Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries

An engraved gold pocket watch became an orphaned boy’s lifeline—and set in motion a remarkable story of Freemasonry in action. In 1878, four-year-old Walter Cary Wilcox traveled nearly 2,500 miles from New Orleans to California, cared for along the way by Masons honoring his mother’s kindness. 

Discover how “The Mason’s Boy” found a home, an education, and a lifelong brotherhood through a promise kept across generations.

(This episode was adapted from articles written by Adam G. Kendall and Jeannette Yu). 

What if we could stop cancer before it starts? In this episode, Dr. Silvia Balbo joins us to explore how environmental and lifestyle-related exposures influence cancer risk—and how her research advances the goal of prevention.

From her studies in Italy and Belgium to her work at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France, Dr. Balbo’s career brought her to our Masonic Cancer Center in 2014. She shares her passion for understanding cancer’s causes and the profound impact of her team’s research. 

Dr. Balbo also explains how donations through Minnesota Masonic Charities continue to positively impact her lab—and why even a small gift can make a meaningful difference.

Discover the stories of Czech Freemasonry, where history, legend, and the pursuit of freedom intersect.

In this episode, Montie Hadraba of Sherburne Lodge No. 95 explores the Czech Templars, a newly discovered cache of preserved documents, and the mysteries surrounding Prague’s Astronomical Clock and the legend of Master Hanuš.

Along the way, we examine the life and struggles of Jan Amos Komenský—better known as Comenius, the father of modern education—and Alphonse Mucha, the celebrated Art Nouveau artist and pivotal figure in Czech Freemasonry.

Join us for a compelling conversation about freedom of thought and religion, preserving light in the darkness, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

In 1953, Harry S. Truman left the White House deeply unpopular, with a 32% approval rating and little financial support as a former President. Yet over time, history would view many of his most controversial decisions very differently.

From the Marshall Plan and the Truman Doctrine to military desegregation and his early support for national health insurance, Truman was willing to make difficult decisions and accept the consequences.

His story is a reminder that leadership isn't always about immediate recognition. Sometimes it's about doing what you believe is right, taking responsibility for the outcome, and having the patience to let history speak for itself.

The buck stopped with Harry Truman—and he never passed it on.

Harry S. Truman was Grand Master of Masons in Missouri circa 1940, fulfilling this prominent role while a U.S. Senator. Truman famously stated that serving as Grand Master was the greatest honor of his life.

Mental health doesn’t necessarily mean mental “illness.” That said, it’s crucial to remember that our overall mental health affects everything we do. 

“I was in the perfect profession to hide my illness. Doing nothing is an option, and I tried that option for many years, and I wouldn’t say it’s a good one.”

Mark Wick is a veteran hockey coach and Mental Performance & Skills coach for various Division I hockey programs. 

“There’s nothing stronger than peer support. I'm able to be much more present now and enjoy life because I got the help.”

Mark provides first-hand insight on confronting mental health, doing the work, and the importance of remembering: you’re not alone and it’s safe to talk about it. 

Go to www.faceitfoundation.org for more information on peer support, or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (both at no cost).

We welcome in our dear friend and Brother Evan Schroeder. We do it up with deep thoughts about: introspection, meaning making, the gift of mentors, and of course, the much-needed structure in life that Masonry can provide. 

“Stepping back, looking at life holistically, and the whole span of your life and saying ‘this is where I've been...this is what I'm doing now...what do I want to do?’ We only have so much time to do it. How do we make it meaningful?” 

Evan is the Senior Warden at Trinity Lodge No. 282 (Duluth) and frequent contributor to the "Trinity Trowel." 

This episode title translates to “have the courage to use your understanding.” 

This week we examine highlights of an article by Robert Burtt, who argues that while the Enlightenment preached pure reason, Freemasonry quietly built one of the most effective moral education systems ever devised by embracing ritual, emotion, and mystery. 

“It can be rightfully said that ritual is what Freemasons ‘do.’ But how exactly does Masonry accomplish this goal of teaching?” 

Robert E. Burtt is a Past Master of Harmony Lodge No. 429 in Pennsylvania, and his article was featured in Volume 79 of The Philalethes Society periodical.

What binds us together? At the heart of Freemasonry is the pursuit of personal growth—but that journey isn’t meant to be taken alone. It asks us to look inward, support our Brothers, and recognize when someone may need a helping hand.

Across Minnesota, we’re taking a deliberate look at internal lodge culture and men’s mental health: why it matters, why these conversations can be difficult, and how we can do a better job of looking out for ourselves and one another.

This week, we sit down with Mark and Bill from the Face It Foundation to discuss the “Beehive Initiative,” a pilot program being rolled out across the state in partnership with Grand Lodge and Minnesota Masonic Charities.

“We are asking men to have more rounded relationships with each other. Don’t tell me everything is ‘fine.’ Guys need to understand that it’s time to go to work on intentionally building our relationships with each other.”

Men face difficult days, depression, anxiety, and struggles that aren’t always easy to talk about. This conversation explores what it means to strengthen the bonds between Brothers and create lodge cultures where asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s part of what it means to truly show up for one another.

This week, we welcome two newer members to the Masonic Lounge to hear what their Lodge experience has been like so far.

Ben Youngdahl of Accacia No. 51 and Ben Engel of St. John’s No. 1 share fresh perspectives on finding a sense of belonging, creating balance in our lives, and the value of spending quality time together as friends and Brothers.

Their experiences offer a candid look at what draws newer members to Freemasonry—and what keeps them coming back.

“I cannot imagine my life without those guys. Freemasonry has reminded me that we are dependent on each other...we need each other...we need community. We need to feel as though we can depend on someone and that someone can depend on us.”

Why is charitable giving so important to us? Giving back and serving those in need is an essential part of putting the principles of Freemasonry into action.

This week, we sit down with Todd Mayer to explore the pursuit of something greater than yourself—and the importance of stepping away from our electronic devices to do real things in the world with real people.

“Charity is a tangible idea...it’s a tangible way for you to tell other people why you do what you do.”

We also discuss how service and charitable events can bring a lodge together, create a meaningful identity, and make a real difference in the community.

“The lodges that have successful events know how it’s unified their lodge, and how it’s been a signature to their lodge, and how it’s helped out their community.”

Todd Mayer is a member of Anoka Lodge No. 30 and currently serves as District Deputy for the Grand Lodge of Minnesota.