FROM THE GRAND MASTER
Greetings from your Grand Master and from the Grand Lodge of South Dakota.
My Brothers, the Masonic year is certainly flying by, with many things accomplished and many more left to be done.
The 129th Annual Grand Lodge Communication in Mitchell is just around the corner. The third weekend of June, is coming up very fast. Remember the dates of June 19, 20 and 21, 2003. The session will be held at the Mitchell Holiday Inn. I would encourage everyone to attend and participate. Remember, Grand Lodge is not just for the Grand Lodge officers, but for all Masons across the state. All Masters, Wardens, Secretaries, and Past Masters have a vote. Please attend to carry out that privilege. Also, please bring your lady with you to Grand Lodge. My wife, Mavis, has planned some special activities for the women to enjoy.
At this time, I would like you to think a bit about perception and leadership as it relates to the Masons of this Grand Jurisdiction. When we think of the Blue Oval we naturally think of Ford. When we think of the Laurel and Wreath we naturally think, Cadillac. If you think these perceptions are not important, just try using the emblems without permission.
We need to improve the public perception of Freemasons. I want people to know when they see the Square and Compass, they will naturally think of men of good moral character, men who are active in their churches and community, men who are charitable, and men who value family and strive to be the best they can be. The perception needs to be of a man whom not only gives of his money, but of his time and talents to help where help is needed.
This leads to leadership, not only being Master of your Lodge, but also being a leader in your church and community. There is something in every town in this state that needs to be done and something the Lodge membership could do to help out.
We sometimes think that if we throw money at a problem the problem will go away. That is not always true. There are many things that need leadership in solving a problem, not money. Let us as Masons be those leaders who help solve those problems. Let us always go the extra mile, strive to provide the leadership that improves the public perception of Freemasonry. In that way, our great Fraternity can continue to grow.
I understand there is a lot of degree work going on around the state. Keep up the good work and thanks to all for our membership growth.
In closing, I would again like to remind you of the objectives of this years Grand Masters program…Communication, Education, and Visibility. If MASONRY IS OUR HERITAGE from those who came before us, let us PASS IT ON to others.
Fraternally yours, Alvin T. Wahlert, Grand Master

GRAND LODGE PLANS
By WB Larry Carlson, Gr. Lodge Office
Spring is fast approaching and almost all the annual reports are in at the Grand Lodge office. We hope that all are by the time you read this. The next things to plan for in your Lodge are the election and installation of your officers for next year and the annual Grand Lodge Communication. There will be correspondence sent to the secretary of your Lodge on all of these items but in this Messenger we want to give you some information on Grand Lodge.
The 129th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge A.F.& A.M. of South Dakota will be held on June 19-21, 2003 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Mitchell, South Dakota. As in the past there will be meetings for various committees, Lodge Officers, Custodians and the Awards Banquet on Thursday June 19, 2003. Registration will be open on Thursday also. The Annual Grand Lodge Communication will start on Friday and continue on Saturday (June 20 & 21) beginning with the Public Grand Opening on Friday at 8:30AM. Plan now to attend this important annual meeting of your Grand Lodge. This will give you the opportunity to meet the Grand Lodge officers that have served you this last year and to meet and greet the Grand Lodge Officers for the year 2003-2004.
There are rooms reserved for registration at the following Motels in Mitchell. Be sure and tell them that you are registering for the Grand Lodge of South Dakota convention. These rooms are held for a period of time but cannot be held right up to Grand Lodge. Please make your reservations as early as possible:

Holiday Inn Convention Center 605-996-6501, $74.00 + tax
Fax 605-996-7160, E-Mail: mitchellholin@santel.net
Motel 6, 605-996-0530, $51.99 + tax. Fax (605-996-2019
Econo Lodge 605-996-6647 $60.00 + tax. Fax 605-996-7339
Comfort Inn (605) 996-1333, $72.00 + tax. Fax 605-996-6022
Anthony Motel 605-996-7518, $50.00 + tax

