity Lodge No. 39 Preston Lodge No. 36Grand Marais Lodge No. 322 Plymouth Lodge No. 160Helios Lodge No. 273 Red Wing Lodge No. 8Jasper Lodge No. 164 Rochester Lodge No. 21Lake Harriet Lodge No. 277 Shell Lodge No. 184Libanus Lodge No. 96 Temple Lodge No. 59Mesaba Lodge No. 255 Walker Lodge No. 302Mizpah Lodge No. 191 Western Star Lodge No. 26Montgomery Lodge No. 258 Winona Lodge No. 284Monticello Lodge No. 16 Winslow Lewis Lodge No. 125Mora Lodge No. 223

55 DDiiaammoonndd LLooddggee rreeccooggnniizzeedd aatt

aannnnuuaall MMaassoonniicc CCaanncceerr CCeenntteerr FFuunndd

ddiinnnneerr ggiivveenn bbyy tthhee

UUnniivveerrssiittyy ooff MMiinnnneessoottaa

Macalester Lodge No. 290 with the 2008 Line under Master Steve Johnson

A very special evening celebrated thestrong and historic partnership of the Universityof Minnesota and the charitable commitment ofMinnesota Masons to support cancer researchfor a cure. The Annual MCCF Dinner spon-sored by the U of M welcomed over 250 guestsand provided an opportunity to acknowledgethe advances in research and care that are beingmade clinically. The efforts of MacalesterLodge No. 290 were applauded as they werethe first to reach five diamond status in thePartners for Life campaign.

WWeesstteerrnn SSttaarr LLooddggee NNoo.. 2266 hhiittss tthhee

bbuullllss eeyyee wwiitthh aa ggiifftt ooff aarrcchheerryy

Members of Western Star Lodge,students and faculty of St. Casimir’s

Western Star Lodge No. 26 from theAlbert Lea-Wells area presented a gift totaling$1,500.00 to St. Casimir's School in Wells to develop the “Archery in the Schools”program, sponsored by the Minnesota DNR.

The Lodge held a pancake breakfast toraise $750 and successfully applied to MMCfor a grant to match the funds. The gift willhelp pay for the equipment and training need-ed to implement this unique program intophysical education courses in the school.“Archery in the Schools” is one of the mostpopular programs supported by Lodges andthe MMC Matching Funds Grants program.

22000088 MMMMCC SScchhoollaarrsshhiippss

aannnnoouunncceedd aatt tthhee AApprriill CCoommmmuunniiccaattiioonn,,

iinncclluuddeess fifirrsstt SSiiggnnaattuurree SScchhoollaarrsshhiipp AAwwaarrddss

Minnesota Masonic Charities hasawarded its first Signature Scholarshipsalong with three Masonic LegacyScholarships to eight students who haveshown academic and personal achievementfrom all corners of the state. Five recipientswere awarded the Signature Scholarships,in the amount of $5,000 annually (renew-able up to $20,000), two students wereawarded the William F. MackintoshMasonic Scholarship for $4,000 annually(renewable up to $16,000), and one studentwas awarded the Robert and Alta Van TriesMasonic Scholarship for $4,000 annually(also renewable up to $16,000).

Achievements of the scholarshiprecipients include above a 3.90 GPA,standardized test scores that rank in the99th percentile, and outstanding commu-nity service and extracurricular activities.Some of the colleges selected by ourrecipients include Macalester College,St. Olaf College, Stanford University,and the University of Minnesota.

The Signature Scholarships programwas launched in December 2007 byMMC. It is a program that is intended torecognize the best and brightest students ofMinnesota in recognition of the next gen-eration of future leaders and responsible

citizens. The Signature Scholarships werenamed after members of the MinnesotaMasonic family who contributed to thestate of Minnesota though personalachievement and public service. They areare James J. Hill, Hubert H. Humphrey,Charles and William Mayo, Harold E.Stassen, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

MMC received nearly 300 scholarshipapplications, with the majority of appli-cants achieving over a 3.5 GPA. The top10% of candidates were presented to theMMC Scholarship Committee in March2008 for final determination. The recipi-ents were announced at the Saturday ses-sion of the Grand Lodge Communicationin April. A formal awards luncheon onMay 31st at Masonic Home Bloomingtonwill recognize the scholars and their families and also afford an opportunityfor the students to meet attending mem-bers of the Masonic family.

