tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12371116898522040982024-02-08T08:39:01.719-06:00SE Area TravelsA Blog of Current Happenings and Events within SE Minnesota Area LodgesJames McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-49140873771171585062009-11-25T11:35:00.000-06:002009-11-25T11:36:49.890-06:00The Holiday SeasonAs we reach December and the holiday season there are many events coming up to finish the year. Many Lodges will be holding elections and installations on the next few weeks. Several are finishing fall degree work and there are even some awards nights coming up. As our personal lives are becoming busy with holidays and family events our Lodges are also continuing to be very active. <br /><br />For those Brothers that are just completing their time in the East thank you for all that you have done over the past year. To those that are getting ready to lead I wish you the best and remind you that if you ever need help or advice contact either your District Rep. or myself.<br /><br />As many of you know I maintain a blog which includes a calendar of SE Area Events. I am always happy to list upcoming events on this calendar I just ask that you send me the information at <a href="mailto:jsmcneely@msn.com">jsmcneely@msn.com</a>. <br /><br />On a personal note. Thank you to the brothers that answered the call to help assist a poor distressed brother at a midnight hour. Your help, aid, and assistance was not only greatly appreciated but gave me a very real view of our Craft. <br /><br />I wish all a safe and happy holidays but don't lose sight of your Lodges and your brothers there are still many events coming this month. See you down the road...James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-11872678989309817612009-10-03T02:04:00.001-05:002009-10-03T02:06:27.875-05:00A Quick Start to FallWhat a great way to start the fall Lodge season. As Lodges have come back from summer there are so many things happening that it just amazes me to see the energy and passion.<br /><br />So far we have had our Area Conference where 20 Lodges were <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">represented</span>, Albert Lea held an table Lodge and awards night and we had a school of instruction where we had over forty brothers in attendance. These are just a few of the events that occurred in September. As I look at October it is just jam packed with events. Several Lodges will be starting degree work, Rochester is hosting the Mayo lecture (10/9) as well as an open house (10/20), Pleasant Grove is holding their annual table Lodge on 10/20, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Farmington</span> will be re-dedicating their Lodge this month (10/10) and we will finish the month with another school of instruction in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chatfield</span> on 10/29.<br /><br />Yet the biggest event of them all will be held in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rushford</span> on 10/24. This will be the first event in Minnesota with the new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">KidsID</span>. Several of you saw a demonstration of the new system during the September school of instruction. I hope you will be just as excited for the new system that will help us do a much better job of helping our families and neighbors protect their children. The new system is very simple to use and is more accurate than the old system. If you want to see it in action head over to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rushford</span> on the 24<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>.<br /><br />See you down the road...James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-11493890803660505422009-08-26T14:16:00.001-05:002009-08-26T14:17:54.296-05:00Is your Lodge ready for FallCan you believe it summer is almost over the State Fair is upon us with Labor Day and the start of school just around the corner. While we are all trying to squeeze as much as possible out of the last few days of summer it is time to start planning for fall activities in the Lodge.<br />Now is the time to get those petitions filled out and submitted to your Lodge secretary. With all the activity of the summer there should be several men that you know that have seen the good works that we do and the fun that we have. I don't know of a Lodge in the Southeast that wouldn't love to start the fall off by reading a petition and then having to schedule degree work. <br /><br />If your Lodge doesn't currently have any petitions in the works why not schedule an open house or information night. Invite men that you feel would make a good Mason and make him feel welcome and let him see the type of men that make up our Lodges. An information night or open house is also a great way to involve the entire family in a function down at the Lodge.<br /><br />I do know of several Lodges that are either scheduling degree work or open houses for this fall. There are a couple of other major upcoming events over the next month or two that with some planning could provide another way to share Masonry with a friend: on October 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> there will be a dinner and historical presentation about the Mayo brothers and Masonry, the other is the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">re-dedication</span> of Corinthian Lodge in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Farmington</span> as well as the Cornerstone laying ceremony at the new University <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Children's</span> Hospital in Minneapolis. Any of these might be good events and activities to introduce someone to who we are and what we do.