The Minnesota

MASONJuly–August 2019 VOL. 67, No. 2

Grand MasterSynchronicity

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.

The annual One-Day-to-Masonry event willagain be held at the Masonic Heritage Center onJanuary 18, 2020. As in past One-Day-to-Masonry events, this one will again include acontinental breakfast and a hearty lunch. All threedegrees will be portrayed in full form. Brothersattending on the sidelines will enjoy the degreework every bit as much as the candidates will.

The total cost for the day (but not includinglodge dues) for each candidate will be $250. This$250 fee includes all degree fees and assess-ments, the white leather apron, a ritual cipher andMinnesota Masonic Manual, the meals for thecandidate and other items. All Master Masons areinvited and encouraged to attend. For all currentMasons, sideliners and degree workers, the feefor the meals will be $15, covering the continen-tal breakfast and the noon lunch. If a Brother justwants to stop in to witness some of the degreework, no reservation is required; but if the

Next One-Day-to-Masonry set forJanuary 18, 2020, at Heritage Center

Brother plans on staying for lunch, a reservationis required. Advance purchase lunch tickets willgo on sale on September 2, and can be purchasedonline at https://www.mn-masons.org/event/one-day-2020/, or by phoning the Grand Lodge officeat 952-948-6700 (800- 245-6050).

First-line signers are asked to have the candi-date complete a regular petition for the degrees,or they can download a special One-Day-to-Masonry petition from the Grand Lodge website.The petition must be sent to the local Lodgealong with the required fee and a request toattend this One-Day-to- Masonry event. Timewill soon be drawing short, so do not delay—assist your candidate in completing his petitiontoday. If you have any questions about whichLodge, procedures, special circumstances, etc.,please do not hesitate to contact the Grand Lodgeoffice at the above phone numbers, or by email –office@grandlodgemn.org.

Rochester Lodge No. 21 has evening of food and fellowship

Right Worshipful Brother Ethan Seaberg, GrandMaster of Minnesota Masons, visited RochesterLodge No. 21 for a very special night of food, edu-cation, and Brotherhood! Bros. Joe Close (not pic-tured) and Desmond Garcia (far right, second row)provided the most excellent smoked BBQ ribs for asocial meal. Then, a LEO presentation was given byWB Ken Allsen (far left, back row) on MasterArchitect: The Life & Works of Harold Crawford.

Northwest Area One-Day-to-Masonry

A Northwest Area One-Day-to-Masonryevent will be held October 19, 2019, at AuroraLodge in Brainerd. Each area Lodge is beingasked to contribute $200 to help fund the event,and in exchange, can bring their candidates. Eachcandidate will receive the three degrees ofMasonry, a ritual cipher, and Minnesota MasonicManual. Lunch will be provided for all in atten-dance. The candidate’s Lodge is responsible forcollecting initiation fees and dues, and paying allGrand Lodge fees. Each Lodge will also beresponsible for supplying their candidate(s) witha white apron.

W. Brother David Dumonceaux will over-see the ritual teams for the first and seconddegrees, and the Zuhrah Shrine Legion ofHonor will confer the third degree. Volunteersare being sought for the ritual work on theEntered Apprentice and Fellowcraft degrees,especially for the lectures. If you’d like to par-ticipate, please let Dave know (218-205-4880,david@dxdesign.biz).

W. Brother Matt Voulgarakis will overseecandidate registration and handle finances for theevent. The October 19th date should give Lodgesthat go dark for the summer, meetings inSeptember and October to process any petitionsthat they receive over the summer months.Please let Matt know if your Lodge wants to reg-ister candidates (701-306-1332, voulgarakisse-lect@cableone.net).

Grand Master Ethan Seaberg presents the whitelambskin to newly-raised Master Mason AdamPeterson.

Grand Master Ethan Seaberg and Rochester LodgeMaster Kurt Walleser present to WBro. Kirk Balderes(2018) an engraved gavel and Past Master’s apron.

2 The Minnesota MASON July–August 2019

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 MASONJuly–August 2019 VOL. 67, No. 2The 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 & LayoutBobbie Lampi

RSL desktop publishing servicesrlampi@charter.net

SynchronicityM.W.B. Ethan A. SeabergGrand Master

Dear Brothers,Before you confuse me with a serious

student of Jungian psychology, know thatmy introduction to synchronicity—or“meaningful coincidences”—wasn’t CarlJung but the 1976 feature “The Eagle hasLanded” starring Robert Duvall, MichaelCaine, and Donald Sutherland. Those ofyou familiar with the movie know that inthe film a series of seemingly unrelatedevents are recognized as quite related, andthat recognition leads to dire consequence.Those of you not familiar with the film . . .well, you really should be.