As of this printing we have three candidates for Junior Grand Warden and one each for Board of Trustees and Grand Treasurer Secretary. More information and pictures will be coming out in the next Messenger prior to Grand Lodge. Most Worshipful Grand Master Alvin T, Wahlert has worked hard for the craft all the years he has been in the Grand Lodge line and especially this year which is his year as our Grand Master. Please show your appreciation by planning to attend this 129th Annual Grand Lodge Communication on June 20, 21, 2003. Mark your Calendar and Plan to attend

GRAND LODGE DEDICATION
On Sunday, October 13th 2002, a whale of a meeting of Masons, their Wives and many other interested persons took place in Redfield South Dakota. District Master VWB Dale Fiedler coordinated the activities that included a regular District meeting, a commemoration of the consolidation of Frankfort Lodge #77 with Redfield Lodge #34 and the dedication of their new facility.
When the Brothers of Frankfort Lodge #77 decided to leave Frankfort and consolidate with Redfield #34, they wanted to take with them an item of some significance that might be useful and appreciated by the Brothers of the continuing Lodge. And so they did. They took with them their entire Lodge Building, which was moved to a site on the grounds of the Eastern Star Home where it was actually attached to that facility. This was a major improvement for Redfield Lodge #34 as well, since their old facility was in need of major repairs and was rather inaccessible to the handicapped. By attaching it to the OES Home, it is now all on one ground floor, which makes it much easier for Masonic and Eastern Star residents to attend functions.
Many of the furnishings from the old Lodge Building in Redfield were utilized to complete and enhance the project. The many hours spent planning, calculating, worrying and doing hard physical work, culminated to form a wonderful Masonic Center of which the Brothers can certainly be proud.
MWB Alvin T. Wahlert, Grand Master of Masons in South Dakota, convened an Occasional Grand Lodge for the purpose of formally dedicating the new facility. Assisting him in the meaningful ceremony were RWB Gary Griffith, Deputy Grand Master; RWB William Coffield Jr., Senior Grand Warden; RWB Larry Anderson, Junior Grand Warden; MWB Leslie Spies, Grand Treas/Sec; WB Douglas Mc Farland, Grand Historian; WB Wilbur Albrecht, Grand Sword Bearer; and WB Charles Hadrick, Grand Tyler.
After the ritualistic ceremony was completed, Grand Master Wahlert commended the Brethren of Redfield Lodge for the enthusiastic unfaltering effort they had demonstrated toward furthering Masonry in their community. He also addressed the attendees and suggested they should look closely at this fine example of Masonic progress and perhaps take home to their own lodges, a spark, that might ignite into something equally impressive. He then declared the Occasional Grand Lodge closed.
VW Brother Dale Fiedler, District Master of District #9, continued the activities by conducting the business of the District Meeting, which also included some fine entertainment by the Yelduz Shrine Chanters. District Master Fiedler then made a fifty year recognition and award presentation to W Brother Robert (Bob) Freeburg, who responded with some interesting and appropriate comments.
At the conclusion of the District Meeting and other activities, many of the one hundred thirty five attendees found their way to the new Apartment Dining Room in the Eastern Star Home, where they were treated to an outstanding lunch, prepared and served by the Ladies of the OES.

GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL
Grand Lodge Month Program Big Success
Each month, the Memorial recognizes and honors the Grand Lodges that support and sustain the Memorial. This program is bringing hundreds of Masons from across the nation to be honored. The month of May has been chosen as Grand Lodge of South Dakota month. The state flag of South Dakota will fly over the Memorial for the entire month of May. A small display of Masonic artifacts and memorabilia is being assembled for display at the Memorial. Masons from South Dakota who might be planning a visit to the Memorial might wish to go during the month of May. They will be welcomed and honored by the Memorial staff.
The South Dakota Grand Lodge is participating in the dedicatory tree program of the Memorial. A red maple tree has been selected for the Program. It is to be planted on the Memorial grounds and will be identified by a granite marker identifying the donor and the honoree. The dedicatory plaque will say, “Dedicated to South Dakota Masons”. We Masons of South Dakota can be very pleased to have the Grand Lodge Trustees support this endeavor in the amount of $500.00.
The trees have been selected to thrive and grow in the environment of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial and to have a long life span. The Memorial is located in Alexandria, Virginia only a few miles from Mount Vernon, situated atop historic Shooters Hill in a lovely 36-acre park-like setting.
Richard M. Luther, PGM, State Chairman

