MASONRY  IN  NORTH  DAKOTA

Chapter 15 
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LODGES CHARTERED FROM 1921—1962

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 Bisbee Lodge No. 121, Bisbee

      If one's foresight could equal his hindsight, much labor and inconvenience might be avoided; and yet, in that case, there probably would have been no Masonic lodge at Bisbee in 1920, and who knows but what the eighteen years of its existence were fully justified? It is for us to report the facts as we find them and history must be the judge.

      There were twenty-six qualified signatures on the petition for a new lodge at Bisbee in the spring of 1920. Officers were selected who appeared before Cando Lodge No. 40, as sponsor; they were certified as proficient in the ritual, and received their recommendation for a dispensation on May 25, 1920.

      The dispensation for Bisbee Lodge U.'. D.'. was granted June 17, 1920, by M.'. W.'. Allan V. Haig, Grand Master, authorizing the following as principal officers: W.'. M.'. Henry Hammerly; S.'. W.'. Norman L. Smith; J.'. W.'. Axel W. Swenson; Treasurer Charles F. Nelson; and Secretary Ingward K. Lund.

      The first stated communication of the lodge after dispensation was held in the lodge hall June 21, 1920, at which the officers were seated, the dispensation was read, committees were appointed, and four petitions for the degrees were received and referred to committees.

      The charter was granted June 23, 1921, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Bisbee Lodge No. 121 at Bisbee, with twenty-six charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Henry E. Byorum, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed October 24, 1921, by M.'. W.'. Brother Byorum, ably assisted by M.'. W.'. Brothers Walter L. Stockwell, Grand Secretary, Allan V. Haig, Past Grand Master, and R.'. W.'. Brother Ralph L. Miller, Junior Grand Warden.

      Bisbee lodge experienced a better than normal growth in its first ten years, especially during the first year, when its membership increased by seventeen to forty-three members by December 31, 1921. By December 31, 1931, it had reached its peak of sixty-four members, but by December 31, 1935, it had fallen back to forty-three, where it remained until November 1, 1937, when the charter was surrendered and the lodge ceased to exist. In the meantime, most of the members had transferred their membership to the lodges at Cando, Rolla and Rolette, so there actually were only six members on the roll at the time the charter was surrendered.

      Among the leaders in the lodge were: W.'. Brothers Henry Hammerly, founder and W.'. M.'. in 1920 and 1921; Norman L. Smith, W.'. M.'. in 1922; Axel W. Swenson, W.'. M.'. in 1923; Charles F. Nelson, first treasurer in 1920; Ingward K. Lund, first secretary in 1920 and continuing through 1926; Joseph M. Torson, W.'. M.'. in 1924 and secretary from 1927-1930; Cleve M. Holmes, W.'. M.'. in 1930 and secretary from 1931-1937. Albert Linn, Peter O. Bugge and Jacob C. Siple, charter members, were W.'. Ms.', in 1925, 1926 and 1929, respectively, and Tojo J. Aanes was the last W.'. M.'. in 1937. A remarkable record of seventeen worshipful masters and three secretaries over a period of eighteen years, which indicates the devotion of these men to Masonry under the most difficult circumstances.

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Fellowship Lodge No. 122, Washburn

      It is almost unbelievable that in the more than one hundred miles square, west from Ellendale, Jamestown and Carrington to the Missouri River, there have been no Masonic lodges except at Steele, McClusky, Linton, Bismarck and Washburn. This is German Catholic country which probably accounts for the scarcity of lodges, but by the same token, these are strong, aggressive lodges, which is unquestionably accounted for by the antagonism they have encountered along the way and the resistance they have engendered to withstand it.

      It was February 2, 1912, that a young Master Mason named Michael Tellefson, came to Washburn from Garrison as Clerk of Court. He had been "raised" in Lansford Lodge No. 82 and had affiliated with Garrison No. 90. Now he was interested in organizing a lodge at Washburn, but before he could get it started, along came World War No. I and he went off to war.

      Thus it was on his return, that interest was renewed and late in the fall of 1920 thirty-six Master Masons qualified as charter members of a new lodge at Washburn and on November 12, 1920. passed their proficiency in the ritual before Garrison Lodge No. 90, as sponsor, and applied to the Grand Master for a dispensation.

      The dispensation to institute Fellowship Lodge U.'. D.'. at Wash-burn was granted December 24, 1920, by M.'. W.'. Allan V. Haig, Grand Master, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Michael Tellefson; S.'. W.'. Roy W. Brownson; J.'. W.'. Leslie R. Burgum; Treasurer William J. Bickert; and Secretary Gordon B. Burgum.

      A vacant church building was purchased for $2,000.00 and remodeled for a lodge hall, which, with modernization and repairs, has been kept in splendid condition and is the present home of the lodge.

      The first stated communication of the lodge was held January 24, 1921, in the lodge hall, the new officers were seated, committees were appointed, routine business was transacted, and eleven petitions for the degrees were received and referred to committees. Between January 24 and May 31, 1921, nine regular and nine special communications had been held; work had been exemplified on candidates in the three degrees of Masonry; and all was in readiness for action on the lodge's petition for a charter by the Grand Lodge in June, 1921.

      The charter was granted June 23, 1921, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Fellowship Lodge No. 122 at Washburn, naming thirty-six charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Henry E. Byorum, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed on October 19, 1921, by Grand Master Byorum, assisted by M.'. W.'. Walter L. Stockwell, Grand Secretary, R.'. W.'. Ralph L. Miller, Junior Grand Warden, W.'. Brother (Dr.) John W. Robinson, District Deputy Grand Master, and others. Masons attended from lodges all the way from Minot to Bismarck.

      The growth of Fellowship lodge during the first decade was phenomenal. Starting with a membership of forty-seven in 1921, it had reached one hundred four by 1931; it dropped to seventy during the thirties," but returned to the one hundred mark during the forties, which it has retained. With a large territory, including Wilton to the southeast and Underwood to the northwest, its future is secure, especially with development of electric power and irrigation from the Garrison Dam near at hand; all of which should combine to keep Washburn "in the center of progress" for years to come.

      It would be impossible to narrate the many projects and accomplishments of this fine lodge; in the lodge, in the community, and in the state over the years. One is outstanding and must suffice.

      The lodge early sensed the significance of the fact that Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition which explored from St. Louis to the Pacific, in 1804-06 — Lewis was a Mason at the time, and Clark became one, later — had camped during the winter of 1804-1805 on the north bank of the Missouri River just west of the present site of Washburn. A committee was appointed by Fellowship lodge to investigate; facts were gathered and submitted to the Grand Lodge; the land was purchased; and on May 21, 1935, a stone marker, commemorating the campsite, was dedicated to these illustrious men and Masons by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota. Unlimited credit is due to Fellowship Lodge No. 122 of Washburn for its part in initiating and assisting with this great and glorious undertaking.

      Fellowship lodge was richly endowed with a number of extremely capable men, many of them charter members, who stayed with the lodge for a long time, or if they moved away became extremely useful elsewhere. We have selected a few of these to represent the lodge.

      W.'. Brother Michael Tellefson deserves first place as it was he who first started the idea of a lodge at Washburn and carried it through to conclusion. He was the first W.'. M.'. in 1920, 1921 and 1922.