The term ‘synchronicity’ came to mindrecently as I was privileged to sit with morethan thirty Grand Masters at this year’sShriners International Imperial Session.A morning meeting had been scheduled forthe group, and the agenda was part meet-and-greet, part jurisdictional update. In onesection, the facilitator asked each of us towrite down the top four issues facing ourGrand Lodges. The pieces of paper withour answers were then collected andreviewed, and as similarities emerged theywere posted. The most common response?Member retention, which you doubtlessrecall was the theme MWB Steven D.Johnson asked us to focus on this year.

Now critics of synchronicity would tellyou that a poorly defined anything, by itspoorly defined nature, can become a mean-ingful coincidence to anyone looking forone. But I prefer to think that in this case,MWB Steve took the temperature of our

Craft, sought a focus from among thosemany things important to our future, andsaw ‘retention’ as the meaningful winner.And so did a bunch of Grand Masters whorepresented over half the Masons in NorthAmerica. And maybe, then, so should we.

What might a radical focus on reten-tion look like? In our Lodges we couldwholeheartedly adopt B.L.R.T. and live it(though unfortunately the initials for broth-erly love, relief, and truth taken togetherlook sort of like a deli sandwich). No onewould sit alone. All would be welcomed.Effort would always be encouraged andgood work hailed. [The love part.] Wewould be ridiculously charitable in ourcommunities with both our time andresources. Our widows and families wouldbe well cared for. Our Brother’s welfarewould be our constant focus. [The reliefpart.] We would educate ourselves. Wewould share what we’ve learned with ourBrothers. We would seek the Divine. [Thetruth part.] Do that, do that radically, andall of a sudden our Lodges become placesthat members want to return to, places thatthey’d never consider leaving. Places, too,that our friends and neighbors would wantto be a part of. Do that as a Grand Lodge,do that as a Masonic family, and I bet theresult would be exactly the same.

Yours in synchronicity,Ethan SeabergGrand Master

Grand Treasurer position open

Grand Lodge of Minnesota

Annual CommunicationApril 3–4, 2020 Bloomington, Minnesota

April 9–10, 2021 Bloomington, Minnesota

April 8–9, 2022 St. Cloud, Minnesota

Summertime, and the living iseasy…so the song says! Summer is also agreat time for you, as Senior Warden, tofinalize officer selections for next year.Tradition prevailing, your key line officerswill move up. Have you remembered toensure that they are willing to move up?Common courtesy says ask them andallow them to tell you their intentions.Start officer selections, visit with thosewhom you see in each position and makesure they understand the duties of theirrespective post.

Use quiet time to review the FlashDrive provided by the GL Leadership

Committee. This resource will provide theanswer to many of your questions, butonly if you use it!

As Autumn comes on, you may want tovisit with your choice of Lodge EducationOfficer concerning topics for next season.This gives him time to be prepared.Finally, as you continue your journey,remember to reflect on the working tools ofa Master Mason…all the tools of Masonryindiscriminately, but more especially, thetrowel. How will you use the trowel effec-tively in your year? May the GrandArchitect of the Universe be with you andall Brothers in your Lodge!

Lessons from the LeadershipCommittee

The Grand Lodge Corporate Boardannounces that applications are now beingaccepted for the position of Grand Treasurer.The job description and application for theposition can be found on the Grand Lodgeof Minnesota website (www.mn-masons.org/news/grand-treasurer),

Right Worshipful Brother DouglasCampbell has announced that he will notseek reelection after serving the Craft asan elected Grand Lodge Officer for morethan 25 years.

The Grand Lodge Office Committeewill screen and interview brothers who

wish to apply for the position. The com-mittee will make its recommendations tothe Corporate Board, who, in turn, willrecommend candidates for approval at the2020 Annual Communication.

On-line applications will be acceptedthrough August 31, 2019. The MinnesotaMasonic Code requires that a brother mustbe a Past Master of a Minnesota lodge tobe eligible to serve as Grand Treasurer.

If you have questions prior to theopening for applications, you may contactthe Grand Lodge office at office@grand-lodgemn.org.

Grand Lodge presents Hiram Awardto Ben Franklin Lodge Brother

Grand Master Ethan A. Seaberg, right, assisted by the Senior Grand Deacon Dayton L. Berg, left,presented the Grand Lodge Hiram Award to WB Bryce Stoltenberg at Ben Franklin Lodge No. 114,Luverne, Minnesota, on June 27, 2019. Bryce had been selected for this honor by MWB Ed Halpaus.

