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The Minnesota
MASONNovember–December 2020 VOL. 68, No. 4
Grand MasterAeneas
Grand LodgeNews
pages 1–3, 8
Lodge News & Views
page 6
MinnesotaMasonicCharitiespages 4–5
MasonicFamily News
page 7
The mission of theFreemasons ofMinnesota is to
engage and inspiregood men, who
believe in a Supreme Being,to live according to Masonic tenets
of Brotherly Love,Relief and Truth.
To read the Grand Lodge of Minnesota COVID-10 Preparedness
Policy, please go to the Grand Lodge web site at
www.mn-masons.org.
The 2020 Installation of Officers Guidelines are on page 7.
Grand Master issues new COVID-19 edictOn Thursday, November 19,
2020, MW Brother Ethan A. Seaberg, Grand Master of Masons of
Minnesota,issued the following edict:
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2 The Minnesota MASON November–December 2020
CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM
Name __________________________
Lodge __________________________
Old Address ______________________
Old City __________________________
Old State/ZIP ______________________
New Address ______________________
New City ________________________
New State/ZIP ____________________
New Phone ______________________
Effective date of change ______________
Mail: Office of the Grand Secretary11501 Masonic Home
DriveBloomington, MN 55437-3699
Phone: 952-948-6700 or 800-245-6050
Email: [email protected]
The Minnesota MASONNovember–December 2020 VOL. 68, No. 4
The Minnesota MASON (USPS 593-460) is the only official
publication ofthe Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. ofMinnesota. It is
published bimonthly inJanuary-February, March-April, May-June,
July-August, September-October, and November-December.
Office of publication of The MinnesotaMASON is the Grand Lodge
ofMinnesota, 11501 Masonic Home Drive,Bloomington, Minnesota
55437-3699.Telephone number is 952-948-6700.Periodicals Postage
Paid at Saint Paul,Minnesota, and additional entry offices.
POSTMASTER: Please send addresscorrections to The Minnesota
MASON,11501 Masonic Home Drive,Bloomington, Minnesota
55437-3699.
Design & Layout: Bobbie LampiRSL desktop publishing
services
[email protected]
AeneasM.W.B. Ethan A. SeabergGrand Master
After the Interrogatories of ourEntered Apprentice Degree, one
of thefirst things a candidate is told to do is towait with
patience. In this time and at thishour, that’s easier said than
done.
As I write this message I’m waiting likeso many of you to hear
of updated COVIDrestrictions from the State of Minnesota.Our Board
of Custodians is also about tomeet, and on their agenda is
determininghow to safely perform Second and ThirdDegrees as viral
infection rates risestatewide. Lodges around the state, many
ofwhich derive their operating income from in-person fundraising,
are watching reservesshrink as they’re forced to brainstorm
newapproaches to generate revenue. Newlyadmitted Entered
Apprentices, along withfurloughed Fellowcrafts, feel their
frustrationlevels rise as our Sublime Degree remainsout of reach
while they hear tell of otherGrand Jurisdictions raising Master
Masonswith few restrictions. And when several ofour appendant and
concordant Bodies,ungoverned in this Jurisdiction by the
GrandLodge, step very gingerly down their ownconsidered COVID path,
whispers go upwhen the Grand Master doesn’t slap themdown for
non-compliance. And the list ofanxieties goes on and on and on and
on . . .
Thank goodness we grew up in the age of commercials and know how
to spellR-O-L-A-I-D-S.
Unfortunately I am not here to bring younews of anything that
looks like certainty—neither a certain path forward nor a
certaindate when all will return to normal. Whynot? Well, here’s
one example, and it standsas an excellent representative for
all.Saturday, January 16th, was slated to be the2021
One-Day-to-Masonry. However, whenCOVID infection rates started to
limit theamount of time we should be spendingtogether, a nine hour
event was no longer pos-sible. Even two-hour First & Second
Degreesare problematic, but with aggressive use ofPPE and spacing,
they seemed an acceptablerisk. So hope turned to putting on a
3rdDegree on that already scheduled JanuarySaturday, and to be held
in a space largeenough for a cast of nearly twenty with plentyof
air flow. And just like that, Minnesotadaily infections shot above
6,000. And just
like that, the State pulled organizations likeours back to
smaller capacities. And just likethat, we’re back to a sort of
stasis . . . again . .. until the time we learn once more we’re not
.. . again.
