The Minnesota

MASONSeptember–October 2006 VOL. 54, No. 3

Preparing forthe harvest

page 2

Grand LodgeNews

pages 1–3

Lodge News & Views

page 6

MinnesotaMasonicCharitiespages 4–5

Tickets for Troops is a rousing success

Younger bicyclists breeze by Jim Freeman andChuck Baltos on the bike trail, but the local pedaling duomakes up for that in miles traveled. Freeman and Baltos,septuagenarian neighbors in Red Wing, estimate they logabout 125 miles a week on their bicycles. At about a 15-mph clip, they tally up to 2,800 miles each year.

Not bad for a pair of retirees out to enjoy the sport,the wildlife—and breakfast at the halfway point. “Weride bikes so we can eat,” Freeman cracked.

Both men retired in 1998. Freeman worked inbanking, including 25 years at the former NorwestBank in Red Wing. Baltos spent 28 years at the PrairieIsland nuclear plant. They got to know each otherthrough a common interest in motorcycling. In the late1990s they switched from cushy Honda Gold Wingseats to aerodynamic bicycle seats and began ridingtogether several times a week.

The routineThey leave their Kingswood townhomes for the

trail around 8 a.m. almost daily Monday throughSaturday. Freeman pedals a LeMond road bike andBaltos rides a carbon-framed Felt, which replaced aprevious bike he rode for 10,000 miles.

They alternate routes—often using the CannonValley Trail—but have a basic routine: head somewherefor breakfast. Sometimes it’s Randy’s Restaurant inRed Wing; other mornings they’ll ride to Welch andshoot the breeze with Trout Scream Cafe regulars.

“We go out and get the farm news from the farm-ers,” Freeman said. “They all know us.”

They occasionally pedal to TheWhistle Stop cafe at Frontenac Station forbiscuits and gravy. It’s a heavy but tastybreakfast. “We can wear it off before weget back to town,” Freeman, 72, joked.

They try to make one trip around LakePepin each year—an 84-mile loop. Themost they’ve pedaled in a day is 104 miles.

How do they pass so much timetogether? “You wouldn’t believe every-

thing we talk about,” Baltos said. Ofcourse, sometimes they run out of thingsto say so they pedal home in silence,Freeman added.

At 70, Baltos is two years youngerthan Freeman. The older biker joked thathe rarely drafts his riding partner. “I’mbigger and fatter and block more wind,”Freeman said, “so he won’t go ahead of me.”

Enjoying a beautiful, late summer afternoon, Grand Master Steve Johnson with Goldie the Gopher.

The pedaling pair by Scott Wente and reprinted with permission of The Republican Eagle; published Friday, June 30, 2006

Jim Freeman and Chuck Baltos, Past Grand Master of Minnesota Masons 1991-92, on their bikes.

Lt. Colonel Jeff Johnson, Executive Director of theMinnesota Employer Support of the Guard andReserve, right, discussing the Minnesota Masons'support of the military families with Past GrandMasters Ralph Hultquist, left, and Donald Severson.

The University of Minnesota Marching Band at half-time. Note the gold shirts in the crowd, manyof which were being worn by the Masons andmembers of the military families who attended thegame.

Just a small group of the approximately 3,000 mem-bers of the United States Armed Services and theirfamilies who attended the game day, in part due tothe Minnesota Masons' "Support the Troops" efforts.

Goldie the Gopher does pushups equal to the Gophers’total points after every score. With the score running to62–0, he was one tired gopher by the end of the day.

Patty Campbell, wife of Grand Secretary DougCampbell, with that most-photographed Gopher, Goldie.

MasonicFamily News

page 7

Grand Lodgeoffice is movingsee page 2

Preparation of the equipment to gatherthe harvest is well in progress here, and itis expected that yields will result in anaverage or above average crop this year inour area. There are many factors thatenter into the final result; some are withinthe farmer’s control, some are not.

Preparation of the soil, selection of acertain variety of seed, the proper applica-tion of fertilizer and pesticides, cultiva-tion, and, of course, the weather are allfactors—the weather being a major factorover which the farmer has no control.

You may think that to make an analogybetween agricultural outputs andMinnesota Masonry is a great leap, but letme assure you it is not.

Allow me to explain. The preparationof the soil can be compared to yourlodge’s readiness to share the light ofMasonry in a manner that is conducive togrowth. Does your lodge have an appear-ance that is up-to-date, inviting and pleas-ing to the eye of a non-member? Do youpractice your degree work so that it ispresented well?

The future of your lodge rests in itsability to perpetuate itself through theaddition of new members who will carryon the principles of our craft that we holddear. Are you looking to find good seedfor that purpose? Too often we hear fromlodges that say they haven’t had a petitionin years. They are the same lodges thathave exerted little or no effort into mem-bership development or recruitment. Nowonder why they give such dismalreports. Men are intrigued by the mentionof Masonry in popular culture, and it isup to us to make the distinction betweenmyth and reality, fiction and fact. It istime to capitalize on the curiosity that hasbeen created by the books and movies toinform that the real secret of Masonry issimple: making good men better.

The application of chemicals to thecrop land provides for better yields byenhancing the performance of the plantsand insuring that weeds and insects arenot allowed to cause a detrimental effect.Our support of the “Tickets for Troops”event at the Gopher football game was themost recent effort to enhance your lodge’sability to grow. It was a great day, and its

effects will continue for some time as2,500 tee-shirts were given to members ofthe military and their families with therecognition that the day was sponsored byyou, the Minnesota Masons. Just think:twenty five hundred human billboards letting the public know that MinnesotaMasons really make a difference!