The Van Tries and MackintoshMasonic Scholarships are “Legacy”scholarships, created by individual donorgifts designated to assist students in theiracademic pursuits. MMC awarded oneVan Tries Masonic Scholarship and twoMackintosh scholarships in the 2007–2008 academic year.

Luke Heinzen Alec Nicholson Akshar Rambachan Nathaniel BeaverHill Scholarship Humphrey Scholarship Mayo Scholarship Stassen Scholarship

Frances Wehrwein Simon KernIngalls Scholarship Van Tries Masonic

Scholarship

Lauren Doda Abby ColehourW. F. Mackintosh Masonic Scholarships

OES East Metro Ambassadors, agroup of members from Carmel, Electa,Oriental, Queen Esther, Rainbow, St.Anthony Park, and White Bear, hosted asocial evening and bingo party on May 9,2008, at the St. Paul Masonic Center,proceeds to benefit the building of thenew Masonic Cancer Center, Universityof Minnesota.

A stagnant economy and rising pricesacross many business sectors failed to detervolunteers and guests from giving selflesslyof their time and resources to ensure a goodtime was had by everyone who attended.Guests included Chuck Dietz, Co-Chair,Partners For Life Campaign; BruceJohnson, President and CEO of theMasonic Cancer Center Fund, Inc.; JohnSchweitz, Partners for Life CampaignConsultant; Arleen Steele, Worthy GrandMatron and Roger Schmid, Worthy GrandPatron of the Grand Chapter of Minnesota;and Helen Johnson, Jr. Past Grand Matronof the Grand Chapter of Minnesota.Illustrious Brother Jerry Oliver, SovereignGrand Inspector General Of the ScottishRite, Southern Jurisdiction OrientMinnesota ably served as bingo caller.

Prizes were secured from an impres-sive list of local area businesses includ-ing, Byerly’s, The Cherokee Sirloin

6 The Minnesota MASON May-June 2008

News & Views from the Lodges$3,264 added to Partners For Life Campaign

Mound Lodge holds award night

Charity Lodge No. 98 scholarship winners

On May 13th, Charity Lodge No. 98 of New Ulm, Minnesota, held their annual Masonic scholar-ship dinner and awards evening. This year they presented four $500 scholarships to local highschool graduates. Pictured are Deputy Grand Master Thomas G. McCarthy, Ashley Johnson,Maggie Dauer, Jenna Portner, and Charity Lodge Worshipful Master Stephen Larson. Not picturedwas recipient Adam Hoffmann.

Charity Lodge sponsors KidsID

The last weekend of March Charity Lodge No. 98 of New Ulm was busy at the New Ulm HomeShow. The Lodge Brothers photographed over 150 kids for the “Masonic Kids ID” program dur-ing the annual spring home improvement show. This is the second year Charity Lodge has donethis, and the lodge has been able to pick a new member or two.

Touched by Masonic generosityMy name is Molly Pietruszewski and

I work for the City of Cottage GroveRecreation Department. For several yearsI have had the privilege of working withBob Eddy, Gene Dunn, Don Leslie, andJason West at our Safety Camp. It is—andalways will be—my favorite afternoonduring Safety Camp. The kids look inamazement at Gene’s handle-bar mus-tache and wonder how that stays like itdoes—they talk about it all day. Even iffor a brief couple of hours, Bob, Gene,Don, and Jason become a part of ourteam. Thank you for that.

Now the Masons have found a newplace in my heart. I had twin boys eightmonths ago and on Friday, March 14,2008, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’sLymphoma Cancer. And then a few weeksago, I read that the Minnesota Masonshave made the largest contribution ever tothe University of Minnesota for cancer

research. I thank you for your kindnessand generosity to this research. Now I ama part of your team in battling cancer.

Two great men in my life have been apart of the Masons: my Great-GrandpaAune, who is 98 years old and stillattends lodge every month, and my bestfriend, Jason West. Masons – thank youfor contributing to our community and tomaking sure others do not have to sufferwith or face cancer as we do today.

/s/ Molly Pietruszewski

Molly PietruszewskiCity of Cottage GroveRecreation Coordinator651.458.3404

[Note: Molly helps Accacia Lodge No. 51 coordinate the KidsID program inCottage Grove.]

