 |
|
|
|
|
|
GRAND MASTER'S DIRECTIVE TO LODGES
The Monthly Bulletin is provided to each WM, SW, and Secretary, and to PGMs, Grand Lodge Officers and Committee Chairmen. The information contained within the Monthly Bulletin is to be made available during each Lodge Meeting. The Grand Master's Message should be read or presented to the Lodge during the meeting. The responsibility to ensure that information is disseminated should be shared by the WM and Secretary.
ATTENTION LODGE SECRETARIES AND LODGICAL SOFTWARE USERS
MWGM Prewett is pleased to announce that Bro. Norman Schultz, the developer of the LODGEICAL Secretary Software, will be present at the 139th Annual Communication in Bozeman. Under the “tentative” schedule, he will conduct LODGEICAL Training, answer questions and receive update suggestions. The LODGEICAL Training is currently scheduled to commence on Thursday, June 23rd, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. He will also schedule one-on-one or group training or fielding questions as appropriate and possible during the remainder of Session.
All LODGEICAL users or potential users: Please mark this on your calendar and make plans to attend this very special training session and your opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions.
MONTH OF MAY IS “YOUTH MONTH”
In his continuing support for our Masonic Youth Groups, MWGM David Prewett has declared May as YOUTH MONTH within the Grand Jurisdiction of Montana. GM Prewett encourages all of the Craft to recognize and participate as much as possible with Masonic youth activities.
STATEWIDE OPEN HOUSE FOR LODGES – JUNE 4
In response from a request from many Lodges and as an effort to showcase Montana Masonry, MWGM Prewett has requested that all Lodges establish and promote Saturday, June 4th as OPEN HOUSE DAY. This will open our doors and show the community more about us and allow them to see a small part of what we are about. Please remember to have guides and appropriate security but welcome visitors as our guests.
MONTANA MASONIC MILITARY RECOGNITION
Just a reminder that Grand Lodge has a special medallion available for our Montana Masonic brothers on active military duty and for Montana Masons who are civilians in direct support of our military in a hostile or combat area. The application form is available with the Lodge Assistance Package that was provided to each Lodge.
PLAN NOW FOR THE 139TH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
Please complete and mail in your Pre-Registration for the 139th Grand Session, June 23, 24, 25, in Bozeman. Hotel prices are held down for the block of rooms reserved by the Local Session Committee and must be made by 1 June. See enclosed form.
VOTING RIGHTS AT THE 139TH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
Beginning with the 139th Session, “Credential Cards” will no longer be issued. However, you MUST present your current Dues/Membership Card and have a photo ID when you sign in for session. Proxy Cards will be available for the WM, SW and JW.
APRONS FOR SESSION
For all Brothers attending the 139th Session, please consider bringing your Lodge Apron of Office or PM Apron. Paper aprons will still be available; however, we are requesting that you bring and wear the apron appropriate to your office. If you have Lodge Name Tags or your own nametag, you are encouraged and welcome to bring and wear it.
REINSTATEMENT FEE
There still remains a lot of confusion on the Reinstatement Fee for the 2004-2005 Masonic Year. For this Masonic year, Grand Lodge has waived the $21.50 reinstatement fee, and the local Lodge may also waive any reinstatement fee it has, if the Lodge wants to. This was done to encourage members who were NPD to reinstate with no additional cost to them.
MONTANA MASONC BALL CAPS AVAILABLE
The Grand Lodge office now has a supply of the new Montana Masonic Ball Cap available. The cost is $15.00. Payment at time of purchase is required.
MULLAN PASS HISTORIC LODGE
Charter Life Memberships are still available at $55.00. Please consider supporting this historic lodge that helps to preserve and conserve the site of the first recorded meeting of Masons in Montana. On August 20, the meeting at Mullan Pass will commence at 1:00 pm. This year marks the 143rd anniversary of the First Meeting of Masons at Mullan Pass, the 65th anniversary of the first recorded commemorative meeting, and the 50th anniversary of the building of the commemorative marker. Petitions for membership are available in your Lodge Assistance Package. Petitions will also be available at the 139th Grand Session.
MONTANA MASONIC FAMILY LICENSE PLATE
By the time you receive this Bulletin, the new State of Montana license plate designed for Montana Masons will be in at your County Treasurer's office for purchase. There will be a one-time fee of $15.00. The cost of the plate will be $25.00 or $40.00 for the first year and $25.00 to renew thereafter. The $25.00 goes the Montana Masonic Foundation, the charitable arm of Montana Masonry.
