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. 

Reed sits down with Past Grand Master and current Regional Director (South), Ethan Seaberg. They discuss the social media echo chamber, the paradox of technology, and the power of silence and circumspection. 

When it comes to our Masonic core values, there’s a big difference between simply talking about them at lodge versus living them: “… how can you use those as a touchstone and ignore them the minute you log on to a social media account?”

Let’s road trip to Red Wing…on an all-new Minnesota Masonic Histories & Mysteries.

Now there’s a Mason’s Mason; it’s Chuck Brust. We talk technology and beyond: what it means to be an Enterprise IT Architect at Mayo Clinic, the all-new Lodge Historical Digitization Project (aka “scanning project”), and the Conference of Grand Masters coming to Minneapolis/St. Paul in 2028. When he’s not revolutionizing healthcare technology at Mayo Clinic or serving the Craft, he goes on 175-mile walks from Portugal to Spain. 

Put on your walking shoes…it’s an all new Minnesota Masonic Histories & Mysteries.

This week we sit down with Channel 5’s Joe Schmit who shares that through “silent impact,” we make our biggest impressions when we are not trying to be impressive. Success and happiness are not related to titles or how many awards one has received, but to the impact we have on others. 

Joe covers a variety of topics, from the long sports drought for championships in Minnesota, his experience as a lymphoma survivor at the Masonic Cancer Center, and how all of us can reconnect in a meaningful way. 

“If you become more aware and intentional, that’s when you have that impact on others. How consistent are you aligning your actions with your values when nobody’s looking?” 

This week we revisit the 18:53 Working Tools Series, and confront the challenge of how to truly “be there” for each other in the crucible of life. Is it possible to make the tenets of our profession verbs (actions) as opposed to nouns (abstract words) in our daily lives? 

“The hardest lesson I’ve had to learn as an adult is the relentless need to keep going, no matter how broken I feel inside. Life doesn’t stop when we are exhausted or when our spirits feel threadbare. It keeps moving – unyielding, indifferent – demanding that we keep pace.” -EH

Sisters and Brothers across the Masonic family, it’s our pal Greg Vokovan. Genealogy connections to the Split Rock Lighthouse, Navy adventures landing on an aircraft carrier, and the statewide outreach of the Fire Suppression program. Pop on your flight suit and join us, it’s an all-new Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries.  

“We're all on the same level. It doesn't matter who you are, where you worship, how you voted, how you dress, we're all the same. Tolerance is a key aspect of the Masonic experience. We'll continue to succeed in our charities, in our philanthropic endeavors, and we'll continue to attract those to our fraternity that we want now.”

This week we welcome Brad Phelps back to the studio, who shares highlights from his recent article “Seeking Balance in a Changing World.” 
Collaboration, engagement, and connection: how do we maintain balance in a world that’s oversaturated with technology? Brad also shares sage perspective on reengaging your lodge in 2025. 

 "As Masons, we are taught the importance of dividing our time effectively. Continued growth, flexibility, and adaptation to a rapidly changing landscape is so important.”