Hello Brothers, I have one very important thing to say and that is THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. To all the Brothers and all the Ladies who helped with the Canadian visitation, and you all know who you are, a very big and heartfelt THANK YOU. Many people helped to make the weekend a smashing success, but I want to give special thanks to: Ron Larson, our overall event coordinator, great job Ron. Jan and Art Lingo, hospitality room coordinators, you did a remarkable job and what a great idea to make our closing night ceremony an English Pub night. Gail and Bruce Sherman for floral arrangements and table settings and organizational help which started all the way back in 2005 on the bus ride home from Canada last time. Justin Carlin, our liquid refreshment manager and bar keep scheduler, need I say more? Angel, Bob and Kim Eckstrom for all the food on Friday's Welcome night. Chris Buck and Kim, for providing welcome baskets and the slide show of our last trip to Canada, as well as being our official event photographer. (See the photos in this newsletter) And to everyone else who worked so hard, a final thank you.
It was a smashing success. The banquet was very well attended with 100 people dining. The food was fabulous. There were toasts and presentations. W.B. Ron Larson made a very moving presentation of a traveling eternal flame, to commemorate all the Brothers of our two lodges who have preceded us to the celestial lodge above. The Grand Master, M.W. Ray Christensen spoke to us of the importance of honoring traditions like ours, which dissolve political boundaries and turn neighbors into brothers. The Royal Court of King Boreas Rex 71 paid us a visit and even knighted several of our Brothers on the spot, including the Grand Master. The band played and the guests danced and talked late into the night. The Grand Master and his wife Joan even stayed long after they said they would have to leave to drive home to Duluth, because they were having so much fun. It was a glorious night, and a great deal of Masonic Light was generated there. If you missed it, no amount of telling will allow you to experience that light, but life long friendships were begun and/or strengthened during this weekend. Be sure to plan ahead and join us over the Labor Day weekend in 2009, when we will again board a bus and be off to visit friends and Brothers in Winnipeg.
I'll see you all in Lodge,
Todd Henderson, Master
I wish to make a few comments on a thought-provoking article that was offered in the September newsletter. First I want to point out that our AL No. 5 newsletter specifically states, "Any article appearing in this publication expresses only the opinion of the writer, and does not reflect the official position of Ancient Landmark Lodge No. 5 or the Grand Lodge of Minnesota." A person, however, reading the article in question may have mistakenly interpreted the letter to have had the endorsement of a committee of the Grand Lodge, which is not the case.
The author makes a number of interesting statements, including:
Outside of the lodge room, Masonry as we know it now has changed as the culture has changed, but this is not a bad thing; it is normal and to be expected. Inside the lodge room, our ritual is largely the same as it has been for a couple hundred years as I understand it. Some lodges provide an ambience about the ritual which approaches a religious liturgy. Candles are utilized, formalized entry into the lodge is provided, and a sense of awe and inspiration is created. Creating such an ambience can feel like a more "spiritual" or inspirational "ritual experience" to a number of Masons, and this slant on the ritual is available to any lodge which wishes to practice it as long as the ritual itself is spoken correctly. We at Ancient Landmark No. 5 are less formal in our approach to ritual but adhere to the same verbiage as we are required to do. Any lodge that wishes to change the context in which the ritual is performed may do so to some degree if the lodge membership decides that it is appropriate. We have that freedom. The obligations, as we know, never change, regardless of what slant on the ritual is practiced.