BIG NIGHT AT ELK POINT #3
SEVEN BROTHERS RAISED TO MASTER MASON

Is it better to give than to receive? The “Givers” pictured in the back row are members of the Degree Team from Jeptha Lodge #121, Hudson, assisted by two very gracious Brothers from Joppa Lodge #120, Hurley. On January18th, this group of Masons traveled to Elk Point to perform the third degree for the “Receivers”, pictured in the front row. The Lodge Room was packed and the spirit of masonry prevailed throughout the evening and was truly enhanced by the many Brothers on the sidelines.
Following the exercises of the evening, which were well coordinated by Worshipful Master Duane Peterson and his capable assistants, everyone was welcomed to the dining room where a fine dinner and great fellowship rounded out the program.
So, is it better to give than to receive? If the expressions captured in the picture are any indication, it must be better to give AND receive. Perhaps the best part of the entire affair goes by so subtly it is hardly noticed. That is the fact that, not only has Elk Point Lodge #3 benefited from their overall effort, but so has the entire family of South Dakota Masonry.

HURON LODGE HOLDS FIRST ONE-DAY…13 CANDIDATES!
Huron Lodge No. 26 held it’s first one-day, all the way degree conferral on February 22 with13 new members joining our Fraternity. The candidates represented several Lodges in the Huron area. The Lodge also took the opportunity to celebrate their Past Master’s night and Washington’s Birthday.
The EA degree commenced at 10:00 a.m. followed by lunch. The FC followed and, after a coffee break, the 1st Section of the MM degree. Dinner was then served by the ladies of the OES and Job’s Daughters. PM William Pfautz presented the George Washington address. The men then proceeded to the Lodge room for the 2nd section and lectures. Three Past Grand Masters of Masons took part in the work…Lye Rowen, Robert Osborne and Del Ripley.

Photo shows the 13 new Master Masons raised in Huron Lodge Feb. 22. First row (l to r) Monte Thury, Lee Kleinsasser, Chad Schroder, Randy Eden, Rick Hoffman. Second row Scott Rowen, Glen Rowen, Gail Arnold, Allen Wik. Third row Chris Marcus, Wade Christensen, Ryan Rollinger, Larry Peterson.

SD MASON HEADS INTERNATIONAL MASONIC ORGANIZATION

WB Perry Anderson, Pierre, has been elected to head the General Grand Council, Cryptic Masons International (York Rite) for the next 3 years. Most Puissant Companion Anderson was elevated to the office at the Triennial Assembly held in Atlantic City, NJ in October. He will serve until the next General Grand Assembly that will be held in Rapid City in the fall of 2005. He is the first South Dakota to head any of the International York Rite bodies.
Two other SD Masons will hold leadership positions in the international organization for the next 3 years. WB Carl Pengra of Rapid City will serve as Rt.P. General Grand Marshal and WB Harlan “Pete” Peterson will be Rt.P. Deputy General Grand Master for the North Central Region, a North American grouping of 7 states and 2 Canadian Provinces. In addition MWB Don Salmon will serve as Ambassador to South Dakota and will be in charge of the Triennial meeting in Rapid City in 2002. This Assembly will be held in conjunction with the Triennial Grand Convocation of the General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons Int. All 4 of these Brothers are Past Illustrious Grand Masters of the Grand Council, Cryptic Masons (Royal & Select Masters) of South Dakota.

