1   MINNEAPOLIS       Est. 1852                CATARACT                              LODGE  NO. 2     A. F. & A. M.

2 What is Freemasonry? (This is the text of a leaflet published by by the Board of General Purposes of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1984. The UGLE is a sister grand lodge to the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. One grand lodge does not speak for, or make policy for another, but this excellent essay describes Masonry in universal terms that are as applicable in Minnesota as they are in England.) Introduction: Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies. This leaflet is intended to explain Freemasonry as it is practiced under the United Grand Lodge of England, which administers Lodges of Freemasons in England and Wales and in many places overseas. The explanation may correct some misconceptions. Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical guides.  The Essential Qualification for Membership: The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfill this essential qualification and are of good repute. Freemasonry and Religion: Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meetings.  The Three Great Principles: For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles:  Brotherly Love - Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures. Relief - Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals. Truth - Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives. Freemasons believe that these principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life.

3 Charity: From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities. Freemasonry and Society: Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives. Its principles do not in any way conflict with its members' duties as citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their private and public responsibilities. The use by a Freemason of their membership to promote his own or anyone else's business, professional or personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonorably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.  Secrecy: The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with its traditional modes of recognition. It is not a secret society, since all members are free to acknowledge their membership and will do so in response to inquiries for respectable reasons. Its constitutions and rules are available to the public. There is no secret about any of its aims and principles. Like many other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs as private matters for its members.  Freemasonry and Politics: Freemasonry is non-political, and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is forbidden.  Other Masonic Bodies: Freemasonry is practiced under many independent Grand Lodges with standards similar to those set by the United Grand Lodge of England. There are some Grand Lodges and other apparently Masonic bodies which do not meet these standards, e.g. which do not require a belief in a Supreme Being, or which allow or encourage their members to participate in political matters. These Grand Lodges and bodies are not recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England as being masonically regular, and Masonic contact with them is forbidden.  Conclusion: A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to God (by whatever name he is known) through his faith and religious practice; and then, without detriment to his family and those dependent on him, to his neighbor through charity and service. None of these ideas is exclusively Masonic, but all should be universally acceptable. Freemasons are expected to follow them.

4          ACT ESTABLISHING CATARACT LODGE #2      Chapter 72  Private Acts of the Territory of Minnesota 1853. (Chapter 17, Laws of Minnesota, 1853) An Act to incorporate the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Minnesota. Be it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Minnesota: SECTION 1. That Alfred E. Ames, the present Grand Master, Aaron Goodrich, Deputy Grand Master, Daniel F. Brawley, Senior Grand Warden, and Abram Van Vorhes, Junior Grand Warden of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Minnesota, and D. B. Loomis, J. C. Ramsey, E. Case and A. T. C. Pierson, as trustees, and their successors in office, be, and they are hereby declared to be, a body politic and corporate, by the name and style of "The Grand Lodge of Minnesota," may have and keep a common seal, and the same alter, change or renew at pleasure; and by their corporate name may sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, in all courts, either of law or equity, and shall have perpetual succession. SECTION 2. Said Grand Lodge shall be established in St. Paul, and in their corporate name may contract and be contracted with, may receive by gift or purchase, and may hold and convey real and personal estate to the amount of fifty thousand dollars, and may make such by-laws, rules and regulations as they may deem best: Provided, That such by-laws, rules and regulations be not contrary to the constitution of the United States, or of the organic act of this Territory. SECTION 3. That Alfred E. Ames, the present W. Master, D. M. Coolbaugh, Senior Warden, and C. T. Stearns, Junior Warden of Cataract Lodge, No. 2, of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and their successors be, and they are hereby, declared to be a body politic and corporate, by the name and style of "Cataract Lodge, No. 2 of St. Anthony", and by such name may have and possess all the rights and privileges given the Grand Lodge in the first and second sections of this act.