As we find ourselves half way throughthe summer we look to see what the fall canbring for us and other lodges. Summer canbe a great time for officers to plan for the fall,whether that is degree schedules, officerretreats, fundraisers, and other events. We onthe Mentoring Committee want to remindofficers that this is a great time to plan educa-tion for all members of the lodge. That couldbe your newest candidate, newest MasterMason, or even your newest Past Master. Itis great to start planning all parts of lodgeeducation. This could be your Senior Wardentalking to your Junior Warden about prepar-ing for the step up, should tradition prevail,

or a Secretary looking for his replacement. Mentoring isn’t something that ends

when the candidate is raised to the Sublimedegree of a Master Mason. We need tomake sure we always work to make goodmen better. The Mentoring Committee ishere to help you in the process. Please feelfree to reach us at mentoring@grand-lodgemn.org by phone at (612) 564- 0583.

There are also other committees that aregreat to help with different parts of growingthe lodge that are willing to help! TheLeadership Committee, and MembershipCommittee are great resources for membersof all ages.

Mentoring Committee notes

July–August 2019 The Minnesota MASON 3

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

Masonic Conundrum by Andrew Niemyer, Education Committee

Conundrum 75Our last Conundrum involved an alle-

gorical connection between operative andspeculative masonry, like so much ofwhat we experience in the Craft. Weasked what defines a “Lewis” in operativemasonry and in speculative Masonry?

ANSWER: An operative Lewis is adevice used to aid in the moving of stonesinto position; there are external Lewis’s,which are tong-shaped, and three-pieceinternal “Three-legged” Lewis’s, which gointo a pre-carved dovetail. Both were usedfor centuries by operative Masons. A“Lewis Mason,” rarely seen now inAmerican Masonry, is commonly defined asthe son of a Master Freemason who is oftenpermitted to join the craft at an age youngerthan tradition requires. In earlier times thismeant that a son of a Master Mason couldpetition and be voted to receive the Degreesat age 18 instead of the then-common “law-ful age” of 21. Since even earlier times,there was an implied and sometimes overtobligation for the Lewis Mason to insure tothe care and support of his parents as theyaged and grew infirm. Lewis Masons weregranted “first in line” privileges to receivetheir degrees ahead of those accepted peti-tioners who were not the sons of Masons.

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:Charles Korsch, Palestine No. 79* Dick Sellman Mesaba, Lodge No. 255Fred Tanner Itasca, Lodge No. 208Robert Wellemeyer, Lake Harriet Lodge No. 277Steve Gesme, Oriental Lodge No. 34H.V. Casey Wolford, North Star Lodge No. 23Harlan Brand, Templar Lodge No. 176Douglas Twite, Red River Lodge No. 292Harold Holt, Otter Tail Lodge No. 284David Saranen, Eveleth Lodge No. 239*Clay Anderson, Saint Paul Lodge No. 3Donald M. Severson, Arcana No. 187

Edwin Fillman, Mesaba Lodge No. 255*Brian Long, Nelson Lodge No. 135Steve Bernu, Anoka No. 30*Jon Anderson, Mount Tabor Lodge No. 106*Gerald Chartrand, PM Arcana Lodge No. 187Dennis Rafson, Delta Lodge No. 119Rick Vance, Corinthian No. 67*Karl J. Hnatko, Mesaba Lodge No. 255

Conundrum 76In this issue, we venture outside the

figurative four walls of the Blue Lodgeand into the realm of our many appendantbodies of Masonry. This edition’sConundrum comes to us from WorshipfulBrother Albert Farmer, Secretary for IonicLodge No. 186, in Duluth, Minnesota:

“In an honorary body withinFreemasonry dedicated to research andeducation, there is a degree that commemo-rates a man who was canonized by theRoman Catholic Church. His venerationdates from the Fourth Century, and he wasconsidered as one of the most famous mar-tyrs of the city of Rome. With St. Sixtus, heis named in the canon of the Roman Mass.

“The actual figure is a shadowy figureof the early Roman Church. It has beensaid of the traditional stories about thisman that they portray the ‘typical figure ofa martyr’. It is known that he was one ofthe Seven Deacons of Rome, and that hewas martyred there four days after PopeSixtus II (also canonized) in 258 AD. Hewas allegedly buried in the cemetery onthe road to Tivoli.”

Conundrum: Who is this veneratedfigure and in which Masonic body is hisstory told?

Send your answer in an email tomasonicconundrum@gmail.com. Pleaseremember to include your name, lodgename and number, and area. Six correctentries, randomly selected from amongthose received by 8/26/19, will receive aprize from the Grand Lodge EducationCommittee.

Of Laws, Charges and Landmarks, Part ILandmarks: "Those fixed tenets by which thelimits of Freemasonry may be known and pre-served." (Dictionary of Freemasonry, Morris.)

