The other day MWB Donald R. Salmon, Grand Master of Masons of South Dakota, received an E-Mail from Mrs. Janet Slater Anderson, the daughter of Mrs. Avis Slater. Mrs. Anderson was on her way to Rapid City to help her mother clear up some financial matters. She asked for help in accomplishing this. She further stated that before the death of her father Clarence Slater, who had been a member of the fraternity for many years, he and her mother had decided that at some time they would like to see a scholarship established for children of Masons of South Dakota.
MWB Salmon met with the ladies and their financial advisor the next day and was informed that 1000 shares of stock worth approximately $40,000.00 was to be given to the Grand Lodge of South Dakota. It was the desire of Mrs. Slater that the proceeds from these stocks be used to establish a scholarship for the children of Masons of South Dakota. She further asked that as many scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 each, as the income from the gift would provide for, are presented each year by the Grand Lodge.
"This is evidence of the greatness of the Masonic Family" was the comments of MWB Salmon. He thanked them for the more than generous gift and assured them it would be used as they wished.
At this time a program is being established with a board to review request for and to grant these scholarships. It is the hope that the first of the scholarships will be presented at Grand Lodge in 2001.
Brothers this is the kind of action by members of the Masonic Family helping each other that will insure our fraternity will continue. If we all get behind this program and help it to grow, Masonry in South Dakota will also grow. When you help others you are also helping yourself. The time has come to live Masonry not just talk about it. Our Brother Clarence Slater and his family have help to show us the way.
United = A Better Masonic Family