RED CROSS OF CONSTANTINE
By R.W.B. Larry Anderson, Recorder St. Simon Conclave
St. Simon Conclave No. 48, Red Cross of Constantine was chartered in Sioux Falls on April 27, 1923, and is one of 2 Conclaves of the Order in South Dakota. The other being Black Hills Conclave in Rapid City. The Red Cross of Constantine and Appendant Orders is a Masonic affiliated body composed of deserving Royal Arch Masons residing in South Dakota. Membership in the Order is by invitation and we are an organization few in number and limited in financial resources. St. Simon Conclave membership is limited to 35 regular and 5 emeritus members, or Knight Companions of the Order. The Conclave meets twice a year for fellowship and sociability on the 1st Saturday in May and again on the 1st Saturday in Nov. The Nov. meeting is the annual meeting at which new members are inducted. The annual meeting concludes with an evening banquet at which the ladies are present.
The purposes of the Constantine Orders are to commemorate the first elevation of Christianity from the position of a despised and proscribed heresy, to that of a legally recognized and honored religion; to cultivate the social virtues; appeal to the intellectual and moral qualities; preserve as far as possible the customs of the Fraternity, and bring about good fellowship and understanding between all branches of Masony. This is the mission statement of the Order, which was adopted at the 106th annual assembly of the United Grand Imperial Council in 1978.
At the last annual meeting of St. Simon Conclave it was determined that we needed more of a mission for our Order locally, and a resolution was adopted to the effect that St. Simon Conclave No. 48 have as its jurisdictional benevolence a resource of information clearing house associated with giving assistance to South Dakota Masons and/or family members who are believed to have and addictive disease(s). Also the membership of St. Simon is charged, as best as each member is able to participate, with aiding South Masons and families by providing the leadership and support required in referring and offering information to Brothers who are exhibiting addictive diseases. To the proper Grand Lodge committee and/or to professional assistance as may be deemed necessary.
With this added mission, the Conclave feels that we can, each in our individual daily routines, be of help and assistance to those in need whom we may come in contact with.

