Masonic Journal - Wisconsin Freemasons

December 2021 2 North Star Lodge No. 187, Star Prairie, Annual Roast Beef Feed, 5 p.m. till gone. Adults-$10, 5-12-$5.00, under 5-free. Takeouts available, Star Prairie Community Center. 4 McKinley Lodge No. 307, Ladies at the Table, $35 per person, doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., Brookfield Masonic Center. For tickets contact a McKinley Lodge Officer or email [email protected]. See page 17. 4 Waukesha Lodge No. 37, Breakfast with Santa and bake sale with holiday treats, 8-11 a.m. $5 suggested donation, 317 South St., Waukesha. Proceeds go to Waukesha Food Pantry. 4 ZOR Fall Ceremonial, all day, Radisson Hotel, La Crosse. 5 Wauwatosa Lodge No. 267, Cribbage Tournament, $5 entry fee. Points based round robin tournament. Open to Masons and their male friends. RSVP no later than Nov. 28 to Bro. Pat Cholka by phone or text at 414-254-5543 or email [email protected]. McKinley Ma-sonic Center, 4550 Pilgrim Rd, Brookfield. See page 26 online. 6 Chetek Lodge No. 277, stated communication and election of officers. 6 Day Lite Lodge No. 358, Installation of Officers, 10 a.m. 7 Lafayette Lodge No. 265, Installation of Officers, 7 p.m. 11 Freemasons Lodge No. 363, Installation of Officers, 12 p.m. 11 Lake Lodge No. 189, Installation of Officers, 1 p.m. 11 District 7 Joint Installation at the Wisconsin Masonic Center. Deputy Grand Master, Paul T. Tourville will be the Installing Master. A cash bar and dinner in the ballroom will follow. 3:30 p.m. installation, 5:00 p.m. cash bar/fellowship 6:00 p.m. dinner with program. 11 Ozaukee Lodge No. 17, Family Christmas Breakfast, 8 a.m., Port Washington Masonic Center. Santa arrives at 9 p.m. 13 and older $10, 12 and under free. Gifts from Santa to all kids under 12. Reserva-tions are required by Dec. 4 to Bro. Nick Abt at [email protected] or 414-630-5225. No walk ins. 18 Lake Lodge No. 189, Breakfast with Santa, 8:30-10:30 a.m., 1235 Howard Ave., Milwaukee. January 2022 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge No. 337, Installation of Offi-cers, 6:30 p.m. 15 District 10 Lodge Leadership Workshop, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Fond du Lac Masonic Center, casual dress, bring notebook and pen. No food will be provided. For all lodge officers and any EA-MM that would like to attend. 17 South Shore Lodge No. 3, Installation of Officers, 7 p.m. 25 Brookfield Lodge No. 370, Installation of Officers, 7 p.m. 29 Wauwatosa Lodge No. 267, Installation of Officers, 12 p.m. February 2022 7 Hiram Lodge No. 50 Table Lodge, 7 p.m., Wisconsin Masonic Center. RSVP Secretary Lyle Christian at [email protected]. 19-23 2022 Conference of Grand Masters of North America.

March 2022 5 Interstate Lodges Table Lodge, 5 p.m., Tomah Masonic Cen-ter,registration required. 26 - Valley of La Crosse Scottish Rite Spring Reunion, La Crosse Masonic Center. 28 District 5 Spring Meeting, 7 p.m., La Crosse Masonic Center. May 2022 19 Waucoma Lodge No. 90, Cooksville, Annual Oyster Stew and Chili Dinner, 5:30 pm-8 pm. $10.00 donation. February 2023 20 Re-enactment of the Cornerstone Dedication of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Visit https:gwmemorial.org/2023.

Wisconsin Masonic Calendar

Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of WI

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THE

WISCONSIN Masonic Journal DECEMBER 2021

New Lodge Planning Guide See page 1 .

VOLUME LIV, NUMBER 11 The Official Publication of the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin DECEMBER 2021

The Grand Master’s Message: By Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin

Brother Gary L. Stang

178th Annual Communication of the

Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Wisconsin

June 3-4, 2022

On Our Cover

Marcia Earl and her grandkids Eli and Corah Finely admire the gi-gantic tree and look up into the dome at Tripoli Shrine’s annual FEZtival of Trees which ran Nov. 20-27 at the Tripoli Shrine Center in Milwaukee. It was a “Christmas Wonderland” featuring over 60 decorated trees sponsored by lodges, businesses and organizations. The event featured tree raffles, live music and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The lucky winners in the tree drawings got to pick up their tree, along with all gifts and decorations furnished by the sponsor, to take home for Christmas. See photos on page 18. Photo by Rich Rygh

THE WISCONSIN Masonic Journal

It’s a Great Time of Year! Andy Williams sang the song “It’s the most Wonderful Time of the Year” and I believe he was right. Having spent time with our families during Thanksgiving and with all the December holidays (Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and others) coming up, it gives us more time to spend with family and friends. So, I believe, he was right -- it is a great time of the year! All these wonderful occasions give us time to think about all the blessings we have received from our Creator. Please, don’t forget to give thanks for those blessings. I’ve had the opportunity and taken the time to call and visit with Brothers that are really sick. Some are on hospice care and, hopefully, they will be able to spend one more Thanksgiving and/or Christmas with their families. One brother has so many illnesses that, if it were me, I couldn’t possibly handle it. He said everyday he wakes up happier than the previous one and takes time to enjoy every day. I try to live every day with that thought, however it sure can be a challenge! Remember, wake up every day happier than the last and take time to enjoy every day to the fullest! Soon it will be the end of another year and the start of a new one. I always look forward to setting new goals and making a plan for the coming year. I hope your lodge is making plans for a suc-cessful year. Take time to complete your lodge calendar like RWDGM Paul Tourville has asked us to do. Work with your District Team and your lodge Brothers and get some exciting things planned. With a calendar of events, our Brothers know what is coming and that will get them excited, too. Have some fun and spread the ce-ment of Brotherly Love. Find some fun ideas for your lodge and get others to come and visit. Make sure to invite us all and make it some-thing special. Get your new Master Masons involved so they can see how great it is to be a Mason. My Grand Marshal and other officers have joined me in visiting lodges and shut-in Brothers all over the state. I want to thank those Brothers and lodges for their hospitality. If you haven’t been travel-ing, you are missing something very special. Get out and meet some of our Brothers. They’re wonderful men that you will enjoy getting to know. It is not only fun for you but exciting for the Brothers you are visiting. Don’t forget to bring your new Master Masons with you! Reedsburg Lodge recently held their annual “Shed Lodge.” Wow! What a great time! Make sure not to miss the next one! Many lodges are getting ready for School of Instruction. Make it a fun time and get other lodges to join in. Let’s make sure we know how to open and close well so when the degree is completed and the officers get ready to close, they look sharp! Let’s not have a really good degree and then stumble through the closing. After installation, I would ask the new WM to get a calling team together and call every brother. Once you receive your Recapitulation Report and make payment to the Grand Lodge for your member-ship, they are all paid up for that year. This is a great time to call them all. You can call to say “Hi, how are you doing?” and thank them for being a member of our great fraternity. Just think, we never asked for money. It's a great call and everyone can do it. Your Broth-ers will enjoy hearing from you. I just want to say that you’re the best group of men I have ever met! Thanks again for being my Brother and for all you do for our fraternity! “Let’s spread the cement of Brotherly Love.” I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving and that you will enjoy the Holiday season and remember to give thanks for all you have. “Love ya, Brothers!” Brother Gary

Grand Master Gary L. Stang

Don Gaglione of FSS, (right) presents the fire suppression tool to Grand Master Gary L. Stang. From left: Deputy Grand Mas-ter Paul T. Tourville, Junior Grand Steward Jeffrey S. Thiele, Lake Lodge Master Jeremy Hilgendorf, and Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PGM.

Lake Lodge Chosen to Receive Revolutionary new Firefighting Tool Fire Suppression Solutions (firesuppressionsolutions.com) do-nated seven new Fire Suppression Tools or FST’s to different groups around Southeast Wisconsin on Oct. 29. Five local police depart-ments, a historical society and Lake Lodge No. 189, Milwaukee was chosen as the recipients of one of the FST’s and it was pre-sented in a ceremony at the Mequon Police Department. The tools are a revolutionary new fire fighting instrument that puts out or knocks down a fire using chemicals and not water, be-fore fire departments arrive on the scene, thus minimizing damage. The FST is a highly effective sup-pression tool with its simple “pull the pins and throw it in” activa-tion. It can be used by not only first responders such as Fire Fight-ers, Police Officers, other First Re-sponders and Military Personnel, but can be used by any person that discovers a fire. A hand-held unit is good for up to 5300 cubic feet and does not remove the oxy-gen from the room in which it is

deployed. It is also non-corrosive and environmentally friendly. The Fire Suppression tool could be an insurance cost reduc-ing benefit to have in our Lodge buildings. If a Lodge is interested in more information or would like to pur-chase one, please contact Don

Gaglione at [email protected]. FSS is a proud sponsor of Conference of Grand Master's of Masons in North America. Submitted by Junior Grand Steward Jeffrey S. Thiele

See page 17 for more information.

www.wimasons.orgA wealth of infomation and education is waiting for you.

With Some Changes, Lodge Excellence Award becomes Lodge Planning GuideBy Deputy Grand Master Paul T. Tourville The Lodge Excellence Award (LEA) was established nearly 50 years ago as the Grand Master’s Achievement Award to aid lodges in planning a vibrant and success-ful slate of activities. Further, to ensure continued success and the viability of Freemasonry in Wis-consin, the Grand Lodge later im-plemented a Strategic Planning process. In years which lodges can engage in a vibrant trestle board, this program would assist a lodge as a planning tool and align with the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin Strategic Plan. The LEA was re-named, re-vamped and re-configured effec-tive January 1, 2021. The reason for the change is that generally,

Lodges were not using the LEA for its primary intended purpose, that being a Planning Guide for their Lodges. Again, generally speaking, Lodges were tabulating their activities from the past year and using this to determine what their award result would be. Es-sentially being reactive vs. proac-tive. The new planning guide is called just that, The Lodge Plan-ning Guide (LPG). The LPG is for-matted to include many of the items that were in the COVID year LEA, especially contacting ALL Lodge members more than once per year to check on their well-being. “Love ya Brother!!” The LPG is focused on the follow-ing: Service to our Membership, Service to Widows and Communi-

ties, Business Administration, and Lodge Special Endeavors. The LPG will ensure increased success, visibility, and viability of Freema-sonry in Wisconsin It is imperative the Worshipful Masters develop and distribute to their Lodge members a Lodge cal-endar within thirty (30) days of his installation.The calendar should include many of the items listed in the LPG. It should be personal-ized to reflect the uniqueness of your Lodge. Completed events should be documented on the cal-endar with brief reference notes and details. The form is located on our web-site www.wimasons.org. Grab one now as we near installation sea-son! Don’t forget the application deadline is February 15th.

Membership Partnership shows ResultsBy Deputy Grand Master Paul T. Tourville We're happy to announce that Day Lite Lodge No. 358 and La Crosse Masonic Lodge No. 190 have made significant financial commitments to partnering with the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin membership initiative! THANK YOU! These Lodges and Appen-dant Bodies that have committed to financially supporting the Mem-bership Partnership should be cel-ebrated for their commitment to our Fraternity. We are only 10 weeks into our

partnership but, the results are un-believably good! Some of the numbers . . . • 322 individuals have re-quested information about be-coming a Wisconsin Freemason in the last 75 days. FYI, this is more requests that we received the entire year of 2021, or 2020, or 2019, etc. • 2/3 of these men have no previous connection with a Freemason! Simply put, it is doubtful we would have ever been able to have a conversation with them about our gentle craft.

• Additionally, 87 of these men have been vetted by our District Membership Representa-tives and are already in individual Lodge’s hands for decisions! Pe-titions are into the double digits already! There is no doubt this partner-ship is significant and is having a significant impact. My message ends the same though . . . It is important to re-member that this conversation is not necessarily all about the “new” but, instead it is about “you”. These men are seeking our Frater-nity because they want Mentors, they want Friends, and they want Brothers. They're coming . . . Are you ready?

They're coming . . . Are you ready?

Published by the Grand Lodge,

Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin December 2021

The Wisconsin Masonic Journal, Publication Number 011-551 (ISSN No. 10770410), is the authorized publication of the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin. It is published monthly except for the July/August issue which is combined. Periodical postage paid at Dousman, Wisconsin 53118 and additional offices. Postmasters: send address changes to The Wisconsin Masonic Journal, 36275 Sunset Drive, Dousman, WI 53118.

Subscription Rates: Non-members (within United States): $15.00 per year (payable in advance)

Non-members (mailed outside of the United States): $50.00 (payable in advance) Members: $8.50 per year (included in the Grand Lodge per capita)

Editorial Production Office Richard A. Rygh, Editor

5823 Madsen Circle, Oregon, WI 53575-1711 email: [email protected] Phone 262-965-2200 Ext. 209

Advertising Office Phone/FAX 262-965-3979

Diane Igl, Advertising Manager email: [email protected]

Advertising rates upon request. Deadline for submission of advertising copy is the fifteenth of each month preceding month of scheduled pub-lication.

PAGE 2 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - DECEMBER 2021

Directory of Grand Lodge Officers & ContactsGrand Master Gary L. Stang (351)

715-864-6813 [email protected]

Deputy Grand Master

Paul T. Tourville (60) 414-659-5205

[email protected]

Senior Grand Warden David R. Ritchie (64)


Junior Grand Warden

Thomas W. Stevens (112) 715-579-8949

[email protected]

Grand Treasurer Jeffrey L. Bryden (95)


Grand Secretary

Michael A. DeWolf, PGM (267) 414-316-0210

G.L. 262-965-2200 Ext. 201 [email protected]

Grand Chaplain David O. Leistra (174)


Grand Lecturer

Davey L. White Jr., PGM (4) (608) 732-3122

[email protected]

Senior Grand Deacon Jeffrey S. Schoenfeldt (319)


Grand Lodge Office

Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Wisconsin 36275 Sunset Dr.

