Brethren,
You and your lady are cordially invited to attend Jeptha Lodge #121’s Annual Recognition Banquet to be held Sunday, May 3rd, at the Masonic Lodge Hall in Hudson, South Dakota.
The meal will begin at 6:00 PM with a program to follow. The cost is $15 per plate.
Please RSVP to either Secretary Joseph West or Worshipful Master Greg Westra with the number and names of attendees no later than Wednesday April 22nd.
Joseph D. West, Secretary - Jeptha Lodge #121
1121 21st Ave.
Rock Valley, IA 51247

Cell: (712) 470-1457
E-Mail: elementends@gmail.com

 

April 7, 2026

Dave purchased $326.45 in toys for Easter. He asked for $250 in reimbursement from the Lodge. The motion to repay Dave was made by Dan, seconded by Tom, and the motion passed.
$50.00 was taken out for change for the Egg Toss. It was donated along with the $20 we took in to the free will lunch benefit (the Hudson Library).
MidAmerican Energy billed us for $47.46 on 3/9 & $61.12 on 4/8.
We received the $100 check from Grand Lodge for the online dues payment made on December 31st.
For Easter we received: $200.00 from Ron Chenault, $100.00 from Randy Smith, $100.00 from Dan Schlup, and $50.00 from Dennis Gildemeister.
We earned $20.09 interest in the regular savings on 3/31.
Grand Lodge (152nd Annual Communication) eill be held June 18-21 in Oacoma. This year Grand Lodge is requesting that each lodge contribute a minimum of $200 to allow the Annual Communication to be run with no registration cost for attendees. Typically, registration costs were around $50 per person. Any remaining proceeds from the Annual Communication will be donated directly to South Dakota Masonic Charities. A schedule was also attached to the ommunication. Registration is now open.
The Grand Lodge is holding a black tie, or formal attire, event on April 11th, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the historic Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City. The Grand Master’s Ball is $50 per person. Beds are available at the rate of 1 king or 2 doubles for $109. Register on Grand View.
South Dakota Job’s Daughters will be holding “Keys for A Cause” on Saturday April 25th, 7-10 PM, at the Shrine Center in Rapid City.
We received a thank you from the Children’s Home Society.
We received a thank you from Deb with the Hudson Lutheran Church.
MWB Charles Bryan passed on April 1st. His services will be held May 1st at 10:30 in the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. Masonic services conducted by St. John’s Lodge #1 will follow.
Greg did a quick search on replacement ceiling tiles. Menards has them for $5.26 each so 150 tiles would be around $800.00.
The June storm did some minor damage to our roof over the entrance. We also have some windows in the front that are broken.
Greg called and confirmed Central Catering for the May 3 banquet. Greg was able to contact Shane about how he was progressing toward his 3rd degree.
Russ returned from travels with his wife and delivered the Valentines rose to Shirley on 2/26. He presented her one as well as one in memory of Don. Shirley reported that she is doing well and celebrated her 90th on March 1st. She expresses her fond gratitude to all Jeptha Lodge Brethren.
Form 990 N, our federal tax-exempt filing, has been submitte d and accepted.
Ditches were walked on 3/24 with the following Brothers present: Greg, Randy P, Dave, Ron W, Brian, Dan, Mike, Randy S, Tom L, Steve, and Doug.
Our next meeting is our Potluck. We usually assign at least the following to ensure we don’t end up with all side dishes. If you aren’t on the list, feel free to bring whatever.
       Main Course (3): Greg, Ron, Randy P
       Side Dish or Salad (3): Dave, Brian, Dan
       Dessert (2): Tom, Tracy
       Rolls or Bread: Joe
       Drinks: Greg
The Easter Egg Hunt was held on April 4th. Brothers arrived at the Lodge by 9:00 AM to fill plastic eggs, set up at the park, and hand out prizes after. 20 to 25 Brothers are usually needed to make it flow smoothly! Registration was from 10:00 to 10:30. The hunts would have begun promptly at 10:45 but due to mud and cold we handed out eggs as they filed into the Community Center. We had 70 kids go through registration. Due to the low number of kids we had them get two prizes (everyone got one, then they came up a 2nd time by age group). Duties were as follows:
         - 500 pieces of candy each (3): Greg, Dan, Robert Schlup, Cheryl Kruid
         - 1,500 plastic eggs: On Hand/Obtained by Dave
         - Bikes: Ages 0-4 Galen, Ages 5-7 Doug & Tom, Ages 8-10 Mike
         - Easter Bunny: Dave’s granddaughter Florame
         - Town Sign: Brian
         - Bank Sign: Greg
         - Advertising Poster: Roxanne Wickre
         - Eggs for 18+ Egg Toss: Ron W
         - 18+ Egg Toss Prize: Bob & Tracy
         - Toys (125-150): 95 were left from last year; we need another 30-55.
         - Yellow Tape: Brian
         - Metal Fence Posts: In basement
The May Banquet is set for May 3rd. Greg will do a Hudson History Program. Joe will get invites out.
Education Officer Tom Lewis shared “The Beehive” from Masonic Enlightenment.

2026 Easter

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.