Let me start by wishing each of the Brothers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I would also like to add a special welcome to our two candidates: Brothers Keith Steirnagle and Lew Price, who at our last meeting took their Entered Apprentice Degree. Congratulations and Welcome!

Brothers get out your last issue of the Minnesota Mason and turn to page 2. In the top left-hand corner you will find and article written by our Grand Master, Neil Neddermeyer. Brothers, this article portrays some of the very points and goals that have been put for the by your officers and members of the lodge Steering Committee. Please take the time to read it and reflect on what the Grand Master is saying. If you don’t have a copy, drop me a note and I’ll make sure you get one.

I know our Mission Statement has been published before, but it is worth doing again.

"Our purpose is to enable the fraternal gathering of men with like minds, which hold to a belief in God

and to the tenets of Free Masonry, so that they can share their ideas, thoughts and gifts. Provide men with a positive environment in which to socialize and build friendships and bonds between themselves and their families. The members of Minnesota River Valley Lodge fully support and promote the ideals of Free Masonry and will strive to practice them in all our dealings with the world at large, but especially in all our actions with, and in the support of our Brothers."

Ahead of meetings, leadership development, membership programs, Masonic education, philanthropies, social activities, public service, studies in Masonic philosophy and even the great ritual – A Brother and the Brotherhood Comes First. "No man gets left behind."

Don’t forget to get your reservation sent in for the upcoming Table Lodge scheduled for the 16^th of January. It’s paid for by the lodge, and it’s going to be a great time.

Again, have a great holiday season.

Marc Peterson

Master

-A message from the Grand Master

December 10, 2003

Attention: Lodges who are directly involved in the support of Domestic Abuse Safe Houses

This year the Grand Lodge Corporate Board wishes to use the charitable "Ladd" Fund to support these projects. We will provide a check made out to each safe house that is already connected with a Lodge in the amount of $250.00. Please contact the Grand Lodge by December 20^th to receive a check that someone from your lodge will present to the Domestic Abuse Safe House you support or would like to support.

Meritt Henry

Home: Chaska

Wife: Anna

Children: Julie (43), Glen (41), James (36)

Occupation: Retired

Hobbies & Interests: Hunting, fishing, canoeing, camping & beer drinking

Masonic Career:

50 year member

(continued)

The Table Lodge is a tyled Entered Apprentice Masons Lodge. This had several advantages. One, it permitted the attendance of Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft, and thus promoted their early fellowship in the Lodge. The other was, it provided waiters to serve the food during the progress of the meeting. They were obtained from the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft who were present, a procedure which was in accord with the ancient custom, that initiates serve in the capacity during the period of "refreshment" in the Lodge.

In our Colonial days the Table Lodge was Freemasonry’s greatest asset. It buoyed up the spirit of the Brethren when the spirits of the colonists were low. The repast may have been limited under these conditions, bread, cheese and wine perhaps, but the fervor was there. The moment the Table Lodge opened, there was added to the speech of those present an assortment of military terms.

Under its skillful formula the names of objects in the room were changed. The table was the Trestle Board, the cloth – the Standard, the food – the materials, the glasses became cannons, the beverage – powder, the bottles – casks, the napkin a flag, forks were pickaxes, knives were swords, and spoons were trowels. To fill the glass was to "charge" it, and to drink it was to "fire."

Although Masonic records are brief, all indications are that the Table Lodge was an enjoyable experience. Dr. George Oliver, one of the most prolific writers of early Masonry, wrote in his memoirs of the effect of the Table Lodge upon those present. These are his words: "Their song appears to have more zest than in private company, the toast was thrilled more vividly upon recollection, and the small medicum of punch with which it was honored, retained a higher flavor than the same potation if produced at a private board."

Alcoholic beverages were not a necessary adjunct to the Table Lodge, although they did contribute to the festivities in days of yore. Wine was the libation, but that changed in our land when the 18t^h Amendement was adopted. Then, out of respect for the Law, a substitute was selected until Prohibition was later repealed.

It is not what the glass contains, but the concept that it offers. That is the major idea behind every toast. Our Ancient Brethren recognized this fact, even in the early Table Lodge for they approved of the use of water when a participant was so disposed. There is an old Masonic poem, entitled, "Come Quaff the Mason’s Bowl," published in 1847, when wine was the custom. It emphasizes symbolism of the Cup in Freemasonry.

The Table Lodge is a heritage of our past. It has been stated that "the Table Lodge is the summary of Masonic doctrine." It prescribes reverence for Divinity and moral law. It strengthened the devotion that Masons held for lodge and Country. It increased the unity and fellowship of the Craft.

-Submitted by Brother Douglas Campbell

Bloomington Lodge #340 will be hosting a 45th School of Instruction on January 6^th, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. All area Lodges and Officers are invited to attend to learn from W. Brother M. Wiley Smith, District Rep who will be our instructor for the evening. A general "Q & A" session will also be held, so be sure to bring your questions.

Bloomington #340 meets at the Lake Harriet Masonic Center, 4519 France Ave S, Minneapolis.

Thank you, and hope you can join us!

On January 16. 2004, the Minnesota River Valley Lodge #6 will be convening another Open Table Lodge. This ceremony will be open to all Masons and a guest. Along with the Table Lodge Celebration, we will also be honoring the following distinguished members for 50 years of Masonry.

Brothers: James Eshleman

Robert C. Davis, Sr.

Those of you that have attended a Masonic Table Lodge know what a bonding and moving ceremony it is. If you have never attended a Masonic Table Lodge, now is the time to come and celebrate Masonic tradition and heritage. You will be treated to a professionally catered seven-course dinner. During dinner, we will be firing several volleys from our toasting cannons. A variety

of "ammunition" will be supplied for the charging of the cannons. This in itself will be an experience that you will long remember.

There is no cost for the Brothers of the lodge and their spouse or guest. It is an open event and you are encouraged to bring additional guests interested in Masonry. However, the fee will be $20.00 for each additional person.

When: Friday, January 16, 2004

Time: 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Social Hour

(full service bar available)

Where: Montgomery American Legion Club,

Montgomery

Guest Speaker: Neil Neddermeyer,

Grand Master of Minnesota

Please use the form below to register. Mail to: Marc Peterson

411 Fir Ave NE

Montgomery, MN 56069

Or call Brother Marc Peterson @ (507)364-7508 (work) or (507)364-5539 (home)

This sounds like fun. I don’t want to miss it!

I would like reservations for ________ people

Brother’s Name: __________________________

Spouse or Guest __________________________

Add’l Guest ($20.00): _____________________

Add’l Guest ($20.00): _____________________

Add’l Guest ($20.00): _____________________

Add’l Guest ($20.00): _____________________

Total Enclosed: $ __________

This is your newsletter, feel free to add to it!

Any Brother that wishes to contribute any article to the newsletter is encouraged to do so. Simply contact Dave Scheffert and they will see that your contribution gets published.

Brother Dave Scheffert

802 E. Circle Drive, Montgomery 56069-1304

(metro) 507-364-5177

November Newsletter Articles are due to Brother Dave Scheffert by Friday, January 23, 2004.