The newly-raised Brother often feelspummeled with new terms, words, nomen-clature, customs, practices and the suddenrealization that he has been ushered into anestablished order that is centuries old.Even the most seasoned Brother, sittingbeside this new member of his lodge mighthave occasion to murmur softly to himself(So that none may be surprised) upon theconclusion of a Lodge Education program,“I didn’t know that. How is it that I did notknow that?”

It is human nature to come to believethat with time and experience, we havebeen exposed by those whose specialty isto inculcate knowledge with all good thingsworth knowing in the Craft. Yet, we alsoare exposed to another phenomena, that ofthe assumption that “common knowledge”is, well, commonly known. I refer to it asthe “Doesn’t everybody know that?” effect.Yet, all too often, it turns out that body ofknowledge that is collectively taken to beknown is, in fact, not as widely known asperhaps it should be.

We have heard or even referred to the“Ancient Landmarks,” the “AncientCharges” and “Masonic Laws.” But, do weall truly know that the three are differentand, while each often alludes to the others,they actually have a somewhat different anddiffuse history? This essay barely scratchesthe surface of the topic of the three butshall at least give the reader a sense of howthese three all unite to give Masonry a solidfoundation of rules, customs and guidelineswith which to govern ourselves, our lodges,Grand Lodges and the Craft accordingly.

The Ancient LandmarksNaturally, like most things Masonic,

there’s a huge body of literature discussingthe many various presumed origins of theso-called “Ancient Landmarks,” evenlengthy debates as to what constitutes suchin the first place.

RWB Daniel Doron, PGDC of theGrand Lodge of the State of Israel, in hisessay “Landmarks and Old Charges,” givesus several points of view on the topic,before settling on the definition propoundedin J. W. Simons’ “The Principles ofMasonic Jurisprudence,” namely: “Weassume those principles of action to belandmarks which have existed from timeimmemorial, whether in the written orunwritten law: which are identified withthe form and essence of the society: whichthe great majority agree, cannot bechanged, and which every mason is boundto maintain intact under the most solemnand inviolable sanctions.”

RWB Doron then summarizes themsuccinctly: “It is quite clear that this defi-nition includes three necessary elementswhich define a Landmark as such:1. It exists from time immemorial,2. It expresses the form and essence of

the Craft,3. It is agreed that it can never be

changed.”Percy Jantz wrote in “The Landmarks of

Freemasonry” (Grand Lodge of BritishColumbia and The Yukon) in 2004 of the“Two Point Test”: “…a landmark must haveexisted from the ‘time whereof the memoryof man runneth not to the contrary’ and alandmark is an element in the form or essenceof the Society of such importance thatFreemasonry would no longer be freemasonryif it were removed. In other words, they aresomething perpetual and unchanging.”

With that guidance, then, what definesour Ancient Landmarks? Again, a questionthat is answered best by the two words that GLEO, continued on page 8

seem to be repeated so often in Masoniceducation: “It depends.”

Our own Minnesota Grand Lodge adopteda variation of the very most well-known setof Landmarks, those 25 enumerated byAlbert Mackey*. (It’s well worth noting thatthis was done two years before Mackey pub-lished his formally.) They can be found inthe Minnesota Code, Article II MasonicLaws, Section C2.03 and are printed below:(1) That belief in the Supreme Being, “The

Great Architect of the Universe,” whowill punish vice and reward virtue, is anindispensable prerequisite to admissionto Masonry.

(2) That the moral law which inculcatescharity and probity, industry andsobriety, and obedience to law andcivil government, is the rule and guideof every Mason, to which strict con-formity is required.

(3) That obedience to Masonic law andauthority, being voluntarily assumed,is of perpetual obligation.

(4) That the rites and ceremonies (whichinclude the unwritten language) of thetrue system of the Ancient York Rite,and which constitute a part of thebody of Masonry, are immutable, andthat it is not in the power of any manto make innovations therein, exceptwhen in Grand Lodge convened.

(5) That contentions and lawsuits betweenBrethren are contrary to the laws andregulations of Masonry.

(6) That charity is the right of a Mason,his widow and orphans, when poorand destitute, to demand, and the dutyof his prosperous brother to bestow.

(7) That Masonic instruction is, like charity,a reciprocal right and duty of Masons.

(8) That to visit Masonicly is an inherentright of Masons, but no visitor shall bereceived into a Lodge if any memberpresent objects.

