MNGrandMaster09

This blog's title has two meanings: one, it is the last time I will post to MNGrandMaster09; the Last Post is also the British bugle c...

After the ceremony and business of the Annual Communication, and after the Installation of the new Grand Master, Past Grand Masters, Grand L...

The officers of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, 2009-2010, presented me with a wonderful remembrance gift: an exact replica of the Baal's...

In a most impressive ceremony, John L. Cook, Jr., was installed as Grand Master of Minnesota Masons on March 27. It was my privilege to pres...

Patty hosted a luncheon and relaxation and mini-spa program for 56 ladies attending the annual communication on Friday morning. Patti Lenz ...

With all the bad Irish jokes and stories told during the 157th Annual Communication, I decided we had to have some good Irish music. The loc...

Tomorrow, I will present certificates to the Masters of 26 lodges that have shown a next increase in membership in 2009. In almost every in...

My next presentation will be to a person who is involved in the work of the Grand Lodge, the Zuhrah Shrine and the Order of the Eastern Star...

The vast majority of District Representatives are entitled to recognition for their dedication to making our Gentle Craft the best it can be...

The Grand Lodge of Minnesota HIRAM AWARD is a singular, once-in-a-lifetime recognition presented to a brother as an earned tribute for outs...

The Saturday morning breakfast was sponsored this year by Minnesota Masonic Charities. We had a great meal of steak and eggs, and were tre...

The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award is an honor due to members of the Masonic Lodge who act as role models and provide dedicated ...

It is a proud moment for a Grand Master when the brothers from his home lodge open the tyled session of the annual communication. This yea...

DeMolay Master Councilor Talon Beck brought greetings from our young men's organization. It is so very inspiring to see how these youth...

One of the traditions of the public opening of Grand Lodge is to hear greetings from the Honored Queen and Miss Minnesota Job's Daughter...

You may recall that MWB Craig Hummel, Grand Lodge of Iowa, challenged me to a bet on the Insight Bowl - Iowa State vs. the University of Min...

I have commented before on the thrill to be present when a Mason receives a longevity award. At the Annual Communication, I had the pleasur...

And I'm having trouble finding time to blog about all the truly wonderful things at the 157th Annual Communication. Be assured, John L. ...

The 157th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota started Friday morning with a public opening. The Heroes of '76 presente...

The Grand Master has traditionally hosted a hospitality room, where guests and friends are able to mingle and continue the fellowship of the...

Thursday evening, the festivities of the Annual Communication were kicked off with the Grand Master's Gathering. This year, it was an i...

I spent most of Thursday with luggage carts at the Kelly Inn in St Cloud. It's really here! Early birds and distinguished guests arriv...

The Deputy Grand Master will tell you that it was only hours after my installation as Grand Master last year that I announced the number of...