masonic the february 2019 messenger -...

MasonicMessengerFreedom • Integrity • Tolerance Faith • Hope • Charity

THE February 2019

Tidings from the East

Bauder steps down from state Save A Child duties It has been an honor, a pleasure and incredible reward to have served the Brothers of the Grand Lodge in the capacity of Coordinator of the Save A Child program (MMSAP) for the past several years, in a second round. The time has come to hand the duties to another and I have done so. Increasingly, I find my thoughts straying to wife, travel, model rail-roading, reading, wife, model rail-

roading, returning to Yosemite, another tour of the Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, DC and Virginia era of our lives and maybe a little television. Accordingly, in November of 2018 I asked the Grand Master to accept my resignation and appoint a Broth-er with experience, commitment and pride to fill the responsibilities as State Coordinator. I believe that MW Brother DaNiel has decided upon

the right person to head this crucial program into the next decade. To the leaders of Grand Lodge over the years: I thank you for the trust reposed, the support that was always in huge supply, the abundant and palpable commitment that is al-ways required and the belief that we can, together with our valued educa-tional staff in every town, make life worth living for our young people. To my Brothers of South Dakota:

It’s been a trip of positive experi-ences, incomparable highs and memories which I will carry with me forever. Thanks for the opportunities, the education and, now … for the memories. Oh, yes, I would be remiss if I didn’t ask … have you given sup-port – personal or monetary – or even verbal to this incredible South Dakota Masonic institution for chil-dren? Recently?? Thank you.

It’s hard to believe that the Masonic year is half completed, but that also means we have several months remaining to further accomplish our goals. When I was installed as Grand Master, I made sev-eral commitments on the floor of the Grand Lodge to the Masons of our state. First are foremost, that I would work to restore peace within the Craft, that I will promote open transparency, and that I would decrease the separation between the Grand Lodge and the Masons of our state. The first step towards restoring peace involved forgiveness and wiping the slate clean. I am well aware of everything that transpired, and in fact was present several years ago at what I believe to be the point of igni-tion. Regardless of what was said or done by anyone involved, we were not going to make an advancement without complete forgiveness. I didn’t ask anyone to forget, only to forgive, and to agree to a new starting point. This is an ongoing process and will take some time, but I’m optimistic that peace and harmony have been cultivated and are taking root. Open transparency and reducing separation go somewhat hand-in-hand. Whenever there has been something that affected Masons as a whole, I have, and will continue to share that information state-wide. The most efficient means is through our Grand Lodge email blasts (if you’re not getting them, contact your Lodge secretary to have your email address

entered into MORI), OLP, and the Grand Lodge website. If you are receiv-ing the email blasts, you would have gotten the Grand Lodge financials for the previous two years and our independent audit report covering the finances, our investments, investment restrictions, and overall rating of our practices. Through our email blasts, website, and MORI/OLP, all Masons in good standing were invited to attend the Grand Lodge midyear meeting. The format was changed this year and I asked the District Masters, Finance, Trustees, Jurisprudence, Foundation, and 2019 Conference of Grand Masters committees to all give reports on the year thus far. My intention was to restructure this into a state-of-the-union type of meeting where any Mason could attend and gain information on our inner workings. Fol-lowing each report, time was allotted for questions pertinent to the topic. There shouldn’t be anyone who walked away from this session not know-ing exactly what is happening within the Grand Lodge. These are but a handful of examples of the steps being taken and it is my sincere hope that they have made progress towards goals that I know we all share, and that they will expand into the future. May peace within the Craft prevail, and Brotherly love unite and cement us.