Cultivation provides an environmentthat is conducive to continued growth ofthe plant and prevents encroachment fromundesired plants that compete for theessential elements needed for success. Isyour lodge cultivating its new members byproviding a sound Masonic education, bybonding them to the lodge, by engagingthem in the work of your lodge? Does yourlodge continue to have the same old busi-ness meeting that takes the focus of yourefforts from Masonry to heat bills and roofrepairs? Have a discussion with your newmembers. Ask them what they expectedfrom Masonry and how your lodge is ful-filling those expectations. Listen!

Finally, the good news is that, unlikethe farmer who has no control over theweather, we do. Our attitude is the weather-maker in our lodges. The failure of lodgesis the failure of lodge leaders to realize thatMasonry is a vibrant, life-changing forcethat has a positive impact on individualsand communities. By adopting a positiveattitude, the crop will flourish.

My Knights Templar calendar has thefollowing quote from Robert LouisStevenson: “Don’t judge each day by theharvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.”

Planting and harvesting are a never-ending cycle in nature. What are you doingto keep the cycle going in your lodge?

2 The Minnesota MASON September–October 2006

Preparing for the harvestM.W.B. Steven R. JohnsonGrand Master

CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM

Name __________________________

Lodge __________________________

Old Address ______________________

Old City __________________________

Old State/ZIP ______________________

New Address ______________________

New City ________________________

New State/ZIP ____________________

New Phone ______________________

Effective date of change ______________

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

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

The Minnesota MASONSeptember–October 2006 VOL. 54, No. 3

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

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

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

Design & LayoutBobbie Lampi

RSL desktop publishing servicesrlampi@charter.net

The Grand Lodge has created a newmembership video and kit being given outat Area Conferences. Lodge leaders areasked to play the video at their Lodges andto encourage new membership with the useof this program. This program shows greatinsight into the issue of approaching thesubject of membership. It is also great funbecause a number of Masons from aroundthe state are the actors. Ask yourWorshipful Master about the video and askto have it played at your Lodge.

The leadership conferences arefocused on offering our leaders the toolsand skills they need to improve the Craft.The Grand Lodge hosted very successfulconferences in Windom and Brainerd andlooks forward to three more. They will beheld at Star of the East Lodge inOwatonna on September 23rd, LakeSuperior Lodge No. 349 in Duluth onOctober 21st, and at the Mille Lacs LakeCasino on November 18th, for Metroeastand Metrowest Areas. All are welcome.

One of the most important efforts aLodge can do is to concentrate on bond-ing with its members. Here are someideas that are working around the state:• St. John’s Lodge No. 1 in Stillwater

has a white board outside the Lodgeroom with the photos of the last sixnew candidates. Also, on this board, islisted when they took their variousdegrees and how to get in touch withthem. This tool is used to make thenew guys feel welcome and so thateach member can remember theirnames and encourage them.

• Twice each year Pleasant GroveLodge No. 22 meets downstairs on theground level so the older memberscan attend. On those occasions, a spe-cial effort is made to pick them up.

• In order to keep Lodge expensesdown, Pleasant Grove Lodge No. 22has an “adopt a bill” program wherevarious brothers volunteer to pay dif-ferent utility bills for the Lodge. Theirnames are then published so all thebrothers can see who is contributing.

• Members of Meridian Lodge No. 25in Chatfield wear matching Masonicshirts to Lodge meetings. (It’s a groupthing.)

• Western Star Lodge No. 26 in AlbertLea has donated thousands of dollarsto the local Sheriff’s department forguns, training and many other thingsthat the county would not pay for.

• Accacia Lodge No. 51 in CottageGrove has a great money-raising pro-gram. They give each member a“Mason jar” at the first of the year andask the brothers to drop their sparechange from their pockets every nightinto the jar. The jars are returned atthe end of the year to the Lodge. Halfof the money goes to refurbish theLodge and the other half will go toMinnesota Masonic Charities.

Remember that you are someone’simpression of Freemasonry…

Neil Neddermeyer, DFO

Here is my intended calendar for the next two months.

October 20063 Lodge meeting Le Sueur No. 455 Lodge meeting Olivia No. 2209 Lodge meeting Hector No. 15810 Lodge meeting Lebanon No. 346,

Shakopee11-14 Tampa Shrine Membership 17 Lodge meeting Mystic Star No. 69,

Rushford19 Lodge meeting Murray No. 199,

Slayton21 Northeast Area Conference – Duluth23 Lodge meeting Solomon’s No. 286,

Moose Lake26 Table Lodge – Tuscan No. 77, Waseca

November 20062 Lodge meeting Atelier No. 202, Dawson7 Lodge meeting Tusler-Summit No. 263,

Roseville9 Lodge meeting Moorhead No. 12611 Corporate Board meeting13 Lodge meeting Waconia No. 326 16 Lodge meeting Rising Sun No. 49,

St. Charles18 Metroeast & Metrowest Area

Conference – Mille Lacs 21 Lodge meeting Griswold No. 218,

Dassel28 Lodge meeting Pickwick No. 110

Neil’s news – on the level

Board of Custodians announce

Annual Monitor ExaminationsFebruary 2, 2007

and Re-examinations February 3, 2007

For reservations and full details on the Monitor Program

Contact the Grand Lodge Office.

651-222-6051 or 800-245-6050

The Grand Lodge office is movingto the Minnesota Masonic Home campus

in Bloomington on October 15, 2006.

Our new address is:11501 Masonic Home Drive

Bloomington, MN 55437-3699

New phone is: 952-948-6700New fax is: 952-948-6710

Toll-free number is same: 800-245-6050E-mail is same: grandlodge@qwest.net

You are cordially invited to join themembers of Mount Tabor Lodge No. 106for a cornerstone ceremony and grave mark-er dedication service to be held at ElmwoodCemetery on Saturday, October 7th, startingat 2 p.m. A new flagpole to be erected at thecemetery will be dedicated in the ceremonythat will be conducted by members of theGrand Lodge of Minnesota, includingGrand Master Steven Johnson and PastGrand Master Neil Neddermeyer. ReverendEric Lemonholm of Grace Lutheran Churchin Detroit Lakes will assist with the gravemarker dedication. Local VFW and

American Legion Posts and Detroit LakesShrine Club Color Guard will present thecolors. Elected officials, the media, and thegeneral public have been invited.