The article seems to imply that the social aspects of Masonry outside of the lodge room are having a detrimental effect on the practice of Masonry inside the lodge room. I submit to you that a successful and happy practice of Masonry inside the lodge room is enhanced by solid, fulfilling social congress on the outside of the lodge room. As Masons, we know that what happens inside the lodge room stays inside the lodge room. In the 21st Century, many of us are especially cognizant of the fact that a Mason is also, often, a family man and that the experience of Masonry and Masonic character building is not practiced by the Mason to the total exclusion of his family from a practical standpoint. Masonry in the early 20th Century was practiced at a time when the wives of Masons did not even have the right to vote in the United States. We have come a long way since then in a social context, and younger Masons realize the importance of letting their ladies into their lives. We know that our ladies will not be made Masons and we don't suggest any change in that basic Masonic law, but we find that including our ladies and sometimes children in activities outside of the lodge room is an appropriate, "lodge-building" program. In the minds of a "Modern Mason" our ladies' acquiescence in our considerable, time-consuming Masonic activities should afford them occasions to spend time with the "Masonic family" outside the lodge room with their gentlemen brothers. There is no inherent reason as to why a family activity outside of the lodge room must infringe upon the sanctity, sacred space if you will, and special nature of Masonry practiced inside the lodge room. Ancient Landmark No. 5 has chosen to create a larger lodge family which extends outside of the lodge room and foments special friendships and bonds beyond the inside of the lodge room. We look at this as a very good thing that in no way "denigrates" or "suppresses" "traditionalist views" (to use the author in question's words) which are expressed inside the lodge room. We see this as relevant to the interests and needs of our brother Masons and their families and to the good of Masonry in general.
A Mason's obligations cannot be suppressed or denigrated by social interaction outside of the lodge room unless un-Masonic activities are engaged in. Indeed, Masonry is practiced not only inside the lodge room but in a Mason's entire life, but even more so, on the outside as well. Yes, the exterior face of Masonry has changed over 200 years because the cultural context in which Masonry lives has changed. Perhaps the level of solemnity in performing and observing our lodge rituals has been something less than optimal as we have become a more casual society, but our social interactions outside of the lodge should not dictate our behavior inside it. In the end, however, the ritual is made for us; we're not made for the ritual.
The decline in membership, cited by the author, is a phenomenon that has been in process for decades. Robert Putnam in the national bestseller, "Bowling Alone", says that in the late 1800's almost 1 in 5 men belonged to a social organization. Later on in the 20th century, membership in 32 diverse, national, chapter-based social organizations such as B'nai B'rith, Knight of Columbus, Elks Clubs, PTA, 4H, Grange, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, League of Women Voters, and Masonry peaked in the 1950s and 1960s whereas membership in other organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary and Optimists maintained a high plateau until the 1980s, after which their membership has fallen dramatically as well. And so, the author's contention that Masonry has become an "ineffective version of the Lions Club, Rotary Club, etc is false. All of the membership figures for these organizations have fallen dramatically. This phenomenon is merely a sign of the times, not an indictment of Masonry. Masonry has never tried emulating these types of honorable service clubs, but represents a very different proposition for a man than does a typical service club. You as Masons know the difference.
Regarding the ritual itself, one can argue that making the ritual experience of Masonry conform to the individual preferences of all Masons in a lodge is probably not possible, but the relevance of the ritual and the concepts of Masonry remain perfectly relevant and important to Masons. Masonry provides a unique path to build the spirit within the man, and Masonry is every bit as relevant now as it was 200 years ago, if not more so. Masonry, however, is not for every man.
Remember, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Our purpose is unchanged through these centuries: Our purpose in Masonic work is to make ourselves living stones for that house not made with hands. Masonry cannot promise you wages; the wages you are paid are the wages you pay yourself.
Fraternally,
Bro. Chris Buck
I am a Mason from another Lodge. As soon as I am eligible, I plan to petition for dual membership and become an official Brother of A.L.5. The past few days made me realize what a special group of Masons you truly are.
I am writing this after just returning from one of the most incredible, meaningful and exhausting events of my life – the visitation of Ancient Landmark 3 from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Fellowship, Brotherhood and Masonic traditions that were clearly and constantly evident throughout the weekend brought me to tears several times (how could they not?).
I received a copy of your last newsletter because, after attending some of A.L.5’s past functions, I requested to be put on the mailing list. Is this the same organization that was accused of denigrating the tenets of Masonry in that newsletter? Do Masonic social functions lessen the meaning or impact of Brotherhood, Fraternity and Fellowship or do they just serve to strengthen our Masonic ties? I think they allow us to involve our Ladies in the Fraternity and permit them to be part of Masonry. There could not have been more sincere emotion and caring during the visitation if we had rehearsed it.
