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From the Masters Desk:

Greetings All,

We are in the fullness of summer. I suppose this is why I am writing with a laid back disposition. The lodge is moving in a number of good directions.

1. Brother Alan Greene just orchestrated a very good “Meet the Masons Night” with several guests.
2. Brother Mike Kottwitz is scheduling the degrees for 3 candidates.
3. We are growing in works and fellowship. I know I am growing through my Masonic experience.
4. Brothers Gary Eagan and Don Conn will be awarding the scholarships soon.
5. The West Metro Masters' and Wardens' Association is putting on a Lodge of Instruction for all 3 degrees for officers and brothers interested in attending.
6. We are looking forward to a full stomach of Chicken from the KC/Mason Dinner on the 16th to name a few things to come.

I want to repeat a request from last month to our brothers who have a long Masonic career.  If you have a simple story, a simple event or an experience which you would like to share with us in the newsletter from years past, many brothers would enjoy reading about it. It would serve to bring back similar memories of others, and it would speak to the rest of us.  I say simple because those are very good. So if you would contact me or drop a note to the lodge, your stories would please many.

If you have a personal request for the lodge to consider, let us know.

Calling a calling committee!  If you would help on a calling committee you would not only help but get reacquainted, and get acquainted with your new brothers.

Thank you to all the contributors of this month's fine newsletter.  Dear Readers, the steering committee is working on a section for the placement of advertising.  More to Come on this exciting prospect!

God Bless you all.

Mike Sullivan

Worshipful Master

612-849-9912

mpsullivan@berkleyrisk.com

Did you know.....

You can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and send it to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq.  You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!

This is a great site.

Please send a card.  It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Use these links to send a card!

1. http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home.aspx

 Or

2. http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home.aspx

Submitted by: Betty Price

The LEO Corner

This is the first monthly installment of the LEO corner.  I will provide a new question each month and the answer will be published the following month.  If you think you know the answer and would like to submit your answer to me before the next newsletter comes out feel free to do so.   Also, if you have questions about Masonry that you would like answered, submit those and I will publish the question and answer in a future issue so that we may all achieve more light.

This months question is in two parts: 

Hiram Abif - Is the story true?  When did he live?

You may submit the answers or your questions to me by one of the following methods:

Email - leo@mn-rivervalley.org

Mailing Address:

Submitted by John Loutzenhiser

GET A FREE GATE PASS TO THE STATE FAIR AND A FREE MASONIC POLO SHIRT

Hi Brothers, Sisters, Daughters and Sons! 

How would you like free admission to the State Fair and a free Mason polo shirt to take home?   All that is required is to volunteer to join other members from the MRV Lodge #6 family in working the KidsID booth on Friday, August 25th.  We have committed to two shifts: 1st shift runs from 9am to 1pm and the 2nd is from 1pm to 5pm.  We need 8 people for each shift to help balance the load. We still have available slots open for both shifts.  If you are able to help please contact Lew Price by phone at 952-895-0820 or email Lew.Price@Target.com. 

Thank you to those who have already signed up.  Please review the list below and let Lew know ASAP if there are any changes.  The gate passes and instructions will be mailed out to you on or about August 18th.

1st Shift (9am - 1pm)

   (One slot still available)

1. Dick Friend
2. Pat McClune
3. Bill Allen
4. Mike Kottwitz
5. Victor Lueders
6. Ned Pilling
7. Lew Price
8. ___________________

2nd Shift (1pm - 5pm)

   (Three slots still available)

1. Daryl Bren
2. Nancy Bren
3. Mike Sullivan
4. Jennifer Sullivan
5. Mark Treager
6. ___________________
7. ___________________
8. ___________________

Submitted by: Lew Price

 Chaplain’s Corner

Greetings to all my Brethren.  In this Newsletter, let us consider the first piece of furniture we usually see when we enter our Lodge – the altar, on which is placed our volume of sacred laws.  Since Freemasonry is NOT a religious organization, and we are not out to covert anyone to our religious beliefs, why an altar and bible? Good question – I’m glad you asked that.

Again, we are not a religious organization, but rather a brotherhood of men of good character and a strong faith in the Creator – The Supreme Architect of the universe. In most religions, the rituals surrounding an altar were allegorical pictures of the truth which underlies all religion - that man must live on earth in harmony with heaven above. In a like manner, the meaning of the Altar in Masonry, and the reason for its position in the Lodge is that all Masonic activities revolve around it to demonstrate that our laws, our strength, our very being, and our Masonic foundation and traditions, comes from above.  

The altar is not simply a necessary piece of furniture, a kind of table intended to support the Holy Bible, the Square and Compass. By its existence and its situation it identifies religion as one of the cornerstones of Masonry. For, while Masonry is not a religion, it is religious in its faith and basic principles.