<br /><br />We also have a couple of events coming up for all of the Lodges in the Southeast. On September 19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> we will be holding our annual Leadership Conference. This year's conference is for the Wardens with the focus being on developing plans and preparing to become the Master of your Lodge. Then on September 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> is the third school of instruction at Pleasant Grove. <br /><br />Hopefully you will find that fall will fly by with all of the Lodge <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">activities</span>. See you down the road.James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-86760964035775481122009-08-11T14:05:00.003-05:002009-08-11T14:21:49.657-05:00A Great Man among his BrothersOn Sunday night Star in the East Lodge #33 presented <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WB</span> Gene Miller with the Hiram Award. The festivities were held at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Owatonna</span> Elks Club which included a social hour and a great dinner followed by the presentation. The dinner was attended by 50 guests including several members of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">WB</span> Gene's family as well as a past Potentate of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Zuhrah</span>. We had guests travel many miles to help celebrate the night. During the course of the night several brothers shared stories about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">WB</span> Gene and what he has meant to them. I was most impressed when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">WB</span> Rick Wallace, District <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Representative</span>, was explaining who Hiram was and why we give the Hiram Award. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">WB</span> Rick very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">eloquently</span> explained who Hiram was and compared <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">WB</span> Gene to those characteristics. If you had never met Gene before Sunday night you would have walked away at the end of the night fully understanding why he was selected to receive this honor.<br /><br />A great night was had by all.James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-60701074110098209622009-07-28T17:39:00.002-05:002009-07-28T18:09:55.118-05:00A Unique Summer ActivityThis summer several of the brothers in Rochester Lodge #21 have taken the time to learn some new skills. Over several Saturdays this summer these brothers have worked on learning to become Gentleman Masons. They have talked clothing, grooming, and proper <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">etiquette</span> while in polite company. These are skills that for many years were just taken for granted yet with our current society this skills are no longer taught at home yet can still be very useful.<br /><br />While some of you may think that this topic is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">unneeded</span> there are brothers throughout the United States that would disagree. In fact a new blog has been created by a brother called <a href="http://thegentlemanmason.com/">The Gentleman Mason</a>. The following is from a post on that blog: "The Gentleman Mason <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">isn</span>’t just about wearing the right clothes, it’s about the right way for a gentleman to do, well, most anything. Anyone can be average. The Gentleman Mason will never settle for average."<br /><br />We always say that we take a good man and make him better. Well this is a new approach that promotes brotherhood and fellowship. The Rochester group has a few meetings left if you are interested attending.<br /><br />I applaud the brothers in Rochester that were ahead of the curve on this topic....James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-69448467859351731412009-06-22T23:36:00.000-05:002009-06-22T23:37:24.023-05:00Summertime in the LodgeSummer is here! If you are not sure about that step outside, it is hot and humid. In past years when most Lodges would go dark this time of year, the lights are on and brothers are doing work. Several Lodges are still doing degree work this summer and most have activities planned for the upcoming months. As I write this Owatonna, Faribault, Mankato, Waseca, and Chatfield are just a few of the Lodges that are doing work this summer.<br /><br />One way to keep active and put a public face on your Lodge is to be involved within your communities during festivals, celebrations and fairs. Enter a float in a local parade, host events for the community at your Lodge, plant trees in the park, help with a clean up day. There are many different ways that you can have a positive impact in your community as well as on your Lodge. One of the easiest ways to attract new members is by showing that we not only care about our community but also by showing that we have fun being with each other.It is also amazing to see several Lodges adding new events for their Lodges this summer. Many have added events that are open for the entire family and open for the entire Masonic family. While there are Lodges that have done this for years this is still new in many Lodges. Some are putting together potluck meals, others are bringing guest speakers, and some are just getting together to play cards and visit. <br /><br />Just because it is summer doesn't mean that we need to turn off the lights and forget about Lodge until the fall. We are only limited by our imagination when it comes to good events for our Lodges and brothers.<br /><br />See you down the road.James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-36464270602933086372009-04-02T23:08:00.003-05:002009-04-02T23:31:42.252-05:00One Voice ~ revisitedAs many of you know by now MW McCarthy by edict has rescinded the resolution that was passed on the floor of Grand Lodge this past weekend. As further information was presented and he was able to reflect on the big picture he took a stand that is in the best interest of the Craft. Time and due process will allow this to be sorted out, thankfully both sides of the story will eventually be told. <a href="http://www.mn-masons.org/assets/5767.pdf">For more information please read the opinion and decision as written by MW Tom.