(9) That a candidate for Masonry must be aman of mature age, free born, of goodreport, hale and sound, having no maimor defect in his body that may renderhim incapable of learning the art andphysically able to conform substantiallyto what the several degrees of Masonryrespectively require of him. If a candi-date is unable to so comply with thephysical requirements, he shall never-theless be eligible to receive the degreesof Masonry, if, after favorable action bythe Constituent Lodge, his petition fordegrees, accompanied by a detailedreport of the nature and extent of hisdisabilities, is approved by the GrandMaster.

(10) That the Grand Master may makeMasons at sight, and may grant a dis-pensation to a Lodge for the same pur-pose, but in all other cases a candidatemust be proposed in open Lodge, at aStated Communication and can only beaccepted at a Stated Communicationfollowing, by the scrutiny of a secretballot, and a unanimous vote, and mustpay a fixed price before admission.

(11) That it is the duty of every Mason tobe a contributing member of someLodge.

(12) That a Mason who is not a memberof a Lodge is still subject to the disci-plinary power of Masonry.

(13) That the Master and Wardens ofevery chartered Lodge are of right andinalienably representatives in, andmembers of, the Grand Lodge.

(14) That no one can be elected Master ofa chartered Lodge, except at its firstelection, but a Master Mason whoshall have served as a Warden.

(15) That every Mason must be tried byhis peers; hence, the Master cannot betried by his Lodge.

(16) That no appeal to the Lodge can betaken from the decision of the Master,or the Warden occupying the chair inhis absence.

(17) That Masonic intercourse with aclandestine, suspended or expelledMason is a breach of duty and anoffense against Masonic law.

(18) That a restoration of the privileges ofMasonry by the Grand Lodge does notrestore to membership in aConstituent Lodge.

(19) That the failure of a Lodge to meetfor one (1) year is cause for the forfei-ture of its charter.

(20) That it is the duty as well as the rightof every chartered Lodge to be repre-sented in the Grand Lodge at its com-munications.

(21) That this Grand Lodge has supremeand exclusive jurisdiction, as exercised,within its territorial limits, over allmatters of Ancient Free and AcceptedMasonry, and accepts the right of theGrand Lodge of The Most WorshipfulPrince Hall Grand Lodge F. & A.M. ofMinnesota as having supreme andexclusive jurisdiction over matters pertaining to that Grand Lodge.

(22) That no appeal lies from the decisionof the Grand Master in the chair, orthe Deputy Grand Master or GrandWarden, occupying the chair in hisabsence.

(23) That the office of the Grand Masteris always elective, and should be filledannually by the Grand Lodge.

(24) That the Grand Lodge, composed ofits officers and representatives, mustmeet at least once in each year, to consult and act concerning the interestsof the Fraternity in its jurisdiction.

(25) That all officers of the Grand Lodgeor Constituent Lodge must be MasterMasons.

(26) That no subject of sectarian or political character can be discussed ina Lodge, and any Mason proposingsuch a subject renders himself liable tothe disciplinary action of the Lodge.

Given the declared “immutability” ofthe aforesaid Landmarks, it’s interestingto note a few items that perhaps are not so“immutable” after all.

Jantz points out in “The Landmarks ofFreemasonry” that many of Mackey’sLandmarks don’t pass either or both of theTwo Point Test. For example, in his“Landmark Second” Mackey referreddirectly to “The Division of SymbolicMasonry into Three Degrees.” (We addressthat in Landmark 4, adopting the YorkRite’s Degree work.) However, as, whenthe GL of England was formed, there wereonly two Degrees; hardly “immutable” andgoing back into “time immemorial” is it?

Further, Mackey’s Landmarks refer to,in Landmark 3, “The Legend of the ThirdDegree.” We all know that story well. Yet,as Jantz points out, the earliest knownworks we have show that in what we nowknow as the Third Degree, the earliest ref-erence was to Noah, not Hiram Abiff.

Jantz goes on to point out that a largenumber of the “Landmarks” we refer tooften may not be so immutable, after all.

All that aside, we can see that theLandmarks themselves can be broken down,as RWB Doron points out, into several specific categories:A. Those concerning the fraternity and the

essence of the Craft;

4 The Minnesota MASON July–August 2019

Minnesota MasonicCharities and the Grand Lodgeof Minnesota each granted$30,000 to the MinnesotaAssistance Council for Veterans(MACV) to help house home-less veterans in Minnesota.

The organizations gatheredlast month on the MasonicCampus for a check presenta-tion. Picture at left are GrandMaster Ethan Seaberg, MACVPresident and CEO NealLoidolt, and MMC Presidentand CEO Eric Neetenbeek.

Minnesota MasonicCharities and the Grand Lodgehave contributed to MACV fora number of years: MMC’s

MMMMCC aanndd GGrraanndd LLooddggee ssuuppppoorrtt vveetteerraannsscontributions have been madethrough its Mission GrantsProgram, which provides grantsto organizations that reflect thecharitable interests of theMasonic Family of Fraternities.Mission Grants must beapproved by the MMC Board of Directors.