We do not “preach” anything beyond the fact of the reality of God, allowing every man to think of God according to his experience of life and his vision of truth. We do not define God, much less determine how and what men shall think or believe about God. There dispute and division begin, and as Masons, we will always strive for harmony in all things.

Looking at one last fact, the meaning of the Masonic Altar will become much clearer. When one enters a great Church and finds it empty, or only a few people in the pews here and there, praying or in deep thought. They are sitting quietly, each without reference to others, seeking an opportunity for the soul to be alone, to communicate with mysteries greater than themselves, and find healing for the bruising of life.

But no one ever goes to a Masonic Altar alone. No one bows before it at all except when the Lodge is open and in the presence of his Brethren. It is an Altar of Fellowship, as it is to teach us that no man can learn the truth for another and no man can learn it alone. Masonry brings men together in mutual respect, sympathy and good will that we may each learn of the great moral values and truths of Freemasonry.

Let me leave you with a story I found on the web:

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle.

It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?
He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.  His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him.

He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.

As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks.” They really should get lives.

" He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!". There was a big smile on his face.
It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.

He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends. He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Mon day morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!” He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd.

He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak
Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.

Boy, sometimes I was jealous! Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!"

He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.
" Thanks," he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends... I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story."

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.

He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse.

God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.

"Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."

Please feel free to send me the names of any of our Brothers and/or their family members, who may be in distress as we pray to our creator for their comfort and relief. When we think of our experiences in taking the third degree, we cannot help but remember the words from Ecclesiastes: “Remember now thy creator . . .”   and please remember those listed below in your prayers. We name the welfare of our brethren in our petitions because we love them; and knowing our own need of their prayers, we realize their need of ours.

50 Year Pin and Birthday Photos of Ken Engdahl

The 1st one is when I gave him his 50 year pin on April 6, 2001 at the lodge. At that time I was still SR. Warden.

The next two pictures are of dad when he turned 90 and we had a party for him at the Masonic Home.   

This picture shows 4 generation of Engdahl's.  At the top Ron on the left, my son Larry Engdahl, Ken sitting down, Tyler on the right, Kyle on dads lap and Zack on the left. 

This picture is at the home after the party they were taking dad back to his room.

Submitted by: Ron Engdahl

September Birthdays

Our best wishes to the following brothers who will celebrate their birthday in September:

Kolacky Day 2006 Food Stand Report

This year the Kolacky Day weekend was the most physical, strenuously effect on the body as ever before.  The temperature being around 100 degree mark was almost too much for the workers.  But, as dedicated Brothers of the Lodge they came and gave their sweat to help raise funds for the Lodge.  They should all receive an award for with standing the heat.  The unity of Brothers at this Lodge is only one of a kind and it’s great.

The Kolacky Day attendance this year was down about half, and this did affect the profit at the Food Stand.  The total dollars made are not finalized yet, but the Lodge did make a few dollars. 

The sweet corn this year was outstanding, but it did cost us a little more then other years.  This cut our profit a little more then other years, but the customer did enjoy the better corn.

Would like to thank Emil Knish for being the Chairperson this year, and Thanks to all the Brothers who gave up setting in a air condition home to come to Montgomery to work at the Food Stand on a very hot week end.

Thanks Brothers!

Submitted by

David Scheffert

Visualize a cemetery with someone kneeling by a tombstone.  If you could hear their thoughts, these words you might hear:

Remembered

Submitted by: Pat McClune

Masonic Family Picnic

Greetings Brothers and Family,

The Mason, The Order of The Eastern Star and Jobs' Daughters picnic on July 19th was well attended with 44 picnickers despite the threatening weather.  There were 96 grilled burgers with 84 eaten and your many generous dishes.  No one goes hungry there!

After a short program by an officer or representative from each group, there was the catching up on old friendships and meeting new friends and many enjoyed croquet and badminton this year.

The picnic cleanup didn't begin until after 9:00 pm and there were some reluctant to call it over.  It is a sure thing to place your bets on next year being even bigger and better.

I want to thank all of you for making it a success. It is my privilege to sit in the East and see the fun that comes from our family working together. A special thank you to Brother Gordy Bane and Sister Sandi DeLoach for working with me to set this event. 

Happy To Meet Again,

Mike Sullivan

Newsletter

Articles for the next newsletter will be due by September 15^th.   You may send articles to me for the newsletter; by any method you desire (email, fax, regular mail, etc…).  Articles that are not received by the due date will be held over for the newsletter. 

We would also like to encourage the other organizations that are affiliated with MN River Valley Lodge #6, such as the Jobs Daughters, Eastern Star, Demolay, etc… to feel free to contribute items to our newsletter and to our Lodge’s Web Calendar.