Over the last six months, at a point likethis, it’s become my
habit to insert somefolksy, warm blanket turn-of-phrase meantto
show that we’re all in this together. Thatdespite not a single one
of us being happyabout restrictions or masking or delays, thequote
would remind us that if we just sticktogether we’ll emerge together
on the otherside. And by way of example, like Aeneasattempting to
lift the spirits of the dejectedTrojans, the quote might be
“perhaps some-day it will bring pleasure to remember eventhese
things.” But it’s becoming more difficult for folksy phrases to
work. Moredifficult to simply nod at some Masonicteaching or tenet
and pretend it’s somemagic wand that will fix all. Or is it?
“Thou, O God! knowest our down-sittingand our uprising, and
understandest ourthought afar off. Shield and defend us fromthe
evil intentions of our enemies, and sup-port us under the trials
and afflictions we aredestined to endure, while traveling
throughthis vale of tears. Man that is born of awoman, is of few
days and full of trouble. Hecometh forth as a flower, and is cut
down; hefleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.Seeing his days
are determined, the numberof his months are with Thee; Thou
hastappointed his bounds that he cannot pass;turn from him, that he
may rest, till he shallaccomplish his day. For there is hope of
atree, if it be cut down, that it will sproutagain, and that the
tender branch thereof willnot cease. But man dieth and wasteth
away;yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where ishe? As the waters
fail from the sea, and theflood decayeth and drieth up: so man
liethdown, and riseth not up till the heavens shallbe no more. Yet,
O Lord! have compassionon the children of Thy creation,
administerthem comfort in time of trouble, and savethem with an
everlasting salvation.—Amen.”
That prayer worked for Job, and theSupreme Architect has offered
it to workfor you and me, too.
Fraternally.
A Master’s Guide to MentoringWhen thinking of a guide for
the
Master for Mentoring, you hear or seewords such as Duties,
Tasked, Job,Responsibility, and Expected. No doubt,those probably
all ring true. The problemthough it just doesn’t sound very
appeal-ing. Thinking along those same linesstarts making it a very
difficult role.Without question, it just adds anotherlarge bullet
point to the Master’s list.
What it doesn’t address though is theheart of
Masonry—Brotherhood. Takingfrom my own experience, my mentors
com-ing through consisted of a crusty retiredNavy Master Chief and
a newly introducedto me, Past Master. The Navy Chief was mytop line
signer and someone I had knownfor 20 plus years. When he became
mytopline signer, he wasn’t thrilled about thechallenge I created
when I asked to be aMason. Little did I know the amount of“work”
that lay ahead for him. Being a manwho earned leadership, he was
experiencedenough to know that he needed help, and hebrought in a
ringer, a Past Master, to assisthim in the task ahead. There was
nothingcrusty about this Past Master; he was
friendly,knowledgeable, interesting, and had an easeabout him that
was in direct opposition tomy top line signer. The problem for
himwas he was a Past Master of Lodge in SaudiArabia. The ritual was
different, the processwas different, and he had been back in theUS
for a short time. The Navy guy whowent through in Japan, a Past
Master fromSaudi and a candidate with zero capacity ordesire for
memory work sounds like a fail-ure before it even began, but this
articlealone can attest it wasn’t. Although somemay argue
differently.
