Rochester Lodge No. 21 hosted a great dinner and lecture on the Mayo Brothers and Masonry in Rochester.
Brother Dave Dunn (right photo) began the lecture with a history of Dr. William Worrall Mayo and his two famous sons, Charles Horace Mayo and William James Mayo. The Mayo Brothers pioneered group medicine practice, nursing services in the hospital and how the Mayo Clinic was born.
Worshipful Brother Ken Allison (left photo) gave the Masonic history of the Mayos, as well as a history of the architecture of the Clinic and lodge buildings (for years, the same building!).
A new fact for me: While Charles Mayo was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in 1890, his brother William did not petition for degrees until 1920. However, William's schedule did not permit him to receive them. The Grand Master offered to make him a Mason at sight, but his brother, Charles remarked that he
On another note, Rochester Lodge is having a great open house for prospects on October 20 at 6:00 p.m had gone through all three degrees and that his brother should not take any shortcuts. William never did become a Mason..
At the Grand Commander’s Ball at the Southern Jurisdiction of Scottish Rite Biennial Conference, each of the attendees received a copy of a letter from Dan Brown.I was so impressed with the message that I am reproducing it here in full:
October 6, 2009
Guests of the Southern Jurisdiction,
It is my great honor to be invited to greet you via this letter.I had hoped I might be able to join you in person tonight, but the launch of my novel The Last Symbol has me far from Washington.
In the past few weeks, as you might imagine, I have been repeatedly asked what attracted me to the Masons so strongly as to make it a central point of my new book.My reply is always the same:“In a world where men do battle over whose definition of God is most accurate, I cannot adequately express the deep respect and admiration I feel toward an organization in which men of differing faiths are able to ‘break bread together’ in a bond of brotherhood, friendship, and camaraderie.”
Please accept my humble thanks for the noble example you set for humankind.It is my sincere hope that the Masonic community recognizes The Lost Symbol for w\hat it truly is … an earnest attempt to reverentially explore the history and beauty of Masonic Philosophy.
Yours sincerely,
/s/ Dan Brown
Thank you, Mr. Brown.A Brother could not have expressed it better.
Congratulations to Brother Glenn Howard Liljegren of Duluth on the award of the Scottish Rite Grand Cross of Honour. What a terrific honor for Glenn, for the DuluthValley of the Scottish Rite, and for Minnesota Masonry!
I was honored to have been coroneted an Inspector General, Honorary (33rd Degree) in WashingtonD.C. on Tuesday.I am honored to be included with such outstanding Scottish Rite Masons in Minnesota that will be coroneted November 17:
Duluth - Jon Michael Berry
Duluth - Seymour Sherwin Chez
Duluth - Rual Leonard Lee
Duluth - Robert Walter Wihela
Minneapolis - Mark Alan Anderson
Minneapolis - Roy William Downs
Minneapolis - Michael Leonard Dunn
Minneapolis - Donald William Fanning
Minneapolis - Dana James Hornquist
Minneapolis - Gregory Joel Lane
Minneapolis - Richard Stilwell McGinnis
Minneapolis - Edward Henry Perlman
Minneapolis - John Bergman-Hodge Studell
Rochester - Charles John Weisbrod
St. Paul - James Henry Konkler
St. Paul - Brent Lee Metcalf
St. Paul - Frank Joseph Spevak
Congratulations to Deputy Grand Master John L. Cook, Jr., Senior Grand Warden Thomas Hendrickson and Senior Grand Steward John Gann who have been named 32 Degree, Knight Commander Court of Honor.They will be invested with this honor on October 24, along with theses other outstanding Minnesota Masons:
Duluth - Bruce Allan Carson
Duluth - James Thomas Gramling
Duluth - Loren Walter Larson
Duluth - Brian E McVean
Duluth - George Herbert Palo
Duluth - Richard Kermit Sellman
Duluth - Lawrence Benjamin Stauber
Duluth - Robert Oscar Ulland
Duluth - David James Vosen Minneapolis - Daniel Forrest Akins
Minneapolis - John Allen Antl
Minneapolis - James Albert Bagwell
Minneapolis - Stephen James Bernu
Minneapolis - Harlan E Brand
Minneapolis - Charles Samuel Davis
Minneapolis - Dustin Robert Du Fault
Minneapolis - Randall Arlen Hamborg
Minneapolis - David Allan Highum
Minneapolis - George Marvin Hough
Minneapolis - Larry Faaborg Jensen
Minneapolis - Jim Kwanichi Kirihara
Minneapolis - Benjamin John Kuehnel
Minneapolis - Dean John McFarlane
Minneapolis - Donald James Nolley
Minneapolis - Michael Dean Pierce
Minneapolis - John Eric Titus
Minneapolis - David Scott Wething
Minneapolis - James Matthew White Rochester - Zeb Joseph Dudek
Rochester - David Anthony Hellstern
Rochester - Paul Everett Main
Rochester - Craig Scot Mann St. Paul - James Ivan Berg
The grand finale of the Biennial Conference of the Southern Jurisdiction was the Grand Commander's Ball.