Mound Lodge recently held its annual awards night. The evening was well attended, starting witha fine dinner and fellowship. Pictured from left to right are: Master Wilbur Light; GeraldHendricks, 30 Years; Roger Reed, 60 Years; Deputy Grand Master Thomas G. McCarthy; LeroyBaldwin, 40 Years; and WB Ronald Holtmeier, 55 Years.

Room, Creative Concepts, Haskells,JuutSalonSpa, Office Depot, Perkins,Proex Portrait Studio, St. Paul ChryslerSuburban, and Wally McCarthy’s. OldDutch Foods, Inc., provided popcorn at agreatly reduced cost. Please thank thesedonors for their generous gifts by choos-ing to frequent their businesses.Additional prizes were contributed byBonnie Benson, Deb Demars, RobertPeltier, and Liz Tuftbauer.

Grand Prize Bingo Winner, Jim Luban,Macalester Lodge No. 290, presents BruceJohnson (right) and Chuck Dietz (left) with achest containing donations. Visit www.rain-bowchapter.com to view more photos.

Pleasant Grove Lodge No. 22 cordial-ly invites all Minnesota Masons to attendthe celebration of its 150th Anniversaryon Sunday, June 22. The celebration willbegin with the Camp Winnebago wagontrain passing by the lodge about 9:00 a.m.This is significant because in 1856, theDubuque-St. Paul Territorial Road wentpast the Green Mountain House inPleasant Grove where eight men, whowere Masons back east, started theMasonic Lodge. On January 8, 1858, thePleasant Grove Masons were issued acharter by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota.

After meeting in the Green MountainHouse for about ten years, the lodge votedin 1868 to accept the deed for a lot andbuild a building to serve as a store, meatmarket, and lodge hall. The hall is theoldest Masonic Lodge building inMinnesota, built as a Masonic Lodge andhas been the meeting place of the PleasantGrove Masons for 140 years. We hopeyou will come to see our venerable lodge.

As we traditionally do on St. Johns’Day, we will attend 10:30 a.m. churchservices at the Pleasant Grove Church ofChrist near the lodge. Following church, abarbeque lunch will be served at theMasonic Hall. Proceeds from the free willdonation lunch will be given to CampWinnebago and the Children’s Foundation

of the Rochester Valley Scottish Rite.Lunch will be available throughout the day.

The program will begin at 1:30 p.m.with the awarding of scholarships,speeches, and awards for longevity inMasonic membership. Four Brothers willbe awarded their 60-year pins, two willreceive 55-year awards, and one 50-yearpin will be presented. The MinnesotaMasonic Historical Society and Museumwill have a display set up inside thelodge. The historic, upstairs lodge roomwill be open for viewing.

In the early years of PGL No. 22,most of the members were farmers whocame to lodge meeting in new bib over-alls, hence the name “The Bib-OverallLodge.” Since performing the openingceremony at the 148th AnnualCommunication in bib overalls, wherePGL No. 22 member Phil Soderbergbecame Grand Master, the members wearthem on all special occasions. So, whenyou come to Pleasant Grove on June 22you’ll be able to identify the “locals.”

The best way to get to Pleasant Grovedue to highway construction is to travel eastfrom Stewartville five miles on Highway30, turning north on County No. 1, thenabout one mile to Pleasant Grove. Pleasecome and help us celebrate 150 years inMasonry!

Pleasant Grove Lodge No. 22 invite Masons tocelebrate 150th Anniversary

May-June 2008 The Minnesota MASON 7

News from the Masonic FamilyA Minnesota DeMolay and Job’s Daughters

Weekend ReunionSaturday and Sunday, July 12–13, 2008

Open to ALL Former Minnesota DeMolay and Job’s Daughters!Please join us for a weekend of fun events!

Saturday, July 12thSocial Gathering, Dinner and Dance

Lake Harriet Masonic Center4519 France Ave SouthMinneapolis, Minnesota

2–5 p.m. Social gathering and reminiscing with friends; old and new.5–7 p.m. Grilled steak dinner with all the trimmings at $10 pp.

