(South Dakota Lodge of Masonic Research)

Often we see the words "Masonic Research" and equally as often we feel inadequate as to what it means to we as Master Masons. What it is can be simply put. As Masons became curious about the organization of Masonry they looked into and investigated a number of areas(Topics) of Masonic subjects. Topics were thoroughly explored by Masons who were not necessarily expert writers with the end product becoming recorded information that was not only interesting to read but contributed greatly to the "light" every Mason was charged to search for.

Through the efforts of Most Worshipful Brother Herman F. Chapman, Past Grand Master of South Dakota(1937-38) Volume one, titled Masonic Papers, was published. This volume (still available) was chock full of Masonic topics. Brother Chapman spoke of how this publication came about, "When formal organization was finally accomplished, crisis followed crisis; indecision followed seas of calm; inexperience plagued; but as we are taught, time, patience and perseverance will and did accomplish all things." His philosophy still serves as a template for Freemasonry.

The South Dakota Lodge of Masonic Research(SDLMR) was granted a charter by the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of South Dakota on June 11, 1952 in Sioux Falls by Grand Master Roger S. Brown and his elected officers, including Elvin F. Strain, Grand Secretary, all of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. & A. M. of South Dakota. Since this writer was well acquainted with these officers it seems appropriate to share a bit of the early philosophy that accompanied the formation of SDLMR.

What prompted the formation of SDLMR? As the written history shows, it was in the late 1930’s and through the 1940’s that Masons who associated with each other at Grand Lodge and had something in common other than love for the Fraternity. Each shared a certain curiosity about the facts that were coming to light such as: the early Lodge(U.D.) at Fort Randall, the Masonic leaders in territorial times; the development of ritual used in Lodges and friendships with Masonic leaders in Iowa and North Dakota. These subjects aroused an interest in Dakota Masonry and were intensively studied and later recorded as research papers in Masonic Papers.

Is SDLMR treated as a constituent Lodge? Yes, in many respects SDLMR performs most of the same functions(except conferral of degrees) as a constituent Lodge in South Dakota. By-Laws were developed and approved by the Grand Lodge. There are some differences, however. SDLMR meets only twice a year, June(at Grand Lodge) and in the fall. The officers as well as their duties parallel those of constituent Lodges. Committees are numerous. A publication, which emanates from the SDLMR four to six times annually is called The Bulletin. It is edited, prepared and assembled by Worshipful Brother Keith Walker, a dedicated Mason and researcher/writer of Masonic subjects. The dues of SDLMR are only $5.00 per year. Life memberships are available. These receipts are used for postage and for printing and mailing of The Bulletin. David Graham served as the first editor of The Bulletin.

The 1999 - 2000 SDLMR elected officers are: Worshipful Master, Milo D. Dailey IV; Senior Warden, Walter Mundstock; Junior Warden, Kenneth L. Glaser; Secretary, Richard M. Luther; and Treasurer, George Shotwell). The Publications Committee includes Harlan Peterson, Douglas Mc Farland and John Sweaney.

Which is needed the most, old members to pay dues, new members or "writer" members? Truthfully, all are necessary to support the functions of SDLMR. The present policy is "once a member(by petition) one can, as many have, "drop out" for a while and then become a current member by paying his dues for the current year". Writers are needed to keep The Bulletin and Masonic Papers well and healthy. The Bulletin is not a newsletter type, but contains researched articles about Freemasonry. BE A MEMBER! BE A WRITER!