You'll see the lovely ladies from Minnesota, Patty McCarthy, Peg Oliver and Carol Vihovde.
Then their escorts, National Sojourners National President, RWB Fred Vihovde, yours truly and Sovereign Grand Inspector General for Minnesota, Jerry Oliver.
We had a great time, and thank SGIG Jerry and Peg for their hospitality.
At yesterday's session, Sovereign Grand Commander Ronald Seale announced that a new, annotated version of Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma has been prepared, and will be available within the next several months. For those who are Masonic scholars, and for those (like me) who have never read Morals and Dogma, this is great news. It is just one more example of the commitment by the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction to provide additional light in Masonry by expanding its educational resources.
The Master Craftsman program has been tweaked a bit and has been a great way for Masons to expand their knowledge of our Craft. A Master Craftsman II has also been added for those brothers who have completed the basic program and wish to continue their study of Scottish Rite Masonry.
Patty and I had the pleasure of touring the House of the Temple yesterday. It is humbling to see Albert Pike's Library, as well as the museum for American Freemasonry and the other impressive exhibits on display.
At the request of the Publicity Committee and with the able assistance of Grand Chaplain Steve Johnson (shown in photo here), the first YouTube video for the Grand Master has been published. See, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO98Bbuj8SA.
We had a great time making the program, and I hope it is informative.
Most importantly, I hope it encourages each of you, Mason and non-Mason alike, to attend and participate in the cornerstone ceremony at the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital on October 24 at 11:00 a.m. See the "News Flash!" on the Grand Lodge Website for more information, driving directions and parking instructions.
Ronald A. Seale, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Southern Jurisdiction, Scottish Rite, invited Patty and me, as well as other Grand Masters and Sovereign Grand Commanders from visiting jurisdictions, to a dinner at the St. Regis Hotel last night. It was a very nice evening.
The meal and service were excellent, as were our table companions. Shown are Grand Master Loyd Davis and his wife, Judy, from Utah, Grand Master Roy Sullivan and his wife, Becky from Kansas, Patty and me and Grand Master Jeff Hodges of Virginia.
We also met Grand Master Jerry Lewis and his wife, Jean, from West Virginia at the reception.
A highlight of the evening was the musical entertainment. These talented musicians strolled around the hall, playing for us for almost three hours! When they got near our table, in honor of the Sullivans and the McCarthys, they played a few Irish tunes. Great fun!
This is a terrific place to visit. My favorite room is the replica of Washington's lodge room, with furniture from the original, including the Master's chair, donated by Washington from the Mount Vernon library.
The photo of me in front of the Master's chair also shows the original painting of an older Washington, in his Masonic regalia. He permitted the portrait only on the condition that it would show him as he then was - wrinkles and all.