      He was followed by W.'. Brother Leslie R. Burgum, who has been one of North Dakota's most unique citizens. Educated in law and the Christian ministry, he first appeared at Washburn where he became a charter member of Fellowship lodge and second W.'. M.'. in 1923. As a Methodist minister, he moved from place to place, always continuing his interest in Masonry, and at the present time, is Grand Prelate of the Grand Commandery of North Dakota, K.'. T.'. Retiring from the ministry at Jamestown a few years ago, he became state's attorney for Stuts-man County, and now in 1962, he is retiring as attorney general of North Dakota after serving several successful terms.

      Gordon B. Burgum, brother of Leslie, was the first secretary of the lodge in 1920 and continued through 1925; he was also W.'. M.'. in 1930.

      Then came W.'. Brother Byron E. Robinson — known as Earl — who was a charter member and was W.'. M.'. in 1924. No one was more active in the lodge than he and served on committees everywhere. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for several years, and on the Grand Lodge Committee on Policy and General Purposes from 1948-1957.

      W.'. Brother Gustaf A. Lindell was one of the most versatile men in the lodge, serving as W.'. M.'. in 1928, as secretary from 1930-1939. was their best ritualist and conducted their Masonic funerals for many years. He died in the service of his country during World War II.

      W.'. Brother Clayton A. Carlson was W.'. M.'. in 1935 and 1939. He was especially interested in the Lewis and Clark Masonic marker. For many years he looked after it and annually reported its condition to his errand Lodge. His son, Vernon F. Carlson, was W.'. M.'. in 1959-60.

      Every officer and member of Fellowship lodge has taken his duties and obligations seriously and Masonry has served a wide expanse of country-side continuously and well.

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Arcana Lodge No. 123, Northwood

      Like Larimore and Hatton, Northwood lies in that beautiful portion of the Red River Valley of North Dakota which was settled years ago by sturdy Scandinavians who had come to stay and who surrounded themselves with substantial buildings, lofty trees, good roads and profitable farms. Their institutions have prospered and their Masonry has endured, to the universal benefit of everyone it has touched.

      There were thirty-five signatures on their petition for a new lodge at Northwood in the winter of 1920-21, every one of whom became a charter member. We are told by Brother Palmer J. Sougstad, our historian, that the roads being impassable they rode the Great Northern "Scooter," with Brother Andrew K. Prestbo at the throttle, to Hatton, where the officers of Garfield Lodge No. 105, their sponsor, coached them in the ritual.

      The recommendation for a dispensation to institute Arcana Lodge U.'. D.'. at Northwood was signed February 11, 1921, by the W.'. M.'. and secretary of Garfield Lodge. The dispensation for Arcana Lodge was granted February 17, 1921, by M.'. W.'. Allan V. Haig, Grand Master, designating the following as principal officers: W.'. M.'. Ole Bolstad; S.'. W.'. Edmund E. Thulin; J.'. W.'. Jens G. Odegard; Treasurer Arthur B. Landt; and Secretary Isak M. Isakson.

      The first stated communication of the lodge was held February 24, 1921, in rooms known as Spoonheim hall, where the post office now stands and for which a rental of $25.00 per month was paid.

      It should be noted here that all of the working tools of the lodge were made by W.'. M.'. Ole Bolstad, a dentist. The gavels were made from stair case spindles and maple flooring, while the three pedestals and altar were built from display stands from the Paul C. Johnson store by Brothers Elias A. Roe, Alfred E. Steenstrup and Arne K. Sagen.

      At this meeting the balance of the officers were appointed, routine business was transacted, and five petitions for the degrees were received and referred to committees.

      The charter was granted June 23, 1921, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Arcana Lodge No. 123 of Northwood, thirty-five charter members were named and the charter was signed by M.'. W.'. Henry E. Byorum, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed October 25, 1921, by Grand Master Byorum, assisted by Grand Secretary Walter L. Stockwell, Junior Grand Warden Ralph L. Miller, Junior Grand Deacon Theodore B. Elton and District Deputy Grand Master Frank W. Reinoehl.

      The growth of Arcana lodge has been consistent with the nature of the lodge membership, steady and enduring. It reached sixty-two by 1931; lost twenty-one during the depression of the "thirties"; came back to seventy in 1951; and should pretty well maintain that figure in the foreseeable future. With a United States Air Force Base a few miles to the north, good material is constantly available and the prospects are encouraging. In 1928 the lodge moved into the American Legion hall which is large and adequate in every way.

      It would be impossible to enumerate the various activities of this lodge, there are so many and they are so varied. Here are a few: Participation in essay contests in the local high school; contributions to Boy Scouts and Boys' State; parties with the Eastern Star, entertaining the teachers; support of World War I and World War II activities, including Red Cross; contributions to the local library; the Masonic Service Association program in Veterans' Hospitals; the Dunseith Lodge No. 99 Christmas program in the State Tuberculosis Hospital; the Omaha Home for Boys; the Florence Crittenden Home; Childrens' Village; Crippled Childrens' School, etc. Past Masters' Night, Grand Lodge Nights and all Grand Lodge functions are carefully observed and the cooperation of the lodge in the community, in the district, and in the state is much enjoyed and appreciated.

      With a total of forty worshipful masters since 1921, we can find only one who held the office for more than one year, W.'. Brother Palmer J. Sougstad in 1938 and 1954, who was our efficient historian in 1958. To say that one was better than another would be an injustice to them all, as the record clearly indicates that each has performed his duties well, from Dr. Ole Bolstad in 1921 to Carlyle P. Austinson in 1960-61. Masonry is deeply indebted to them all.

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Mystic Tie Lodge No. 124, Fessenden

      Mystic Tie Lodge No. 124 was organized in 1921, at the small town of Bowdon, (pop. 350) in southwestern Wells County, under the guiding hand of M.'. W.'. Verne Wells, banker and later Grand Master. In 1937 the lodge was moved to Fessenden, in the center of and county seat of the same county, where, under the surveillance of W.'. Brother John W. Thornton, school teacher, and later W.'. M.'., secretary and District Deputy Grand Lecturer, it has prospered. Both men were ably assisted by a goodly number of capable and devoted Master Masons and their co-operation has been well rewarded.

      It was in the spring of 1921 that twenty-five Masons signed a petition for a new lodge at Bowdon, but one moved away, so twenty-four qualified as charter members. Devotion Lodge No. 61 at Harvey sponsored the lodge, but by agreement, several of the officers of Devotion lodge met some of the officers from Bowdon in the lodge hall of Aurora Lodge No. 56 at Carrington on March 1, 15 and 29, 1921, and exemplified the three degrees, making affidavits to this effect.

      The dispensation instituting Mystic Tie Lodge U.'. D.'. at Bowdon was granted April 29, 1921, by M.'. W.'. Allan V. Haig, Grand Master, naming the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Verne Wells; S.'. W.'. Frank O. Klinger; J.'. W.'. James F. Ellis; Treasurer Arne T. Fortney; and Secretary Verne D. Jones. It was too late in the Grand Lodge year to obtain a charter in June 1921, hence the dispensation was continued until June 1, 1922, by endorsement on the original copy of same by M.'. W.'. Henry E. Byorum, Grand Master, dated June 27, 1921.

      The first stated communication of Mystic Tie Lodge U.'. D.'. was held May 19, 1921, in the Sons of Norway hall, which had been leased at $6.00 per month; the new officers were seated, committees were appointed on hall, furniture and fixtures, and four petitions for the degrees were received and referred to committees.

