Arcana Trestleboard September 1997

I hope that everyone enjoyed their Summer. The officers of Arcana Lodge deserve a round of congratulations for giving up so much of their time during this wonderful season to put on a full set of degrees. It gives me great pleasure to welcome four newly raised Brothers to Arcana Lodge and Masonry. Welcome brothers:

Four new brothers at Arcana Lodge. From left: Most Worshipful Past Master Donald Severson, James Elwood, Steve Northquist, Loran Manthey, Donald Consteens and Worshipful Master Richard Hunt.

In addition to these new brothers at Arcana, we also had the privilege to perform Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees for Brother Kenneth Woltz as a courtesy for San Juan Lodge, San Juan, Texas. Newly raised brother Ken is the step-father of our Junior Warder, John Fosdick.

New members are the life blood of our fraternity. These are the brothers who we will pass the Masonic light to, and it becomes their responsibility, along with all the rest of us, to uphold and perpetuate the mission statement of Masonry.

I would also like to thank the young ladies and guardians of Jobs Bethel #19 for cooking and serving a delicious dinner on the night of our third degree.

The Third Annual All Temple Pot Luck Pow-Wow will be on Friday evening, September 19. This year the picnic will be at Kordiak Park in Columbia Heights (see the map on page 2). This event is open to all the members, families, and friends of each body that meets at Arcana.

This is a pot-luck picnic so please bring your favorite dish to share with others. Beverages and other treats will be provided by the Lodge. If you have questions or need a ride to the Pow-Wow, please contact Kevin Erickson at 781-7352.

Until next time, may the blessing of Heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons.

News From the West - Corn, Wine and Oil

As a speculative Fellowcraft only, we received the emblematical corn of nourishment, the wine of refreshment and the oil of joy. We are taught that a Master Mason is better enabled to support himself, and contribute to the relief of poor, distressed Masons, their Widows and Orphans. My brothers I am afraid that Arcana Lodge will be in financial distress if we do not take positive action soon.

Our ranks are declining, there are several brothers who are delinquent in their dues, our expenses are increasing, yet the portion of our dues that is kept for the support of Arcana Lodge has remained the same. Additionally, we have not had a fund raiser for the Lodge in a number of years.

A committee has been formed to "run the numbers" on what we expect our financial position will be in five and ten years. The committee has also been charged to make recommendations as to how best to alter our untimely fate. Worshipful brother Kevin Erickson, Brad Almen and myself have volunteered to serve on this committee. We have solicited assistance from the board of trustees, the lodge secretary, and information from the Grand Lodge to help us in our task. Our goal is to present our findings and recommendations at our stated meeting in October.

Your comments and suggestions are also requested. Please contact the members of this important committee and attend the meetings in October to discuss the future of our Lodge.

The menu for the dinner meeting in September will be roast pork. I would also like to thank all the brothers who helped with serving and clean-up for last months grilled salmon dinner.

Arcana Lodge is proud to acknowledge the outstanding Mason of the month for September, Burt Rierson. He has been a member of Arcana Lodge since April 7, 1984. When his health permitted, he was a stalwart member who for years was filling the position of Tyler, and since the initial conception of the coffee club he could always be relied upon for assistance.

Attention all graduates of Minneapolis Edison Senior High School:

Edison 75 Year All Class Reunion
will be on October 9 - 12, 1997

For more information contact Dick Anderson, Chairman, at 788-9771

This publication is issued with the permission of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M of Minnesota.

Kevin Erickson, PM	781-7352
Henry Maday	721-4077
Ted Kern	636-2544
Ed Theisen, PM	789-8490
Al Nagele	788-3908
Wendell Wuori	788-8574

News From the West - Corn, Wine and Oil

Attention all graduates of Minneapolis Edison Senior High School:

Edison 75 Year All Class Reunion will be on October 9 - 12, 1997

For more information contact Dick Anderson, Chairman, at 788-9771

Edison 75 Year All Class Reunion
will be on October 9 - 12, 1997