Montgomery Lodge #258

Greetings Brethren,

Unfortunately during these difficult economic times one of the duties of the officers of a Lodge that comes to the forefront is the welfare of it’s members and their widows and orphans. While Lodges in Minnesota do not have an officer whose sole duty is looking out for the welfare of the brothers of the Lodge, Lodges in England are required to have an officer, the Almoner, who is specifically charged with this duty.

Wikipedia describes the office of Almoner as:

“The ‘Almoner’ (sometimes called the ‘Caring Officer’) is responsible for the well-being of lodge members and their families. He remains in contact with members who are unwell, and also maintains a discreet presence in the lives of widows of former members, so that the lodge may readily assist them should they find themselves in any particular need. Of necessity the Almoner must be well versed in local and national Masonic charities and the scope of their charitable work, so as to offer advice to those who might qualify for such assistance.”

Within Montgomery Lodge the Charity committee, which consists of the Worshipful Master and the Senior and Junior Wardens, is charged with the oversight of the use of Lodge funds for charitable purposes while the Junior Warden is specifically charged with the duty of keeping the Lodge informed about the health of the members Montgomery and their families. Going forward  I will be working with the officers of Montgomery to try insure that we fulfill our obligation and incorporate the duties of Almoner in the daily work of Montgomery.

To assist in the performance of these duties and to help maintain contact with all of the Montgomery brothers, we are reconstituting the Montgomery calling list. Each line officer, and any other brother who wishes to help, will be given a list of Montgomery brothers whom they will contact by phone on a regular basis. This effort will serve both to keep you informed of the activities of the Lodge and also to keep the Lodge officers informed of the health and welfare of the brethren. So if you get a call from a Montgomery brother some night take some time to chat and if you know of any Montgomery brother in distress or ill health please let them know.

When I recently became aware of a Montgomery brother who was in financial distress I sent out a letter requesting contributions to the Lodge Almoners fund. The response to this letter was overwhelming and very much appreciated. The funds provided by the Montgomery brethren have insured that a distressed brother will be able to meet his financial obligations during his time of need. I hope include as part of our long range plan, ways to sustain the Almoners fund

Greetings Brethren,

I hope that everyone had a joyous and wonderful holiday season!!

I’ve had the opportunity over the past month to attend a number of Masonic functions. Some as Master of Montgomery, some as a member of the Scottish Rite, and some as merely a bystander on the sidelines. It never ceases to amaze me how Brothers will pull together to insure that these events are well done. No matter if it is a Brother who is participating in the ritual or one who watches from the sidelines, all have taken time away from their daily lives and families to support the craft in it’s various forms; many times doing so without any recognition or thanks.

One of the questions I have asked myself over the years is: What makes Freemasonry relevant today? In my discussions with friends and family this holiday season this question has once again come to mind. I think the answer is principle. As many of you already know the principle tenants of Freemasonry are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Thinking of these Masonic tenants made me begin to reread Thoreau’s essay “Life Without Principle” and to seek out information on the Internet concerning Masonic principles. I think this quote from MWB Benjamin Franklin expressed it best:

“Freemasonry has tenets peculiar to itself. They serve as testimonials of character and qualifications, which are only conferred after due course of instruction and examination. These are of no small value; they speak a universal language, and act as a passport to the attentions and support of the initiated in all parts of the world. They cannot be lost as long as memory retains its power. Let the possessor of them be expatriated, shipwrecked or imprisoned, let him be stripped of everything he has got in the world, still those credentials remain, and are available for use as circumstances require. The good effects they have produced are established by the most incontestable facts of history. They have stayed the uplifted hand of the destroyer; they have softened the asperities of the tyrant; they have mitigated the horrors of captivity; they have subdued the rancor of malevolence; and broken down the barriers of political animosity and sectarian alienation. On the field of battle, in the solitude’s of the uncultivated forest, or in the busy haunts of the crowded city, they have made men of the most hostile feelings, the most distant regions, and diversified conditions, rush to the aid of each other, and feel a special joy and satisfaction that they have been able to afford relief to a Brother Mason.”

