The month of March has kept the officers and members of Arcana Lodge very busy. We were honored to start the month with an interesting presentation from the Grand Master of the International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay, Brother Tony Krall. Tony spoke to the Lodge following our first meeting of March and explained how the Order of DeMolay was founded. In addition he pointed out how Masonry has benefited from its support of DeMolay throughout the years, namely it gives young men an introduction to several of Masonry’s beliefs and tenants and to our craft in general. The later is specifically exemplified by the three principle officers of Arcana Lodge who are all Past Master Councilors and Senior DeMolay’s from Lincoln Chapter.

From left: Junior Warden of Arcana Lodge & Past Master Councilor of Lincoln Chapter DeMolay Brad Almen; Worshipful Master of Arcana Lodge & Past Master Councilor of Lincoln Chapter DeMolay Doug Roswold; International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay Grand Master Tony Krall; Senior Warden of Arcana Lodge, Past Master Councilor of Lincoln Chapter DeMolay & Past State Master Councilor Dave Sibben.

Organizing and executing the very popular, First Annual, Ides of March Spaghetti Dinner, saw many of our members honestly toiling for the good of the Lodge. Yet, we were not alone. I would like to thank the other bodies that pitched in and stretched forth a helping hand that night, namely: the young ladies of Jobs Bethel #19 and Rainbow Friendship Assembly #2; the Ladies of Arcana Chapter #38 OES; the young men of Lincoln Chapter DeMolay; and our brothers from Zion Commandery #2. Without your help we would have been in serious trouble (and I think there would still be a line of people waiting for their spaghetti!)

On the evening of Monday the 16^th, Brother Dave Sibben, presided in the East as we passed four brothers to the degree of Fellow Craft. All the members, especially Dave, did a fantastic job that night and I’m sure our new brothers appreciated the efforts that were made. Later that week on March 19^th, a few members of the Lodge attended Lincoln Chapter DeMolay’s stated meeting in honor of DeMolay Week. The young men did an excellent job in opening and conducting their meeting, and the members of Arcana Lodge that had never seen a DeMolay meeting were dually impressed.

The following week started at 6:30 PM on Monday night with a delicious roast beef and roast pork dinner that was prepared by Brother Dave Sibben before our stated meeting. That week concluded with the Grand Lodge of Minnesota’s Annual Communication, which was held in St. Cloud. During a moving presentation of the annual report on the Masonic Cancer Center it was announced that a brother who desired to remain anonymous would match all funds donated to the Cancer Center during the Grand Lodge Secession up to a total of $25,000. After a short conference with all of the Arcana Lodge members present, I let it known that it was the Worshipful Masters will and pleasure that Arcana Lodge take advantage of this opportunity, and make a donation of $100 to the Masonic Cancer Center.

A multi-district Third Degree Lodge of Instruction was hosted by Arcana Lodge on Monday the 30^th of March. The attendance was excellent and the ritual work was even better. This was Arcana’s only practice before the Third Degree later that week on April 4^th where we raised four new brothers, Bruce Waage, Mark Coleman, Scott Hama, and Martin Needich to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.

That evening was also marked by two additional events. Brother Thomas Hama of Nellis Lodge #46 F & AM, Las Vegas Nevada flew in for the weekend and to be present to see his son Scott raised. Following the Degree all four new brothers were initiated into the A.L.K.I., or Arcana Lodge Kitchen Investiture in which they were taught how to wear their Longshanks Apron, and how to make a proper use of the Towel. They were then shown the A.L.K.I. Grip of our newest Master Mason and taught the proper position in which to receive the Word of that degree. Needless to say, a fun evening was enjoyed by all.

New brothers Raised on April 4, 1998 (from left) Scott Hama, Martin Needich, WM Doug Roswold, Mark Coleman, Bruce Waage	New Brother Scott Hama and his father Thomas Hama
New Brother Scott Hama receiving instruction relative to the Arcana Lodge Kitichen Investiture	Those duties being fulfilled

Until next time, may the blessing of Heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons. May brotherly love prevail and may every moral and social virtue cement us.

Fraternally yours,
Douglas R. Roswold, Worshipful Master

News From the West

Brethren, thank you for being part of one of the most successful fundraisers in recent years. The "Ides of March Spaghetti Dinner" held on March 14^th, 1998 turned out very well as we served some 310 people. I want to thank everyone for his or her donations. Most of all, thanks to all that helped make it happen, especially those of you who came to eat dinner, saw that we could use an extra hand, and just pitched right in without even being asked! Worshipful Brother Doug Roswold was the chef and everyone seemed to like his excellent cooking. Thanks again Doug for the fine job. We are still receiving donations. Thanks to all of you, we will be able to do some improvements to the Lodge, which is one of the goals of the Master.

In Memoriam

The following Brothers have recently answered the roll call of the Grand Architect of the Universe:

Burton O Rierson

Donald R Anderson

Kenneth L Newstrom

Special Announcements

Outstanding Mason of the Month

Gerald Chartrand

Arcana Lodge is proud to acknowledge the outstanding Mason of the month for April, Gerald Chartrand. He has been a member of Arcana Lodge since 1981. He was past Master in 1987, 1988 and 1991. He also has served as past Master of Cass Lodge #243. He has been the past Associate Bethel Guardian for Jobs Daughters Bethel #19, and is a past President of the Hennepin County Masters and Wardens Association. Jerry has also been a District Representative for Grand Lodge since 1989. His enthusiasm for Masonry is manifested by his continued interest in Masonry that he readily shares with his brother Masons.

This publication is issued with the permission of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M of Minnesota.

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Doug Roswold, Editor at webmaster@arcana187.org

This page was updated on May 02, 2003 by Doug Roswold