      The lodge was kept very busy with degree work throughout the year and had raised nine Master Masons by December 31, 1921.

      The charter was granted June 21, 1922, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Mystic Tie Lodge No. 124 of Bowdon, with twenty-four charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Edwin R. Ripley, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed November 2, 1922, by Grand Master Ripley, assisted by Grand Secretary Walter L. Stockwell and Executive Secretary of Masonic Service and Education William J. Hutcheson. A banquet was served and many visitors were present.

      The lodge grew slowly and had reached a membership of only fifty by 1937, due to the sparse settlement of the community and the disastrous depredation of drought and depression. Consequently, the lodge was moved to Fessenden, the county seat, fifteen miles north of Bowdon on September 2, 1937, and immediately conditions began to improve. By 1952, a membership of eighty-five had been attained, and today, in 1962, the one hundred mark has been passed and Mystic Tie lodge is in a secure position. We understand it seldom has a delinquent member. The lodge has always met in rooms on the second floor of a business block just off the main street in Fessenden.

      Mystic Tie Lodge No. 124 has always taken its Masonic obligations seriously, both in the community and elsewhere, and leads in the support of all public and fraternal enterprises of a social and charitable character. The Order of the Eastern Star maintains a "Home" at Fessenden and the members of the lodge are active in their support of this worthy cause. Their contributions to World War II Masonic Service Centers, the Red Cross and similar institutions have been commendable and they are still doing their share in supporting the Masonic Service Association's program in our Veteran's Hospitals. During World War II, W.'. Brother John W. Thornton worked faithfully in two of the M.S.A. Service Centers and deserves great credit for his fine contribution to their accomplishments.

      Following are a few of the names that will be long remembered in Mystic Tie lodge: M.'. W.'. Verne Wells was one of the founders and the first W.'. M.'. of the lodge at Bowdon in 1921, 1922 and 1923. He was elected Grand Master in 1947-48 and is one of the most beloved Master Masons in North Dakota today. For many years he and his family have owned and operated a bank at Robinson, where they enjoyed the love and respect of everyone who knows them for miles around.

      W.'. Brother Verne D. Jones was a charter member of the lodge and was its first secretary in 1921, 1922 and 1923, and was W.'. M.'. in 1933 and 1934.

      Then came the Fortney family and we list them in order: Arne T. Fortney was the first treasurer in 1921; Tillman P. Fortney was W.'. M.'. in 1929, 1935 and 1936; Carl J. Fortney was W.'. M.'. in 1938; Nordahl O. Fortney was W.'. M.'. in 1944; and James C. Fortney was W.'. M.'. in 1951.

      Then W.'. Brother John W. Thornton mentioned above was W.'. M.'. in 1939, secretary in 1940, 1941 and from 1952-1956, also District Deputy Grand Lecturer from 1954-1960. John will always find something useful to do wherever he may be. In token of this, the 1962 Proceedings of the Grand Lodge were dedicated to him.

      W.'. Brother Fred Mietz came next and was W.'. M.'. in 1940 and again in 1957-58. He is one of the indispensable type of Masons, who is always on hand when help is needed and is willing and able to "lend a hand" on every occasion. Would that we had more like Fred.

      W.'. Brother Lloyd O. Forseth followed and was W.'. M.'. in 1941. He was secretary from 1942-1950, and served his district as District Deputy Grand Master for a number of years. He moved to Fargo in about 1951 to take a position with the Western States Life Insurance Company and is still among us. How truly has Fessenden's loss become Fargo's gain.

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West Gate Lodge No. 125, Tioga

      The 1950 census listed Tioga, in Williams County, with a population of 456; the 1960 census gives it 2,087; the difference, OIL. The lodge membership in 1951 — oil discovery year — was thirty-five, only seven more than at the end of its first year in 1923, and one wonders if it would be in existence today, in 1963, without the magic power of oil and gas. Instead of inaction, we find enthusiasm; in place of despondency we are met with joyousness and already the membership of West Gate Lodge No. 125 at Tioga has doubled and its future is assured.

      But to go back forty years. It was a devoted group of Master Masons who gathered in the spring of 1922 and signed a petition for a new lodge at Tioga. They met with the officers of Adoniram Lodge No. 91 at White Earth, their sponsor, on May 17 and 22, 1922 and convinced them of their proficiency in the ritual, receiving in return a recommendation for a dispensation to institute West Gate Lodge U.'. D.'. at Tioga.

      The dispensation was granted June 22, 1922, by M.'. W.'. Edwin A. Ripley, Grand Master, designating- the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Ernest Bylin; S.'. W.'. Nels W. Simon; JV. W.'. Vaughan G. Morris; Treasurer Ole P. Peterson; and Secretary Lee R. Axtell.

      The lodge had leased the I.O.O.P. hall, at a rental of $7.50 per month, and the first stated communication of West Gate Lodge U.'. LV. was held on July 3, 1922, with all of the officers, except the stewards, at their several stations. Plans for the future were discussed, the secretary was instructed to purchase necessary fixtures and supplies, committees were appointed on dues and fees, but strange to say, no petitions for the degrees were received. Three petitions were read on July 17, 1922.

      The lodge met regularly throughout the year and a charter was granted on June 20, 1923, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to West Gate Lodge No. 125 at Tioga, naming twenty charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Ralph L. Miller, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed September 19, 1923, by Grand Master Miller, assisted by Junior Grand Steward George H. Phelps. Following the ceremony the guests were entertained at a wild game dinner, served by the wives of the local Masons, which made a "deep and lasting impression" on them all.

       A survey of the officers of West Gate Lodge through the years indicates their faithfulness to duty and the alacrity with which they met every situation. Here are a few examples:

      W.'. Brothers Ernest Bylin, Vaughan G. Morris and Ole P. Peterson were founders of the lodge and were W.'. Ms.', in 1923, 1924 and 1925, respectively.

      Then came one of the finest characters in West Gate lodge, W.'. Brother William Hetherton, a charter member, W.'. M.'. in 1926 and from 1942-1945, and secretary from 1948-1952. He was stricken down at the railroad station in Tioga March 19, 1952, as he was leaving on a short business trip, indicating how truly he died in the harness, just the way he would want it to be.

      W.'. Brother George E. Mueller, charter member, was W.'. M.'. in 1930 and secretary from 1931-1938; Ole Barvin was W.'. M.'. in 1940 and 1941; Lester A. Nylander was W.'. M.'. in 1947 and 1948; and Nelius M. Huseth was W.'. M.'. in 1951 and secretary from the death of Brother Hetherton, in 1952 through 1956.

      Finally a new era began in West Gate Lodge in 1960 when W.'. Brother Charles E. Pratt, an oil company executive, was elected W.'. M.'.. He represents the "new look" in Tioga and "may his tribe increase."

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Blazing Star Lodge No. 126, Powers Lake

      In his annual address, at Grand Lodge June 20, 1922, M.'. W.'. Henry E. Byorum, Grand Master, stated: "During the past few months considerable correspondence was received and committees of brethren called on me, with reference to the organization of lodges at Tioga, Wildrose and Powers Lake.

      "In view of the fact that crop conditions have not been good for a few years in these localities, and also that the lodges at Ray and White Earth would be affected considerably by losing several of their members, I suggested that these brethren organize Masonic Clubs for the time being and let the matter rest at present."

