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Gun Raffle and Coyote Calling Contest (posted December 2009)Harmony Lodge #110, Hot Springs, will holding its annual Gun Raffle and Coyote Calling Contest on January 22-23. In its fifth year, it has gotten bigger every year. The Gun Raffle will take place on Friday evening (22nd) at the American Legion in Hot Springs. Dinner will be served and this is also the time for Coyote hunters to register for that contest. Early Saturday morning, the hunters head for the fields. At the end, we give a grand prize for the most pelts collected. For more information, see: Harmony Lodge #110 (http://www.harmony110.org/index.php/home.html).
Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award (posted November 2009)Worshipful Brother Bruce A. Crisman received the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award on November 15th from Most Worshipful Grand Master Jack H. Welker “for outstanding service to youth and Freemasonry” by serving as a dedicated member of Tin City Lodge No. 112, and a devoted Scouting Leader of the Black Hills Area Council No. 695 Boy Scouts of America. WB Bruce is an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 55 in Rapid City and has been the merit badge counselor for coin collecting, gardening and bird study during the last four years. He is the Worshipful Master of Tin City Lodge and the Junior Grand Deacon for the Grand Lodge.
The Masonic Grand Lodges in the United States recognize the impact of Freemasonry on Scouting and in return, the impact of Scouting on Freemasonry. Freemasonry is based on service and the exemplification of moral truth, which is essential to good role models. In recognition of Freemasonry’s service to youth, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, in cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America, created the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award as a national recognition program. The award is open to any Master Mason who is an active Scouter in a Unit, District, Council or National affiliate.
Have You Thought About Our Youth? (posted September 2009)Have you thought about the youth in your community? What have you done lately to change the life of a young person? I want all Masons of South Dakota to look around at the youth and ask yourself, how can I make a difference? I have asked a lot of questions of you and I also answered the same question. I take time every week to help out with Job’s Daughters, DeMolay and mentor a teenager with her one year old child.
I would like to put the challenge out to every Lodge and person to help or mentor the youth in your community. You will feel better about yourself and about others. Our Most Worshipful Grand Master Jack H. Welker has helped put together an evening for parents and youth in Rapid City and surrounding hills. We will have supper and a short program on November 14, 2009, at the Rapid City Shrine Club, beginning at 5:30. $10.00 for adults, and children free. If you have any questions or comments please call or e-mail me..
Fraternally Submitted:
Bro, Richard Hubert, Grand Sword Bearer
(605) 216-6511
Lodge of Masonic Research to Host Speakers (posted February 2009)Greetings, Brethren. The South Dakota Lodge of Masonic Research is having an exciting eventful year.
On January 17, 2009, a very special midyear meeting was held in Pierre. After a short-and social-business meeting, Rex Hutchens, a very well-known Masonic author, scholar, and historian spoke at our dinner. Rex is the author of A Bridge to Light for the Scottish Rite, as well as other works, and has earned virtually all of the titles you can have in Blue Lodge, York Rite and Scottish Rite.
On June 19, 2009, we have invited Chris Hodapp, author of Freemasons for Dummies to be our speaker for our South Dakota Grand Lodge Session to be held in Sioux Falls. The Grand Lodge will recess at about 3:00 PM, as soon as election of officers has been completed. The Lodge of Masonic Research plans to hold a short business meeting to elect and install officers for next year, then close Lodge and invite all other interested Masons and their ladies to hear Chris Hodapp speak. Each member of the Lodge of Masonic Research in attendance will receive a free autographed copy of Freemasons for Dummies.
Now this is a good deal! Not only will you receive a $20.00 book free, signed by the author, but you will also hear a very entertaining speaker and well thought of researcher.
If you are not currently a member of the Lodge of Masonic Research, you can join by completing the application form and mailing it with your $8.00 dues to MWB Richard Luther.
More Than 400 Gather for Christmas Dinner (posted January 2009)(As reported in The Daily Republic, 1/27/2008) Michael Marsh calls himself an “interesting person.”
He’s a traveling evangelist for “the same church Jesus belonged to” and a divorced carpenter who, while quick with a smile, admits that he has a hard time spending Christmas without his family.
But after finishing a free meal, Marsh stood smiling in the Masonic Lodge in Mitchell. Michael Marsh calls himself an “interesting person.”
He’s a traveling evangelist for “the same church Jesus belonged to” and a divorced carpenter who, while quick with a smile, admits that he has a hard time spending Christmas without his family.
But after finishing a free meal, Marsh stood smiling in the Masonic Lodge in Mitchell. [More]
Local Shrine Club Recognized as the Organization of the Year (posted January 2009)Several local residents were among the honorees on Friday, January 16, at the Annual Mobridge Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet held at the local Moose Lodge.
The Mobridge Shrine Chanters (part of the Yelduz Chanters) entertained the crowd before dinner and after the meal the Local Shrine Club was recognized as the Organization of the Year by the Chamber. Dennis Schnabel, also a member of the Shrine Club, received an award for the Most Outstanding Citizen of the Year.
