October 6, 2026

MW Brian Pulling sent out “Treasures, Traditions & Tales” via email. This is a call for pictures and stories about the treasures that are hiding in local lodges. Submissions due on October 7th to be included in theMasonic Messenger.
PGM Aaron Zahn sent an email out about Lodge Operation Information. This dealt with the Centralized Dues processing that was to be opt-in for the Lodges where Grand Lodge would handle the notices instead of the Lodge secretaries.
The Winter Communication will be held January 15th and 16th at the AmericInn in Chamberlain. Registration is free. Saturday Lunch is $20 and Table Lodge is $35.
MWB Maurice “Pete” Peterson passed on July 12th. Interment will be Friday, October 16, at 3:00 in Sturgis.
The MMRI Telethon began at 7:00 pm (Eastern) on October 6th.
Grand Lodge sent notice that dues have been assessed and Dues Notices have been sent.
Grand Lodge sent out the October Statewide Call to Action. It calls on Lodges to start (or continue) a regular officer development program, to identify and begin developing successors for every officer’s chair, to establish or strengthen mentoring relationships between experienced and newer leaders, practice open and respectful communication when addressing challenges, and ensure every candidate understands the expectations of Masonic membership before petitioning.
Allen Eide replied to the meeting reminder email, “Will be thinking of you. Spearfish Lodge met Thursday night. I was SW Pro Tem and Ed Officer. We had 7 members present. WM wants to have a holiday meal for members in Dec.”
Aaron Zahn forwarded on an email from Tom Sedgwick. He was a member of Parker Lodge #30 for many years before it closed. He indicated he sent an email to us back on March 17th asking to become a member since he was born and raised in Hawarden and has no desire to join a lodge in Georgia, where he currently lives. He was asking Aaron if he could get a demit since he never heard back from Jeptha, though it is unknown which email address he attempted to contact. The email from Aaron Zahn about Tom Sedgwick was followed up on by Galen. Tom replied that he would still be very interested in joining Jeptha Lodge. Secretary to follow up with Aaron on the process to come.
Dave made a motion to donate $100 to the MMRI telethon, Tom seconded. The motion passed. Joe will make the payment with the Lodge to reimburse him as the site only allows debit/credit card or PayPal/Venmo.
Dan Schlup was installed as Senior Warden.
We will walk ditches next Tuesday, weather permitting. Since Galen will be in Colorado it will be up to Dan and Dave if the weather permits.
Education officer Tom Lewis shared “Five Points of Fellowship” fromMasonic Short Talks & AI Overview.

The Semiquincentennial: July 4, 2026

Steve Wickre, Cole Fitch, Greg Westra, Randy Porter, Randy Smith, Mike Ingebrigtson, Dave Hansen, Joe West, Galen Jansen, Shane Swenson, Duane Van Noort, Tom Lewis, Dan Schlup, Carter Horner, Brian Sohl

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.