      The Grand Lodge Committee on Lodges U.". D.'. reported as follows: "We have carefully considered the applications of the various groups of Masons at Tioga, Wildrose and Powers Lake, respectively. Your committee conducted a full hearing, there being present before it brothers interested in granting dispensations and also brothers from lodges which would be territorially affected.

      "It is the judgment of your committee that dispensations should be granted to these lodges. Taking everything into consideration, we feel that such hardships will be far outweighed by the benefit derived." The report was adopted June 21, 1922.

      In the meantime, the Masons at Powers Lake had signed a petition for a new lodge, appeared before Adoniram Lodge No. 91 at White Earth, as sponsor, and obtained its recommendation for a dispensation, even though thirteen of its former members had demitted to Powers Lake.

      Accordingly, the dispensation to institute Blazing Star Lodge U.'. D.'. was signed June 22, 1922, by M.'. W.'. Edwin A. Ripley, Grand Master, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Richard E. Shoemaker; S.'. W.'. Morris Pusin; J.'. W.'. Willard F. Hanks; Treasurer Thomas P. Borgen; and Secretary Albert E. Anderson. On May 10, 1923, the first three were changed to Ellis W. Rodenhizer, Willard P. Hanks and Isaac Bercovitz, respectively.

      An adequate building had been purchased and furnished for a lodge hall at a cost of a little over $1,000.00, and here Blazing Star Lodge U.'. D.'. held its first stated communication August 21, 1922, at which one petition for the degrees and one for affiliation were read and referred to committees. The lodge had a busy year and five new members were added to the roll, making a total of twenty-six.

      The charter was granted June 20, 1923, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Blazing Star Lodge No. 126 of Powers Lake, twenty-one charter members were named and the charter was signed by M.'. W.'. Ralph L. Miller, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed September IS. 1923, by Grand Master Miller,  assisted by Junior Grand Steward  George H. Phelps of Bowbells, and Grand Tyler Charles D. Milloy of Williston.

      For forty years Blazing Star lodge has gone its way with varying success; its membership rose to forty in the twenties, fell to thirty in the thirties and early forties, rose to fifty in the fifties and is back to thirty in the sixties. It has served its community well in the past but those days appear to be over and the lodge should consolidate with Tioga before it is too late.

      Among their leaders have been such men as: Ellis W. Bodenhizer, first W.'. M.'. in 1923 and 1924; Albert E. Anderson, first secretary in 1923 and W.'. M.'. in 1927 and 1942; Dr. Robert Goodman, W.'. M.'. in 1944 and secretary in 1948 and 1949; Marvin Vixo, W.'. M.'. in 1947 and secretary from 1952-1963; and Glen E. Powell, W.'. M.'. in 1950 and District Deputy Grand Master from 1951-1957.

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Oriental Lodge No. 127, Wildrose

      Wildrose, like Powers Lake, is located on the Stanley branch of the Great Northern Railway, north of Ray, and has had a hard time "making a go" of it, due to adverse farming conditions and sparse settlement of the surrounding countryside. However, lodges were organized at Tioga, Powers Lake and Wildrose in 1922 and 1923, which have endured for forty years and much credit is due their members for their courage and perseverance.

      It was in the fall of 1922 that twenty-three Master Masons — thirteen of them from Craftsman Lodge No. 107, at Ray — signed a petition for a new lodge at Wildrose, and on November 15 and 22, 1922, travelled to Ray to demonstrate their proficiency before the officers of Craftsman Lodge, as sponsor, and obtained the latter lodge's recommendation for a dispensation.

      The dispensation to institute Oriental Lodge U.'. D.°. at Wildrose was granted November 25, 1922, by M.'. W.'. Edwin A. Ripley, Grand Master, naming the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Torbjorn T. Teiten; S.'. W.'. Martin L. Anderson; J.'. W.'. Howard L. Straight; Treasurer William B. Mathews; and Secretary Daniel B. Tinholt.

      The lodge had leased the A.O.U.W. hall for one year at $5.00 per month and borrowed $600.00 with which to purchase furniture, fixtures and supplies, so was in readiness for the first stated communication of the lodge on December 12. 1922. The new officers were seated, routine business was transacted, and five petitions for the degrees were received and referred to committees. A busy winter followed during which four Master Masons were "raised," bringing the total number of members to twenty-seven.

   The charter was granted June 20, 1923, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Oriental Lodge No. 127 at Wildrose, with twenty-three Charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Ralph L. Miller, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted September 19, 1923, by Grand Master Miller, who delivered the charter and installed the officers, assisted by Junior Grand Steward George H. Phelps of Bowbells, and Grand Tyler Charles D. Milloy of Williston.

      Oriental lodge has had a remarkably stable history over the years, considering the droughts, depressions and loss of people the community has endured. Reaching a membership of fifty-four in the early "thirties", it was reduced to thirty-six in the following decade, regained a figure of fifty-four in the "fifties", and still maintains a membership of forty. Staunch men, we say!

      Here are the names of a few: W.'. Brothers Torbjorn T. Teiten, first W.'. M.'. in 1923 and 1924; Martin L. Anderson, W.'. M.'. in 1925; Daniel A. Tinholt, first secretary in 1923 and 1924 and W.'. M.'. in 1926; Frank E. McCoy, banker and a personal friend of the writer since 1933, W.'. M.'. in 1929 and secretary from 1933-1952. There are no finer than he. His son Richard M. McCoy was W.'. ,M.'. in 1951.

      And so, we might go on and on. Only the first W.'. M.'. served two terms, all the others have taken their turn and have performed their several duties. Thus has Masonry been perpetuated in Wildrose. Someday they may, perhaps, return to their mother lodge at Ray and continue their usefulness and influence in an ever growing field of service.

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Fort Union Lodge No. 128, Watford City

      Watford City, in the center of McKenzie County, appears to be a city of destiny, in spite of appearances thirty years ago. Then, a drought stricken community of 500 frustrated people without the county seat, no banks and no visible means of support. Today, a flourishing community of 1,865 happy citizens, with the county seat, banks and prosperous business center, self supporting agriculture and over 350 producing oil wells within the county. How fortunate that a Masonic lodge was located there in 1926-27.

      There were thirty-two of these "men of vision" who signed a petition for a new lodge at Watford City in the spring of 1926. and on April 18, May 18 and June 21, journeyed to Alexander where they proved their proficiency in the ritual before the officers of Yellowstone Lodge No. 110, as sponsor, and received a recommendation for a dispensation from them.

      The dispensation to institute Port Union Lodge U.'. D.'. at Watford City was granted July 26, 1926, by M.'. W.'. Frank C. Faikenstein, Grand Master, who named the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Marvin A. McClung; S.'. W.'. Alvin M. LaBrant; J.'. W.1. Howard A. McNutt; Treasurer Clyde S. Staley; and Secretary Rasmus J. Folven. The name, "Fort Union," was significant in that one hundred years previously, Fort Union, a few miles to the northwest, had been the site of the largest fur trading post on the North American continent. It was followed by nearby Fort Buford with a garrison of 3,500 troops, home of our own original Yellowstone Lodge No. 88, chartered in 1871.

      The lodge found rooms on the second floor of the new school house until more permanent quarters could be arranged, and held eighteen stated and twelve special communications between August 9, 1926, and May 23, 1927. Degree work was exemplified at most of these meetings and the lodge ended the first year with a membership of thirty-nine.

