Through 2008, only four Minnesota Scottish Rite Masons have been honored by the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States Scottish Rite Masonry with the Grand Cross of the Court of Honor: Duluth businessman T.W. Hugo about 100 years ago; Minnesota Governor Harold Stassen; renowned Minnesota Businessman Curtis Carlson; and, most recently, the "Mason for All Seasons", James Burlingame of Minneapolis.Last night, a truly humble servant of Masonry in Minnesota was the fifth Minnesotan in history to receive this high honor: Ill. Bro. Glenn Howard Liljegren.
It was such a thrill for me to listen as Glenn's brothers, family and the director of the Duluth Rite Care Clinic told stories of Glenn's tireless energy on behalf of Scottish Rite Masonry and the Rite Care Clinic. I was honored to be seated next to Glenn's bride of 55 years, Alice, at dinner.
Glenn's remarks after being invested with this honor by Sovereign Grand Inspector General Jerry Oliver were so heartwarming. He talked about how much others contributed to the Clinic! Typical of Glenn, I'm told.
It wasn't large money contributions or political office that resulted in Glenn's nomination. It was a lifetime of Masonry, of benefiting his craft, his community and his world, that merit this recognition.
Congratulations, Glenn and Alice. Well done, our brother!