Here was the key to that success…. Notonce did I ever feel or
know how much of achallenge I was to each of them—howmuch effort
they had to put forth and
research they did make it all work. Withintheir work, I met
others in the Lodge whenthey were challenged with ritual. I
learnedwhat a custodian of the work was. Everychallenge they faced
would bring me fur-ther within the folds of the Lodge. Yet itwas
full of laughter and friendship. Thedesire to help another without
regard to thetask, the effort, responsibility, or the sacri-fice of
time was unbelievable, I soon fullyunderstood it was simply
Brotherhood. Irecall them both telling after several yearsthat it
was hard but how rewarding it wasfor them, and they still laughed
about itoccasionally.
Why did that all work? Collaborationof the effort, which should
be theMaster’s guide in Mentoring. The Masterneeds the best of
resources, and that’swhere we come in to help. As your GrandLodge
Mentoring Committee., we are put-ting the final touches on that
helpfulguide. Our recommendation is to startwith the resources
currently available.Our team would strongly urge that eachLodge
order and have a copy of the GrandLodge Presentation Binder. Study
it,know its contents at the very least. Mostof the tools,
checklists, and guides that wewill direct you to will all be found
withinits pages.
You may order one of the LeatherPresentation Binder from the
GrandLodge website under Mentoring. TheCollaborative Guide for the
Master inMentoring will be available thisDecember within the
Mentoring Tab onthe Grand Lodge web site; keep your eyesopen for
that resource as well.
You may reach us at any time at 612-564-0583 voice or text.
Email [email protected]
We are here to help.
Winter Texans to gather in South TexasFor over 40 years,
Minnesota Masons
have been spending their winters in SouthTexas and gathering
with their fellowMasons from all over the country.
The Annual Winter Texan MasonicReunion is sponsored this year
byMinnesota Masonic Charities and theGrand Lodge of Minnesota.
The Reunion is scheduled forSaturday, January 23, 2021, at
VictoriaPalm’s Resort, 602 N Victoria Road inDonna, Texas. The
social hour will beginat noon, followed by lunch.
Grand Master of Minnesota, M.W.B.Ethan Seaberg, will be the
honored guest
and featured speaker. The program will alsoinclude an update on
the work of MinnesotaMasonic Charities and special recognitionto
our Masonic Widows who are able toattend.
Minnesota Masons and their ladieswho are Winter Texans, as well
as thosefrom other jurisdictions, are invited.
PGM Roger Taylor will chair theReunion Committee assisted by WB
PatNorrie, WB Tim Davison and their ladies.
For information about the reunion orquestions about traveling to
South Texas,contact PGM Roger Taylor at 320-980-5240 or email at
[email protected].
COVID-19 forces more changesWe’ve all seen the devastating
effects the
COVID-19 pandemic has been wreaking onour beloved fraternity.
From the cancellationof in-person Annual Communication activi-ties
last April to delays getting candidatesthrough the three degrees,
the situation hasforced Masons across Minnesota to re-evaluate the
way in which we operate.
One-Day-to-MasonryUnfortunately, due to the worsening
nature of the situation in Minnesota, theGrand Master has
officially canceled theJanuary 2021 One-Day-to-Masonry. TheGrand
Lodge is still hoping to hold aDegree at the Minnesota
MasonicHeritage Center on that date (January 16),but a One-Day
isn’t possible due to thepotential risks and logistical
challengespresent at this time.
Once details for January 16th have beenfinalized, they will be
communicated to
lodges by District Representatives and AreaDeputies. As much as
we would love topublicize a large gathering on this date, thenew
capacity restrictions for the HeritageCenter auditorium leave
little room for side-liners, beyond candidates and their
guides.
Monitor ExamsThe second major change is the post-
ponement of the Annual Grand LodgeMonitor Exams. Traditionally
held the firstFriday and Saturday in February, the 2021Monitor
Exams are being postponed untillater in the spring. Once a new date
hasbeen confirmed, it will be published in thispaper. If you are
interested in becoming aGrand Lodge Monitor of the ritual,
pleasecontact MW Brother Brian Beermann, theChairman of the Board
of Custodians. Hecan be reached at
[email protected].
