THE M aWISCOsNS INonic Journ al FEBRUARY 2016members.wisc-freemasonry.org/wp-content/uploads/... ·...

THE WISCONSINMasonic Journal FEBRUARY 2016

Ideas learned thus far from theGrand Master’s Listening Sessions.

See page 6.

Wisconsin Masonic CalendarFEBRUARY 20162 Florida Masonic Gathering, 11:00 a.m. The Landings, Fort Myers,Florida. Luncheon with Grand Master Franklin J. Struble and his LadyWendy, along with Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf.

5 Florida Masonic Gathering, 11:00 a.m. Sahib Shrine, Sarasota,Florida. Luncheon with Grand Master Franklin J. Struble and his LadyWendy, along with Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf.

14 Waterloo Lodge No. 63, dinner honoring ladies. Lewis Station Win-ery, 217 N. Main, Lake Mills. Social 3 p.m. dinner at 4 p.m. $25 per cou-ple. Reservations need, Contact Bro. Parker Dow, [email protected] 920-478-2800.

15 Hiram Lodge No. 50, Table Lodge, 6 p.m. Grand Orator Pat Cholkawill be the guest speaker. Email District 7 Deputy Grand Master Craig J.Froelich at [email protected] for reservations.

19-21 Zor Shrine Circus, Alliant Energy Center, Madison. See page 9.

20-23 Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America.

21 Geneva Lodge No. 44, Presidents Day Dinner, Masons & Ladiesand interested guests, Sprecher’s Pub, Lake Geneva, 3 p.m., openmenu, and speaker on living will's. RSVP by Feb. 16 to Bro. Bob Grohall,[email protected] or call 262-723-2981.

24 5th Annual Tom Tourville Interstate Lodges’ Table Lodge, 6 p.m.Hosted by Tomah Lodge No. 132, 520 E. Saratoga St., Tomah. Cost is$10, pay at the door. Coat and tie preferred, bring along your ToastingCannon. RSVP Bro. Jerry McDonald at [email protected]. or608-344-1424.

27 Union Lodge Sweetheart's Night, 6:00 p.m., Evansville CountryClub. Cost is $20 per person. RSVP by sending your check to PastGrand Master John W. Wilke, Secretary at 2040 Riverview Dr.,Janesville, WI 53546 or Ken Koberle, Master at 285 E. Main St., Evans-ville, WI 53536 before February 20.

27 Wisconsin Masonic College, Management Module presentation.Hosted by N.E.W. Daylite Lodge No. 360, Green Bay, 8 a.m. See page12.

27 McKinley Lodge No. 307, Scotch Doubles Duck Pin Bowling Tour-nament, 4 p.m. at the Thirsty Duck in Wauwatosa. [email protected] for tickets.

28 Linden Lodge No. 206, pancake breakfast.

28 Armistead-Bingham Lodge No. 1862 at Milton Masonic Center,508 Vernal Ave., Milton, 1 p.m., Wis. Geology and Map-making of theGettysburg Campaign.

MARCH 20161-2 Zor Shrine Circus in La Crosse.

2 Arizona Masonic Gathering, 11:00 a.m. Briarwood Country Club,Sun City West, Arizona. Luncheon with Grand Master Franklin J. Strubleand his Lady Wendy, along with Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf.See page 19.

4 Arizona Masonic Gathering, 11:00 a.m. Arizona Golf Resort, Mesa,Arizona. Luncheon with Grand Master Franklin J. Struble and his LadyWendy, along with Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf. See page 19.

6 Tomah Lodge No. 132, Pancake Breakfast, 8 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.,$6.00. Tomah Masonic Center, 520 E. Saratoga St., Tomah. Contact Bro.Ron Malcolm, 608-387-9421.

11 - McKinley Lodge World Famous Fish Fry 5 - 7 p.m., McKinley Ma-

sonic Center 4550 N. Pilgrim Rd. Brookfield.

11 26th Annual Scimitar Sportsman’s Night, Tripoli Shrine Center. Theevent will sell out, sign up early. See page 8.

12 Geneva Lodge No. 44 hosts Silas H. Shepherd Lodge of Research#1843. Sweet rolls, bagels w/schmear, and beverages. Hot lunch, (willbe good), get your reservations to your Master.

12 H.S. Baird Lodge No. 174 Lodge, Sturgeon Bay, 81st Annual Steam-boat Dinner, 4-7:30 p.m.

18 Amacitia Lodge No. 25 Masonic/Odd Fellows Catfish Fry, St.Matthew’s Catholic Church, Shullsburg.

19 Valley of La Crosse Scottish Rite Reunion.

19 Bunny Brunch sponsored by Wis. Scottish Bodies and TripoliShriners. Breakfast 9-10 a.m. Decorated basket contest and Easter egghunt. Magic Show at 10:30 a.m. Contact [email protected] page 8.

20 The Valley of Madison Scottish Rite will recognize and rememberits departed members at Chapter of Rose Croix Feast of the PaschalLamb Memorial Service at the Madison Masonic Center, 301 WisconsinAve., 2 p.m. See story on page 9.

23 Grand Masters Listening Session, hosted by Geneva Lodge No.44, 335 South Lakeshore Drive, Lake Geneva. Dinner 6 p.m. (will serveuntil 6:45 p.m.) Meat, potatoes, veggy and beverages, free will offering.RSVP by March 18 to Bro. Bob Grohall, [email protected] or call262-723-2981.

29 Doric Lodge No. 356 Tech Night, 6 p.m. light dinner, 7 p.m. Com-puter Security presentation, 7:30, group discussion on computer topics.A few techs wil be available afterward to help people who bring in theircomputers.

31 Combined Table Lodge, hosted by the Most Worshipful Prince HallGrand Lodge F & A.M. Inc. See page 1.

APRIL 20161-2 Valley of Madison Spring Reunion.

2 Wisconsin Masonic College, Management Module presentation.Hosted by Eau Claire Lodge No. 112. See page 12.

6 District 11 Spring Meeting, 6 p.m. dinner, District Chili Cook-off; 7 p.m.meeting. McKinley Masonic Center, 45o Pilgrim Rd., Brookfield. ContactDistrict 11 Deputy Grand Master Michael A. Gorgen,[email protected] or 262-820-0812.

14 McKinley Lodge No. 307, Friends Night - 7 p.m.

16 Ladies of the Scottish Rite Lunch and Bag Raffle Fundraiser forthe Children's Dyslexia Center Madison. Blackhawk Country Club, 3606Blackhawk Dr., Madison. Cash bar, raffle opens at 10:30 a.m. Lunch atnoon with entertainment following. Tickets $30 each payable to Children'sDyslexia Center Madison. Deadline for reservations is April 6. Send to

Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of WI

Continued on page 23.

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VOLUME XLIX, NUMBER 2 The Official Publication of the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin FEBRUARY 2016

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

Brother Franklin J. Struble

On Our CoverSenior Grand Deacon Robert C. Strader gives the report of the Ed-ucation Committee to the Grand Lodge Officers at the winter StaffMeeting. All Grand Lodge Officers attended the meeting inOshkosh on Jan. 22-24.

Photo by Rich Rygh

Management Training Next session is at the N.E.W. Masonic Center in Green Bay on Feb. 27

Register by Feb. 15525 N. Taylor St., Green Bay – register at www.wisc-freemasonry.org

THE WISCONSINMasonic Journal

And crown thy good with

Brotherhood!

Reports Month

This is a special February! It is of course when we celebrate thebirthday of the Father of American Freemasonry and our Country,Bro. George Washington. The George Washington Masonic Na-tional Memorial Association (www.gwmemo-rial.org) has a great little booklet out titledGeorge Washington’s Rules of Civility. Thiswould make a great program for Lodges.Another milestone is that this month Wis-

consin will get the opportunity to host TheNorth American Conference of Grand Mas-ters and Grand Secretaries in Madison. Thisis a big deal and we won’t likely see it hereagain for 50 or so years. It is significant be-cause it gets all the jurisdictions in NorthAmerica together to find, identify, and antici-pate common problems and jointly search forsolutions. Numerous seminars, symposiumsand presentations will be conducted. We havebeen asking Brothers to volunteer to assist withthe support of this conference. They will alsobe exposed to this high level of Masonic expertise and experience.This can only make us stronger throughout Wisconsin. Masons from all over the world attend this conference. In the past

we have seen large contingencies come from Brazil and Europeanjurisdictions. I have been contacted directly by representatives whoplan to attend from Australia and elsewhere. Many of these men arerecognized authors, scholars, and leaders of our Craft. Once thisconference wraps up we will sort out the findings and ideas and getthem out to you.Your Grand Lodge is doing all it can to make these folks feel wel-

come and promote the expansion of Masonic activities across theglobe. Finally, February represents the second month of the Lodge year.

So that means a month full of informational reports. By now, Lodgesshould be settled into a course set by its new officers. We should bereconsidering how to best find the quality men we need in this won-derful Brotherhood. Junior Wardens should have made the contactswith youth organizations and make a report this month to the Lodge.Secretaries should be synthesizing the information they accumulatedat the Secretary’s Conference and giving the lodge a report on thatmaterial. District Deputy Grand Masters just finished the WinterGrand Lodge Staff Meeting and should be reporting to you in personor through their Area Administrators the results of that gathering. So, it may be cold outside, but keep the fires stoked in your lodges.

Stress attendance to better keep all informed. Thanks and God Blessour Masonic Family.

All the Best in Brotherhood,

Frank Struble

Grand MasterFranklin J. Struble

On behalf of the 2016 Host Planning Committee, I would liketo welcome everyone to Madison. It is the second time the con-ference has come to Wisconsin and the first time it has come toMadison. I hope you take the time to explore the wonders ofMadison including the State Capitol and the Madison MasonicCenter. The committee has put together a list of activities that are

within walking distance or a short cab ride. Many are free or atminimal cost. Organized tours highlight just a couple of theunique features of the area. Average Temperatures are around32° F during the days and in the teens overnight. It is not un-usual for temperatures to be in the 40s. Snowfall has been min-imal during the second half of February the past few years.You will be able to locate Host Committee Volunteers by the

red shirts worn by the men or the red scarfs worn by the ladies.Please see a committee member if you have a question or needassistance. We have a Hospitality Room located on the 6th floorof the Madison Concourse Hotel; please stop in for a visit.I hope that you enjoy your time in Madison and that you find

the 2016 Conference enlightening.

Fraternally,Daniel L Slavik, PGM

Welcome to the Conference of Grand Masters of North America

13th Annual Combined Table Lodge atPrince Hall Masonic Center March 31The 13th Annual Combined

Table Lodge between the GrandLodge Free & Accepted Masonsof Wisconsin and The Most Wor-shipful Prince Hall Grand LodgeFree & Accepted Masons of Wis-consin, Inc., will be held on Thurs-day, March 31, 2016. This year’s event returns to the

Prince Hall Masonic Center in Mil-waukee where members of thetwo grand jurisdictions will join inMasonic fellowship and celebrateWisconsin Freemasonry together.The Grand Masonic Center is lo-

cated at 600 W. Walnut Street.The evening will begin with a fel-lowship period at 6 p.m., fol-lowed by the official opening at6:45 p.m.“The Ceremony of Seven

Toasts” (wine and non-alcoholicwine will be offered) along with adinner buffet. Our Prince Hall Brethren ask

that Brethren bring their apronsand their toasting cannons. Can-nons will also be for sale. After the Table Lodge is officiallyclosed a social period and cash

bar will be available to those whowish to extend the evening in fel-lowship.This event will be conducted in

the Entered Apprentice Degreeand is therefore open to all Ma-sons. Appropriate dress for the

evening is a sport coat, shirt andtie or business suit. Grand LodgeOfficers will be in tuxedos. The cost of this event is $27.37

per person and reservations mustbe made will be throughEventbrite. See link on the GrandLodge website at www.wisc-freemasonry.org. Make yourreservation soon, as space is lim-ited to 350 total; 175 for PrinceHall members and 175 for GrandLodge of Wis. members. Reserva-tions close March 17, 2016.Walk-ins unfortunately will not

be permitted.

Secretary Conference Focuses on MORITraining, Covers Many Important Topics

Experienced Secretaries (from left): Don Wood, Barry Axelrood, James Goodman and RobertBurgermeister conduct a question and answer session on serving as Secretary of a Lodge.

Photo by Rich Rygh

By Rich Rygh Brethren attending the 2016

Secretary Conference receivedvery intensive training in MORI,how to use it and where it is goingin the future, among many otherimportant informational topicsand updates. Grand SecretaryMichael A. DeWolf, PGM, hostedhis fifth annual Conference at theMadison Concourse and Gover-nors Club in Madison and theChippewa Falls Masonic Centervia WebEx on on Jan. 16.Deputy Grand Master Donald

W. Hensiak extended his greetingsfrom Chippewa Falls. He said,“As we all know the Secretariesare kind of the cornerstone thathold our lodges together.”

The Deputy Grand Masterstated on behalf of himself and theother Grand Lodge Officers,“When you write those per capitachecks remember one thing, thatis an obligation for your GrandLodge Officers to work for you . .. make sure you are getting yourmoney’s worth out of the GrandLodge Office and the GrandLodge Officers.”The Grand Secretary introduced

Bro. Mark Menard, President ofEnable Labs, the creator of ourMORI system. About 45% of allMasons in United Stated are man-aged under MORI. Bro. Menard

gave an extensive training sessionon the MORI system and how touse it. He also covered usingMORI for budgeting and book-keeping. He said the next step is to take

the foundation of the data inMORI and engaging the member-ship. Forming a unified systemthat unifies the data that exists inMORI with professionally de-signed and search engine opti-mized websites for the lodges.This system will integrate the databack to MORI, validate membersagainst MORI, and will have socialnetworking capabilities for havingdiscussion, providing notifications,handling electronic dues noticesand electronic payments. He saidthe goal is to put Masonic engage-ment in every members hand.Grand Secretary DeWolf intro-

duced the Square Store which hasa number of different items whichare available for online purchasingand should also be used for pur-chasing all supplies. He called at-tention to the leathernpresentation apron available fornew Master Masons that has theGrand Lodge Seal and allows allinformation to be entered underthe flap. The individual cost is$25.45 in quantities of one dozenor more the cost just over $21each.

Grand Master Franklin J. Strublewelcomed the Brothers fromChippewa Falls. He thanked allthe Secretaries for their service.The Grand Master explained his

experiences this year with Form81. He said some of which he didnot sign off on. He said he re-ceived one with 30 Brothers listedfor suspension. About half ofthose up for suspension it was re-ported did not answer voice mail.He has had many come in forolder members that the lodgescan’t find. He stressed we mustmake contact with our membersand find these members we havelost. If a Brother no longer wantsto be a Mason that is fine, but wemust make that contact.The Grand Master said, “What

I am asking is that we reach outand remember that these men areour Brothers. Remember all theeffort we went through, for all theyears we have had these men asBrothers, for all their degrees, forall the times we have been inlodge together, for all the times westood together, don’t throw itaway because a Brother doesn’tanswer his voicemail.”He said let’s not throw a Mason

away for a lack of a little adminis-tration.The Grand Secretary reviewedSee Secretary on page 19

Published by the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin

February 2016The Wisconsin Masonic Journal, Publication Number 011-551 (ISSN No.10770410), is the authorized publication of the Grand Lodge, Free andAccepted Masons of Wisconsin. It is published monthly except for theJuly/August issue which is combined. Periodical postage paid at Dousman,Wisconsin 53118 and additional offices. Postmasters: send address changes toThe 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 53575email: [email protected]

Phone 262-965-2200 Ext. 808

Advertising Office Phone/FAX 262-965-3979Diane Igl, Advertising Manager

email: [email protected]

Advertising rates upon request. Deadline for submission ofadvertising copy is the fifteenth of each month precedingmonth of scheduled publication.

