2024 University of Minnesota Table Lodge

 

On November 12, 2024, representatives from the University of Minnesota, the Grand Lodge of Minnesota and from Minnesota Masonic Charities gathered at the McNamara Alumni Center for an annual Table Lodge.

The Table Lodge has been a long-standing tradition but was interrupted for a few years due to the pandemic. It felt good to be back on the university campus to celebrate this extraordinary partnership between the Masons of Minnesota, and the University of Minnesota.

Walking into the McNamara Center toward the reception area, I passed the elegantly set dining room. There was an undeniable buzz of excitement in the air to be able to gather together once again.

I had the opportunity to meet several cancer researchers, and children’s health researchers. I also met Dr. Damien Fair of the Masonic Institute for the Brain. Everyone displayed great enthusiasm and passion for their work.   It was inspiring to listen to them discuss their projects, the possible break throughs and advancements, along with the potential for improving the countless lives of people.

The researchers were very grateful for the Mason’s support and explained how important that the funding they receive from the Minnesota Masons thru Minnesota Masonic Charities is extremely important to allow for them to continue their valuable work.

Connie W. Delaney PhD, Dean and Professor School of Nursing

I had a wonderful conversation with Dr. Connie W. Delany, the Dean of the School of Nursing, discussing a wonderful new project she is working on for the Science and Care for Healthy Aging initiative. Her passion for helping people is unsurpassed.

We proceeded to dinner where we were seated in a delightful blend of university staff and Masons. This assigned seating format allowed for the opportunity to meet new people, meaningful conversations, and cheerful banter.

Dr, Rebecca Cunningham President of the University of Minnesota, and CEO of Minnesota Masonic Charities John Schwietz

The Master of Ceremonies for the Table Lodge was the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Minnesota Masons, Foster D. Solem.

PGM Eric Neetenbeck, gave a humorous and lighthearted set of instructions to all newcomers. He reminded all that this is not a drinking game and provided helpful hints on the toasting procedures to avoid splashing, sloshing and spraying their liquid libations onto their fellow dinner guests.

He explained that the toast is completed by shouting with gusto either the French version of Vivat, meaning long live or the British version Huzzah. When it came time for the toast to the University of Minnesota the toast was completed by shouting Ski-U-Mah, the schools victory slogan.  These expressions are to demonstrate enthusiastic support for the subject or person being toasted.

These cheers truly enhance the festive atmosphere of the evening and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and friendship.

In our Masonic Table Lodge the seven toasts are an essential part of the evening’s celebration. Each individual toast usually represents a shared value, that provides for a moment of reflection, deepening the bonds between the Brothers and attendees in friendship and fraternity.

This year the toasts were a blend of traditional Masonic toasts plus some additions to encompass the projects supported by Masonic Charities and the University of Minnesota.  Below is a listing of the toasts.

Toast 1- To our country (MWB John Cook)

Response - Reed Endersbe 

Toast 2- To a future without cancer (Bro. Chuck Dietz)

Response - Dr. Jakub Tolar, Dean of Medical School  

Toast 3 - To happy hearts and healthy minds of children (WB Roger McNear)

Response- Dr. Joseph Neglia, Head of Department of Pediatrics 

Toast 4 - To healthy aging (Barb Brihn, PWGM) 

Response - Dr. Jim Pacala, Head of Family Medicine. 

Toast 5- To the Grand Master (RTW Keith Reirson)

Response - Grand Master, Foster Solem 

Toast 6 - To the University of MN (MWB Steve Johnson)

Response - Dr. Rebecca Cunningham, President 

The chant here was Ski-u-Mah, the U of M cheer.

Toast 7- Tyler's toast (MWB John Gann)

 

To conclude the Table Lodge, the University of Minnesota Acapella Choir performed “Auld Lang Syne”, which is by Free Mason Robert Burns. The song title is Scottish which means time gone by or long, long ago. 

As a Minnesota Freemason and a supporter of Minnesota Masonic Charities attending this event was incredibility fulfilling.  To meet the people performing the research and to know that my contributions are making a positive impact on the people of Minnesota is gratifying and that the support of Minnesota Masonic Charities has an impact beyond our borders and will have a lasting legacy that impacts future generations. 