M. S. Converse, the man who originallydonated the land for the cemetery, was amember of Mount Tabor. In 1993, theLodge took over caretaking of the cemeteryas a community service project. Lodgemembers recently set eight new tomb-stones for veterans buried at the cemetery.The tombstones were obtained through theUS Department of Veteran Affairs.

For more details, call 218-847-3879.

Cornerstone ceremony in Detroit Lakes October 7

September–October 2006 The Minnesota MASON 3

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

Awhile back I announced a new MasonicEducation Forum we started on “The LodgeBuilder” web site, at http://www.lodge-builder.org. When it comes to computerssomething seems to always happen, and rightafter the announcements about this forumwent out - the site went down, and stayeddown for a while. Now I am happy toannounce that all the problems have beenfixed and the site is up and working, and itappears that will always be the case.

We have always had our Question Boxfor Masons to ask questions of the educationcommittee, and we still do. But now thisforum is a way for Masons, who have theinternet, to go to www.lodgebuilder.org and,through the Lodge Education Forum, viewthe different subjects and type in some ques-tions, or offer some suggestions. TheMasons on our Education Committee willanswer the questions and offer their contri-butions to the site.

I believe having a forum such as this canbe a tremendous asset to the Masons ofMinnesota when it comes to MasonicEducation. This site also has other forumsthat are of interest to Masons on many othersubjects as well. It’s easy to participate in anyof the forums; just register on the site, andthen begin to post your ideas and questions.

One good thing about an internet bul-letin board or forum is that it can be like anelectronic study group for Masons who maynot have the time or the opportunity to be ina regular study group. On the internet wecan put forth something on a topic that oth-ers might not be aware of and might beinterested in, or we could submit a question,and other Masons would contribute informa-tion on the same subject. Or we could intro-duce a new subject along with some infor-mation we would like to share with otherMasons. One of the nice features about theseMasonic forums is that they are always thereand ready for you when you have the time.

While I’m on the subject of studygroups, I will say that any Lodge who has afew or more Masons who are interested canhave one; it can meet as often as the partici-pants’ desire. Masonic study groups aresomething very worthwhile for a Lodge tohost. It can be informal and can includeMasons from more than one Lodge.

To begin a study group, contact a fewBrethren and see if they would like to partici-pate. Participants should be encouraged tosubmit a question or two, which could then begiven to some well-informed brethren.Answers should be verified with references, sothat factual information can be distinguishedfrom opinion or speculation. Factual, verifi-able, reference is always preferred for a studygroup, because then everyone participatingcan do research and learn from each other.

Studying Freemasonry can be very enjoy-able for almost everyone. Masonic studycould be divided into subjects such as ritual;history; symbolism; law; and philosophy.

Questions on ritual in our jurisdictioncan include the use of the Masonic Manualof Minnesota and the Cipher. These bookswere produced by our Board of Custodiansand can be of great help. Questions on pro-nunciation of some words could be a topic,as well as why a particular word is used andnot another. Inviting a monitor or a custodi-an to come to your group as an informationsource could be a good idea. Questions onritual from times past in other jurisdictions,can be researched in Esoterica by AlbertPike, and Preston’s Illustrations of Masonry,to name just a couple.

The subject of Masonic history can bedivided up into many segments, from Lodgeand Minnesota Grand Lodge history, the histo-ry of neighboring Grand Lodges, to the historyof Freemasonry in the 1700s; or history goingback to the operative Masonic lodges one hun-dred or more years earlier.

Many Lodges have books in theirlibrary that could be used for historicalstudy, such as; Mackey’s seven-volume setof History of Freemasonry; Grand LodgeProceedings; Gould’s History ofFreemasonry, either the four- or six-volumesets; the Little Masonic Library, either thenew five-volume set or the older twenty-plus-volume set; History of Freemasonryand Concordant Orders; Freemasonry inAmerican History, by Allen Roberts, andnumerous history books about, and biogra-phies of, well known Masons throughouthistory.

Symbolism has become quite interesting tostudy and discuss. The interesting thing aboutsymbolism is that there are customs and tradi-tion in interpreting symbols, as well as opinion,but very little in facts. However, learning whatmeaning others put on the symbols used inFreemasonry is very interesting. Some booksto consult are: Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia;Mackey’s Masonic Encyclopedia; TheCraftsman and Templar’s Text Book, publishedby the Masonic Book Club; The Lost Key, byPrentiss Tucker; Introduction to Freemasonry,by Claudy; Symbolism of the Three Degrees,by Oliver Day Street, and The Craft and itsSymbols, by Roberts. Plus, many of the ShortTalk Bulletins from the M.S.A. are helpful onthis subject.

Philosophy is also a wide and interestingsubject when it comes to Freemasonry, andthere are many books that could be read thatare in that category. Some of them are: TheBuilders and The Men’s House, by Joseph FortNewton; Understanding Manhood in America,by Robert G. Davis; each of the books titledThe Meaning of Masonry, by Pike, Wilmshurstand Perkins, A Daily Advancement in MasonicKnowledge, published by the Masonic BookClub; and many Short Talk Bulletins on philos-ophy by the M.S.A.

You might find the laws of Masonrymore interesting than you think. StudyingMasonic law could and should involvestudying your Lodge bylaws; the GrandLodge Constitution, (or Masonic Code);The Old Charges; and the AncientLandmarks. When studying landmarks, andthe Old Charges, consult the Little MasonicLibrary, Mackey's volumes on MasonicJurisprudence, and the Landmarks ofFreemasonry, by Bede.

