A Slice of Heaven

Reflections from the 2026 Minnesota Grand York Rite Session

Some weekends are measured by motions passed, officers elected, and gavels sounded. Others are measured by handshakes renewed, laughter shared in hotel hallways, conversations that seem to pick up exactly where they left off a year ago, and quiet reminders of why we first knocked at the West Gate.

The 2026 Minnesota Grand York Rite Session was decidedly the latter.

My journey began Wednesday evening as I arrived in St. Cloud. The hotel had not yet awakened to the energy that would soon fill its halls. After checking into my room, I called home to say goodnight to my family. As has become our tradition whenever I'm away, they insisted on a video tour of my hotel room before bedtime. Afterward I ventured around the corner for dinner, returned to my room, and settled in for the night, looking forward to what the coming days would bring.

Thursday morning began simply enough with a few cups of coffee from the in room Keurig, breakfast, and the familiar preparations for a full day ahead. But walking toward the conference room doors, the atmosphere completely transformed.

The hallway was alive. Warm greetings were exchanged with firm Masonic handshakes and half embraces. Small circles of Companions gathered wherever space allowed, eager to catch up before the gavel called us to labor. Credentials were distributed, stories were shared, laughter echoed through the corridor, and one could feel the anticipation that only Grand Session seems able to create.

Taking my seat near the back of the room before the opening of the Grand Chapter Convocation, I paused for a moment to simply observe. Before me stretched a sea of red jackets and familiar faces I have come to know over years. Companions moved from one conversation to another, knowing that once the session began, fellowship would necessarily give way to business. It struck me that efficiency and timeliness, while important, always come at a cost. Modern Grand Sessions accomplish an extraordinary amount in just a few days. Our predecessors often met for longer periods, allowing ample time for ceremony, deliberation, and fellowship alike. Today we have learned to accomplish much more in much less time, making every conversation between sessions all the more valuable.

That spirit of fellowship continued throughout the weekend. The hospitality room quickly became one of Grand Session's gathering places. There always seemed to be fresh coffee brewing, refreshments waiting, and perhaps just enough cookies to keep pace with the steady stream of visitors. Friendly games brought laughter on Thursday evening while conversations flowed as freely as the coffee. Nearby, the silent auction quietly supported our philanthropies. 

No visit seemed complete without wandering through the remarkable displays presented by Illinois Masonic Regalia. Their displays reminded me of the "Santa's Workshop" store I remember from elementary school. Armed with just a few dollars, children would wander aisles of treasures searching for the perfect gifts to bring home to family. Walking through Illinois Masonic Regalia creates much the same feeling. Everywhere one looks are jewels, aprons, ties, pins, regalia, and keepsakes enough to delight even the most seasoned Companion or Sir Knight.

Yet as enjoyable as these moments were, the true strength of this year's Grand Session was found within the messages repeatedly shared from every podium. One after another, our leaders challenged us to look inward before looking outward. Gone was much of the familiar refrain of simply needing more members. Instead, speaker after speaker emphasized improving ourselves, strengthening our ritual, deepening our education, visiting one another's Chapters, Councils, and Commanderies, investing in meaningful fellowship, and becoming the kind of fraternity that naturally attracts good men by the character of its members rather than by recruitment alone. It was a refreshing and encouraging shift. Membership was not ignored, but viewed through a different lens. Healthy organizations are built by healthy relationships. As we become better Masons, stronger leaders, and more faithful friends to one another, others will naturally be drawn to the Brotherhood we have.

Perhaps nowhere was this message expressed more powerfully than through the presence of Most Worshipful Brother Shawn Carrick. Throughout the sessions he emphasized unity throughout Minnesota Freemasonry, encouraging every Masonic body to work together while supporting one another's labors. His words were thoughtful and inspiring, but one statement near the close of the weekend continues to resonate with me even now. Speaking from his heart, he assured those present that if a Brother reached out to him and the need was "within the length of my cable tow," he would "move Heaven and earth" to help. Those words were more than eloquent: they embodied the very spirit that defined the entire weekend that still brings a tear to my eye.

Our business sessions themselves reflected both thoughtful leadership and earnest deliberation. Reports highlighted encouraging work throughout Minnesota while important legislation received careful and respectful consideration. Particularly during the Grand Council session, Companions thoughtfully debated matters affecting the future of Cryptic Masonry before rendering their decision. Though opinions differed, the discussion remained respectful, demonstrating that sincere Brothers can thoughtfully disagree while remaining united in purpose.

Of course, Grand Session is about much more than meetings. Friday evening's Grand Banquet proved to be the emotional centerpiece of the weekend. Masterfully guided by the ebullient dynamo that is John E. Hecl, the evening struck a beautiful balance between celebration, humor, gratitude, and heartfelt reflection (and the love means nothing to tennis' players). The excellent yankee pot roast became secondary to the fellowship shared around each table. Timely moments of levity gave way to moments of sincere appreciation as deserving Companions, Sir Knights, Ladies, and supporters of the Craft received well-earned recognition before local, regional, and national dignitaries.

One presentation stood above all others in my mind. The Michael C. Powles "Workhorse Award" was presented to David Dumonceaux. Those who know David understand how fitting this recognition truly was. His quiet dedication has strengthened not only York Rite Masonry but Minnesota Masonry as a whole. Adding to the surprise was the behind-the-scenes role played by his Lady, Carole, who, despite being the crafter of the award itself along with David, carefully preserved the secret so her husband would remain completely unaware of the honor awaiting him. It was a genuinely touching moment and one warmly celebrated by all in attendance.

Then came one of my favorite traditions of the weekend. Immediately following the banquet, the Order of the Lotus once again reminded everyone that joy has an important place in Freemasonry. The laughter shared there, alongside our Ladies, represents something precious within our fraternity. While our meetings are rightly conducted with dignity and decorum, fellowship also includes the freedom to laugh together, celebrate together, and simply enjoy one another's company.

As I reflect upon the weekend, I realize that the most memorable moments did not necessarily happen behind the podium.

They happened in hallways.

On staircases.

Over coffee.

Between elevators.

Walking from one conversation into another.

They happened wherever Brothers gathered simply because they enjoyed one another's company.

When asked why a Companion or Sir Knight should attend Grand Session, my answer is surprisingly simple. To me, it is like a slice of Heaven. For a few short days, the miles between our hometowns simply disappear. I can walk down any hallway and find a meaningful conversation or simply sit quietly and enjoy watching friendships unfold around me. There is no judgment. Everyone is there to help. Everyone is there because they genuinely want to be there.

As I reflected on the weekend, I found myself returning to the words of Psalm 133: 

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."

If there is a single thought I carried home from the 2026 Minnesota Grand York Rite Session, it is this:

The future of Minnesota York Rite Masonry will not be secured merely by counting members. It will be secured by counting friendships. If we continue to strengthen these bonds, to labor together with humility, to serve one another faithfully, and to cherish the fellowship that makes our fraternity unlike any other, then the future is indeed bright.

By: Sir Knight Scott Giannone