5 HISTORY OF CATARACT LODGE             Cataract Lodge's beginnings coincide with the establishment of Masonry in Minnesota and precede the formation of the Grand Lodge. When Freemasonry planted its roots in this region, Minnesota had just been made a Territory. In 1849, St. Paul had only thirty houses and a population of two hundred, St. Anthony was a hamlet. Fort Snelling stood where Minneapolis sprawls today. The formation of Cataract Lodge was largely due to the efforts of Worshipful Brother Alfred Elisha Ames. During November 1851, he had examined Masonically each prospective member of the proposed Lodge. On December 1, 1851, a petition for a dispensation was dispatched to Thomas Pickett, Grand Master of Illinois. This was granted on February 5, 1852. The Brethren assembled at the home of Ard Godfrey on February 14, 1852, and Cataract Lodge No. 121 of Illinois was duly instituted under dispensation. This is also the date of the first Communication regularly held by the Lodge. The first officers of Cataract Lodge No. 121 were: Alfred Elisha Ames, Worshipful Master; William Smith, Senior Warden;  Isaac Brown, Junior Warden; Ard Godfrey, Treasurer; John H. Stevens, Secretary; D. M. Coolbaugh, Senior Deacon; H. S. Atwood, Junior Deacon; and Wilhelm Brainer, Tyler. The Lodge was chartered October 5, 1852, and Constituted October 21, 1852.  On February 23 and 24, 1853, the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Minnesota was formed. Alfred Elisha Ames was elected the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge. Charters were then issued to the following Lodges: St. John's Lodge No. 1, Stillwater (formerly No. 39 of Wisconsin, June 9, 1853)

6 Cataract No. 2 of St. Anthony  (formerly No. 121 of Illinois, October 5, 1852). St. Paul No. 3 of St. Paul  (formerly No. 223 of Ohio, January 24, 1853). In addition to the officers, the following were charter members of Cataract Lodge: Emanuel Cawe, Isaac Atwater, John G. Lennon, Chessman Gould, Benjamin F. Whitson, C. A. Newcomb, Joseph Dean, J. P. Wilson, A. H. Mills, M. W. Getchell, C. W. Borup, George T. Vail, Edward Patch, Frank- lin Steele, Isaac L. Lewis, John Reidhead Sr., D.E.Moulton, Edmund Rice, J. W. T. Gardner, Charles T. Stearns, B. F. Batchelor, John C. Gains, John H. Murphy, John McDonald, Robert W.Cummings, Joseph McAlpine, C. G. Rogers, Anson Northrup, Edward Murphy, George Charles Mansuer, George A. Camp, John Reidhead, Jr., A. L. Cummings, and J. W. Babcock.              The Former Homes of the Lodge In the early days few suitable places were available for meetings. Being unable to build a lodge home, it was necessary to rent hall space for more than twenty years. Brother Ard Godfrey built a small house in 1848 at Main Street and Second Avenue S.E. in St. Anthony. ( Located at Chute Square since 1909, the Godfrey House is thought to be             Ard Godfrey House 1853

7 the oldest house still standing in Minneapolis.) It was in the Godfrey House private parlor that the first Communication of Cataract Lodge U. D. was held Saturday, February 14, A. D. 1852, A. L. 5852 at 7 P.M. The first lodge hall used was located on Main Street N. E. just above Fourth Avenue. From this place the Lodge moved to a hall in the building later known as the Tremont House at Main Street S. E. and Second Avenue. Later it moved to the King Building two blocks further down and remained there until the building was destroyed by fire. For a time the Lodge had no regular quarters but met in various places.  In 1857 a hall was secured in Capt. John Rollins' building at Second Avenue and Prince Street.  Cataract's First Lodge Hall - Main Street  N. E. above Fourth Avenue Minneapolis 1853-1856 John Rollins Building  1857-1874

8 There were no other lodge quarters until the construction of the building at University Avenue and Bank Street in 1874, which the Lodge occupied for 52 years. In 1926 the Lodge moved to its new building at the corner of Central Avenue and Fourth Street S.E. in Minneapolis. The corner stone was laid by the Grand Lodge, A.F.&A.M. of Minnesota on August 11, 1925,  51 years to the day after laying of the corner stone of the previous building on University and Bank Street. The building was semi-commercial, with stores on the first floor and offices on the second floor. Cataract Lodge occupied the balance of this building for twenty years until 1946.             University Avenue S.E. & Bank Street                             1874-1926 and 1946-1961       107 Fourth Street S.E.   1928-1946

9 At that time circumstances including the loss of over 800 members to the newly-formed University Lodge, high taxes and low rental income forced the Lodge to give up this building. It moved back to its old home at University and Bank Streets. It was like "old times" in this building as Cataract Lodge again prospered and grew. Proceeding at a leisurely pace were plans for a new "all-on-one floor" Lodge which would permit attendance by the more elderly members to whom the building's three flights of stairs were bothersome. These plans were expedited in early 1960 when the building was demolished for a parking lot.                       The Golden Valley Years 1962-1978 The Lodge again was forced into borrowed quarters until its new building at 7445 Glenwood Avenue in Golden Valley was completed. Its first stated meeting in its new quarters was December 3, 1961.    Lodge Hall or "Gold Room" at 107 Fourth Street S.E.     7445 Glenwood Avenue, Golden Valley  1962-1978