Fraternally,DaNiel D. Wood

Grand Master of MasonsGrand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of South Dakota

2 • Masonic Messenger February 2019

Greetings from the South! I would like to thank all the Brothers for making the mid-year meeting an enjoyable one. Pierre Lodge #27 did a wonderful job accom-modating us. All your hard work is appreciated. We had a productive meeting and many current issues were discussed and debated on. One of the topics was the Con-ference of Grand Masters which is coming up very quickly. Brothers,

your help at this event is needed. We are needing volunteers to help make this event a successful one. The more people we have to help, the less each of our volunteers will have to do and hopefully will be able to participate in some of the events that are planned. I hope to see you in Rapid City February 15th – 19th. We also had the Lodge of Ma-sonic Research mid-year meeting. It was also a well attended meeting. A special thank you to PM Doug Thorson for giving his speech on “Why are we Masons?/Why am I a Mason?” It is my hope that we all can hear this speech at some point. I believe that many in attendance

were deeply moved by his words. I know that so many of us have had or will have moments that open our eyes to why we do what we do each and every day as Masons. My wish is that more of us will feel comfort-able sharing Masonic moments with our Brethren. There is value in what we do. We may not see it right away but by keeping our eyes and ears open those realizations will become apparent. They may show up in

our Lodge, in our Brothers, in our neighbors or quite possibly in our children. We are good men trying every day to make ourselves and our fellow Masons better men, but NOT better than anyone else. By constantly working to smooth the rough ashlar we are models to each other, our communities and our family. This is a great and noble Fraternity and I am proud to be a part of it. Thanks for all you do for Masonry in South Dakota.

Notes from the Junior Grand Warden

Greetings from the Deputy This has been a busy year with efforts being expended to ensure your Grand Lodge is representing you and work-ing to improve Masonry in South Dakota. We have so much to get done and all of a sudden realize we are through half of our Masonic year. With the Midyear Conference for the Grand Lodge and the Lodge of Masonic Research only a week away, it only highlights the need for our members to stay informed and engaged in the great works that are accomplished around our jurisdic-tion. I hope to see all of you in Pierre and that you may contribute to the strength of our fraternity. The Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America is only a month away (February 14-20) at Rapid City. This event is hosted by South Dakota Masons and we are working hard to make it the best conference ever. We will be showcas-

ing many of the unique things about South Dakota throughout the con-ference; Saturday night event, “Taste of South Dakota” followed by our own Native American group Brule’; or Sunday night’s event at Mount Rushmore with a George Washing-ton re-enactor and a great meal; the Deadwood Live event on Monday evening; or the Central High School Orchestra on Tuesday evening. We request your support for this event and volunteer as a guide, driver, information provider, greeter, etc. Sign up and be part of this once in a lifetime event as well as enjoy some of the Breakout Sessions or the eve-ning events. This event belongs to all South Dakota Masons and I encour-age you to partake, enjoy and meet masons from around the world. You can volunteer and sign up for other activities by contacting Sharon Ver-brugge at the Grand Lodge Office, 605-332-2051 or 800-462-7661 or email: [email protected] and let her know what days/times you can help and areas you would like to work. Bring your spouse and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.

Fraternally,Harold D. Ireland, DGM

Make plans now to attendthe 145th Annual Communication

of the Grand Lodge Ancient Free andAccepted Masons of South Dakota,

to be held at theBest Western Ramkota Hotel

in Sioux Falls June 20-22, 2019.Please be sure to haverepresentatives from

your Lodge in attendance.Registration information will be

posted in the next edition of theMasonic Messenger and on the website.

February 2019 Masonic Messenger • 3

When once discuss-ing the topic of Masonic Education, I was struck by a rather pointed re-sponse from one Brother, the main point of his argument be-ing, “Why would I waste my time listening to someone who isn’t doing any better than we are at bringing in new members?” On the surface, this is a fair question. But the more I thought of this statement, the more short sighted it appeared.

First of all, we're all suffering from the same affliction and no one has the answers yet. Or rather no one has an effective response to what our main issues are. We are a society that may be very active, but those activities are more focused on individual rather than group participation. We have the technol-ogy available to us that allows us to communicate with people around the world. But we have difficulty communicating with people in the same room. The technology that is supposed to enhance relationships is only causing us to center our focus more on ourselves. Second, even if someone were

to have found some miracle of membership that we all seek, those methods may only be effective in a specific region or within a specific demographic group. There would be no guarantee that such a miracle would have any effect at all in our Jurisdiction. We shouldn’t be holding our breath waiting for answers from others. No one knows our specific issues better than ourselves. We are the best source of potential solutions for us. And, even these potential solutions may differ from place to place within our Jurisdiction. The tenets of our Order admonish us to improve ourselves. Nowhere

in our ritual however, does it state that our travel into foreign countries should be in search of answers from others. Ours is a specifically inter-nalized improvement plan. What can we do to improve our-selves? And, how can we use those improvements to improve the world around us? However or wherever we find an-swers, our actions should always be “that the honor, glory, and reputa-tion of the institution may be firmly established and the world at large convinced of its good effects.”