Dousman, WI 53118 262-965-2200

Fax: 262-965-4211 Grand Secretary:

Michael A. DeWolf, PGM Ext. 201

[email protected]

Membership Support: Cheryl Martin - Ext. 200

[email protected] Erika Miller - Ext. 203 [email protected]

Christina Jester - Ext. 204 [email protected]

Wisconsin Masonic Journal

Richard A. Rygh, Editor 262-965-2200 Ext. 209

[email protected]

David R. Ritchie, Ass’t. Editor 608-482-3552

[email protected]

Diane Igl, Ad Manager [email protected]

262-965-3979 36275 Sunset Dr.,

Dousman, WI 53118

District 4 Christopher J. Young (322)


District 5

Jacob R. Schultz (190) (608) 778-5610

[email protected]

District 6 James R. Giese (128)


District 7

Matthew H. Ivens (325) 608-212-9053

[email protected]

District 8 Daniel C. Brylla (79)


District 9

Derek M. Henze (57) 262-473-9585

[email protected]

District 10 Christopher R. Cochrane (27)


District 11

Christopher M. Luedke (37) 262-490-3330

[email protected]

District 12 Jeremy J. Koss (363)


Junior Grand Deacon Joseph E. Thompson (6)

608-482-1482 [email protected] Senior Grand Steward

Earl Gunderson (192) 715-495-5763

[email protected]

Junior Grand Steward Jeffrey S. Thiele (189)


Grand Marshal H. Scott Paulson (56)


Grand Orator Richard A. Rygh (151)


Grand Tiler

Milton Helmer (229) 715-821-5002

[email protected]

District Deputy Grand Masters

District 1 Darrell O. Kyle (329)


District 2

Daniel J. Hagerty (195) 612-840-6778

[email protected]

District 3 Jacob W. Seever (130)


Attend and Support Your Lodge!

Thoughts for the Journey By Reverend David O. Leistra, Grand Chaplain

Grand Chaplain David O. Leistra can be reached at [email protected] or 920-818-1041.

District 7 will be hosting a Joint Installation of officers on Satur-day, Dec. 11. Bring your teams of officers down to the Wisconsin Masonic Center and we will install everyone in one great afternoon ceremony.

District 7 to Host Joint Installation To celebrate the year and holi-days, there will be a cash bar and dinner following. Installation will be at 3:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m. cash bar/fellowship, dinner with program at 6:00 p.m. Please RSVP to DDGM7

Identify yourself as a Freemason by displaying a Freemason Li-cense Plate on your vehicle. Standard Freemason plates re-quire a one-time cost of $15, thereafter, you pay only the regu-lar registration fee. Plates can be personalized which requires an extra $15 each year. Vehicles that qualify for the plates are automobiles; mo-torhomes, trucks with 4,500, 6,000 or 8,000 pound gross weight, dual purpose farm, dual purpose motor home and 12,000 pound gross weight farm trucks. Brochures are available at the Grand Lodge Office or for more information go to http://www.dot.state.wi.us/ and search Freemason license plates.

Wis. Freemason License Plates

Matthew H. Ivens at [email protected] if your lodge is planning on taking part. Deputy Grand Master Paul T. Tourville will be the Installing Mas-ter.

Brethren, The holiday season is here. Thanksgiving and Christmas are those special times of year when family gather and celebrate the joy of being together with loved ones. This year many more of us will be able to be together around the dinner table because of the available vaccines. Yet, we must remain careful and if at all ill avoid con-tact with others. Thanksgiving is a time of being grateful for the good things in our lives such as family and friends. Grateful to our God who has given us life and with it the opportu-nity to know the joy of the love of family and friends. There are all too many in our world who will be faced with loneliness and perhaps little of the good food most of us will enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. They must not be far from our thoughts and prayers dur-ing this festive time of year. It is always a joy for me to see the generosity of so many people who distribute food and presents for those in need to make their holidays more of a time of joy. As I write this letter, folks are here at the church preparing the Thanksgiving meals that will be distributed through-out our city on Thanksgiving Day. Christmas boxes have been put together and sent on their way to children around the world through Operation Christmas Child. The boxes for Toys for Tots are being filled throughout our county, and volunteers for that program in early December will be filling our fellowship hall with thousands of gifts for children that their parents can come and select from so that they can have some extra gifts under their tree this Christmas. These programs involved the work and donations of many people whose intention is to do something good for another human being even though they likely will never know who that person might be. Our great fraternity teaches that charity is among the greatest of virtues if not the great-est. The results are plain to see as Masons from across this world give their time and their financial resources to care for others. This Thanksgiving I will be offering a prayer of thanks for those loved ones, family, and friends, who make my life what it is. You my Brothers are among those I count as such friends who bring joy and inspiration to my life. I have much to be thankful for even in these difficult days. I am sure that many of you do too. You know the quote from a poem by Longfellow, “into each life a little rain must fall, some days must be dark and dreary.” Longfellow is speaking of the concept of fate and that occasional bad days are the “common fate of all...” I have known people for whom the metaphor rain used here, be better replaced with deluge and have been faced with greater suf-fering and sorrow then I think I could recover from. Yet many of them came through such times and persevered until stability re-turned and never lost hope. These people live in my mind as per-sonal heroes and examples of what the human heart can contend with. Longfellow goes on in his pome to say, “Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempest.” Yes, these are difficult days and for many there will be one or more empty chairs around the table as families gather. They are those for whom the storms and tempests of life may be making finding a peaceful port a diffi-cult thing to do. If you are one facing such storms of life this holiday season, may God grant you His grace of peace and hope. I for one, as I offer my prayers of thanks, will include a prayer for us all, that we may know the peace that surpasses understanding and the love of God and neighbor that, as the saying goes is the very reason for the season. For all of us may this holiday season be one of joy and hope for our lives, and those of our families, communities, and people throughout the world. Fraternally Yours, David O. Leistra, Grand Chaplain

Grand Chaplain David O. Leistra

Address Changing?

Remember to notify your lodge secretary or the Grand Lodge Office of your change of address.

Contact Cheryl Martin 262-965-2200 Ext. 200

email: [email protected]

Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Wisconsin

36275 Sunset Drive Dousman, WI 53118

WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - DECEMBER 2021 - PAGE 3

NOTES FROM THE GRAND LECTURER By Brother Davey L. White Jr., PGM

Feedback and questions are always welcome. Contact Grand Lecturer Davey L. White Jr., PGM at

[email protected]

Scalloped Potatoes in an Oven Roaster Ingredients: Grease the Roaster or use a roasting bag/liner. to aid in clean up. Peel and slice the potatoes. Place in a bowl with enough water to cover. This will prevent the potatoes from browning while you pre-pare the sauce. Melt butter in a sauce pan. Add flour, stir and cook until bubbly. Add Milk. Whisk until mixture is smooth. Bring to boil. Cook until thick, about a minute. Add hot sauce, salt, pepper, & seasoning. In roaster, layer potatoes with the sauce and sprinkle each layer with any meat or vegetable, Making three or four layers. Bake at 350 for an hour and half or until potatoes are tender. This recipe is very versatile and can be made to taste. Ham and cheddar is a classic. Shredded chicken with swiss and nutmeg is ex-cellent. Salmon with parmesan and green onions is also very good. This will serve 20 people as a main dish.

10 pounds potatoes peeled and sliced 8 tbsp of butter ⅔ cup flour 3 ½ cups whole milk or half & half 4-6 dashes of hot sauce (Tabasco or Louisiana) 2 tsp salt/ black pepper to taste 4 cups grated cheddar, swiss, or Parmasian cheese (Optional) Meat such as ham, shredded chicken or salmon (Optional) Seasonings such as thyme, garlic, nutmeg, onion, green peppers

178th Annual Communication of

the Grand Lodge

F. & A.M. of Wis.

June 3-4, 2022

Bro. Jeffrey Norman is Sworn in as Milwaukee Police Chief

Bro. Jeffrey Norman, a 16 year member of Freemasons Lodge No. 363, was appointed to a full, four year term as Mil-waukee Police Chief on Nov. 4. Bro. Norman was appointed as acting chief last December. He is a graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools. He has a mas-ters degree in administration from Kaplan University and a law degree from Marquette. He joined the Milwaukee Police Department as an officer in 1996. Bro. Norman was sworn in as the 19th Chief of Police in Milwaukee on Monday Nov. 15. Bro. Jeffrey Norman

New DDGM in District 10Bro. Steve Labus and Fond du Lac Lodge hosted the District 10 Meet-ing on Oct. 23. Past DDGM10 Ron J. Montgomery congratulates new DDGM for District 10 Bro. Christopher R. Chris Cochrane. Submitted by Derrick Hable, Secretary Oshkosh Lodge No. 27

When you become a Shriner you become part of a brotherhood of men committed to family, engaged in ongoing personal growth, and dedicated to providing care for children in need.Becoming a Shriner is easier than you think and its rewards can be far more than you expect. Take the first step, visit our website .

Shriners believe in you.

Greetings Brothers, I hope this finds you all feeling well and enjoying the wondrous beauties of Mother Nature! This month I am going to continue updating you on the business discussed at the September Esoteric meeting in Oshkosh. I would again like to thank our MWGM Gary Stang for inviting us to attend the staff meeting. We met for six hours and discussed a variety of topics, so it is impossible to put them all in one article. The topic for this month is the Medallions for achieving a Ritualist card, and or a Profi-ciency card. This was implemented a few years ago as a way to honor the Brothers for earning their Ritualist or Proficiency cards and while this is a very nice way to honor our Brothers, the committee has decided to not continue this program. The reason that we voted to not continue this program is because we find it very hard to, for a lack of a better word, “enforce “ the Masonic Code. The section of the Masonic Code I am referring to is section 88.09. Section 88.09 states Proficiency Men and Ritualists. The District Lecturer shall be responsible to annually certify those Ma-sons in his District whom he finds after examination to be proficient in all aspects of the esoteric work. He shall also after examination annually certify those Masons in his District whom he finds profi-cient in portions of the esoteric work and shall indicate in what portions they are proficient. These Masons so certified shall be em-powered to assist the constituent lodges and participate in schools of instructions when so requested by the District Lecturer. This section of the code requires the District Lecturers to annual certify our Proficiency and Ritualist card holders. They are then is-sued a new card each year. The medallions are a nice gesture, but we have no way to enforce the rules of the Masonic code. We are certainly not going to get into the business of asking for them back if a Brother decides to not comply with his recertification. The committee also discussed the possibility creating a Ritualist Emeritus card to honor our Brothers who have exhibited profi-ciency in a certain degree or Lecture for a great number of years. This would be consistent with the criteria for Proficiency Emeritus. We have not made a decision on this yet, but will be discussing it further in the future. As always if you have any comments or suggestions feel free to contact me. Love Ya Brothers, Davey L. White Jr.

Grand Lecturer Davey L. White Jr,

PGM

Email address for The Wisconsin Masonic Journal

[email protected]

First Responders

Pin

As a law enforcement offi-cer, firefighter and Emer-gency Medical Technician, we greatly appreciate first-hand, the life saving work of this segment of our popula-tion. If you have served in public safety as a firefighter, emergency medical respon-der or as a law enforcement officer, thank you for your service. We have a pin to honor your contribution to serve others. Please contact your AA or DDGM for a pin.

Promote Your Lodge Events Advertise your Lodge’s upcom-ing fund raising events in the Wis-consin Masonic Journal. Contact Diane Igl at 262-965-3979 or email [email protected]. Send information on your up-coming lodge functions to be in-cluded in the Wisconsin Masonic Journal Calendar to [email protected] or mail to Wisconsin Masonic Journal, Rich Rygh, Editor, 5823 Madsen Circle, Oregon, WI 53575.


THE GENTLEMAN IN THE ROOM

By Senior Grand Warden David R. Ritchie

Feedback and questions are always welcome. Contact Senior Grand Warden David R. Ritchie at

[email protected]

Call: 262.975.2200 [email protected]

All Master Masons and their female relatives are eligible to join.

I joined Eastern Star, come & serve with me.

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Don’t Get

Wrapped Up

In Christmas

Email your submissions to [email protected].

Brother Robert Burns wrote, “The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft a-gley.” The line is from the poem, “To a Mouse.” The poem is about an apology. While plowing his field a farmer ac-cidently overturns a mouse nest. The farmer then apologizes and begins to commiserate with the mouse whose hard work he has just de-stroyed. The farmer hadn’t meant to cause harm. A gentleman already knows that he must be trustworthy, if he says he will do it. He will try his best to do it. If he says he will be there, you can count on him being there. What if some-thing comes up or a mistake was made on his calendar? A gentleman knows that he should keep his words kind and uplifting, but what hap-pens when they are misunderstood or come out all wrong? A gentleman knows that he will help those in need and those who seek his help, but what if it just makes things worse? Burns knew that all too often our best laid plains will often go astray. We live in a world that seems obsessed with fixing the blame verses fixing the problem. After a natural disaster we look for those who might be to blame rather than helping the victims. Monday morning quarterbacks look for who to blame rather than what made the other side better. Our civil legal system is filled with lawsuits look-ing at fixing blame for an accident that could have happened to any-one. If something negative happens we must find who to blame rather than fix the problem. In our lives it is often easier to look for an excuse or transfer the blame to someone else. A gentleman knows sometimes things just happen. He understands that while un-intentional he may have caused hurt or made a problem worse. There are times he simply can not fulfill a promise or meet an obli-gation. A gentleman learns to apologize and learns to accept apologies. He understands his responsibility to others and knows that if he cannot live up to that responsibility, to own up to it, he must admit his fault It is hard to admit that we make mistakes or unin- tentionally cause harm. A man was simply plowing his field. He had not planned to harm the mouse or her nest. Things happen. He could have blamed the horse that was pulling the plow for not stopping. He could have blamed the mouse for picking a poor location. He could simply have ignored it and been on his way. He chose to apologize to the “Wee, sleeket, cowran, tim’rous beastie,” a small scared cowering animal hardly worth noticing. Yet, Burns sees the trouble the farmer has caused,” O, what a panic’s in thy beastie!” Sometimes things happen. We have all at one time or another let someone down on a promise or failed in a duty. We have all tried and come up short to help others. We have all said the wrong thing. A gentleman realizes this and accepts that it happens to others as well. A gentleman instead of fixing blame accepts the apology and begins trying to remedy the situation. It often doesn’t matter as much who started the fire as putting the fire out. This isn’t turning a blind eye on wrong doing or accepting substandard work or behavior. This understanding is re- served for those times fate interevens. Coincidence takes a hand. The times the words come out wrong but the heart was in the right place. A gentleman knows what it is like to be forgiven and applies that same feeling to others. In our gentle craft we have all had our minds go blank during a degree. We have all forgotten meetings. We have all said things we regret. The gentlemen of the craft though have never sought to affix blame but to whisper council or take the time to teach. The gentlemen of the craft seem to very naturally know that they can admit their mistakes because of the trust we have in the kind nature of our brothers. It may seem silly apologizing to a field mouse. Isn’t it also silly to shift the blame or fail to take responsibility for your actions when an apology would rectify much of the situation? Isn’t it silly to fail to accept that same apology from others? The noble nature of the very large, very strong, farmer apologizing to the small, weak mouse should be an example to all of us. He did not apologize out of fear of reprisal from the mouse but because it was simply the right thing to do.