It is not possible to be more genuinely Masonic than both Lodges were this past weekend. Sleep deprivation (did anyone stay awake after the Canadians left on Monday?) can’t lessen the connections that were made and/or strengthened. I mentioned being exhausted but I didn’t say how renewed and refreshed I was at the same time. We shared meals, tours, history and traditions with 45 or so visitors and each of us benefited from that sharing. We observed traditions and rituals throughout the weekend that made friends out of strangers and Brothers out of friends. The “Lodge Ladies” went ‘above and beyond’ preparing food, arranging hospitality and assisting in any way they could. The Brothers went out of their way to ensure that not a person felt left out or ignored. You gave hospitality an entirely new meaning. How is it possible to be more Masonic than that? I couldn’t feel prouder to be connected with such an incredible group. You ARE my Brothers!
Masonically,
Brother Jeff Ansel
Those wishing to send letters for print in this newsletter can send them to: editor@ancientlandmark5.com
I would like to capitalize on the current controversy in this newsletter by expanding it into a larger discussion about the challenges facing modern masonry. Bearing in mind that we will not print any disparaging remarks toward what others have previously said or toward any lodge or Masonic body. "The trouble with masonry" seems to be a popular topic that many have an opinion about. A thoughtful discussion about the changes to masonry (both past and future) could liven up the newsletter, educate some of our members, and even possibly provide some useful ideas about increasing membership. None of those things, however, will be possible without an open mind. Some may say unpopular things but that does not make them wrong, others will have to be given the benefit of the doubt, as writing is far less flexible than conversation and misunderstandings seem amplified once in print. These rules should also be applied to everything written thus far. If we lash out at those that tell us things we don't want to hear no one will be left to point out when we're going the wrong way.
I would love to hear from some of our older members where they think masonry's place in today's world is. If our goal is to add younger members maybe we should listen to what some of our younger members have to say about why they joined and what they think keeps more people their age from joining.
To what extend can we as individuals affect change? What can our lodge do better? To what extend are we empowered by, or beholden to, the Grand Lodge when it comes to change?
These topics offer fertile ground for discussion and could be greatly beneficial to our lodge if we can live up to the ideals our institution is founded upon and restrict ourselves to only that noble contention of who can best agree--or at least, agree to disagree.
Kyle Smeby
Editor, Junior Steward
First and most important this month is LADIES NIGHT on October 11th. The agenda is dinner from 6 to 7pm and Lodge membership awards, and then from 7 to 8 Jan Lingo will be talking about her experience of living in Saudi Arabia, and then from 8 to 9 a dance instructor will teach ballroom dancing. Practice for some, teaching for others. Remember you all, "dancing is fun and fun is good." We need more ladies to participate, if you are reluctant or shy please make the extra effort to come I will do all that I can to make it worth your time.
Recently, Jane and I hosted a mini family reunion on Jane's side of the family. Now, family is defined as a group of people that are closely related. In this family, they define family to include spouses as well. And it is so interesting to me that people who outside of these family gatherings rarely meet, yet when they get together they have this incredible connection among them. They catch up on the news between one another, they talk about members who have passed, members not able to attend, and occasionally you will hear a story that at one time would not have been repeated. In case you were wondering, in Jane's past, a long ago ancestor picked up a little Gypsy blood along the love line.
The Canadian visitation is/was a family reunion. It is a family of people based on similar interests who came together catch up on the news between them, to meet new members, to share past stories, to experience new stories and most importantly to spread the cement of brotherly love.
I and we should be thankful for families which we have in our lives. Families put up with us and we put up with families. It is our principles which bind us together.
I look forward to hearing your stories at our gatherings.
Fraternally,
Alan Peterson, SW
Our October Stated meeting will not only be Ladies Night, (see Alan Peterson's article, From The West for details) but we will also be recognizing our 10, 25, 50, and even 70 year Masons. We will recognize these men during and just after dinner with our Ladies. Be sure to join us for this evening on October 11, 2007 at 6pm . And please, call ahead to 651-222-2643, and let us know how many from your family want to join us for dinner.
As we are ever more cautious of guarding our SSN's and various banking and credit records it is interesting to note that one of the first concerns of the craft was and is the prevention of identity theft. Many of the Grand Lodge regulations advance that end. You must have a charter on display in the east before opening a lodge. No matter how abbreviated or irregular the opening the Tyler must take his station. Indeed the first as well as the last care of Masons when in Lodge is to see that the lodge is duly Tiled.