      The charter was granted June 23, 1927, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Fort Union Lodge No. 128 of Watford City, naming thirty-two charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Walter H. Murfin, Grand Master. On July 12, 1927, Grand Master Murfin issued a special dispensation to the lodge, authorizing it to continue as a regular lodge until it could be legally constituted. This was later accomplished.

      Fort Union lodge has had a splendid growth through the years, reaching a total of seventy-six in 1947, and now, with the addition of Yellowstone Lodge No. 110 to its total, it registered ninety-four members in 1960. Its future seems assured.

      Following are the names of a few of those who have worked for the lodge: W.'. Brothers Marvin A. McClung, first W.'. M.'. in 1927-28 and 1933; Alvin M. LaBrant, W.'. M.'. in 1929 and 1942; William S, Shirk, hotel owner and W.'. M.'. in 1932; Ralph M. Christiansen, W.'. M.'. in 1938 and 1941; Oscar A. Gustafson, W.'. M.'. in 1952 and District Deputy Grand Master from 1954-1957; and Leland M. Stenehjem, banker son of the Arnegard banker, Odin Stenehjem, the former W.'. M.'., in 1957-58.

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Roosevelt Memorial Lodge No. 129, Belfield

      Belfield is a beautiful spot, tucked away in a wooded valley on the eastern edge of the North Dakota Badlands, west of Dickinson, and while no one would select it as the most prosperous location for a Masonic lodge, due to its sparsely settled and rugged nature, it has defied the elements and Roosevelt Memorial Lodge No. 129 still has twenty-eight members in 1960.

      There were twenty Master Masons in the spring of 1926, who signed a petition for a new lodge and went before the officers of Dickinson Lodge No. 32, as sponsor, on May 13. 1926, proved their proficiency in the ritual and obtained a recommendation for a dispensation to institute Roosevelt Memorial Lodge U.'. D.'. at Belfield.

      The dispensation was granted October 16, 1926, by M.'. W.'. Frank C. Falkenstein, Grand Master, who named the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. John W. Doty; S.'. W.'. Mark W. Brandt; J.'. W.'. Albert H. Hilke. It is interesting to note that Grand Master Falkenstein and Grand Secretary Stockwell came to Belfield on the above date and personally supervised the opening and closing of the lodge and presented the dispensation.

      The lodge met regularly between October 26, 1926, and May 23, 1927, degree work taking up most of its time, increasing the membership to thirty-two by the end of the year.

      The charter was granted June 23, 1927, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Roosevelt Memorial Lodge No. 129 of Belfield, twenty charter members were named and the charter was signed by M.'. W.'. Walter H. Murfin, Grand Master. On July 2, 1927, he issued a special dispensation to the lodge, authorizing it to perform its regular duties until it could be legally constituted. This was accomplished in due season.

      Through the years, the lodge has maintained a slow but steady pace. In the thirties and forties the membership reached forty and held there until it dropped to twenty-six and is now at twenty-eight. To many it hardly seems that Roosevelt Memorial lodge is so situated that it can ever hope to even regain its past glory, as the days of the "old west" are gone in North Dakota and the ranch country will never be heavily populated again. Should oil come in, it might help, but even that is improbable and it begins to appear that this lodge should begin to think of "returning to the fold" in Dickinson Lodge No. 32.

      We list a few of the names that have been prominent, craving forgiveness from others we have missed: W.'. Brother John W. Doty, was the first W.'. M.'. in 1927; Mark W. Brandt was W.'. M.'. in 1928; Frederick A. Priess was W.'. M.'. in 1929; Albert H. Hilke was the first secretary in 1927 and was W.'. M.'. in 1930; Clayton W. Hanson was W.'. M.'. in 1946 and 1953, a grand Mason today; and William W. Eichhorst was W.'. M.'. in 1954-55 and was secretary until 1962.

      Recently, W.'. Brother Henry Davis came to Belfield from the Oklahoma oil fields, where he was made a Mason July 3, 1952, in Seminole Lodge No. 476. He has taken a dual membership in Roosevelt Memorial lodge and was its W.'. M.'. in 1961-62. He has revived the interest of the lodge and several candidates have been raised. May the good work go on!

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Sunrise Lodge No. 130, Fargo

      For some time there had been talk among certain Fargo Masons about forming a lodge at the North Dakota Agricultural College (now North Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied Science). This came to a head in 1947 with M.'. W.'. Ralph L. Miller, Past Grand Master. and W.'. Brothers Walter G. Biggs and Mervin A. Tuntland as promoters.

      Soon a petition with thirty-six signatures for a new lodge was prepared, a meeting place in the college Y.M.C.A. was secured, and the name "Sunrise" was suggested by W.'. Brother George A. McGregor, a former member of Sunset Lodge No. 88 at Beach, on the western border of North Dakota. (See History of East Gate Lodge No. 120).

      On May 23, 1947, the tentative officers of Sunrise lodge appeared before a joint communication of Shiloh Lodge No. 1 and East Gate Lodge No. 120 of Fargo, as sponsors; opened and closed lodge, exemplified the work in the Entered Apprentice degree, and received certificates of recommendation for a dispensation to institute Sunrise Lodge U.'. D.'. at Fargo.

      The dispensation was granted May 28, 1947, by M.'. W.'. John A. Stormon, Grand Master, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Mervin A. Tuntland; S.'. W.'. Howard P. Spaulding; J.'. W.'. Walter G. Biggs; Treasurer Forrest F. Skinner; and Secretary Oscar J. Nesset. The lodge was duly instituted at Fargo on June 11, 1947, by Grand Master Stormon.

      Much interest was demonstrated in the new lodge in and around Fargo, and several of the charter members, among them, Brothers Ralph Miller, Walter Biggs, Walter Beisecker and Scott Wiseman, made the altar, pedestals and stands for the rods. We are told that some of the materials used came from Armour and Company (where one of the members worked) and were gladly contributed by the shop foreman who was a Mason. East Gate lodge contributed the jewels, Shiloh lodge the rods, and the Bible, flag, ballot box, lecture slides and silk hat also were gifts.

      The first stated communication was held June 19, 1947, and degree work began at once. During the first year seventeen candidates were "raised" and three affiliated, bringing the total membership on December 31, 1947, to fifty-six.

      The charter was granted June 23, 1948, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Sunrise Lodge No. 130 at Fargo, with thirty-six charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. William J. Hunter, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed December 4, 1948, by Grand Master Hunter, assisted by several Grand Officers and officers of Shiloh and East Gate lodges. M.'. W.'. Walter L. Stockwell, Grand Secretary, gave the principal address.

      The growth of Sunrise lodge has been gradual and steady, reaching a membership of seventy-five in 1957 and eighty-two in 1960. A tragedy occurred June 20, 1957, when a disastrous tornado destroyed the college Y.M.C.A. building, taking with it most of the property of Sunrise lodge. The owners of the Masonic Temple, in Fargo — the Scottish Rite Bodies — were most generous and offered the lodge the rental of the Flemming Room on the ground floor, which is a well equipped and attractive lodge room, and there Sunrise lodge has been most comfortably located. While the situation has destroyed the University locale for the present, the lodge is fortunate in being thus comfortably housed and may look forward to a return to its former surroundings at some future time.

