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Brothers:
You and your lady are cordially invited to attend the Jeptha Lodge May Banquet on Sunday, May 4th. This year’s program is different. As MWB Les Spies passed during COVID, we were unable to honor him with a Masonic service. As tribute we will be having people speak of Les as well as holding a Masonic service for him at the banquet.
Dinner will start at 6:00 with the program to follow. The cost per plate is $15.
Please RSVP to the Secretary no later than April 25th, as we need to provide a count to the caterer.
Joseph D. West, Secretary
Jeptha Lodge #121
(712)470-1457
The drape in honor of Brother Arlan Verburg was removed from the charter.
The 151st Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge will be held on June 19th through the 21st in Aberdeen at the Dakota Event Center. Registration will be done via Grandview and they ask you register before June 18th. Registration cost is $40.
Brian was able to get the shirts ordered. The price quote was the same as in 2022: $37 for long sleeve shirts. $24.50 for the smaller short sleeve shirts, $29 for larger size, and jackets are $50. Plus a little shipping and, if the Lodge pays and members reimburse the lodge, there is no tax. It was motioned by Dave, seconded by Tom, that Duane give Brian a signed check, if need be, so that we do not have to pay tax.
The Easter Egg Hunt is coming up on April 19th. Brothers should arrive at the Lodge by 9:00 am to fill plastic eggs, set up at the park, and hand out prizes after. It takes 20 to 25 Brothers to make this flow smoothly! Registration is from 10:00 to 10:30 with the hunts to start at 10:45. We owe Roxanne a thank you for doing the poster she does every year. Dave’ wife Erin was able to get the decals back on the signs. Coil Craft, and a few others, also donated toys. Duties are as follows:
- 500 pieces of candy each (3): Dan Schlup, Cole Fitch, Greg Westra
- 1,500 plastic eggs: Dave Hansen
- Bikes: Ages 0-4 Galen Jansen, Ages 5-7 Doug & Tom, Ages 8-10 Mike Ingebrigtsen
- Easter Bunny: Galen was finally able to get Ellory to agree.
- Town Sign: Brian Sohl
- Advertising Poster: Roxanne Wickre
- Bank Sign: Greg Westra
- Eggs for 18+ Egg Toss: Ron West
- 18+ Egg Toss Prize: Tracy
- Toys: 125 to 150 needed. Brian reported that Roxane counted 80 (well-picked over) toys and 19 stuffed animals. Dave will toy shop on behalf of the Lodge.
- Yellow Tape: Brian Sohl
- Metal Fence Posts: In basement (donation from Randy Porter last year).
The 3rd degree in Vermillion is still on for April 26th with Galen and Ron participating. There is a dinner after so they need to know who is attending. The car will leave Hudson at 7:45.
We will be walking ditches April 22nd at 6:00 pm. Many hands make quick work of this.
The May Banquet is coming up on May 4th. Dinner will start at 6:00. The meal is set to be chicken and roast beef, supreme potatoes, corn, and coleslaw. The cost is $15 per plate. RSVPs are needed by April 25th. Virgil is confirmed to say a few words. Denny is still waiting for confirmation.
Brian reports that we have Meals on Wheels next week.
Next Lunch Committee: Duane Van Noort
Education officer Tom Lewis shared “The Three Lesser Lights”by Wade Sheeler, PSGW, Grand Lodge of Iowa, Emessay Notes
Not Just a Man. A Mason.
How Do I Join?
Freemasonry is available to men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being. We are closed to avowed atheists and agnostics. There are no restrictions relating to race, creed, or religion.
To begin, contact a Mason by telephone, by e-mail, or in person. He will be happy to answer your questions, or refer you to someone who can.
If you decide that Masonry is right for you, the next step is to request a Petition for Degrees of Masonry, which will ask for some basic information, such as your name, age, occupation, and place of residence.
Your sponsor will present your petition to the Lodge, which will consider your request. When your petition is accepted, you will face a three-step initiation. Each step opens doors to new knowledge and deeper understanding.
These initiation rites are solemn and wholesome, intended to convey basic moral truths and principles of morality that are accepted by good men everywhere: the Golden Rule, tolerance, gratitude to the Almighty for His many blessings, love of and respect for one’s family, charity towards all men, and patriotism. Upon taking part in the the first step, called the Entered Apprentice degree, you will advance to the second degree, known as the Fellowcraft, and, ultimately, raised to the Master Mason degree.
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