History of the Grand Lodge of Dakota
By Douglas C. McFarland
Grand Historian
The following presentation was given prior to a re-enactment of the events leading to the development of the Grand Lodge of Dakota by the Frontier Army Lodge of Masonic Research #1875 (FALMR) on June 21, 2002 at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota at Vermillion
There has always been a special tie between the Masons of South Dakota and North Dakota. Organized Masonry began in Dakota Territory when our pioneer ancestors, who, longing for the Masonic friendship and brotherly love they had cherished in the communities they left behind, began to organize into small Lodges throughout the region. Army posts in the developing territory were also seeds of Masonic activity, although transitory.
To recognize and honor the involvement of the frontier army in the development of Masonry in the territory which now represents primarily North and South Dakota, and to further examine Masonic history during this period, the Frontier Army Lodge of Masonic Research was developed. It is significant that the FALMR received its charter to work in 2000 from both the Grand Lodges of North and South Dakota.
On December 20, 1803 in New Orleans, the Louisiana Purchase was finalized. Napoleon was happy to sell a territory that he had no power to keep if the Americans decided to overrun it and take it by force. Napoleon received 60 million Francs (15 million dollars) which was badly needed to fund his long-standing war with the British.
Shortly thereafter, the Corps of Discovery was launched into the area including what was to become Dakota Territory and then North and South Dakota. It is often said that Meriwether Lewis was the first Mason to set foot into Dakota Territory. Lewis was made a Mason in 1797 in Albemarle, VA. Lewis was instrumental in establishing St. Louis Lodge #111 in 1808, and served as its first Worshipful Master. The other co-Captain of the expedition, William Clark, while not a Mason at the time, joined the Fraternity shortly following his return in 1809 in this same Lodge.
Masonic ideals and principles were apparently fresh in Lewis’ mind during his journey, as he named 3 western rivers: Philosophy, Wisdom, and Philanthropy.
Was Meriwether Lewis the first Mason to set foot in Dakota Territory? Masonic records of that era are often difficult to locate and many are no longer in existence. Were others in the Corps Masons? Were any of the French fur trappers who preceded the Corps of Discovery Masons? It is thought by some that adventurers passing through the Hudson Bay way station near present-day Elk Point as early as 1750 included Masons. We will probably never know who that first Mason was.
On April 23, 1862 the Grand Lodge of Iowa granted a dispensation to 9 Brethren to form “Dacotah Lodge” at Fort Randall, near present-day Pickstown, SD. There is no record whether the new Lodge ever organized and worked under the dispensation. Brother Franklin DeWitt, who was named W. Master, departed shortly thereafter to the Red River country, and did not return until the following spring. (continued last page)
Nevertheless, the Grand Lodge of Iowa never issued a charter and no further mention was made of Dacotah Lodge in the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Iowa.
On September 13, 1863, 12 Masons at Fort Abercrombe, which was 20 miles South of present-day Fargo, received a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Minnesota to form the “Northern Lights Lodge.” The dispensation was received just as the troops were preparing to march North to Fort Pembina, in the extreme Northeast corner of the Territory. There the Brethren of Northern Lights Lodge convened in January 1864 and commenced to confer 36 degrees, Raising 12 Master Masons. The following spring, the troops and the Lodge were moved North to Fort Garry in Manitoba.
The next military Lodge to organize was Yellowstone Lodge #88 at Fort Buford, which was Southwest of present-day Williston, ND on the Missouri River. They received a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Minnesota on January 26, 1871, and their charter on January 10, 1872. Membership in 1872 was 35 and was 48 in 1873. An 80’ X 100’ 2-story Lodge building was constructed near the sutler’s store adjoining the fort. The second story was used as the Lodge hall and the first floor served as the social and cultural center of the fort. In 1874, many in the garrison were transferred and the Lodge surrendered its charter.
The first successful establishment of a long-term Lodge was at Yankton. Nine Brethren petitioned the Grand Lodge of Iowa for a dispensation for a Lodge to be called St. John’s. The dispensation was granted on December 2, 1862 naming the Reverend Brother Melancthon Hoyt, Worshipful Master. Brother Hoyt and Brother A. G. Fuller, who also signed the petition, both had previously signed the petition for dispensation of Dacotah Lodge at Fort Randall. St. John’s Lodge initially met in the Council Chamber of the Territorial Capitol in Yankton. A petition for membership was received on the first night from a soldier at Fort Randall. The first Mason Raised in Dakotah Territory was in St. John’s Lodge. The Brother was a Lieutenant attached with Company “A” Dakota Cavalry, Yankton – further demonstrating the important involvement of the military in the development of Masonry in Dakota Territory. The Lodge received its charter on June 3, 1863 designating it as St. John’s Lodge #166.
Six years later the second permanent Lodge was established in Vermillion, also receiving its dispensation from the Iowa Grand Lodge. The group was led by Brother A. G. Fuller, who was a signer of the petition for Dacotah and St. John’s Lodges. He was named the first Worshipful Master and on June 2, 1869 the Lodge received its charter and was designated Incense Lodge #257.
In 1870 a group of Masons at Elk Point received a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Iowa to form a Lodge, and on June 7, 1871, Elk Point Lodge # 288 received its charter.
The next development occurred in 1874, when 10 Brothers, headed by attorney Mark W. Bailey, petitioned for, and received a dispensation to organize a Lodge in Canton. A charter was issued on June 3, 1875 designating it Silver Star Lodge # 345.