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November–December 2020 The Minnesota MASON 3
Lodge Education Officer = LEO = Leadership, Education, Oratory
Andrew Niemyer, GLEO
Masonic Conundrum by Andrew Niemyer, Education CommitteeMasonic
Conundrums
If you have an idea for a MasonicConundrum, we are always
looking fornew puzzlers to put before MinnesotaMasons. Please send
your Conundrumidea, along with the correct answer and atleast one
reference to that answer [email protected].
Conundrum 83Most brethren are familiar with their
own Lodge’s Charter, or Warrant, the dateit was granted from
Grand Lodge, etc.Some are even familiar with the
interestingsituation when, in an area that is about toestablish its
own Grand Lodge, the datesthat area Lodges received their
chartersfrom distant Grand Lodges may very welldetermine the Lodges
sequential number inthe newly established jurisdiction.
But, there’s another kind of Lodge,besides a chartered Lodge,
that also canexist in a jurisdiction. Thus, ourConundrum this time
was this: What is a“Inchoate Lodge” and what’s their statusin a
jurisdiction? How long can a Lodgeremain as an Inchoate Lodge?
Our answer comes from Mackey, AnEncyclopedia of Freemasonry,
1916 Edition,reprinted 1995: An “Inchoate Lodge” is onethat is
working under dispensation from theGrand Master of a Grand Lodge
jurisdiction.It is said to be “inchoate,” meaning “unfin-ished”
because “they do not possess all therights and prerogatives that
belong to aLodge under the Warrant of constitution ofa Grand
Lodge.” Normally a newly estab-
lished Lodge works for its first year underdispensation that
expires at the next GrandLodge, when, if tradition prevails and
allnecessary requirements have been met bythe Inchoate Lodge, they
are granted theirWarrant or Charter and become a fully functional
Lodge.
The following sent answers to thisConundrum. The answers were
numberedand then a random number generator wasused to select six
winners. Those winnersare indicated by an asterisk. They
willreceive a prize from Grand Lodge:1. Dave Saranen, Eveleth Lodge
No. 239*2. Dick Sellman, Mesaba Lodge No. 255*3. Vern Raap, Wayzata
Lodge No. 205*4. Clay Anderson, St. Paul Lodge No. 3*5. Harlan
Brand, Templar Lodge No. 1766. Casey Wolford, North Star Lodge No.
23*7. Steve Bernu, Anoka Lodge No. 308. Gale Campbell, Newport
Lodge No. 118*
Conundrum 84We are familiar with the white rod
carried by our Lodge Stewards as they conduct their various
duties about theLodge, as well as the angle at which theyhold them
and the reason behind this. Manyof us are also familiar with the
ancient usesof the rod to denote stations and offices. Inthis
Conundrum, we ask: Can you namehow the white rod was used in
England andby whom in the era immediately precedingits use by
Masons as a symbol of the LodgeSteward?
Send your answer in an email byDecember 26, 2020, to
[email protected].
Grand LodgeWebsite
www.mn-masons.org
Esotericism, Masonry and EsotericMasonry
As we travel on our individual Masonicjourneys, we often
encounter words andphrases that everyone seems to know, yetwhen
casually queried, no one, save a few,can really articulate exactly
what the phrasemeans, other than that they vaguely knowwhat it
might mean. The phrases “EsotericMasonry” and “Masonic
Esotericism”certainly fall into that category, and asexplored
further, one can certainly see why.
In this edition’s column, we’ll take abrief look at what is
generally meant, butwith some significant caveats, by the
phrasesabove. Given the vast body of lengthyworks by highly-noted
Masonic scholars,this will be a brief survey meant to merelygive a
framework for interested Brethren tobegin their own journeys,
should they sochoose, into this potentially vast field ofpersonal
inquiry and discovery.
We are best served by starting by defin-ing as best we can the
meaning of the word“Esotericism.” The New World Encyclopediabegins
its entry on the topic, thus:
“Esotericism refers to the doctrines orpractices of esoteric
knowledge, or thequality or state of being obscure.