MACV serves veterans in anumber of capacities, fromhelping homeless veterans findstable housing, to employmentand legal services. For moreinformation, visit mac-v.org.

TTeelllliinngg tthheeiirr ssttoorryy:: 220044tthh AArrmmyy FFiieelldd BBaannddMinnesota’s 204th Army Band

will offer another free concert at theIves Auditorium Friday, July 19 at7:00pm. (see Masonic-HeritageCenter.org for ticket infor-mation). Their theme this year is“Telling Their Story,” so it is fittingto share a bit of the band’s story here.

Based both at Fort Snelling inMinnesota and Vancouver,Washington, the 204th Army Band isa Reserve Army Band. Its combined54 members serve in the army part-time while maintaining a civiliancareer or continuing their education.The 204th musicians work in fieldsincluding music, education, medi-cine, sales, finance, marketing andengineering. All must audition to bein the band.

At Fort Snelling, there’s been aresident Army Band since 1948 afterthe end of World War II. During its70+ years, the band has operatedunder four different designations: the330th, 103rd, 451st and now 204th.In 2018, the 451st Army Band wasinactivated and became instead half

of the “split-located” 204th Army

Band with members in Minnesota

and Washington. (The numeric desig-

nations of the bands are based on

their parent organization, and not

location.)

Army bands in the US have been

around since soldiers have fought

wars. Signal corps drummers and

fifes accompanied troops in the

Revolutionary War. In 1777, trumpets

were added to manage cavalrymaneuvers and by 1830, more brassinstruments had taken over a melodicrole.

During WWI, Freemason andGeneral John J. Pershing expandedregimental bands from 28 to a full 48pieces. This configuration remainsthe standard today.

For more information, visit ourHeritage Center blog at:

MasonicHeritageCenter.org.

AATT TTHHEE TTOOPP

Once again, University ofMinnesota Masonic Children’sHospital ranks as one of the topchildren’s hospital in the country,accoring to U.S. News & WorldReport.

In Minnesota, three hospitalsranked among the top 50, includ-ing Masonic Children’s Hospital,Mayo Clinic Children’s Center,and Children’s Minnesota. TheReport’s methodology measurespatient outcomes, clinicalresources and compliance withbest practices.

REMEMBER TO REGISTER: 15th Annual MMC Gala, Saturday, September 28

MnMasonicCharities.org

July–August 2019 The Minnesota MASON 5

NNuurrssee hhoonnoorreedd wwiitthh

MMAASSOONNIICC MMIISSSSIIOONN AAWWAARRDD

RReecceeppttiioonn rreeccooggnniizzeess

MMAASSOONNIICC SSCCHHOOLLAARRSS

Unit 6 nurse Amy Higgins is therecipient of this quarter’s MasonicMission Award, an honor bestowedby her peers, patients and families atthe University of Minnesota MasonicChildren’s Hospital. MinnesotaMasonic Charities sponsors theaward to recognize the amazing careprovided at the hospital, and the twoorganizations’ shared mission.

At left, Higgins (center) receivesher award and gift certificate withfamily, staff members, and represen-tatives from Minnesota MasonicCharities.

Over 200 recipients, families andfriends showed up at a reception to recognize those who received 2019Minnesota Masonic CharitiesScholarships. The afternoon event was

held at Minnesota Masonic HeritageCenter last month. Above, 2019 DorisVeit Legacy Scholar, Maycee Klein,pictured with MMC Board ofDirectors Chairman, Roger McNear.

6 The Minnesota MASON July–August 2019

News & Views from the Lodges

The Brethren of Mesaba Lodge No. 255, Hibbing, and Eveleth Lodge No. 239, along with a couple of Brothers from the Twin Cities, came together to put onthe Master Mason Degree on the Iron Range.With MWB Terry Tilton attending to watch the work, they brought five new Master Masons into our gentle craft!

Range lodges raise five Master Masons

On May 18, 2019, Tusler-Summit Lodge No. 263, Roseville, raised three to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. They are, in the center of the front row,Ted Johnson, John Hanson III, and Jordan Gittens. What makes this noteworthy as a degree is that it was a combination team effort. WB Foster Solem,Custodian: Area Representative Joe Kivens: and Brothers from Ancient Landmark, Templar, and Minnehaha Lodges joined with Brothers from Tusler-Summit Lodge to present an amazing third degree on a Saturday morning. We were able to show our newly-raised Brothers that Masonry in Minnesotais a team effort with Brothers working together on the journey toward more light.