Included in this month’s bulletin is an article concerning Masonic principles which I found on an English website, The Masonic Trowel. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I would also encourage everyone to seek out and read Thoreau’s essay “Life Without Principle”. It is freely available on the Internet and I think it speaks more than ever to the present day. Our annual Montgomery Oyster Stew night was held on January 15. The fellowship and food where both outstanding!! Sr. Steward Shawn Carrick outdid himself with an excellent oyster stew and chili offering. Among the Brothers in attendance was Grand Master MWB Thomas Jackson who rewarded Bro. Shawn’s efforts with the Grand Master’s “Chili Award”. I have no doubt that Bro. Shawn will have a no trouble defending his title as Minnesota Masonry’s Grand Chilimaster.

On February 5, we plan on doing the Entered Apprentice Degree. I hope everyone will consider attending.

Fraternally

Mark Dreyer, Master

HI BROTHERS I’M BACK !

FIRST OF ALL I WANT TO THANK WB. KEN WHITE FOR WATCHING OVER THE RECORDS FOR THE PAST 11 YEARS. WITHOUT HIS WATCHFUL EYE AND GUIDANCE THE LODGE WOULD NOT BE AS WELL OFF AS IT IS TODAY!

NOW HE WILL HAVE MORE TIME FOR HIS FAMILY , GRAND LODGE AND PERHAPS SOME TIME FOR A LITTLE FISHING.

WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING FOR THE LAST 11 YEARS YOU ASK ?

I HAVE BEEN BUSY RAISING MY TWO CHILDREN AND GETTING THEM THROUGH COLLEGE AND GETTING THEM SET TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES.

I SPENT 5 YEARS OWNING AND RUNNING MY OWN BUSINESS. THAT TURNED OUT TO BE QUITE A CHALLENGE. IT WAS NOT TOO BAD WHEN MY KIDS WERE AROUND TO GIVE ME A BREAK ONCE IN AWHILE BUT, ONCE THEY WENT AWAY TO COLLEGE I FOUND THEY WERE HARD TO REPLACE. I FOUND THAT WORKING 14 HOURS A DAY SEVEN DAYS A WEEK GETS OLD AFTER SEVERAL YEARS. SO I SOLD THE BUSINESS TO THE THEN PRESENT LANDLORD AND PROCEEDED TO START OVER AGAIN.

I FOUND A JOB AT METRO TRANSIT ALMOST 8 YEARS AGO DRIVING CITY BUS, WHICH I FOUND TO BE RIGHT UP MY ALLEY. THE PAY AND BENEFITS ARE GOOD BUT, YOU HAVE TO GET USED TO THE HOURS AND FIGHTING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ALL THE TIME.

AS A LOT OF YOU KNOW, I’VE PURCHASED SEVERAL MOTORCYCLES IN THE PAST FEW YEARS AND BECOME ACTIVE WITH A PASSION I’VE HAD SINCE I WAS A BOY. I’VE ALSO BEEN ACTIVE WITH DAYLIGHT LODGE. HAVING BEEN THEIR CHIEF COOK FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS AND THEIR MASTER IN 2007.

THANKS TO WB. KEN , I’VE ALSO BECOME ACTIVE WITH THE GRAND LODGE BEING A DISTRICT REP. FOR THE PAST 2 PLUS YEARS.

ENOUGH ABOUT ME, NOW FOR SOME BUSINESS.

YOUR 2009 DUES ARE NOW “PAST DUE “!!!

IF YOU HAVEN’T PAID YOUR DUES PLEASE SEND THEM IN NOW!

SEND THEM TO : STEPHEN C.OIAN-SEC’Y,
169 N. MCKNIGHT RD. APT. 204,
ST. PAUL, MN 55119

YOU CAN ALSO REACH ME AT H- 651-472-9181, CELL-651-210-2256 OR DADOIAN@COMCAST.NET

REMINDER NOTICES WILL GO OUT FEB. 1ST. PLEASE, HELP THE LODGE SAVE RESOURCES AND TIME AND SEND YOUR IN NOW !

FRATERNALLY, STEPHEN C. OIAN, P.M., SEC’Y

Passed 1/24/1952
Raised 2/16/1952
Died 1/22/2009

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bro. Howard’s widow and family.

