Don Nolley, Metrowest Area Deputy

It's been a long winter and there is a lot of spring fever going around. Degrees are in full swing and the 160th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota is just two weeks away!

Recently, one of the great traditions that have faded in recent years is being revived by a number of local Lodges. For several years, Lodges held travelling trophies that were captured by visiting Brothers. However, many of these trophies have ended up getting lost.

There are still a number of travelling trophies including flags, swords, gavels (in a variety of sizes) and even a plastic owl named "Hootie", fully dressed as a Past Master. Stories have been emerging recently of Bothers going through closets and coming across a trophy from another Lodge.

Each trophy comes with its' own set of rules on what has to be done to capture it. Requirements range from having a certain number of members of the Lodge attend (usually 5 or more), to more ambitious requirements such as having a newly raised Master Mason perform their proficiency lecture. Some of the Lodges actively involved in reviving this tradition include Anoka, Arcana, Mound, Plymouth and Templar Lodges. (No doubt I've missed some Lodges here.)

One of the great foundations of our gentle craft comes from the fellowship and brotherhood experienced when visiting with other Brothers. How many of you have visited another Lodge in recent months? For me, it is always a great joy, and a learning experience to visit other Lodges. There is so much that can be gained by the networking opportunities that exist.

So, if your Lodge doesn't have a travelling trophy, perhaps you may want to check your closets. You may be surprised by what you find. The Masters and Wardens Association is compiling a list of trophies and will be communicating it to their members. If you find a trophy from another Lodge in your closet, bring it to Grand Lodge! You can either return it to its' home Lodge or challenge the Lodge to come and get it! There is a special bond that develops between Lodges through friendly competition that only makes us stronger.

Stay tuned for more information about this emerging tradition. You will also see information posted on the Metro West Minnesota Masons Facebook page.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

April 5 Grand Master's Table Lodge, St. Paul Masonic Center

April 6 Star Lodge Hog Roast & Dance, Buffalo

April 11-13 160th Annual Communication, Brooklyn Park

April 16 Lynnhurst Turkey Dinner , Osman Shrine, Lost Spur

April 28 French Toast Breakfast Wayzata Lodge

As Masons, we seek light which we use as a symbol for knowledge or wisdom. Light was a profound symbol for our ancestors. They understood the cycles of the sun and moon, and day and night.

Before the joys of electricity, humanity was held captive by the limits of daylight. The activities of the day would have to cease after nightfall due to the limits of fire and candlelight.  

Nighttime filled many with a sense of fear and vulnerability. Darkness is equated with fear and uncertainty, as any of our children could wholeheartedly tell us.  

Likewise, light is associated with hope, safety, and peace.

There's a part of us that needs a visual reminder of the Architect of the Universe's Omnipresence. In our times of darkness, struggle, or pain, we are most likely to forget that there are many potential sources of light around us. Light wouldn't be such a universal symbol if it wasn't something for which we all search, something that may elude each one of us at one time or another.

I am thankful for my brothers, who have been supportive and helped me find more light, hope and peace the last two years.

Best Fraternal Regards,

Stan Shapiro

Grand LEO

Home phone (952)935-8137                                             

Stan Shapiro 

E-mail address for Masonic questions: Masonic.question.box@gmail.com

Templar Lodge No. 176 presents the 79th Annual Lynnhurst Turkey Dinner.

Being held in 2013 for the first time at the Osman Shrine Center & Lost Spur Country Club on April 16, 2013
 
Honoring the Incoming Grand Master
Social Hour 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Dinner 6:30
Cost $28.00 per ticket or table of 8 for $224.00
Limited to Master Masons only (maximum 40 tables)

 Contact W. Brother Chris Ronich cronich@comcast.net (e-mail is the preferred method) or 612-961-3051

Templar lodge will be offering a bus ride to and from the Lynnhurst Turkey Dinner on April 16, 2013. The bus will depart Templar lodge 6509 Walker Street St. Louis Park at 4:45 pm. We have room for approximately 60 cars between street parking and our back lot and we are exploring the possibility of using a vacant lot for overflow parking just across the street from the lodge.  

We are asking for $5 per rider to assist with the cost of the bus. I can't think of an easier way to bypass the stress and hassle of driving across town during rush hour and fighting to find a place to park at the Lost Spur.  

If you plan on riding the bus please be at the lodge by 4:30 pm and feel free to climb on board as soon as you get there. This will be the only departure time as we will not be running shuttles throughout the evening. We will have a second bus at the lodge ready to go if we fill up the first one so don't worry we will have room for you, again if we use both buses they will leave at 4:45pm.  

Please share this information with your lodge members for those who may be planning on attending the dinner. If you need to make reservations for the dinner please contact WB Chris Ronich at cronich@comcast.com  Cost is $28 per person for the dinner.   

If you have any questions please feel free to call or email Jr. Warden Matt Petersen at 952-220-1848 or zuhrahshriner@yahoo.com    

Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins

Sunday, June 16th @ 1:10PM (Father's Day)

Target Field (Overlook Section - Right Field)

$33.00 per ticket

The Zuhrah Strong Team is proud to sponsor another "Enthusment" event. What can be more traditional, more American, more Apple Pie? Father's Day and Outdoor Baseball!

Nobles, this is a great opportunity to introduce your Legacy to our Fraternity. We only have 105 tickets available, first come first served. Please complete the order form and mail with your check no later than Friday, May 17th.

Download the registration flyer here

For further information contact:

Curt Quast (612) 978-1423 email