The Annual Awards/Scholarship dinner is planned for Thursday, June 7 starting at 6:00 PM.

This is one of our finer attended evenings and we are once again requesting you call and make reservations. We would like a count so we know how many to cook for. Reservations are not a must, but they are very helpful.

Please contact your Senior Steward or Secretary:

SS Eric Bishop at 651-793-0189 or
Secretary, WB Ken White at 763-545-0491

Brethren,

Holding true to the lessons of the second degree, brings us quite naturally to the third. Moral fiber is an absolute requirement when considering one’s rapid advance in knowledge and understanding. Our Grand Lodge states for us in the Masonic Manual, that the third degree exemplifies an instance of virtue, fortitude and integrity, seldom equaled and never excelled in the history of man; that sublimity on such a grand scale can be found so simply. We plumb our hearts for truth, honestly meeting on the level, and we are sure to part on the square.

What a month we have had! Your Master had the great pleasure and honor of presenting W.B. Ken White for installation as the Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota A.F & A. M. for the ensuing year, at the recent annual meeting of the Grand Lodge. Montgomery Lodge was there in “front to back” fashion. W.B. Bob Wicke served at the front desk for credentials. W.B. Stan Derickson manned the Motorcycle Booth. And, Bro. Shawn Carrick introduced the new Archery Program. (If you wonder what that is, see Bro. Shawn).

The combined Table Lodge was a great success, with roughly $1,600 raised for the “Partners for Life” program. Our Senior Steward, Bro. Eric Bishop, spearheaded the meal while Junior Steward, Bro.Thomas Keeley, managed the dining room. Bro. Timothy Julin served most effectively on the planning committee. These brothers deserve our thanks for a job well done and much credit to our lodge.

I regret to report that job conflicts of our candidate required the cancellation of the 2nd degree. Our performance of the 3rd degree took place on April 21st, when we conferred the degree on three candidates from Macalester and Winslow Lewis Lodges. The gavel fell at 10:45 am. Our ruffian cast included 2 new faces, namely Bro.Shawn Carrick as 1st R and Bro.Mark Dreyer as 3rd R. W.B. Ron Anderson completed the group as 2nd R. W.B. Ron’s expert handling helped Bros. Shawn and Mark deliver excellent performances. Brothers from Macalester and Winslow Lewis assisted on the Craft Team. The final score, however, was still 3 – 0 in favor of the craftsmen.

My special thanks to W.B. Ron Anderson for filling in at the last minute with the 2nd section lecture, and once again delivering a sterling performance. The 1st lecture was offered flawlessly by Bros. Timothy Julin and Thomas Keeley. The stereopticon lecture, Chaplain’s role and sound room were handled by W.B. Dave Seitz, without whose tireless efforts coaching and preparing candidates, with degree rehearsals, photos, bulletin editing, as well as general involvement at every level, this could not have been done. It can not be overstated just how much work W.B. Seitz has done for Montgomery. No wonder he has been chosen as Grand Treasurer for the Grand Commandery of Minnesota. Congratulations to all and many thanks.

Bro.L.C.Addison deserves special note for his recent work. Besides the exemplary performance of his duties as our Tyler, he has caught the attention of the Grand LEO. Bro. Addison is now taking over the responsibility for the Masonic conundrum column in the Minnesota Mason
paper. Way to go L.C.!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is that noble emulation that warms my heart to the gentle craft.

Fraternally,
Larry Grufman, Master

Freemasonry
Symbols, Secrets, Significance
By W. Kirk McNulty

Have you ever had the feeling, after visiting a museum or historical display, that you would like to have spent more time there; maybe a lot more time there? Or, do you have a deep abiding love of history, and the artifacts and suppositions that accrue to it? Or, do you see your Masonic experience as having just scratched the surface of what might “be out there”?

If your answer to any of these thoughts is a resounding yes, or perhaps an “I guess so”, then this particular book (a new addition to the Montgomery library) will go a long way toward satisfying your interest. And may I say, at the outset, that this book is an absolutely fantastic collection of Masonic art renditions that one would probably never have the chance to see and appreciate. Actually, it goes beyond description and this review is just a meager attempt to capture your interest.

Excluding references, there are 305 pages that are devoted mainly to Masonic artifacts (386 illustrations, 327 in color) from throughout the world. The book has 7 chapters (and isn’t that an excellent Masonic number), each of which has just 2 pages (excluding the introduction) of exposition, followed by an incredible wealth of illustrations. Chapters include “The Craft Degrees”, “The Higher Degrees”, and “Masonic Puzzles and Secrets” to name a few. Masonry has inspired so many artists, expressing themselves in so many ways, and this book details some of the best works. It is a wonderful compendium of Masonic treasure that any Mason should enjoy.

This book, now available for loan from the Montgomery library, is also available through the Grand Lodge Book Store at the excellent price of $30 (tax & shipping included); cover price is $45 and well worth it at that price, too.

Respectfully submitted
David Seitz Jr. P.M., LEO

(Excerpted from the Masonic Manual of Minnesota)
The obligations taken by Freemasons are sworn on the Volume of the Sacred Law. They are undertakings to follow the principles of Freemasonry and to keep confidential a Freemason’s means of recognition. The muchdiscussed penalties are judicial remnants from an earlier era and are symbolic, not literal. They refer only to the pain any honest man should feel at the thought of violating his word.

Dear Oriental Members,
Many thanks for all who helped with installation and those who attended. Thanks to the officers who agreed to serve another year. It was a fun year of planning and it was wonderful to see it finalize.

We have gotten our feet wet and had our first “blooper” meeting. Our next meeting will be April 17th. We will honor all Past Matrons and Patrons of Oriental, Constellation and East Gate Chapters. We will honor Past 25th year Matron Linda and (deceased) Patron, Clyde. 5th year Past Matron, Donna and Patron, Andy. Come and enjoy the evening.

Dates to remember: May 1, Chapter birthday party
Honor Moms and Daughters
Honor Secretary and Treasurer

May 3,4,5 Grand Chapter in St Cloud.
Our Sister, Helen, will be installed as Worthy Grand Matron on May 5th at 6:45pm.
Please plan to attend. Our Chapter is so proud of her.

May 19, Worthy Grand Matron’s School.
We will need help with making and serving food - to be held at White Bear Chapter.
Please volunteer through Worthy Matron, Liz.

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE:
God made man before woman so as to give him time to think of an answer for her first question.

Star love from,

Elisabeth Tuft-Bauer, WM
Kenneth Kumm, WP

$15.00. The MMCI bike group will be riding to this one.
Contact WM Dayton Berg if you’re interested
in attending.