</a><br /><br />I still stand by the fact that One Voice can change the world. In the 1940's, the University of Oklahoma was invited to join with many of the major universities of the Southeast. At that time one man (the Student Association President) stood up and said that it was Not in the best interest of all of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OU</span> students because this conference had policies that would have marginalized a large segment of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OU</span> students based on race. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OU</span> never joined the Southeast Conference of Universities. <br /><br />Throughout history there are many stories of One Voice and how they changed the world in their own little way. Let us never forget that as men and Masons, we too have One Voice and our gentle Craft gives us all a chance to express it.James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-74903041779508789992009-04-01T17:21:00.002-05:002009-04-01T17:34:15.752-05:00One VoiceOver the years I have had several brothers ask why they should attend the annual session of Grand Lodge. Many times I have gone with the answer that it is their duty or some similar reason. I may talk about the different sessions and information that is presented. I may even discuss the friendships that are formed. Yet there is one reason that I over looked, One Voice. The One Voice that can change the world.<br /><br />This past weekend I saw first hand how one voice from the floor can let an entire Grand Lodge start a new direction. I have heard of this happening in other jurisdiction. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Grand Lodge</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Connecticut</span> 20 years ago voted to recognize the Prince Hall Grand Lodge because of a motion from the floor, one voice had the strength to stand up for what he believed to be right. On Saturday from the floor came a motion that may have far reaching impact at least for on jurisdiction. Below is the motion that was overwhelmingly approve by the body because a few brothers had the strength of conviction to stand up for what they felt was right.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">"Whereas the Grand Lodge of West Virginia has arbitrarily and recklessly ignored the will of their brethren, expelling a Past Grand Master without trial or redress, violating the ancient and accepted customs and tenets of our Fraternity and bring shame and disrepute on all Masons and Freemasonry, and</span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">Whereas they have been named in a civil suit further bringing the Craft into public disrepute and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">scorn</span>,</span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">Therefore be it resolved that the Grand Lodge of Minnesota expresses its concern over these actions and will consider suspending recognition of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia upon the recommendation of our External Relations Committee at our next Annual Communication in 2010 if there is not correction of these actions and a renewed willingness by the Grand Lodge of West Virginia to enter into the modern fraternity of Freemasonry."</span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The next time I am asked why a brother should attend Grand Lodge, I now have a better answer: "Because one voice can change the world."</span>James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-72515192262030860622009-03-02T22:46:00.005-06:002009-03-03T09:14:42.308-06:00Are you Sharing your KnowledgeHow long have you been a Mason? Has it been five or fifty years since you first knelt at the altar and took your obligation? In the years since, have there been brothers who took you under their wing and helped you become a better man and Mason? As our Lodges start to see a re-birth, who and where are the men taking our newest Masons under their wing? Our newest members don't receive Masonic knowledge simply by being brought to further light. <br /><br />In the 90's we were told it takes a village to raise a child. This is something that our brethren have always known, for we are taught to labor to instruct and inform. Some Lodges naturally do this, it is part of their culture. Yet, in too many Lodges this tradition has been lost. Every Mason, regardless of age, deserves a Brother or group of Brothers that he can turn to during his lifelong journey for more light.<br /><br />In my travels I have met a lot of Brothers and been in more Lodges than I can count. I can always tell the Lodges that have a culture of mentoring, whether it is formal or not. They are the Lodges that have full sidelines, great turnout for events, and where the Brothers truly care for each other. Thanks to all the men who have taken the time and made the effort to take a Brother under their wing. You truly are what keeps the Light of Masonry shining as the next generation starts to labor in the quarries.<br /><br />Who has helped you on your journey, who have you helped? It is how we help our Brothers that the greatest impression of Masonry is presented.James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-16034747453620788712009-02-04T16:44:00.002-06:002009-02-04T16:51:06.679-06:00Calling all SE Area Lodge LeadersBrothers,<br /><br />I have been asked by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">RWB</span> Tom <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hendrickson</span>, Jr Grand Warden, to invite all Masters, Wardens and other Lodge leaders to attend Lodge in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Owatonna</span> on Monday, February 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span>. After the stated communication <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">RWB</span> Tom would like to have a discussion with the SE Area Lodge leaders about Masonry in SE Minnesota. This is a nice opportunity prior to Grand Lodge, at the end of March, to talk to one of our Grand Lodge leaders.