      A traditional gathering of the members and friends of Sunrise Lodge No. 130, with their ladies, is held each year in early December, near the date of the original constituting of the lodge and is known as the annual birthday party. This function takes on the happy spirit of the Christmas season and is a most pleasant occasion. The lodge usually sponsors a "stag" party for Masons and prospective members, and a dinner for teachers with their ladies and/or escorts, all of which have been most enjoyable as well as successful.

      As is usual with most of our lodges, the leaders have been worshipful masters and secretaries and we shall confine our remarks to a few of these, in selecting examples of the great men in Sunrise lodge.

      In the beginning, it was such men as W.'. Brothers Mervin A. Tunt-land, first W.'. M.'. in 1947 and 1948; Howard P. Spaulding, W.'. M.'. in 1949 and Walter G. Biggs, W.'. M.'. in 1950 and secretary from 1953-1956 and in 1958, all of whom got the lodge started and on its way.

      Then came W.'. Brothers John H. Mickelson, W.'. M.'. in 1951; Oscar J. Nesset, first secretary in 1947 and 1948, and W.'. M.'. in 1952; Eugene W. Pettee, W.'. M.'. in 1953; Charles A. Montague, W.'. M.'. in 1954-55; and Avery W. Doeling, W.'. M.'. in 1955-56.

      W.'. Brother Lawrence E. Biggs was W.'. M.'. in 1956-57 and secretary in 1959-60; Clarence Olson was W.'. M.'. in 1957-58; Walter A. Walvatne was W.'. M.'. in 1958-59; Walter F. Lund was W.'. M.'. in 1959-60; and B. Walter Dunkelberger was W.'. M.'. in 1960-61, and secretary from April, 1961, to the time of his death May 19, 1962.

      No other Mason gave as unsparingly of his time and talent to Sunrise lodge, as Walter Dunkelberger. Coming to the mastership of the lodge at a time when morale and finances were low, he revived interest in the lodge, collected the unpaid dues, reinstated several suspended brothers and ended his year as master with all bills paid and $4,000.00 in the building and benevolence funds. As secretary, his records were always up to date, he edited a monthly newsletter for the members and kept the lodge work and notices a month ahead all the time.

      In December we asked him for a short history of the lodge and in a month's time it was in our hands. Masonry could ill afford to lose such as he but the Grand Architect has found greater work for him to do and his labor will never cease. He passed away in Fargo quite unexpectedly on May 19, 1962.

      The story of Sunrise Lodge No. 130 should never end without a tribute to one of its greatest friends, M.'. W.'. Ralph L. Miller, Grand Master in 1923-24, and Deputy Grand Secretary from 1925-1957. Retaining his lodge membership in his home lodge, Aurora No. 56 at Carrington, he became a charter member of Sunrise No. 130 at Fargo under a dual membership and gave to his adopted lodge all the wealth of his years of experience and devotion to Masonry. On March 6, 1958, he was elected an Honorary Past Master of the lodge and before he passed away on January 23, 1961, he wrote a splendid history of Sunrise lodge which is filed in the records and from which a part of this story is taken.

      Other Honorary Past Masters of Sunrise Lodge No. 130 are: W.'. Brothers James J. Martin, June 5, 1958; Eric W. Phillips, May 19, 1960, and Ernest L. Kirkpatrick, May 19, 1960.

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Malta Lodge No. 131, Grand Forks

      Over seventy years passed from the time Acacia Lodge No. 4 at Grand Forks received its charter in 1880 until a concerted effort was made on the part of the resident Masons, to institute a new lodge in their midst. The membership of Acacia had passed the seven hundred mark; there were those who preferred a midweek meeting night; and it was thought that a new lodge might attract the University and professional group in the city.

      Hence a determined effort was made early in 1951, on the part of W.'. Brothers Grover C. Bogenrief E. V. O. Gyllenborg, Robert B. Dolla-han, Erich Selke, Dr. John F. McKay, Olaf Thorsen and others to organize Malta Lodge U.'. D.'. at Grand Forks. A petition for the new lodge, bearing forty-four names, was prepared, officers were selected, and on January 30, 1951, they appeared before Acacia Lodge No. 4, as sponsor, proved their proficiency in the ritual and received a certificate of recommendation for a new lodge at Grand Forks.

      The dispensation was granted by M.'. W.'. Harlow L. Walster, Grand Master, and Malta Lodge U.'. D.'. was instituted by him at Grand Forks January 31, 1951, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Grover C. Bogenrief; S.'. W.'. E. V. O. Gyllenborg; J.'. W.'. Robert B. Dollahan; Treasurer Erich Selke; and Secretary Dr. John F. McKay.

      The charter was granted June 20, 1951, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Malta Lodge No. 131 at Grand Forks, with forty-four charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Glen C. Hulett, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed by Grand Master Hulett, assisted by Grand Secretary Harold S. Pond, and several other Grand Officers, in the Masonic Temple at Grand Forks, November 14, 1951.

      Malta lodge was already at work and by the end of the first year had increased its membership from forty-four to sixty-one. Its growth has been consistent and the end of the first decade finds it with a total membership of over 150. Its future seems assured.

      The lodge has been very co-operative in and out of the Masonic Temple, and has taken part in many gatherings and entertainments for the good of Masonry and of the community. On several occasions it has entertained a lodge from Manitoba, composed of members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which has presented a most colorful, well drilled and harmonious pageant to all. It is through visitations of this nature that the ultimate in fraternal fellowship is attained.

      Malta lodge is generous in its charity and its association with others. It is first in its contributions to the Veterans' Hospital Fund, the George Washington Memorial Fund and donations nearer home, and is assisting the work of the Square and Compass Club at the local Air Force Base in a fine way. The lodge has only to find a need and it is ready to comply as opportunity affords.

      It is a remarkable circumstance that though a number of the charter members of Malta lodge came from Acacia lodge, in Grand Forks, all of them took dual memberships in the new lodge, retaining their primary memberships in the old lodge. Thus, though their assistance was invaluable to Malta, their loyalty to Acacia never faltered.

      One of the finest of these was W.'. Brother Grover C. Bogenrief, a Past Master of Acacia Lodge; a past officer in York and Scottish Rite Bodies; a splendid ritualist; a devoted Mason and friend. Grover led the way in the organization of Malta lodge and was its first W.'. M.'. in 1951. A jeweler by trade, he personally made the officers' jewels. He passed away quite unexpectedly, July 8, 1955, and his place can never be filled in the minds and hearts of those who knew and loved him.

      Grover was followed by W.'. Brothers E. V. O. Gyllenborg, Robert B. Dollahan, Calvin H. Rustad, Philip Gory and Ellard Grove, all charter members and W.'. Ms.', from 1952-1956, respectively. W.'. Brother Rustad was also District Deputy Grand Master from 1955-1960.

      Three other charter members must be mentioned here: W.'. Brothers Erich Selke, Dr. John F. McKay and Olaf M. Thorsen.

      Brother Selke came from Goose River Lodge No. 19 at Mayville to Malta No. 131. He was a professor at the University of North Dakota and a member of the Grand Forks City Council for many years. He was the first treasurer of Malta lodge and served for several years.

      Brother (Dr.) John F. McKay came from Fidelity Lodge No. 52 at Drayton where he had practiced medicine for many years and was Malta's first secretary from 1951-1953. Brother Walter W. Wilson was secretary from 1954-1955, and Brother George B. Rasmussen. from 1956-1962.

      Brother Olaf M. Thorsen came to Malta from Euclid Lodge No. 24 at Lakota where he practiced law and has been an outstanding member of the lodge and a respected and honored citizen of Grand Forks.