PAGE 2 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2016

Directory of Grand Lodge Officers & ContactsGrand Master

Franklin J. Struble (60)Res. 715-924-2142Cell 608-633-0154

[email protected]

Deputy Grand MasterDonald W. Hensiak (189)

Res. 262-682-4390Cell 414-333-0060

[email protected]

Senior Grand WardenL. Arby Humphrey (329)

Res. 715-364-2492Cell 715-815-1032

[email protected]

Junior Grand WardenScott E. Pedley (25)Res. 608-759-2081Cell 608-482-0424

[email protected]

Grand TreasurerJeffrey L. Bryden (95)

[email protected]

Grand SecretaryMichael A. DeWolf, PGM (267)

Res. 715-574-3151Bus. 262-965-2200 Ext. 807

Cell [email protected]

Grand ChaplainCurt A. Campagna (290)

[email protected]

Grand LecturerJerry A. Reick (363)Cell 414-335-2558

[email protected]

Grand Lodge Office

Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Wisconsin36275 Sunset Dr.

Dousman, WI 53118262-965-2200

Fax: 262-965-4211

Grand Secretary:Michael DeWolf, PGM - Ext. 807

[email protected]

Membership Support:

Cheryl Martin - Ext. [email protected]

Erika Miller - Ext. [email protected]

Alicia Darr - Ext. [email protected]

Wisconsin MasonicJournal

Richard A. Rygh, Editor262-965-2200 Ext. 808

[email protected]

Diane Igl, Ad Manager [email protected]

262-965-397936275 Sunset Dr.,

Dousman, WI 53118

District 2Thomas W. Stevens (112)


District 3Mark W. Steckel (280)

Res. 715-532-9096Cell 715-205-0942

[email protected]

District 4Jason L. Richardson (293)

Res. 920-848-0626Cell 920-373-2099

[email protected] 5

Todd A. Wohlert (190)Cell 608-385-1923

[email protected] 6

A. Christopher Gans (123)Res. 715-467-2506

[email protected] 7

Craig J. Froelich (9)Res. 608-258-8814

[email protected] 8

David R. Ritchie (8)Cell 608-776-2698

[email protected] 9

James R. Gajdosik Jr. (161)Cell 608-289-0989

[email protected] 10

Kyle A. Grahn (38)Res. 920-369-6263


Michael A. Gorgen (307)Cell 262-820-0812


Jan F. Talaga (363)Cell 414-852-6292

[email protected]

Senior Grand DeaconRobert C. Strader (363)

Res. 262-827-1606Cell 414-678-8785

[email protected]

Junior Grand DeaconKenneth C. Gorgen (307)

Res. 262-691-0859Cell (262) 501-1879

[email protected]

Senior Grand StewardGary L. Stang (351)Res. 715-835-7153Cell 715-864-6813

[email protected]

Junior Grand StewardPaul T. Tourville (60)Cell 414-659-5205

[email protected]

Grand MarshalH. Scott Paulson (56)

715-386-2040Cell 612-849-3708

[email protected]

Grand OratorPatrick D. Cholka (301)


Grand TilerRobert K. Lund (277)Res. 715-642-3626

[email protected]

District Deputy

Grand MastersDistrict 1

George T. Eisenmann III (329)Res. 715-394-6630Cell 612-325-6692

[email protected]

Thoughts for the JourneyBy Reverend Curt A. Campagna, Grand Chaplain

Grand Chaplain Curt A. Campagna can be reached at [email protected] or 414-698-8874.

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.

Masonic Book ReviewBook Title: American Freemasons Author: Mark A. Tabbert

Include the Wisconsin Masonic Charities in your will.Contact Erika Miller

[email protected]

District 8 DeputyGrand Master

David R. RitchieWhich came first the chicken

or the egg? Did Freemasonryshape society or did society shapethe Freemasons? This highly illus-trated and informative book looksat the impact society and Freema-sonry have had on each other andtraces the evolution of both. Bro.Mark Tabbert includes the historyand formation of many of the ap-pendant bodies, as well as, a re-freshing respect for our Brothersin Prince Hall Masonry.With his use of illustrations, both

drawings and photos, as artifact itis easy to see Bro. Tabbert’s his-tory with museums. Bro. Tabbertis currently the director of collec-tions at the George WashingtonMasonic National Memorial inAlexandria, Virginia and past cu-rator of the National Heritage Mu-seum in Lexington Massachusetts.Each illustration, of which eachpage is decorated, is treated as a

museum exhibit not just some-thing to brighten the page.This book begins with Ma-

sonry’s fog shrouded origins andprogresses through the Enlighten-ment and truly becomes a historyof America as seen through Ma-sonic eyes. Each chapter of thishistory begins with a pertinentquote from either a prominentMason or from our ritual. Thesequotes combined with the illustra-tions and a narrative style thatdoesn’t so much explain whathappened as why it happened,make this a very enjoyable book.Written that someone outside ofthe craft might gain insight intoour fraternity and yet informativeenough that almost any Brotherwill gain knowledge.I would recommend this book

not only to the new Mason but tohis wife and family as well. Thisbook literally starts with an expla-nation of the Square and Com-passes and the differences andmeanings of F. & A.M. and A.F.& A.M. but also tackles deepersubjects such as the evolution andchanges in Masonic ideals such asMorality and Self-Improvement.Not only does Bro. Tabbert pro-vide the facts on an era but alsothe ideas and philosophies of thattime. Giving the new Mason thefactual background he needs buthe also provides a more esotericblend of philosophical and societalideas that will challenge the sea-soned Masonic pundit to deeperthought. A good read if you arestanding in the Northeast Corneror seated in the East. Something

for everyone, and simply put, avery pleasant read.I found a soft cover edition on

line from Amazon.com for a rea-sonable price. Hardcover and pa-perback are also available and amlooking forward to a reread of itsometime in the near future.

HARDERFUNERALHOME

DEAN K. HARDER,President

18700 West Capitol DriveBrookfield, Wisconsin 53045

(262) 781-8350

"Oh my gosh, I forgot!"How many of us have had that panicked feeling overtake our

body. It is February 14th and we have to quickly run out to pick upa card, or flowers. Just like an arrow from Cupid, Valentine's Dayhas snuck up on us and kicked us in a backside.One of God's greatest gifts to mankind is the

gift of love. In the Bible we find in Corinthians1:13: But now faith, hope, love remain, thesethree; but the greatest of these is love. Faith andhope are possible only through love. Love is theeternal form of the human relation to God.So, on this day we remember those whom we

loved and lost. We look to those whom we cher-ish and love today. Grade school kids all overthe United States will be buying Valentine cardsand looking to perhaps passing one to a specialcrush. Flower shops, chocolate makers, and thecard industry are all stocked for that special giftfor sure to melt the heart of a loved one. In fact,giving cards wasn't popular until the 1950swhen commercialism took over.But, what do we actually know about the history of the day?I found this at the Farmers' Almanac's web page www.farmer-

salmanac.com"One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served dur-

ing the third century in Rome. Emperor Claudius II decided that sin-gle men made better soldiers than those with wives or families, sohe outlawed marriage for young men, which was, in fact, his cropof potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree,defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young loversin secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius or-dered that he be put to death. Valentine suffered martyrdom on the14th day of February around the year 270.According to legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'Valentine'

greeting to himself. While in prison, it is believed Valentine fell inlove with a young girl, who may have been the jailer's daughter whovisited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is allegedthat he wrote her a letter, which he signed, "From your Valentine."That same expression is still used today."Either way, we celebrate one of the most important gifts that have

been given to us from our Creator. The ability to feel a connection,a longing for, passion, sympathy, a pain of loss, faith, the ability tohope, and the ability to act with charity.

Happy Valentine's DayP.S. Don't forget to order those flowers!

Brother Curt Angelo Campagna

Grand Chaplain for the State of Wisconsin

Grand ChaplainCurt A. Campagna

172nd Annual Communication

of the Grand Lodge

F. & A.M.of Wis.

June 3-4, 2016

LEA Applications Due Feb. 15Lodge Excellence Award Appli-

cations must be received by yourDistrict Deputy Grand Master byFebruary 15, 2016 to qualify. The application can be down-

loaded under Awards atwww.wisc-freemasonry.org.The qualifying dates are January

1 thru December 31, 2015.Lodges achieving a minimum of

100 points will be recognized atthe Annual Communication inJune for their achievement.Your District Deputies email ad-

dress may be found on page twoof The Wisconsin Masonic Jour-nal. Secretaries can download the

mailing address from MORI underGrand Lodge – Download Roster.

WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2016 - PAGE 3

NOTES FROM THE GRAND LECTURERBy Brother Jerry A. Reick

Feedback and questions are always welcome. Contact Grand Lecturer Jerry A. Reick at [email protected]

EXPANDING OUR MASONIC KNOWLEDGEBy Grand Orator Patrick D. Cholka

Feedback and questions are always welcome. Contact Grand Orator Patrick D. Cholka at

[email protected]

Support Your Masonic Charities!

The StorytellerBefore recorded history, civilizations, societies, and religions,

relied on a person, or group, to be subject matter experts on andperpetuate their culture and way of life. It started as stories aroundthe campfire, discussions around cave draw-ings, and sacred ceremonies within the con-fines of a structure. These storytellers had tonot only perform and demonstrate, they hadto be mentors and educators able to explainthe how’s and why’s. In order to remain vi-able, the story had to be perfected, performedand passed on from generation to generation.The storyteller was entrusted with the sanctityand purity of the process and in some casesguarding their secrets. Our Masonic ritual is what makes us unique

from other social and fraternal organizations.We have rituals for opening and closing ourmeetings, for conferring our degrees and lec-tures that provide lessons and education. Rit-ualists and Proficiency Men are ourstorytellers.They are the exposited learners, demonstrators andteachers that carry on and perpetuate the very thing that makesus unique. Did you know: in 2015, the number of documentedRitualist and Proficiency Men make up only 1% of Freemasons inWisconsin? That’s one for every 100 Masons. Some Districts andLodges are blessed to have many, some have few, and some havenone. Without a steady stream of new Ritualists we risk losing thevery thing that defines us. Pleaseconsider getting involved today.Start with a charge or lecture andwork your way up to conferring.Take an active part in maintain-ing our culture and ensuring thatour ritual work remains strongand viable into the future. Be-come a Storyteller! One way that we honor and

identify our Storytellers is withthe new Ritualist and ProficiencyAwards. These medallions andcolored neck ribbons are a fittingtribute to the Brothers that havestudied and perfected the art ofour Ritual. The process to track,request and present them is inplace and word is getting out.Grand Lodge is currently pro-cessing 67 award requests from6 Districts. You should be seeingthem pop up in your Lodgessoon. It all starts with filling out your proficiency passport. Wantto know more about the awards and how to qualify? Please askyour District Lecturer or someone on your District Team for theanswer.

2016 Degree CompetitionReminder that the 2016 Wisconsin Degree Competition will be

conducted on Sat., April 30. Work will be done in the first sectionof the Fellowcraft degree. Exact location is TBD by March 1 andwill be as centrally located as possible to encourage state-wide par-ticipation and ease of travel. The deadline to sign up is February29th, so get your teams together and start practicing! The pre-notification flyer and application form will be passed on throughyour District Team.

Most S&F,Bro. Jerry

Grand LecturerJerry A. Reick

The Masonic Study SeriesFebruary Masonic Study Series

The Masonic Study Series is continuing togather some momentum! I have heard from afew more Lodges that they enjoy the MSS andare getting a lot out of it. This is great news! Iam also excited to tell you that Silas ShepherdLodge of Research #1843 is going to publish the2015 editions in their annual transactions.

The February 2016 issue: “The Symbolism ofthe Ruffians” is now available on the GrandLodge of Wisconsin Website.

Previous volumes also on the website:January 2016: “The Letter G”September 2015: “The Three PrincipalRounds”

October 2015: “The Jewels of a Fellow- craft”

November 2015: “The Book of Constitu-tions”

December 2015: “The Holy Saints John”

As the Masters for 2016 set up their meetingagendas, remember the importance of MasonicEducation and use the Masonic Study Series asa vehicle to bring that education to your mem-bers.

If you have any comments on this or previousinstallments, or suggestions for future issues orhow to improve the program overall, please sendthem to [email protected].

Reedsburg Lodge Taking Orders for “Chicken Pies”Reedsburg Lodge No. 79 is tak-

ing orders for their famous deep-dish, individual serving, all meatMasonic “Chicken Pies".The pies will be made fresh on

Saturday, March 5, quick frozenand distributed at the ReedsburgIGA on Sunday, March 6 from 9a.m. to 2 p.m. Pies have a flakey top crust, an

abundance of premium chickenand special gravy. Cooking in-structions are included, (ready in30 minutes – from freezer to table)Each Pie will feed one adult andcosts $5. These pies keep verywell in your freezer, so orderenough to carry you through the

cold weather. There is no better“comfort food”.All proceeds go toward scholar-

ships and other charitable proj-ects.Last year the demand exceeded

the supply, only 1680 will bemade. Order early and orderenough. To order, call (608) 415-2536

leave your name, phone number,and the number of pies you wishto order. We will confirm yourorder. Email orders [email protected].

My Brothers,Shortly after I began my Masonic journey, I often heard from

Brothers that one of the purposes of Masonic Lodges is to makeMasons. It took me a few years to understand what that meant.The obvious answer is that it is the conferringof degrees. While this is true, the making of aMason doesn’t end there. When received eachMasonic Degree, did you understand every-thing there is about being a Mason?Making a Mason takes a lot more than the

conferring of a degree. Our degrees are a crit-ical step in the path of making a Mason, butthere is more after that. Our ritual is beautifuland without it Masonry would be somethingdifferent that it is, but we also need to considerthe application of the lessons the ritual con-veys. Everyone absorbs this information differ-ently.The saying: “it takes a village to raise a child”

comes to mind when I think about helping a new Mason throughhis journey. Every Mason brings a different focus to the table andeach of us are headed in the same direction. Some are really strongin the ritual and its meaning and others have a passion for Masonicprotocol and etiquette. Some are excellent at managing the affairsof the Lodge while others are natural leaders and inspire othersthrough their thoughts and actions. But each has a passion forMasonry and a strong belief that through the application of itstenets a Mason can realize his true potential as a Man and have apositive impact on everyone and everything around him.Each of these items, and many others not listed, are critical com-

ponents to the making of a Mason. If you look at the Brothers thatyou learn from today and at the beginning of your journey, I thinkyou will find that each of them taught you something different.Each gave you a different viewpoint from which to paint your pic-ture of Freemasonry. And I have no doubt that each of them areonly too happy to help you down your path. Without that completeexposure, we cannot be the men we can be.Just as you surround yourself with Brothers that taught you the

various aspects of Freemasonry, and as you continue to learn allyou can about it, so do each of us need to pass on what we havelearned and understand to Masons around us.Becoming a Mason is a never ending process, one each of us is

deeply involved in, not only for the Masons around us but also forourselves. As Masons it is our responsibility to mentor our Brothersand share the information we have learned and thus improve our-selves a Masons.