10 Rereading copies of Cataract News from this period recalls how busy we were with Lodge activities. At the time we constructed our Golden Valley Lodge Hall, city water was not yet available and we had a deep well. Anticipating city water we installed a copper pipe from the building to the street aimed  directly at Schuler's tavern, across the street. We were accused of planning a beer pipeline!  This was a period of membership growth, with degree work starting every three months, limited by Grand Lodge edict to ten candidates at a time. With the regular repeat performances, we became very proficient with our ritual work. During these years Cataract's Fellowcraft Club (whose dues were $3.57 per year) held pancake breakfasts and other periodic special events to raise money to pay for building improvement items such as carpet, floor and ceiling tile, cabinets, and  parking lot improvements. These special events were intermixed with activities such as fishing trips, picnics, past masters' roasts, bowling in the Masonic Bowling league, cribbage tournaments, The Old Log Theater, table lodges, and annual installation of officers.  One of our past masters won a     Look to the East - Main Lodge Hall  1962-1978         7615 Glenwood Avenue , Golden Valley

11 bowling trophy for the Lodge as the worst bowler in the league.  Our Golden Valley Lodge Hall was designed to house a family of Masonic organizations, each helping to pay the costs of operation of the building. Loss of some of these groups made it necessary for us to work extra hard raising money to pay our real estate taxes. We did pay off our mortgage and maintain the building, but we recognized that far too much effort was going toward real estate upkeep. In 1978, Wor. Bro. Morrie Arenson  negotiated the sale of our Lodge hall to our next door neighbor, Trevilla Nursing Homes, at a very attractive price, and so after only sixteen years we moved to the Richfield Masonic Center,  as a tenant. Looking back, had we been willing to have other Blue Lodges share our building, we could have remained there indefinitely, but our members wanted to go it alone. Trevilla utilized our building for some years after purchase and finally demolished it to make way for housing.               The Richfield Years 1978-2001 Cataract, in common with many other Lodges, traditionally held its elections and installed its new officers between Christmas and New Years annually. Snow and cold weather finally convinced us to change our bylaws to hold elections and installations in the Spring.  The first order of business when we arrived at The Richfield Masonic Center was the installation of our beautiful Lodge furniture in the Lodge hall. This furniture was saved when we lost our building on Central Avenue S.E in 1946. Cataract's members during this period were divided about the desirability of remaining as a tenant or once again owning real estate. The Lodge, as a result of the sale of its former Golden Valley home, was financially sound and made substantial charitable contributions to worthy recipients in addition to maintaining a scholarship program.

12 One memorable day Bro. Gary A. Hoonsbeen brought his 1912 Maxwell and his 1908 Oldsmobile to our parking lot  for us to inspect and  test drive. Bro. Hoonsbeen took three of us on a wild ride at about 15 mph around the neighborhood, including a drive through the local Buick auto dealership shouting for "SERVICE"!   In 1987 Cataract News, with 20/20 foresight, predicted that by the year 2000 Cataract Lodge would be involved in a merger as a result of declining membership.           7615 Logan Avenue South, Richfield                         1978 - 2001        Richfield Masonic Center Dining Room                             1978 - 2001

13          LOSS OF  RICHFIELD MASONIC CENTER In 1999, the City of Richfield advised Richfield and Century Lodges of its intent to redevelop the southwest quadrant of the City, including the Lodge property located at 7615 Logan Avenue South.  In response, the respective leaderships of Richfield, Century and Cataract Lodges used the proposed redevelopment, taking and relocation to evaluate their respective status, organization and goals for future Masonic development. Following serious “soul-searching”, Richfield, Century and Cataract Lodges determined to merge their respective memberships, and consolidate assets into a single entity to best grow Masonry in the South Metro Area.  Effective December 2000, the three Lodges merged into one combined Lodge consisting of 619 members.  Honoring Cataract’s unique position in the development of Minnesota Masonry, the combining Lodges elected to retain the Cataract Charter and surrender the Richfield and Century Charters. To accomplish this goal the Lodges established two committees, a relocation committee and a merger committee. The relocation committee, among other things, obtained an appraisal of the Richfield Masonic Center for use in negotiating the terms under which the Lodges would vacate the premises. The merger committee obtained approval of a proposed line of officers and determined that Cataract's by- laws would have to be revised at a later date. The committee resolved that a celebration of the heritage of the three merged lodges should be held annually. Concurrently, the City’s redevelopment plan continued unabated.  The project eventually became known as the “Best Buy Corporate Campus”.  Subsequently, the Lodge property was conveyed under threat of eminent domain in March 2001, with Cataract Lodge No. 2, relocating to Minnehaha Masonic Center, 5149 Bloomington Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota, in June 2001.