Steve Scheffert (news@mn-rivervalley.org)

2224 Birch Circle

Blair, NE  68008

Fax: 402-533-8344

First Annual Minnesota River Valley Lodge Golf Event

The first annual golf event was a big success and all those who participated had a good time. 

As you can see the outing was not too stressful on the participants.

Victor pleaded for some handicap strokes due to his shoe issues, but it was to no avail.

As you can see, we all had a good time and we hope to see more of you involved next year.

 Submitted by: John Loutzenhiser

Meet the Masons Night: August 9^th, 2006

The Minnesota River Valley Masonic Lodge #6, located in Shakopee, conducted another successful Meet the Masons Night on August 9^th, 2006. We had 33 attendees who included many brothers from the lodge and their families, several potential candidates, as well as other interested people that wanted to learn more about Masonic principals. 

The evening began with a short “get acquainted” session and then we launched into our program,

ú         Chaplain Alan Greene spoke on the myths surrounding Masonry as a religious cult (he was against it)

Our Master, Mike Sullivan, also rose to read a poem that emphasized one of the hallmarks of a Mason – Brotherhood.

Following our program, we adjourned to the preparation room for a small feast of which the star was Mrs. Papoofnik’s (T. J.’s bride) fine chili.

In addition to Shakopee, the Lodge serves the communities of Chaska, Prior Lake, Savage, Jordan, Belle Plaine, New Prague, and Montgomery (and all points in between). Since we do not actively recruit new brothers, we encouraged the attendees to discuss Masonic membership with the Mason that brought them.  To find out more about Freemasonry, ask a Mason. Potential candidates should ask a Mason for a petition. For more information about our Lodge, see our web site: http://www.mn-rivervalley.org

Submitted by: Alan Greene

The Great KC-Mason Chicken Cookout

August 16^th was the day, and the KC Hall in New Prague was the place. It was the 38^th annual Mason/KC chicken dinner. It was an evening of meeting and greeting friends, awesome chicken, and music to keep our blood flowing. We had a very good turnout -- about 135 Masons, Knights, their families and guests, and the widows of passed Masons and Knights. It is unfortunate, but I think preceding dinners had more Masons in attendance but I may not have been paying attention. The Masons escorted seven widows to the dinner and the KCs seventeen, whom we all honored.

This year the KCs were responsible for the program and the festivities. As part of out tradition, Father Elgar opened the evening with an invocation and then we all settled back for a great dinner. It was a full half chicken, perfectly barbequed.

Following the dinner, we jumped right into the auction, a relatively new tradition. A lot of really good items were donated – at least the bids were high enough that they should have been pretty good goods. As we know, the profit from the dinner and auction are for a very good cause. In past years, the Knights donated their share to the new Holy Cross High School, and the Masons contributed to the Shriner Children’s Hospital.

Our grateful thanks were given to the great cooks, kitchen staff, musicians, and of course to the bartenders who were able to keep up with the demand. See you next year.

And a good time was had by all.

Submitted by: Alan Greene

List of Upcoming Events:

August

22^nd – 6:30 P.M. Steering Committee Meeting - Light Supper Provided

23^rd - 1st Degree for 3 candidates 7:00

25^th – Kids ID Boot at the State Fair – See Article Above

29^th – 6:30 P.M. West Metro Masters and Wardens meeting  6:30 dinner 7:30 meeting OPEN TO ALL Wayzata Lodge Lake St. in Wayzata across from Train Depot.

September

5^th – 7:30 P.M. Stated Lodge Meeting

9^th – 8:30 A.M. Lodge of Instructions (2^nd Degree) Breakfast at 8:30 A.M. and 9:30 A.M. work at Albert Pike Lodge in Hopkins.

15^th – Articles Due for Newsletter

16^th – Masons for Coach Mason Day

26^th – 6:30 P.M. Steering Committee Meeting - Light Supper Provided

Visit the Lodge Website and view the Lodge calendar for our complete list of events.

July 2006 Masonic Word Search

Installation of Lodge Officers

Answer Key

+ + + + N + + H + + + + + + T + + + L + + + + + + N + + B +

D R A W E T S R O I N U J Y + + + + + A + + + + + E + + O +

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D + + + + + + I + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

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BALERMA

BATON

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CHAPLAIN

CITIZEN

COMPASS

GAVEL

HOLYWRITINGS

JUNIORDEACON

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JUNIORWARDEN

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LINE

MAN

MARSHAL

MASON

MASTER

PLUMB

RULE

SECRETARY

SENIORDEACON

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SENIORWARDEN

SQUARE

SWORD

TREASURER

TYLER