Previously, on July 15, 1873, 8 Brothers in Sioux Falls headed by Brother Thomas Henderson Brown received a dispensation to form a Lodge in Sioux Falls. Minnehaha Lodge was organized later in the month with Brown as its first Worshipful Master. However, the Lodge did not work for a full year and by June 1874 they decided to try to obtain a charter anyway, knowing that they had not satisfied the requirements of the dispensation. W. M. Brown traveled to Iowa to represent the Lodge and after a “stormy” meeting with the Committee on Lodges Under Dispensation, he received a charter for Minnehaha Lodge #328. Minnehaha Lodge commenced work immediately.
The 6th and last Lodge chartered by the Grand Lodge of Iowa in the territory was in Springfield. A dispensation was received on February 16, 1875. In addition to its jurisdiction in Dakota Territory, the Grand Lodge of Nebraska gave them jurisdiction over Niobrara, just across the Missouri River. As the next communication of the Grand Lodge of Iowa was in June 1875, the Springfield members applied for a charter before the normal 1-year dispensation period. Citing the probability that a new Grand Lodge would be formed in Dakota Territory within the year, the Grand Lodge of Iowa approved their charter so that those Brethren might assist in the organization of the new Grand Body.
In fact, minutes of St. John’s Lodge indicated that 3 years earlier, in 1872, a committee was appointed by the Worshipful Master to investigate interest among the territorial Lodges in forming a Grand Lodge of Dakota. After several false starts to organize a meeting to discuss this issue, Brother Henry H. Blair, of Elk Point Lodge wrote to the territorial Lodges and called a meeting of Lodge representatives on June 22, 1875 in Elk Point for the purpose of forming a new Grand Lodge.
Although Brother Blair claimed to have invited Lodges in the northern part of the territory, there was no response from the Fargo and Bismarck Lodges. The minutes of Shiloh Lodge in Fargo indicated that neither they nor the Bismarck Lodge had received an invitation to participate in the formation of the new Grand Body. As Minnesota chartered the northern Lodges, this incident was, unfortunately, a point of difference between the new Grand Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Minnesota.
Delegates from Elk Point, St. John’s, Incense, Minnehaha, and Silver Star Lodges met at Elk Point to organize a Grand Body of Dakota Territory. A Committee on Credentials was appointed naming 3 Brothers from each of the 5 Lodges to represent their members. Additionally, as Mount Zion Lodge in Springfield had not yet received their charter, their representative was given a seat at the meeting, without authority to represent his Lodge. Incidentally, the Grand Lodge of Iowa had issued Mount Zion’s Charter on June 3, nineteen days earlier, but it was apparently not received.
At this first meeting, it was resolved that a Grand Lodge be organized for Dakota Territory and that representatives from each Lodge draft a constitution and by-laws for the government of the Grand Lodge of Dakota. On the following day, a Constitution and By-laws were introduced, considered, amended, and adopted unanimously.
That afternoon the body elected Brother Thomas H. Brown Grand Master, F. J. DeWitt, DGM, C. G. Shaw, SGW, Henry H. Blair, JGW, George H. Hand, Grand Treasurer, and Mark W. Bailey, Grand Secretary. The Grand Master then appointed the remainder of the officers.
A month later on July 21, 1875, a Masonic Convention was called to order in Incense Lodge in Vermillion. As all officers-elect were in attendance, they adjourned and a procession, led by Brother W. H. H. Beadle (General Beadle), marched to the Baptist Church for the public installation of officers. Past Grand Master T. S. Parvin of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, served as Grand Master Pro Tem for the installation.
Following the installation ceremony, the procession then returned to Incense Lodge and the officers commenced work. The six Dakota Lodges represented became members of the newly formed Grand Lodge of Dakota and were numbered 1 through 6 in the order that they had received their original charters. The subordinate Lodges were told to adopt a code of by-laws and submit these along with a list of their members to the Grand Secretary. It was voted that the Grand Secretary inform the Grand Lodge of Minnesota of the formation of the Grand Lodge of Dakota.
At the Grand Lodge Communication the following year in Yankton, Grand Master Thomas H. Brown was “deeply concerned” that the Grand Lodge of Minnesota had failed to answer correspondence from the Grand Secretary or to recognize the existence of the Grand Lodge of Dakota.
Likewise, at the 1877 and 1878 Grand Lodge Communications, it was reported that no correspondence had been received from the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. At the 1878 Communication the following resolution was adopted:
That the Grand Lodge of Dakota possesses sole and exclusive Masonic jurisdiction throughout the Territory of Dakota, and that no subordinate Lodge can maintain a lawful existence in said Territory without acknowledging allegiance to the Grand Lodge of Dakota.
They also adopted another resolution:
That all non-affiliated Masons be restricted to 3 visits to any one Lodge in their visitations of Lodges in this jurisdiction.
At the Grand Lodge Communication the following year, Grand Master George H. Hand reported that the Minnesota Grand Lodge still had not responded, but that one of the northern Lodges, Shiloh Lodge of Fargo, came under jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Dakota during the year.
The following year, the Bismarck Lodge sent in their charter and asked to be certified as a member of the Grand Lodge of Dakota. The officers of the Grand Lodge warmly welcomed them.
One year later at the 1881 Grand Communication, it was reported that Minnesota had finally recognized the new Grand Body and extended a warm and fraternal greeting to the Grand Lodge of Dakota.
On June 12, 1889, Lodges in the northern part of the territory were removed to the newly formed Grand Lodge of North Dakota.
References:
The First 100 Years of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of South Dakota 1875-1975. Compiled and Edited by Harold L. Tisher P.G.M., Grand Historian. 1974.
History of Masonry in Dakota Territory. By James V. Acker, P.M., Frontier Army Lodge of Masonic Research - web site.
Undaunted Courage – Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West. By Steven E. Ambrose.1996.
Assorted documents and letters kindly provided by the Grand Lodge of Iowa.