Fraternally,Patrick CholkaGrand Orator

Grand OratorPatrick D. Cholka

Is that all there is?By Junior Grand Deacon

Kenneth C. GorgenLong Range Planning CommitteeThis could be the thought of a

newly made Entered Apprenticeas he makes his way home afterhis degree. If he left lodge thatevening with this thought, he maynever return. We just lost a goodMason.Most of the men of today who

come to us feel that there is some-thing missing in their lives. Theyare looking for some fulfillment. Itmight be to meet new friends, net-work, develop social ties, or justgive something back to the com-munity. If they’re looking for pow-erful secrets, they will bedisappointed.Andrew Hammer wrote in his

book Observing the Craft, “Ma-sonry gives a man nothing but thetools with which he may discoverhimself. In other words, we pres-ent him with a mirror. The true se-cret lies in his choice of whetheror not he will look in that mirror.If he turns away, he will find noth-

ing at all in our rituals and assem-blies. Even though he be a Mason,with the many modes of recogni-tion as he may obtain, he willnever understand the secret, andas a result, he will never under-stand why we cherish it.”Our candidate education is the

mirror in which we want the newcandidate to look into. We needhim to learn and become inter-ested, so that on the way homefrom his first degree he is ener-gized! We need to give him theability to immediately jump intothe educational materials he justreceived and come back for more,and to do it quickly so that hemoves on to the next degree.My Brothers, your Grand LodgeLong Range Planning Committeehas developed, and is releasing forbeta testing at a few lodges, whatyou have been asking for; ameans of posting and educatingour new Entered Apprentices inan efficient way that focuses onremembering; not memorizing.Why is it necessary to review the

current methods and suggest achange?We are currently getting new

members, but a significant major-ity are not continuing after receiv-ing the first degree; 119 EnteredApprentices since January 2015have not been passed to a Fellow-craft. The current posting is notentirely the reason for this kind ofloss, but it stands to reason that itcould have a significant impact.The current posting, examina-

tion, and educational materialhave served Wisconsin Masonrywell, but our programs in the edu-cational area should always be dy-namic in communicating theancient message in the bestmethod possible. The current pro-gram is not being used for what itwas originally envisioned. Al-though candidates are encouragedto demonstrate their knowledgeand proficiency “in-their-own-words”, it became apparent thatmemorizing the answers was to bethe norm, and memorization doesnot always equate to understand-ing. Because of choosing to mem-orize the work, some candidatestook too long, became uninter-ested and drifted away. Also, thecurrent program is not solidlylinked to the excellent educationmaterials in the Wisconsin Pro-gram. Some lodges have evenstopped using the Wisconsin Pro-gram material, only to rely on theposting key for teaching.So what will the new material doto encourage learning and keep anew member’s interest?1. From the standpoint of the

lodge, it will help direct learningand set timing for completion bybeing module based. It is goal ori-ented. It will reduce teaching vari-ation between lodges because it istied directly to the Wisconsin Pro-gram.2. There is a study guide which

is easy for the candidate to com-plete when using the WisconsinProgram to answer the questions.The study guide encourages thenew candidate to search for lightand some of the questions willmake him think about his an-swers. Learning now takes place.3. There is interaction between

the candidate and his mentor. If hegets stuck, dialog begins. If it does-n’t make sense, the dialog contin-ues. A foundation and a bond toa lodge member is being made.

4. The in-lodge proficiencyexam discourages memorization;it is short and to the point. Thecandidate only memorizes thingshe needs to know; a little bit of rit-ual, due guard, signs and modesof recognition. Memorizing thisstuff is easy, because it is interest-ing. The obligation does not needto be repeated from memory, butthe candidate must study itenough so he can show the lodge

See IS on page 17

Bro. Frank Mayer receivesthe Proficiency Man Emeri-tus award in recognition ofhis dedicated service to thecraft and career pursuit ofritualistic excellence.

WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2016

February 2016

Dear Brethren, Ladies and Friends,

With February upon us, it’s easy to find the theme of love andkindness prevalent in the greeting card aisle, commercials, andadvertisements. You may not expect this sentiment to be so evi-dent at a place of work, an apartment complex, or a senior livingcommunity, but this month and all year round, it’s my pleasureto say that compassion and love are easy to find at Three Pillars.This sentiment is part of the everyday lifestyle here, and it’s mypleasure to see, feel, and hear it woven into daily happenings.

Yes, this month our residents will enjoy Valentine’s Day partieswith live music and charming heart-shaped candies. But whatelse is there to love about Three Pillars? Just ask our residents,staff, volunteers, and community partners. It’s the way we treatour residents like family, the way they’re always put first, and theway they feel cherished and appreciated. The way staff are re-spected for their strengths, provided with support to achieve theirprofessional goals, and valued as people above all else. The waywe give back to the greater community and serve as an esteemedresource, partner, and friend.

We want to thank you for supporting our community and all thatwe do as a beloved Masonic senior living community of choice.If you’re interested in experiencing our campus for yourself – oreven stopping by one of our enjoyable Valentine’s Day parties –please contact me at [email protected] to set up a visit.

Sending my best,

Mark StrautmanChief Executive Officer

-

Enclosed is my donation for:[ ] Grand Master’s Appeal: Kingman Loomis/Keith

Chamberlain Veterans Support Fund[ ] Wisconsin Masonic Youth Fund[ ] Wisconsin Masonic Foundation Hiram’s Helpers[ ] Wisconsin Masonic Foundation [ ] Wisconsin Masonic Foundation Medical Fund [ ] Wisconsin Masonic Home, Inc.[ ] Wisconsin Masonic Home Endowment[ ] Wisconsin Masonic Journal Fund[ ] Wisconsin Masonic Service & Assistance Fund [ ] Wisconsin Masonic Soccer Fund[ ] Designated for______________________________________[ ] In honor of: ________________________________________[ ] In memory of: ______________________________________

Amount _____________________ Date___________________

Please acknowledge to: Name ___________________________

Address ________________________________________________

City_______________________ State________ Zip_________

Make your check payable to the benevolence you have selected above and mail to: Wisconsin Masonic Charities

36275 Sunset Drive, Dousman, WI 53118 Phone 262-965-2200 • email: [email protected]

Fill Out, Clip and Mail Today

Wisconsin Masonic Charities

Memorials and Contributions

Gift Report for December 2015

Wisconsin Masonic Foundation

General Fund:Eric Steinmetz

Medical Fund:Keystone Lodge No. 263

Wisconsin Masonic HomeCaring to Grow:

Richard Hansen

Support Your Wisconsin Masonic Charities

May Thao Joins Three Pillars as New Director of Nursing Services

May ThaoDirector of Nursing Services

By Kelsey PangbornAfter a careful search, Three Pil-

lars Senior Living Communities ispleased to announce that MayThao, RN, BSN, has joined ourteam as Director of Nursing Serv-ices. May's addition is one of theorganization's recent leadership

hires, with Jarret Nickel also join-ing the organization in June 2015as Administrator of Health Serv-ices.Ms. Thao brings a strong back-

ground in skilled nursing and longterm acute care, including experi-ence most recently as RN CaseManager at Post Acute MedicalSpecialty Hospital of Milwaukeeand as Director of Nursing for twoskilled nursing and rehabilitationfacilities. Her demonstrated com-mitment to ensuring patients re-ceive exceptional care make heran outstanding fit for our person-centered organization. “We are so pleased that May has

joined the Three Pillars’ family,”says Mark Strautman, President &CEO. Her energetic aspiration tobring excellence to her depart-ment and align it with the organi-zational big picture makes her aremarkable addition to our team.We look forward to the expertiseshe will bring to the nursing de-partment, and her innovative, self-less leadership style.” With an undergraduate nursing

degree from University of Wiscon-sin-Oshkosh, Ms. Thao has re-turned to earn her Master’s inBusiness Administration. She is a

strong believer in teamwork, andadvocates that, just like any sportsteam, working together fostersgrowth and success. She looks for-ward to adding valuable business-focused knowledge to her nursingexperience as she contributes tothe Three Pillars story.

May comments, “I am pleasedto be a part of such a fantastic,well-respected team where staffand leadership support one an-other in achieving organizationaland educational goals. Residentsare #1 and treated as such, whichmakes this place immediately feellike family. Life is about moments,and I look forward to spendingmany of mine working with thistremendous, mission-driven or-ganization to carry out the ThreePillars’ values.”Three Pillars Senior Living

Communities is a not-for-profit or-ganization located in Dousman,Wisconsin, and is sponsored bythe Masonic Fraternity. Three Pil-lars takes pride in meeting the so-cial, physical, and spiritual needsof older adults by providing high-quality senior housing and serv-ices. Learn more at www.threepillars.org.

Grand Master Franklin J. Struble would like to say thank you tothose who have contributed to his Appeal – the KingmanLoomis/Keith Chamberlain Veterans Support Fund

Eric Addison, The HlavinAgency, Charles Alby, MonteAnderson, Curtiss Anderson,Owen Anderson, Richard An-derson, Richard Andres, JamesAntoniak, Ruth Atwood, Laverne Aumock, Ralph Bar-fknecht, Roxroy Barrett, CarlBerg, Alton Bernander, JeffreyBialk, Dale Bird, RA Blaha,Everett Blakeley, Roger Bloom-field, Joseph Bowen, EwaldBrandes, Robert Brandt, DaleBrathol, Jeffrey Brewer, JudyBrist, Gerald Bristol, DonaldBrockman, Jane, Brown,Duwayne Bruckner, RosemarieBruns, Jeffrey Bryden, RogerBuckaloo, Robert Budlow, An-drew Buechner, Norma Burn-ham, Charles Buswell, MartinCallaway, Lyle Carlson, FlorenceChandler, Donald Christi-aansen, Lyle Christian, GlenClary, Dennis Clinard, AlfredCostello James Craig, MalcomCreighton, Daniel Cross, BobCurley, Gary Cuskey, Cyrt Cyrt-mus, Beecher Daniels, CarolDavies, Gail Davis, Earl Davison,William De Rohan, MichaelDerpinghaus, Greg deWerff,Thomas Dobson, MarcusDoolittle, Thomas Dorn, JeanneDowns, DavidDryer, DeanDuman, Doug Duray, GreggEisenhardt, John Eldred,William Emory, Bill Enockson,Duane Erickson, Harry Evans,Jean Evans, Donald Everett, NeilFeest, Scott Feldt, Charles Fine,James Fleming, EugeniaFletcher, Kenneth Foss, OtisFossum, Backus Family Founda-tion, Patricia Fox, RichardFranklin Sr., Leonard French,George Frye, Jacqueline Fryer,Roger Galli, Arthur Gans, JohnGardner, GordonGasser, JamesGeorge, David Giese, SharonGlaunert, Enrico Gnasso, BrianGodfrey, Lawrence Goetsch,Michael Goforth, Jim Gold-smith, Robert Goodlad, HarryGougar, Joseph Greco, JoanGreshik, Francis Groves,Lawrence Gueller, Allen Gutzel,Garry Hageness, PaulHallingstad, GED Hanke, Ger-ald Hansen, DC Hansen, Conn-ley Hanson, Steven Hanson,

Trevor Harder, Darrell Haskins,Phyllis Hayne, Audrey Heberer,Roger Henke, W.E. Henry, JohnHeppner, D.V. Hickey, HaroldHinkley, Eugene Hoem, AdrianHoffland, Ralph Hoffman, JohnHollingsworth, Arthur Hotvedt,James Hughes, NedHuwatschek, RH Indermuehle,Don Iverson, D.P. Jensen Sr, Ed-ward Jerome, Stanley Johnson,Theresa Jonas, Anthony Jurek,Michael Kastens, MichaelKatich, Leo Kebort, HowardKeeler, Robert Keene, HazelKelly, Doris Kerski, Nancy Klatt,Gary Klund, Orvin Knudtson,Donald Koller, LJ Kolm, DonaldKomplin, Denman Kramer,Brett Krause, William Krause,Mary Kropf, Rodney La Blanc,Daniel Lajsic, Lowell Larson,Wolfgang Lauck, Frank Laun-drie, R. Lemke, Stewart Lentz,Gilbert Lepien, Allen Leverich,Barbara Liljander, GaryLipowski, Armen Lohr, JamesLumsden, Michael Lyons, Con-rad Majorowicz, Richard Mali-borski, Lewis Mallow, Jr., FrankMandlman Harry Mann, JamesMansky, Robert Martin, GeorgeMartin, Don Mattox, WilliamMc Clain, Richard McCann,John McCoy, Warren McDer-mott, Howard McKnight,Thomas McLenahan, JamesMeacham, Janet Merritt, HarryMetrusias, Gregory Mielke,James Miller, Jeffrey Millikin,Allen Moore, Genevive Mor-timer, Norman Mrdutt,Lawrence Mueller, EllsworthMunroe, Patrick Nell, MichaelNelson, James Nelson, LarryNelson, Mark Nelson, RichardNoennig, Donald Nordholm,William Northquest, LoisNyman, Ralph Oftedahl, LowellOlson, L. Kent Olson, WendellOlson, Roy Olson, DavidOlson, Willard Owens, RodneyPaulsen, Raymond Paynter,William Peterson, Eric Pipkin,Leonard Pishion, Lavern Plan-tiko, Phillip Pointon, HBPomeroy, Joel Porst, Steven Pre-witt, Josef Pronnet, Kevin Putz,Henry Pynakker, Raymond Ran-som, Lewis Reynolds, RichardRichardson, Jack Richardson,

Ripon Area Builders, SharonRisberg, Kenneth Robenholt,James Roberts, FrederickRobinson, Darrell Roblee,Bruce Robrahn, JK Rodgers,Charles Roeder, Greg Roelli,Thomas Rondeau, Greg Rose,Robert Rush, Richard Rygh,Reuben Schaetzel, JohnScharer, Marvin SchillingDavid Schliem, RonaldSchmidt, William Schneider,Howard Schneiter, GlenSchnicke, Robert Scholl, GeraldSchroeder, Louise Schultz, Dar-rell Schultz, Harry Schwartz,Bryan Scott, RJ Sell, James Sells,John Senty, Gordon Skeoch,Dale Slaasted, R.L. Sloan, DavidSmiezek, Vernon Smith, Rose-mary Smith, Ira Smith, MauriceSnell, Lawrence Sobyak, SamSoffa, Gary Stang, PatriciaSteaffens, Jerry Steffy, RobertStein, Beverly Stelse, DavidStewart, George Stowe, RobertStrader, Orlaff Styve, RichardSwan, John Swanson, RonaldTetzlaff, Jeffrey Thiele, EllwoodThomas, Ronald Thomas, JEThomas, Ronald Thompson,Dawson Trine, Joyce Trusler,Wayne Tubbs, Thomas Turner,Duane Urbanski, Frank Urbanz,Richard Vande Sande, TonyVanderbloemen, WayneVaughn, Dale Viney, RobertWalton, W. Michael Whiteside,Vanda Wiegert, David Wiese,Dudley Wieselmann, DonWinch, Richard Winfield,George Witkowski, RichardWood, Wesley Worth, GeneWright, Alan Wright, CharlesWussow, Roger Wuttke, StevenYoose, Randy Young, JonZiegler, Erich Ziller, TimothyZingshiem, Eugene Zuniga

Lodges: Ancient Landmark,Cassia, Chetek, Collins-SpringValley, Evergreen, James M.Hays, Glenn L. Humphrey, Ma-sonWoods, Melody, New Rich-mond, Quincy, Winneconne,Wisconsin Rapids

Total Contributions as of Jan. 22, 2016 – $20,695.62


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Listening Visits . . . The Payoff!