GRAND REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS DUE APRIL 30
By direction of the MWGM and in accordance with Code Section 11010. GRAND REPRESENTATIVES must attend Montana Grand Lodge Communications, communicate with the Grand Jurisdiction represented, and make a written report to the Grand Secretary no later than April 30 each year as to the contents of communications exchanged with the Grand Jurisdiction represented. There are several current Grand Representatives who are in danger of losing their commission for not complying with Code Section 11010.
LIMITED EDITION PRINT
“At Prayer on the Journey West”
There are still copies of this limited edition print available. The cost is $100.00, and the proceeds go to support the Montana Masonic Museum. There are copies of the order form in your Lodge Assistance package, on-line at the Grand Lodge website, and will also be available in Bozeman during the Annual Session.
BIKES FOR BOOKS
WOW! WHAT A PROGRAM!
So far 31 Lodges have reported in as participating in the Bikes for Books program, resulting in 251 bikes being awarded in 101 schools across the State. The following is a list of those Lodges identified as participating:
Helena No. 3 33 Bikes, 11 Schools Carbon No. 65 8 Bikes, 1 School Ponemah No. 63 7 Bikes, 6 Schools Pilgrim No. 102 1 Bike, 1 School Virginia City No.1 6 Bikes, 1 School Montana No. 2 7 Bikes, 2 Schools Hot Springs No. 153 6 Bikes, 6 Schools Glendive No.31 8 Bikes, 2 Schools Cut Bank No. 82 4 Bikes, 2 Schools Benton No.25 6 Bikes, 2 Schools Mission Valley No. 78 12 Bikes, 6 Schools Chinook No. 50 1 Bike, 1 School Flint Creek No. 11 4 Bikes, 2 Schools Rapelje No. 122 1 Bike, 1 School Unity No. 71 8 Bikes, 2 Schools Havre No. 55 15 Bikes, 9 Schools Livingston No.32 12 Bikes, 6 Schools Choteau No. 44 2 Bikes, 1 School Meridan No. 105 4 Bikes, 2 Schools Judith No. 86 5 Bikes, 5 Schools Lavina Temple No.101 3 Bikes, 3 Schools Kyle No. 96 4 Bikes, 2 Schools Powder River No. 135 8 Bikes, 1 School Ionic No. 38 12 Bikes, 3 Schools Mt. Jefferson No. 56 4 Bikes, 1 School Missoula No. 13, Harmony No. 49 & Sentinel No. 55 26 Bikes, 13 Schools Butte No. 22, Mount Moriah No. 24 & Monitor No. 35 45 Bikes, 9 Schools
PROCEEDINGS 2004
The Proceedings of the 138th Annual Communication (2004) are ready for distribution. Please mail form to Grand Lodge of MT, PO Box 1158, Helena MT 59624, or fax to 406-442-1321.
Each Lodge is entitled to receive one free copy, your choice of format (Paper copy or CD-ROM), mailed to the Lodge Secretary.
Subsequent orders from your Lodge or any member of your Lodge will be $5.00 for a paper copy, or $5.00 for a CD-ROM. Please contact the Grand Lodge office at 442-7774.
LIST OF IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
April 16 Northern Lights District Meeting – Wolf Point, 9am to 1pm w/lunch
April 19 Glacier District Meeting – Eureka, 6pm dinner, 7pm meeting
April 20 Great Falls District Meeting – Choteau 7pm
April 21 Beartooth District Meeting – Billings Scottish Rite Bldg, 7:30pm
April 23 Rocky Mountain District Meeting – Helena CST, 8am Breakfast, 9am Mtg
April 23 International Meeting – Creston BC, Bonners Ferry ID
April 27 Missoula District Meeting – Missoula, Dinner 6pm, 7pm meeting
April 30 Red Coat Degree – Great Falls
April 30 Grand Representative Reports Due
May 3 Livingston District Meeting #1-Manhattan, 7:30pm
May 3 CMR District Meeting North – Big Sandy, dinner 6pm, 7pm meeting
May 4 Livingston District Meeting #2, Harlowton, 7:30pm
May 7 Grand Masters Class – Helena 8am
May 9 Headwaters District Meeting – Twin Bridges, 7pm
May 17 CMR District Meeting South – Hobson, 7pm
June 23, 24, 25 139th Annual Communication - Bozeman
(Send in your Pre-Registration NOW)
DELINQUENT ANNUAL RETURNS
The following Lodges have not yet submitted their Annual Returns and have a $3.00 per day late fee that, as of 7 April, is $69.00: Ashlar Lodge No. 29; Columbia Falls Lodge No. 89; Trinity Lodge No. 152; Diamond City Lodge No. 7; Manhattan Lodge No. 59; Park Lodge No. 140; Yellowstone Lodge No. 26.