The libraries of the Minnesota MasonicHistorical Society and Museum, theScottish Rite Valley in your area, and yourLodge can be a great help in finding someof these books for reading and research.

Participants in a study group could beassigned something to research and eachcould then present his findings, or eachcould pick an area of Masonic Study thatparticularly interests him, and then he couldreport on his research to the group. Thestudy group could publish each participant’spaper, so as time goes by, all the memberswould have copies for their records. Theset-up and operation of the group is up tothe group and how they want it to be.

I’ve mentioned the Masonic Book Cluband the Short Talk Bulletins of the M.S.A.,both of these places are excellent places fora Mason to have a subscription:

The Masonic Book ClubP.O. Box 1563 Bloomington, IL 61702-1563 The dues are $15 a year.

The Short Talk Bulletins are from Masonic Service Assoc. of North America8120 Fenton StreetSilver Springs, MD 20901-4785 The subscription is $6 a year.

Masonic Growth and development is aninside journey, but we can and do get helpfrom our Masonic Brothers.

Best wishes & fraternally,Ed

Masonic Conundrum by Dan Lang, Education Committee

Fraternal greetings, Brethren!I trust all is well this fall. It’s such a

wonderful time of year! Families, lovedones and neighbors have the opportunityto enjoy themselves as they take somemuch needed time-out to visit one another.That’s not to say we’re not busy, rather wetend to “make time…somehow.”

Speaking of time, it seems to have got-ten away from me once again. A dearbrother gently nudged me, reminding methat this column was due again. Wheredoes the time go anyway? That should bemy next conundrum, but I’m afraid therewould be an unlimited amount of correctanswers to that one, so I’d better reconsider.

Well, let’s get down to business then.We had three winners for Conundrum #4!Let’s review the questions and I’ll provideyou with the correct answers.

On the back cover of “The Da VinciCode,” search for a coded reference writ-ten backwards.Q1 – “What enigmatic sculpture standsone degree north of the location indi-cated in the code?”ANSWER 1: The enigmatic sculpture is“Kryptos” outside of the CIA building

On the cover flap of The Da VinciCode, look for a coded message:Q2 – What is the hidden phrase? ANSWER 2: Is there no help for theWidow’s Son?Q3 – For which ancient brotherhood (stillactive today) does the revealed phrase inquestion 2 have special meaning?ANSWER 3: Freemasons

The final question requires both akeen eye and a little cryptographic knowl-edge (or intuition.) The clue to Question 4 points you to theback cover of “the Da Vinci Code.”Q4 – What famous phrase is printed?ANSWER 4: E Pluribus Unum

Please join me in congratulating thethree brothers who were able to work outthis challenging puzzle:1. Southeast Area – Bro. Nicholas

Johnson, Corinthian Lodge No. 672. Metrowest Area – Bro. Adam Grau,

Compass Lodge No. 2653. Metroeast Area – Bro. Justin Carlin,

Ancient Landmark No.5

Now, on to Conundrum number 5!It constitutes one of the most impor-

tant and abstruse symbols in the whole ofFreemasonry! It is referred to in numerousMasonic legends and traditions and holdsan important place in the Jewish Talmudicwritings. In Masonry, it is a symbol of thehigher degrees, making its first appearancein Royal Arch Masonry. It is intimatelyconnected with the construction of theTemple of Solomon, hence its importancein the first three degrees. It must be kept inmind that this symbol is to be taken strict-ly in a mythical and allegorical sense, andnot as historical record.

During the building of the second tem-ple, it was taken to the Holy of Holies.Upon its upper face was inscribed within atriangle the ineffable name of Deity.Masonic tradition further has it that KingSolomon placed it, with solemn rights, inthe sacred depository of Dan and Asher onMount Moriah, at the center of the MostHoly Place, where the ark was overshad-owed by the shekinah of God.

There are various legends surroundingthis object we seek to name. One claimingthat it was possessed by Adam, handeddown to Seth, and on through the Sethite

line to Noah. Noah was then to have left iton Mount Ararat where it was later discov-ered by Abraham. After Abraham, it is saidto have been in the possession of Jacob, andnext in the hands of Moses when he ledIsrael from Egypt to the Promised Land. Itultimately came into the possession of KingSolomon. It was used by Adam as an altar;formed a pillar upon which Jacob rested atBethel; and was held sacred by all othersthrough whose hands it has passed.

The legend claims that Enoch made a tri-angular plate of gold, with the IneffableName thereon engraved, which was thenplaced upon this object and positioned in anunderground temple on Mount Moriah.According to legend, it was discovered bySolomon during the excavations on MountMoriah in preparation for the foundations ofSolomon’s Temple. After having been placedwithin as previously mentioned, it was latermoved to a secret and safer place from whichit was recovered and placed in the secondtemple. For the Mason who has advancedinto the higher degrees, these legends and thesymbolic deductions are of great moment.

The first Minnesota Mason from eachof the six Masonic areas in Minnesota tocorrectly identify this symbol will receivea prize from the Grand Lodge as a tokenof our appreciation for your achievement!

Please submit your correct answers to:Brother Dan Lang61084 290th StreetWarroad, MN 56763snonoble@hotmail.com

As of August 9, 2006, there are 3,259Minnesota Army National Guard andArmy Reserve, 150 Navy Reserve, 83Marine Corps Reserve, 122 Air NationalGuard personnel serving on ActiveMilitary Duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, andelsewhere about the world.

The Minnesota Army National Guardrecently deployed about 2,400 men andwomen from their homes to Mississippi forpre-deployment training, and they now areserving in Iraq. One is a Past Master ofMinnesota River Valley Lodge in Shakopee,W. Bro. Mike Pierce. Do you know of otherMasons who are deployed with those troops,or maybe in the Navy, Marine Corps, CoastGuard, Air Force, or Army Reserves? Is hein Iraq or Afghanistan? Which Lodge doeshe belong to? Is he a Past Master?

