Latest News

October 22, 2025

Brethern:

The Brothers of Jeptha Lodge #121 in Hudson South Dakota cordially invite you to join them for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship at their regular meeting November 18th at 6:00 PM. The menu will consist of Oyster Stew and Chili accompanied with sandwiches, cookies, and drink.
Following the regular meeting we will be self entertained as WB Tom Lewis leads us in a game of Jeopardy. Bring your thinking cap and maybe you can take home a prize.
We are looking forward to seeing you there. As always, bring a car load.
Please let either me or WB Greg Westra know if you plan to attend so we can plan accordingly. Also let us know if you're bringing any Entered Apprentices or Fellow Craft so our members that are new to their stations can prepare as needed.
P.S. You are welcome to bring your ladies or prospective members. While they may partake in the meal itself they will not be allowed to attend the tyled meeting. They would be more than welcome to wait in the lunchroom during the meeting if they so desired.
Joseph D. West, Secretary - Jeptha Lodge #121    
1121 21st Ave,    
Rock Valley, IA 51247    
Cell: (712) 470-1457    
E-Mail: elementends@gmail.com    

Please note that as of May 12th, 2025, my street address has changed.    

 

November 4, 2025

The ceiling crew met as scheduled on October 25th. We got two up between the two old windows. The wall pulled in a good half-inch. There was about 3 1/2” deflection before. We should do a 3rd cable over the Senior Warden. We’ll meet again on the 15th at 9:30 to finish up the job with a plan to clean up on the 17th at 6:00 pm.
Ditch walking on October 28th did not happen due to the cold, wind, and rain. We will have to wait until spring now.
The invites for the Oyster Stew & Chili Feed went out as scheduled. The assignments are as follows:
    - Oyster stew: Ron West
    - Chili: Dave Hansen, Tom Lewis, Mike Ingebrigtson
    - Juice: Galen Janen
    - Water: Brian Sohl
    - Setup helpers at 2:00 pm: Dave, Brian (weather permitting), possibly Greg.
Santa is scheduled for December 6th. Members should meet at the Lodge at 11:00 to decorate, sack candy, and prepare Christmas Cards. Duties are as follows:
    - Santa: Galen Jansen
    - Toy from Santa: Ron West
    - Toys in bags: Ron West (if not enough left)
    - Advertising: Roxanne Wickre and Tom Lewis
    - Town and bank sign: Brian Sohl and Greg Westra
    - Letter for Christmas Cards: Greg Westra
    - 10 lbs. peanuts: ?
    - Bags: Dave Hansen (will check what’s left, Greg has popcorn bags if not enough)
    - Candy (4): Dave, Greg + 2 more
    - Blue Juice: Brian Sohl
    - 2 gallons of cider: Tom Lewis
    - Cookies (4): Galen, Bob, Dave, Greg
    - Postage and mailing labels: Joe West
    - Camera and printer: Joe West
    - Craft items: Check after Lodge
    - Photographers: Ron West, Joe West
    - Christmas cards: Enough on hand.
Education officer Tom Lewis shared “The Masonic Connection to Thanksgiving” with information from the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

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.