Most Worshipful Grand Master Tom Jackson presents the “chili trophy” to our very own Sr. Steward Shawn Carrick at the January 15 oyster stew/chili dinner.

Grand Master Tom invited any lodge with in Minnesota to make their best chili, invite him to dinner, and if he deemed your efforts to be the “Best Chili in Minnesota Masonry” he would award the lodge with the first trophy.

Montgomery stepped up and SS Shawn made his own brand of chili and is seen here accepting the traveling trophy on behalf of Montgomery Lodge.

Let it be known that we are open to all challengers who have the courage to attempt and win the trophy
away from it’s first home.

Greetings Brethren,

First of all I would like to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Muharram, and a Happy NewYear.
As this is my first Master’s Message and because many of you have yet to meet me I thought a brief introduction is in order. I was introduced to the Craft by WB Larry Grufman in 2003 and I will be eternally grateful that he did so. I was appointed Senior Steward by WB Dave Hansen in 2005 and spent many a long night in the kitchen tending to the Steward’s business for Oyster Stew Night, Awards Night, and the preparing meals for degrees. As I have advanced through the chairs over the past several years one of my many joys has been performing the ritual work in each of the degrees. It has definitely advanced my knowledge of the Craft.

I’m very pleased and proud to be leading such a great group of officers for the coming year! Each of them is dedicated to both the Lodge and to the Craft. The ritual work being performed by Montgomery members and officers both past and present is something all of you should be proud of. I’m looking forward seeing everyone taking on new duties and learning their new parts in the ritual work.

As many of you know becoming a lodge officer can be a major commitment in both time and energy. I have been asked by several people why I continue to advance through the chairs knowing this to be true. And the more I have thought about it, the more my mind seems to return one of the basic goals of our Fraternity; that is, to make good men better. I can certainly attest to the fact that over the past five years that I have become a better man because of my involvement as both a Montgomery Lodge officer and as a member of the fraternity.

One of the things I have to be thankful for during this time is the good council whispered in my ear by the Past Masters and members of Montgomery. Whether it has been a discussion in WB Bob Wicke’s office at the Masonic Center on Plato or conversations on the Thursday evening of a stated communication, the advice they have given has proved invaluable to me.

Once again the annual Montgomery Christmas party was a great success. A little Christmas cheer was brought into the lives of more than fifty women and children from a Saint Paul women’s shelter. Entertainment was provided by magician Fred Basch from Twin Cities Magic and Costume, the Five Star Dance Studio, Ron Harmon as Santa Claus along with his elves, and the clowns from Osman Shrine. Special thanks goes out to WB Ken White, WB Bob Wicke, JW Eric Bishop, Senior Steward Shawn Carrick, and the officers and members of Ancient Landmark and Macalester Lodges without whose help this event would not have been possible.

As some of you may already know the East Metro Masters and Wardens Association conducted a 3rd degree on December 13th and Montgomery was well represented. Ten new Master Masons were raised by Grand Master MWB Thomas Jackson, eight of which are members of Montgomery Lodge. Montgomery was also well represented among the cast and crew. WB Dan Skoog, WB Ken White, WB Dave Bergman, SW Kendall Crosby, JW Eric Bishop, Senior Deacon Thomas Keeley, Senior Steward Shawn Carrick, Tyler Tom Hoemke, Brothers Randy Crosby, Chad Valentine, and myself, all had the honor of participating in this magnificent degree.

Due to the New Year’s holiday we’ll be parting slightly with Montgomery tradition this year. The first stated communication in January has traditionally has been Oyster Stew night at Montgomery but this year we will be have our Oyster Stew night at the stated communication on January 15th. What is now planned for the stated communication of January 1st is a showing of the film The Man Who Would Be King.  It is a Rudyard Kipling story starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine. The plot revolves on a Masonic journey of two Englishmen.

I hope to see all of you there!!!