Bro. David R. Ritchie

Senior Grand Warden

Your District Deputy Grand Master is looking for nominees for District “Rookie of the Year”. The purpose is to recognize an outstanding, newly made Mason who exemplifies Masonic Princi-ples, and has shown that he is a worthy Brother by applying those principles in his lodge, his com-munity, and his personal life. The award is open to any Mas-ter Mason who was raised at any time in the three years prior to March 1, 2022. The nomination form is on page 52 of the Mentors Handbook and can be downloaded from the

Grand Lodge website at www.wimasons.org. under Mem-bership—Resource Library—Ma-sonic Education. Nominations must be received by your District Deputy Grand Master by March 1, 2022. Nominations will be reviewed by your District Deputy Grand Mas-ter, Area Administrators, and Dis-trict Lecturer. The decision will be theirs alone and based on a num-ber of categories including but not limited to: lodge participation, community service, lodge visits, Masonic charity and ritual partici-pation.

DDGMs Seek Nominations for “Rookie of the Year”

Lodges Install Officers

Perseverance 1836 Lodge No. 366Perseverance 1836 Lodge No. 366 officers were installed at the Middleton Masonic Center on Nov. 13. See page 20. Front row from left: Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PGM, Installing Master; Senior Grand Warden David R. Ritchie, Installing Marshal, Junior Grand Deacon Joseph E. Thompson, Installing Chaplain; Matt Zastrow, Senior Warden; James “Bone” Goldsmith, Master; and Barry Maxfield, Secretary/Treasurer. Back row: Jay Oestreich, Tiler and Trustee; James Oestreich, Senior Deacon; John Prenevost; Andy Van Sickle; Thomas Struebing, Junior Warden; Richard Preston, Chaplain; and Scott Mag-nusson, Junior Deacon. Photo by Rich Rygh

LPG Applications Due Feb. 15 Lodge Planning Guide Applica-tions must be received by your District Deputy Grand Master by February 15, 2022 to qualify. Applications can be downloaded from the Grand Lodge website at

www.wimasons.org under Mem-bers — Resource Library. The qualifying dates are Janu-ary 1 thru December 31, 2021. Lodges will be recognized for their achievement at the 178th

Annual Communication in June. Your District Deputy Grand Master’s email address may be found on page two of The Wis-consin Masonic Journal.

See story on page 1



EXPANDING OUR MASONIC KNOWLEDGE By Grand Orator Richard A. Rygh

Feedback and questions are always welcome. Contact Grand Orator Richard A. Rygh at

[email protected]

Getting to know your Grand Lodge Officer on the Level Grand Orator Richard A. Rygh By Dave Ritchie Brother Rich Rygh is currently serving as the Grand Orator for the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. He is known to many throughout the state in his role as photogra-pher and editor of the Wisconsin Masonic Journal. Rich is a life long resident of Oregon, Wiscon-sin. He attended Oregon High School where he played trombone in the Marching Band. Later he would play with the Zor Noble-men. Rich had a unique perspec-tive on sports and other extracurricular activities during high school. At age 13 Rich began his life time career when he began working for the local paper, “The Oregon Observer.” He started doing odds and ends around the paper but by the time he was in high School Rich was working as a photographer for the paper. Rich contributed to the yearbook, school paper, and took part in sports through the lens of his camera. While working at the Observer Rich would attend MATC in Madi-son to study high tech photogra-phy and color separation photography. A job he would work in for a few years before re-turning to photojournalism full time. The “high tech” technique he learned today can be done with the push of a button via comput-ers. While at the Observer Rich would photograph and report on the many aspects of small-town life, school activities, elections, local service and fraternal groups and other news as it occurred. Rich would move on and work for the Capital Times for 30 years eventually becoming the Photo Chief for the paper. He enjoyed the idea that it was something dif-ferent every day. He saw both the good and the bad in life. He cov-ered everything from a refueling flight to covering a Brewer’s World Series. He would meet Presidents and celebrities as well

as professional athletes and photographed a long-term se-ries on a lady dying of can-cer. The story that sticks with him the most was the Barn-eveld Tornado. Having char-tered a helicop-ter he took photos from the air early in the morning. He would spend the rest of the day on the ground. The town had been devas-tated. As evening came on, a local Pastor met with the people of Barneveld in a town meeting. According to Rich the people looked to be in shock. Many in tattered or bor-rowed clothes. Many of their homes gone. They joined hands in prayer as they chose to rebuild. Hope instead of despair. The day culminated in a hauntingly beauti-ful photo of that moment. After retiring from the Capital Times Rich took the job as editor of the Wisconsin Masonic Journal. He claims it is by far the best job he has ever had. “I’m working harder but enjoying it more than any job I’ve ever had.” Rich travels the state photographing and chronicling a fraternity he loves and men he respects and enjoys. As that teenage photographer, one of Rich’s annual duties was to photograph the Newly installed of-ficers of Oregon Lodge, as well as the officers of the Eastern Star Chapter. He found that every year, the people in the building were the people he looked up to in the community. The people who mattered. Warm and kind.

Quality people. At age 21 Rich asked his Dad for a petition to join the lodge. Rich has just finished his 50th year as a Mason. Thirty-eight as lodge secretary. Rich served as an Area Administrator under then District Deputy Ben Detroy. Roland Rygh, Rich’s father would be Rich’s top line signer. He also followed Rich through the chairs and became Master of Ore-gon No. 151 the year after Rich sat in the East. His father also was part of the start of a different hobby. He and Rich would buy a John Deere R tractor. The tractor caught his attention because it had a pony engine. A pony engine is a small engine used to start a larger diesel engine. Today Rich and his son Loran, have about 15 John Deere tractors, with a couple oddly colored ones thrown in, that they show. What started as a hobby, “. . . something to do with my hands.” is now something he shares with his son and grandson. They show at a number of shows and thresherees in the area. Rich shares his home with Sh-eryl his wife with whom he shares a love of nature and animals. Be-tween them they have six daugh-ters and a son. They have two black cats, Oscar and Luna and a very large Great Dane named Jojo. In talking with Rich you find a man who sees the good in almost everyone and seeks the good in al-most every situation. A very hum-ble man who is very proud of his family and of his fraternity.

The people of Barneveld unite in prayer after a town meeting in which they decided to rebuild and move forward. It was the end of the first day of cleanup. Many lost their homes and friends and relatives. Seventeen of eighteen businesses in the village were destroyed.

The following is a true story from Ohio sent to the Master of Oregon Lodge by Bro. Chad Kopenski, Chairman of the Grand Lodge of Ohio Education Committee. Bro. Kopenski grew up in Oregon and is a plural member of Oregon Lodge. I See you’re a traveling Man . . . In early March 2021, Brother David Johnson of Amesville No. 278 was driving to work when he felt pain in his chest, bad enough that he called his wife to take him to the local hos-pital. After being stabilized and evaluated, the doctors informed him that he was having a ‘widowmaker’ heart attack and that he was in incredible danger. A helicopter would be arriv-ing in about an hour to take him to Columbus for more expert care. This was an incredible shock for David and his wife. He didn’t have a history of heart disease and they’d never experienced anything like this. The doctors made him comfortable on a gurney in the hallway and left for their next patient. David’s wife kissed him and went home to pack and then meet him in Columbus. David laid there, alone, unsure about what would happen next. He laid there, alone, unsure if he’d see his wife again. He laid there, alone, unsure if he’d be alive in the morning. He laid there. Alone. As he laid there for what seemed like forever; in what was one of the darkest moments in his life, he heard a voice quietly say “I see you’re a traveling man…” He looked up to see a young man in a student paramedic’s unform, who said his name, which David didn’t quite hear, and saying that he was an officer at Portland No. 366 in Oak Hill. He’d seen David’s Masonic ring while walking by. This Brother grabbed David’s hand, sat down next to him and said ‘Brother, I’m here as long as you are.’ For the next 45 minutes, this Portland Brother sat with David, hold-ing his hand, talking to him and keeping him calm. He explained what the different machines were doing, what to expect, and what was happening. When the helicopter landed, the Portland Brother tried to get on, but was turned away because he was a student and not David’s family. They said their goodbyes as David was flown away to start his long road to recovery. David said that when the Portland Brother grabbed his hand, that this was his Masonic ‘A-ha! Moment.’ It was the moment that he realized what Masonry is all about. He understood what Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth meant, not just in theory but in action. That being a Freemason means being concerned for others, it means seeing a need and stepping up to fill it, it means actively working to make things better. That being a Freemason means belonging to an organization that transcends age, borders, color, how much money is in your pocket, who you voted for, and all other things that men use to divide themselves. That being a Freemason means that you aren’t alone. David knew that whatever was going to happen next, he wasn’t going to be alone. David recovered and is on the path to getting healthier. He told Amesville’s Lodge Eduction Officer, WB Brad Maxwell, about the Portland Brother and how he wished he could thank that Brother for what he did. Using a number of Masonic contacts, Brad was able to identify the Portland Brother as Brother Corey Jones, Port-land No. 366’s Junior Deacon. On Thursday, April 15, 2021, at Amesville’s Stated Meeting, David and Corey met each other again; but for the first time as Brothers in Lodge. As they told their story that night, the discussion turned to what it means to be a Mason and the moment when you realize what Freemasonry is all about. It is easy to think of it as the big mo-ments like being raised or Special Olympics; but it is often some-thing as small as hearing “I see you’re a traveling man…” when you least expect it.

Grand Orator Richard A. Rygh

The Conference of Grand Masters needs Support The Conference of Grand Mas-ters North America (COGMNA) will be held in Milwaukee in Feb-ruary 2022. Part of the prepara-tion for the Conference is to assemble gift bags for attendees that contain items that represent our great State of Wisconsin and the businesses within our state! A committee has been formed that is reaching out to individuals, businesses and Lodges throughout the State for monetary and/or gift item donations. We need to as-semble 450 gift bags for Confer-ence attendees. The Committee Chair, Karen Gunderson (Lady of our Senior Grand Steward Earl Gunderson) is asking Lodges to contribute to this event; monetary donations and/or gifts from businesses that

you, as Lodge members, may have access to. Suggestions in-clude Kleenex packets, hand san-itizer, snacks or candy, water, etc., or anything that screams WIS-CONSIN! Financial donations can be made payable to Grand Lodge of Wisconsin F. & A.M. and sent to: Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, Attn: Christina, 36275 Sunset Drive, Dousman, WI 53118 Any and all donations will go a long way to help create the best gift bags the Conference has ever had . . . On Wisconsin! Thank you for being part of this appeal! Karen Gunderson 715-495-3155 [email protected]

Rich and his father Bro. Roland Rygh with their second restoration, a 1950 Model B purchased from within the family in 1983.

Grandson Wesley learning to drive the John Deeres.


Dear Brethren, Ladies, and Friends, Throughout the year, and especially during the holiday season, I’m reminded of the significance of family. It is an opportunity to celebrate with loved ones, while remembering what Christmas time means. For me, that means time for personal reflection and celebration with family. Family may look different to you, and while it may mean your ex-tended family, work family, fraternal family—regardless, the impact they have on our lives is what matters. While it’s unclear what lies ahead this holiday season, one thing that is clear is the importance of taking time to remember how im-portant those we choose to let into our lives are to us, and hopefully what we are for them. I wish you and your family a blessed holiday season, and for all of us, a safe and healthy New Year. Blessings.

Mark Strautman, President & CEO

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Enclosed is my donation for: [ ] Grand Master’s Appeal [ ] Wisconsin Masonic Foundation [ ] Wisconsin Masonic Service & Assistance Fund [ ] Wisconsin Masonic Youth Fund [ ] Other _______________________________ [ ] Designated for______________________________________ [ ] In honor of: ________________________________________ [ ] In memory of: ______________________________________

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The Wisconsin Masonic Foundation is organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin is organized under Section 501(c)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code. You should consult your tax adviser to determine whether your contribution qualifies to receive a tax-deduction under the Internal Revenue Code.