If you do, please get their names andcurrent addresses to W. Bro. Tom Evans,952-854-2686. Tom is a retired ArmyChief Warrant Officer, and he is facilitat-ing some interesting things throughMinnesota Masonry.

One item is that books on Masonrymay be sent by the Grand Lodge ofMinnesota to any Minnesota Mason serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Another is that the Grand Lodge ofMinnesota will see that the annual Lodgedues of the brother serving on active mili-tary duty are paid by one of the GrandLodge charitable funds.

Army Reserve andNational Guards on active duty

The Grand Lodge is requesting the names and addresses of

those members serving in the theatre of operations.

If you have not already notified us, please contact

the Grand Lodge office at grandlodge@qwest.net

or 651-222-6051.

Cemetery Lot AvailableOne lot available in the

Laurel section of Acacia Cemetery.If interested,

call the Grand Lodge office,651-222-6051.

4 The Minnesota MASON September–October 2006

COMPASSIONATE. COMMITTED. CAPABLE.

MINNESOTA MASONIC CHARITIES 952.948.6004

the wonderful connection they made with-in their community. Lodge Master BillOsborne said they are planning to doanother six bikes—if not more—nextschool year, and he hopes that the ideawill catch on across the state. As part ofthe MMC Matching Funds Grant pro-

gram, this project can beresubmitted next year in arequest for support.Recognition of good worksis not a one-time event!

Does your Lodge orChapter have a charitableprogram or project thatmight qualify for matchingfunds from MMC? As Lodges and Chaptersreconvene after a summerrecess, why not check to

see if you have an application for anMMC matching grant. If not, please giveus a call at (952) 948-6004. MinnesotaMasonic Charities thanks the Masonicfamily for all the services they help pro-vide to our communities statewide; it iswhen we share our charity that we allbenefit.

Perhaps the keystone of Masonic phi-lanthropy is the charity which comesfrom the various “grass roots” programsand services initiated by Lodges andOES Chapters of the Minnesota Masonicfamily. Many of these charitable activi-ties have been in place for years, othersare new and starting up. Some have a bigbudget to make a generous contributionto the organization or group on the

receiving end; otherprojects are moremodest in funds butimpact their benefici-aries in ways that, asthey say, “moneycan’t buy.”

Since the creationof the MinnesotaMasonic CharitiesMatching Funds GrantProgram, MMC hasmatched funds for awonderful range ofprojects initiated byLodges and Chapters.

These projects include a “Coats forCharacter” program in elementary schools,“Tools for Schools,” providing art suppliesand materials not available at the publicschool level, and support for services seek-ing to prevent domestic abuse. Due to thecommitment and imagination of ourMasonic family, there is no limit to therange of charitable projects going on atany one time in our state.

Lodge Grants come in all sizes, but Success is always size largeThis issue features the “Bikes for

Reading” project from Ottertail LodgeNo. 284, which raised funds to support adrawing for six new bicycles for studentsat Viking Elementary School in PelicanRapids. Students successfully claimed aticket by reading a bookand scoring 90% on thecomprehensive exam.Lodge Master Bill Osbornesaid that the hope was tospur greater interest inreading—not just for amonth to claim a ticket, buthopefully for a life-longpassion for learningthrough books.

School officials agreedthe project was very popu-lar with students and an excellent incen-tive that even brought success to thosewho did not win a prize, as they receivedcommendation from their teachers fortheir reading achievements.

Minnesota Masonic Charities congrat-ulates the members of Ottertail Lodge for

“Bikes for Reading” winners show off their new wheels.

Thanks from two “Bikes for Reading” winners.

Tell us about yourselfand your family:My name is BeccaDeutsch. My parents areBruce and Deb Deutsch.I have one brother, Sam,who is 12 and will be in7th grade. I have livedand grown up in Chaska,Minnesota all my life,attending Chaska HighSchool. I will be a fresh-man at the University ofMinnesota Twin Cities,majoring in food science.For the past two weeks Ihave been at Spat Camp,which is an intensivemarching band camp forall members, where we learn the funda-mentals of becoming a Big Ten marchingband. Coming from a high school with apretty weak marching band program washard, but I have learned so much.

How did you learn about the SoundsGood scholarship program?

I found out about it from my high schoolband director. I believe the program wasopen to any high school senior who was apart of high school band. Ten others

applied from my school.

What has been yourexperience of being ascholarship recipient?How has it helped you?Obviously the scholarshiphas helped me financiallyin paying for my collegetuition, but it has alsomade being in band evenbetter. It felt great toknow that one of thethings I love helped me towin a scholarship, makingit all more worthwhile. Iam nervous, yet excited,to meet so many differenttypes of people and open

my eyes to the world around me.

Do you have any Masonic affiliations inyour family?My mom, Deb Deutsch, has worked forthe Minnesota Masonic Homes for almost25 years and currently works for theInformation Technology Department.

A Scholar’s StoryThis issue features a scholarship

recipient with slightly different note—amusical note. New this year is the SoundsGood Scholarship available to graduat-ing high school students who demonstrat-ed excellence in activities such as march-ing band. Minnesota Masons, throughMMC, provided a $500 scholarship forboth a male and female graduate. BeccaDeutsch, recommended through herschool was the outstanding female schol-arship winner in the entire state. Onlylater, as discovered in her gracious thankyou note did the “six degrees of separa-tion” become apparent: her mom,Debbie Deutsch, has been with MasonicHome Bloomington for nearly twenty-fiveyears. Congratulations, Becca!