By Grand Master Franklin J. Struble

As I write this I have just countedup the number of Listening Visitswe have shared across the Stateand the total is 18 of the sched-uled 30 visits. The ideas we haveshared from our Blue Lodges ex-ceeds my expectations and pres-ents us all with a challenge to findways to take advantage of theseincredible thoughts shared by ourBrothers. Some of these are easyto understand and adopt. Othersare quite involved and require usto package them in a format thatassists the Lodges wishing toadopt them with that process. Insome cases I have asked you tocontact the source lodge directly.These are in no particular orderand the priority you give themshould be up to your Lodge. All ofthe ideas presented here camefrom our Blue Lodge Brothers asideas they want to see imple-mented or ideas that are workingfor their Lodges.• Call-em-all.com: This system isbeing used successfully by severallodges keeping their brothers in-formed. Good news - Any Masonicorganization or affiliated organiza-tion can receive a 10% discount onmonthly service plans or a flat fee of6 cents a credit; no matter howmany credits are purchased. To re-ceive the discount, enter the Group

Code: Masons2009 on the Call-Em-All Website. This is a very cost ef-fective and efficient way to send apersonalized voice message to reachout to members about upcomingevents, meetings, funerals and otheractivities. A Lodge with 100 mem-bers can send out a 30 secondphone message to 100 phone num-bers for only $6 or they can sub-scribe to a monthly service and getunlimited calls and texts messagesfor 100 phone numbers $31.50 amonth. Also info note: ScottishRite, York Rite, Shrine, EasternStar, DeMolay, Jobies, and anyother affiliated organization mayuse the discount code.• 5th Tuesday or Thursday wholeLodge goes out to dinner to-gether. Key to success is that thewives pick the place. Same ideaworks in two different lodges.• Craftsman Club . . . to refinequality of ritual work. This ideaworks under different names in mul-tiple lodges. Some meet this wayonce a month, others twice andsome meet on off lodge nights onemeets on a Saturday morning.• Make it clear that a Brother canleave his career at home and justbe a brother in Lodge.• Ladies club for wives and sig-

nificant others one such groupmeets in dining room while lodgeconducts a Stated Communicationupstairs.• Float in parades with kids on

the float…a family event.• School your children/grand-

children about the Fraternity. Letthem wander around the lodge room,see the symbols, build their curiosityand let them know we do good works.• Group Rummage sale with pro-ceeds to Shrine Children’s Hospi-tal. Have a sign, “Every Shriner is aMason, but not every Mason is aShriner.”• Christmas Season Dinner for

all. Families look forward to thisevent.• Ladies at the Table Lodge. In-

clude honored Ladies (widows), wives,sisters, and significant others withtoasts to the Ladies.• Round table discussion meet-ing once a month/quarter. Severallodges do this once a month, onesuggested once a quarter wouldwork better.• Honor Law Enforcement/Vet-erans/Teachers/First responders/

Firemen. Different lodges have hadsuccess with these events for differ-ent groups.• Annual fishing trip for a groupof Lodge Brothers.• Lodge Fishing Tournament• Lodge family fishing outing–

at lodge on river with kids fishing.• Brothers Bunny Hunt . . .

an organized rabbit hunt.• Brothers go to Game Farm

and shoot birds together.• Honor Boy Scouts and their

leaders. In one lodge this has be-come a large part of the lodge’sidentity in the community, all butone adult working with scouts is aMason . . . and they are working onhim.• Four Wheeling/snowmobil-

ing with Lodge Brothers.• One night a year host a

Masonic Education night for theladies of the Lodge Family.• Every member gets a call oncea month from an Officer of theLodge. Members no longer get lost.• New Brother (EA) calls LodgeBrothers and introduces himself.Suggests they come to his next de-gree so they can meet.• Meals before lodge. • Building Projects. Promotes

teamwork and pride.• Partner back up with Eastern

Star and help make both viable.• Monthly family meal nights.• Brother-to-Brother help for

Lodge Brothers, widows, and shutins. Brings all together in commonpurpose and reminds all what Broth-erhood feels like.• Annual Fish Boil• Halloween at Lodge bringingcommunity into Lodge building.• When initiating an EA get twoFCs to serve as Stewards in thedegree. They don’t have to be fromyour Lodge . . . borrow some. (I be-lieve this idea represents the type ofthinking we need to be doing as aFraternity. Based on the fact thatthe Code does not specifically pro-hibit this and I can see no downsideto this interpretation of the Codeand will allow this provided theBrothers have participated in a prac-tice and this will add to their knowl-edge and enthusiasm. FrankStruble, GM.)• Raffles . . . guns, lawn tractors,money.• Make Guitars for Vets. ContactHudson Lodge for details.• Sell Christmas trees to supportscholarships and help fundteacher out of pocket expenses.• Why the minutes process? Itdoes not seem to make sense ask-ing Brothers who were not at ameeting to vote to approve min-utes.• AED purchases earn us a lot

of public goodwill, they shouldhave a Square and Compass onthem.• Repeat events that families

look forward to . . . Valentines

(Sweetheart) Dinner, PM night,Summer picnic, sunfish/catfishfeed.• Task your new younger Ma-

sons to develop ideas on how tobe more family friendly, improveritual, upgrade Lodge building,etc.• Teams of two Brothers, one

older, one younger to deliver hol-iday baskets to widows and shutins. Then the younger one re-ports the results to the Lodge.• Short business meetings. No

committee work in open lodge,just reports then a program. TheMaster has to enforce this.• Why doesn’t someone build a

computer game based on oursymbolism (nonviolent)?• “My husband loves his Lodge,

but I don’t know anything aboutit.” Possible program for spouses?• Learn to settle disagreements

with a win-win approach. “Some-time my husband comes homefrom lodge angry.” Discussion leadto a suggestion for the Masonic Col-lege to include some training onreaching mutual consensus.• Once the Masonic Square Elec-tronic Store is available on ourWis. website, offer us a way to getno drip candles for lesser lights.• Remind the Brothers that qual-ity ritual is a lesson in humility,“All these men did this for me.”• Be open to considering a dif-ferent schedule to reach a broaderslice of the population.• Consider a ladies program

while a business meeting is under-way.• The cipher is a tool, not a

crutch.• Charity Bowl (bowling) event

with all Masonic organizationsparticipating.• Take part in activities that are

not the “property” of the Masons.Examples given Boy Scouts, ringbells for Salvation Army, help witha habitat for humanity house.• Better use of trestle board . . .

needs to be on web.• More lodge-to-lodge visits andevents.• Coverall night, cammo night,

blaze orange night…all promotemore attendance.• Host an art show displaying

local children’s art at the Lodgebuilding. Coordinate with theschool system. • Invite other lodges to attend

when you have a degree. Themore Brothers on the sidelines thebetter impression on the new can-didate.• Lodge/lodges get together on

a regular basis trying to developbetter ways to present the parts ofthe ritual and can give it moremeaning.• We need a few read-up or readahead documents for wives.• Every Brother has an assign-ment on lodge night. E.g. Welcomeevery Brother, arrange furniture,hand out jewels/aprons, make cof-fee, stress teamwork.• Pamphlet, or even a coloring

book, for kids about Dad a Mason.• Donations and work assis-

tance to animal shelter or rescueefforts.• Challenge coin system like themilitary has.• Lodge meals/refreshments to

draw interest advertise ahead . . .e.g. desert night, chili night, oysterstew, meatball night, pie night, Subnight, etc.• Successful/suggested Lodge

Programs. ID theft and how to pro-tect yourself, living wills (leave withone in your hand), family budgetingtechniques, life estates, drug inter-action problems, how to use technol-ogy.• Group package for bus to

sporting event . . . Green Bay,Brewers, or even local teams.• Pumpkin carving at Lodge

building.• Parade water point at Lodge.• Santa available for commu-

nity at Lodge building.

• Friday video night at Lodge.• Community dinner with var-

ious town sponsors coordinatedby Lodge. Steamboat Dinner modelat Sturgeon Bay.• Easter egg hunt at lodge, opento public.• Assign Masonic Education

Programs to newer Masons.• Shooting teams trap, skeet,combat and bowling pin pistolcompetition.• Holiday time, coordinate a

food pantry drive with other com-munity organizations . . . givesthem a look at us.• Work with other lodges, put

together a visit to Shrine Hospital,include wives!• Gentlemen 101. A homerun!

This program will be outlined in afuture WMJ article. It was devel-oped by Appleton Lodge. Executionhas been accomplished with cooper-ation and assistance of Waverly andTwin Cities Lodges. Teaching man-ners to prom bound high schoolboys. Brothers and wives involved.Not done as a recruiting tool butsets the stage for Freemasonry in animportant way.• When you present Scholar-

ships, two Brothers go and weartheir Aprons!• Breakfast with Santa.• Every time a Brother comesto lodge he brings a canned good,save up and donate to food pantryat holiday season. • Make use of the Newshawk

Program.• Bring back care bears.• Fundraiser the entire family

can work on such as Farm TechDays food tent, Turn 3 Café, andCounty Fairs.• Away from the Lodge a wine

and cigar event to discuss Ma-sonry with friends.• Practice real relief, it is more

than a scholarship.• Every widow has a contact

person in the Lodge.• Visit Brothers at home, if shutin, have a Lodge meeting at his lo-cation.• One lady said it gets her hus-

band out of the house . . . “mayhave saved his life.”• I love it when I come to lodgeand a Brother is there to say helloand shake my hand.• Hold a Career Night for stu-

dents at the Lodge Building.• For proficiency and Lodge

decisions coach don’t Boss.• Can we come up with a Wis-

consin version of “Masonry forDummies”?• Create a dialogue between

Appendant Bodies and BlueLodges.• Ask and answer . . . What

event/activity links the Lodge tothe Community?• Have the Jurisprudence

Committee rule on Resolutionsbefore they are published in theJournal so lodges don’t wastetheir time discussing Resolutionsthat will never make it to the floorat AC. • Deer Camp Night . . . let your

imagination go.• We have to stop selling tickets

to the Titanic and start bookingpassage on the Queen Mary!• We have to do things Brotherswill want to brag about at work.• More DeMolay Chapters areneeded.• We need a college club withstudent Masons (Plattville).• Annual Family Campout ata Camp Ground, aka, food andfun.

Thank You! Please keep theideas coming!

Frank Struble

If you haven’t attended a lis-tening visit, please do so.Your input is important toyour Brothers. See upcomingListening Visits Schedule onpage 8.

Grand Master Franklin J.Struble conducts a ListeningSession at the Janesville Ma-sonic Center. Photo by Rich Rygh


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Journal

The next Wisconsin MasonicCollege Management Trainingsession will be hosted by N.E.W.Daylite Lodge No. 360 at theNortheast Wisconsin MasonicCenter, 525 North Taylor Street,Green Bay, on Feb. 27, beginningat 8:00 a.m.Deadline for reservations is Feb.

15, but this session may fill up be-fore this date.

The primary focus of the Wis-consin Masonic College is for at-tendance by lodge Wardens andDeacons so they may receive ed-ucation to prepare them for theireventual role when they ascend tobe the Master of their lodge. Thisyear also includes some valuablecontent for Lodge Trustees. Howoften are our Brothers thrust intoLodge Trustee positions quite un-

prepared for dealing with themeaty issues surrounding the as-sets of the lodge? This year for theManagement, session there aretwo extensive modules on Invest-ment Management and FacilitiesManagement, both key to effec-tive Trustee engagement and suc-cess. The sessions are open to any

Wisconsin Master Mason wishing

to attend and teach many man-agement skills that can be used inyour professional life. Make your reservation at

www.wisc-freemasonry.org. Thenumber of registrations is limited.An enrollment fee of $35.00

has been established. Included in each session will be

course workbooks, attendancegifts, completion awards, a noon

meal and refreshments duringbreaks.Attire for these sessions is ca-

sual.

Expand Your Management Skills, Next WMC Session is Feb. 27

Email your Lodge news to

[email protected].

Wisconsin Masonic [email protected]

Membership MinuteWe will continue to strive through our section of this paper toshare ideas that are working. The text below talks about one ofthe most successful program ideas we have seen. We know of oversix new Brothers that have joined our Fraternity this year who re-ceived exposure to us through The Craft Club. No Powerpoints,no programs, no detailed planning just good men sharing timewith other good men. We continue to believe if good men are ex-posed to our Fraternity, who we are, and what we do they willchoose to join us. Enjoy!!!

The Craft ClubThe Craft Club was founded by two Masons in November of2014. It is a monthly social gathering of Freemasons that meetson the 4th Friday of every month at the Tripoli Shrine in the oldbilliards room. All active Freemasons are invited. Proof of fraternalmembership is required and potential membership candidates arewelcome only if accompanied by a Mason. No public is allowed. It's Purpose- To give Masons, and potential candidates the oppor-tunity to regularly fraternize in an environment free from the dis-tractions of a modern world.What the Craft Club is Not.It is not a membership drive - Say What?! You might ask. It ismore of a social gathering and is never presented as a membershipdrive. Who wants to go to a meeting to be “sold" on Freemasonry?Or, who should have to "sell" Freemasonry? Just have fun andenjoy your Brotherhood and the rest will come naturally. It is not a “for profit” bar - Although alcohol is served, it isnot intended to support any organization or make money. Guestsbring their favorites and the house supplies things like beer, soda,ice, cups, supplies, etc. Remember and remind your Brethren ofthe virtue of temperance. It is not a family event - This one is for the guys. You might besurprised to see how many of the Brothers and potential candi-dates from all ages and demographics are looking for a social outletto be with like minded men away from a very hectic business andactive family life. We have a lot of other, very important, socialevents for families in Freemasonry: picnics, dinners, installations,outings, etc. This does not replace them.

How it benefits MasonryIt regularly, on the 4th Friday of each month, gives potential mem-bers the opportunity to meet members of the Craft in a non-in-timidating environment. It's a great way to get to know each other!Remember, we don't ever try to sell someone on becoming a mem-ber. Truth be known, this is really just a monthly gathering of Ma-sons from all different Lodges having fun and getting to know eachother. Potential members seem to like it too. Huh, go figure!You could do something similar in your area or Lodge.Here are some considerations:Make it fun and do it well. You don't have to overspend but, makeit a quality event. The cheapest beer, generic soda and plastic cupsmay not appeal to most. Serve some quality food and play somegood music! You can build a great music station on Pandora thatcan appeal to all. Don't allow whining and complaining, in fact, atThe Craft Club, it is downright forbidden! Maybe even invite aband or meet at a quality local pub. Be creative and keep in mindthat you can't please everyone all of the time. Remember- All Masonic rules, regulations, and moral lessonsapply.

