On Monday, September 15, 2003 Arcana started a new set of degrees with WB John Fosdick in the East, Br Steve Northquest in the West and WB Charles Berger in the South for the Entered Apprentice Degree. Candidates Travis Smith and Tony Grainger having been properly prepared, were received in due and ancient form. They were duly obligated and instructed, after which they were presented with their aprons and taught how to wear them as Entered Apprentices. WB Kevin Erickson presented them with the working tools and taught them their uses. WB Richard Hunt read the Charge. The first section lecture was rehearsed by WB Fosdick and Br Northquest. The second section was presented by WB Gerald Chartrand.
Welcome, Brothers Smith and Grainger to Arcana Lodge.
On Friday, September 19 a Masonic Funeral Service was conducted for Brother Donald Manthey at Cambridge American Legion Club. There were about 12 Brothers in attendance at the service which was conducted by WB Joseph Macko, who performed the ritual with professionalism and competency. Arcana Lodge expresses sympathy to the Manthey family on their and our loss. We know that Don has been summoned to the Celestial Lodge above, “that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
The Fellow Craft Degree was conducted on Monday, October 6, 2003 with Br Steve Northquest in the East, WB Charles Berger in the West and WB John Fosdick in the South. Brothers Travis Smith and Tony Grainger proved their proficiency on the first degree. After proper preparation, they were received into the Lodge in due and ancient form, duly obligated and instructed, and were taught how to wear their aprons as Fellow Crafts. The working tools were presented to them and their uses explained. Br Richard Kampf of Cataract Lodge #2 took the two Brothers on a regular ascent up a flight of winding stairs to the Middle Chamber. WB Richard Hunt read the Charge.
Brother Vern Bandel and his lovely wife Dee celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with an open house at the Lodge on Saturday, October 11. They were married in 1953 in Hawaii, where Vern was stationed as an Ensign in the United States Navy. Congratulations Vern and Dee upon reaching this important milestone in their lives. May they celebrate many more years of happiness.
The Zuhrah Shrine Circus was held at the Target Center on October 16 - 19. A number of our Lodge Brothers sold tickets and worked at the performances to make this years event a successful one.
On Saturday, October 18, Arcana Chapter #38 OES held their annual Harvest Dinner at the Lodge, serving a meatball dinner with all the trimmings. Arcana Lodge thanks Eastern Star for all their support of various Temple functions and hope that our members reciprocate to support OES activities.
Br. Travis Smith was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on Saturday, November 1 . MWB Donald M Severson ushered in our newest member with a commanding performance as the Most Excellent King Solomon.
On Monday, October 27, Arcana Lodge hosted the annual Past Masters and Awards Night. The activities commenced with a dinner at 6:30 PM, followed by the Ceremonies at 7:30 PM. The following brothers were honored with service awards:
50-Year Awards
Lloyd O. Bergman
Waldro C. Carpenter
Werner E. Hegstrom
Robert E. Holmbeck
Allwyn A. Johnson
William L. McReavy
James A. Merrell
Edward G. Nelson
Donald M. Switzer
Elwin C. Thiele
Lynn Thiele
25-Year Awards
Mervin E. Ellestad
Gregg D. Johnson
Theodore J Kern
Lawrence E. Osborne
John R. Oxberry, Jr.
Robert D. Pfankuch
Brian F. Pletscher
Kenneth A. Sibben, Jr.
Robert W. Tomlinson
James W. Walthour
WB M. Wiley Smith, Grand Lodge District Representative assisted us in distributing the awards, and brought greetings from the Grand Lodge AF& AM of Minnesota.