Tusler-Summit Lodge holds Master Mason degree

Hiram Lodge No. 287, Lindstrom, presented a 65-year award to Lowell Turner on May 11, 2019.Pictured, left to right, are W. Brother Jay Albright, Brother Lowell Turner, W. Brother Don Drum, and W.Brother Joe Kivens, Metroeast Area Deputy.

Hiram Lodge presents 65-year award

Masonic Motorcycle Club International –

Chapter #24For Information: Gordy Aune, JrSecretary/Treasurer – MMCI#24

Home 763-585-1766 Cell 612-719-1610

www.masonicmotorcycleclub.org www.mn-masons.org

Widows honored by Northern Lodge No. 236 are pictured, left to right: Dolly Ault, Lois Bergland,and Ardis Foster, along with Northern Lodge Secretary Jim Goldesberry.

Left to right: Roger Ness, Worshipful Master ofNorthern Lodge No. 236; Ethan Janisch, schol-arship recipient; and Mason Arnold Narverud,Ethan’s great-grandfather.

At their bimonthly meeting onMonday, May 20, 2019, Northern LodgeNo. 236 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota,awarded their annual scholarship to a highschool senior. Receiving the scholarshipthis year was Ethan Janisch, son of Aaronand Michelle Janisch of Thief River Falls.Presiding at the ceremony was WorshipfulMaster Roger Ness who was assisted byMason Arnold Narverud, Ethan’s great-grandfather.

Also that evening, all Masonic widowswere honored. The women, who had lost ahusband or a previous husband who hadbeen a Mason, were presented a rose byNorthern Lodge Secretary JamesGoldesberry. Those attending were DollyAult, Lois Bergland, and Ardis Foster.

Northern Lodgeawards scholarshipand honors widows

July–August 2019 The Minnesota MASON 7

News from the Masonic Family

Recently the Metrowest Association helda five-part series of Education Seminarsregarding Blue Lodge education. Designedand presented by Brother Hans Neisz ofAnoka Lodge No. 30, these seminars cov-ered a “how to” of materials for bringinginformation to your candidates as they comeinto their lodge and proceed through theirfirst three degrees.

Subjects such as basic lodge informa-tion, structure, etiquette, as well as the whysand wherefores of each aspect were coveredon the various nights. The sessions movedthrough the basic history and on to a deeper

Metrowest Association holds Masonic Education Seminars

MMCI #24 hosts 4th Annual Ice CreamSocial at University of MinnesotaMasonic Children’s Hospital

MMCI #24 June 15th 4th Annual Ice Cream Social at U of M Masonic Children's Hospital.

explanation of each part of the degrees, thelectures and their meanings, and brokedown the proficiency and its hidden mes-sages. A glossary of our old English wordsand unusual vocabulary was brought intolight for those new to our fraternity.

From the first session—where nearlysixty Brothers gathered from over twentylodges to not only improve themselves, butto learn those lessons needed in order tobring them back to their own lodges andprepare those new brethren as they petitionand begin their own Masonic journey—these educational seminars served to help

us become stronger in the craft as well asassisting with retention and purpose withinour Blue Lodges.

Whether a new Mason or one as experi-enced as MWB Jack Benson, who attendedall of the sessions, everyone who came outleft them with a better understanding ofFreemasonry, our rituals, what we do, whywe do, and what things mean. The founda-tions of our gentle craft will be made moresolid if each lodge can build on those les-sons we teach with greater consideration. Wedo a disservice to our members if we do nottake every opportunity to bring them light.

Above, presenters at the seminar; below,attentive participants at one of the seminars.

8 The Minnesota MASON July–August 2019

Are you a Traveling Man?

B. Those concerning the Grand Lodge,the Grand Master and his rights;

C. Those concerning the rights of aBrother; and finally

D. Those concerning the duties of alodge, including inter-relationsbetween lodges. In short, our Ancient Landmarks give

us, as an ancient and honorable society,the bearings we need to maintain our-selves within our boundaries. How weactually define those boundaries as anaffiliated group of Lodges voluntarilyobligating ourselves to a commonlyaccepted group of those landmarks falls toour Grand Lodge charters and Codes.

* It is worth bearing in mind thatAlbert Pike was reputed to have noted,

“There is no common agreement in regardto what are and what are not ‘Landmarks.’That has never been definitely settled.”Various scholars have listed what theyconsider to be the Ancient Landmarks ofMasonry. The numbers have been as fewas nine and as many as 54 or more.

(In Part 2, we will take a look at the“Ancient Charges” and compare andcontrast them to the Landmarks.)

“Every Mason can be an Educator.”