Respectfully submitted,Terry Knutson

Grand Treasurer-Secretary

Tidings from the Desk of the Grand Treasurer-Secretary

Tin City Lodge #112 of Hill City will host the 7th Annual Polar Bear Chili Cook Off on February 9, 2019 in Hill City from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cooks will have a chance to compete for the Best White Chili, the Best Red Chili, the Best Booth Decor and People’s Choice. If you have a good chili of another kind (i.e. Hawaiian Chili), bring it on! The event will be held outdoors (no matter the weather) on Main Street in the parking area across from the Harney Peak Inn. For competitors, the entry fees are $25.00 for the first entry and $15.00 for the second entry. Cooks may enter one or all categories and all booths must be decorated for the event. If you wish to come and taste the chili, there will be a $5.00 per person or $20.00 per family charge – you will get to vote on these great chilies. The Boy Scouts are also hosting Minnow Races for the kids, with proceeds going to support Scouting programs. The entry fee for the Minnow Races is $5 per person. The contest is open to the public – anyone who thinks their chili is the “Best”, come on down! Also, there is a competition between the Masonic Lodges so we need Lodges to compete. There is a Traveling Trophy for the Lodges for Best Chili. For more information, contact John Knapp at (605)209-0696 or Jack Welker at (605)381-1293 to sign up or with any questions.

Enter the Polar BearChili Cook Off to find out how your chili stacks up!

WANTED!FOR A GREAT TIME!

CONTESTANTSFOR THE

7th Annual

Polar BearChili Cook Off

Saturday, February 911:00 am-2:00 pm

Main Street in parking area across from Harney Peak Inn

Categories:Best White Chili, Best Red Chili, Best

Booth Decor, People’s ChoiceCook Off Competitors Entry Fees: 1st

Entry – $25 • 2nd Entry – $15You may enter one or all categories

All booths must be decorated for the event

Hosted by Tin City Lodge #112


Miss Joan Knutson of Bethel #12 in Sturgis, a Past Miss South Dakota Job’s Daughter 2017-2018, has a passion for the South Dakota Child Identification Program. Her special project for her term as Miss South Dakota Job’s Daughter was to raise money for this important endeav-or. She had a special quilt made by Erica Rath, one of the parents of Bethel #12. Knutson chose to do a T-shirt quilt to be different, each shirt was from a different year representing Jobie

spirit. Throughout the year, Knutson sold raffle tick-ets to raise money. The raffle drawling was held in June 2018 at the South Dakota Grand Session of Job’s Daughters International in Huron. On September 23, 2018, Knutson presented $255 that was raised through the ticket sales to CHIP chairman, Mike Rodman, PGM, and West River CHIP Coordinator, Jack Welker, PGM. Members of Olive Branch #47 of Sturgis, chose to match the money raised and is challenging all

the Lodges across the state to do the same. The SDCHIP program is so important to Knutson, that throughout this year as a senior, her senior project is to be more involved and help the Masons of South Dakota raise aware-ness of the Child Identification Program. She facilitated the coordination of a CHIP event at the Whitewood Elementary school already and is planning another event this spring. While hosting the event at the Whitewood Elementary school, 23 children completed the program.

Knutson raises money for SD Child Identification Program

On Sept. 23, 2018 Joan Knutson presented Jack Welker, PGM the West River CHIP Coordinator and Mike Rodman, PGM, South Dakota CHIP Chairman, the money she raised from her Miss South Dakota Job’s Daughter year.

The theme for 2017-2018 Job’s Daughter year was family. The middle shirt is a representation of a family tree of all the Masonic Bodies in South Dakota. Erica Rath, a parent in Bethel 12, customized this quilt to fit the Jobie spirit.

