District 5 Meeting in Fargo.

Last night I had the opportunity to attend the District 5 Meeting hosted by Shiloh Lodge #1.

A special thanks to Harlan and Kathy, and Eastern Star for preparing our meal. Thanks also to MW Arnie Ellingson, PGM for serving as my DDGM for the evening. Shiloh Lodge did a great job opening lodge. Thanks WM Bill Anderson and Brothers for that. We have four Past Grand Masters in attendance last night; MW Arnie Ellingson, MW Al Ohart, MW Chris Christianson and MW Ed Samuelson, Jr. We must remember to Keep the Flame of Masonry burning.

Happy Thanksgiving!

My First Continuation Day

Brothers! Saturday, November 21st was a great day for Masonry in North Dakota. Malta lodge from Grand Forks hosted the first Continuation Day in the state. They initiated an EA candidate at 8:00 AM, completed the Approaching the Portals and guided him through the EA Proficiency.

Following they proceeded with the FC Degree, followed by the FC Proficiency. Following a great noon lunch we we joined by FC candidates from Accacia Lodge and proceeded to raise 7 new Masons. What a great day! Special thanks to WM John Petrek from Malta Lodge and MW Bob Higgs from Accacia and all the brothers that helped in making this day work. Thanks to Brothers Tom Hanson, Bob Noblin, Stan Wicker and others for taking care that the candidates completed their Proficiencies. Thanks to Lynn Misialek for all his contributions and to RW Lon Kvasager for serving as the ritual coordinator. We were honored to have Brothers from Winnipeg Accacia Lodge in attendance as well. We were able to confer all three degrees, complete the EA & FC Prficiencies and be done by 3:30 in the afternoon. Well Done!!!

"We represent a fraternity which believes in justice and truth and honorale action in your community..men who are endeavoring to be better citizens...and to makie a great country greater. This is the only institution in the world where we can meet on the level all sortsof people who want to live rightly."
Harry S. Truman
President of the United States

District 2 Meeting

Last night I attended the District 2 Meeting in Devils Lake. Devils Lake Lodge #1 hosted the meeting and did a great job. Thanks to WM Darren Briss and his officers for doing a fine job of opening and to M Dan Haugen, DDGM for setting up the meeting. A special report on the International Peace Garden Lodge was presented by Brother Bob Leonard and MW Del Alvord, PGM. RW Lon Kvasager gave a brief update on membership. Thanks again to Devils Lake for the great meal and hospitality. Keep the Flame Burning!!!

District 3 Meeting in Minot

I attended the District 3 Meeting in Minot last night. Another great meeting!! Special thanks to W Randy Hamm, DDGM for setting up the meeting. Star in the West Lodge #33 was the host lodge for the meeting. They had a flawless opening of lodge. Well done Brothers. Other lodges attending were Mt. Moriah #51, Williston; Ashlar Lodge #69, Granville; Portal Lodge #84; Tyrian Lodge No. 113 in Sherwood; Ft. Union Lodge #128, Watford City. We had the honor of having 3 Past Grand Masters MW Ray Webb, MW Ron Penfold and MW Alvin Wold were at the meeting. Also attendeing was Past Potentate of Kem Shrine David Witter frm Minot. MW Wold gave a great update on the Ft. Buford Historical Lodge Project. Tonite I head to Devils Lake. Keep the Flame Burning!

District 1 Meeting in Cavalier

I attended the District 1 meeting in Cavalier last evening. Another great turn out by the Brothers. Thanks to Tongue River lodge for hosting the meeting. Thanks also to the ladies from Eastern Star for preparing a wonderful meal. Turkey with all the trimmings, even lefse!!!!

Thanks to W. Rob Fleming, DDGM for setting up the meeting. I will be in Minot next Monday and Devls Lake on Tuesday for District Meetings.

District 6 Meeting in Bismarck

Last night I attended the District 6 meeting at the Masonic Center in Bismarck. The meeting was hosted by Lewis & Clark Lodge #132. W Paul Baumgartner is the DDGM for District 6 and did a great job. Following the viewing of the latest MMSAP video a presentation was made by HPGM Al VanVoorhis and DGM Brian Burkett about the MMSAP program in North Dakota, great job brothers. Thanks to brother Jeff Todd and Paul Baumgartner for the great supper. Thanks Brothers for the warm hospitality. Keep the Flame Burning!!!

I attended the District 7 Meeting last night in Killdeer. Nice turn out and grrrrrreat meal!

DGM Brian Burkett spoke briefly on the MMSAP program. Special thanks to DDGM Nat Knudson, WM Matt and all the brothers for a great evening. Looking forward to District 6 meeting in Bismarck on Monday night.

District 4 Meeting in Mayville

Last night, Nov.3rd we had our District 4 meeting in Mayville. A special thanks to Goose River Lodge #19 and WM Roger Baier for hosting the event. Thanks also to DDGM Lynn Misialek for running the the meeting. Lodges present were Goose River, Acacia, Malta, Garfield, and Hillsboro.

Biennial session of the Supreme Council Scottish Rite

October 4-6,2009 I attended the Biennial Session of the Supreme Council of Scottish Rite held in Washington, D.C. I was fortunate to attend the session with the Deputy of North Dakota, Charles Ottem, PGM. A special congratulations to John Vold of Fargo upon being elected a 33rd degree Master Mason. Well done Brother John!