Our Salute to Service continues with another installment of the 18:53 Working Tools Series. Did you know that Grand Master A.T.C. Pierson served in that position for nine years? Known as the “Father of Minnesota Freemasonry,” he faced innumerable challenges: a disastrous financial panic, the Civil War, and unifying our “work” throughout the state. 

“Brotherhood thrives upon adversity. The harder the times the stronger became the Masonic Tie. Our Brothers were determined to hold their Lodges together, and this spirit, coupled with the continuous work of Pierson among them, kept the fraternity intact.”

We sit down with Gerald Rhoads – decorated Army pilot, retired businessman, and Past Grand Master – to explore the principles of compassion, selfless service, and the true value of history. 

“The purpose of studying and liking history is so that you can learn the lessons of the past, to make decisions in the present, and plan for the future.” 

A native of Youngstown, OH, our esteemed Brother shares vivid memories of flying helicopters in Vietnam (a total of 712 medevac missions), a love of education and learning, and the pursuit of a well-spent life. 

“On a tombstone, it might say 1901 – 1989. The 1901 means nothing. The 1989 means nothing. It’s how you spent the DASH…that’s what counts.” 

We are joined by Erin Elliott and Shawn Keenan (University of Minnesota Foundation).  

Hear how their day-to-day partnership with the Masons is making the lives of fellow Minnesotans better for tomorrow. 

Cancer research, children’s health, volunteer opportunities, and advancing critical research and care through your philanthropic support.  

“The impact of your support is not only changing people's lives in Minnesota, but also throughout the region and the world, thanks to the support of the Masons.” 

For more information, please contact: [email protected] 

“One of the mysteries of Masonry is the term we have for our lodges. They are called ‘blue’ lodges – but why?” 

On this episode, we revisit the incomparable writings of John L. Cooper, III.

“The source of the symbolism has been forgotten, but not the continuing meaning behind it. Our blue lodges are still places where we learn the importance of constraining our passions, and practicing a respect for the religious and political opinions of others.” 

Suggested reading: "The Questing Mind is a Salient Characteristic of a Freemason," a collection of writings by John L. Cooper, III (Past Grand Master, California). 

In this episode, Reed sits down with John L. Cook, Jr., Past Grand Master (2010). John recounts several life-changing experiences: growing up in Georgia, serving in Vietnam, graduating from Cornell University, and finding true purpose in life through the power of brotherhood. 

Together, they explore John’s many talents: competitive bass fishing, the MLK Tennis Club, passion for gun & coin collecting, and more. 

”The one thing I see in young Masons today is the fact that they love it. They want to be Masons. But their shortcoming is coming into the lodge, doing the work, and when they go out that door, they forget that they are Masons. We as their leaders are not doing enough to get them down that road of saying, ‘Masonry is a way of life.’ “ 

David Graham poses a thought-provoking question in his 2025 Oration: “What’s in a name? When my name rolls off someone's tongue, what taste does it leave behind? If I am hoping to enjoy the happy reflections, consequent of a well spent life, I should pay very close attention to my name.” 

Get ready for an adventure with the pride of Wayzata No. 205. Topics include: growing up in the small town of Black Duck, a cruise ship gig through the choppy straits of Magellan, and a mugging in Rio. There's no time for sea legs, it’s an all-new Minnesota Masonic Histories & Mysteries. 

Minnesota’s first three Lodges and the Grand Lodge were formed by pioneers who had tremendous difficulties to overcome. They were handicapped by lack of money, buildings, equipment, transportation facilities and by both open and hidden opposition. 

“Members of the Masonic Fraternity, in and near St. Paul, intend to meet together in a room over the Pioneer Office.” This was the first Masonic notice to appear in the Territory and it marked the beginning of Masonry in Minnesota.

Calling all history buffs: check out the book “Centennium 1853-1953” for the full story. 

Meet Mike Neeson, a busy family man, husband, and father of two. In 2008, he received a stage IV colorectal cancer diagnosis. Mike shares his journey of peaks and valleys: over sixty weeks of chemotherapy, numerous setbacks, and overcoming the odds. 

He is a consummate thriver and patient at our M Health Fairview Masonic Cancer Center, one of the nation’s leading comprehensive cancer centers.  

“I can’t say enough good things about the Masonic Cancer Center. The left hand always knows what the right hand is doing, it’s so seamless. I enjoy sharing my story and trying to give people inspiration.” 

For more info on the Masonic Cancer Center or Masonic Charities, please contact: [email protected]

Every once in a while, we sit down with a true Renaissance man: our very own Clinton Christensen. The youngest of 14 kids, an accomplished French Horn player, show choir singer, and certified EMT. Can you say well-rounded? 

Reed and Clint discuss the “rumination trap,” paralysis of analysis, and establishing authentic friendships as the bedrock of the lodge experience. Cue up the John Philip Sousa, it’s an all-new Minnesota Masonic Histories & Mysteries.

“There are two peculiar pieces of equipment in a Masonic lodge that have no explanation in our ritual. Masonic scholars have reached no conclusions as to the origin, function or purpose of the wardens’ columns.” 

This week we dive into the writings of John L. Cooper III, author of “The Questing Mind is a Salient Characteristic of a Freemason.” Before being elected the 10th Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of California in 1991, John was a leader in public education. In 2013, he became the first Past Grand Secretary to be elected as Grand Master in California. 

“John knows that everyone is capable of learning, and he has a way of making it so interesting that many of us are more motivated to learn and share than we might have been without knowing him.” -Allan L. Casalou 

It’s an all-new Minnesota Masonic Histories & Mysteries.