Minnesota Masonic Charities was formed in 2006, but how did we get here? Author Paul Hodnefield breaks down the timeline of the three distinct stages of “Charity” in Minnesota and how it has guided us since our inception in the 1850s. 

“The advances that Minnesota Masonry has funded over the years are known not just here locally, they’re known across the world. It's something that has benefitted mankind at large.” 

Learn about our rich history and the pivotal influence of A.T.C. Pierson, Gideon Ives, Marian Savage, the Order of the Eastern Star, and more. 

“Masonry is a tool to be used, not a form to be served.” -PGM Leroy Mattson

Paul Hodnefield's latest book is titled “Our Guiding Star” and will be released in spring 2026. 

Minnesota takes pride in civic participation, but there’s a leadership deficit in our state. Leadership, as well as volunteering and charity, is crucial for addressing community needs and opportunities. 

How do we confront generational changes of social affiliations and people leaving rural areas? In this episode, we focus on the challenge of collaborative leadership with Dr. Kathy Quick.

“Leadership is about adaptation. It matters that everybody be a good communicator. It matters that everybody have some degree of empathy…not be so overtaken by their own ego and title that they forget about the followers. And it helps if they do have a mission.”

Dr. Kathy Quick is the Gross Family Chair for Public and Nonprofit Leadership at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. She is also an Academic Co-Director of the Center for Integrative Leadership, a university-wide center dedicated to building leadership capacity across the business, government, and nonprofit sectors to work together to advance the public good. 

The pod gets electric when Ben Lacy shares perspective on respecting the 24-inch gauge, creating a bespoke Masonic experience, and the action necessary for authentic brotherhood. 

“Support the people that are working for the betterment of the Craft. Figure out a way that you can ask someone how you can help them. And then go follow up on that and do the thing. Figure out a way that you can make a difference.”

A felony prosecutor/nonprofit attorney, busy dad/husband, and one-time collaborator with the Duke of Edinburgh ( ! ), Ben is a plural member of Golden Sheaf Lodge No. 133 (Morris, MN) and St. John’s Lodge No. 1 (Stillwater, MN). 

“Muh-sonic” or “May-sonic?” Call your next witness, it’s an all new episode of Minnesota Masonic Histories & Mysteries. 

Freemasonry isn’t and has never been a religious organization. It has always been open to members of all religions and faiths. However, the world into which it was born, in Enlightenment-era Europe, was a largely Christian one. As a result, many of the symbols of Freemasonry reflect Christian iconography—including the connection to the two Saint Johns in Freemasonry. 

Their feast days are closely associated with the summer and winter solstice – underscoring the symbolic duality of the two figures. 

This week we sit down with our pal, Nate Smithson, and unpack the “Masonic experience”: proactive community engagement, the infinite mindset required for long-term success, our obligation, and more. 

“It’s always easy, isn't it…for us to assign somebody else's priorities without understanding what's going on in their life.”

How does one balance being a VP/Risk Manager, family man, and civic leader? Fire up the commodity market ticker, it’s an all new Minnesota Masonic Histories & Mysteries.

”Does Masonry complement you, or does it define you?”

This week we sit down with Dr. Sujit Varma and cover a wide variety of topics: the psychology of complaining, AI’s influences in our lives, and how to bridge the gap between embracing technology and retaining authentic human connection. 

”Imagine like 500 years ago when Gutenberg invented the printing press, I'm sure there was some parent then who said, ‘…oh my God, books are gonna rot your mind because you spend too much time reading!’”

Sujit owns a psychiatry practice and is a Past Master of Lake Harriet Lodge No. 277 in Minneapolis. 

What is the aim of our Labors? At times we are fixated on the efficient performance of what we’re already doing, and completely uninterested in what we’re missing out on. 

This week Reed welcomes fellow Regional Directors Markus Mueller and Ethan Seaberg to the studio.  They discuss a new model of cooperative labor, purposeful organization, and the new paradigm of Masonry in Minnesota. 

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]