Crowds of More Than 1,000 Attend Annual Health Event (posted January 2009) Crowds flooded the Mitchell Christian School gym Saturday, eager to give, to get, and to enjoy some healthy family fun at the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce Health and Wellness Fair.
”The crowd was exceptional,” said chamber assistant director Karen Jorgenson, noting that Saturday’s 50-degree temperatures encouraged an excellent turnout.
 Many adults came early to take advantage of low-cost blood sugar and cholesterol tests that required fasting and participants of all ages enjoyed the free health screenings, educational materials, samples and massages.
”We had over 45 vendors and while we don’t yet know the number of persons who took part, we feel we at least equaled the 1,500 who participated in last year’s event,” she said.
In some cases, maintaining health can be as simple as buckling up.
Trooper Mark Nelson of the state Highway Patrol said about 30 families visited his car seat booth Saturday and about a dozen families asked him to double-check their child safety seats.
”In most cases the seats just aren’t installed tightly enough,” he said.
New this year was the baby crawl, an event in which family members at the release and finish lines called, cooed and cajoled easily distracted toddlers toward waiting arms and victory.
The stakes were higher—free bicycles donated by Thiesse Chiropractic—in the kids’ hula hoop contest.
In one competition, it took three rounds and the ability of 8-year-olds to keep three hoops moving simultaneously before Sara VanErdewyck of Mitchell—cool under pressure—rode away on her bike.
Leonard and Holly Cousins, who recently moved to Mitchell from Brookings with daughters Ahnna, 4, and Signey, 10 months, were typical of families who attended.
Mrs. Cousins said “I’m impressed. I guess I didn’t realize how many health services there were in Mitchell.”
Mr. Cousins, who donated blood at the event, agreed. “We’re coming from Brookings thinking that Mitchell is a smaller town, but you’ve got just as much to offer here.”
In their final stop, the Cousins family stopped by the South Dakota Child Identification Program (SD CHIP) booth, which was manned by volunteers. There, Ahnna was fingerprinted and had digital and video identification photos taken. A DNA cheek swab and dental impressions also were taken.
Volunteer and local attorney Doug Papendick, a member of the Mitchell Masonic Lodge, an program sponsor, said the project provided parents with a DVD disc that can used to supply information to law enforcement in the event their children are lost or abducted. He recommended taking a copy while on vacation.
”It’s a great program for identifying kids if anything should happen to them,” said Papendick.
Source: Daily Republic, 2/2/2009
Jeptha Lodge #121 Hosts Annual Santa Party (posted December 2008) In early December the brothers of Jeptha Lodge #121 hosted the annual Santa visit for a large number of children and over one hundred interested adults. The children visited and had their picture taken with Santa and materials were provided to craft their own picture frames. Each child also received a bag containing candy, peanuts and a small toy. While the children were busy with the face painting and other craft activities, the adults enjoyed refreshments including hot cider, coffee and lots of goodies. The lodge has successfully sponsored the seasonal event for nine years.
New Ritual Monitors (posted January 2009)The new Ritual Monitors are now available at a price of $10 each. Contact the Grand Lodge office to place your order.
New SDCHIP Coordinator (posted December 2008)By the authority of Grand Master Virgil Andersen I am pleased to announce the appointment of Arlen Nordhagen as the SDCHIP Coordinator. Arlen replaces Ron Lockwood, PGM who has decided to retire from the position. I would like to thank Ron for his hard work and dedication to the SDCHIP program.
Arlen is a retired educator who has been very active in the Masonic fraternity for many years. Arlen currently resides in Sioux Falls. Arlen and his team will be helping assist the lodges in SD in bringing the SDCHIP program to your communities. They will be responsible for the equipment and supplies for our SDCHIP program and to see that the equipment gets to each event. When Arlen is not assisting with SDCHIP you will more than likely find him assisting at the Sioux Falls Masonic Center.
Arlen’s contact information: Arlen Nordhagen Sioux Falls 605-271-1917 home, 605-929-3370 cell. Arlens e-mail nordy@sio.midco.net
Welcome to Arlen and his crew.
Please when considering a SDCHIP event date contact me as I will remain the contact person for events,status etc. I would really appreciate if you would contact me as early as possible so as to make certain that the date and equipment will be available and give all of you ample time to prepare for the event. My contact information is Denny Robinson SDCHIP Chairman 1401 S Rowley, Mitchell SD 605-996-7754 (H) 605-770-7342. E-Mail robinson@mit.midco.net
You will find all approved SDCHIP events on the calendar of our website www.sd-chip.org. Please take a look.
Fraternally,
Denny Robinson PGM SDCHIP Chairman
SD Public TV: Capitol Rededication (posted November 2008)To view SD Public TV broadcast of the Capitol Rededication you can view at
www.sdpb.org/statehouse/index.asp You will find it listed as a webcam. It is available in its entirety. The DVD will be shipped shortly.