2006 Sounds Good Scholarship winner,Becca Deutsch.

Web sites have been likened to agrowing garden: there is always some-thing to be tended, or pulled, or planted,or given more space, and there are alwayschanges with the seasonal cycles.

Hopefully, you have had an opportu-nity to visit mnmasoniccharities.org, offi-cial web site of Minnesota MasonicCharities. As with the garden, morechanges, more tending, and in this case,more pictures—as opposed to plants—are being given space.

This month, a completely new sectionhas been launched. We invite you to visitour Online Donations page—now up andrunning. There are options for specificgiving to one of the established charities,such as the Minnesota Masonic Homes or

the Masonic Cancer Center Fund cam-paign, or for general support to the manycharitable activities under the umbrella ofMMC. There is even the option to pur-chase MMC GALA tickets online!

The construction of this section ofthe web site has been carefully monitoredbetween the transaction vendor, the finan-cial institution involved, and the techni-cians building the web pages to providethe best possible user-security. Soon, thissection will be joined by a supportingsegment providing information forplanned giving.

Minnesota Masons have always beengenerous in their philanthropy; now theconvenience of online donations is anavailable option to make the giving easy.

New! Online Donations...

At First Site: mnmasoniccharities.org

A “star-spangled” fundraising eventNovember 11, 2006.

Following the success of the inaugu-ral fundraising event last year, this year’sGALA for Minnesota Masonic Charitiespromises to be yet again a wonderfuloccasion for Masons, Order of EasternStar members, friends, and guests.

As the GALA date falls on VeteransDay this year, there will be an appropriate-ly patriotic tie-in to the multi-faceted pro-gram. New to the GALA is an informalSilent Auction, which will take place dur-ing the social hour prior to dinner. TheSilent Auction provides GALA guests awonderful opportunity to nab a holiday giftfor someone special or treat themselvesguilt-free knowing the money they spenddirectly supports the charitable programs ofMinnesota Masonry! There will be music,good food, entertainment, great companyand, by popular demand, all in the elegantvenue of the Minneapolis Club.

Completely tax deductible, reserva-tions are $100 per person and may bepurchased online: mnmasoniccharities.org(see article below), or by calling MMC(952) 948-6004. Seating is limited. Manywho attended last year have indicatedthey will be returning. One family wrote:“…it’s an annual opportunity to spend avery special evening, knowing our contri-bution will be used for the good works ofMinnesota Masonry.” Please join usSaturday, November 11. It will be a greatbeginning to your 2006 holiday season.

MMC 2006 GALA: What So Proudly We Hail…

September–October 2006 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.”

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

Main: (952) 948-6004

Website: mnmasoniccharities.org

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

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

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

IN THE NEXT ISSUE with MMC• A Season of Giving: Past, present,and yet to come…

MCCF Partners for Life: Behind the ScenesIt's been just over fifty years since the

Masons first united with the Universityof Minnesota to improve cancer researchand care. In honor of that half-centurymark, the Masonic Cancer Center Fundannounced the Partners for LifeCampaign in the spring of 2005. Thecampaign is intended to expand, enhance,and secure the University's tremendousexpertise in cancer care and research.Proceeds will be used to build a Masoniconcology pavilion and establish anendowment to ensure continuing annualsupport of research, education, andpatient care at the University.

In 2006, the Minnesota MasonicCharities Board of Directors awarded theMCCF campaign Partners for Life with amatching grant. MMC has pledged tomatch, dollar for dollar, all contributionsto the campaign until the 10 million dollarcommitment to the University ofMinnesota for cancer facilities and carehas been met.

The last issue featured moving testi-mony of a cancer survivor being treatedat the Masonic Cancer Clinic at theUniversity. This issue showcases some ofthe medical staff whose dedication topatients and research for a cure is anunderlying reason the Partners for Lifecampaign is a major commitment forMinnesota Masonic philanthropy.

Dr. Mark Reding.Dr. Reding, has a particular interest

in the treatment of malignant and nonma-lignant hematologic diseases.

“The financial support we receive fromMasonic organizations allows us to givepatients the benefit of potentially life-saving research while, at the same time,delivering the optimal level of care foreach and every patient.”—Dr. Reding

Dr. Arek Dudek.

Dr. Dudek focuses on the manage-ment of thoracic malignancies, the treat-ment of malignant hematologic disordersand blood and marrow transplantation.

“Cancer is a complex disease. A solutionto this problem requires in-depth under-standing of biologic processes...Targeting these processes with noveltherapies is bringing us closer to trans-formation of cancer to a chronic diseasewe can control.” —Dr. Dudek

Dr. Carol A. Lange.Dr. Lange's current research is focused

on the conditions under which breast can-cer cells proliferate and survive.

“As a Ph.D. biochemist working onbreast cancer, I do basic research…which can help determine the combina-tion of chemotherapy drugs that will beeffective while having the fewest sideeffects. The close proximity here at the

University of Minnesota of basicresearchers like me to physician-scien-tists who care for patients and conductclinical trails is key to our ultimate goalof advancing and improving treatment.”—Dr. Lange

Dr. Edward Greeno.Dr. Greeno, Medical Director of

the Masonic Cancer Center Clinic, is the medical oncologist on the gastro-intestinal malignancy interdisciplinarysite team. In addition to patient care,he has an active research role and initi-ates clinical trials for gastrointestinalmalignancies.

“Our team approach brings togethermultiple specialists, all with expertise ina particular area, to develop an integrat-ed and coordinated approach to success-fully fight individual cancers."—Dr. Greeno

Minnesota MasonicHome North Ridge,part of MinnesotaMasonic ElderServices, celebrated its40th year with a

September anniversary event—An openhouse that welcomed the public withtours, entertainment, and refreshments.

Quality care at our seniorfacilities is a signature of theMinnesota Masons commitment,and the commitment of thosewho work at the care givingfacilities to provide the bestElder Services possible.

