MW Michael R. Bakken, Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of North Dakota

Bismarck Holiday Social

2010-01-14T09:38:00.000-08:00

Last night I attended the Bismarck area lodges Holiday Social hosted by Lodge #5. This was a first time event and the coordinator RW Brian Burkett, DGM did a wonderful job. A big thank you to the Bismarck and Mandan Lodges for supporting this event. It was great going out West and seesing the Brothers again. Looking forward to our 2nd Quarterly Meeting and Christmas Party this coming Saturday in Carrington. Thanks again Brian and Lodge #5 for a wonderful evening.

North Star Table Lodge

2010-01-13T05:41:00.001-08:00

Last night I attended Table Lodge at North Star Lodge in Larimore. What a great evening!!! WM John and the officers of North Star put out a feast of Oyster Stew, Buffalo Chili and regular chili, two bowls of stew was my limit. We had over 45 Brothers in attendance. Also in attendance was the newly elected Potentate of Kem Shrine, Illustrious Sir, Miles Christianson. It's really great to see a lodge like North Star thriving and excited about Masonry. Tonite I drive to Brismarck to attend their Christmas/Holiday Social. I'm looking forward to seeing the Brothers from out West.

North Dakota Month at George Washington Masonic Memorial

2010-01-10T16:15:00.000-08:00

January has been designated as ND Month at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. January 6 & 7 RW Kvasager and myself traveld to Arlington, VA to participate in the opening of the ND display at the memorial.

St. Aldermar Commandery #3 Christmas Observance, Grand Forks

2010-01-10T15:59:00.001-08:00

On Monday, December 21st I attended the St. Aldermar Commandery #3 Christmas Observance in Grand Forks. The observance was highlighted by a wonderful meal and Christmas Obserance that was very well done. Participating in the Overservance were Br. Wendel VanWechel, Goose River #19 and SGW, RW Lon Kvasager, Malta Lodge.

St. Aldermommandery #3 Christmas Observance, Grand Forks

2010-01-10T15:59:00.000-08:00

Internation Past Masters Night

2009-12-15T05:35:00.000-08:00

Last night I attended the annual International Past Masters Night hosted by Lebanon Lodge #34 in Langdon. I was accompanied by Grand Sr. Warden, RW Lon Kvasager. We were honored to have MW Grand Master David Love and brothers from the Grand Lodge of Manitoba in attendance. Another great meal was prepared by the brothers of Lebanon lodge. PGM, Darrel Schrader served at host for the evening. WM Ryan Gustafson and members of Lebanon did a great job opening and closing lodge, a special thanks to WM Ryan for sitting in the East for the meeting. Also in attendance from the Grand Lodge were PGM Curt Mundahl, Grand Secretary, Grand Lecturer,PGM Ron Penfold and Associate Grand Historian, PGM Jim Savaloja and PGM Charles Ottem. MW Savaloja gave a brief update on the Fort Buford project. At the conclusion of the meeting MW Love and myself "entertained" the brothers with ou rendition of "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer". I played the "air bass" and brother Love sang. A great time was had by all.

Day After Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T09:37:00.000-08:00

On Friday, November 27 members of Goose River #19 sponsored their annual Coffee, Cider & Pizzelles event. Proceeds from the event go to our public library. That night member of our lodge played Christmas music outside. We also accompanied the local Scandinavian dancers.

District 5 Meeting in Fargo.

2009-11-24T06:08:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-11-19T05:34:00.000-08:00

"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

2009-11-18T11:09:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-13T07:50:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-10T14:23:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-11-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T17:59:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T17:43:00.000-08:00

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!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - MMSAP in Bismarck.

2009-10-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday morning September 22, 2009 I had the opportunity to welcome and speak briefly to the participants in the Mason Model Student Assistance Program held at the Kelly Inn in Bismarck. A very special thanks to Brother Al VanVoorhis and RW Brian Burkett, DGM for all their efforts the past years in running the MMSAP program.

September 21, 2009 - Master Mason Degree in Fargo

2009-10-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

On Monday, September 21 I had the opportunity to create a FC at Sight. The young candidate was preparing to be stationed in Afganistan and want t become a Master Mason before he left.
He completed his Master Mason degree that same night.

Sept.17 & 18, 2009 - GL Quarterly Meetings

2009-10-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

The Grand Lodge held their Quarterly Meeting on Saturday, Sept, 19, 2009 in Devils Lake, ND.
On Friday night Sept. 18, I met with my DDGM to go through the DDGM Manual and job respeonsibilities for the upcoming year.

Sept. 17, 2009 Scottish Rite Meeting

2009-09-18T05:19:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended the Scottish Rite Orient of North Dakota, Valley of Grand Forks supper meeting in Grand Forks. The program was presented by Mr. Erwin Mack of UND. His presentation was on the Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The presentation was very enlightening and the meal was great. Thanks Brothers for the invitation!

2009-08-28T05:04:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended the All Masonic picnic in Grand Forks. The picnic was hosted by Accacia and Malta lodges. It was great to see the Brothers from Grand Forks again. The picnic was well attended and the food was grrrrrrrrrrreat!! Thanks Brothers for hosting the picnic.

One Day Policy Updated

2009-08-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Brothers
Please check the GLND website for the change in the one day class policy.
Briefly it states that if a candidate wants to participate in a one day class he MUST do his EA Degree in his home lodge. The FC and MM may be done by a lodge hosting the one day class.
Lodges hosting the one day class may perform all three degrees for their own candidates.. Also there are sugestions regarding proficiencies for all three degrees.

Past Masters Night in EGF

2009-08-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

Brothers
Wed. Aug.19th I will be attending the Past Masters Night in East Grand Forks.
I will bring greetings from the Grand Lodge of North Dakota.
I will be speaking on lodge community awareness, Plant a Tree for Masonry & CallingPost.com.
YIM
MW Mike Bakken

Midwest Conference of Grand Lodges

2009-08-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

Brothers
I atteneded the Midwest Conference of Grand Lodges in Omaha, Nebraska on August, 14,15,16. Representing North Dakota were myself, Grand Secretary Curtiss Mundahl, and Senior Grand Warden Lon Kvasager. I presented North Dakota's "Big Idea" which was my Plant a Tree for Masonry project and the CallingPost.com concept. Both ideas were well received. Next year's conference will be in Sioux Falls, SD. The conference was a huge success!!