Fraternally,

Mark Dreyer, Master

An excerpt from Mackey’s Encyclopaedia: “In Speculative Masonry we adopt the ashlar in two different states, as symbols of the Apprentice’s Degree. The Rough Ashlar, or stone in its rude and unpolished condition, is emblematic of man in his natural state – ignorant, uncultivated and vicious. But when education has exerted its wholesome influence in expanding his intellect, restraining his passions and purifying his life, he then is represented by the Perfect Ashlar, which, under the skillful hands of the workmen, has been smoothed and squared and fitted in place in the building.”

The York Rite ritual tells us that the Perfect Ashlar reminds us of “that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive by a virtuous education, our own endeavors and the blessing of God”. The operative word here is hope. Perfection is not something we will achieve, but that we must continually strive for; and there lies the Masonic imperative. We are on a journey where there is work to be done everyday. Masonry points the way.

Greetings from the East,

As I write this message, my last as Master of Montgomery Lodge, I have to reflect on how much I have enjoyed presiding in the East and serving our great lodge in 2008. It is hard to believe that almost a year has passed since I was installed and moved up to the East as Master. I feel very lucky to have had the pleasure of working with such a great group of Brothers during my year. I know that years from now I will look back with fond memories of my year; the wonderful events that we hosted and participated in, and the lasting friendships I have made. It has truly been an opportunity I am thankful for and one that I will cherish for a long time.

Widows / Ladies Night on October 16th was one of the events that make me especially proud to be a member of Montgomery. The event began with a very nice dinner and social hour, followed by the traditional ceremony to honor the widows of Montgomery Brothers. The honorary widow for 2008 was Betty Markland, who lost her husband Harold this year. She was presented with the traditional widow’s pin, and along with three other widows, a rose to honor and thank them for their love and support over the years. I felt truly honored and moved to conduct the ritual and it was clear to see that they appreciated the recognition given them. I feel this event reflects well on what we do and it is also a nice opportunity to get the ladies down to lodge to join us. Also present was Worthy Matron Mary Loritz of the Oriental Chapter of the Easter Star, and some of the ladies from their chapter. Overall, it was a very nice evening enjoyed by all.

On November 6th, a Fellowcraft Degree was held for our seven newly admitted brothers, as well as a new Daylight Lodge brother. Our Senior Warden Mark Dreyer presided in the East and did a superb job, as did the entire degree team. Things got a bit crowded at the altar, but Senior Deacon Eric Bishop and the brothers assisting him conducted the brothers smoothly about the lodge. The Staircase Lecture was performed very nicely by WB Greg Deegan and I am sure the new brothers came away with a better understanding and appreciation of our craft, as a result. The degree concluded with a very fine performance of the first lecture by brothers Tim Lloyd and Tom Hoemke. The quality of the ritual work at Montgomery never seems to waver and it is always a pleasure to work with the brothers to put on the degrees.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving, and I hope the time spent with family and friends is fulfilling and enjoyed by all. Thanksgiving is a time for all of us to reflect on the gifts bestowed on us as Americans and the freedom we enjoy. We are indeed facing some very challenging times right now in the world, but in spite of those challenges we still have a lot to be thankful for. While many people seek happiness in life through monetary wealth, our fraternity teaches us that sustained happiness is found elsewhere. Our commitments to our families, friends, charities, and helping our fellow man whenever possible will make us feel far richer than any richness money can bring. This Thanksgiving, may we all take a moment to reflect on just how fortunate we are to live in a free society with so many rights and privileges, including meeting openly and freely in our lodge. There are a lot of places in the world where that would not be possible.

On November 29th, Montgomery will again be having a Christmas tree sale. It will be held at Kendall’s Ace Hardware on Payne Avenue. Last year we embarked on this new endeavor as a way to raise money for charities and also the awareness of our lodge in the community. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Johnson High School Band and to the Boy Scouts. If last year is any indication, I am confident that we will again have some of the most beautiful trees for sale in town. The trees will be sold every day of the week until we run out and if you are able to help with the sale please contact Bro. Tim Lloyd at Kendall’s Hardware to volunteer. All help will be appreciated.

On December 6th we will be having our annual installation of officers at 200 E. Plato. The installation is open to everyone, so feel free to invite family and friends. This year it will be held at 4 p.m. with a dinner to follow. A nice turnout would be great to welcome the new officers in their new positions.