Physical Therapy Assistant,Laura Klatt, works in the NorthRidge Physical TherapyDepartment. She has been aPTA for 13 years. This year,

North Ridge Therapist Receives State Award

A Legacy from the StarsBloomington and North Ridge

Alzheimer's Care Centers will be therecipients of the 2006-2007 OESMasonic Homes' Project. WGM BarbaraNordaune and WGP Jim Foster have cho-sen Pat and Steve Maslonka as ProjectChairs of this worthy project to raisefunds to enhance the lives of our residentswith memory loss. Pat and Steve haveextended an invitation for everyone tojoin them for an autumn walk on the col-orful campus of our Bloomington Home.

Have you considered North Ridge

Apartments and Personal Care Suites?

• 173 Apartments and 25 PersonalCare Suites (Assisted Living).

• Efficiency, one bedroom and twobedroom floor plans

• 3 meals a day in the dining room• Options for additional home health

services/housekeeping & laundry.

To learn more about the Apartmentsor Assisted Living at North Ridge,

call Cari at (763) 592-3000.

Laura was awarded the 2006Outstanding Physical TherapistAssistant of the Year award fromthe Minnesota Chapter of theAmerican Physical TherapyAssociation. Laura received theaward for outstanding achieve-ment in clinical practice, com-munity service and personalcommitment to the profession ofPhysical Therapy.Congratulations, Laura!

News from the RidgeCreating a home where residents

come first has been the core mission ofMMH North Ridge since its establishmentin 1966. This year, North Ridgeannounced the creation of 64 privaterooms. Through this reconfiguration, theultimate goals are to create care neighbor-hoods with consistent staff and greaterresident involvement managing their dailyliving, and develop two additional spe-cialty areas, one for general medicalneeds and one with an orthopedic focus.

North Ridge offers Senior Apartments,Assisted Living, Adult Day Services,Skilled Nursing Care and RehabTherapies. For more information aboutthese exciting changes please call MMHNorth Ridge Admissions (763) 592-3000.

Sunday, October 8

Putting on theMiles,Remembering theSmiles

A Walk to Remember on the Groundsof our Bloomington Home

Refresh the body, mind and spirit withwalks, games, and entertainment.

9:45 a.m.: OES Chapel serviceNoon: Picnic

This OES fundraiser is $20 per person.All proceeds from this event will go tothe Alzheimer's Care Centers at NorthRidge and Bloomington.

Call Pat and Steve Maslonka, ProjectChairs, (952) 492-6271, to register andto reserve recognition posters in honoror in memory of family and friends.

6 The Minnesota MASON September–October 2006

News & Views from the Lodges

Garnet Lodge No. 166 of White Bear Lake’s 5th Annual fishing trip was an outstanding success.23 attendees enjoyed two days of fishing at Morris Point Lakeview Lodge at Baudette. Manymembers brought their sons, and grandsons along and each took home their limit of walleyes.

Garnet Lodge hosts annual fishing tripAccacia Lodge KidsIDprogram has 5th year

This is the 5th year Accacia Lodge No. 51 inCottage Grove has conducted the KidsID pro-gram as part of the Annual Cottage GroveYouth Safety Camp. Accacia Lodge No. 51 hasserved nearly 1,000 youth. Secretary DonLeslie (left) and Gene Dunne (right) prepare achild for the KidsID program at the CottageGrove Parks and Recreation Annual YouthSafety Camp.

Brother Richard Pratt was recentlyhonored by Fairhaven Lodge Master LyleBing with the distinguished Hiram Award.He also received a 60-year membershipaward and pin from the Grand Lodge.Brother Pratt has maintained dual mem-berships with Triune Lodge (now St. PaulLodge) and Fairhaven Lodge No. 182,Annandale.

Pratt has, over the past twenty-five

years, filled most of the chairs and is cur-rently the Lodge Treasurer. Helping withthe awards was Grand Lodge DistrictRep. Vernon Schwalbe. The gathering washeld on beautiful Clearwater Lake nearAnnandale and included all area widows.

Pictured from left to right: MasterLyle Bing, Brother Richard Pratt,Masonic widow Mary Miller and DistrictRepresentative Schwalbe.

WB Walter Morgan received the honor ofCrookston Lodge No. 141 to receive the HiramAward. WB Walter’s family, son Craig and LindaMorgan, and daughter Karen Stinar were pres-ent for the presentation. Worshipful MasterJames Salveson made the presentation.

Crookston Lodge presents Hiram Award

Dakota Lodge No. 7 in Hastings conferred the Master Mason Degree on June 22, 2006, on agroup of five candidates. The degree was well-attended, and several Grand Lodge officers tookpart in the work. All the new Master Masons are from Dakota Lodge, except William LaMarr.

Shown in the picture, back row, left to right: Senior Grand Steward Brian Beermann, GrandSecretary Douglas Campbell, W. Master Dylan McIntosh, and Junior Grand Warden ThomasMcCarthy. Middle row, right to left, Junior Grand Steward David E. Olson; new Master MasonWilliam LaMarr, Mizpah Lodge No. 191; and new Master Mason Gregory Schmidt. Front row, leftto right, Southeast Area Deputy William Callister; W. Brother Scott Rich, Mizpah Lodge No. 191;new Master Mason Richard Zak; new Master Mason Adam Barker; Brother David Barker, DakotaLodge No. 7; new Master Mason Chad Fabillar; and Brother Gerardo Abrina (visiting from thePhilippines for son Chad's Master Mason Degree).

Dakota Lodge No. 7 in Hastings confersdegrees on five candidates

The Twin Ports KidsID program reacheda milestone Saturday, July 15th, at theHermantown Summerfest Celebration, wherethey honored the 10,000th child to participatein the program in the Twin Ports area. Thechild, pictured above is eleven-year-oldRobert LeGarde, son of Joe and TrinaLeGarde, and their daughter Mary of Duluth.