Tidings from the East,
Just some simple questions to think about . . .
HAVE YOU MADE PLANS TO ATTEND THE NORTHWEST CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE RED COAT DEGREE TEAM ?
April 30 in the Great Falls Masonic Temple at 821 Central Avenue.
9:30 am to 11:30 am Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center tours 12 noon Light lunch at the Masonic Temple 1 pm Raising of Montana Fellowcraft Masons by Grand Master 2 pm Canadian Degree work 4 pm Raising of the new Montana Master Masons by Canadians 5 pm Dinner
Ladies are welcome for all except Raisings and Degree Work. O’Haire Motor Inn at 17 7th ST S. have special rates (406) 454-2141. If you have any questions, contact Tom Duffy at 406-454-0060 and leave a message and he will contact you, or contact myself at 388-6372 or 539-6372
Has your Lodge encouraged Kids to read by using “Bikes for Books”? Is your Lodge working on the “Master Builder/Builder Award”? Have you found all there is in your Lodge’s “Lodge Assistance Package”? Has your Lodge met the 5% goal for Membership? Are you going to beat that Challenge and be one of the Lodges to shave me?
I have declared May 2005 the Masonic Youth Month for Montana Masons! Has your Lodge made plans to attend and support a youth group (Masonic or not) in May?
June 4, 2005 will be Masonic Lodge Open House Day in Montana! Have you made plans to open your Lodge to the Public that day and have tours to show everyone who and what we are?
Is your Lodge using Education First to better educate our new Masons?
Does your Lodge have any Candidates for one of the Grand Master’s Classes?
May 6th, 2005 in Helena at the Helena Consistory-Shrine Temple May 21st, 2005 in Polson at the Masonic Lodge Registration at 9am orientation 9:30 and degree work begins at 10
Have you made plans to attend your Spring District Meeting to evaluate this year, learn about the legislation for 2005, and find out all of the great plans for next year? Look at the schedule for more information.
Have you registered for the 139th Grand Lodge Communication in Bozeman? Your dues card and an ID will be required to gain admission, only those voting a proxy will need a credential proxy card from their lodge. More Registration Forms are on their way to your Lodge.
HOW CAN WE HELP? DON’T HESITATE TO ASK IF WE CAN BE OF ANY ASSISTANCE !!!
Fraternally,
Click here to view the 139th Annual Communication Pre-Registration Form.
RED COAT DEGREE TEAM
GREAT FALLS - APRIL 30th
The Red Coat Degree Team comprises both active and retired RCMP members, who wear their own uniforms. The remainder of the team has designed theirs as close to the early NWMP fashions as copyright law will permit. Bolstered by the drill-parade experience of those Brethren with RCMP or military backgrounds and inspired by the piping of Brother Jim Ramsay, the Team looks forward to putting on a memorable degree experience in a quintessentially Canadian format.
The Grand Master of Saskatchewan, Donald Finan, and his team will be here to put on this educational, fun, and glorious show of brotherhood and friendship, Canadian style.
Don’t miss this huge and exciting event. On APRIL 30, 2005 at 2 PM in the Great Falls Masonic Temple the Northwest Canadian Mounted Police will be there to put on a Master Mason Degree in Montana in uniform. It will be an exciting day and makes plans to stay the evening and dine with the Brothers from the North Country and learn how different and yet the same things are do there. We will be taking numbers for dinner at the start of the work at 2 PM to make the necessary plans.
Good news also, Grand Master Finan, in full uniform, has agreed to assist in raising our candidates that would like to be part of the joyous occasion. So if you have any Fellowcraft Masons that would be interested in watching the degree and being raised by the Canadians at this event. Please make plans now to bring them. It will be something they will never forget. Grand Master Prewett will obligate the Fellowcraft and raise them on sight at 1 PM then they will watch the Northwest Mounties perform great work at 2 PM and be raised by them. Contact the Grand Lodge Office or the Grand Master Prewett so we know they plan to be there.
