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September 2, 2025

Grand Master Proclamations from July 11th are as follows:
      1. Advisory for Safety and Awareness – Adjacent jurisdictions have brought up incidents involving crimes and threats directed at Masonic members and property. No specific threats have been identified in South Dakota but several safety reminders were listed.
  2. Clarification on Degree Work Requiring Dispensation – Each district is granted one Day of Light Conferral with some restrictions. Chance-to-Advance Conferrals are also permitted with restrictions. Both include a dispensation request no later than thirty days prior to the event.
  3. Clarification on the Number of Masons to Hold Lodge – In a continuation of previous proclamations for the 2025-2026 Masonic Year a minimum of three Master Masons will constitute a quorum for stated business as long as one is the Worshipful Master or elected Warden and the other two are Master Masons in good standing of said Lodge.
  4. Proclamation on NPDs – Brothers suspended for non-payment of dues need only pay current year’s dues but applies only once per brother.
  5. Proclamation on Affiliation with a Lodge – Adds restrictions concerning affiliating with another lodge with the intent to make it the brother’s primary lodge.
  6. Proclamation on Child ID Program – Effective immediately all activities are suspended pending a program review and consultation.
  7. Proclamation on Social Media Awareness – As in previous years this is mainly a reminder for members to conduct themselves on Social Media as they would in-person in public.
  8. Proclamation on Use of Pull-Tab Proceeds – Allows for lodges to sell pull-tabs for specific purposes and with restrictions.

On July 12th the Grand Master gave an address, specifically pointing out Education and Feeding South Dakota as areas vital to his initiatives.
On July 12th Brother Jim Marples emailed that he saw we had used one of his articles as an education program in April of 2024. He provided a possible education program, or addition to one, which has been turned over to our Education Officer.
On July 16th the Junior Grand Warden sent communication to District 1. He communicated his congratulations to all elected officers, is commitment to building connections, and encourages us to attend each other’s meetings and to let him know if there are any specific events we would like him to attend.
On July 24th the Grand Master communicated the revocation of Unity Lodge No 130’s Charter for failure to maintain internal discipline and leadership accountability and a deteriorated condition that has become deleterious to the honor and usefulness of the Craft. In addition was the revocation of Zonta Lodge No 215’s Charter for failure to maintain regular meetings and active participation in the work of Masonry.
On July 28th the Grand Master communicated a proclamation about Special Meetings. This allowed special dispensation to chartered lodges in Sioux Falls to hold as many meetings as necessary through Sept 30th for the sole and express purpose of receiving and voting on petitions for affiliation from former members of Unity and Zonta lodges.
On August 4th the Deputy Grand Master sent an informational Bulletin regarding affiliation requests coming from former members of Unity and Zonta lodges.
On August 4th WB Allen communicated his relief that we added stated communications to our summer months “just in case.” He also mentioned that he had just attended the “Biker Breakfast” at Spearfish Lodge that morning after the Widow’s Son set off on their journey. He spotted a brother who showed up for breakfast a little late, who is a Widow’s son from another jurisdiction. The name tag on his vest said “Santa” and he had the beard and belly to match, so he had a chance to talk with a Brother Santa, who is a Brother today.
An Area C Townhall (which includes District 1) will be held on September 13th at 9:30 AM. They would like RSVP before the 13th.
On August 13th the Grand Lodge office communicated that Grand View will be taking over the phone and day-to-day tasks of the Grand Lodge. This follows Glen Rice and Harland Danielsen stepping down from their roles at the Grand Lodge.
Prior to the meeting Installation of Officers was held. Installing Officer Ron West, Installing Marshall Randy Smith, Installing Chaplain Galen Jansen. Officers installed were the Worshipful Master, Junior Warden, Secretary, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Chaplain, and Tyler.
Dave and his wife Erin have looked into an Easter Bunny costume but have not made any purchases yet.
Pulling in the walls was discussed again. Cole said whenever is convenient he can make it work. We will try and schedule a time at the next meeting.
The Hudson Parade is this Saturday. The parade starts and ends near the Community Center. It starts at 2:00 pm. The current plan is for Greg to drive the sign in the parade with either his wife or Joe to be a second person to help with the sign.
Given their work after the storm, Greg suggested the Lodge do something to recognize the Hudson Fire Department. Since they do the meal at the same time as Santa it was suggested we could do something then.
A golf outing was brought up by Greg. He said Alcester’s course played really nice over the summer. He will get a date picked out by the next meeting.

Not Just a Man. A Mason.

 

How Do I Join?

Freemasonry is available to men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being. We are closed to avowed atheists and agnostics. There are no restrictions relating to race, creed, or religion.
To begin, contact a Mason by telephone, by e-mail, or in person. He will be happy to answer your questions, or refer you to someone who can.
If you decide that Masonry is right for you, the next step is to request a Petition for Degrees of Masonry, which will ask for some basic information, such as your name, age, occupation, and place of residence.
Your sponsor will present your petition to the Lodge, which will consider your request. When your petition is accepted, you will face a three-step initiation. Each step opens doors to new knowledge and deeper understanding.
These initiation rites are solemn and wholesome, intended to convey basic moral truths and principles of morality that are accepted by good men everywhere: the Golden Rule, tolerance, gratitude to the Almighty for His many blessings, love of and respect for one’s family, charity towards all men, and patriotism. Upon taking part in the the first step, called the Entered Apprentice degree, you will advance to the second degree, known as the Fellowcraft, and, ultimately, raised to the Master Mason degree.