(RSVP’s needed for the steak dinner by June 25th! See below.)7–10 p.m. Dance and more social time. Music is by Ned Wittman, PAGG; free will

donations at the dance will be divided between HIKE and Partners for Life.8–10 p.m. Late night snack—“Pizza By The Slice”—for purchase.

Sunday, July 13thFamily Picnic at Lake Harriet

Beard’s Plaisance Park Pavilion4525 Upton Ave South

Minneapolis, Minnesota

9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Come and enjoy a family picnic. Bring your own food,drinks, and lawn chairs. Grills available for cooking.

Please email me if you are coming to either the dance or picnic.jrherb@mac.com

I need your RSVP and payment for the Steak Dinner by June 25th.Please send a check for $10 per person to: Herb Berzelius Jr

10217 Johnson Circle • Bloomington, MN 55437

If you have any questions, please call Herb at 952-831-1101Please help out by spreading the word about this event to all of your formerDeMolay and Job’s Daughters friends and pass the invitation along to them.

Grand Lodge Annual Communications

2009 – March 27th and 28th2010 – March 26th and 27th2011 – April 8th and 9th

All of the above are at the Civic Center in St. Cloud.

Minnesota #1 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons Fall Schedule, first Friday of the month

200 East Plato Boulevard, Saint PaulFor further information contact John Stitely

rv_john_stitely@yahoo.com

September 5th Program: Past Grand High Priest Loren Schroeder,

Speaking on his career as a Bridge Builder

October 3rd Program:Table Chapter with Entertainment

Honoring Our Most Excellent High Priest James Turner

November 7th Program:Education Night with Four Speakers:

Bro. Paul Magee “Acupuncture as a Means for Wellness”Neva Banaei “What do those numbers mean? Basic information

to maintain your health”Steve Posch “Religions of the Near East in King Solomon’s Era”

Al Bohne “Masonic Reflections”

December 5th ProgramHonors and Awards - Chapter of Sorrows, A Memorial for the Departed

…Join Us…for a good Masonic time,

with four-star meals,by good Masonic chefs,

in a good Masonic atmosphere.

The 1st [stated] & 3rd [social] Wednesdays of the month

[never dark]

Stated meetings are short and to the point.

Social meetings are vibrant and informative.

Where?Daylight Lodge No. 348

A Lodge for Masons who can’t make evening Lodge meetings.

1321 County Road B2Roseville, Minnesota

[MN Hwy. 36, E. or W. off at Hamline,north 2 blocks to B2, east 1 block,

on north side of street.]

ANNUAL OSMAN SHRINE/MASONIC FAMILY PICNIC

The Annual Osman Shrine/Masonic Family Picnic will be held this year onFriday, August 10, at the Como Park Pavilion from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Grand Master Ray Christensen and Potentate Frank Peterson encourageall Minnesota Masons, Osman Shriners, their families and guests to attend

this fun event.

Popcorn, BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Beans, Potato Salad andbeverages will be provided for your enjoyment.

At the picnic there will be toys/gifts and maybe a surprise or two given to allchildren in attendance. There will also be games for all ages (including adults)

with awards being given to the winners.

Please call the Osman Shrine office by August 3rd and let them know ifyou are planning on attending the picnic. (651-452-5660)

The Annual Osman Shrine/Masonic Family Picnic will be held this year onSunday, July 13th, at the Como Park Pavilion from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

Potentate Roger Robinson encourages all Minnesota Masons,Osman Shriners, their families and guests to attend this fun event.

At the picnic there will be toys/gifts and maybe a surprise or two given to all children in attendance. There will also be games for all ages (including adults)

with awards being given to the winners.

Please call the Osman Shrine office by July 3rd and let them know if youare planning on attending the picnic. (651-452-5660)

Pancake Breakfastto benefit

RiteCare Childhood LanguageDisorder Clinic of Elk River

Saturday, July 19, 2008

8 to 10 a.m. • $5 tickets.

at the Monticello Applebee’s9386 Deegan AvenueMonticello, Minnesota

Just 1 mile south of I-94 on Hwy 25

Sponsored by

Monticello Lodge No. 16

and

Galilee Chapter No. 53 of Buffalo Order of the Eastern Star

The Olive Branch Lodge #47Sturgis, South Dakota

wishes to welcome all

Masons to a Special meeting of the Lodge during the

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally & Races,

(First full week of August)

Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2008Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Olive Branch Lodge No. 47Sturgis, South Dakota

Please be prepared to show a current, paid-up dues card and respond to a short examination

Dress is casual; motorcycle apparel is acceptable.Visiting Masons wishing to wear his Lodge apron,

please feel free to do so.