Esotericknowledge is that which is specialized oradvanced in
nature, available only to anarrow circle of “enlightened,”
“initiated,”or highly educated people. Typically, eso-teric
knowledge is contrasted with exotericknowledge, which is well-known
or publicknowledge perceived as informally canonicin society at
large. Items pertaining to esotericism may be known as
esoterica.
“Esotericism largely involves an elementof initiation such as
the requirement that onebe tested before learning the higher
truth.However, such knowledge may be kept secretnot by the
intention of its protectors, but byits very nature—for example, if
it is accessi-ble only to those with the proper
intellectualbackground.”
Noted Masonic scholar, Arturo deHoyos, 33°, Grand Cross,
Scottish RiteGrand Archivist & Grand Historian in hiswell-known
2017 essay “Is FreemasonryEsoteric?” writes, “By definition,
esotericismis any topic ‘intended for or likely to beunderstood by
only a small number of peoplewith a specialized knowledge or
interest.’This certainly applies to Masonry; but on adeeper level,
and in a Masonic context, it’susually taken to mean that our
ceremoniesand rituals allude to realities and/or truthsnot
generally understood, or which mayhave a spiritual component to
them.”
Keying off of this, we can all certainlyagree that Freemasonry
as practiced ismost certainly arguably esoteric in and of
itself, given that candidates and brothersadvancing through the
degrees are testedbefore being exposed to higher truths, andthat
these truths are not shared overtlywith the world outside of our
lodges. Weare bound by our oaths and obligations tomaintain secrecy
before we advance fur-ther in our journeys in both the BlueLodge
and appendant body rituals.
But, does this make all Masonic study“Esoteric Masonry?” The
answer to thatquestion—like so many personal moral andphilosophical
journeys—lies in the eye ofthe one doing the studying.
Several authors argue that MasonicEsotericism is best defined as
the exami-nation of the greater aspects of variousphilosophical
schools, parts of which thenumerous authors of the over 1,000
differ-ent Masonic degree rituals have become ingreater or lesser
parts as part of our tradi-tions over the past 303 years.
Theseschools include Hermeticism, Gnosticism,Kabbalah and so many
more. It is said thatby in-depth study of the greater aspects ofthe
highly diverse “Western EsotericTradition”—parts of which are
foundthroughout the Prestonian rituals—welearn of greater and
higher truths, furthersmoothing our personal rough ashlars.
But, given the definition of esotericismwith which we began this
column, theproposition can be made that any study one does of the
writings, rituals, allegoriesand symbols of the Craft we commonly
useis also an equally valid form of MasonicEsotericism. From the
examination of thecontrast of ancient and modern meanings of the
words we use in our rituals, to theallegorical meanings of our
working tools or the intricate symbols used on varioustracing
boards, all these studies help us consider and reflect upon what is
taught and practiced by Masonry collectively andby Masons
individually.
It is through that reflection—casual orserious in its
nature—that we educate our-selves and perhaps others by sharing
whatwe have learned, be it orally when gatheredin fellowship, or
more formally through aLodge education talk, presentation or evenan
essay. As initiates into a closed systemthat celebrates personal
growth, develop-ment and refinement on both individual
andcollective levels, every time we learn some-thing more about
Masonry, we can be saidto be practicing a form of “EsotericMasonry”
every bit as much as those whostudy the deep and complex ancient
Schoolsof Mystery, theoretical and mysticalphilosophies or even
more highly refinedtheoretical geometry. It might very well bethat
it is as much the act of studying anaspect of the Craft by a
curious individualbrother that elevates him, as much as what it is
he chooses to study.
“Every Mason can be an Educator.”With fraternity and in light,WB
Andrew Niemyer, Grand Lodge LEO [email protected]
“Quarite plus lucem – Seek More Light”
If you would like to contribute anessay of any length to share
withyour Brethren, please feel free to
reach out to me at my [email protected].
Your submissions are warmly encouraged.