Why all this concern with cowans and eavesdroppers? Any one who knew the signs and passwords could claim to be and be accepted as an operative mason. And as the life and welfare of every one within a building was dependant on the proper execution of the art of stone masonry. Having a mere cowan, who was only qualified to carry stones and do minor jobs in the quarry, or even a lesser eavesdropper gain the ability to pass as a mason was not just an affront to those who labored for years to learn the craft, It was a public menace.
With the forming of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Affiliated Masons in 1717 codes of proper conduct were enacted for the regulation of all Chartered Lodges. Then the issue of identity had more to do with safeguarding the members from criminal and political retribution arising from the practice of forbidden practices. These practices included freedom to assemble, travel and to democratically elect officers ETC. This tradition remains in effect as shown by our initiation for the 1st degree which is a lengthy obligation to secrecy, and the immediate tiling of the assembly as soon as all within have been ascertained to be of proper status.
Next Month: Will you be off or from?
Ancient Landmark #5 will hold our fourth Bunco Night on Saturday, November 10th starting at 6:00 p.m. . Our first three Bunco Nights have been great successes! If you've never participated before, here's your chance for a most enjoyable evening of fun, friendship, and great food. We will once again have a catered buffet supper and, hopefully, delicious rum cake for dessert from our renowned "bakin' bunco babes".
Prizes, in the form of gift certificates, for high score, most buncos, last bunco, low score, and door prize, will be rewarded.
There will be a $10.00 per person charge to defray the cost of the supper and prizes, but we guarantee you'll have lots of enjoyment for the cost!
Bunco is a great socializing game of chance which is easily learned by first-timers after a couple of practice rounds. There's no strategy involved here, only luck and fun.
This is an excellent time for our new brothers, prospective members, and their ladies to come down to the lodge for an entertaining and positive experience.
Please plan on joining us; call in your reservation to the lodge by November 1st, and mark your calendar now!
Bonnie Benson, Worthy Matron, (651) 649-0089, cell (612) 845-0555
Allan Kauppi, Worthy Patron, (763) 754-2477
Laura Ochs, Secretary, (952) 431-5961
Please keep in your prayers:
The family of Sr. Liz Kuhns and her granddaughter's medical problems.
Bro. John Drake who recently had surgery.
Sister Katherine Waterhouse who came to the Masonic Home from California on June 26.
October 4, 2007--Regular time, 7pm, Honoring Ruth and Electa. We will have a short program during the social time after the meeting. Please come if your can. Call if you need transportation.
October 13, 2007--9am-12n-Dad's Belgium Waffle Breakfast, St. Paul Masonic Center, 200 East Plato Boulevard, St. Paul, MN -This is a fund-raiser for "Partners For Life", the major project of our Worthy Grand Matron, Helen Johnson, and Worthy Grand Patron, Dave MacPherson. It is a project to help build a new clinic at the U of Minnesota.
October 18, 2007--5:30pm Potluck, School of Instruction, Halloween Party--Come in costume.
November 1, 2007--Little Red Stocking Kick-off. This is our community service project. Come and learn all about it.
November 15, 2007--Food Shelf/Thanksgiving
We are planning a holiday party for Sunday, December 9. The final plans have not been decided. We will keep everyone informed.
We have sent the paperwork to the jurisprudence committee for our request to go to one meeting a month rather than two but it has not been approved as yet.
October is again going to be our All Work Less Month. Please send in your donation for the Bakeless Bake Sale/Fall Festival. This could be what you might spend on crafts, dinners, etc.
The dues notices will go out in the October/November time frame. When you receive them please return them promptly. The next newsletter will be included in the Ancient Landmark newsletter. Please look for our column there.
Published monthly except July and August by Ancient Landmark Lodge No. 5. Non subscription newsletter to members and friends.
Any article appearing in this publication expresses only the opinion of the writer, and does not reflect the official position of Ancient Landmark Lodge No. 5 or the Grand Lodge of Minnesota.
Permission to reprint articles appearing in this publication will be granted only on request to the Lodge Secretary. When reprinted, articles should note "Reprinted with permission of Ancient Landmark Lodge No.5 Newsletter, month and year" All articles subject to editing and become the property of Ancient Landmark Lodge No. 5.