It was also pretty nice to meet the 18^th President of the University of Minnesota, Rebecca Cunningham, as well and hear her say thank you to Masonic Charities. 

 

 

 

Happy New Year and to Auld Land Syne

Have you ever been at a New Year's celebration and at the stroke of midnight the party goers break out in singing Auld Lang Syne? Have you notice that many didn't know the words to the song and even fewer people knew what they mean?

Poet/Lyricist Brother Robert Burns modified a traditional Scottish folk song that became an internationally known song in 1788.

The lyrics of Auld Lang Syne consist of five verses. The words literally translate from Old Scottish meaning 'Old Long Ago'. I think its about reminiscing or reflecting about old times. In Minnesota I think it's very fitting that we usually will conclude a Table Lodge with all participants in holding hands and singing a few verses. I'm always touched by the lyrics in the song "We'll take a cup of kindness yet." To me that symbolizes our current friendship.

I am always touched as I gaze into the faces of all my Brothers and friends as we sing that phrase.

So on the New Years Eve I raise my glass and think of you. Happy New Year Brother!

Red Wing Table Lodge

Last evening I had the honor of attending Red Wing Lodge #6 Table Lodge. It was held in one of Minnesota's great hotels, The St. James Hotel. Of course if you knew the Worshipful Master Ethan Seaberg, and the Past Master Gary Thomas, you would know that everything they do is a class act and no detail is overlooked. Last night was no different.

The social hour was a homecoming of sorts for me. For I haven't seen all of the Brothers in one place for some time now. There were several lovely wives I also got to meet as well and reacquainted with others. Ethan had one of the new brothers play the grand piano. Matt played a very impressive selection of pieces: jazz, popular, classical, among others. He played for 90 minutes non stop all from memory! I had a chance to get to know Matt a little. He is a Law Enforcement student at a major Minnesota college. But he earns his money to attend college as a professional bowler. I can see a Masonic bowling team coming up in my future.

I took a break from the wonderful conversation and tried some fablous appetizers. There was a Stilton cheese that deserved a nice glass of red wine. It was a perfect combination that was memorable.

Dinner started with the Master of the Lodge Ethan giving a few toasts. As we started our salad, we could hear the tornado sirens going off in the background. We all looked at one another and ate a little faster... As the sirens grew louder, my table companions said to each other "I don't hear anything -- do you hear anything?"

The hotel staff then required us to evacuate the room and ushered us into the safety of the basement. I was the last person out so I took the photos. The basement was very secure and pleasant. I stood near the stairs in case anyone needed assistance. There was a large mother daughter pajama party going on in the hotel, so I also offered my assistance to them as well (I am a police officer and duty always calls). Now my Brother Shawn Carrick and his beauitful wife Ann informed me that they had the most fun meeting a group of entertaining people in the basement bar!
I never thought of that... next time I'll follow Shawn.

As we waited for only about thirty minutes the all clear was given and we returned to our festive board up stairs.

Worshipful Master Ethan Seaberg of Red Wing Lodge and Master of Ceremonies. He performed an outstanding job and kept us laughing and on time.

The guest Speaker of the evening Grand Inspector General of the Minnesota Scottish Rite. My Brother Jerry is my personal favorite Masonic Speaker. He is the kind of speaker that holds you on the edge of your seat, can tug on your heart strings, and feel very proud to be a Freemason -- all at the same time.

I think Jerry is so good, he could read the Minneapolis phone book aloud and captivate us.Our Inspector General is truly a Big Tent Mason and I am very proud to know him.

Even though I was considering staying in the room and helping myself to the buffet, staffperson Val held firm to her duty to ensure I was safe in the basement. Despite the fact that I offered her half of the apple pie that I had my eye on!

Of course at the end of the night as I was one of the last ones to leave. I thought what a nice night that was filled with caring friendship, good food, and even alitle excitment. The Red Wing Table Lodge will be a wonderful memory for many years to come.