The most poignant artifact in the room is Washington's bedchamber clock. Washington rode on horse around the Mount Vernon estate in December, 1799, and took ill. The physicians were summoned, all Masons, including Dr. Elisha C. Dick, Master of the Lodge. In an effort to save the General, he was bled multiple times.
Washington died at 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 1799. Worshipful Brother Dick cut the pendulum cord, stopping the clock.
Three days later, Martha Washington donated the clock to the lodge.
Patty and I delivered "Truman's Brick" to the George Washington Masonic Memorial this morning. We turned it over to Mark Tabbert, author of "American Freemasons". (I wish I had brought my copy of the book to be autographed!) Brother Tabbert's family originally settled near Chaska, Minnesota, and later mover out to Southwest Minnesota and then to Iowa, where he was raised - literally as well as figuratively!
I'm looking forward to coming back in February to see the completed exhibit!
Patty and I arrived in the District of Columbia yesterday for the Scottish Rite Biennial Conference. We were invited to dinner my Minnesota's Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Jerry B. Oliver, and his wife Peg. Also along were National Sojourners National President, RWB Fred B. Vihovde and his wife Carol, and a relatively new Scottish Rite Mason, Keith Reierson and his wife Karen.
SGIG Jerry ran into the Reiersons at the House of the Temple where they were taking the tour. The Reiersons were in town for the funeral of Karen's grandfather, who was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetary.
The schedule of events here looks very interesting, and Patty and I are very excited to be here!
Star Tribune reporter Kristin Tillotson has a nice article in today's edition about Freemasons. The photo of the Minneapolis 19 lodge room, shown here, is included in the story.
It is nice to have positive messages getting out about our Gentle Craft. Masons should take some time to prepare an "elevator speech" - maybe a two minute explanation of Freemasonry - for those times when we WILL be asked, "So, you're a Mason. What do you guys do, anyway?"
In 1952, the White House underwent renovation. During the construction, several bricks were found with Masonic markings. President Truman, a Past Grand Master of Missouri, had a sufficient number of these marked bricks collected to send one to each Grand Lodge in the United States. He wrote:
"These evidences of the number of members of the Craft who built the President's official residence so intimately aligns Freemasonry with the formation and the founding of our Government that I believe your Grand Lodge will cherish this link between the Fraternity and the Government of the Nation, of which the White House is a symbol."
The photo shows Minnesota Masonic Historical Society Curator, Dave Nystuen, with the brick that was presented to the Grand Lodge of Minnesota.
We have received a letter from the George Washington Masonic Memorial:
"In celebration of the Memorial Association's 100th anniversary and the Conference of Grand Masters of North America meeting next February, we plan to reassemble the White House Stones in a temporary exhibition. To complement the display we are also requesting to borrow the Scottish Lodge mark books so the stones' marks may be matched to the names of the stonemasons. Additionally, we hope Federal Lodge No. 1 will loan their minute books that show these Scotsmen becoming American freemasons."
Patty and I leave Saturday for the 2009 Biennial Session of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction. In my bag will be Truman's brick, which we will deliver to the Memorial for display.
Last night I visited the beautiful Arcana Lodge in Northeast Minneapolis. The design and craftwork displayed in the lodge room is unique among lodges I have had the privilege of visiting. You should visit, if you can, especially if you can witness the Third Degree there.
And there will be a Third Degree coming up! Last night, two petitions were favorably acted-upon and the Entered Apprentice Degree will be competing with Monday Night Football next week!
The occasion of my visit was Arcana's annual prime rib dinner fundraiser. Though there were 20 or fewer brothers present last night, over $1150 was raised for the Masonic Cancer Center Fund. Over the years, Aracana has raised and contributed over $20,000 as the result of this dinner, with a contribution to the victims of 9/11/01 being the only year that the Cancer Center Fund was not the beneficiary of this lodge's generosity.
