North Central Regional Recorder’s Meeting – March 25, 2021

North Central Regional Recorder’s Meeting – March 25, 2021
Submitted by Stephen Balke, General Grand Recorder, Cryptic Masons International

Cryptic Masons International Collar
Photo Credit; MIC John Bridegroom

On March 25, a conference call was held with the North Central Regional Recorders. A summary of the call is below.

Iowa

Government/Covid
- No understood restrictions – Bars, stores, and restaurants are self-regulated.
- Lodge restrictions are recommendations for social distancing.
Meetings
- Open and running in person
- Lodges – some use Zoom, some don’t
- York Rite – been on rest, didn’t adopt electronic communications.
Festivals
- Last Saturday – 14 Chapter / 16 Council / 29 Commandery
Grand Session
- Council & Chapter
  - August 6-7, 2021
  - 513 Park, Des Moines, IA – Scottish Rite Center
  - Arrangements TBA
- Commandery
  - June TBA
  - 513 Park, Des Moines, IA
  - Arrangements TBA

Minnesota

Government/Covid
- Starting to loosen up, but still very restricted.
Meetings
- Mostly on Zoom, some Councils are opening with 50% capacity with social distancing.
Festivals
- Chapter Festivals scheduled – Council TBD
- February 26, 2022 – Council Festival – One Day (Including SEM)
Grand Master Hiram Council – Virtual – Another Educational Session
- Super Excellent Master Degree
- Part II – from the Q&A
- June 19, 2021 – Next Meeting
Grand Sessions
- June 24-26 – Alexandria, MN
- Council – Friday Afternoon
- Banquet – Friday Night
The website is being revised
Monthly Zoom meetings with Grand Officers

Nebraska

100% Open
- MWGM is restricting Blue Lodge, Appendant Bodies are under their leadership.
Grand Session
- April 15-17, 2021
- In-person Karney, NB
- No Hospitality – Plated dinners
- William Snyder in attendance
Festivals – March 27, 2021
- Council and Commandery Festival
- Full form with social distancing

North Dakota

South Dakota

Grand Sessions
- September 16-18, 2021
- Mitchell, SD in person.
- Room Rate 79.99 ++ (NO ELEVATOR – Request 1st Floor)
Meetings
- Most using virtual meetings.
- Some meeting in person, others are planning to meet in person.
Festivals
- Council 3 – March 31, 2021 – Conferring R&SM

Wisconsin

Government/Covid
- Locally administered social distancing.
- Easing up to allow up to 50 in a building./ 75% Capacity in Milwaukee
- Youth Groups allowed to meet.
Meetings
- Social distancing in Masonic organizations – self-governed.
- Opening and meeting on the EA degree.
- 1st meeting in Lodge in person since October
- Zoom is used to take care of business.
- York Rite – meeting on Zoom during the interim.
- Grand Officers meeting on Zoom.
Festivals
- Under discussion and planning.
- Chapter conferring 1st 3 Degrees
- Council and Commandery Shut down.
- May 2, 2021 – Anticipate change in restrictions.
Grand Lodge Annual Communication
- June 4-5, 2021
- Madison, WI – Madison Masonic Center – close to Capital Building
- Registration: https://members.wisc-freemasonry.org/
Grand Sessions
- Virtual
- Chapter and Council – May 1, 2021
  - Chapter Morning
  - Council Afternoon
- Commandery – May 19, 2021
- Registration: https://yorkritewis.org