Plan for Success with LRPLessons from the Leadership Committee
by Larry Lyman
It is time to plan for the future! If youhave not already done
so, contact yourDistrict Representative to schedule a meet-ing with
the current and future officers inyour Lodge. Take advantage of the
LodgeRecognition Program, available through allDistrict
Representatives. This tool will helpyou see clearly how to
establish a track torun on—helping you to build on successesof the
past while avoiding pitfalls along theway. Let’s take a look.
The Grand Lodge seeks to ensure thatall Lodges in Minnesota are
prepared to beviable for the future, and to do that, theylook at
certain basic things that allow aLodge to move towards success. The
LodgeRecognition Program provides a checklistto the District
Representative. This check-list allows him to quickly evaluate
somebasic functions necessary to the health ofthe Lodge. Is your
Lodge Charter in order?Do you know how to properly examine
avisiting Brother, and can you open theLodge properly on any
degree? Such thingsas conducting a Stated Communicationwith an
agenda, having at least one Brotherin the line who is not a Past
Master, havingat least one LEO program and one Charityprogram…
these are not difficult things toaccomplish, but are things that
will help
maintain a healthy Lodge. All Lodges should strive to have
the
Master and Wardens, or their proxies,attend Grand Lodge, and
every Lodgewould do well to attend Area Conferences.
Does your Lodge assign Mentors to helpnewer members learn the
Craft? Do yourStated Communications include the LEO?Are you
proficient in degree work, or do youknow how to reach out for help?
Are youinvolved in your community, do you have anewsletter or some
other means of keepingall your members informed? Do you allowfor
social time before or after meetings?
Finally, a Lodge that does not raise atleast one new Brother
each year may be introuble in short order. New members allowfor
Lodge growth and these new membersbenefit from working with your
more sea-soned Brothers as they learn what it meansto be a Mason.
By working with yourDistrict Representative, your Lodge will bemuch
more likely to stay strong, and con-tinue to be a vital part of
your community.
Editor’s note: Lodge recognition program sta-tuses have been
suspended, by order of theGrand Master for 2020-2021, due to the
ongo-ing pandemic. Please continue to use the pro-gram to help
guide your lodge, but there willbe no official ratings for this
year.
Looking back, Looking forward – Your thoughts on FreemasonryThe
world is a changing place where
values and traditions have come and gone.Freemasonry has
withstood the test oftime by instilling core values in men
thatremain true, regardless of change.
The Grand Lodge of Minnesota, andits constituent lodges, face
the challengeof aligning the principal themes withinFreemasonry
with the everchanging needsthat arise from society. It is
thereforemost appropriate to examine “the state of
expectations. Your feedback is critical inhelping us identify
potential shortcomingsin order to develop plans to address
them.
The Grand Lodge will be sending amembership survey by email in
earlyDecember. Please consider adding yourvoice to this initiative
and help the GrandLodge of Minnesota improve the mem-bership
experience for future generationsof Freemasons.
the craft” and direct its efforts towardsinitiatives that
facilitate a contemporaryexposure to the time-tested values
andalign these with the needs of today’sFreemason.
The perspective of current and formermembers of our fraternity
is especiallyimportant to us. We know men becomeFreemasons for a
variety of reasons andwe acknowledge that, at times, the realityof
what they find does not live up to
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4 The Minnesota MASON November–December 2020
WWhheerree eevveerryyoonnee hhaass
AA VVOOIICCEE
Clara Peterson was just threeyears old when her parents turned
toMinnesota Masonic Children’s Clinicfor Communication
Disorders(MMCCCD) to help her learn to talk.At that point, Clara,
who was bornwith Down Syndrome, utilized a mere30-40 words and some
sign languageto communicate to her parents andolder sisters. The
Petersons tried otherplaces to get help.
“At Masonic, there is more of anemphasis on getting family
involved,”said Clara’s Mom, Mandy. “When westarted here, our fears
just fell away.Family is immediately included sowe can support what
is being done inthe therapy sessions.”
Clara was matched with Speech/Language Pathologist, Jillian,
whoinstantly discovered her young client’sstrengths. “The girl
loves bubbles,” saidJillian of Clara. “She’s got an
amazingimagination. Typically, I do well by justfollowing her lead
during our sessions.”