      M.'. W.'. Merle Kidder, Grand Master in 1955-56. was elected Honorary Past Master October 1, 1956.

      Other W.'. Ms.', have been: Rhe F. Paradise in 1957-58; James M. Storaker in 1958-59, also District Deputy Grand Master from 1960-1962; Alf T. Hager, W.'. M.'. in 1959-60, also District Deputy Grand Master in 1960; William M. Huggins, Jr., W.'. M.'. in 1960-61; George Yearke, W.'. M.'. in 1961-62; and Harry E. Dickinson, W.'. M.'. in 1962-63.

      All have contributed their time and ability to the task and the result has been a fast growing, prosperous and harmonious lodge.

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Lewis and Clark Lodge No. 132, Bismarck

      It was exactly one hundred fifty years after Merriwether Lewis—a Master Mason— and William Clark—who later became a Mason—spent the winter of 1804-05 on the bank of the Missouri River near Washburn, enroute to the Pacific coast, that Lewis and Clark Lodge No. 132 was instituted at Bismarck, commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

      It was on April 27, 1954, that W.'. Brothers John A. Sakariassen, Elmer B. Larson, Manley E. Malmstad, G. Basil Edmondson, Holly M. Beall and James T. Eastgate met with Grand Master John A. Graham, Deputy Grand Master Ernest D. Nelson and Grand Secretary Harold S. Pond in Bismarck to discuss the desirability of a second lodge in that city. The time and conditions being propitious, officers were appointed, the name of Lewis and Clark was selected and the circulation of petitions resulted in the securing of one hundred charter members for the new lodge.

      On May 28, 1954, the officers appeared before Bismarck Lodge No. 5, as sponsor, proved their proficiency in the ritual and received a certificate of recommendation for a new Masonic Lodge at Bismarck. The dispensation for Lewis and Clark Lodge U.'. D.'. was granted June 3, 1954, by M.'. W.'. John A. Graham, Grand Master, designating the following principal officers: W.'. M.1. James T. Eastgate; S.'. W.'. John A. Mac-Lachlan; J.'. W.'. Robert W. Carlson; Treasurer James O. Lein; and Secretary W. Alan Van Vleet. The lodge was officially instituted June 11, 1954, by Grand Master Graham, at a special communication of the Grand Lodge held in the Masonic Temple at Bismarck.

      The first work performed by Lewis and Clark lodge was the con-ferral of the Entered Apprentice degree on July 23, 1954, in the ceremonial lodge of the reconstructed Indian village in Fort Lincoln State Park, south of Mandan; under special dispensation of the Grand Master. The site was of special significance in that it was only a few miles distant from the original Lewis and Clark campsite on the Missouri River. It is also significant that a similar communication of the lodge is held annually at this location, using the Mandan Indian unit of El Zagal Temple of the Shrine to implement the work, thus preserving the friendly Indian atmosphere which prevailed throughout the Lewis and Clark Expedition so many years ago.

      The lodge continued in the conferring of degrees throughout the year and enjoyed the active co-operation of the members of Bismarck Lodge No. 5, and of the Scottish Rite degree team, both of which assisted in the work as opportunity afforded. Thirteen members were added by December 31, 1954, making a total membership of one hundred thirteen.

      The charter was granted June 22, 1955, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to Lewis and Clark Lodge No. 132 of Bismarck, naming one hundred charter members, and was signed by M.'. W.'. Merle Kidder, Grand Master. The lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed on October 14, 1955, by Grand Master Kidder, assisted by Grand Secretary Pond, as a part of the joint district meeting of districts 14 and 25, in the temple at Bismarck.

       Lewis and Clark lodge has continued to prosper and in its first five years has increased its membership to one hundred sixty-nine. It should reach two hundred by 1965. Many social gatherings are held at the temple under its auspices and a joint Past Masters' Night is held each year with Bismarck lodge No. 5, which is an outstanding occasion. The lodge is generous and community minded, which is characteristic of Bismarck, and it has already won its place in the hearts of the people.

        Among those who have worked hard for the success of the lodge have been: W.'. Brothers John A. Sakariassen, Elmer B. Larson, G. Basil Edmondson, Manley E. Malmstad, and Holly M. Beall, who as charter members, lodge officers and Grand Officers, joined with others for the good of Masonry and the enterprise could not fail.

      Then there were W.'. Brothers James T. Eastgate, as first W.'. M.'. from 1954-56; Robert W. Carlson, W.'. M.'. in 1956-57; James O. Lein, first treasurer in 1954-55; and W. Alan Van Vleet, first secretary in 1954-55, and still "going strong" in 1963.

      Since 1957, there have been W.'. Brothers James W. Zietz, W.'. M.'. in 1957-58; James E. Dybdal, W.'. M.'. in 1958-59, and presently a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Policy and General Purposes; James F. Woodward, W.'. M.'. in 1959-60; Lawrence A. Peterson, W.'. M.'. in 1960-61; John R. Sakariassen, son of John A. Sakariassen, W.'. M.'. in 1961-62; and Harold L. Anderson, W.'. M.'. in 1962-63.

      Nowhere could one find more consecrated Masons and nowhere could be found a better lodge.

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River Jordan Lodge No. 133, Minot

      It was in the spring of 1957 that the fourth of our larger cities, Minot, joined the ranks of those supporting two or more Masonic lodges, namely Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck and Minot, and the results have been most salutary.

      With a fast growing State Teachers' College at Minot, the idea came to W.'. Brothers Merrill L. Williams, Emil F. Sather and others located at the college, that the time was ripe for a new lodge, centered around the professional men in Minot, and it took root immediately.

      A petition for a dispensation was soon signed by twenty-three Master Masons; officers were selected and their work was approved by the officers of Star in the West Lodge No. 33 of Minot, as sponsor; so that the dispensation, authorizing the institution of River Jordan Lodge U.'. D.'. at Minot was gladly signed May 6, 1957, by M.'. W.'. James C. Mc-Cormick, Grand Master. He also approved the naming of the following principal officers: W.'. M.'. Merrill L. Williams, formerly W.'. M.'. of Acacia Lodge No. 4, at Grand Forks; S.'. W.'. Emil F. Sather; J.'. W.'. Paul J. Hays; Treasurer Olger Myhre; and Secretary Charles A. Truax.

      The lodge was officially instituted at a special communication of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota held in the Masonic Temple at Minot, May 28, 1957, at which Grand Master James C. McCormick and Grand Secretary Harold S. Pond officiated, assisted by visiting brethren from the surrounding lodges.

      A busy year ensued with degree work occupying most of the time, and it is interesting to note that the lodge entertained a visiting group of twenty-six Masons from Leeds Lodge No. 67, at which the visitors assisted in conferring the third degree. At another time, members of Bowbells Lodge No. 75 and River Jordan Lodge U.'. LV. met with Ken-mare Lodge No. 70 at Kenmare, at which the three lodges cooperated in "raising" a candidate from each lodge. The net result of all this was the addition of eight members to the roll in the first year of operation.

      The charter was granted June 18, 1958, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to River Jordan Lodge No. 133 at Minot, with twenty-three charter members, which included eight new members "raised" under dispensation. (Note that the number of Star in the West lodge, at Minot is "33" and that of River Jordan is "133"). The charter was signed by M.'. W.'. L. Claude Mensing, Grand Master, and the lodge was constituted, the charter was delivered and the officers were installed on October 10, 1958, by Grand Master Mensing, assisted by nine other Grand Officers, in the Masonic Temple at Minot.