Present to receive their 50-year certificates were Past Grand Master Donald Severson and Brother Harry Sarich. Brother Harry recalled coaching candidates in his basement, with as many as nine new brothers learning the work at one time! PGM Don reflected on meeting two Grand Masters early in his tenure as Master of Arcana Lodge, and never dreaming he would one day have the honor of acting in that office.
The photos show the Brothers of Arcana with their Area Deputy and District Representative, and then of me with the 50-year Masons: From the left, District Representative Don Nolley, Area Deputy Lee Dorholt, me, Worshipful Master Mark Moriarty, PGM Don Severson and Brother Harry Sarich.
The new Dan Brown book, The Lost Symbol, has generated some renewed interest in the media in our Gentle Craft. In addition to my appearance on the WCCO Television News segment,, "Good Question," National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" did a story on Masonry that you can find here.
In that segment, S. Brent Morris explains to NPR reporter Robert Siegel that Freemasonry is not a religion. When the group was organized in 1717 from a stonemason's guild, Morris explained, its members adopted the radical proposition that men of different faiths can agree on God's existence. "They can agree that God compels them to do good in the community, and then they can stop talking about religion," said Morris.
That is one of the beauties of our fraternity in this day of insular and fractured community, where it's "my way or nothing." Freemasonry teaches that we must be tolerant and respectful of another's well-formed beliefs. We must defend each other's rights to believe and worship as we see fit.
Thus we fulfill the three modern tenets of Masonry as set forth in the Grand Lodge of Minnesota's vision statment: Political Freedom (as set forth in our country's founding documents - Freedom of Religion), Personal Integrity (to walk as just and upright men, where there is no room for disparaging a Brother's religious beliefs) as well as Religious Toleration.
When I logged on this morning, one "appointment" popped up: 26.
As in, 26 weeks left before RWB John Cook becomes MWB John Cook (tradition prevailing) and I become PGM (Prestige Gone, Man!)
It's been a great six months. A recap: Over 13,500 miles in the car for lodge business. One or more lodge events 0n 88 days, including 33 lodge visits, one cornerstone and three visits to other Grand Lodge annual communications.
While the pace has been hectic, and there are always administrative and other issues to deal with, it has been a wonderful experience so far. The respect and affection that the Craft pays the Grand Master is truly humbling, as is the opportunity to speak for the fraternity to the media.
I know the next 26 weeks will fly by, and I'm trying to enjoy every one as much as I can. I am blessed to be serving with a terrific, hard-working progressive line and corporate board. I can assure you that all the wonderful things you have heard about our Grand Secretary, Doug Campbell, are absolutely true.
I am even more blessed with a supportive and understanding wife. Thank you, Patty!
Thank you, Brothers, for this magnificent opportunity to serve the Craft we all love so well.
I had the pleasure of visiting a stated communication at Golden Fleece Lodge in Litchfield last night. This is a lodge that had been inactive for years, but is now really cooking! They have shown a net increase in membership in 2007 and 2008, and expect to do the same this year! Great work!
At the communication, a report was made on the success of Golden Fleece's participation in the Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. Not only did the lodge have a relay team (Silver level), but they ran a food stand for the event. Between the two, they raised and donated over $2500!
This is personal for the brothers of Golden Fleece: Of the dozen brothers present last night, five are cancer survivors.
After the meeting, we enjoyed a supper of turkey burgers, prepared by David "Tiny" Kayser (that's a photo of him with me) and Mrs. Bob Holly's famous baked bean recipe, along with all the fixin's.
Patty and I were invited to the Albert Pike Lodge steak or chicken dinner fundraiser at the Minnetonka Community Center. The food was fabulous!
The Zuhrah Shrine Dixie Cats entertained the diners with great jazz. Brothers and community members supported the dinner, which raised funds for the local food shelf, environmental center and fire department. About 260 were served!
Congratulations to the brothers of Albert Pike Lodge! I look forward to visiting your lodge on October 14, when I'll have the pleasure of escorting one or more new brothers up a flight of winding stairs!