Visit the Craft Club on the Web at www.thecraftclub.net

–Your Membership Committee


Grand Master Franklin J. Struble’sListening Sessions

This year Grand Master Franklin J. Struble will be traveling around the stateattending a number of listening sessions. These will be in a "town hall for-mat". You bring the topics of concern, ideas, or goals and they will be dis-cussed in a group.

March 1 – 8 p.m.Evening Star Lodge No. 64 Hosting433 Wells St., DarlingtonOlive Branch Lodge No. 6Amicitia Lodge No. 25Smith Lodge No. 31Arygle Lodge No. 178

March 17 – 7:30 p.m.Dells Lodge No. 124 Hosting815 Oak St., Wisconsin DellsAdams No. 322Fort Winnebago Lodge No. 33Baraboo Lodge No. 34Quincy Lodge No. 71Reedsburg Lodge No. 79Montello Lodge No. 141

March 22 – 7:30 p.m.Geneva Lodge No. 44 Hosting335 S. Lakeshore Dr., Lake GenevaSouthern Lakes Lodge No. 12Burlington Lodge No. 28Wilmot Lodge No. 241

April 4 – 7 p.m.Oconto Falls Lodge No. 293 Hosting170 N. Washington, Oconto FallsShawano Lodge No. 170Marinette Lodge No. 182Pine Lodge No. 188Clintonville Lodge No. 197Tri-County Daylite Lodge No. 218Mason Woods Lodge No. 368

April 5 – 6:30 p.m.Theodore Roosevelt No. 322 Hosting525 N. Taylor St., Green BayWashington Lodge No. 21Des Peres Lodge No. 85Henry S. Baird Lodge No. 174N.E.W. Daylite Lodge No. 360

April 11 – 7 p.m.Columbus Lodge No. 75 Hosting318 N. Ludington St., ColumbusWaupun Lodge No. 48Waterloo Lodge No. 63Dodge County Lodge No. 72Sun Prairie Lodge No. 143Poynette Lodge No. 173

April 12 – 7 p.m.Kenosha Lodge No. 47 Hosting4320 Washington Rd., KenoshaRacine-Belle City Lodge No. 18Washburn Lodge No. 145Union Grove Lodge No. 288Sunrise Lodge No. 359Unity Lodge No. 367

Any Lodge or Brother iswelcome to attend any

session.


Who Should Attend the Wisconsin Masonic College Management Class

The team involved with developing the curriculums for theWisconsin Masonic College have been getting some questionsabout who should attend the new Management classes beingrolled out this Masonic year. In part, our answer is consistentwith last year for the Leadership class. Any lodge officer shouldstrongly consider attending our classes. If your officer post iscloser to being Master, you have immediate potential use ofwhat you will learn. If lower in the officer line, you will gainknowledge earlier, and be a better contributor with others inthe line solving issues and making plans, especially the Master.Even beyond the officer line, any Master Mason that aspires tobeing an officer, or leader/manager in their personal or profes-sional lives or other appendant bodies, can make use of theknowledge you will gain.

This year, in our Management classes, we have some valuablecontent for Lodge Trustees also. How often are our Brothersthrust into Lodge Trustee positions quite unprepared for deal-ing with the meaty issues surrounding the assets of the lodge?That situation bothered us too. This year for Management, wehave two extensive modules on Investment Management andFacilities Management, both key to effective Trustee engage-ment and success. So, even if you are a seasoned LodgeTrustee, just getting involved as one, or want to know what isimportant, going to this year’s class would be a good opportu-nity for you to learn something new.

Register at www.wisc-freemasonry.org.Hope to see you there!

Management Module Schedule

Feb. 27, 2016 N.E.W. Daylite Lodge No. 360 - Green Bay April 2, 2016 Eau Claire Lodge No. 112

Date Hosted by

Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Wisconsin Square Store

storewiscfreemasonry.bigcartel.com

Visit the

Madison Scottish Rite Feast ofPaschal Lamb Memorial Service

By Bro. Stephen DakeThe Valley of Madison AASR-

NMJ will recognize and remem-ber its departed members at theFeast of the Paschal Lamb Memo-rial Service on Sunday, March 20.The service and program is

open to the general public. Thismoving and impressive ceremonyis performed by the Valley ofMadison Chapter of Rose CroixOfficers.

In the ceremony, the Officersrecognize the departed membersof the Madison Scottish Rite, andexplore the background of theFeast of the Paschal Lamb whichincludes the relationship betweenPassover and the Last Supper.They will conclude the ceremonywith a dramatic and thought-pro-voking message, a message thatremains open until the EasterSunrise Service at 7 a.m. on thefollowing Sunday, March 27.The Feast of the Paschal Lamb

(a.k.a, Maundy Thursday or“Holy” Thursday) dates back tothe Old Testament, Exodus12:14, “And this day shall beunto you for a memorial; and ye

shall keep it a feast to the Lordthroughout your generations; yeshall keep it a feast by an ordi-nance for ever” (KJV). Maundy Thursday, the Thursday

preceding Easter, marks two sig-nificant and historic events: TheFeast of the Passover and the LastSupper.

An early recorded observanceof a festival of thanks is told in inBiblical times for the bounties oflife and the forgiveness of tres-passes against the Divine Law.The term Maundy originates inthe early days of England where itwas customary to give baskets offood, clothing, and other necessi-ties to the less fortunate. Thesebaskets were called “Maunds.”Later the word was used to denoteany religious observance made ofthis charitable work. The Latinterm Mandatum means a com-mand or mandate, and was oftenused in reference to the words ofJesus Christ. The observance ofthe Feast of the Paschal Lambsuggests to all Masons a covenantbetween God’s mercy and theendless needs of all mankind.

While Masonry is not a religion,it is apparent that a good Masonmust be spiritually minded, andshow love and compassion to allmen of every religion, race, andcreed. The Rose Croix degreesare deemed the “Philosophic De-grees” and are intimately con-nected between Masonry and thephilosophic truths of religiousteachings. According to the an-cient regulation of the Order ofthe Rose Croix Chapters, allKnights are committed to (1)pause amid the busy scenes of life,(2) reflect upon those brethrenwho had answered the final sum-mons, and (3) resolutely face theEast with fuller faith, more ferventhope, and greater charity.If a Knight is in a place where

there is no Chapter of Rose Croix,he is to search out some otherBrother and feast with him. Overtime, it became a command forthese Knights to go to the high-ways and byways of life to see ifthere were any who suffered fromhunger and thirst.

Today, Knights of the RoseCroix retain the Feast of thePaschal Lamb symbolically and in-vite you, your friends and Broth-ers, to join us on this day to offerthanks for the bounties of life, paydue respect to the memories ofour dearly departed, and to ask fordivine guidance with renewedFaith, Hope, and Charity.Please join us on Sunday, March

20, at 2 p.m. in the Auditorium ofthe Madison Masonic Center, 301Wisconsin Ave., for the MadisonScottish Rite Valley MemorialService and the Observance of theFeast of the Paschal Lamb.

Zor Shrine Offers Fundraising Opportunity to Local Lodgesthe Alliant Energy Center in Madi-son. There are six shows. Showtimes are Friday at 7 p.m., Satur-day at 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m.

Zor would like to offer to thelocal Masonic Lodges a fundrais-

By Bro. Dale HolmenAs the New Year approaches,

Zor Shrine is working hard on itsplans for another great Shrine Cir-cus in Madison. The Circus is Feb-ruary 19, 20, and 21, at theVeterans Memorial Coliseum of

ing opportunity. They would liketo extend their program sales toinclude the seating and floor areaof the Circus arena. This is wherethey need your help. They wouldlike to use Masons from the areaas vendors. Each Mason would re-

ceive $10.00 per show workedwhich will be paid to their Lodge.To help make this a family event,Zor will offer show tickets for youand your extended family mem-bers at the rate of $13 each. Thisis a substantial savings of five dol-lars per ticket. Tickets must be or-dered and paid for by Feb. 10.Up to ten vendors per show are

needed and you can participate inas many shows as you wish. Thenames of all vendors are neededin advance to make sure all showsare covered. The time commit-ment will be 90 minutes beforeshow time though the intermis-sion. You will not be asked to sell

during the circus acts, but at leastmake your presence known. Zorwould like everyone to wearsomething that identifies you as alodge or Masonic member. Youwill be provided with money tomake change.All sellers MUST be an EA, FC

or Master Mason. To sign up,please email Bro. Dale Holmen [email protected] or call 608-241-4751. You can sign up byyourself or as a group when youregister. So come and enjoy thecircus and make your lodge somemoney. The Circus is a placewhere the whole family can havefun.

Chippewa Valley DeMolay ChapterIncoming Master Councilor Jon

Beighley announced that theChapter will be changing it's meet-ing days to 2nd and 4th Saturdaymornings starting at 10 a.m.This will better serve the mem-

bers who are active in eveningschool activities and those travel-ing from outside the Eau Claireand Chippewa Falls area to meet-ings and activities. Meetings will alternate between

the Eau Claire and Chippewa FallsMasonic Centers. If anyone iswanting to attend a meeting,please contact either Chapter DadDon Schwartz at 715-563-5196or Advisory Committee ChairmanJohn Berthold at 715-450-1789to check on where meetings willbe held on specific Saturdays.

Support our Youth Groups

Advertise in theWisconsin Masonic Journal

Contact Diane Igl262-965-3979

Email: [email protected]


News Events from the Lodges

Bro. Richardson is Mason of the YearPast Master Chris Goodwin (left) presents Bro. Dan Richardson withMcKinley Lodge's Mason of the Year Award for 2015. Over this pastyear Bro. Richardson served the lodge as Senior Deacon, Head Trusteeand Chairman of the Calendar and the Keys. He dedicated countlesshours of personal time to ensuring that the McKinley Masonic Centerwas in the best possible shape for all of the organizations that meetwithin it.

Submitted by Bro. Jonathan Schroeder, photo by Sara Taylor

Ozaukee Lodge Honors BrothersBro. Jon Ziegler, Master of Ozaukee Lodge No. 17 (center) recentlypresented Certificates of Appreciation for outstanding contributions tothe Lodge to Bros. from left: Past Master Erwin Wuehr, Counselor; PastMaster Tom Abbott, Treasurer; Past Master Gary McClellan, JuniorWarden; and Past Master Steve Lane, Senior Warden.

Submitted by Bro. Jon Ziegler

Ozaukee Lodge Supports Food PantryBro. Jon Ziegler, Master of Ozaukee Lodge No. 17 presents a checkfor $500 to Chris Flint, Executive Director of the Port WashingtonFood Pantry. Ozaukee Lodge raised the money at the Dec. 6 fundraiserheld at Starters Restaurant, Past Master Dave Tainter's new restaurantin Port Washington.

Submitted by Bro. Jon Ziegler

Milwaukee-Harmony Lodge honors 60 plus year membersBro. Andy Pachefsky, Master of Milwaukee-Harmony Lodge No. 261, presented a 60 year certificate andpin to Bro. Jerry Hersh (left), and a 65 year certificate and pin to Bro. Ted Sattler (right). Bro. Hersh wasraised on April 19, 1955. He served the Lodge as Master in 1961 and is currently a Trustee. Bro. Sattlerwas raised on Oct. 17, 1950.

Submitted By Bro Lowell Scott, Secretary

The Brothers of Mystic TieLodge No. 280, Ladysmith, heldtheir first "10 for 10" gun raffle onDec. 15. The tickets cost $10.00each and there were 10 guns tobe raffled off. The proceeds from the raffle go

to the lodge’s scholarship fund.Currently Mystic Tie Lodge givesfour different scholarships awayeach year to area high schools.The winners receive a gift certifi-cate redeemable at the Ace Hard-ware Store in Ladysmith.

The following winners weredrawn: Charlie Webster, Reming-ton 870 12 gauge; Kevin T.Kresci, Mossberg 500 12 gauge;Dan Schauer, Remington 870 20gauge; Rosalie Mertens, RugerAmerican .243; Aliesha Miller,Marlin X57 7mm-08; Loyd Swan-son, Remington 770 .270; TomDiekarz, Ruger American 30.06;Brian Conklin, Savage Axis XP.308; Linda Miller, Ruger 10/.22;and Nate Jakel, Savage 93R17.

The Brothers of Mystic TieLodge would like to thank every-one who purchased tickets, andalso the establishments that soldthe tickets for this successful raf-fle.

Submitted by Bro. Bill Howard Secretary/Treasurer

Warren Lodge visits shut-insJust before Christmas the Brethren of Warren Lodge No. 4, Potosi,spent an afternoon visiting shut-ins and Brothers confined to nursingfacilities. In front: Ron Jaacks, Davey White Sr. and Harold Lindeman.Back row: Schelly Schoville, Roger Sedgwick, Dan Sedgwick, PastGrand Master Davey L. White Jr., Larry Raymond, John Mest and Dis-trict 8 Deputy Grand Master David R. Ritchie.

Submitted by District 8 Deputy Grand Master David R. Ritchie

Winners of MysticTie “10 for 10” Raffle Announced

Email your submissions to [email protected].

Schmidt &Bartelt

FUNERAL SERVICEA Friend to the Family

774-5010• Wauwatosa

• Mequon • Mukwonago• Menomonee Falls • Sussex

• Oconomowoc

Attend and Support Your Lodge!



Bro. Melbinger is 70 year MasonOwen Lodge No. 317 recently recognized Bro.Celand Melbinger for70 years of service to the craft. He is 101 years old. Bro. Melbingerwas raised on May 5, 1944. From left: Bro Neil Hanson, District 3Deputy Grand Master Mark Steckel, Bro Celand Melbinger and SeniorGrand Steward Gary L. Stang.

Submitted by: Bro. Frank Olszewski

Gentlemen 101

Helping Good Young Men be GentlemenBy Preston O’Connor, with the help of many others!

In early 2015 the Lodges of Appleton and Neenah, un-dertook a pilot program aimed at giving something ofvalue to our community. The lodges decided to give away,a sit down meal, tuxedo rentals, corsages, and haircuts toyoung men of good character and financial need enablingthem to attend their schools prom. Local restaurants werecontacted, they gave discounted meals for the same pur-pose.

In exchange for these gifts, the Brothers of the lodgeasked only one thing, an opportunity to share a bit of theirwisdom on how to treat a women like a lady, during thisbig event. Let’s not make this overly complicated, we didthis for only one real reason. The need existed and wewere equipped to help. There is no other organization onthe planet that is better equipped to make good youngmen better men. We did not undertake the event with thedesire of getting something in return. However, we allknow that when you give of yourself you receive multipliedrewards, that was true in this instance as well, about whichanother article could be written.

Who benefits from Masonry? The man, his family, hiscommunity, and society as a whole.

Here are some quotes from those in attendance:“I thank you for holding this event it helped me greatly

and was a very good time. I appreciate what you did.”

“Just wanted to say thanks again for putting on such anawesome event! Thanks to you guys I’m able to treat mygirlfriend like a princess.”

“Thank you so much for hosting this awesome event. Ilearned so much from it and it was really cool to walkaround and learn about the Masons, thank you also forteaching us how to escort our dates properly”

“Thank you for hosting this event it meant a lot to mepersonally that you were doing it for us. I found this eventextremely helpful in more than just the tux. You taughtus how to properly have a date plan.”