Capitol Cornerstone Ceremony (posted October 2008)Masons gathered from all parts of South Dakota and the United States as thousands of spectators watched the official reenactment of the original Capitol Cornerstone Ceremony in Pierre, South Dakota on Friday June 20, 2008. The Capitol Building cornerstone was originally laid by the Grand Lodge of South Dakota in 1908.
An official rededication of the State Capitol Building was conducted by the Grand Lodge officers of South Dakota. Participants included Denny Robinson, Grand Master; Virgil Andersen, Deputy Grand Master; Jack Welker, Sr. Grand Warden; Dean Behrens, Jr. Grand Warden; Delmar Kroon, Grand Chaplain; and Leslie Spies PGM, Grand Secretary. The Knights Templar of South Dakota made up the Color and Honor Guard. They were assisted by Shrine Chanters and Shrine Band members from throughout the state.
This cornerstone ceremony was attended by Governor M. Michael Rounds, numerous state legislators, Supreme Court Officials and other State dignitaries. Governor Rounds was presented an official replica of the George Washington Gavel which was used during the ceremony as a gift from the Grand Lodge of South Dakota A.F. & A.M.
Masons gathered from all parts of South Dakota and the United States as thousands of spectators watched the official reenactment of the original Capitol Cornerstone Ceremony in Pierre, South Dakota on Friday June 20, 2008. The Capitol Building cornerstone was originally laid by the Grand Lodge of South Dakota in 1908.
An official rededication of the State Capitol Building was conducted by the Grand Lodge officers of South Dakota. Participants included Denny Robinson, Grand Master; Virgil Andersen, Deputy Grand Master; Jack Welker, Sr. Grand Warden; Dean Behrens, Jr. Grand Warden; Delmar Kroon, Grand Chaplain; and Leslie Spies PGM, Grand Secretary. The Knights Templar of South Dakota made up the Color and Honor Guard. They were assisted by Shrine Chanters and Shrine Band members from throughout the state.
This cornerstone ceremony was attended by Governor M. Michael Rounds, numerous state legislators, Supreme Court Officials and other State dignitaries. Governor Rounds was presented an official replica of the George Washington Gavel which was used during the ceremony as a gift from the Grand Lodge of South Dakota A.F. & A.M.
The initial order of coins minted to commemorate the ceremony were sold out, and a second minting will be ordered in October.
To download an order form, click Commemorative Capitol Rededication Coin order form.
From the Grand Master (posted August 2008)Brothers, just look around, and I think you will agree with me that Masonry is on the move in South Dakota. More lodges are confering degrees on candidates than for several years, young men are coming to us with a high interest in Masonry, based on their reading and Internet research, and we have had a number of successful one-day events, with more in the plans. It appears that we are on course to turn the corner with membership growth this year. Thank you for your efforts and service to the craft.
Two programs providing enthusiastic support of our growth are our Masonic Model Student Assistance Training Program (MMSATP) and CHild identification Program (CHIP). Anyone attending the Mitchell MMSATP training session and the District 10 meeting while the training was being held, heard the endorsement of our program and the enthusiastic commitment to it by the instructors. There is no doubt that they believe the Masons of South Dakota are making a difference that is saving lives in our schools. The program is supported only in part by your dues per capita Grand Lodge assessment, with the balance by generous donations from you, your lodge and other sponsors. It is truly a bargain, and worth your support!
Our SDCHIP program is gaining recognition around the state. The CHIP is a local lodge activity, with no Grand Lodge funding. It relies on involvement of your lodge and local community. As a result, it gives your lodge a perfect opportunity to be the motivating force behind community effort to provide a high visibility, critical child safety program in your area. The lodge is responsible for raising the funding and furnishing workers for the program. Note that this does not mean the lodge and its members must pay for the program solely from its funds, or that only Masons will staff our event. The successful event requires about 40 people, some of whom must have a degree of computer skills. Masons must form partnerships with other organizations and, in the process, be recognized as community leaders. Other groups, businesses and individuals can be involved with furnishing funding and manpower for your lodge’s event. In no case will a child or family be ever asked or expected to pay for the service we provide. The increased visibility obtained will increase respect, and very likely attract new members. Everyone wins!
Successful CHIP events require up to three months of lead time for planning and execution. Quite a few future events have been scheduled, and a Procedures Manual will be available in January to assist you in the process. For more information or to schedule an event in your area, contact the Grand Lodge office or CHIP Chairman Arlen Nordhagen.
Tell your non-Masons friends and perspective members about an MMSATP and CHIP, and invite them to join and be a part of our dynamic growing fraternity.
Virgil Andersen, Grand Master
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The Masonic Information Center (MIC) announces the 2008 winners of the highly regarded Mark Twain Award for Excellence in Masonic Awareness. The Twain Award recognizes Lodge leadership for asserting a uniquely Masonic identity both within the Lodge and throughout the community that is consistent with the fraternity’s historic focus on education, self improvement, good works, and fellowship.
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On this page, you will find older documents and articles for your research. Note that some links to outside sources, such as newspaper articles, will die as time goes on.
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