There will be a Ladies’ program for the ladies accompanying members.

For more information, contact:Thomas Secrest

Board of CustodiansGrand Lodge of South Dakota A.F. & A.M.

Phone: 605-717-1115Email: crest@rushmore.com

The Grand Lodge website is

www.mn-masons.org

8 The Minnesota MASON May-June 2008

Minnesota Job’s Daughters presentHIKE Award to 8-year-old girl

On March 1, 2008, at a regular meetingof Bethel #13, Rochester, a HIKE awardwas made to 8-year-old CarminaBruktainis. Carmina was joined by hermother and older sister at the presentationand the reception that followed.

Upon conclusion of the Bethel meetingthe members of Bethel #13 and MinnesotaDaughter HIKE Coordinator, Kaitlin

Barrett, discussed Job’sDaughters and the HIKEFund, after which a checkwas presented to Carmina inthe amount of $1,609. Thedonation made to the familywill be used to buy much-needed hearing aids.

Carmina’s mother wasoverwhelmed with the gift,shook the hand of eachmember of the Bethel, andexpressed how importantnew hearing aids will be inher daughter’s develop-ment—both socially and interms of her education.

The Hearing ImpairedKids Endowment (HIKE)has been Job’s DaughtersInternational’s official philanthropic project since1985, and Job’s Daughters

around the world have given over $3.5million to help children between the agesof newborn and twenty years with hearingloss, whose parents are unable to meetthis special need financially. An estimateof 100 children are provided with hearingdevices each year. The March 1 award isthe second award given in Minnesota inthe last year.

Quarry Lodge No. 148 in Pipestonerecently held their annual awards nightand presented several 50-, 55- and 60-year awards. The crowd assembled for thebanquet enjoyed a fine meal and a talk onthe beautiful Quarry Lodge No. 148murals, painted in 1917 by artist LeoHenke. Members of Lake Wilson LodgeNo. 262 and McKinley Lodge No. 251were also on hand.

In conjunction with this event, every fewyears the lodge also presents an authenticPipestone American Indian-made peace pipeto the Grand Master of Minnesota Masons.In addition to presenting a peace pipe toGrand Master Thomas C. Jackson this year,they also presented the peace pipes to PastGrand Masters J. V. Christianson from 1997,Steven R. Johnson from 2006 and RaymondG. Christensen from 2007.

This year a special re-presentation wasalso made to the Grand Secretary. In 1969,R. W. Brother Harvey Hanson became theGrand Secretary of the Grand Lodge ofMinnesota. He was from Quarry Lodge No.148 so the lodge made a special presenta-tion to him of a beautiful pen set for hisdesk in the Grand Lodge office. The pen seta depiction of three grazing buffalo and wascarved native pipestone. When GrandSecretary Hanson died in office in 1984,the pet set was returned to Quarry Lodge.

This year the lodge decided to re-present the beautiful sculpture to theGrand Secretary, to be permanently displayed in the office of the GrandSecretary. Grand Secretary DouglasCampbell was pleased to accept thispriceless artifact to be displayed in theGrand Lodge of Minnesota office.

Quarry Lodge No. 148 peace pipepresentations to the Grand Masters

Shown in the photo, left to right: MWB J.V. Christianson, MWB Thomas C. Jackson, MWB VerneLong, RWB Douglas J. Campbell, MWB Raymond G. Christensen and MWB Steven R. Johnson.

The Murals of Quarry Lodge No. 148, Pipestone

The Quarry Lodge No. 148 building islisted on the National Register of HistoricBuildings and located in the PipestoneHistoric District. The building and itscontents are considered by the MinnesotaHistorical Society as one of southernMinnesota's most treasured assets.

The beautiful murals were painted bya German artist Leo Henke in 1917. Mr.Henke was not a Mason. He received theinspiration for the murals from a 1903edition of The Illustrated History ofFreemasonry. Mr. Henke’s renditions areamazingly accurate. He charged $85.00for painting the murals.

Should you be in the Pipestone area,Past Grand Master and Quarry Lodge No.