14 CATARACT LODGE #2 A.F. & A.M. IN 2002        5149 BLOOMINGTON AVENUE SOUTH, MINNEAPOLIS             THE NEW HOME OF CATARACT LODGE #2 As a result of the conveyance of Richfield Masonic Center under threat of eminent domain in June 2001, Cataract Lodge #2 moved to the Minnehaha Masonic Center at 5149 Bloomington Avenue South in Minneapolis. Moving day came and we found a  large dumpster outside in our parking lot. We filled the dumpster to overflowing and then divided everything else between our new home, Grand Lodge storage and the Minnesota Masonic Museum. Some of the items from the museum are on display at our birthday celebration. Minnehaha Masonic Center is a fine building, superior in some respects to our former home in Richfield. We were warmly received by the Master and members of Minnehaha Lodge and our beautiful Lodge furniture was promptly installed in the Lodge room. We have an office in the lower level for our Secretary and computer with lots of storage space. Our July 2001 stated meeting was a unique event, a joint meeting with Minnehaha Lodge. This meeting was scheduled as Minnehaha Lodge's by-laws require a stated meeting on the first Tuesday after a holiday. Two worshipful masters shared responsibility and perhaps started a new tradition. Cataract Lodge #2 is a tenant at Minnehaha Masonic Center. Some of our members hope we will go back to the Southwest metro area while others applaud the return to Minneapolis. Cataract Lodge #2 moves on average about once every twenty years. For the present, we have a fine new home.

15 RICHFIELD LODGE #334 A.F. & A.M. The rapid growth of Richfield and Minneapolis southward beyond 50th street in the early twenties gave impetus to the project of locating a Masonic Lodge in that area. In 1925 Clark Nicholson, a life time resident of the area known as Nicholson Park, constructed a building at 5415 Nicollet Avenue with a hall on the second story known as Towns Edge Hall, with the hope that a Masonic Lodge would be organized to meet therein. Shortly thereafter, preliminary meetings were held and calls were made on residents of the neighborhood known to be Masons. At that time Towns Edge Hall was in Richfield. Fifty-fourth street being the boundary line, and "Richfield" was the only name considered for the lodge being organized. In 1926 the boundary of Minneapolis was extended to sixty-second street, so Richfield Lodge, when dispensation was granted on June 13, 1927, was a Minneapolis Lodge, and so remained until September 1, 1959, when the Lodge moved to 7615 Logan Avenue South, Richfield, MN. Richfield Lodge #334 was chartered in January 1927. The Lodge had 94 charter members. It grew with the growth of the neighborhood in the late twenties and early thirties until the general business depression of the thirties slowed the growth. In the early forties it resumed its growth and had a steady increase in membership since that time. Membership in Richfield Lodge peaked in the year 1971 at 577. George Benedict was Master that year. Kendell Conway was on the Building Committee and supervised the construction of the Lodge Hall located at 7615 Logan Avenue South.  He was Master in 1967. Albin Palmersten served as Secretary for 27 years and was Master in 1949. David Palmer served as Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota from 1955 to 1968 and was Master in 1947. Douglas Campbell began as Grand Secretary in 1997 and continues at the present time. He served as Master in 1988. Frederick Vihovde served as Grand Treasurer from 1988 to 1993 and was Master in 1975. Recent Grand Lodge Monitors have included Ronald Kennedy (Master 1973), Gary Bill (Master 1992), and Douglas Campbell. The Lodge building at 7615 Logan was constructed with volunteer labor from members of Richfield and Century Lodges. Richfield Chapter #293, OES served meals to the volunteers during the construction phase. Richfield Lodge had a program for many years that  awarded scholarships to students of Richfield High School.