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Memorials and ContributionsGift Report November 2021 Wisconsin Masonic Foundation

Grand Master’s Gary L. Stang’s Appeal: Jan Breitzmann, in memory of Rick Breitzmann; Thomas Couture, E Delehanty; Connley Hanson; Barbara Isgren, in memory of Vernon Isgren; Lloyd Laskowski; Oregon Lodge, Gary Parker; Richard Rygh; Jerome Sayles; Ronald Thomp- son, in memory of Willard H. Thompson; William Winge; Keith Wohlfert Wisconsin Masonic Home General Fund: Paypal Giving Fund Hayne-Lake Country Freemasons Fundeneral Fund: Emil Ewald Family Foundation Home Endowment Fund: Greater Milwaukee Foundation

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Veterans Honored at Three Pillars

By Dave Ritchie Veterans, their families, and friends joined in a service to remember our Veteran’s on Armistice Day. Many joined in, throughout the Three Pillars campus via Zoom due to COVID restrictions. Patriotic songs were sung, as well as The National Anthem. The pledge and Toast to the Flag were given. Pastor Terese Leonard, the resident pastor at Three Pillars gave the invoca-tion and later gave a talk on the 100th Anniver-sary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Bro. Frank McKenna organized and partici-pated in the event in numerous ways. Senior Grand Warden David R. Ritchie recited “In Flan-ders Field” and led a service of prayer and re-membrance. Bro. Duane and Kay Bunting served refresh-ments following the service. Music was provided by Three Pillars residents Naomi Mayer played the music and Rebecca Seevers played taps.

Bro. Frank McKenna welcomes all and gives a toast to the flag.

Pastor Terese Leonard gives a talk on the 100th An-niversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

At left: Senior Grand Warden David R. Ritchie recites “In Flanders Field” and leads a service of prayer and remem-brance.

Veterans honored during the service.

Photos by Bro. Duane Bunting

and Josh Van Den Berg

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Monthly Masonic Education: Presented by the Educa-tion Committee. This piece of Masonic Education is adapted from: Ma-sonic Study Series Volume 1, issue 4 December, 2015. “The Holy Saints John” by R.W. Brother David Ritchie The following short article is written with the inten-tion to be read within an open Lodge, or in fellowship, to all the members in attendance. Following this arti-cle is a list of discussion questions which should be presented immediately following the presentation of the article. The Holy Saints John Lodges were anciently dedicated to King Solomon, who was said to have been our first Most Excellent Grand Master. But Masons in modern times dedicate theirs to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, who were said to be two eminent Christian patrons of Ma-sonry; and since their time, there is, or ought to be, rep-resented in every regular and well-governed lodge a certain Point within a Circle. The Point representing an individual Brother, the Circle the boundary line of his duty, beyond which he is never to suffer his passions or prejudices to betray him. This Circle is embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines, representing St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, upon the top rest the Holy Scriptures. In passing around this circle, we necessarily touch upon both lines, as well as upon the Holy Scriptures, and while a Mason keeps himself thus circumscribed, it is impossible that he should materially err.nThe patron saint of operative stone masonry is Rein-hold, and the patron saint of carpentry and building is Peter. In ancient times buildings were consecrated to God and dedicated to an idea(s), a virtue(s), or a person(s) who em-bodied that idea or virtue. If a building had a sacred pur-pose, then it was consecrated to God and dedicated as stated before. If a building were not for sacred use, then it was usually just dedicated. Masonic temples are seen as sacred places amongst the craft so are both dedicated

and consecrated. A temple is the dwelling place of a deity. Solomon's Temple was consecrated by God himself when a cloud entered and engulfed the temple in both cloud and lightning. Solomon then dedicated the courtyard be-fore the temple and the temple itself with prayer, oil, cleansing, horns of brass, and the sacrifice of 22,000 bulls and 120,000 sheep. Enough background. Why the Holy Sts. John? Why John the Baptist and John the Evangelist? Simple answer because of the values they upheld and personified. John the Baptist was an extremely moral and righteous man. His zealotry for morality was what made him famous in his own time. `The Jewish people and other cultures of the time had ceremonies of ritual washing so his baptizing was not what made him well known. Here was a man who held himself to the highest standards, standards he was unwilling to compromise. John the Baptist spoke out in public against any lack of morals in society and even condemned the king publicly for his lack of morals. Later he would condemn both the king and queen to their face for their lack of morality. For calling out the king and queen John was imprisoned. He was given the chance to recant his accusations, knowing that his death would be certain he refused. John the Baptist preferred death than compromising his morality, his virtues, not unlike a certain widow's son. John the Evangelist dedicated his life to charity and brotherly love. He spoke and wrote about caring for the widow and orphan, brotherly love, and charity. The tradi-tions surrounding John the Evangelist are all ones of giv-ing to the less fortunate and forgiving and upholding others. Therefore, our lodges are dedicated to virtue and brotherly love/charity. Masonically these men represent two extremes of our nature. John the Baptist our desire for a correct moral and upright walk. (The common gavel, square, and plumb.) John the Evangelist our desire for brotherly love and to be of service to our fellows. (The twenty-four-inch gauge and the trowel.) Both men zealots for their passions.

In our lectures we talk about a point, within a circle, bounded by two parallel lines representing these two men. This lecture uses these two men because of their passions. As Masons we should touch upon morality, and we should touch upon charity. It is easy to become overzealous about either. The circle represents the due bounds in which we should attempt to live. Warning us to emulate the virtues of both, but to guard against the zeal-ous nature of each. The Holy Writings serving as a guide for employing both in due measure. The following discussion questions are written to be presented immediately following the presentation of the topic above. There is no right or wrong answers to these questions, they are designed to promote thought and engage all the members that are present in con-versation. • If Masonry were being founded today who might our “Patron Saints” be? • Why should we expect a non -Christian man to prac-tice Masonry in a lodge dedicated to Christian saints? • How would you explain the use of these men to a non-Christian coming into your lodge? • Our Masonic forefathers used the examples they knew. Which by virtue of their time and location would have come from the Judaic-Christian writings of Western culture. What if instead of John the Evangelist, our Ma-sonic forefathers had used Mahatma Gandhi or the Dalai Lama would we attempt to hide this lesson from our non - Hindu or Buddhist brothers? • The circle also represents the calendar year, and these two men represent summer and winter, June and De-cember. In what other symbols or ideas does Masonry use opposing or opposites to achieve balance within a man? • In building the temple of your life which men of virtue might you dedicate that temple to? Which virtues do they embody?

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Happy Holidays from Three Pillars’ Outreach Program

If you or someone you know needs help this holiday season, please have them call Lauri at 888.546.8885 or send her an email at [email protected].

remind us all that we are not here for the titles and ac-colades but we are here to better ourselves through Freemasonry. JT Lichtfuss Thrice Potent Master Princes of Jerusalem On Getting Something Out of Lodge

Well brother, how do you like it now after being a member six months? Well, I am getting discouraged, was the dejected answer. Tell me about it, Well I guess maybe I expect too much. My dad was a Mason and thought a lot of it. He talked a good deal about the friends one made in the Lodge and the spirit of brotherhood I’d find there, and how Masons all helped each other. And I haven’t found any of that. I come to meetings and listen to the degrees, and I find them beautiful. But its all talk so far as I’m concerned. I don’t know anyone in the lodge, and I am not really a part of it, I just play the au-dience.

This reminds me of a story. A chap came to a wise man and said, “Tell me

what’s the matter with me. I’m not popular. People don’t like me. They leave when I come around. I like people. I don’t like to be unpopular. What’s the matter with me?”

The wise man asked, “What do you do when your alone?”

“I don’t do anything when I’m alone,” was the an-swer, “because I’m never alone. I hate to be alone. It bores me. I bore myself. I must be with people to be happy.”

“The wise man smiled and answered, “How do you expect not to bore other people if you bore yourself? The man who has no resources to interest himself, can-not expect to interest others. Go read, think, reflect, get an idea, a personality, a smile, a story, an accomplish-ment, learn something, do something, amuse yourself, please yourself, interest yourself, and you can please, interest and amuse others!”

“I see.” said the Discouraged Brother. “You mean I find nothing of brotherhood in lodge because I bring no brotherhood to it?” You hit it the first shot! Eric Brooks Sovereign Prince

Children’s Dyslexia Center

Since serving as director at the Children’s Dyslexia Center of the Madison Area there have been many sto-ries of hardships, adversity met with determination and hope. Recently, I met a young person, whose beginning story is particularly remarkable.

This story starts with a teacher (Sarah) taking our training then meeting a young student in her class at school. She recognized the symptoms of dyslexia. This student (we will call her Bea) was able to begin online with Sarah at our Center. Bea’s father had struggled all his life and shared his story when he delivered her ap-plication. Bea waited for 2 years to receive services and was able to begin in September of 2020.

When spring of 2021 came we were anxious and concerned about the effectiveness of Zoom tutoring ver-sus in person. When spring came we were able to per-form standardized progress assessments to document our progress. Bea did beautifully and caught up to her classmates for reading and comprehension in one year online. She proved to shine brighter than ever before. Her father cried with gratitude. But the story doesn’t end there.

This fall, a family friend of Bea shared that she too had struggled for years with dyslexia. Bea shared where she got help. Her friend asked for help to apply and what makes this so remarkable is that she is almost 18 and in her senior year. She had navigated a school system, managed to get herself diagnosed, and now will receive help this year thanks to the Masons.

What makes this story so notable for me is that Bea’s friend did not give up hope and when she saw Bea’s success she was excited and encouraged. The gift of hope and literacy success is life-changing. It is funda-mental for the confidence and success of the kids who come through our doors.

Kelly Kuenzie Center Director

Lodge of Perfection

The 8th degree in the Scottish Rite journey is titled “Intendant of the Building.” The philosophy of the 8th de-gree reminds us that, “Each new honor is a step toward moral perfection and that each honor earned demands attention to a particular duty.”

Within this degree I believe it is important to exam-ine the idea of moral perfection. Googling the concept you can find many examples and suggestions on the definition of moral perfection as well as how to attain it. I will look at Benjamin Franklin’s, Plan for Attaining Moral Perfection.

Benjamin Franklin’s 13 virtues and precepts in-clude: 1. TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to el-

evation. 2. SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or

yourself; avoid trifling conversation. 3. ORDER. Let all your things have their places; let

each part of your business have its time. 4. RESOLUTION. Resolve to perform what you ought;

perform without fail what you resolve. 5. FRUGALITY. Make no expense but to do good to

others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing. 6. INDUSTRY. Lose no time; be always employed in

something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions. 7. SINCERITY. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently

and justly, and, if you speak, speak ac-cordingly. 8. JUSTICE. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting

the benefits that are your duty. 9. MODERATION. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting

injuries so much as you think they de-serve. 10.CLEANLINESS. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body,

clothes, or habitation. 11. TRANQUILLITY. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at ac-

cidents common or unavoidable. 12.CHASTITY. Rarely use venery but for health or off-

spring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

13.HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates. These virtues and precepts are similar to Masonic

virtues and precepts. One can not attain moral perfection if we don’t try. That being said, we as Masons have a re-sponsibility to constantly make ourselves, “better,” in the area of moral perfection. Simply getting a new title or ac-colade doesn’t mean anything unless you are willing to put the work in and lead by example. Attempt-ing to strive towards moral perfection is one way we can inspire new members, respect and value current members, and

Northern Masonic Jurisdiction

Valley of MadisonUpcoming Scottish Rite Events

The December 22 meeting will be virtual.

Look for a Zoom link for the meeting in your email in the future. The new email address for the Valley is: [email protected]

If you are interested in joining Scottish Rite, or require additional information, please contact the Valley of Madison Secretary

at 608-215-4921 or via email at [email protected]


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A hundred years from now . . . it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what

kind of house I lived in, nor how much money I had in my bank account, but the world may be better because I was im-

portant in the life of a child.

Wis. Masonic Foundation Random Acts of Kindness

Up to $2000 in matching funds are available for Medical grants, up to $500 for a Matching Schol-arship and up to $500 for other Acts of Kindness projects. If your Lodge chooses not to participate in the Matching Scholarship Pro-gram, up to $1000 will be avail-

The Wisconsin Masonic Foun-dation Random Acts of Kindness is a program offering up to $3000 in matching foundation funds for lodge support of a local charity 501(c)(3) organization or a local unit of government (school or other municipal or county entity).

able for non-medical Acts of Kind-ness programs. Participating lodges identify the organization of their choice (dol-lars can support a specific project or program or can be given on an unrestricted basis). Lodge match-ing funds along with the attached application and any other paper-work are submitted to the founda-tion, which will meet approximately every 60 days to review and approve requests. This program along with the other matching gift programs of the foundation gives lodges many ways to impact their communities each year. Because of limits on the total amount of matching funds avail-able, the foundation is currently only able to match up to $3000 in total per lodge, including schol-arships, for each fiscal year (May 1 - April 30). The foundation board and staff look forward to receiving your ap-plications. If there are questions or an application is needed please contact Erika Miller in the Grand Lodge office 262-965-2200 or Wisconsin Masonic Foundation Executive Director Bro. Gary Beier at [email protected] or (414) 520-7870.

Email your 2022 Lodge Officer photo to

[email protected].


News Events from the Lodges

Bro. Rich Rygh is 50 year MasonGrand Orator Richard Rygh received his 50 year certificate and pin from Grand Master Gary L. Stang during the Grand Master’s visit to Oregon Lodge on Oct. 28. Bro. Rygh was raised on Oct. 28, 1971. He served the Lodge as Master in 1979 and has served as Secretary for 38 years. Photo by Bro. Dakota Latimer

Bro. John Benedict honored for 50 years of serviceBro. John Benedict received his 50 year pin and certificate on Oct. 28. Grand Master Gary Stang and Bro. Scott Magnusson, Master of Oregon Lodge No. 151, visited Bro. Benedict at his home to make the pres-entation. He was raised in Oregon Lodge on May 25, 1971. He served the Lodge as Master in 1983 and served the Masons of Wisconsin as Grand Treasurer from 2008-2014. From left: Ann Benedict, John Bene-dict, Grand Master Gary L. Stang and Master Scott Magnusson. Photo by Rich Rygh

Dodgeville Lodge assists cancer coalitionDodgeville Lodge No. 119 held their Patsy Sale on Nov. 6, to benefit Iowa County Cancer Coalition. The Brothers and their Ladies raised and donated $1,086. From left: DDGM8 Daniel L. Brylla, Marlene Jones, Ross Jones, Brian Pishion, Mike Hoppenjan, Dalton Lucky, Connie Gard, Sue Brylla, Anna Olson, Orville Olson, Kurt Erickson, Briana Pishion, Paula Daenti, Scott Althaus, Angie Pishion and Brad Pishion. D8 Events

Hartford Lodge supports school robotics teamThe Brethren of Hartford Lodge No. 120 visited the HUHS Robotics Team on Oct. 7, to present donation checks in support their learning and competition. The first check was for $500 dollars from Hartford Lodge. The second check was also for $500 and was matching funds from the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation. From left: Jon Diem, Jim Hunt, Jim Diem, Patrick Bertelson, Carl Hoy, Master Paul Peacock, and two of the Robotics Team’s business and financial members who accepted the checks on behalf of the whole team. The Brethren were then treated to a tour of the truly impressive machine shop that the team members have available to them. Their facilities contain lathes, milling machines, drill presses, grinders, sheet metal benders, welding stations, and plasma cutters. Submitted by Bro. Allen Brandt

Attention Secretaries: Please enter your Certificate of Election into MORI as soon

as your officers are elected.