148 Secretary, Verne Long, would behappy to show you the murals. Pleasecontact him at vlong@svtv.com or 507-825-4079to arrange a tour.

The murals:1. THE TOMB OF CYRUS2. THE BUILDING OF KINGSOLOMON'S TEMPLE3. THE TOMB OF HIRAM, KING OF TYRE4. THE MOUNT OF OLIVES5. SEA OF GENESARETH6. HIGH HILLS OR LOW VALES7. THE CEDARS OF LEBANON8. THE CLAY GROUNDS9. THE STONE QUARRY10. THE BURNING BUSH11. ARMAGEDDON12. THE PORT OF JAPPA

Elected as Directors of the MinnesotaMasonic Charities board, all three-yearterms:Gregory Lane, Lodge No. 1Dale Seubert, Lodge No. 277Keir R. Johnson, Lodge No. 23

The Grand Master also appointed twoaides to assist with special projects andother matters: Shane F. Wendt (277) andBradley C. Skeel (277)

ResolutionsTwo Resolutions were passed at the

155th Annual Communication:No. 1, 2007 - A Constitutional amend-ment providing that Past Masters oflodges are properly addressed as“Worshipful Brother.” This was the second year of the required two yearprocess to amend the constitution of theGrand Lodge of Minnesota.No. 1, 2008 - A General Regulationsamendment providing for optional collec-tive balloting on petitions; if the collectiveballot is not clear then the ballot must besplit and balloted upon separately.

Three Resolutions were defeated atthe 155th Annual Communication:No. 2, 2008 - A General Regulationsamendment to discontinue the proficiencyexaminationsNo. 3, 2008 - A Constitutional amendmentto discontinue the proficiency examinationsNo. 4, 2008 - A General Regulationsamendment to make all lectures optional

Highlights of the Annual CommunicationHighlights of the Annual

Communication would have to include theexcellent attendance figures in spite of thegale force winds coming off of LakeSuperior and the other components of theApril blizzard. Another highlight was thevisit to our Annual Communication by manydistinguished guests from other jurisdictions.In all, the Grand Lodge of Minnesota washonored by the attendance of twenty repre-sentatives from nine sister jurisdictions andeleven appendant or concordant bodies.

Recognition of Grand LodgesUpon the recommendation of the

External Relations Committee, the

requests for recognition by the recentlyconstituted Grand Lodge of Ukraine andthe Gran Logia of Guanajuato, Mexicowere approved.

Duane E. Anderson AwardRecognized as the recipient of the

National Duane E. Anderson Excellence inMasonic Education Award was our ownGrand Lodge Education Officer, W. BrotherEdward R. Halpaus from Mora, Minnesota.There were also two 2007 recipients of theMinnesota Duane E. Anderson Excellencein Masonic Education Award, recognizedfor their Masonic books being published:W. Brother Bruce L. Sherman from AncientLandmark Lodge No. 5 in St. Paul and W.Brother Olaf Kuhlke from Palestine LodgeNo. 79 in Duluth.

Hiram AwardsRecognized as the 2007–2008 Grand

Lodge of Minnesota Hiram Award winnerwas W. Brother William R. Callister fromOriental Lodge No. 34 in Cannon Falls. Inan unusual move, Grand Master RaymondG. Christensen presented a second GrandLodge of Minnesota Hiram Award to theGrand Secretary, R. W. Brother DouglasCampbell from Cataract Lodge No. 2 inMinneapolis. Both Hiram Award recipi-ents were recognized for their many yearsof tireless service to Minnesota Masonry.

InstallationAn Open Installation of Officers, Area

Deputies, District Representatives andCustodians was held Saturday afternoonat 2:00 p.m. and was well attended.

156th Annual CommunicationThe 156th Annual Communication

will be held at the St. Cloud Civic Center,St. Cloud on March 27–28, 2009.

A full report of the actions taken at the155th Annual Communication, along withall of the reports presented, will be printedin the 2008 Annual Proceedings, whichwill be available for distribution as soon aspossible. The Preprinted Report bookletcontaining most of the reports presented atthe 155th Annual Communication is avail-able on the Grand Lodge of Minnesotawebsite at www.mn-masons.org.

Douglas J. Campbell,Grand Secretary

Annual Communication continued from page 2