16 The Lodge also had a biannual pancake breakfast in partnership with Century Lodge. The profits from these events were  used to pay the real estate taxes on the building and grounds. Richfield Chapter #293 OES also operated a boutique as a "fund raiser" at the pancake breakfasts assisted by Jobs Daughters Bethel #1 and Demolay. Junior Warden Lee Weich holding OES Bible found in time capsule behind the Richfield Masonic Center cornerstone               Richfield Masonic Center,               7615 Logan Avenue South                       Demolished 2001

17             CENTURY LODGE NO. 338, A.F. & A.M.   In the early 1950's, W.B. Norman Barsness, Past Master of Mystic Lodge #213, Aitkin, MN, realized that additional masonic work needed to be accomplished in the fastest growing community in Minnesota, the village of Richfield. While operating a drugstore at 76th and Lyndale Ave. So., Barsness applied to the Grand Lodge of Minnesota for a petition for dispensation to form a new lodge. He inquired of friends, acquaintances, business associates, customers, and any other person he knew to be a Mason if they were interested signing his petition. Almost all who signed were Masons from other areas who were living and working in the southern suburbs and far from their home lodges. They were all interested in organizing masonic work.  By 1952, Barsness had enough signatures to apply to the Grand Lodge for dispensation to organize. Meetings were held in the Barsness basement to select officers, form committees, and plan the future. The Grand Lodge granted disposition on November 20, 1952, and E. Norman Barsness was elected Worshipful Master, the only one eligible to hold the chair. The name "Century" was the suggestion of Senior Warden elect, Harry Rumpel, to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota in 1953.  A committee was formed to apply to Richfield Lodge #334, then meeting at 5417 Nicollet Ave So. in Minneapolis, for help and assistance. They graciously responded and contributed free use of their facilities and equipment.                  The first stated meeting of Century Lodge, Under Dispensation, was held on December 16, 1952 with W.B. E. Norman Barsness in the East; Harry Rumpel, S.W.; Donald Bethke, J.W.; Newton Sarff, Treasurer;  Stuart Frasier, Secretary; Guy Dillman, S.D.; Aldrich Casey, J.D.; Earl Beddow, Chaplain; Amos Fester, S.S.; Reid Macomber, J.S.; and Wilber Johnson, Tyler. These officers remained in their stations and places until the first year was completed after being constituted, after which new officers were elected and installed.  The charter was granted on March 18, 1954 by Most Worshipful Brother Harvard T. Olson, Grand Master of Masons of Minnesota. Richfield Lodge #334 and Lake Harriet Lodge #277 of Minneapolis were the official sponsors.                                        Century Lodge was constituted at an Occasional Communication of the Grand Lodge with M.W.B. Leroy E. Matson, Grand Master presiding.  Century Lodge grew rapidly in both membership and prosperity. As an example, 27 candidates were eligible to be raised by the time the charter was granted. In 1979, its 25th year, the lodge reached its highest number with over 500 members.  Century had a very capable line of officers during its life and conducted excellent degree work. At  one time Century had five Monitors in the Grand Lodge Councilor Program. Right Worshipful Brother Terry Tilton, a former member, will be the Grand Master of Minnesota Masons in 2003.   During the years, Century, Richfield, and the Richfield O.E.S. #293 had a very amiable relationship. The three groups cooperated on the construction of the wonderful Masonic Temple at 76th and Logan Ave. So. in Richfield, the pancake breakfasts, and the Third Degree dinners. The two lodges shared the management of the Temple by the Trustees, and the conferral of the Actual Past Masters Degree for the two masters elect.  Century Lodge also conducted a very successful school scholarship program for Richfield High School. It was named for W.B. Harry Rumpel, long time superintendent of the Richfield School System.  Century cooperated with the Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington, MN first by purchasing the furnishings for a room at the newly expanded care center in 1967

18 and later helping in landscaping and constructing the Square and Compass garden. For many years Century conducted its December Stated Meeting at the Masonic Home along with sponsoring a musical program by the Zuhrah Temple Chanters for the residents and guests.  Century Lodge, along with Masonry in general, has been part of the decline in membership, and in 1999 voted to combine with Richfield Lodge #334 and Cataract Lodge #2, which at the time was a renter at the Richfield Temple. With reluctance, Century returned its charter to the Grand Secretary, thus ending its active life at 47 years. The name Century Lodge #338 is no longer in use and its members are part of Cataract Lodge #2, but its memory will long be revered and its name never forgotten.