Bro. Crandall achieves 50 years Bro. Charlie Crandall was presented with his 50 Certificate and pin on Oct. 19 at a regular stated meeting of Evergreen Lodge No. 93, Stevens Point. He was raised on May 4, 1971. He served the Lodge as Master in 1977 and is currently serving as Junior Warden. From left: Senior Warden Charley White, Junior Warden Charlie Crandall and Master John White. Submitted by Bro. Michael J Bredlau

In 1920, Gate City Lodge No. 522 in Kansas City, Missouri, met every day of the week except Sunday to confer a record 1,107 de-grees, averaging 21 degrees a week.


Brotherly Love was Theme of District 2 Meeting

By Bro. Milt Helmer When District Deputy Dan Hagerty called his very first meeting of District 2 on October 27, all the Brothers were anxious to see what he had planned. Grand Master Gary L. Stang was present to give his sup-port and encouragement to DDGM Hagerty who did not disappoint. The plan was to highlight one of several major initiatives the Grand Master laid out last June when he first took office. On this night it was "Brotherly Love." Worthy Brother Dan started the evening, which was held in the event room of Champs Bar & Grill in downtown New Richmond, by setting an international tone. DDGM Dan made arrangements to have a Brother from England share his thoughts on how they defined the theme with examples he shared with the 60 plus members and their ladies in attendance. The audience was given ideas laid out by a Brother Master Mason from the British point of view. The evening was a mix of guest speakers and audience participation. One of the speakers was Bro. Kraig Krueger, Area Administrator and Secretary of Hancock Lodge No. 229 in Ellsworth. In his presenta-tion Bro. Kraig outlined his childhood growing up near Dousman, Wis-consin. When he was a young lad he would mow the lawn at the Wisconsin Masonic Center. But it was his grandfather who taught him what it meant to be a Mason. He would use helping young Kraig how to play cribbage as a learning time. That time together, says Bro. Kraig, taught me more about brotherly love than I would learn in lodge. His grandfather told him life is like a baseball game. In baseball, as in life, it is a thousand little things that matter. For Kraig, his family made it a point to visit nursing homes to see what real love was. Bro. Dean Monroe, an Area Administrator of District 2, gave a brief but touching account of how his father-in-law played a role instilling the brotherly love practiced in the fraternity. This role model made it possi-ble for him to be made a Master Mason in what we now know as the "Masonic Day of Light". In a one hour drives this mentor explained what each degree meant and became a lifelong friend in the process. When Hagerty opened up the meeting for audience participation, several Brothers rose to give their examples of brotherly love. One of the members from Mondovi said he found when they give members the chance to share their life in 15 to 20 minute sessions . . . He said "You learn a lot when you ask them to share their stories." A New Richmond Brother urged everyone to reach out to the new guys in lodge. One of the Masonic wives rose to tell of an example of a neighbor who just had a new baby. She said she prepared a meal and delivered it to her, knowing she would have her hands full with the new addition to the family. She went on to explain how that one meal made a lifelong best friend.

Area Administrator Kraig Kruger shared some stories about his early days in the craft and proved not all stories are serious.

Area Administrator Dean Monroe gave a touching ac-count of how he came to join the gentle craft of Freemasonry.

District Deputy Hagerty took time to outline what was covered during the action packed meeting.

District Deputy Dan Hagerty (right) and Grand Master Gary L. Stang share some thoughts at the New Richmond District meeting.

Photos by Bro. Milt Helmer

Attend and Support

Your Lodge!

Sun Prairie lodge assists widowBrothers of Sun Prairie Lodge No. 143 came to the aid of one of their widows with jobs needed to be accomplished around her house. Broth-ers Dan Strausser, Matthew Braun, and Rick Salzwedel helped fix the front porch steps, replace the glass to fix two windows, fix several kitchen cabinets, a lighting fixture, insulate the garage and attic, and fill her car tires with air, leaving our sister Donna Heim in tip-top shape for the winter months. Donna is a past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, and is having Brothers Dan Strausser and Matthew Braun hold this year's Worthy Grand Matron's mascot. From left: Dan Strausser, Matthew Braun, Donna Heim, and Rick Salzwedel. Submitted by Bro. Matthew Braun, Master

Reach the Masons of Wisconsin Would your Company or Business like to reach the Masons of Wisconsin and their families? Make it happen by advertising in the Wisconsin Masonic Journal. The Wisconsin Masonic Journal reaches the entire Masonic Fra-ternity in Wisconsin and its many members throughout the coun-try. For more information contact Diane Igl in the Advertising Office, 262-965-3979 or email [email protected].



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Richland helps fund elevatorRichland Lodge No. 66, Richland Center, made a donation of $2050 (this includes $1000 of Random Acts of Kindness funds) to assist in the restoration of the historic Richland Center City Auditorium. These funds were earmarked to help the Auditorium in their goal of completing an elevator addition so the building can be ADA compliant. The Richland Center City Auditorium is the first municipal auditorium built in the State of Wisconsin.From left: Richland Center Performing Arts Council Secretary/Treasurer Mick Cosgrove and Richland Lodge Senior War-den Jim Jewell. Submitted by AA Brent Clausius

Calumet Lodge delivers Traveling GavelCalumet Lodge No. 172 delivered the District No. 10 Traveling Gavel to Manitowoc Lodge No. 65, on Oct. 21. Front row from left: Senior Warden James Brocker, 172; Waster Eric Pangborn, 65; Master Randy Meyer, 172; and Junior Warden Jesse Byrge, 172. Back row: Senior Deacon Aaron Hayon, 65; Junior Deacon Chad Stelter, 65; Senior Warden Gary Gold, 65; and Tiler Tim Barthels, 65. Submitted by Bro. Scott Driskill

Oshkosh Table LodgeOshkosh Lodge No. 27 hosted a table lodge on Oct. 23. From left: Senior Warden Jordan Wilcox; Bro. Mark Arend; Senior Deacon Will Cochrane; Bro. Steve Labus; Master Mark Rutkowski; Bro. Nate Stiefvater; Bro. Derrick C. Hable; Bro. Paul Brown; DDGM10 Christopher R. Cochrane; Jonathan Chavez, Fond Du Lac Lodge No. 26; and Alex Rabe. Submitted by Bro. Derrick Hable, Secretary


Attention Secretaries:

Don’t forget to get the Sarbanes-Oxley

forms filled out and signed by your 2022 Officers.



Bro. Mattox is 65 year MasonSheboygan Lodge No. 11 hosted its annual Grand Master’s dinner on Oct. 19. Following dinner, Master Dave Engeldinger (left) presented Don Mattox (center) with his 65-year card and certificate. Grand Master Gary L. Stang congratulated Bro. Don on his achievement and thanked him for his many years of service to the fraternity. He was raised in Mellen Lodge No. 314 on March 22, 1955. Bro. Mattox was thrilled and appreciated the honor and recognition. Submitted by Bro. David Engeldinger

Baraboo Lodge to helps youthBaraboo Lodge No. 34 Brothers, along with matching funds, recently donated $1,000 to Kicking Bear Ministries. Bro. Rick Pederson (left) accepts the check, on behalf of the ministries, from Master Leonard Pickett. Kicking Bear Ministries, a registered 501(c)3 organization, is a nationwide youth outreach ministry that was founded in the year 1999 by world renowned bowhunter, Ray Howell, and is headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin. They use summer campouts, adventure days, youth hunts, and year-round mentorship to reach underprivileged and at-risk youth and to let them know that God has a purpose for them, and that purpose is good. Check out the Kicking Bear website at https://kickingbear.org/. D8 Events

Lake Lodge Brothers become U.S. Citizens Two Masons of Lake Lodge No. 189, Milwaukee, became official United States Citizens on Nov. 4. Bro. Joshua King, a MM, came to Lake almost two years ago as a plural member from Barbados where he was a MM and York Rite Mason. Bro. King joined the U.S. Army and is an Infantry Scout with the National Guard. He is also waiting for a job offer from the Wisconsin State Patrol.

Bro. Jafar Mansour is an EA with Lake Lodge and started his Masonic journey in December of 2020. He is a student at UW-Milwaukee and will soon be going to dental school. Bro. Mansour is proud to be follow-ing in his father’s footsteps as his father was a Freemason from outside the U.S. The members of Lake Lodge congratulate both Bro. King and Bro. Mansour on achieving their American Dream.

Bro. Joshua King

Bro. Jafar Mansour

Submitted by Junior Grand Steward Jeffrey S. Thiele

Sun Prairie Lodge helps feed the communityMembers of the Sun Prairie Lodge No. 143, donated $3,000 on Nov. 15, to support the Sunshine Supper to feed the Sun Prairie community. Bro. Matthew Braun, Master, stated, “The Sunshine Supper started in our Lodge building eleven years ago, and our continued support of the Sunshine Supper and the tremendous work that they do is just one small way our Lodge can help to further address the hunger in our community." From left: Robert Sharp, Gregg Velders, Emmy Caloud, Dave Mahoney, Sue Berberet, Matthew Braun and Rick Salzwedel. Submitted by Bro. Matthew Braun

Chetek Lodge assists therapy centerChetek Lodge No. 277 held their annual Ladies Night Celebration at the R Bar Restaurant on Oct. 28. This well-attended event recognizes the support that our Brother’s Ladies give to our Lodge. Along with that celebration a donation of $150 was presented to Nature’s Edge Therapy Center. From left: Burt Hamm, Tom Nicolaides, Chuck Harrison, Harold Fredrickson, Harlan Dodge, Robert Lund, Darryl Dahl, representative Courtney Losey, Dave Nelson and representative Sasha Glessing. Nature’s Edge provides speech, occupational and physical therapy with the help of animals and the healing beauty of nature. For more information about this organization go to www.naturesedgetherapycenter.org. Submitted by Bro. Jim Toman

Sheboygan Lodge presents Frank Land pictureSheboygan Lodge No. 11, recently gifted a signed picture of DeMolay founder Frank S. Land to Lincoln-Ozaukee Chapter of DeMolay. From left: Bro. Larry Hinze; AA Sean Hurley, Secretary; Evan DiFrances, Master Councilor; Trent Nelson, Junior Councilor; Joe DiFrances, Junior Deacon; Mom Lisa Schulze, Chap-ter Advisor; Giorgio Fuentes, Senior Councilor, State Chaplain; Mom Michelle Fuentes, Adult Advisor; Dad Matt DiFrances, Chapter Chairman; and Bro. Shannon Moody. Submitted by Bro. Sean Hurley

We all agree . . .

The World Needs

More Masons!

Let us each do our part. Talk to the man you think would make a good Mason.


Advertise your Lodge’s up-coming fund raising events in the Wisconsin Masonic Journal. Contact Diane Igl at [email protected]. or 262-

965-3979. Email information on your up-coming lodge functions to be in-cluded in the Masonic Calendar to [email protected].

Promote Your Lodge Events


Bro. Kitto honored on 95th birthdayBrethren from Evergreen Lodge No. 93, Stevens Point, from left: Sen-ior Warden Charley White, Chaplain John Dassow and Master John White, recently stopped by to visit Bro. Bob Kitto to help him celebrate his 95th birthday. Bro. Kitto is a 67 year Mason raised in Kaukauna Lodge No. 233 on April 19, 1954. Bro. Kitto passed away on Oct. 29. He was currently serving Evergreen Lodge as Counselor. Submitted by Bro. Mike Bredlau, Secretary/Treasurer

Sun Prairie Lodge Assists with Park Clean-up

Park clean-up crew from left: Dana Braun, Rick Salzwedel, Karen Strausser, Nathan Ungaro, Rebecca Ketelsen, Cooper Bendt, Danielle Bendt, Eli Bendt, Matthew Braun, Violet Ungaro, Willow Ungaro, Will Bendt. Photos by Christopher Mertes

Brothers of Sun Prairie Lodge No. 143, their families and friends, recently helped to clean up the Sun Prairie Dream Park at Fireman's Park, also known as Angell Park. This park is not only state of the art and wheelchair friendly, but is completely funded, maintained, and run by an all-volunteer effort with no support from local government. Upon hearing that there was a need for maintenance and fall clean-up, Sun Prairie Lodge gathered their families, friends, and tools, providing a significant effort in tack-ling all jobs needed to be accomplished. As Re-becca Ketelsen, President of Fireman's Park had said: "We simply would not have been able to accomplish everything without your (Sun Prairie 143s) help."

It was a family effort.