Kassidy Rohrbauck, a senior at Sturgis Brown High School, helps Joan Knutson with her senior project. Participating in the CHIP program, a youngster waits patiently while Rohrbauck enters his information into the computer.

SD CHIP: Here’s a little information about the program The SD Child Identification Program (SDCHIP) addresses the alarming fact that over 1,000,000 children are reported missing in the United States each year. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, on average in the United States, a child is reported missing ev-ery 43 seconds. Through the benevolence of the Masons of South Dakota and its mem-bership, along with our cooperating partners, we are pleased to present this service free of charge to the public. All of the identifying items gen-erated during SDCHIP are given to the child’s family. Only the permis-sion slip is retained by the Masons of South Dakota. No copies of any ID materials are kept on file by any of the organizers; the parents receive all ID materials and health information produced. SDCHIP provides Law Enforcement with important tools to assist in the speedy and safe recovery of a missing child. SDCHIP consists of a standardized child information sheet, a still photograph, a short video in-

terview, laser fingerprints, a DNA swab and dental imprints called Tooth-prints®. SDCHIP, which is a part of MasoniCHIP International, has been recognized by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as the most comprehensive child identification system available. Want to learn more about the SDCHIP Program? Visit SD-Chip.org.


AWARDS

Brother Allen Meirose was presented with his 60-year award from Arcania Lodge #97 in Armour. The presentation took place at the stated communication of Fort Madison Lodge #13 in Fort Madison, IA on December 13, 2018. Brother Meirose lives and attends lodge in Fort Madison, IA. He is pictured with WM Randy Sissel of Fort Madison Lodge #13.

The District #17 Meeting was held Dec. 6, 2018 at Spearfish Lodge #18, Spearfish, SD. Dinner was prepared and served by Queen City #89 Eastern Star. Peter Fuller of Golden Star Lodge #9 in Lead, SD, was honored for his 50 years as a Mason with a pin presentation by Harold Walker, District Master of District #17 of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota. A Roll Call of District #17 Lodges was called and all Lodges were represented.

Brother Alden Wilson of Mt. Rushmore Lodge #220 in Rapid City was awarded his 60-year pin. The presentation took place on November 17, 2018 at the Rapid City Masonic building’s Thanksgiving dinner. Pictured left to right are WM Brian Cole, Brother Alden Wilson and PM Jeffery VanCuren.

Kurtis Hanks of Lemmon Masonic Lodge #151 was recently presented with his 50-year pin.

On Thursday, December 20, 2018, members of Hartford Lodge #136 were pleased to present Brother Felix Vondracek his 60-year pin and convey the congratulations of our Grand Master DaNiel Wood. The presentation took place at The Millstone restaurant in Milbank. Attending were, from left to right, DeEtta Vondracek, JW Felix Vondracek, WM Pat Gibson, SD Charles Wilsey, Treasurer PM Donald Wendt.

The Brother, The Lodge, The Community

In the past few years, the Grand Lodge has sought out opportunities to present Masonry to the general public. These have included corner-stone dedications and re-dedications, civility awards, and the like. What opportunities are available in your com-munity to show your neighbors that Masonry not only exists, but thrives? And, better yet, that they might consider becoming a part of it. If you find an opportunity, notify the local media. Invite them to participate and report on the event. There are events like this in the works currently, watch for upcoming announcements. In the meantime, look to your community for opportunities for Masonry to be presented in a positive light.


From the ArchivesHere is a look at Masonic history in South Dakota …

If you have Lodge newsarticles for the Messenger,

please send them tothe Grand Lodge for

publication in thenext edition.Thank you!

Grand Lodge OfficeGrand Secretary A F & A M

520 S. 1st AvenueSioux Falls, SD 57104-6902

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSHELDON, IA

PERMIT NO. 73

Address Service Requested


The Freemasons of South Dakota engage and inspire good men, who believe in a Supreme Being, to live according to

Masonic tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Our mission is guided by the core values of our fraternity:

Freedom: Freemasons champion the liberties and values outlined in the founding documents of the

United States of America. Integrity: Freemasons strive to be honest, truthful and

reliable, living in a just and upright manner. Tolerance: Freemasons embrace diversity of opinion,

religious, ethnic, cultural, social, and educational differences.

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