In the nearly two years sinceClara and Jillian have been
workingtogether, Clara can now speak four-word phrases and has
“done reallywell,” said Jillian. “She’s blown meout of the water
with her progress.”
Jillian was particularly impressedby Clara’s growth throughout
themonths of teletherapy that were nec-essary due to COVID-19 and
theClinic’s temporary closure. Duringthat time, Clara was able to
focus fortheir twice weekly sessions online.Jillian credits the
dedication of herfamily for Clara’s ongoing success.
“Clara’s parents are really involvedand follow through,” said
Jillian. “Theprogress is that much faster.
Clara’s dad, Nick, agreed. “Wegot involved in the PACC
(Parentsand Children Communicating) pro-gram early on and the whole
familygot a lot out of that,” he said. “Herolder sisters
participated, and that hashelped tremendously.”
The Minnesota Masonic
Children’s Clinic for Communication
Disorders is located in Duluth,
Minnesota, and offers diagnostic and
treatment services for children ages 0
to 9 at no cost to families. Visit:
MasonicChildrensClinic.org
Top: Clara Peterson was unable to communicate effectively before
gettinghelp from MMCCCD.
Above: Clara and her parents, Mandyand Nick, join clinic
director Niki Lampi(right) in some therapeutic play time.
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November–December 2020 The Minnesota MASON 5
SSttiillll aavvaaiillaabbllee iinn 22002200::QQCCDDss
In response to the pandemic, theCoronavirus Aid, Relief
andEconomic Securities (CARES) Actwas passed by Congress. Included
inthis giant relief package was a provi-sion that waives required
minimumdistributions (RMDs) for 2020 fromretirement accounts.
You may be wondering if you canstill do a Qualified
CharitableDistribution (QCD) for 2020 eventhough your RMD is
waived. Theanswer is yes! QCDs can still be madeeven in years when
no RMD is required.QCDs from IRAs are still available in2020 and
still offer tax benefits.
QCDs allow IRA owners who areage 70 1/2 or older to directly
transferup to $100,000 annually from an IRAto charities, like
Minnesota MasonicCharities, tax free. If you are married,you and
your spouse may both trans-fer $100,000 for a total of
$200,000.QCDs are limited to pretax IRAfunds. One key component of
a QCDis that the funds must be paid directlyfrom the IRA to the
charity.
If you have any questions, pleasecall John Schwietz at 651-
210-5240or email him [email protected].
Eric Neetenbeek Sue Mork Deb Cutsinger Kelly Johns
President/CEO CFO Executive Assistant Director, Marketing &
Communications
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
Kim Ramaker John Schwietz
Funds Development Acctg Manager Director of Institutional
Advancement
[email protected] [email protected]
RReeddeeddiiccaattiioonn sseett ffoorr AApprriill 22002211In
light of the continued restric-
tions placed on business and socialgatherings due to the
pandemic, wehave pushed the date for the OES
Memorial Chapel Rededication toThursday, April 8, 2021.
Pleasecheck our website for updates at:
MnMasonicCharities.org
An Evening with EllaDecember 31, 2020 at 7
p.m.MasonicHeritageCenter.org
SSCCHHOOLLAARRSSHHIIPPSS AAMMAAZZOONNSSMMIILLEE
Last year, Legacy Scholar AbbyNelson, pictured above, was one of
90awardees of MMC scholarships in 2020.Applications for 2021 will
be available onDecember 1, 2020 on the MMC
website:MnMasonicCharities.org. The deadlinefor applications is
February 15, 2021.
Did you know you can supportMinnesota Masonic Charities simplyby
shopping for items you wouldnormally purchase? And it’s so easyto
do!
Visit smile.amazon.com andshop for the same products younormally
would find onamazon.com for the same prices.AmazonSmile will donate
0.5% ofeligible purchases to your charityof choice with no fees or
extracosts! It’s a win-win for everyoneand a great way to support
MMCand our many critical programsand services. Get shopping!