Submitted by Bro. Matthew Braun, Master


A Letter from a New Master Mason

Editors Note: The following is a letter received by West Bend Lodge No. 138 for their Trestleboard from Bro. Robert Pulford after receiving his Master Mason Degree. I became a Master Mason on the 23rd of September 2021. I began the journey to that day in 2019 and I can remember vividly walking into the West Bend Lodge on a Thursday night and getting my petition to join endorsed by Bro. Pat Storrs. I did not yet know it, but he and I were going to spend a good deal of time practicing for my degree posting and practicing for de-grees. He was always there to assist me when my mem-ory failed, but never unkind in his corrections. He trusted that I was a good man when he signed my pe-tition and I in turn have found that he is a great man, but he is one of many great men I have had the privi-lege of meeting during my time in Masonry. It's part of what drew me to the craft, meeting great men and making good men better. I’m told that most people hear the call to be a Mason later in life, but I felt it very strongly at just 19 years of age. I believed I was not a bad man, but I felt lost after high school, like my life did not have direction or meaning. The only real thread I had was a philosophy class about the existence of God that changed me from an atheist to a believer. I saw there that someone may be rational, skeptical and a faith-ful believer in God with no contradiction. For the first time, faith was my choice and not something forced on me and I saw it right to accept. I then hoped to find a community of faith and the Masons seemed a good fit. I was not mistaken. I felt something click in my mind during my EA degree. I felt the light. I had community and people who I knew I could rely on. I remem-ber that a Brother had heard I was hungry before my degree and he had run out to get me a burger. I was touched, it was a small thing, but some-one remembered what I had said and helped me without my request. I continued to attend Thursday meetings. I will admit that my atten-dance was a bit spotty at times, sometimes because of natural events happening in the world, other times out of forgetfulness, other times out of sloth. A few times I committed myself to attend a lodge brat fry . . . but forgot to be there. My brothers were patient with me though and I am thankful for that. Then, after a very long wait, I was able to become a Master Mason and I felt at peace. While the lodge was preparing for the degree, I spoke with the Tiler, Bro. Kevin. He told me of his many adventures around the world and that I should enjoy that MM degree and that all my ques-tions would be answered. Bro. Kevin was right in more ways than one. Page 3 of 5 My questions about Masonry were answered, but I found an answer to a question I was struggling with. For all my life I wanted many things and I wanted them now, but all those wants only lead to more wants or disaster. The MM degree made me realize that and I realized that I should appreciate the things that I have and hone my crafts further, rather than want for something I do not have and that will not make me happy. I knew God's peace then. I want to end by thanking all the Brothers who participated in my de-gree and to those visiting Brothers in particular that made the long trip to West Bend Lodge. I’m grateful for the piece each of you provided to an excellent degree. Peace and Brotherly Love Brother Robert Pulford Submitted by Bro. Dale Newman, Secretary

Bro. Pulford

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Tripoli Shrine’s FEZtival of Trees

Young and old stare in amazement when they see the huge tree as they enter.

Anthony Rivera has a discussion with Mr. and Mrs. Claus before having his picture taken.

Owen and Claire Zaremba taking in the beauty of the 60 plus trees.

Graham Lepley admires the toys under one of the trees.

Photos by Rich Rygh Ethan Schwartz and his mother Roberta write their names on their tickets.

An abun-dance of christmas bears for children young and old.


Prairie du Chien Lodge Deer Camp Night

By Rich Rygh Brethren dressed in their favorite camouflage or blaze orange hunting clothes brought along their favorite deer camp snacks and food and enjoyed a great meal at the annual Deer Camp Night hosted by Prairie du Chien Lodge No 8, on Nov. 17. Brothers enjoyed great fellowship and deer hunting stories, some of which may even have been true. Following the meal Chuck Casper gave a very interesting presentation on black powder rifles. One he custom built himself, a 45 caliber, with modern features such as rifled barrel, fiber optic sight and fiber glass ramrod. He provided many interesting facts on muzzle loaders. Chuck Casper’s son Riley included a little discussion with the Brothers on dinosaurs following dad’s presentation.

Chuck Casper explains how a hair trigger works.

Master Marc Steiber welcomes everyone and introduces Chuck Casper.

The evening began with deer camp food, good fellowship and a few hunting stories.

Bro. Lowell Ahrens wears his fa-vorite gun cleaning cap.

Bro. Monte Steiber serves Bro. Kerston Rocksvold a bowl of chili.

Reily Casper give the Brethren a little lesson on dinosaurs.

Photos by Rich Rygh

Chuck Casper answers a question from Tyler Steiber (right). In back from left: Monte Steiber, Chris Kruehl, Rob Rands and Kerston Rocksvold.


Perseverance 1836 Lodge Officers Installed for 2022 By Rich Rygh The Brothers of Perseverance 1836 Lodge No. 366 met at the Masonic Center in Middleton on Nov. 13 to elect and install officers for 2022. Mas-ter James “Bone” Goldsmith opened the lodge and conducted a business meeting along with the election of officers. This is the 20th Anniversary of Perseverance Lodge. Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PGM, in-stalled the officers assisted by Senior Grand War-den David R. Ritchie serving as Installing Marshal and Junior Grand Deacon Joseph E. Thompson as Installing Chaplain. Grand Secretary DeWolf gave a little history on the founding of Perseverance Lodge. He said he is so happy to see this lodge continue over the years. He congratulated the Brothers on everything they have done and the accomplishments they have made. The lodge was closed in due form and every-one retired to the dining room for a venison dinner prepared by Linda Magnusson, Tammy Goldsmith and Barb Struebing.

Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PGM, turns the gavel over to Master James “Bone” Goldsmith following the installation.

Master James “Bone” Goldsmith takes his oath as Master.

Tiler Jay Oestriech receives the sword from In-stalling Marshal Senior Grand Warden David R. Ritchie.

Installing Master, Grand Secretary DeWolf introduces the officers for installation. From left: James “Bone” Goldsmith, Master; Matt Za-strow, Senior Warden; Barry Maxfield, Secretary/Treasurer; Richard Preston, Chaplain; James Oestrich, Senior Deacon; Scott Magnusson, Junior Deacon; and Jay Oestreich, Tiler and Trustee.

Photos by Rich Rygh


Feast and Fellowship at Reedsburg Shed LodgeBy Rich Rygh Reedsburg Lodge’s annual Shed Lodge brought Brethren from lodges throughout the state, dressed in blue jeans, for an evening of great food and good old fashioned Masonic fellowship. District 8 Deputy Grand Master Daniel C. Brylla again opened up his “shed” in rural Reedsburg for the event. The meal prepared by Leonard Pickett assisted by Ryan Ramnarace was spectacular with more than enough food for everyone followed by deli-cious desserts. Chaplain Willard Gant Jr. sang the prayers. This event is growing every year. Once a Brother attends you will surely see him there the next year. DDGM8 Daniel C. Brylla opened the lodge and everyone introduced themselves and their home lodge. Raffle drawings were held and prizes awarded. It was announced Reedsburg’s Thanksgiving Dinner this year will be drive-up and delivery only. DDGM Brylla turned the gavel over to Grand Master Gary L. Stang. The Grand Master said “This is what Masonry is about, this is what I call Brotherly Love.” He recalled some of his travels with Grand Marshal H. Scott Paulson and the visits they have made to shut-ins. The Grand Master stated it is not enough to just have our stated meetings. We must get out and visit out Brothers. He stated it is necessary to live our obligation and take care of our widows. We need to spread that cement of Brotherly Love. We need to get the Brothers back to Lodge and have some fun.

At right: Broth-ers Eben Chris-tensen and Jason Benson enjoy their cigars.

Ryan Ramnarace and Leonard Pickett prepare the food.

AA Brent Clausius presents a winning ticket to DDGM8 Daniel C, Brylla. Bro. Andrew Davis is on lower right.

Brothers Tim Seamans and Deron McBride dish up their food.

Grand Master Gary L. Stang promotes spreading the Cement of Brotherly Love.

Preparing the drawing from left: Joey Williamson, Joe Williamson, Mark Foege and DDGM Brylla.

Photos by Rich Rygh

The Shed Lodge is opened in the MM Degree.


Stated Communications for the Mason Traveling in Wisconsin

Albany Albany Lodge No. 36

205 N. Water St. • 608-778-0802 Meet 3rd Wed., 7:00 p.m.

Dark July & August

Appleton Waverly Lodge No. 51

315 S. Bluemound Dr. • 920-931-2701 Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Appleton Appleton Lodge No. 349

241 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah • 920-573-3502, Meet 2nd & 4th Wed.,

7 p.m. Dark July & August

Argyle

Argyle Lodge No. 178 104 E. Milwaukee St. • 608-523-4714

Meet 2nd Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Meets All Year

Baldwin

Collins-Spring Valley Lodge 192 790 Main St. • 715-928-0001 (Sec) Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Baraboo Baraboo Lodge No. 34

108 Second Ave. • 608-381-0083 Meet 1st & 3rd Wed,, 6 p.m. social, 7 p.m. meeting. Dark July and August

Barneveld

Barneveld Lodge No. 319 108 S. Jones St. • 608-445-0445 (Sec)

Meet 2nd Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Meets All Year

Bayfield

Bayfield Washburn No. 215 29 N. 2nd Street • 715-209-6397

Meet 1st Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Meets All Year

Beaver Dam

Dodge County Lodge No. 72 1212 DeClark St • 920-885-2628 Meet 1st Thurs. 7 p.m. & 3rd Mon.

6 p.m. Meets All Year

Beloit Morning Star Lodge No. 10

229 W. Grand Ave. • 608-530-8265 Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

Berlin Berlin Lodge No. 38

124 E. Huron St.. • 920-573-1921 Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

Black River Falls Black River Lodge No. 74

314 Main Street • 715-284-7176 Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

Bloomer Bloomer Lodge No. 281

1516 Larson St. • 715-828-7940 Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Dark January & February

Bristol Washburn Lodge No. 145

8102 - 199th Ave.• 262-865-4552 Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

2nd Thurs. only Jan. & Feb.

Brodhead Bicknell Lodge No. 94

301 1st Center Ave. • 608-897-8069 Meets 2nd Monday, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

Brookfield Brookfield Lodge No. 370

4550 N. Pilgrim Rd. • 414-940-5632 Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

Brookfield McKinley Lodge No. 307

4550 N. Pilgrim Rd. • 414-350-6352 Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

Brookfield Wauwatosa Lodge No. 267

4550 N. Pilgrim Rd • 262-662-9934 Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

Brookfield Wisconsin Lodge No. 13

4550 N. Pilgrim Rd.. • 262-939-2985 Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.

Dark June & July

Burlington Burlington Lodge No. 28

325 N. Kane St. • 262-210-9510 Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

Cambridge Social Lodge No. 245

105 S. Spring St. • 608-423-7081 Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

www.social245.org • Meets All Year

Camp Douglas Camp Douglas Lodge No. 272

211 Main St. • 608-343-0592, Meet 1st Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

Cecil Mason-Woods Lodge No. 368

N6446 Emery Ansorge Rd. 608-642-3692 (Sec) • 3rd Tues., 10 a.m.


Chetek Chetek Lodge No. 277

216 Morrison St. Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Dark June, July & August

Chippewa Falls Chippewa Falls Lodge No. 176 650 Bridgewater Ave. • 715-579-8949

1st Tues. stated, 3rd Tues., social, 7 p.m., Meets All Year

Clear Lake

Clear Lake Lodge No. 230 411 Third Ave. • 715-268-4310

4th Monday, 7:30 p.m., Meets All Year

Columbus

Columbus Lodge No. 75 318 N. Ludington St. • 920-248-9685

(Sec) • 2nd Mon., 7 p.m., stated Meets All Year

Crandon

Crandon Lodge No. 287 118 S. Lake Ave. • 715-616-9166 (Sec)

Meet 2nd Tuesdays Meets All Year

Crivitz

Masonic Light Lodge No. 218 918 Louisa St. • 715-927-8998

Meet 1st Wednesday 6 p.m. Meets All Year

Darlington

Evening Star Lodge No. 64 433 Wells St. • 608-482-3552 (Sec) Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

Delavan Southern Lakes Lodge No. 12

1007 S. 2nd St., 7 p.m. • 262-210-1499 Meet 2nd & 4th Mon., 2nd Mon. July and

Aug., 4th Monday Dec.

Dodgeville Dodgeville Lodge No. 119

200 W. Chapel St. • 608-935-2751 Meet 3rd Thurs., 6 p.m. meal, 7 p.m.

Meeting, Meets All Year

Dousman Dousman Lodge No. 315

214 N. Main St. • 414-429-5981 Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m. 1st Tuesday only July & August

Dousman

Glenn L. Humphrey Lodge No. 364 375 State Rd. 67 • 262-965-7360

Meet 2nd Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. Meets All Year

Durand

Durand-Pepin No. 149 203 W. Main St. • 414-429-5981 Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7p.m.

Dark July & August

Eagle River Eagle River Lodge No. 248

610 E. Division • 715-477-1202 Meet 2nd Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Eau Claire Eau Claire Lodge No. 112

616 Graham Ave. • 715-379-2310 2nd & 4th Tues. 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Eau Claire George B. Wheeler Lodge No. 351 616 Graham Ave. • 715-495-1620

Meet 2nd & 4th Wed., Dinner 6 p.m., meet 7 p.m., Dark July & Aug.

Eau Claire

Sanctuary Lodge No. 347 616 Graham Ave. • 715-318-1214 Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. Dark Maundy Thurs., July & August

Edgerton

Fulton Lodge No. 69 312 W. Fulton St.• 608-438-8314 Meets 1st Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

Ellsworth Hancock Lodge No. 229

400 High Point Dr. • 715-273-4263 2nd & 4th Tues., 2nd Tues. Dec., 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Evansville Union Lodge No. 32

705 Brown School Rd • 608-921-9907 Meet 2nd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Florence Hiram D. Fisher Lodge No. 222 Wild Rivers Interpretive Center LL

906-396-7915 Meet 2nd Wed., 6:30 p.m. Meets All Year

Fond du Lac

Fond du Lac Lodge No. 26 500 W. Arndt St. • 920-216-7586 Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July and August

Franklin South Shore Lodge No. 3

9023 S. 27th St. • 414-761-6474 Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:30 pm

Dark July & August

Frederic Landmark Lodge No. 244

109 United Way • 715-553-0258 Meet 2nd & 4th Tues., Dinner 6 p.m.,

meeting 7 p.m. Meets All Year

Friendship Quincy Adams Lodge No. 71 210 Main St. • 847-558-9502

Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Dark January & February

Galesville

Decora Lodge No. 177 231 S. Main St. • 608-539-5230

Meets 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00 p.m. Dark July , Aug. & 1st Mon. in Sept.