Here is a quote from a mom:“Thought you’d like to know. He thought you were awe-

some, I don’t think he stopped smiling the whole time! Ileft in tears today. I was so moved by the out pouring oflove and the unselfish sharing of oneself. The tuxes weresecondary to the way you made those boys feel. Thankyou, thank you, for taking such a special high school mo-ment and making it a life lesson on so many things . . .especially how real men reach out to change the worldone boy at a time. Love and appreciation to all the meninvolved.”

Ma’am you are welcome! That is what Masons do.

Brothers wish us well as we move forward to our 2016event. Please let us know if you are interested, we canhelp you get an event like this started, but you have tomove quickly.

[email protected]

Bro. Preston O’Connor ex-plains how the idea for thisprogram originated.

Ruth Roddatz provides expert-ise from the ladies point ofview.

Bro. Eugene Reece explainsthe research and work re-quired on the part of thelodges.

Editors note: On right: representatives from AppletonLodge No. 349 and Waverly Lodge No. 51, give a presen-tation and answer questions on the Gentlemen 101 programto the Grand Lodge Ladies during the Staff meeting inOshkosh on Jan. 23.

Bro. Weigand is Mason of the YearCollins-Spring Valley Lodge No. 192, Baldwin, held its Saints JohnCelebration at the Baldwin Legion. A wonderful meal of slow roastedsirloin and chicken cordon blue was served. Pies and other bakery items(dessert) were auctioned off to the highest bidders. Proceeds went tothe building fund. Bro. Roger Keller, Master, recognized Past MasterJay Custer for 35 yrs., and Bro. Warren Lynch for 35 yrs. Bro. Lynchis a plural member of Newport Lodge No. 118 A.F. & A.M., St. PaulPark, Minnesota. The Golden trowel was awarded to Bro. Schuyler Of-stie. Above: Past Master Larry Wiegand (left) receives the Mason of theYear Award from Master Roger Keller.

Submitted by Bro. Larry Wiegand – Clip & Mail Coupon –

Donation for Expenses for the Conferenceof Grand Masters of North America

February 21-23, 2016 in Madison

Name:________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Phone Number: (_____) ____________ Lodge: _______________

Contact email: _________________________________________

Donation Amount Enclosed $___________

❑ Please contact me, I would like to volunteer to help at the conference.

Mail this donation form and check to:CGMNA Expense Donation – Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Wis.36275 Sunset Dr., Dousman, WI 53118Make checks payable to: Grand Lodge of Wisconsin

Photos by Rich Rygh

How Your Lodge Can Participate inthe AED Matching Grants ProgramThe Wisconsin Masonic Foun-

dation Medical Fund is still proudlysupporting matching grants forthe placement of Automatic Exter-nal Defibrillators in schools andother public buildings. Since thecost of the units has come downover the years, we offer a dollarfor dollar match of up to $800 perunit ($1600 total).Grants that are considered part

of Project ADAM (AEDs in Wis-consin High Schools) are pre-ap-proved, while an AED placed in

any other level of school or publicbuilding must be voted upon bythe Board of Directors at theirquarterly meeting. In order to have a grant request

considered, a Lodge must submit:1) A letter defining the pro-

gram-cost of the unit, whom it willserve, organization's impact onthe community, etc., on Lodge let-terhead.

2) A letter from the organiza-tion receiving the AED, statingthat they do not have funds setaside in their budget for this typeof purchase.

3) Up to $800 in matchingfunds, made payable to the: Wis-consin Masonic Foundation- Med-ical Fund.

This is still a very important pro-gram, and now is the time, if yourLodge has not participated.There are many places in Wiscon-sin communities that could benefitfrom this lifesaving equipment. If your Lodge has already placed

an AED(s), now is a great time tocheck back with them. Do theyneed to upgrade their unit? Dothey need replacement pads andbatteries? The Medical Fund canassist with matching grants forthose efforts as well.Contact Erika Miller, Develop-

ment Officer, Wisconsin MasonicFoundation, 36275 Sunset Drive,Dousman, WI 53118 (262) 965-2200, ext. 831. [email protected].

Visit theWisconsin Square Store

at www.wisc-freemasory.org



Bro. Vehrs honored for 65 yearsArea Administrator Dale Brathol presents Brother Harlan Vehrs his 65year certificate. Bro. Veers was raised on Nov. 28, 1950 in New Rich-mond Lodge No. 195. He served the Lodge as Master in 1979 and re-cently served as Tiler.

Submitted by Area Administrator Dale Brathol

Bro. Shipman is 50 year memberBro. Clyde Shipman (left), Bloomer Lodge No. 281, receives his 50year pin and certificate from Bro. Dave Olson. Bro. Shipman was raisedon May 25, 1965 in Rapid City Lodge No. 25, Rapid City SouthDakota. He affiliated with Bloomer Lodge on Feb. 6, 1974. He is avery active member of Bloomer Lodge serving as Master in 2011.

Submitted by Senior Grand Steward Gary L. Stang

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Joint Installation at Eau Claire Masonic CenterGrand Master Franklin J. Struble installed five lodges at a joint installation at the Eau Claire Masonic Center.Officers for 2016 were installed for Eau Claire Lodge No. 112, Menomonie Lodge No. 164, Buffalo RiverLodge No. 252, Sanctuary Lodge No. 347 and George B. Wheeler Lodge No. 351. Eau Claire LodgeMaster Dave Vogel is kneeling at the altar with Master’s Allen Mazuk, Sanctuary; Josh Sudbrink, George B.Wheeler; Craig Conklin, Menomonie; and Brian Trowbridge, Buffalo River standing behind.


Visit the

Wisconsin Square Store

at www.wisc-freemasory.org


81st Annual Steamboat Dinner is March 12 in Sturgeon BayThe 81st Annual Steamboat Din-ner, hosted by Henry S. BairdLodge No. 174, and organized byBro. Tom Pinney, is coming up onMarch 12. Last year 830 mealswere served, with 361 of themeals being purchased by Bros.and friends of the lodge and do-nated to needy people in the com-munity identified by Door CountySocial Services. Including deliveryto 200 shut-ins.The dinner originated 81 years

ago when a large number of theMasonic Brethren sailed on theGreat Lakes. Their familieswanted to have a special send-offmeal together in March beforethey left for the upcoming seasonon the steamboats. It began quitesimply with a free meal in one ofthe Brother’s homes and grew tothe point where they needed touse the lodge building to haveroom for all the people. Eventuallythe dinner was opened up to thepublic. Today the dinner provides

money for the lodge’s communityoutreach program which, amongother things, provides money forlocal high school scholarships andsupport for the lodge’s continuingcommitment to the Door County

We have an email address dedicated to collecting events togo into the Grand Lodge Calendar. Any lodge or appendantbody can send their calendar information to [email protected] and it will get added onto the system.

The webpage will display the next 30 events that are listed,however, if you go to the mobile site on your phone or tabletyou will be able to scroll through all events that are listed.To list events in the Wisconsin Masonic Journal Calendar

continue to email them to [email protected].

Grand Lodge Calendar

Boys and Girls Club.In the last 20 years the members

and friends of Henry S. BairdLodge have paid for and donatedto Social Services, Lake ShoreCap and the Sunshine House over5,000 tickets for meals.Last year 82 people, consisting

of members of OES Honor Chap-ter #1, Brethren and friends wereinvolved with preparing, servingand delivering the dinners. Thisyear the lodge hopes to showcaseand honor the newly installedmember of the brand new localDeMolay Chapter. The dinner will be served at the

Masonic Center in Sturgeon Bay,31 S. 3rd Ave. Shuttle buses willdeliver people to the front doorfrom the Market Square parkinglot, eliminating on street parkingproblems. This year there is live entertain-

ment in the lodge ranging frompiano favorites to the SturgeonBay High School Jazz band; start-ing at 3:30 p.m. The dinner isserved from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.Tickets are $15 for adults, withchildren under 14 free. Veteransand active duty/reserve personnelreceive a $1 discount. Curb side drive up and take out

are available. For advance tickets go to

www.steamboatdinner.com or call920-737-3166.


We have video, lots of photos, and easy navigation. Please take some time tocheck it out and share with your friends!

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Lodges Install Officers for 2016

McKinley Lodge No. 307McKinley Lodge No. 307, Brookfield held its 102nd Installation of Officers on Jan. 9.Front row (from left): District 11 Deputy Grand Mster Michael A. Gorgen, Tiler; JonathanSchroeder, Senior Deacon; Dan Richardson, Junior Warden;, Eric Godfrey, Senior War-den; and Ricardo Vieira, Chaplain. Second row: Jeff Stark, Junior Deacon; Chris Good-win, Counselor; Andrew Meyers, Master; Brian Breitzmann, Secretary, and KevinBreitzmann, Treasurer. (Not Pictured: Morgen McCaskey, Senior Steward)

Submitted by Bro. Jonathan Schroeder, photo by Sara Taylor

Geneva Lodge No. 44

Fond du Lac Lodge No. 26

The 2016 officers of Geneva Lodge No. 44 were installed at an open installation. Frontrow (from left): Dan Johnson, Installing Officer; John Marra, Installing Officer; FrankChesen, Chaplain, John Wozniak, Senior Warden; Junior Grand Deacon Kenneth C.Gorgen; and Gerry Steinke, Trustee. Back row: Area Administrator Clinton Cagle; BrettKrause, Senior Deacon; Don Redell, Treasure; Keith Redell, Master; Richard Redell, Tiler;Richard Vande Sande, Secretary and William Shelley, Installing Officer.

Submitted by Bro. Bob Grohall

The installation of Fond du Lac Lodge No. 26 officers took place on Dec. 19. Front row(from left): George Weigel, Trustee; David Ward, Junior Warden; James Myrhum, KYCH,Master; Otto McVeigh, Senior Warden; Burt Mayborne, Treasurer; Past Master Tod Hell-mann, Installing Master; Past Master Steve Belongie, Installing Marshal. Back row: KevinSherman, Junior Deacon; Jamison Kifer, Musician and Junior Steward; Jay Oestreich,Trustee; Leroy Kifer, KYCH, Secretary; Gilbert Lepein, Chaplin; and Jeff Keller,Tiler.

Submitted by Bro. James O. Myrhum, KYCH; photo by Bro. Dave Olson

Independence Lodge No. 80Independence Lodge No. 80, Wauwatosa, Officers for 2016. From left: Bernard Hall,Senior Deacon; Robert Helback, Secretary/Treasurer; Michael Snow, Junior Warden;William Solberg, Master; Terry Herzog Senior Warden; Edward Byrnes, Junior Deacon;Braden Meyer, Senior Steward; and Don Goetz, Chaplain.

Submitted by Bro. Bernard Hall

Winneconne Lodge No. 186Winneconne Lodge No. 186 held an open installation of officers on Dec. 22, with PastGrand Master Bruce S. Sim as the Installing Master. Prior to the ceremony, a deliciousmeal was enjoyed at Jackie’s Parkside Restaurant. From left: Richard A Kreager, Chap-lain; Richard P Larsen, Installing Marshal; Jack H Wirch, Secretary/Treasurer; Past GrandMaster Bruce S. Sim; Richard Mansfield, Senior Deacon; Dennis D Durant, Senior War-den; William F. Beck, Master; Leo J Esch, Senior Steward; Dale C Swenson, Tiler; andPeter J Running, Junior Deacon.

Submitted by Bro. Jack H. Wirch, Secretary/Treasurer

Nathan Hale Lodge No. 350Nathan Hale Lodge No. 350, Milwaukee, held their installation of officers on December19, at the Tripoli Shrine Center. From left:Past Master William M. LeDoux; Installing Mar-shal Doug Winter; Peter J. Blinkwolt, Junior Warden; Donald C. Craig, Junior Deacon;Thomas O. Ryan, Master; Karl T. Naujock, Chaplain; George A. Jozwiak, Senior Warden;Kirk A. Poser, SecretaryTreasurer; David R. Schaber, Senior Deacon; Shawn M. Office,Junior Steward; Edward R. Cassel, Counselor; Installing Master District 12 Deputy GrandMaster Jan F. Talaga, Installing Master; Senior Grand Deacon Robert C. Strader, InstallingChaplain.

Submitted by Bro. Thomas O. Ryan

New Richmond Lodge No. 195Newly installed officers of New Richmond Lodge No. 195. From left: Aaron S. Mont-gomery , Tiler; Timothy A. Jewell, Junior Steward; Joseph L. Langer, Chaplain; ThomasJ. White, Counselor; Daniel J. Hagerty, Senior Steward; Frederick D. Horne, Master;James R. Beebe, Treasurer; Jeffery J. Kuschel, Junior Warden; Area Administrator DaleA. Brathol; Harold J. Christensen, Secretary; Michael R. Kastens, Junior Deacon; RobertL. Goodlad, Installing Master; Dave L. Giese, Installing Marshal; and Barry N. Ausen, In-stalling Chaplain. Not pictured: Bradley E. Niederer, Senior Warden and Harry P. Odone,Senior Deacon.

Submitted by Bro. Area Administrator Dale Brathol


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Hancock Lodge No. 229

Jefferson Lodge No. 9

Amicitia Lodge and Olive Branch Lodge

Acacia-Itasca Lodge No. 329

Tomah Lodge No. 132

Columbus Lodge No. 75

The officers to lead Hancock Lodge No. 229 were installed on Jan. 12, at the EllsworthMasonic Center. Front row (from left): Grand Marshal H. Scott Paulson, Installing Marshal;Rick Swan, Lodge Librarian; Burt Larson, Trustee; Charlie Webster, Senior Deacon; DanSherry, Senior Warden; Frank During, Master; Kraig Krueger, Junior Warden; Jeff Pajac,Junior Deacon; and Senior Grand Warden Gary L. Stang, Intalling Master. Back row:Mike Metcalf, Tiler; Jerry Bristol, Treasurer; Milt Helmer, Counselor; Norris Berg, Secre-tary; Jim Hines, Chaplain; Dan Fischer, Junior Steward and Jack Hofmeister, Trustee.Not pictured is Terry Falde, Senior Steward.

Submitted by Bro. Milt Helmer; photo by Ellen Sherry

New officers for Columbus Lodge No. 75. Front row (from left): John Van Roo, Secretary;Dan Strausser, Senior Warden; Al McDonald, Tiler; and George Jordan, Counselor. Backrow: Brandon Jacob, Senior Deacon; Ron Benisk, Junior Warden; Joe Nemeth, Master;Larry Herzog, Installing Master; Dave Whelan, Senior Steward; and Steve Maurer, Treas-urer.

Submitted by Past Master Steven Maurer

Jefferson Lodge No. 9 Officers for 2016. Front row (front Left): Thomas Walton, InstallingMaster; James Stansfield, Junior Deacon; Timothy Smillie, Senior Warden; Ralph Behlke,Master; Michael Murphy, Junior Warden; and David Medici, Secretary. Back row: CharlesBergren, Chaplain; Area Administrator Noah Schultz, Treasurer; Mathew Huey, InstallingChaplain, Randal Behlke, Counselor; and Edward Bergren, Tiler.

