GRAND MASTER'S PROCLAMATION REGARDING LONGEVITY MEMBERS
From: MWB Jason D. Swindler, Grand Master of Masons In South Dakota
To: All Masonic Lodges and all Freemasons under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota
Brothers all,
I think we can agree that promoting Masonry, both inside the Craft and out, in South Dakota is an important part of seeing to it that this Fraternity is here long after you and I are gone. I believe one way to do this is recognize Brothers that have met specific criteria such as age and years of service to the Craft in South Dakota. These Masons are our libraries of knowledge and our link to the forefathers of our noble Fraternity. It is my belief that our Brothers that meet the criteria should be recognized and honored for their dedication to Masonry in South Dakota.
It is my hope that along with giving these Brother Master Masons some rightly deserved accolades we will help promote what Masonry is all about in our state. These Brothers and their families should never have to be worried about being in good standing with the Grand Lodge of South Dakota. Achievements such as mentioned above deserve attention from both the Grand Lodge and the entire Jurisdiction.
You will also recall that when you were Initiated an Entered Apprentice, you were asked to contribute something of a metallic nature, so as to teach you that should you ever meet a friend, but more especially a Brother Master Mason in like circumstance, you should contribute to his relief as liberally as you could without material injury to yourself.
After due consultation with the other elected officers and committees of our Grand Lodge, I have decided to make the following Proclamation:
I HEREBY PROCLAIM that Lodges will not collect per capita from a Brother Master Mason who has reached 95 years of age and who has served his Lodge for a minimum of 25 years as a member in good standing, nor shall the Lodges be required to pay Grand Lodge per Capita for those Brothers on the Annual Report that is due by February 15, 2021.
While I do not believe that I have the authority to waive his dues all together, I would humbly ask that each Lodge consider following suit and not charge these Brothers dues of any kind.
Continue to search out Light, be the Light and shine your Light my Brothers.
Fraternally,
Jason D. Swindlerm Grand Master of Masons in South Dakota
Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of South Dakota
520 S. First Avenue Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104-6902
605-332-2051
Office@MyGrandLodge.org
Christmas at the Capitol
On November 22nd, the Grand Lodge of South Dakota had the opportunity to decorate a Christmas tree at the State Capitol. Dee and I, along with Deputy Grand Master Jeff VanCuren, his wife Pam and Uncle Matt Schatz spent a couple of hours putting our creative touches on a beautiful 9-foot Christmas tree. I can say it was a great day and I think we did a good job getting the tree put together. It was an honor to have the opportunity to represent Masonry in South Dakota this year at the Capitol. I would like to extend a special thank you to R.W. Jeff, Pam and Uncle Matt for helping get this project completed. I hope everyone that is able will think about making a trip to Pierre to see all the beautiful trees.
I hope you all have a safe and happy Holiday season!
Fraternally,
Jason D. Swindler,
Grand Master of Masons in South Dakota
Leave a Lasting Legacy
From: MWB Jason D. Swindler, Grand Master of Masons in South Dakota
To: All Masonic Lodges and all Freemasons under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota
HISTORICALLY THE GRAND MASTER supports the South Dakota Masonic Charities (formerly South Dakota Masonic Foundation) by sending out appeal letters throughout the Masonic year and sponsoring Table Lodges or some other function to raise funds. The charities that are included under the umbrella of South Dakota Masonic Charites (SDMC) are:
1. South Dakota Child Identification Program which provides parents and guardians what they need for an Amber Alert in case of abduction or loss of an individual.
2. Masonic Model Student Assistance Program (MMSAP) or “Save a Child Program” which provides training for school staff to recognize and assist children that are at risk.
3. Masonic Scholarship Program which provides tuition assistance for students seeking higher education.
4. SDMC Matching Grant Program which provides up to $500 in matching funds with Constituent Lodges to help fund charitable community projects.
With the current Covid-19 situation it is not known whether Table Lodges or other functions will be possible this year. I have, with the support of the Trustees and SDMC Board, decided we are going to sell face masks with all the proceeds going to SDMC as unrestricted funds so they can use the money where it is needed most. We have decided to have two separate mask designs: one is black with the Seal of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota and one is blue with the Square and Compass. We will be selling two masks (one of each design) for $30. Our goal is to keep costs as low as possible so I am hoping that each Lodge can submit an order to the Grand Lodge office and we can make one shipment to each Lodge. Individual Masons wishing to order masks may be asked to pay a separate shipping fee.
We have tried to pick nice quality masks that all South Dakota Masons will be proud to wear in Lodge or out in public. It is my hope that I can count on your support of OUR South Dakota Masonic Charities. Your participation in this fundraiser will help support SDMC in continuing our charitable work in South Dakota. As I stated before, I am doing this fundraiser separate from my appeal letter that will be presented later. I think it is important to get orders generated as soon as possible so we can order more masks if needed.
I want to personally thank you for all the work you continue to do as Masons, even in the face of a pandemic. I am proud to be a Mason and I look forward to what the future has in store for our great and noble Craft in South Dakota. As always, continue to search out Light, be the Light and shine your Light my Brothers.
Fraternally,
Jason D. Swindler,
Grand Master of Masons in South Dakota
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