Green Bay

Des Peres Lodge No. 85 1950 Bond St. • 920-455-0212

Meet 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. Dark July & August

Green Bay

N.E.W. Daylite Lodge No. 360 1950 Bond St. • (920) 562-8086

Meet 2nd Thursday, 10 a.m. Dark July & August

Green Bay

Theodore Roosevelt Lodge 322 1950 Bond St. • 920-264-6177

Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Dark July & Aug., www.roosevelt322.com

Green Bay

Washington Lodge No. 21 1950 Bond St .• 920-499-7265

Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m. Dark July & August

Hartford

Hartford Lodge No. 120 147 N. Rural St. • 262-408-8564 Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Hayward Keystone Lodge No. 263

10629 Main St. • 715-462-4363 (Sec) Meet 2nd Thursday, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Hustisford Rock River Lodge No. 108 128 E. Anthony St., Hustisford

920-349-3454 • 1st & 3rd Tues. 7p.m. Dark July & August

Hudson

St. Croix Lodge No. 56 209 Locust Street • 715-377-0817 Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

Iron River Ancient Landmark No. 210

7575 West Mill St. • 715-372-4684 1st Wed., 7 p.m., Meets All Year

[email protected]

Iron River Barnes Lodge No. 365

7575 West Mill St. • 715-372-5425 Meet 2nd Tues. 7:00 p.m. Dark January & February

Janesville

Janesville-Western Star No. 55 2322 E. Milwaukee St. • 608-752-3098

Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m. Meets All Year

Jefferson Jefferson County Lodge No. 9

617 Masonic Blvd. • 920-674-6715 Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Kenosha Kenosha Lodge No. 47

115 56th St. • 262-287-9878 Meet 2nd (dinner 5:30 p.m.) & 4th

Tues., 7 p.m. Meets All Year

Kenosha Unity Lodge No. 367

4320 Washington Rd. • 262-657-5575 Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.

July & Aug. 1st Thursday

La Crosse La Crosse Masonic Lodge No. 190

118 8th Street So. • 608-782-1616 Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

La Crosse Frontier-Badger Lodge No. 45

118 S. 8th St. • 608-782-1616 Meet 2nd & 4th Thurs., Dinner, 6 pm, Meeting 7 p.m. Dark July & August

Ladysmith

Mystic Tie Lodge No. 280 705 E. 3rd St. N. • 715-532-7696 (Sec) Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Lake Geneva Geneva Lodge No. 44

335 S. Lake Shore Dr. • [email protected] 2nd & 4th Tues., dinner 6 p.m., meet 7 p.m., outside gatherings July & Aug.

Linden

Linden Lodge No. 206 618 Main St. • 608-623-2143 (Sec) Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 8 p.m.

Meets All Year

Lodi Lodi Valley Lodge No 99

114 First St. • 608-477-7102 Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00 p.m.

Dark July & August

Lone Rock Franklin Lodge No. 16

227 S. Oak St. • 608-583-4303 (Sec) Meet 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 8 p.m.

Meets All Year

Madison Commonwealth Lodge No. 325 301 Wis. Ave. • 608-212-9053 (Sec.)

3rd Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. Meets All Year

Madison

Doric Lodge No. 356 85 S. Stoughton Rd. • 608-241-4751 (Sec), Meet 1st & 3rd Tues., 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Madison Hiram Lodge No. 50

301 Wisconsin Ave. • 608-209-4312 Meet 3rd Mondays, 7:30 p.m

Meets All Year

Madison Madison Lodge No. 5

301 Wisconsin Ave. • 608-322-7028 Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark 1st Thursday July & August

Manawa Manawa Lodge No. 82

520 N. Bridge St. • 920-596-2476 Meet 2nd & 4th Mon., 7 p.m. Meets

Dark July and August

Manitowoc Manitowoc Lodge No. 65

810 Chicago St. • 920-905-0344 (Sec) Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.

Meets All Year

Marinette Marinette Lodge No. 182

1610 Main St. • 715-923-9397 Meet 1st Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

Marshfield Marshfield Lodge No. 224

402 W. 4th St. • 715-387-4957 Meet 2nd & 4th Thurs., 6 p.m. social

7 p.m. meeting. Meets All Year

Medford Medford Lodge No. 217

150 S. Seventh St. • 715-748-6909 Meet 2nd Mondays 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

Menomonee Falls Lincoln Lodge No. 183

N86 W16856 Appleton Ave.• 414-640-6569. Meet 2nd Tues., 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Menomonie Menomonie Lodge No. 164

105 N. 21st St. • 715-797-9094 Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Mercer Hurley Lodge No. 237

5189 N. Harper • 715-776-0710 Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 6:30 p.m.

Dark December thru March

Merrill Virginia Falls Lodge No. 226

820 ½ East 1st St.• 715-536-0020 (Sec.) Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Merrillan Merrillan Lodge No. 279

105 S. Main Street • 715-333-5643 (Sec) Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7 p.m. Dark January, February & March

Middleton

Four Lakes Daylite Lodge No. 362 7409 Franklin Ave. • 608-831-8947

Meets 1st Mon. - 2nd Mon. if 1st is holiday weekend., 10 a.m. Meets All Year

Middleton

Middleton-Ionic Lodge No. 180 7409 Franklin Ave. • www.middle

tonionic.org 1st & 3rd Tues., 7:30 p.m. 608-831-5416, Dark July & August

Milton

Milton Lodge No. 161 508 Vernal Avenue • 608-436-0098

Meets 4th Tuesday, 7 p.m. Meets All Year

Milwaukee

Damascus Lodge No. 290 1235 E. Howard Ave. DL290.org

Meet 2nd & 4th Tues. Social, RSVP 6 p.m. dinner - 7 p.m. meet. Dark July & Aug.

Milwaukee

Day-lite Lodge No. 358 3000 W. Wisconsin Ave., • 414-421-0314

Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays,10 a.m. Meets All Year

Milwaukee

Freemasons Lodge No. 363 3000 W. Wisconsin Ave., • 414-399-3115 1st Wed., 5:30 p.m. Degrees 4th Wed.,

5:30 p.m. Meets All Year

Milwaukee Lake Lodge No. 189

1235 E. Howard Ave. • 414-744-4609 Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Dark on Holidays

Milwaukee Lafayette No. 265

300 W. Wisconsin Ave. • 414-254-5543 Meet 2nd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Yeart

Milwaukee Nathan Hale Lodge No. 350

3000 W. Wis. Ave. • 262-955-3621 Meet 1st & 3rd Thurs., RSVP dinner 6

p.m., meet at 7 p.m. Meets All Year

Mineral Point Mineral Point Lodge No. 1 304 High St.• 608-220-3408

3rd Mon., Jan.-March, July-Sept. & Dec., 1st & 3rd Mon., Apr.,-June, Oct.,-Dec.

Minocqua

Island City Lodge No. 330 7529 Hwy 51 South • 715-892-2392

Meet 1st Wed., 10 a.m., 3rd Wed., 7 p.m. Meets All Year

Mondovi

Buffalo River Lodge No. 252 245 S. Franklin • 715-797-3261 (Sec)

Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m. Dark July & August

Monroe

Smith Lodge No. 31 1613½ Tenth St. • 608-329-4641

Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Dark June & July & August

Mukwonago

Laflin-St. James Lodge No. 247 206 S. Main St. • 262-470-8616

Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Dark July & August

Neenah/Menasha Twin Cities Lodge No. 61

241 E. Wisconsin Ave. • 920-722-3611 Meets 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7 p.m.

Dark June - Aug. Open after Labor Day

New Diggings Olive Branch Lodge No. 6

26750 Cty. Rd. W • 608-965-3122 Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

New Glarus New Glarus Lodge No. 310

207 6th Avenue • 608-527-2583 (Sec) Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.


New Holstein Calumet Lodge No. 172

2019 Washington St.• 920-257-3885 Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

New Richmond New Richmond Lodge No. 195 119 E. 2nd St. • 715-246-2144 Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.


Oconomowoc Lake Country Freemasons Lodge No. 42 2911 N. Dousman Rd., Oconomowoc 262-367-2309 • Meet 1st & 3rd Wed., 7 p.m., Dark 1st Wed., July & Aug.

Oconto

Pine Lodge No. 188 513 Superior Ave. • 920-604-2826

Meet 2nd Monday, 7 p.m. Dark December & January

Oconto Falls

Oconto Falls Lodge No. 293 170 N. Washington St. • 920-373-5747 Meet 1st Mon., Sept. 2nd Mon., 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Omro Omro Lodge No. 168

160 E. Main Street • 920-379-2023 Meet 2nd Monday, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Onalaska Onalaska Lodge No. 214

330 Main Street • 608-783-2652 (Sec) Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. 2nd Thurs. only, July, Aug. Nov. & Dec.

Oregon

Oregon Lodge No. 151 201 Park St. • 608-444-0074 (Sec) Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.

2nd Thurs., June-August and Nov. & Dec.

Oshkosh Oshkosh Lodge No. 27

204 Washington Ave. • 920-216-7127 Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Owen Owen Lodge No. 317

713 W. Third St. • 715-271-7471 Meets 1st Mon., 7:30 p.m. & 3rd Mon. at 11 a.m., July & Aug. 3rd Mon. at 11 a.m.

Phillips

Phillips Lodge No. 225 137 N. Lake Ave.•715-762-4043, 7:30 p.m. 1st Mon., Dec- Feb..; 1st & 3rd Mon. Mar.-May, Oct. & Nov.; 3rd Mon., June-Sept.

Platteville

Melody Lodge No. 2 783 Enterprise Drive • 608-732-0987

Meet 1st Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Meets All Year

Plymouth

Cassia Lodge No. 167 441 Smith St. • 920-892-6336

Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00 p.m. Dark July & August

Portage

Fort Winnebago Lodge No. 33 111 W. Conant Street • 608-334-6681

Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. Dark January & February

Port Washington Ozaukee Lodge No. 17

504 W. Grand Ave. • 262-292-9999 Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Potosi Warren Lodge No. 4

112 S. Main St. • 608-763-2221 (Sec) Meets 1st Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

Prairie du Chien Prairie du Chien Lodge No. 8

105½ E. Blackhawk Avenue 608-326-4640 (Sec) • Meet 1st & 3rd

Wed., 7:30 p.m. • Meets All Year

Prescott Northwestern Lodge No. 105

132 N. Court St. • 651-210-4408 (Sec) Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

Lodge Listings are continued on page 23


Stated Communication (continued from page 22)

Racine Racine-Belle City Lodge No. 18

1012 Main St. • 262-633-6658 Meets 1st Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Reedsburg Reedsburg Lodge No. 79

213 E. Main St. • 608-415-2596 Meet 1st & 3rd Thurs., 7:30 p.m.

www.reedsburglodge79.org

Rhinelander Rhinelander Lodge No. 242

23 E. Davenport St. • 715-362-3080 Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Rice Lake Blue Hills Lodge No. 234

225 W. South St. • 715-495-2374 Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:00 p.m.

Meets All Year

Richland Center Richland Lodge No. 66

290 W. Union St. • 608-553-1418 (Sec) Meet 1st Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Ripon Prairie View Lodge No. 95

W14188 County Rd. KK. • 920-229-6204 Meet 2nd Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.

Meets All Year.

River Falls River Falls Lodge No. 109

122 E. Walnut St. • 715-222-3939 (Sec.) Meet 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. 3rd Tuesday only Jan., July & August

Sheboygan

Sheboygan Lodge No. 11 1138 Union Ave.

Meet 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. Meets All Year

Shell Lake

Shell Lake /Spooner Lodge No. 221 28 Doboy Drive • 715-296-3638

Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. Meets All Year

Shullsburg

Amicitia Lodge No. 25 127½ Water St. • 608-963-5951 Meet 2nd & 4th Thursday, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Sparta Valley Lodge No. 60

603 N. Court St. • 608-269-2616 Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

Star Prairie North Star Lodge No. 187

207 Bridge St. • 715-220-7214 Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.


Stevens Point Evergreen Lodge No. 93

1756 Dixon St. • 715-572-3981, Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.

Meets All Year

Stoughton Kegonsa Lodge No. 73

125 S. 5th St. • 608-279-4299 Meet 1st Tues., 7 p.m.

Dark December-February

Sturgeon Bay Henry S. Baird Lodge No. 174 31 S. 3rd Ave. • 920-493-3727

Meet 2nd & 4th Thurs., 6:30 p.m. Dark July & August

Sun Prairie

Sun Prairie Lodge No. 143 Call Sec. for Meeting Location • 608-770-

2018 Meet 1st & 3rd Mon., 7 p.m. Dark July & August

Superior

Acacia-Itasca Lodge No. 329 3117 N. 21 St .• 218-590-2754 (Sec.)

Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m. Meets All Year

Superior

Superior Lodge No. 236 1503 Belknap St .• 218-590-0537

Meet 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Meets All Year

Tomah

Tomah Lodge No. 132 520 E. Saratoga Street • 608-372-5507

Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m. Dark July & August

Union Grove

Union Grove Lodge No. 288 1021 – 11th Ave. • 262-878-1494

Meet 3rd Saturday, 8:30 a.m. Meets All Year

Waterloo Waterloo Lodge No. 63

300 Hendricks St.. • 920-478-2800 Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

Waukesha Waukesha Lodge No. 37

317 South Street • 414-745-8315 Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

Waupaca Waupaca Lodge No. 123

105½ N. Main Street • 715-258-6198 Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.


Waupun Waupun Lodge No. 48

16 S. Madison St. • 920-324-3141 Meets 1st Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

Wausau Forest Lodge No. 130

3815 Fleet Dr., Wausau • 715-298-6002 Meet 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7 p.m.


Wautoma Wautoma Lodge No. 148

203 S. Scott St. • 920-765-2495 (Sec.) Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m.

Dark Jan. and Feb.