      Growth came slowly to River Jordan lodge and by December 31, 1960, it showed only thirty-nine members, but its work was scrupulously well done, under the leadership of W.'. Brother Hayden M. Williams, special instructor in the ritual, who is principal of one of the new grade schools in Minot, and presently Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge. Suddenly, in 1961 the lodge "hit its stride" and ended the year with a total membership of fifty-six and with a "carry over" of some nine candidates for 1962, we are confident that its future is assured.

      The lodge has taken its place, socially and Masonically, in the life of Minot and is already supplying good material for district and state offices, which is one of the supreme tests of a lodge. We can see nothing but success ahead.

      Following are the names of a few of those who have carried the lodge across the River Jordan:

      W.'. Brother Merrill L. Williams came to Minot from Grand Forks, where he had been a foreman with Northern States Power Co., and Master of Acacia Lodge No. 4. He became superintendent of the light plant at the Minot State Teachers' College, and his acquaintance with the officials there, combined with his knowledge of Masonry, have made him a natural leader in the new lodge. Thus, he was selected as the first W.'. M.'. from 1957-1959 and has been its guiding light all the way.

      Merrill was splendidly assisted by W.'. Brother Emil F. Sather, a teacher at the college, whose advice and assistance were invaluable and he followed as W.'. M.'. in 1959-60. He then took over as secretary for one year, but was obliged to give it up on account of poor health.

      No better man could have been found, to whom the torch was thrown, than W.'. Brother Paul M. Sonnenberg, who was W.'. M.'. in 1960-61, and likewise secretary in 1961-62. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of District No. 7 in 1961 and still holds the office in 1963.

       W.'. Brother Leonard F. Kretchmar was elected W.'. M.'. in 1961-62, and W.'. Brother Kenneth Burnham was W.'. M.'. in 1962-63.

      Mention should also be made of Brother Charles A. Truax, the first secretary of River Jordan lodge, who was tireless in the great volume of work he performed and in his assistance to the others in bringing the lodge into being. Never have we seen lodge records more punctiliously kept, or letters more legibly written, than his, and much of the success of this venture may be justly credited to him.

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New Town Lodge 134, New Town

      Circumstances have so affected the rise and fall of so many of the small towns and villages of North Dakota in the past, that the recent inundation of Elbowoods, Sanish and Van Hook, on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, and the building of New Town nearby, is worthy of relating here, especially as it concerns our newest lodge—New Town Lodge No. 134.

      When the Garrison Dam was built across the Missouri River between Garrison and Stanton in the early 1950's, a huge reservoir, two hundred miles long and several miles wide in places, was created, and all of the private property thus impounded was purchased by the United States Government and the inhabitants were forced to move.

      Included in this were the Fort Berthold Indian Agency at Elbowoods and the towns of Sanish—population 507—and Van Hook—population 380. These towns were located in Mountrail County, northwest of Garrison. The private property was purchased by the Government and a new townsite, named New Town, was laid out by government engineers on a ridge of high land between them. The former property owners repurchased the movable buildings, secured building lots in New Town and moved to their new location almost overnight. The Indian Agency was reestablished in new buildings there and by 1960, a flourishing, modern city of 1,586 inhabitants greeted the world.

      The nearest Masonic lodges were Plaza Lodge No. 104 at Parshall, twenty miles to the southeast, and Joppa Lodge No. 95 at Stanley, thirty-five miles to the northeast. A survey indicated that a large number of Masons from the locality and from other jurisdictions had come to New Town to live and the sentiment for a new lodge there increased rapidly.

      Among those vitally interested in the organization of a new lodge at New Town in the fall of 1960, were: W.'. Brothers Vernon L. Olson, cashier of the bank there and recently from Past Grand Master L. Claude Mensing's bank at Hettinger; Ellis W. Bodenhizer, charter member of Blazing Star Lodge No. 126 at Powers Lake, and originally from Adoniram Lodge No. 91 at White Earth; Theodore H. Gillette, a native Indian, holding primary membership in Garrison Lodge No. 90 and a Past Master of that lodge; Lawrence R. Hanson from Antelope Lodge No. 209 at Mission, South Dakota, and Reidar K. Wangerud, from West Gate Lodge No. 125 at Tioga. Both Brothers Wangerud and Hanson have served as efficient secretaries of the lodge.

      These men and others met on December 5, 1960, and voted to organize a Masonic lodge, to be known as New Town Lodge, elected and appointed a full roster of officers, with W.'. Brother Vernon L. Olson as W.'. M.'. and set about obtaining signatures to a petition for a dispensation to institute the lodge.

      Plaza Lodge No. 104 at Parshall was named as sponsor, but did not respond to requests for an examination into the new lodge officers' proficiency in the ritual, so M.'. W.'. Gordon L. Paxrnan, Grand Master, went to New Town, in company with R.'. W.'. Edwin A. Haakenson, Senior Grand Warden, on May 4, 1961, examined the officers in the ritual and approved their work.

      Accordingly, on May 5, 1961, Grand Master Paxman granted a dispensation to New Town Lodge U.'. D.'. at New Town and designated the following principal officers: W.'. M.". Vernon L. Olson; S.'. W.'. Ellis W. Rodenhizer; J.\ W.'. Theodore H. Gillette; Treasurer Walter H. Murphy; and Secretary Reidar K. Wangerud.

      As it was impossible for the lodge to obtain its charter so soon after receiving its dispensation, the date of the latter's expiration was extended to June 1, 1962, by M.'. W.'. J. ilarlin Kyle, Grand Master, attested by R.'. W.'. Clifford E. Miller, Grand Secretary.

      The lodge began work in rooms in the basement of the bank after considering the leasing of rooms in the basement of the Congregational Church and in another building in town. The situation is not ideal but it is adequate for the present and better quarters will be found, as opportunity affords.

      New Town Lodge U.'. D.'. was busy during the winter of 1961-62 and added a number to its roster, so that there were thirty-two charter members by June 1, 1962.

      The charter was granted June 20, 1962, by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota to New Town Lodge No. 134 at New Town, and was signed by M.'. W.'. J. Marlin Kyle, Grand Master. The lodge had not been constituted at the time of this writing, in 1962, but we are expecting this to be accomplished in the near future, and our newest lodge, in our newest town, is already off to a good start. (Later. The lodge was constituted September 24, 1962, by M.'. W.'. Edwin A. Haakenson, Grand Master, with 115 present, representing 22 lodges).

      In addition to the brethren mentioned above, great credit and appreciation are due to M.'. W.'. Gordon L. Paxman and J. Marlin Kyle, Past Grand Masters; to M.'. W.'. Edwin A. Haakenson, Grand Master; to R.'. W.'. Clifford E. Miller, Grand Secretary; to R.'. W.'. John A. Sakariassen, Senior Grand Warden, and to W.'. Brother Charles E. Pratt, Past Master of West Gate Lodge No. 125 at Tioga, for their indefatigable assistance in the carrying through of this difficult venture. Without them it is questionable if it could have been brought to pass, and the fact that Brothers Haakenson, Sakariassen and Pratt have taken dual memberships in New Town Lodge No. 134 is ample testimony to the sincerity of their intentions.