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6 The Minnesota MASON November–December 2020
News & Views from the LodgesMetrowest work brings in nine
new members
Wayfaring Man visit to Lebanon Lodge
The most recent Metrowest Entered Apprentice Degree brought in
nine new members to the Fraternity from six Lodges. It was a great
day and wonderful work put on by our Custodians andMonitors!
Even during this time of COVID-19, following all safety
protocols, and of course checking ahead with the lodge, you could
still be a “WayfaringMan” and travel to visit other lodges. Here a
small group from Sherburne Lodge No. 95, led by their WM Phil
Johnson, front row left, they visitedthe Brothers of Lebanon Lodge
No. 346 and their WM Joel Porter, center, continuing the ties of
Brotherly Love and Affection!
On November 5, 2020, GM Ethan Seabergawarded WB Stanley Campbell
of Pleasant GroveLodge No. 22, his 75-Year pin and certificate.
GM Seaberggives 75-yearaward
Western Star Lodge No. 26, Albert Lea, donated $500 to the
Salvation Army. Pictured are BrotherWayne Bellrichard and Major
Sandra Hunt of the Salvation Army.
Western Star Lodge donates to Salvation Army Euclid Lodge
holdshighway clean-up
Pictured are Ella H and Keely W. of Job’sDaughters Bethel #28,
Duluth.
The Brothers of Euclid Lodge No.198, Duluth, and Job’s Daughters
ofBethel #28 met for the semi-annual high-way cleanup north of
Duluth. This hasbeen a spring and fall tradition started in1992 by
WB Don DeMars. After clean-ing both sides of the two-mile stretch
onHighway 53, there was outdoor, socially-distanced fellowship.
Euclid Lodge hasalso met outside this fall for an informal“bring
your own coffee thermos” gather-ing at West Duluth’s Memorial
Park.WM Nick Katich would like to thank theEuclid Lodge Brothers,
Job’s Daughtersand families for their hard work on cleanup day!
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November–December 2020 The Minnesota MASON 7
News from the Masonic Family
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The Grand Lodge website is at
www.mn-masons.org
8 The Minnesota MASON November–December 2020
Your Grand Lodge Officers are pleased to announce that we have
engaged Grand View Systems to providemembership management and
communications systemsfor our jurisdiction.
Grand View is a state-of-the-art system that will replace our
existing databases and allow us to enhance management and
communication at the Grand Lodge, Lodge, and individualmember
levels. They have been in business for several years andare
currently serving more than 30 Grand Lodges.
As an active member, you will have access to update and correct
your contact information, set communication preferences,and update
other personal information, including birth date, placeof birth,
and occupation. Members will also have access to theprivate member
portal where you can find lodge meetingsthroughout the state, get
information on lodge events, and accesseducational materials.
This system is designed to distribute access and control oflodge
records down to the lodge secretary. Your Lodge Secretarywill have
access to your member record to make changes to his-tory and office
positions.
In addition to the record management features, Grand Viewalso
provides communication abilities for Lodges to create postsand
events that are automatically emailed to the members whouse email
and mail merge letters for those that do not.
We hope you are as excited as we are about this new
endeavor.
Grand Lodge of Minnesota
GRAND VIEW
Grand Lodge of Minnesota
GRAND VIEWHOW TO REGISTER AS A MEMBER
Grand View Procedure
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx-WliihfcM
Step 1 – Enter the url for your jurisdiction:
https://mn.grandview.systems
Step 2 – Click on Member Portal
Step 3 – Click on Member Registration
Step 4 – Enter your Lodge Number
Step 5 – Enter your Member ID(5-digit Grand Lodge ID number from
top left of your 2020 dues card)
Step 6 – Enter your Last Name (case sensitive)
Step 7 – Click on Check Membership Status
Step 8 – Enter your Email Address
Step 9 – Enter a Password that you can remember
Step 10 – Enter Confirmation by entering password again
Step 11 – Click on Submit