Special Events

ACACIA CHAPTER’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Acacia Chapter celebrated its 100th Anniversary at the lodge on Sunday, June 9, 2024. Many Acacia members and visitors were in attendance. The day started with a light lunch. That was followed by a program which included what life was like in 1924; information on the original building, the early days, the fire in 1958 and the “new” building (opened in 1960); and a song from each decade played on the piano by Deb Rickard as tidbits from the minutes for each decade were shared. Muddy Paws cheesecake was served for dessert and attendees had a chance to look at displays. Displays included pictures of the officers from each decade, the signatures of all PMs and PPs in the bible going back to 1924, a list of PMs and PPs of Acacia and all consolidating chapters, and pictures through the decades, to name just some of the items. All in attendance were given a booklet with some of the history; a list of PGMs, PGPs and Past Grand Officers of Acacia and all consolidating chapters; and many more tidbits from the minute books. Everyone also received a junior padfolio with the chapter name and 100 years imprinted on the cover as a remembrance of the special day. Acacia Chapter thanks all who shared the day with them. 

HOLIDAY TRAIN

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train came to St. Louis Park again on December 13, 2022, to support the local food shelf, STEP. Acacia Chapter was excited to be a part of this community activity for the fifth time by selling popcorn and hot chocolate at the event, which was held in the neighborhood near the chapter and STEP. In spite of rain and wind, many community members came out. And STEP was nice enough to let us set-up in their lobby. We sold 100 bags of popcorn and 11 gallons of hot chocolate. We could have sold more as we were the only vendor. Many chapter members participated to make this a successful event. The fourteen-car train, fully decorated in holiday lights, parked for about an hour and entertained the crowd with holiday music performed on a stage pulled out from one of the cars.

The Holiday Train came to St. Louis Park on December 11, 2023. Acacia Chapter again sold popcorn and hot chocolate and this year we added hot dogs. Thank you to Brother Kurt Johnson for facilitating the hot dogs. The weather was beautiful and there was a huge crowd. We sold out of everything and could have sold more hot chocolate and hot dogs. We had 13 helpers from Acacia Chapter and several people from Templar Lodge also helped. It would have much more stressful without the help from Templar Lodge. We were so glad to have them!