December 13th will be a very busy day at Montgomery. We will begin early with our annual Christmas party starting at 9 a.m. The party will have the traditional clowns for the kids, music, a magician and dancers from a dance company. It will be great fun for the whole family. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. A Master Mason Degree, following the Christmas party, will be conducted at 1 p.m. by the East Metro Masters and Wardens group. The first half of the degree will have RWB Thomas McCarthy, Deputy Grand Master, presiding in the East as Master. Then in the second half, our Grand Master MWB Thomas Jackson will preside in the East as King Solomon. There will be ten new brothers raised by our Grand Master so it will be a day you will not want to miss.

I want to again thank all the brothers of Montgomery who have supported me this year and contributed so much towards making my year a success. Without their help, advice, and many contributions it would not have been possible. I have been very fortunate to have had a great line of officers and I can’t thank them enough. I look forward to helping the future masters and officers of Montgomery in 2009, and beyond.

Fraternally,

Dave Bergman, Master

I was raised 37 years ago in Nov. 1971.  I was asked into the line in 1982 by soon to be Master, Dennis Schmidt, and served as your Master in 1987.  I became your secretary when then secretary, Steve Oian agreed to take over as your Jr. Warden in 1996.  I have stayed on in this position (except for a very brief period of a couple months) since 1996.  I have served in the Grand Lodge since 2000 first as a District Rep and currently as the Metro East Area Deputy Grand Master. I had the honor of being the Grand Chaplain in 2007. 

 I have fond memories of WB Lou Goldie (1964), WB Clearence Fagerstrom (1957) (who taught me the Middle Chamber lecture),  WB Walter Berquist (Master in 1928), WB Sig Bertelsen (1945), WB Harvey Damsgard (1955), WB Dan Skoog (1974), WB Em Stanley (1966), WB Charles Delmore (Master at my raising) and of course my Dad, Clyde White 1978.  I was lifted off my feet by WB “Beef” Monson, during an evening of meeting 3 strangers that I will never forget.  Being guided to my fate by SD Dan Skoog and having him whisper good council in my ear after two encounters, “that was strange, lets get to the Master”, faster up the North then WHAM, off my feet.  Thank you WB Dan for a wonder job of and doing it the “Montgomery way”. 

As the Master in 1987, I had the honor of opening Grand Lodge that year in St. Paul for MWB Donald Sether.  What an honor and great moment in my Masonic journey.  

I remember our old building and the many, many pancake breakfasts where I’d get there at 4:30 in the morning to start the sausage.  Always there before me were Gene and Carl Kornman,  WB Dennis Schmidt and my dad.  They’d always ask “why you so late”?  I always said, “coming from Golden Valley you’d think someone from St. Paul would have coffee made by now”.  Carl would walk over to “his” coffee maker and pour me a cup.   

So many are no longer here that remember the annual fishing party sponsored by the Montgomery Sportsman Club that was held at lodge, the wild rice, chicken kiev dinners, the annual fishing trip to various lakes, the trips to Winnipeg to visit our sister lodge, Norwood, or our hosting of their visits to St. Paul.  How about trying to figure out how to decide what do we fix first with no money?  The roof, the boiler, pay our taxes.  Decisions, decisions.  But what great memories. 

My brothers and friends, looking back on these very fast 37 years, I can only say “Thank You, its been a great time”.   As I will not accept the position of secretary for the upcoming year, and for the first time in over 25 years, I will not be associated with the Montgomery line, I only hope I left Montgomery as good, or better, than when I arrived.  Following in the foot steps of such good brothers who helped to build Montgomery into what it is has been one of the joys in my life.  The friend-ships and memories will go with me to my grave. 

To the current officers, in coming officers and new members, remember your past.  Study it and look into it and see where we came from.  Talk to and examine the “old timers” you have while you still can.  Build our future and keep a strong, rich, tradition alive. 