Submitted by Area Administrator Noah Schultz

Acacia-Itasca Lodge No. 329 Officers for 2016. Front row (from left): Area AdministratorDennis Schultz, Counselor and Trustee; Robert Edstrom, Tiler; Darrell Kyle, Master; GrandMaster Franklin J. Struble, Installing Master; WIlliam Conner III, Junior Warden; and RayDoleson, Junior Deacon. Back row: Ronald Pete, Secretary; Jason Nieman, Junior Stew-ard; Tom Vosburgh, Senior Deacon; Donald Miller, Chaplain; and Ken Mertz, Senior War-den.

Submitted by Bro. Les Johnson; photo by Freya Johnson

Amicitia Lodge No. 25 and Olive Branch Lodge No. 6 Officers for 2016. Front row (fromleft): Past Grand Master Davey L. White Jr., Installing Master; Josh Jerry, Master, 25;Bob Robbins, Master, 6; District 8 Deputy Grand Master David R. Ritchie, Installing Chap-lain. Second row: Larry Teasdale, Senior Warden, 25; John Roelli, Senior Deacon, 25;Greg Roelli, Junior Warden, 25; Francis Temperley, Trustee, 25; and Marc Stieber, Backrow: Glen Temperley, Senior Deacon, 6; Joe Thompson, Secretary/Treasurer, 6; andJunior Grand Warden Scott E. Pedley, Junior Deacon and Trustee, 6.


Tomah Lodge No. 132 officers for 2016. Front row (from left): Mark Charbonneau, Sen-ior Warden; Jarrett McDonald, Senior Deacon; entered Apprentice William Swan; JerryMcDonald, Junior Warden; Ron Malcolm, Junior Deacon; and Hollis Herbison, Chaplain.Back row: James De Voe, Master; Mitch Koel, Senior Steward; Allen Coenen, Trustee;Don Roscovius, Secretary; and Jesse Long, Tiler.

Submitted by Bro. John Roscovius

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Oregon Lodge No. 151

Richland and Franklin Lodges

Wauwatosa Lodge No. 267

Union Grove Lodge No. 288

Wis. Rapids and Marshfield Lodges

Owen Lodge No. 317

Union Grove Lodge No. 288 Officers for 2016. Front row (from left): Tom Wampler,Junior Deacon; Steve Knight , Senior Warden; Jack Nelson, Master; George Winget, Jun-ior Warden; and Daryl Lynaugh, Junior Steward. Back row: Chris Acker, Senior Deacon;Russ Sanders, Senior Steward; Clint Cagle, Tiler; Skip Kovach, Secretary/Treasurer; JimNelson, Installing Master; Bob LeFebve, Washburn Lodge No. 145, Installing Chaplain;and Jerry Nelson Installing Marshal.

Submitted by Bro. Skip Kovach

A large number of friends and relatives were in attendance to witness the installation ofofficers for Owen Lodge No. 317 on Jan. 9. Senior Grand Steward Gary L. Stang servedas Installing Officer and Bro. Neil Hanson was the Installing Marshal. Recognition ofBrethren for years of service in the Lodge followed the installation including 101 year oldBro. Celand Melbinger, a 70 year Mason. The afternoon concluded with refreshmentsand fellowship. Front row (from left): Charles Edgar, Junior Warden; Leslie Craven Master;and Frank Olszewski, Senior Warden. Second row: Brian Bredlau, Tiler; Neil Hanson;Lyle Roe, Senior Deacon; Todd Edgar, Junior Deacon; and Senior Grand Steward GaryL. Stang. Back row: Jim Oehler, Senior Steward; District 3 Deputy Grand Master MarkSteckel; Vernon Smith, Junior Steward; and Dan Roe, Secretary Treasurer.

Submitted by Bro. Frank Olszewski

Officers of Wauwatosa Lodge No. 267 for 2016. The officers were installed with the helpof Job’s Daughters Bethel 19. Lodge officers in front: Nick Brugger, Junior Deacon; BradKrause, Master; Joshua Riewe, Senior Warden; and Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf,PGM, Secretary/Treasurer.

Submitted by Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PGM

The 2016 officers of Marshfield Lodge No. 224 and Wisconsin Rapids Lodge No. 128were installed during a joint installation at the Wisconsin Rapids Masonic Center on De-cember 12. Front row (from left), Wis. Rapids Officers: David Bergerson, Secretary; JacobLeBlanc, Junior Steward; Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PGM, Installing Master;Chris Peters, Master; Past Grand Master John Hein, Installing Marshal; Doug Kuhlka,Tiler; and Jim Giese, Counselor and Trustee. Middle row, Marshfield Officers: Sam Run-nells, Chaplain; Craig Carpenter, Organist; David Ter Maat, Junior Deacon; Frank Hart-man, Senior Warden; Jason Laramee, Treasurer; and Justin Herman, Senior Steward.Back row: Marshfield Officers: Mike McCaffery, Junior Warden; David Shedivy, Master;Dean Swett, Senior Warden; Ken Olm, Secretary/Treasurer; Dan VanDenBerg, JuniorDeacon.

Submitted by Bro. Scott Brehm

The officers of Oregon Lodge No. 151 were installed at an open installation Jan. 16.The ceremony was preceded by a dinner, followed by cake and fellowship. Front row(from left): Past Master John Benedict, Installing Marshal; Gary Lewis, Senior Deacon;Creighton Long, Senior Warden; Marty Long, Master; District 9 Deputy Grand MasterJames R. Gajdosik Jr., Jordan Dietrich, Junior Warden; District 8 Deputy Grand MasterDavid R. Ritchie, Installing Chaplain; and Ed Showers, Tiler. Second row: Mike Nelson,Installing Senior Warden; Mark Nelson, Installing Senior Warden; Dan Biersdorf, JuniorSteward; Brad Staley, Treasurer; Dave Huston, Counselor; Dennis Erfurth, Chaplain;Scott Magnusson, Senior Steward and Trustee; Guy Tarkenton, Junior Deacon, and RichRygh, Secretary.

Photo by Bro Jim (Bone) Goldsmith

The 2016 officers of Franklin Lodge No. 16 and Richland Lodge No. 66 were installedat a joint public installation at the Lone Rock Masonic Center on January 16, by PastGrand Master Davey L. White Jr. Front row (from left): Steve Davis, Junior Warden, 66;Jim Jewell, Senior Deacon, 66; Brent Clausius, Senior Warden, 66; 65-year Mason BillJewell; Butch Rossing, Junior Deacon, 16; Rollie Spencer, Secretary, 16. Second row:Cecil Groves, Junior Deacon, 66; Dave Mahn, Master, 16; District 8 Deputy Grand MasterDavid R. Ritchie, Installing Chaplain; Fuzz Spangler, Chaplain, 66; PGM Davey L. White,Installing Master; Dan Brilla, Senior Deacon, 16; Milt Schott, Master, 66; Bill VanderMolen, Senior Steward, 66; Emmett Riley, Proxy for Dan Mahn, Senior Warden,16;Charlie McMullen, Tiler, 66; Herman Kaldenberg, Tiler, 16; John Fuhlbohm, Junior War-den, 16.

Submitted by Bro. Brent Clausius

Lodge Excellence AwardApplications must be received by your

District Deputy Grand Master by February 15.

The application can be downloaded from www.wisc-freemasonry.org under Awards

The qualifying dates are January 1 thru December 31, 2015.



Please email your submissions to:The Wisconsin Masonic Journal

[email protected]

Henry S. Baird Lodge No. 174

Linden Lodge No. 206

Waukesha Lodge No. 37

The officers of Linden Lodge No. 206 were installed at a joint installation with other IowaCounty lodges at the Masonic Heritage Center in Dodgeville on Dec. 17. Front row (fromleft): Glenn Langfoss, Junior Warden; Tom Faull, Senior Warden; Dan Maughan, Master;Past Grand Master Davey L. White Jr., Installing Master; William Keeney, Secretary/Trea-surer; and David Fritsch, Senior Deacon. Back row: Junior Grand Warden Scott E. Pedley,Installing Marshal; and District 8 Deputy Grand Master David R. Ritchie, Installing Chap-lain.

Photo by Rich Rygh

Eau Claire Lodge No. 112

Decora Lodge No. 177

The officers for Eau Claire Lodge No. 112 were installed on December 9, at the EauClaire Masonic Center by Most Worshipful Grand Master Frank J. Struble. Seated (fromleft): Matt Chromey, Senior Warden; Dave Vogel, Master; and Nick Koerner, Junior War-den. Standing: Dave Martens, Senoir Steward; Brad Harrellson, Senior Deacon; JoshEddy, Secretary; Chris Roberts, Treasurer; Tom Johnson, Chaplain; and Charles Wask-iewicz, Junior Steward.

Submitted by Bro. Matt Chromey

The 2016 Officers of Decora Lodge No.177, Galesville, were installed on January 4 atan open installation. Front row (from left): Dick Sacia, Tiler; John Brophy, Junior War-den; Ron Myskewitz, Master; Chris Petersen, Senior Warden; Charles Miller, Secretary;and Lee Drangstveit, Chaplain. Back row: Jim Kline, Treasurer; Jim Heim, Junior Dea-con; Steve Wright, Senior Deacon; and Howard Turk, Installing Marshal. Brothers andguests retired to the Lodge dining room for lunch and socialization after installation.

Submitted by Bro. Dave Woyicki

Henry S. Baird Lodge No. 174, Sturgeon Bay, held it’s installation of officers on Dec.19.Front row (from left): Steve Schaefer, Junior Steward; Andrew Buechner, Junior Dea-con; Richard (Rick) Rogers, Master; and Gerald Wick, Chaplain. Second row: Mark Fis-cher, Counselor; John Sullivan, Senior Deacon; William Button, Tiler; and Mitch Custer,Senior Warden.

Submitted by Bro. Ed Klein, photo by Bro. Tom Pinney

The Officers for Waukesha Lodge No. 37 were installed on Dec 17. Front row (from left):Matt Richardson, Senior Warden; Jared Mallas, Master; Charles Kiessling, Junior Warden;Vince Trovato, Senior Steward; and Mike Consiglio, Junior Steward. Second row: DougCampbell, Tiler; Chris Luedke, Senior Deacon; Ryan Campbell, Junior Deacon; CameronSholty, Chaplain; and Dale Hartung, Secretary/Treasurer.

Submitted by Bro. Dale Hartung

Superior Lodge No. 236Officers of Superior Lodge No. 236. Front row (from left): Aaren Petersen, Master; andGrand Master Franklin J. Struble, Installing Master. Second row: JS Chris Edstrom, JuniorSteward; Mike Daigle, Secretary/Treasurer; Mike Dahl, Junior Deacon; and Les Johnson,Counselor. Back row: Brad Edstrom, Chaplain; Alex Nelson, Senior Steward; and ScottNelson, Junior Warden.

Submitted by Bro. Les Johnson, photo by Freya Johnson


South Shore Lodge No. 3Robert W. JaquetRobert M. Jungbauer

Sheboygan Lodge No. 11John W. Gosse

Southern Lakes Lodge No. 12

Daniel L. Colburn

Ozaukee Lodge No. 17Robert C. Creekpaum

Burlington Lodge No. 28Trent L. Vukodinovich

Waukesha Lodge No. 37Michael D. Consiglio

Berlin Lodge No. 38Joshua T. Knapp

Oconomowoc-HartlandLodge No. 42Craig A. WigginsKevin A. Zickert

Geneva Lodge No. 44Mathew A. Yardley

Hiram Lodge No. 50Lucas A. Wendt

Columbus Lodge No. 75Ronald J. BenischFrederick Evrard

Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 83Jeffery D. Ethington

La Belle Lodge No. 84Daniel J. IversonGary L. Nummerdor

Evergreen Lodge No. 93George A. Heeres

Waupaca Lodge No. 123Robert D. Kasson

Wisconsin Rapids Lodge No. 128

William M. Parker

West Bend Lodge No. 138James A. GrygaAlan M. JordanChad J. Michels

Wautoma Lodge No. 148Gary M. Hopkins

Shawano Lodge No. 170Brendan A. Thornton

Argyle Lodge No. 178Ronald E. Ingwell

Pine Lodge No. 188Steven W. Hansen

La Crosse Masonic Lodge No. 197

Kelly M. Jellison

Blue Hills Lodge No. 234Robert J. Foster

Landmark Lodge No. 244Aaron H. Steiger

Laflin-St. James Lodge No. 247

David A. NinnersJustin C. Watson

Eagle River Lodge No. 248David A. HapkaJay A. Johnstone

Crandon Lodge No. 287Brian C. Welch

West Allis Lodge No. 291Michael P. Nichols

Henry L. Palmer Lodge No. 301

Clayton J. Bartz

McKinley Lodge No. 307Thomas M. Kelley

Theodore Roosevelt LodgeNo. 322

Benjamin W. Rodgers

Commonwealth Lodge No. 325Jason E. Freeman

Freemasons Lodge No. 363Timothy J. GisiIgor Lukic

New Master MasonsRaised in the 4th Quarter of 2015

A fraternal welcome to these new Master Masons and their families.

As recorded in MORIby Lodge Secretaries


Josh Sudbrink, Master of George B. Wheeler Lodge No. 351, presentsBro. Troy Peters (right) a Certificate of Appreciation for all his effort inpromoting the success of the lodge. Bro. Peters is a newer memberthat's active and has a great attitude which makes it fun to come tolodge.


Bro. Troy Peters honored

Bro. James Jewell recently had the honor of presenting his father, Bro. William Jewell, with his 65 yearpin. Bro. William was raised on Jan. 10, 1951. He is a member of Richland Lodge No. 66 and a pluralmember of Franklin Lodge No. 16. He served Richland Lodge as Master in 1991 and is currently the Chap-lain of Franklin Lodge. From left: son James Jewell, honoree William Jewell, son Larry Jewell, and PastGrand Master Davey L. White Jr.

Submitted by Bro. Brent Clausius

Bro. William Jewell is 65 year Mason

Owen Lodge distributes “Teddy Care Bears”The Brethren of Owen Lodge No. 317 discovered three ‘Teddy Care Bears’ in its archives and decided torenew the Wisconsin Grand Lodges program from several years ago. This was a very successful programand unfortunately the need is still great. Since their Fire Department has three ambulances, it was appropriateto supply a ‘Teddy Care Bear’ in each of the three. The Lodge was notified by Fire Chief Mark Rendermanthree days later, that two of the Bears were already in the arms of two small children. The Fire Chief saidan item like this is very important for the Department to have on hand for such traumatic times for childrenas well as adults. He said the bears are very comforting.

Submitted by Bro. Daniel Roe, Secretary

Visit theWisconsin Square Store atstorewiscfreemasonry.bigcartel.com

Is from page 3

his understanding of the promisesmade. By understanding, he willremember, plus, the lodge mem-bers might remember somethingabout the promises they made.

5. And finally, most of this canbe completed in a couple of weekswith very little effort, and now wehave the making of a Mason. Weare not letting him rest, but en-couraging him to be aggressive inhis study.The candidate will be able to

complete the lion’s share of thiswork on his own, if he has the de-sire. His self-interaction with theWisconsin Program data will givehim a feeling of accomplishment,and with honest encouragement,he will surpass all of our expecta-tions.Finally, learning the in-lodge ex-amination material will tie him tohis mentor and to lodge memberswhich enables him to be active inthe lodge.Testing is necessary to under-

stand effectiveness and gain feed-back. Permission is given only totest the new material. A few

lodges will be selected to do thetesting and reporting of the resultswill be required. Testing will onlybe done in the Entered Appren-tice degree. The candidates thatsuccessfully complete the studyguide and pass the in-lodge profi-ciency examination will be eligibleto advance to the Fellowcraft de-gree They will not be required tocomplete the current Entered Ap-prentice posting material.Michael Hall, a noted Brother

Mason once wrote, “We simplyare a group of men that believe inmaking a difference in the worldthrough strong moral characterand a charitable heart”Our hope is that the new edu-

cational posting will send our newcandidate on a journey to achievethe two points noted by MichaelHall and at the same time devel-oping Brotherly Love with his fel-low Masons.

