Finished: Third degree test is in the books!

Today, I finished my Third degree test to complete my Masonic Instructor requirements. My friend, RW Brother Darrell Fremont has mentored me throughout this long (too long!) journey and I owe him a huge debt of gratitude. Thank you, Darrell, for sticking with me and encouraging me to finish. I needed all of your assistance!

And it was fitting that my 3rd degree test was proctored by Harvey Woody at Star Lodge in Madrid, Harvey's mentor was Don Sardeson, who tested me on the 2nd degree. And Star Lodge is the mother Lodge of my Lodge: Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City, Iowa.

Now, it's back to the 1st and the 2nd degrees to prove that I still know the ritual!

Iowa Research Lodge #2 Meeting

Iowa Research Lodge #2 held its semiannual meeting Friday, December 6 at Black Hawk Lodge #65 in Cedar Falls, IA. The goal of Iowa Research Lodge #2 is to increase masonic knowledge within the Craft. The Lodge holds two meetings a year which feature speakers on masonic topics. Past speakers have included well-known masonic authors, university professors with academic interests in Freemasonry, and presentations from members. All Masonsare welcome and encouraged to join! The next meeting is May 15, 2015 at West gate Temple in Des Moines.

Friday night’s meeting featured George Harrison and Jeffrey Heimensen’s presentation on Iowa’s new Optional Mentoring Course (OMC). The OMC is an effort to increase Masonic Light and provide additional opportunities for mentorship. Brother Harrison and Heimensen’s presentation provoked much discussion among members present.

This was my first visit to Black Hawk Lodge #65. If you haven’t visited this Lodge you are missing one of the beauties of Iowa Freemasonry. Located on historic Main Street in downtown Cedar Falls, the Lodge is ornately decorated. Two large pillars dominate the west while the north has several rows of theater seats. There are numerous display cases and wall hangings of historic value. I posted a few pictures below.