Wauwatosa Henry L. Palmer Lodge No. 301 4315 N. 92nd St. • 262-424-6993

4th Fri., 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. meeting Meets All Year

Wauwatosa

James M. Hays Lodge No. 331 4315 N. 92nd St. • 414-349-7650

1st Monday, 6:30 p.m. Dark July & August

Wauwatosa

Independence Lodge No. 80 4315 N. 92nd St. • 414-745-3437

4th Thurs., 7 p.m. Meets All Year

West Bend

West Bend Lodge No. 138 301 N. University Dr. • 262-323-6532

Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m. Meets All Year

West Salem

Salem Lodge No. 125 101 W. Hamilton St. • 608-786-0930 (Sec)

Meets 4th Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. Dark July & August

Whitefish Bay

Aurora Lodge No. 30 517 E. Beaumont Ave. • 414-422-0669

Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Dark July & August

Whitefish Bay

Geo. Washington 1776 Lodge No. 337 517 E. Beaumont Ave. • 414-979-1776

Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Dark July & August

Whitewater

St. John’s Whitewater-Palmyra No. 57 226 W. Main Street • 262-441-0203 Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

Wilmot Wilmot Lodge No. 241

30702 113th St. • 847-774-0013 Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark 4th Tuesday July & August

Winneconne Winneconne Lodge No. 186

100 N. 1st Street • 608-219-6935 (Sec) Meet 2nd & 4th Tues., 7 p.m.

Dark Dec., Jan. and Feb.

Wisconsin Dells Dells Lodge No. 124

815 Oak St. • 608-479-1230 Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.


Wisconsin Rapids Wisconsin Rapids Lodge No. 128 2321 2nd Ave. So. • 715-630-9143

Meet 1st & 3rd Wed., 6 p.m. meal, 7 p.m. meeting, Dark July & August

Silas H. Shepherd

Lodge of Research No. 1843 Oconomowoc • 262-893-1106

2nd Saturday • March, June, Sept., Dec. Call for meeting location

To list your lodge contact

Diane Igl, [email protected]

262-965-3979

Camp Douglas Lodge Supports their Community

Camp Douglas Lodge No. 272 recently pre-sented their annual donations to the community. The Lodge had a very successful Hunter’s Night Out this year.They gave $400 to each of 6 area elemen-tary schools. Earlier this year the Lodge provided scholarships to high school seniors in Tomah, Necedah, Mauston and New Lisbon. Over the past year the Camp Douglas Fire and Rescue has been working very hard to raise money to purchase needed equipment through a variety of different fundraisers. Camp Douglas Lodge pro-vided an opportunity for the fire department to par-ticipate in their Hunter’s Night Out Banquet as another fundraising opportunity. Camp Douglas Fire and Rescue’s goal was to raise funds in order to purchase a Rescue 42 tool which is utilized for stabilizing vehicles quickly and safely during a crash response. In a vehicle extrication, every second counts for the wellbeing of patients and safety for the responding firefighters and EMS personnel. On November 17, Camp Douglas Lodge Pre-sented a check to Camp Douglas Fire & Rescue for $3,000 along with a check for $2,000 from the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation. Submitted by Bro. Chuck Huffman

Bro. Chuck Huffman presents the checks to the Camp Douglas Fire and Rescue.

Necedah Elementary

Mauston Elementary

Camp Douglas Elementary

Oakdale Elementary

Wyeville Elementary

Here’s Your Chance to Get in on the Act! We’re talking about the ongoing ‘Acts of Kindness’ program supported by our Wisconsin Masonic Foundation. This program provides vital funding for community service agencies, first respon-ders, health and wellness providers, continuing education students and all kinds of worthwhile ef-forts that make our lives better.

Just how much impact have the ‘Acts of Kindness’ grants program had over the past couple of years? Last year this pro-gram supported 100 gifts for service or-ganizations throughout Wisconsin. This year 70 agencies have already benefited through this program. Just over $1,000 a day has been provided through these‘Acts of Kindness.’ The ‘Acts of Kindness’ program is so ef-fective because it is a matching-gifts part-nership between donors just like you and the 170 Masonic Lodges located through-out Wisconsin. The collective effects of this program help build better communi-ties and better lives. It captures the spirit of what our Fraternity is all about – mak-ing good people better.

You can become a part of the ‘Acts of Kindness’ effort by contributing to Grand Master Gary Stang’s appeal for the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation. Your generosity at whatever level you can provide will be recognized in the Pillars of the Foundation. It’s a win-win because your contribu-tion becomes a part of the matching – ‘Acts of Kindness’ program and effectively doubles itself to support all of the work mentioned above. No act of kindness, no matter how big or small, is ever wasted and there are plenty of happy Wisconsin Masonic Foundation ‘Acts of Kindness’ recipients who will testify to that. The Grand Master’s appeal hit your mailbox last month, so you have everything you need to be a part of this worthwhile campaign. Just fill out the handy response form and mail it back to the Foundation to get in on the ACT with your gift. Or, you can visit the Foundation’s website at https://wimasonic-charities.com/wisconsin-masonic-foundation/ and click the on line donations buttion at the bot-tom of the page. It will mean a lot to many deserving folks!


New Master Masons

Son obligates fatherBro. Justin Herman (right), Past Master of Wisconsin Rapids Lodge No.128 conferred the Master Mason Degree on his father Ronald Her-man on Nov. 3. Submitted by Bro. Craig Carpenter

Bro. Garrett Luebke raised in Oshkosh LodgeBro. Garrett Luebke was raised in Oshkosh Lodge No. 27 on Oct. 26. Front row from left: Chet Dahl, Jose Martinez, Jim Felda, Derrick C Hable, Garrett Luebke and Chris Mattmiller. Second row: Mark Arend, Steve Labus, Master Mark Rutkowski, Jordan Wilcox, Alex Rabe, DDGM10 Christopher R. Cochrane. Back row: Will cochrane, Paul Brown and Nate Stiefvater. Submitted by Bro. Derrick Hable, Secretary

Bro. Patrick Thomas is new Master MasonBro. Patrick Thomas was raised in Oshkosh Lodge No. 27 on Sept 28. First row from left: Mark Arend, Kris Piller, Derrick Hable, Patrick Thomas, Bobby Lloyd and Chris Mattmiller. Second row: Jim Felda, Mor-gan Ringeisen, William Cochrane, Master Mark Rutkowski, Junior Warden Alex Rabe, Jordan Wilcox, Steve Labus, DDGM10 Christopher R. Cochrane and Lee Burlison. Back row: Paul Brown and Nate Stiefvater. Submitted by Bro. Derrick Hable

Bro. Braun receives ritualist cardsDistrict 7 Lecturer Eric Pantano (left) presents Bro. Matthew Braun, Master of Sun Prairie Lodge No. 143 with his Ritualist Medallion and Ritualist Card for both the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft de-grees. When asked, Bro. Matthew said: "I never thought I would come anywhere close to being a ritualist, let alone for two degrees, but I wanted to show our newly raised brothers it can be done, especially if you have the amazing mentors that I've been blessed with to help coach me throughout this past year to get to this point.” Submitted by Bro. Matthew Braun


Support the Advertisers and in your Wisconsin Masonic Journal


Waucoma Lodge No. 90 Cooksville

Annual Oyster Stew and Chili Dinner

Thursday, May 19, 2022

5:30 pm-8 pm

$10.00 Donation

-MWGM is planning on attending-

Why MSA Volunteers Serve Military Veterans November is traditionally the month when Americans remember the sacrifices our military Veterans made for us over the decades. Since 1919, the primary thrust of the work of the Masonic Service As-sociation has been to give proper at-tention to the needs of those Veterans through its Hospital Visita-tion Program. Today, MSA is seeking new volun-teers to enter this program and keep it strong. What does a volunteer receive for such service? Following are words from a number of MSA's Hospital Visitation associates, telling of their experiences and feelings about this noble work. John M. Burchfield, Asheville, North Carolina: No matter the service being pro-vided, as a volunteer I find it to be a doubly rewarding adventure - espe-

cially at the Charles George Vet-eran’s Medical Center in Asheville. The first reward is for the Veterans being served. The second reward is for the self-satisfaction of knowing I can once again be of service to my country and community. Working as a hospital volunteer with the MSA, it is an advantage to be a Veteran myself. Just under-standing you are talking with some-one who has been through something similar is a common frame of reference. Why do I volunteer? It is quite simple. I must be able to give some-thing back. It is one thing to work and do a job, which is expected for a wage. It is something quite differ-ent to freely give of your time and volunteer while expecting nothing in return. Volunteering is the most reward-ing service I have ever done. Anthony T. Johnson, Omaha,

Nebraska: I spent 27 years in the United States Air Force and had the honor and privilege to serve with some of the finest men and women from the services, especially the time I spent deployed to the Middle East. I have a soft spot in my heart, and always will, for those who have sacrificed so much for their country. I try to make sure those Veterans do not feel forgotten. Secondly, as a Mason, we are in-structed that to relieve the distressed is the duty incumbent on all men, but particularly upon Masons. I started visiting Lodges to encourage them (especially Masons who are Veterans) to help and volunteer at our terrific VA Hospital. I spend the majority of my time as a hospital representative supporting projects and encouraging others. Why? Be-cause it is a great way to show those who have given so much that some-

one truly cares and, I promise you, it will leave you with a warm spot in your heart knowing you have helped someone who is in need or just needs some reassurance that they are appreciated. Jose Rivera, East Orange, New Jersey: I too am a Veteran and feel the need to give back to the community. My fellow Brothers and I visit and bring coffee and doughnuts to the Veterans to show appreciation to them for serving our country. When I, see how happy they are to get vis-itors, that, within itself, gives joy. Sam Atkins, Campbell Veterans Nursing Home, South Carolina: Being a volunteer is a rewarding experience. You never know the people you will encounter and the lifelong friends you will make. As an MSA field agent at Campbell's, I re-ceive a blessing each time I visit. I have been fortunate to help get sup-plies for our Veterans, t-shirts with the MSA logo for all Veterans, and helped raise money to buy each vet-eran a television. I could not have done any of this without the support of the Masons in the state of South Carolina. I consider it an honor to say the Pledge of Allegiance and have prayer with the veterans to start their day. I have become close friends with these Veterans, and I cherish their smiles and joy when-ever they tell me how much that they appreciate a visit. I am just thankful that this opportunity came my way and that I can make a dif-ference in these Veterans' lives. Chuck Riggins, Augusta, Geor-gia: Since I personally had some problems getting information from our VA a few years ago, I volun-teered to help others at our Augusta VA. I became active in giving direc-tions for the vets to get to the clinic,

and assisting the patients to repost to the proper clinic for their help and claims. It was satisfying that I was able in most cases to provide assistance to them. The “after ac-tion” reports that patients wrote about their visits were very favorable and I felt I was able to get them to the right place and take care of their concerns or problems in a timely manner. Jesse J. Long, Tomah, Wiscon-sin: I began volunteering at the Tomah VA, going one Sunday a month to push Veterans in their wheelchairs from their rooms to chapel service. They were so appre-ciative that, I felt that I could do more. So I went through the process to become a volunteer. I was helping the Veterans check in for appointments and directing them to the right place. I also volun-teered in the Hospice Unit. The Tomah VA has a program called No Veteran Dies Alone. A volunteer sits with the Veteran who is dying when family members can't be there for various reasons. The families are so relieved to know that their loved one was not alone. No matter how much time you are willing or able to volunteer, it would be beneficial to you and to the Veterans. Lyle Cate, MSA State Coordi-nator, Michigan After accepting the appointment in Michigan as State Coordinator for MSA, I became aware of one of the best-kept secrets of Freema-sonry. The MSA has one of - if not the best - hospital visitation program in existence. It is very satisfying to be able to assist our Masonic vets, as well as all Veterans.

See MSA on page 26


At the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, our program was put on hold for more than a year, and now we need to bring in new volunteers and grow again. I get a proud feel-ing of just being part this program. Johnny Byrd, Overton-Brooks VA Hospital, Shreveport, Louisiana: As a USAF retired Veteran of 27 years and a Master Mason, I am doubly honored and humbled to serve Masonry and my fellow Veter-ans and their families. Representing the Grand Lodge of Louisiana in this capacity has been very rewarding and I can think of no better way to continue my service, but by helping those who

sacrificed so much for the freedom we enjoy as a nation. Steve Singleton, Tennessee: I am currendy serving as the MSA representative for the Ten-nessee Valley Healthcare System, with two VA Hospitals in Murfrees-boro and Nashville, and a major clinic in Clarksville. During the pandemic, visitation and organizations which served the VA Hospital were shut down and donations of much-needed health-care items dropped dramatically. Despite very restrictive access to VA facilities, the administration granted us entry and gladly accepted the much-needed supplies we donated. Masons even provided color guards

for deceased Veterans' funerals due to the active duty personnel not being allowed. The pandemic did NOT keep the Masonic Fraternity from serving our Veter-ans. Robert B. Ruff, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: I had been using the VA for med-ical benefits after a life-threatening illness, and on one of my visits, I found out that there was a Masonic organization that provided volunteer services. I met with the MSA repre-sentative and began handing out coffee and donuts. I am very grateful for that experience. Since then, I became MSA rep-resentative at the Pittsburgh VA

Healthcare System, and I now have 10 years and 4,500 hours of volun-teering so far. Please, if you want a truly re-warding experience, volunteer at your local VA. And, as always, thank a Veteran when possible. The freedom we enjoy is because of them and many others - some of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice. Tom Fowler, Tucson, Arizona: The Chapel Escort Service has been my main effort at the Veteran's Hospital in Tucson, and this volun-teer service is most rewarding. Bringing our vets to Chapel from Rehab and the Blind Center is so much appreciated by the vets and the nursing staff, who reported that

our work made a positive impact on morale and the vets always looked forward to Sunday mornings. Some hospitalized vets we helped would return months or years later and look us up to renew our fellowship. After a year an a half of lock-down, some of our Brothers are looking for a rewarding way to pay-it-forward. Could you be one of them? The Masonic Service Association

of North America November 2021 Emessay Notes

MSA from page 25

Documents

Masonic Journal - Wisconsin Freemasons