MSA VET’S HOSPITAL PROJECT
The Masonic Service Association’s Representation to the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls has taken on a project to provide some new wheel chairs to the hospital. This has been done under the direction of MWB Ron Lockwood, PGM and the MSA representative to the Sioux Falls VA center.
The solicitation from Masonic organizations, including the Grand Lodge, resulted in nearly $1500 which was presented to the hospital on February 8. This enabled the hospital to purchase 12 new chairs.

RtW Gary Griffith, Deputy Grand Master, is shown presenting the Grand Lodge contribution for the wheel chairs to MWB Ron Lockwood, MSA Representative to the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls.

The new wheel chairs were delivered and presented to the hospital on March 10. MWB Lockwood is shown in the photo presenting them to Dr. William K. Becker, Hospital Chief of Staff and Acting Director. Others in photo (l to r) are: Brenda Stevens, head of volunteer services; Oscar Loe, MSA Deputy Rep.; L. Kenneth Salisbury, Unity Lodge No. 130; Dr. Becker, Ron Lockwood, Arlen Knutson, Past Potentate and David Neiman, Chief Rabban representing El Riad Shrine; and “Lars” (Larry Erickson), El Riad Clowns.
Contributions are still needed from Masonic Lodges and organizations and individuals for the purchase of a special tilt recliner wheelchair badly needed at the VA Center. To make contributions or to volunteer to help at the hospital contact the MSA Representative, MWB Ron Lockwood by, calling 605-351-3570 or 605-338-3570.

FRONTIER ARMY LODGE OF MASONIC RESEARCH #1875
By WB Doug McFarland
In June, members of the Frontier Army Lodge of Masonic Research #1875 (FALMR) participated in Grand Lodge communications in both of its chartering states, North and South Dakota, to add glimpses of Dakota Territory Masonic history for Brothers and their families.
FALMR is a Lodge of Masons dedicated to study and reenactment of the Craft in the military environment of the northern plains from 1860 to 1890.
The reenactor Lodge performed the Vacant Chair Degree at the Masonic College during the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota in Fargo on June 14. Later that evening FALMR members presented the American and Canadian flags at the formal opening of the Grand Lodge and performed a saber arch over the Grand Lodge Officers as they entered the hall and were introduced. While most members were in 19th Century Army uniforms, there was a period-dressed “gentleman” (or Snake Oil Salesman?) and a buckskinner participating.
FALMR also performed at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota at Vermillion on June 21. Members in military uniform presented a re-enactment of the events leading to the formation of the Grand Lodge of Dakota, including the important role of the military in the development of Freemasonry in the Territory. A short introductory talk was followed by a play entitled “A Grand New” written by WB Milo Dailey, Worshipful Master of the FALMR.
Along with the officers of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, FALMR members also participated in the dedication of a cornerstone for the Fort Abercrombie reconstruction on June 30. In 1863, soldiers at Ft. Abercrombie, which is located about 20 miles South of Fargo, received a dispensation to start a military Lodge, just as the troops were preparing to march North to Ft. Pembina. There they opened “Northern Lights Lodge in January 1863.
The next scheduled activity for the Lodge is a seminar on frontier Masonry and a Vacant Chair Degree Aug. 2 at Buffalo, Wyoming. The degree will honor a longtime local Mason who founded the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum collection. W. Bros. Dale Miskimins and Doug McFarland of Brookings are also scheduled for a presentation at Fort Phil Kearny, WY near Buffalo. When the fort was active from 1866 to 1868 it was in Dakota Territory and had documented Masonic activity there.
Brothers interested in participating in FALMR activities are invited to visit our web site at http://www.falmr.org/ .