On Saturday, September 27 Masonic Charities 4th Annual GALA was held at the Minneapolis Club. There were 10 Lodge charitable programs being recognized as special. Ancient Landmark, along with Montgomery Lodge, was recognized for the "Archery in the Schools" program which was initiated by our Lodges. By teaching kids archery in Minnesota schools it was our hope that kids not only would have some fun, but also take the lessons of archery, for example taking aim at the target adjusting the aim for size and distance, and applying these skills to everyday life. Another benefit discussed was to get kids active out of doors -- to get kids doing things other then that which involves a monitor or TV. It was our belief that if we could make a difference in kids’ lives than our gift of money would be well spent. Though it is nice that our Lodges were recognized, we from Ancient Landmark need to recognize the volunteers in this program all across Minnesota. Most especially we should recognize Brother Ken White from Montgomery Lodge who developed and implemented this program. Without those many volunteers all across the state, the "Archery in the Schools" program would not have "hit the target."
It was a wonderful evening with nice speeches, terrific music, and interesting talks with others at the table. I am happy to report to you that the real Santa Claus is alive and well and was sitting at our table. How I know it was the real Santa, you ask. Well, that same question was asked that night of Santa. Easy, he said, the real Santa has a birthmark. At which point he rolled up his right sleeve to expose his forearm. And there on his forearm was a 3 colored Santa on a sleigh - his birthmark - living proof that he was THE Santa.
It was a wonderful evening with wonderful people and I hope to do it again next year.
Fraternally,
Alan Peterson, Master
On Thursday, September 25 Ancient Landmark Lodge #5 conferred the First Degree of Masonry on 13 candidates.
Thanks to all the brothers that participated and we hope everyone gets a chance to welcome these men into the craft.
Every 4 years we in the U.S.A. get the opportunity to elect our president. Also every four or eight years we witness a peaceful transition of power from one administration to the next. That peaceful transition is something of a marvel in this world. Our Founding Fathers did a pretty good job of forward thinking back when they crafted the Constitution.
I hope you take part in voting for the candidate of your choice.
Brethren, the year is winding down. Heck Thanksgiving is only a couple of weeks away! But the Lodge is still going strong. You won’t want to miss this month’s Stated Communication. We are finishing up the awards night with presentations of 10, 25 and 50 year pins.
Looking ahead:
We have the Third Degree coming up on December 6th.
The December Stated Communication and elections on the 11th.
The annual Christmas Party – December 13th.
Looking well into the future:
Next Labor Day weekend we will be making the trek up to Winnipeg. It could be possible that the US will require a passport, or the wallet card version, to return to the US. We’ll keep checking on the status of passport requirements.
That is about all from the West.
Loren
Ancient Landmark Lodge #5 recently had the privilege of honoring our newest 60 year members.
Left to right, Howard Weiss, Robert Vesaas and Herbert Sloane
I want to stress two points I have made in earlier articles.
You will recall that I wrote earlier about this being an election year. I suggested that you use your knowledge of Masonic principles—tolerance, understanding, and democracy—to judge how well each candidate’s views and past actions reflect these principles. I also asked you to vote. Please do so. This is the primary agent for change that we possess as citizens of this great country. I would also remind you that we are not only voting for President and Vice President. All of our members of Congress and one of our Senators are up for re-election this year.
Secondly, I would like to remind you of the need we have for help in conducting the Second and Third Degrees. We have over ten candidates who will be going through these two degrees this fall. We need your help in being guides for both degrees and in being participants in the second half of the Third Degree. We also need your presence in Lodge during these ceremonies to show your support for these new Brothers.
Allan Floyd,
Junior Warden
6pm Dinner
7pm Opening of Lodge
November 13th is awards night for 10 year members, 25 year members and 50 year members. Please come visit and support our award members.
December 6th The Third Degree begins at 9AM
December 11th brings us to our annual elections and the renewal of our lodge’s line.
December 13th Saturday morning Holiday party for children
April 8 – 18, 2009
Scotland, London & Paris
All Masons are invited to join us for the One Day Meeting of the Grand Chapter on April 11, 2009, in beautiful Dundee, Scotland. To make this experience even more enjoyable, we’ve arranged a complete tour through this wonderful part of the world.
You’ll spend one night in Edinburgh, Scotland, upon arrival before heading to Dundee for your two night stay here. Set by the River Tay, it’s one of Europe’s most impressive geographic locations. Next, it’s off to London where you will have three nights to enjoy the rich history of this exciting city. While in London, a half-day sightseeing tour will be included. You’ll then travel by the Chunnel to our next stop, Paris. From the Champs-Élysées to the Eiffel Tower, spending time in the City of Lights promises to be one of the highlights of your trip.
Our tour includes first-class hotel accommodations for nine nights, deluxe motorcoach transportation, and the Eurostar train from London to Paris.
Tour Prices
$2,525 – double occupancy
$2,410 – triple occupancy
$3,400 – single occupancy
(Prices based on a minimum of 20 participants) Airfare also available; call for details.
For more information on this spectacular tour, please contact Bonnie Benson at: 612-845-0555 or Karla Chopp at Macy’s Travel: 800-669-2884.
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.
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