ELK TAG AUCTION TO ASSIST WYOMING MASONS
Our Harmony Lodge No. 24 is conducting yet another fundraiser to help with medical expenses for three of their brothers who are in critical condition. The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission has given the Lodge an Elk Tag which will be auctioned on E-bay April 12-22, 2005, Item Number 714 221 2143. Knowing that many from your Jurisdiction hunt in WY, our Grand Master Gary Skillern thought that you might consider posting this information on your web site. grandsecretary@wyomingmasons.com
50 YEAR MEMBERS
| Arthur E. Hanni | Virginia City No. 1 | 1/6 |
| Arthur Staves | Missoula No. 13 | 1/17 |
| John Valach, Jr. | Friendship No. 37 | 1/24 |
| Fred C. Huggins | Whitefish No. 64 | 2/17 |
| Arthur L. Story | Cut Bank No. 82 | 1/11 |
| Vern W. Bublitz | Sandstone No. 84 | 1/19 |
| John William Smith | Saints John No. 92 | 1/27 |
| Bruce Alan Dutton | Jerusalem No. 115 | 1/20 |
| Charles W. Lovely | Park No. 140 | 1/10 |
| Orvis C. Lovely | Park No. 140 | 1/24 |
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES
Note: The following is based upon 44% of the 101 Lodges having submitted the required Monthly Report. The following Lodges DID submit a Monthly Report:
2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 49, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 61, 62, 63, 71, 72, 73, 78, 80, 82, 86, 90, 96, 109, 113, 135, 149
RAISED
| Lodge Name/No. | Name of Member | Activity Date |
| Acacia No. 33 | Errol Jerome Eileraas | 1/22/05* |
| James A. Liebetrau | 1/22/05* | |
| David Michael McLean | 1/22/05* | |
| Michael David McLean | 1/22/05* | |
| Jeffery Lawayne Young | 1/22/05* | |
| Powder River No. 135 | David W. Lancaster | 12/14 |
| Ryan K. Plum | 12/14 | |
| L. Brett Tabolt | 12/14 | |
| *Occasional Lodge, Butte, January 22, 2005 | ||
| Total Raised- 8 | ||
DIMIT TO NON-AFFILIATE
| Lodge Name/No. | Name of Member | Activity Date |
| King Solomon's No. 9 | Harlow A. Christensen | 12/31 |
| Livingston No. 32 | Robert A. Hape | 12/? |
| Cascade No. 34 | Edward Wayne Borer | 12/28 |
| Harmony No. 49 | Dennis A. Tate | 12/1 |
| Total Dimit – 4 |
SUSPENSION (35040, 49020) NON PAYMENT OF DUES (NPD)
| Lodge Name/No. | Name of Member | Activity Date |
REINSTATEMENT
| Lodge Name/No. | Name of Member | Activity Date |
DUAL/PLURAL/TRANSFER MEMBERSHIP
|
Affiliate with |
|||
| Lodge Name/No. | Name of Member | Activity Date | Lodge Name/No./State |
| Lodge | First Name | Middle | Last Name | Celestial Lodge |
| Montana No. 2 | Elmer | J | Hotvedt | 12/9/04 |
| Helena No. 3 | Albert "Bud" | E | Lippert | 12/31/04 |
| Gallatin No. 6 | Sherman | B | Smith | 12/29/04 |
| Dillon No. 16 | Gordon | L | Smith | 12/6/04 |
| Bozeman No. 18 | Charles | H | Pruitt | 11/14/04 |
| Mt. Moriah No. 24 | Arthur | C | Quinnell | 12/22/03 |
| Cascade No. 34 | James | Roland | Anderson | 12/8/04 |
| Victor | Keith | Ario | 4/16/04 | |
| Harold | Walter | Johnson | 10/7/04 | |
| Willie | Samuel | Patton | 10/21/03 | |
| Rudolph | L | Stehlik | 11/3/04 | |
| Norman | Augustus | Traber | 12/10/04 | |
| North Star No. 46 | David | Gregory | 1/15/05 | |
| Milton | A | Stomsvik | 12/31/04 | |
| Doric No. 53 | Forrest | C | Ullman, Sr. | 12/31/04 |
| Havre No. 55 | George | H | Armstrong | 8/11/03 |
| Cyril | Morrison | 11/25/04 | ||
| Stillwater No. 62 | Donald | J | Geiger | 9/30/04 |
| Harold | F | Nordahl | 10/22/04 | |
| Robert | L | Pelton | 9/11/04 | |
| Corinthian No. 72 | James | William | Sherrow | 1/19/05 |
| Ansel | E | Walters | 6/20/04 | |
| Three Forks No. 73 | S | Clark | Pyfer | 1/14/05 |
| Lower Yellowstone No. 90 | Mathias | Dasinger | 1/12/05 | |
| Galata No. 106/Shelby No. 143 | Donald | S | Coons | 12/13/04 |
| Scobey No. 109 | Kenneth | G | Noland | 12/23/04 |
| Billings No. 113 | Elbert | H | Cosman | 12/4/04 |
| Edward | Kilzer | 11/24/04 | ||
| Powder River No. 135 | B | Ward | Means | 12/4/04 |
| Deaths - 29 |
Total Member Changes = 81