I know I have not mentioned everyone here that I care for and helped me through out my Masonic journey, but I’m sure you know you were not left out because I don’t care.  WB Stan Derickson,  WB Bob Wicke ( the back bone of Montgomery for 10 years), WB Steve O, Tim O,  Maxie,  WB Dave Seitz, WB Wally Jergenson, WB Raebern Hitchcock, WB Gordy,  Don Townsend,  WB Harold Abelson, WB Ron “digger”, Ron Dexter, Woody, Bloomer, and on and on and on. 
 
My biggest THANK YOU goes to my wife Christine, who has allowed me to pursue these friend-ships and spend countless, countless evenings as what she calls herself,  a “Masonic widow“.  To her I look forward to our future together and the thoughts of spending many, many Thursdays catching up. 

 Sr. Warden Mark, I’m only a phone call away. 

Fraternally yours. 

WB Kenneth White – PM 1987

Greetings brothers, 

I am very pleased to announce that Montgomery Lodge will be hosting five new candidates to become Masons on October 2nd.  The Entered Apprentice degree team will be led by our Junior Warden Kendal Crosby who will preside in the East. I know he will do a great job as the Master for the degree, as will the entire degree team. The evening will begin with a dinner at 6 p.m. with the degree to follow at 7 p.m.  It will undoubtedly be an evening of fine ritual work and a nice turnout to welcome our new candidates will be appreciated. 

  Masonry is a progressive science meant to make good men better and the Entered Apprentice degree is the first step towards that very laudable and fulfilling goal.  Working with new candidates, for me, is one of the most enjoyable parts of Masonry. Seeing them experience new light for the first time as they enter our lodge is very rewarding knowing they are joining our Masonic journey and enriching their lives and the people all around them in the process.  After all is said and done in life it is how we treat our fellow man that matters most and our beloved fraternity is a great vehicle for that. The satisfaction and fascination with money and material wealth quickly fade in life but a great friendship is forever.  Masonry has withstood the test of time by embracing the virtues that matter most and that truly bring lasting happiness to all.  The tenants of our institution are perpetual and are as relevant today as they have ever been. 

On October 16th we will be hosting our Ladies Night / Widows Night at our lodge.  This event is held annually to recognize the ladies in our lives and their many contributions.  It is also a night to honor the widows of Montgomery brothers who have passed away in the last year.  The evening will begin with dinner at 6 p.m. with the ritual to begin at 7 p.m.  I hope many of you can set aside some time to join us at Montgomery in celebrating all the things, big and small, that the women do to make our lives better every day. 

 In November 6th we will be putting on a Fellowcraft degree.  Our Senior Warden Mark Dreyer will be presiding in the East and I know we will be witnessing some very nice ritual work. 

The evening will begin with a dinner at 6 p.m. with the degree to follow at 7 p.m.  I am confident it will be a nice evening for all in attendance with the candidates receiving more light in Masonry and continuing their Masonic journey.  Again, a nice turnout on the sidelines will be beneficial to all. 

Late in November we will be having our annual Christmas tree sale at Kendal’s Hardware located at Payne & Maryland. The sale will begin on the morning of Saturday, November 29th. 

We embarked upon this new endeavor last year as a way of raising money for charities, and awareness of our lodge and Masonry on the east side.  Montgomery Lodge to many is still an east side lodge and we are committed to helping the east side, its citizens and families.  Any brothers who can help with the sale in any capacity are urged to contact me or this year’s event coordinator brother Tim Lloyd.  Your help will be greatly appreciated and it will be for a good cause. 

Finally, in December we will be hosting our annual Christmas party on December 13th.  This has been a tradition at Montgomery for many years and is always a lot of fun.  It is a family event with a nice variety of entertainment.  There is plenty to enjoy with clowns, a magician, and some very talented dancers from a dance company.  There is food, fun, and fellowship for all and you won’t want to miss it. Specific times will be posted in the November bulletin. 

 Immediately following the Christmas party on the 13th we will be assisting Masters and Wardens in putting on a Master Mason degree.  Adding to the ritual experience will be the raising of the candidates to the sublime degree of a Master Mason by our Grand Master Thomas Jackson.  It will all and all be a great day at the lodge that you won’t want to miss.  

See you soon in lodge, 

Fraternally,  

Dave Bergman, Master