September 1, 2026

Our pictures, just the ones with the members in front, were submitted to Grand Lodge, as per their request. Jay Darrow received our flag picture statng, “Outstanding. I think you guys are winning so far. That is AWESOME!”
MWGM Brian Pulling communicated a brief letter with the brothers of South Dakota. He highlighted some new tools coming to the craft on Grand View: Worshipful Master’s Toolbox, Living Ashlar Leadership, Lodge Revival, One Good Man, Bring Back a Brother, and Community Engagement.
MWGM Pulling communicated “The 3-5-7 Steps to a Masonic Resurgence” with the Brothers of South Dakota. It offers a framework of tools, programs, and initiatives designed to inspire leadership.
July 1: MWGM Pulling communicated, “July 2026 – Statewide Leadership Call to Action,” with the Brothers of South Dakota. This is meant to be a new monthly release to help point Lodges to actions they can take to strengthen the craft.
July 2: Grand Lodge communicated three advisories and ten proclamations with the Brothers of South Dakota. Of note outside the standard proclamations are:
     - Clarifying the number of Masons required to hold a stated communication; i.e., 7 required to open but only 3 need to be Master Masons of the Lodge itself, one of which must be a principle officer.
     - Proper Attire and the Wearing of the Masonic Apron; i.e., can be worn under a jacket so long as the jacket remains open and the apron fully visible.
     - St. John’s Lodge #1 designated a Historical Lodge.
     - Mandatory Petition Verification Process; i.e., a background check must be performed if either of the petitioner’s recommenders has known him for less than 24 months. The fee is paid by the petitioner and may, at their request, be refunded by Grand Lodge upon completion of the degrees.
     - Recognition of the Volume of the Sacred Law.
July 2 – MWGM Pulling communicated more tools and programs including: Community Cornerstone Grant Program, Men’s Mental Health Awareness Program, Masonic Medical Research Institute Donation Challenge, Grand Lodge Degree Assistance Program, Remastered Degree Slides Project, and Reading & Podcast Resources. Of note is the donation challenge in which the MWGM would like to get 100% of the Lodges in the jurisdiction donating at least $357 to this program. The slides project has made available remastered EA and MM degree slides for download, FC work is still in progress.
July 4 – MWGM Pulling communicated, “A Fourth of July Reflection,” on liberty, virtue, and our Masonic duty.
July 6 – Grand Lodge communicated an 18-page summary of the MWGM’s proclamations.
July 8 – WB Troy Henderson communicated a complimentary education lecture.
July 14 – In response to the pictures of the lodge, flag, and brothers Brother Bob Fitch emailed, “Great Pictures.”
July 14 – District Master Jerry Stubbe asked for clarification on the meeting dates/times of the Lodge. He had not yet set up a visitation schedule but intends to get that done. He is also offering to prepare a BBQ dinner for the Lodge should we bring in three new Masons through each degree in the 2026/27 Masonic year.
July 17 – In response to the pictures of the lodge, flag, and brothers Brother Eide emailed, “It’s a Grand Old Flag, a historic Lodge, and a fine group of Brothers. I’m proud to be able to include ‛MY’ in front of each phrase.”
July 23 – Grand Lodge indicated that it is offering to manage the dues process this year. It is opt-in and the Secretary opted not to use the service this year.
August 1 – MWGM Pulling communicated the August call to action.
August 9 – The Masonic Messenger was made available electronically. Our picture appears on page 4.
Passed Legislation:
     - Amendment to Section 2.29 – This new section defines a Nominating Committee made up of previously elected Grand Lodge Officers in good standing, not being eligible for nomination if serving on this committee. This committee will present nominations.
     - Amendment to 1.09: Amending the By-Laws – This would remove the ability to propose By-Law changes at Grand Lodge, instead requiring it to be sent ahead of time as detailed.
     - Amendment to Section 2.32 Planning Committee – Creates a planning committee for Annual, Special, and Occasional Grand Lodge events.
Elections:
     - Grand Master: Brian Pulling
     - Deputy Grand Master: Derek Runge
     - Senior Grand Warden: Jay Darrow
     - Junior Grand Warden: Jon Woods
     - Grand Treasurer: Jeffery VanCuren
     - Grand Secretary: Aaron Zahn
August 25 – MWGM Pulling communicated that the use of Grand View in our jurisdiction is not optional.
August 28 – Grand Lodge communicated that the donations to MMRI are being matched up to $30,000 by Stephen and Margaret King.
The Lodge repair work is still being investigated so far as pricing for the tiles. Three separate avenues are being looked at. Replacing the basement windows with glass block was also discussed. The possibilities of ceiling fans were brought up as well.
Installation of officers occurred prior to the meeting. The installing team was Ron West, (Installing Officer), Randy Smith (Installing Marshall), and Doug Van’t Hof (Installing Chaplain). The Installed Officers were Worshipful Master Galen Jansen, Junior Warden David Hansen, Secretary Joseph West, Senior Deacon Tom Miller, Junior Deacon Cole Fitch, Chaplain Ron West, and Tyler Greg Westra.
On July 16th Brothers Dave, Greg, Ron, and Joe met Shane at the Lodge to prove Shane up in the 3rd degree. WM Galen declared him proficient.
Some of WM Galen’s goals this year are:
     - Visit Ron Chenault sometime this fall.
     - Galen sees Vernon Anderson’s son two or three times a year and he always says, “Dad says hi.” As such Galen would like to get to Centerville to visit him.
     - Doug will do the parade float on September 12th.

2026 Banquet

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.