Sir Winston Churchill Lodge #351

Sir Winston Churchill Lodge, #351, of Minneapolis, chartered in 2009 (as was Gen. Douglas MacArthur Lodge #352 of St. Paul), is Minnesota's first of two new evening lodges to have been founded in over 25 years.

Limited to sixty men, Churchill lodge is an affinity Masonic lodge, organized around the themes of British Ritual and quality: Affinity Lodges are notable by their adoption of a particular theme. By British ritual we mean specifically the popular Emulation Work that is used throughout England, the Commonwealth, and in lodges worldwide of the English Constitution. By Quality we endeavor to provide a high caliber experience at every meeting and special event.

Themed lodges like this seem to work the best of all extant forms of 'new model' Masonry in the US. The affinity lodge model, where lodges gel around a certain theme, was popularized by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia as a way to increase member interest and participation. As proof, for the better part of twenty years (!), D.C. has founded similar 'purpose-driven' lodges: like clockwork, one every 18 months. Other valid models do exist, including Traditional Observance. But these haven't shown nearly the same level of broad adoption, viability, or staying power as would be required for a Fraternity-wide revitalization yet. Agree? Disagree? Have it out here.

As a mentoring lodge, Sir Winston Churchill Lodge #351 intends to partner with other local lodges in Minnesota and outside, supporting the growth of Masonry and lodge leadership wherever we can learn from or assist each other. Most of our members are past masters, and a number have served in volunteer office in service of the Fraternity.

For more information, please read this primer and the About Us page. As we develop our website, these first pages and related links will serve as a start. We intend to use these online tools to bare our dirty laundry -- really, what do we care if non-members see the process? It isn't sausage making. We'll share our discussions as we determine our future, recording our deliberations for those who may wish to avoid our mistakes, join the conversation, and follow in some or all of what we do.

John Curlott, Master

Flash: "Freemasonry and American Manhood", by Robert G. Davis, of Oklahoma

Recently interviewed by the Art of Manliness website, Bob Davis, the Secretary of the Scottish Rite Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma, is a thoughtful writer and beloved speaker. Click here to listen or download the Podcast... This is a fascinating commentary by one of the big thinkers in Masonry today.

The Art Of Manliness website is a brimming resource for us. Along with many wonderful Freemasons and other open-minded men of all ages - potential candidates I might add, it also attracts a share of anti-masons and atheists. Yes, in this wide world, goofballs abound. --Begs the question, can one be 'moral' and 'virtuous' and at the same time an atheist? What about the tired arguments of the ill-educated anti-masons that still rant away in dark corners? Bah.

Still, they're a dying breed. We thought you should be aware of these few lurkers when you visit this otherwise terrific website and enjoy Bob's interview. For further discussion, we set up a Forum thread on these topics, here. Let us know what you think!