The Twin Ports area began the programat the "Boo in the Zoo" on October 19,2002, and since that time have servedfamilies at County Fairs, Health Fairs,Schools, Safety Fairs, Air Shows, andnumerous other events. In that time theyserved 26 different venues and 44 events.They are proud to reach this milestone!

Fairhaven Lodge No. 182 honors Richard Pratt

Twin Ports KidsID reaches milestone

One-Day-to-Masonry Class Scheduled

The next One-Day-to-Masonry is scheduled for January 20, 2007,

at the Minneapolis Scottish Rite Temple. The fee is $250. The petitions should be

turned in to your lodge immediately,if they have not yet been submitted.

Full details are available from the Grand Lodge office

651-222-6051 or 800-245-6050 or e-mail: grandlodge@qwest.net

Gopher Game Day recap

The Grand Master and ninety Masonsand family members attended the post-game picnic in Golden Valley, organizedby Metro Area Deputies Ken White andLee Dorholt. When asked if we should dothis again next year, the vote of thoseattending the picnic was a unanimous“Yes.” Grand Master Steve Johnson

State Chair for Employer Support of the Guardand Reserve, General Dennis Schulstad, left,and University of Minnesota Athletic DirectorJoel Maturi, shown in a brief pre-game ceremony. Included among their thank youcomments was a big thank you to the Masonsof Minnesota for their support of the "Ticketsfor Troops" efforts for 2006.

thanked everyone for their support of this event, but he particularly singled outW. Brothers Lee and Ken for their effortsin organizing the game day picnic and buspackage.

The announced attendance of over45,000 fans attending the game includedover 200 Masons and their friends andfamily members and forty DeMolay andDeMolay prospects, friends and familymembers.

September–October 2006 The Minnesota MASON 7

News from the Masonic Family

Brother Tony Burnett, of Aurora Lodge No. 100, Brainerd, visits the Friend to Friend Memorial atGettysburg, Pennsylvania. Tony's work with the United States Army takes him to all parts of thecountry and he has been sharing some great pictures of where he has been.

Grand Master Steven R. Johnson recentlyreceived the Scottish Rite rank and decorationof Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, ina special ceremony presided over by theSovereign Grand Inspector General Jerry B.Oliver at the Minneapolis Scottish Rite Temple.Shown receiving his KCCH patent is GrandMaster Johnson, on the left, with SGIG JerryOliver, on the right.

Prudence Lodge No. 97 held their annual Sweet Corn Feed on August 10th in Windom. Therewere 35 to 40 members, spouses and guests present. The picture of the three brothers is of W. Brothers Duane Pingeon, Kjell Turner, and Grand Lodge Area Deputy, Grant Lillevold, left toright, checking the corn. It was a wonderful evening to visit with Masonic family and friends.

Position wantedLicensed attorney and recent graduate of

William Mitchell College of Law, grandson of a Mason, seeks a position with a Twin Cities

law firm or clerk position for a judge.If interested, please contact the

Grand Lodge office for contact information.

The Minnesota Masonic Motorcycle Club Chapter recently escorted Grand Master Steve Johnsonin the Winthrop 125th Anniversary Parade. At a gathering in the city park after the parade, mem-bers of the motorcycle club made the Grand Master an honorary member of the club.

Shown in the photo, from left to right: Brothers Tim Oian, Steve Hoepner, Stephen Oian, DaveMcKinnon, Jim Luchsinger, Dayton Berg, Grand Master Steve Johnson, Gordy Aune, Chet Affolter,Mark Dreyer and Ken White.

This photo shows the club members showing off their bikes to several Minnesota Masonic Homeresidents and staff members at a picnic held recently on the Home's grounds. If you are interested in the activities of the Minnesota Chapter of the motorcycle club, contact BrotherGordy Aune, grandpaaune@aol.com.

Minnesota Mason visits memorial in Pennsylvania

Prudence Lodge holds corn feed in Windom

Minnesota Masonic Motorcycle Club has busysummer of activities

Grand Master receivesScottish Rite rank anddecoration

Central Minnesota Masonic Organizations are sponsoring a

Fund-Raising DinnerNovember 4, 2006

Trobec’s Event Center30215 – 88th Avenue • St. Joseph, Minnesota

(South at County Road 75 & County Road 134 by Stonehouse Eatery)

Social Hour: 5 p.m. Dinner: 6 p.m. Program: 7 p.m.Cost: $50.00 per person ($30.00 tax deductible)

All funds raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Minnesota Masonic Charities

Send check payable to Partners for Life to Central MN Masonic Organizations,

PO Box 6192, St. Cloud, MN 56302-6192 by Saturday, October 21, 2006.

(Call 763-262-1583 with questions.)

Name: ____________________________________ Phone: _________________

Address: __________________________________

City: _______________ State: ____ Zip: ________

Organization/Company: ____________________

I am unable to attend, but I would like to make a donation/pledge of _________I would like to make my gift in honor / memory (circle one) of ______________

Dinner Selection:Chicken ____ Pork ____(Please indicate numbers of each)

Cancer is the Disease

Most Feared by Women

When American women are asked

about their greatest health fears, most

of them quickly name breast cancer for

its tremendous emotional and physical

toll. With every diagnosis and better

treatments available, survival rates are

now improving.

For more than 50 years, the Masonic

Cancer Center Fund, through the

generosity of the Masonic Fraternal

Families, has provided the necessary

funding to the Masonic Cancer Center

at the University of Minnesota. They

fund cutting edge projects, clinical

trials and research that has lead to

tremendous breakthroughs.

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

For more information about the Partners forLife Campaign please contact:

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

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

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