Junior Grand Steward Bob Darling and I trekked up to Brainerd for dinner and a stated communication last night.
The lodge received me, JGS Bob, Grand Marshal Steve Johnson (also secretary of Aurora Lodge) and District Representative James Blakesley with full honors in an impressive ceremony. Thank you!
The first photo shows DR James presenting the awards to 35-year Mason Charles Burford, 60-year Mason Edmond Hopps, and 50-year Mason, Jean Lingren. The second shows Grand Marshall Steve, Worshipful Master Jerry Brodmarkle, Brother Hopps and me.
Four Fellowcraft Masons were in attendance, who will be raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason tomorrow (Thursday) night. At least three more candidates are primed to become Entered Apprentice Masons shortly thereafter. (One of those candidates was at dinner - which he has attended at least a couple of times.)
Add to that activity the announcement last night that six brothers will be taking the DeMolay Dad training and a new DeMolay chapter will be started in Brainerd lets me know that Masonry is more than alive in Brainerd - it is on the march!
Congratulations to the brothers who were recognized last night, to the new Masons, and to Aurora Lodge No. 100 for great work!
I had the pleasure of attending the Plymouth Lodge Awards Night last night. Four brothers were present to receive longevity awards, including one 50- and one 60-year award.
The Hiram Award was presented to Past Master Gene Stauffacher.
Assisting in the presentations were District Representative Dean Dorholt and Area Deputy Lee Dorholt. The dinner was great and the presentations, again, very moving.
Hiram awardee, WB Gene, commented that he had been working the night shift, and therefore unable to attend lodge for several years. When he switched to days, one of the brothers of the lodge approached him and asked if he'd consider becoming active in the lodge again. This simple comment sparked a commitment to the Craft, and to Plymouth Lodge No. 160, that resulted in the Hiram Award presentation.
We never know when some offhand comment will be the spark to the Brother (or co-worker, or child, or friend) that will launch him or her on a path to significant accomplishments. Or, conversely, will cut him to the quick and damage a potential relationship.
So, we Masons must take care to choose our words carefully. We can, without even realize it, be the source for great inspiration!
Brother Franklin Delano Roosevelt served as President of the United States longer than any one before, or any one in the future will (as long as we don't amend the constitution!). He is known for his New Deal and steady hand at the helm during WWII. He was, however, a proponent of religious tolerance, as this letter indicates:
"The lessons of religious toleration -- a toleration which recognizes complete liberty of human thought, liberty of conscience -- is one which, by precept and example, must be inculcated in the hearts and minds of all Americans if the institutions of our democracy are to be maintained and perpetuated.
"We must recognize the fundamental rights of man. There can be no true national life in our democracy unless we give unqualified recognition to freedom of religious worship and freedom of education. ...
"I have learned also with peculiar satisfaction that The Commonweal believes that rarely before in our history have prospects for achieving permanent harmony among the various elements composing our Nation been so propitious as at the present time. I rejoice in this assurance. I pledge myself at this solemn commemoration, with all the resources at my command, to work for so happy a consummation. My prayer shall ever be that this Nation, under God, may vindicate through all coming time the sanctity of the right of all within our borders to the free exercise of religion according to the dictates of conscience."
-- letter to Michael Williams, The Calvert Associates, 30 March 1937
I have completed posting on MNGrandMaster09. It has been a great experience, both serving as Grand Master and posting my travels and thoughts here. Thanks for your support all this past year. Tom
Tom McCarthy was installed as Grand Master of Minnesota Masons on March 28, 2009. He lives in Winthrop Minnesota with his wife, Patty. Tom and Patty have three grown children and five grandsons.
The views, opinions or thoughts expressed in this Blog are those of the author and do not in any way represent the views of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, its subordinate lodges, officers or employees.
This Blog is published with the permission of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, A.F. & A.M.
Rochester Lodge No. 21 hosted a great dinner and lecture on the Mayo Brothers and Masonry in Rochester.