<br /><br />Please let me know if you plan on attending.James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-91890366788264967972009-01-30T16:25:00.002-06:002009-01-30T16:34:33.910-06:00A Cold Winter NightLast night several Lodges from the Southeast Area came together for a School of Instruction on the Degree Lectures. The weather outside was cold and windy yet inside was warm with brotherhood. We had around 30 brothers present from 10 different Lodges and several of the lectures were put on by Brothers that are spending time learing the work for the first time. All of the work was done with great care and every brother left having learned some new piece of the ritual whether it was a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pronunciation, the meaning of a word, or part of why we use a certain word here in Minnesota. A great thanks goes out to the brothers of Evergreen Lodge for hosting the school and making sure the heat was turned on, and to WB Brian Beerman and WB Don Olson for taking time to drive down from the metro to instruct the school. Our next school will be held in March in Rochester.</span>James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-533787464413082112009-01-27T16:09:00.002-06:002009-01-27T16:28:20.639-06:00A Scary and Sad FeelingLast night I was in a Lodge that was doing the first degree for six candidates. The Lodge room was filled with 30+ brothers present. The degree work was great and the hard work of the brothers really showed. The first section of the lecture was presented by two brothers that had just been raised in December and they knocked it out of the park. It was great to see two new brothers step up and do such a great job. <br /><br />The second section was presented by me. I have presented this lecture at least twice a year since I was first raised in 2001 so I am pretty comfortable with it. I got to "neiter naked or clad" and drew my first blank, with a prompt I was back on track until I got to the "altar" at which point it was totatlly gone. While I only needed a word here or there it was a very scary feeling standing in front of that many brothers and start drawing complete blanks. I felt that I had let my brothers and our new candidates down. I know many brothers who are very self-critical of the work they do (I am one of them), just remember we do the work for our new brothers and I have yet to meet one that doesn't appreciate the time and effort.<br /><br />Thankfully, on Thursday 1/29 we will be having an Southeast Area School of Instruction for the lectures in Clyde. I know that I will be there listening and asking questions trying to learning new parts of the lectures. If you are working on learing a lecture for your Lodge's spring degree work this will be a great chance to get some help.James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-10622403068258003702009-01-21T14:43:00.002-06:002009-01-21T14:52:15.037-06:00A Gentle and Friendly ReminderYesterday I received an email from a brother that I greatly respect. This email was whispering good council into the ear of a brother. He was looking at this blog and noticed that it has not been kept current. His reminder was that if you are going to do something DO IT and do it to the best of your ability. To the Old Past Master thank you for the reminder and with that I will put more effort into keeping this blog up to date.James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-50573268584566842702008-11-11T15:23:00.002-06:002008-11-11T15:54:00.876-06:00School of instruction 10/30Brother James asked me to post a note about the 4th school of instruction held in Rushford on Oct.30. It was another good turn out. There were 33 brothers . Most were from dist29 but there were brothers from Rochester and Albert Lea. WB Greg Lane was the custodian and did a great job(as DR I really want to thank Greg for making the trip.<br />The next scheduled schools are:<br /> Jan 29,2009 at Clyde , lectures.<br /> Mar 30 Monday, Rochester, 1st school <br />Fraternally, Paul HimmlerPaul Himmlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14115112853673990270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-77816923476412649242008-10-26T21:16:00.004-05:002008-10-26T23:28:03.019-05:00What a Masonic Weekend...This weekend was completly filled with Masonic events. Some of them were enjoyable and some were absolutely gut wrenching. <br /><br />Friday night was spent at the Executive Council meeting of the Grand Guardian Council of Minnesota Job's Daughters. On Friday there were several decisions made that will help move this body into the future. Saturday was a hectic day starting in Minneapolis at JD You. JD You is a day spent with the Daughters of Minnesota providing leadership training for girls from all across the state. It truly is with honor that I serve the Daughters of Minnesota as their Associate Grand Guardian.<br /><br />After leaving the Daughters it was down I-35 to Faribault for their annual awards. It was great to spend a little time listening and talking to the Brothers and Sisters of Faribault. I can see it on their faces and hear it in their voices... They are not going to let their Lodge die without a fight. I look forward to helping them rebuild.<br /><br />From Faribault it was even further down I-35 to Albert Lea where the Brothers were celebrating 150 years of Masonic Light. Western Star Lodge #26 is the oldest organization in Freeborn county. During the night there were awards given and speechs presented including the keynote from MW Grand Master Thomas C. Jackson.<br /><br />Sunday morning found me in Bloomington for the <a href="http://www.lhl277.org/flapjackthrowdown.html">Pancake Throw Down</a>, which was won by Lake Harriet Lodge #277. This afternoon was spent with about 100 other Masons paying WB Dan Croswell his final Masonic Wages. WB Dan was a Past Master of Anoka Lodge #30 and it was evident by the turnout that he had touch many lives in his 10 years as a Mason. It was a great sight to see that many Masons gather together we just wish it could have been under better circumstances. It was with these words that WB Dan finished his last article as Master in the Anoka Lodge "Star and Compass".