With fraternity and in light,WB Andrew Niemyeraniemyer@gmail.com Grand Lodge LEO

“Quarite plus lucem – Seek More Light”

Brothers ontheir way tobecoming aMaster Masonlearn about travel.One thing learnedis that a Brotherwill become ableto earn Master’swages; the otheris that a Brotherwill go out of hisway and on footto assist aBrother.

This story is about the journey of JohnBoosalis, a decorated WWII veteran. Hemarried during the service upon complet-ing flight school and receiving his wings.This story almost did not happen.

He was the gunner man in a plane thatcrashed in the Pacific 45 miles from theirship. The Navy sent notices to the fami-lies that the crew of three was presumeddead. However, a life raft was pulled fromthe wreckage and, after paddling for twodays, all three reached an island. Theisland was lightly populated and had noenemy soldiers; after thirty days and a lotof luck, they were rescued.

But to hear him tell the story, his wifeCatherine provided the wings for his life’sjourney. They were married 69 years!

His life’s work was in the restaurantbusiness which he learned working for hisparents in the Olympia restaurant inFaribault. After 16 years, John and

Catherine moved to Lincoln, Nebraska.His restaurant management skills likelywere honed by working with his siblings.

John became a Master Mason inFaribault Lodge No. 9 immediately uponreturning to his home town of Faribault,Minnesota, after the war. He became activein both Blue Lodge and Commandery butafter several years, moved to Lincoln,Nebraska. He served as Commander inboth Faribault and Fairmont, Minnesota.He was also pleased to have joinedScottish Rite in Lincoln. He will receivehis 75-year pin this year.

Brother John celebrated becoming acentenarian in March 2019. This milestonedeserves attention, although one does notneed a reason to visit a Brother. We bothgrew listening to each other’s journey, andtogether we received Master’s wages thatday.

Bonus wages were received while eat-ing at a restaurant in Lincoln when a coupletwo tables away indicated not only that theywere from Minnesota but lived ‘almost’close enough to be a neighbor to the writerof this article!

This visit was the result of knowing aBrother’s address and planning a trip toinclude that address.

Are you a Traveling Man?

Submitted by Faribault Lodge No. 9

[Writer’s note: Veterans are not just in moviesand parades. It would have been nice to knowthat a WWII veteran was serving up butter-scotch sundaes to this high school kid.]

John Boosalis

Austin lodge and chapter award scholarships

Excelsior Masonic Lodge No. 113 supportingeducation in our community!

Taking our direction from Brother George Washington who stated in 1796 at his farewell address,“Promote then, as as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion ofknowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it isessential that public opinion should be enlightened,” Excelsior Lodge No. 113 has again fundedand awarded six bicycles for the Bicycles for Books Reading Program installed at ExcelsiorElementary School and two $2,000 scholarships for graduating seniors at Minnetonka Publicschool. Pictured are the elementary and graduating senior award winners.

At a May 7 dinner meeting, Fidelity Lodge No. 39 and Unity Chapter #29, Austin, presented schol-arships in the amount of $2,000.00 to four students. The amount included a match fromMinnesota Masonic Charities. Shown, left to right, are John Fair of Fidelity Lodge, Hannah Ryks,Signe Fadness, Samuel Hagan, Steven Conradt, and Mary and Neil Hanson, Unity Chapter.

Delta Lodge No. 119 of Marshall presented $2,000 scholarships to Parker Winkelman and QuentinBlomme. Pictured are WM Calvin Barnett, Marlin Winkelman, Parker, Quentin, and Dennis Rafson.Parker will be attending the University of Minnesota and majoring in nursing. Quentin will be attend-ing North Dakota State University and majoring in biological science or nursing.

Delta Lodge awards scholarships

GLEO, continued from page 3

Sharon Lodge No. 104, Willmar, presented 38 bikes, helmets, and bike locks to the students atLakeland Elementary on April 26th. The students who received bikes earned them by complet-ing a reading program where they each had to read 25 books in 25 weeks. The Lodge partneredwith Target where they purchased the bikes. Sharon Lodge is looking forward to continuing theprogram in the future and opening it up to the other elementary schools in the area.

Sharon Lodge rewards reading with bikes

Sherburne hosts annual scholarship dinner

The Brethren of Sherburne Lodge No. 95, Osseo, held their Annual WB James LaRock ScholarshipAwards dinner and presented three recipients with checks for $1,000 each. One was a newly-raisedBrother, Josiah Crawford, who will be in his second year of college, and two others going to localstudents beginning college in the fall. The awards were presented by the WM of Sherburne Lodgeand chairman of the Scholarship Committee, WB Andy Crook, with the dinner lovingly made by theladies of Whittemore Chapter #283, OES.