<br /><br />“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to<br />make a beginning. The end is where we start from...”James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-80046420316061332272008-10-23T17:57:00.002-05:002008-10-23T18:15:26.894-05:00Upon the Level of TimeBecause of this job I have the pleasure of traveling across the state meeting many Brothers along the way. This afternoon I received several phone calls from Brothers up in Anoka to share very sad news with me... Last night WB Dan Croswell was involved in a single car crash and while being transported to the hospital he passed to the Celestial Lodge above.<br /><br />While Anoka Lodge #30 is not in the Southeast Area, I had the chance to get to know WB Dan over the last few years. On several occasions he came down to Owatonna to attend Lodge and this year he had been serving the Daughters of Bethel #48 as their Director of Music. <br /><br />Tonight I will give thanks to the Supreme Architect for allowing me to serve the Brothers and Daughters of Minnesota and for bringing so many great people into my life. My prayers go out to WB Dan's family, friends and Masonic family.<br /><br />The following I feel is very appropriate for the occasion...<br /><br />"It has pleased the everlasting Master Builder to bear our beloved Brother from the chain of our Brotherhood. Who did not know him? Who did not value him? Only a few weeks ago he stood in our midst, and with him magic tones added much beauty to the dedication of our Masonic Temple. He was the most enthusiastic follower of our Order. Love for his Brethren, sociability, enthusiasm for the good cause, charity, and true and deep feeling of pleasure when he was able by means of his talents to help one of his Brethren ~ these were the chief features of his character..." Eulogy given for Brother Amadeus Mozart by his LodgeJames McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-3504402580839961832008-10-23T00:36:00.004-05:002008-10-27T17:23:22.016-05:00A Hidden GemOn Tuesday night the fire in my belly was reignited and my hope for our future was reinvigorated. It was with pleasure and honor that I was able to attend Corinthian Lodge #67. This is a Lodge that is doing things the right way. First of all they are engaging their members, they each have a role to play. They have a great mix of long term members helping to provide council and support to those that are currently leading the Lodge. This is a Lodge that has maintained a sense of who it is yet continues to find new ways to make a difference in their community.<br /><br />Yet, the most exciting part of last night was watching the young officers of this Lodge put on an excellent 2nd Degree for a candidate that was very engaged in the process of being passed to a Fellow of the Craft. I would also be remiss if I did not highlight the work of <a href="http://www.millennialfreemason.com/">Brother Nick Johnson </a>who is the current JW of the Lodge. Bro. Nick has been a Mason for two years and last night, for the first time, he escorted the candidate into the Middle Chamber and did an excellent job.<br /><br />See you down the Road.James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-72318046492309787392008-10-23T00:33:00.002-05:002008-10-23T00:35:21.288-05:00A Busy Six MonthsAs I have gotten involved over the years it has put strain and stress on my calendar. With that said I plan on making a better effort to use this site and keep it current.<br /><br />JamesJames McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-20687067736319636022008-03-14T22:55:00.002-05:002008-03-14T23:54:29.546-05:00The Week that WasIt was a heck of a week. It started on Monday with Lodge in Owatonna. Forty plus brothers from three Lodges (Anoka #30, Star in the East #33, and Tuscan #77) gathered for an impromptu Festive Board. During the course of the night two travelling trophies went to each of the visiting Lodges, WB Hootie has returned to Tuscan and the BIG Gavel went back to Anoka. By the end of the night the brothers raised $170 for the Steele County Crisis Resource Center. I will post pictures as soon as I get them.<br /><br />On Tuesday I travelled with the Master of Red Wing Lodge #8 to Ellsworth, WI and attended Hancock Lodge #229. It was very interesting to see the work that is done in other Grand jurisdictions and it was a very enjoyable night. If you have never attended Lodge in another state I would strongly recommend it. In fact the right to travel is one that every Master Mason enjoys. Thanks to WB Gary Thomas for asking me to join him.<br /><br />Wednesday found me in Bloomington for the Grand Lodge Leadership committee meeting. Every Senior Warden in the state is a member of this committee and we need each of you to help accomplish the upcoming projects that need to be completed.<br /><br />Thursday night started in Minneapolis at the Scottish Rite for dinner and from there it was down to Waseca for Lodge at Tuscan #77. Tuscan Lodge has several events coming up over the next few months. In April we plan on conferring the 1st degree on couple of candidates and then in May there will be a Smoker and Wine Tasting.<br /><br />Brothers always ask "what does it take to revitalize a Lodge?" I always answer "it only takes one, one spark plug." Both Tuscan and Red Wing have found several. You never know when or where you will find that spark plug, just keep looking.James McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237111689852204098.post-77895079186382247422008-03-14T21:38:00.000-05:002008-03-14T22:50:24.307-05:00WelcomeBrothers and Visitors,<br /><br />I would like to welcome all you to my new blog. I hope to use this site to keep the brothers of SE Minnesota current on the happenings of the area. During the coming year I plan to update this blog with current events, upcoming events, and wherever my travels may take me during the coming year.<br /><br />James McNeely<br />SE Area Deputy Grand Master<br />Grand Lodge of MinnesotaJames McNeelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10828194894171100858noreply@blogger.com0