Make your donation to theGrand Master’s Appeal. Every dollar given can help

to improve the quality of life fora veteran.Show our veterans that we

sincerely appreciate their serv-ice to our nation.Donate easily online at

www.wisc-freemasonry.org oruse clip-out on page 4.

Don’t Forget!


Fill Out, Clip and Mail Today

Support Your Wisconsin Grand Chapter Charities

Enclosed is my donation for:( ) Worthy Grand Matron Project 2015-2016

Pennies for children – Shriners HospitalWI Alzheimer’s Foundation

( ) Worthy Grand Patron Project 2015-2016Wisconsin School for the Deaf

( ) ESTARL Fund (A fund to help those pursuing religious training.)( ) Support Our Military Fisher House Project( ) Perpetual Youth Scholarship – World of Youth( ) Heart Fund( ) Cancer Research( ) GGC Children’s Dyslexia Center, Inc. Project( ) Wisconsin Eastern Star Foundation, Inc. (For this charity

please make your check out to the WI OES Foundation and send to the address below.)

( ) In Honor of: _______________________________________( ) In Memory of: _____________________________________

Amount $ _________________ Date ______________________

Please acknowledge to: Name __________________________

Address ______________________________________________

City __________________ State ___________ Zip ___________

Make your check payable Wisconsin Grand Chapter OES indicatingon the memo section of your check the benevolence(s) you havelisted above and mail it to: Wisconsin Grand Chapter Order of theEastern Star, 36275 Sunset Drive, Dousman, WI 53118-9349.

www.wioes.org – [email protected] 262-965-2200 Ext. 851

.

OES Club MeetingsSoutheast Area Club Coffee at 8:30 a.m., Meeting at 9 a.m.Chapters: Bristol, Burlington, Kenosha, Racine and Union GroveFeb. 13, 2016-Racine ChapterMarch 12, 2016-Union Grove ChapterApr. 9, 2016-Burlington Chapter –Pot Luck

Northwest Area Club Coffee at 10:30 a.m., Meeting at 11 a.m.,potluck to follow.Chapters: Chippewa, Northwest, Ellsworth, Frederic, Ladysmith, Willow River and KinnickinnicMarch 12, 2016-River FallsApr. 9, 2016-New Richmond

Triwaukee Area Club Meeting at 7 p.m.Chapters: Acadia, Wauwatosa, Electa, Vega, Mukwonago,Oconomowoc-Hartland, Port Washington, Colgate, Golden Rule andWest AllisFeb. 12, 2016-Electa Chapter hosting at ColgateMarch 11, 2016-West Allis Chapter hosting at ColgateApr. 8, 2016-LaBelle Chapter, Mukwonago

Madison Area Tycopera Club Meeting at 7 p.m.Chapters: Beloit, Evansville, Janesville, Jefferson, Lodi, Middleton,Oregon, Reedsburg, Sun Prairie and Wisconsin DellsFeb. 19, 2016-Janesville Chapter, JanesvilleMarch 18, 2016-Martha Chapter, JeffersonApr. 17, 2016-Kilbourn Chapter, Wisconsin Dells

Western Stars Club Times listed below – All meetings at SpartaChapters: La Crosse, Mauston, Sparta, Viroqua, and Wisconsin RapidsApr. 27, 2016-Sparta Chapter 7 p.m.

Sou’Westers Club 6 p.m. Potluck Prior to Host Chapter MeetingChapters: Argyle, Dodgeville, Linden, Platteville and ShullsburgMon., March 14, 2016-Shullsburg Chapter, Shullsburg – 7:30 p.m.

Star Cruisers Service ClubChapters: Appleton, Trillium, Fond du Lac, Green bay, Plymouth,Sheboygan, Shawano and Sturgeon BayMarch 12, 2016 Mason Woods – 11a.m. – Potluck

Wis. Masonic Heritage Center a 501(c)3 is Growing and Improving

ing future generations of men andwomen to move forward and livetheir lives to the fullest guided byknowledge of the past.These are Bro. Keith’s own

words. History has great value toall mankind. It teaches us thevalue of making mistakes whilenot having to repeat them, andthe value of doing great thingsand wanting to repeat those. Yet,history is simply a guideline thatopens and closes doors throughdifferent periods of time. We areobligated to preserve the knowl-edge, and artifacts, that our cur-rent and future Brothers can learnfrom.

It is my wish to create andmaintain the Masonic historicalrecords of value which are avail-able in Wisconsin and beyond.The intent is to maintain, pre-serve, learn and eventually teachwhat we have learned. Its purposeis not physical only but also hasgreat value in the very foundationsthat have created our country. Itis not our wish to turn our backon history but to embrace historyand give back to all people whatwe learn. We know the value ofpreserving artifacts of the Masonicorder and henceforth this will givemembers and families of the Ma-sonic order a safe haven for thosethings they value and treasure themost.The Center has elected new of-

ficers for 2016. Note that theCenter is a 501(c)3 and may re-ceive artifacts and monetary do-nations for its growth which aretax deductible. The Center is now entering its

third year and has grown. Withthe large influx of Masonic treas-ures and financial assistance, themuseum is more interesting andinformative not only to Masonicmembers but also to the public.The museum regularly has visitorsfrom within and outside of thestate. Each visitor was impressedwith the work that has been doneby all who have volunteered theirtime. A big Thank you to thosewho have helped make this hap-pen.Come, see, learn and share.

The Center located on 200 W.Chapel St., Dodgeville, is yours tovisit. Contact Thomas Mueller at608-935-2751 (business) or 608-553-0853 (cell) to setup a tour.A website will soon be available.

portunities.Some of the new things com-

ing out of the Center are the veryreason it was setup. Not only dowe preserve Masonic items andstudy them, we also teach whatwe have learned and share veryvaluable knowledge that precededus.

Our Past Most WorshipfulGrand Master Keith Chamberlainhad a vision for the Center, inspir-

By Bro Thomas J. MuellerPresident, Wis. Masonic Heritage CenterAs we enter 2016, we look for-

ward to a new better year expect-ing improvement and prosperity.What better time than now tolook back and realize what got ushere? Our previous success andfailures define who we are. Welearn by processing informationand using it to move on, hencethe New Year offers new great op-

Donations Toward Expenses for the Conference of Grand Masters of North America

These thoughtful donations will help your Grand Lodge better serve as a conference host that willmake this a memorable event! We also extend a thank you to Zor Shrine for providing a place tomeet for our planning meetings.

Robert W Baird & Co.Clear Lake Lodge No. 230Clintonville Lodge No. 197Damascus Lodge No. 290Bill & Jan DayDay-Lite Lodge No. 358Eagle Lodge No. 248Ewald FamilyGlenn L Humphrey Lodge No. 364Hartford Lodge No. 120Henry L Palmer Lodge No. 301Christian HirtheJames Horsfall

JB Investment ManagementMyron Reed Lodge No. 297Oconomowoc-Hartland Lodge No. 42Lowell OlsonA. Paul Owen Jr.Oregon Lodge No. 151Owen Lodge No. 317Silas Shepherd Lodge No. 1843Theodore Roosevelt Lodge No. 322Union Grove Lodge No. 288Charles E. WhiteWinneconne Lodge No. 186

Grand Chaplain Curt A. Campagna serves as Installing Chaplain forthe Joint installation of Ozaukee Lodge No. 17 and Job’s DaughtersBethel #60 on Jan. 16, at the Port Washington Masonic Center. Thisinteresting installation involved having the Installing Chaplain's fromboth bodies go to the Altar for prayer, accompanying the Grand Chap-lain is Job’s Daughter Nina Fullington.

Submitted by Grand Chaplain Curt A. Campagna

Two Chaplains at the Altar

Grand Master to Visit Arizona March 2-4Grand Master Franklin J. Struble

and his Lady Wendy will be visit-ing Arizona in March along withGrand Secretary Michael A. De-Wolf, PGM.The Grand Master will give a

presentation on the state of thecraft and the Grand Secretary willspeak on Masonic Charities.Grand Master Struble and LadyWendy will be distributing theirpins. The tour will begin with a lunch-

eon on Wed., March 2, at Briar-wood Country Club, 20800 N.135th Ave., Sun City West. TheMarch 4 luncheon will be held atthe Arizona Golf Resort, 425 S.Power Rd., Mesa. The coordinators for the events

are Bro. Garry Hageness, [email protected], 715-533-2150and Bro. John Demetropoulos at j ohn .demet ropou lo s@mor -ganstanley.com or call 480-922-

7850.Both events begin with an

11:00 a.m. gathering and lunch-eon at noon. Registration cost is$5 per person. RSVP to ErikaMiller at the Grand Lodge Office,[email protected] orcall 262-965-2200, ext. 831.

MSA Volunteers are NeededTake a few hours of your time each month to be a Masonic Serv-

ice Association Volunteer. A common request from the VA facilities in Wisconsin is the

need for more volunteers.Make a difference in the life of a veteran. It is a very rewarding

experience.Anyone wishing to volunteer at any of the facilities should contact

State MSA Coordinator A. Christopher Gans, at 715-467-2506or [email protected].

Visit theWisconsin Square Store atwww.wisc-freemasory.org

Attention Secretaries:

Financial Reportsare due in the

Grand LodgeOffice

February 15


Doric DeMolay Chapter installs officers

New Chippewa Valley DeMolay Chapter officers

Doric DeMolay Chapter, West Allis held their installation of officers on January 9. Nicholas Mueller was in-stalled as Master Councilor; Ryan Thiele, Senior Councilor and Sam Thiele Junior Councilor. Front row(from left): Dylan Hubbard, Sam Thiele, Nicholas Mueller, Ryan Thiele and Mason Kaddatz. Second row:Jesse Hubbard, Patrick Hart, Paul Graeven and Antonio Lanz. Back row: Peter Gerszewski, Wyatt Wallner,Khale Jensen and Dalton Palms.

Submitted by Dorothy Cigale

Secretary from page 1

the new EZ Form for the financialstatements which have gone outto all Secretaries. This formgreatly simplifies filling out theform for the Secretaries. Theform goes to the Grand Lodgeand the District Team. The longform for lodges with income ofover $50,000, contains the itemsrequired by the IRS for the groupForm 990. There are only about6 lodges in this category.Grand Lecturer Jerry A. Reick

introduced the new ritual and pro-ficiency awards and how to getcertified for the awards. In addi-tion to the cards new ribbons willbe presented to be worn when at-tending lodge. There are three dif-ferent kinds of proficiency andritualist awards. A proficiency manis any person that has committedthe esoteric parts of the cipher tomemory and has proven his pro-ficiency. A ritualist is a personwho has one or a combination ofthe degrees he is proficient in.The ritualist award has a blue rib-bon and the proficiency award isa gold ribbon. Long term profi-ciency men will receive an emeri-tus award with a multi-coloredblue and gold ribbon. There is aform available on the GrandLodge website under the Secre-taries tab to track a Brother forcertification. The informationshould be maintained at the lodgelevel.The attendees broke into two

breakout sessions. New Secre-taries that have not used MORIwent with the Grand Secretary forinstruction and the rest listened toa presentation by Deputy GrandMaster Hensiak on lodge budgets. The Deputy Grand Master de-

fined a budget as a tool to tell yourmoney where to go. You need tolook at the lodge goals for the yearand make priorities. He said youmust start out with fixed costssuch as utilities, insurance, etc.Capital improvements must alsobe taken into consideration. Nextcome semi-fixed costs (such as so-cial expenses and scholarships).From that point it is decided whatprograms to spend money on ifavailable and what fundraisers aregoing to be necessary to achievethese goals. Investment moneyalso comes into play. The finance committee consists

of the three principal officers andthe Trustees also need to be in-cluded. Get input from manymembers when preparing thebudget, maybe have a dinneralong with it.Bro. Jesse Furrer of Spectrum

Insurance presented a propertyand casualty insurance review.The Grand Lodge Insurance Pro-gram has been with West BendMutual since 2010. All lodges par-ticipate in the liability portion of

the plan and lodges that havephysical property also participate.Bro. Furrer covered the hiring

and evaluating of subcontractorsand how in some cases hiring aprofessional may be beneficial. Hesaid it is important to have con-tracts with contractors doing workin lodge buildings and insure theyhave liability insurance, and onlong term remodeling projects askto be listed as a additional insuredon the subcontractors general lia-bility insurance contract. It is alsoimportant to have certificates ofinsurance from everyone using thebuilding and ask that the lodge belisted as an additional insured onthose certificates. He urged lodgesthat have questions on coverageinvolving special events to contacthim. Any potential claim activityshould be reported in a timelymanner to Spectrum InsuranceGroup.The Grand Secretary answered

the 10 most common questionsreceived in the Grand Lodge Of-fice.A video was shown regarding

lodge minutes, compiling storage,publication and retention.The Grand Secretary reviewed

the importance of keeping ad-dresses, phone numbers andemail addresses. The contact withthe Brothers is very important.Some lodges are using email blaststo keep in touch with the mem-bers. If you wish to receive theGrand Master’s email blasts youcan register on the Grand Lodgewebsite. The Brethren requestedthat the Grand Secretary bringback his email blasts.The Grand Secretary reminded

that petitions should be emailed [email protected] MORI web address ismori.wisc-freemasonry.org andthe Grand Lodge website is wisc-freemasonry.org.

The afternoon ended with apanel discussion by Secretaries:Robert Burgermeister, UnityLodge No. 367; James Good-man, South Shore Lodge No. 3;Barry Axelrood, James M. HayesLodge No. 331 and DonaldWood. Oshkosh Lodge No. 27.The Brethren answered questionsand gave tips on making the Sec-retary’s job easier.

Grand Secretary DeWolf ex-tended his appreciation to theBrethren for attending.

See photos on page 25

The Chippewa Valley DeMolay Chapter held their installation of officers at the Chippewa Falls MasonicCenter on Jan. 23. Wisconsin DeMolay State Master Councilor Bryce Fransway served as Installing Officerfor the Ceremony. Wisconsin DeMolay Executive Officer Pat Storrs was present to install Chippewa ValleyDeMolay Advisory Council members John Berthold, Don Schwartz, Jim Fenno, Ross Johnson and LarryGanske. Officers front row (from left): State Master Councilor Bryce Fransway, Matt Szymoniak, Jack Tillot-son and Jason Lin. Back row: Ben Tillotson, J. Fritz Ausman, Master Council Jon Beighley, Jack Lin andMatt Bruett. Anyone wanting to attend a meeting, please contact either Chapter Dad Don Schwartz at 715-563-5196 or Advisory Committee Chairman John Berthold at 715-450-1789 to check on where meetingswill be held on specific Saturdays.

Submitted by Bro. Larry Ganske

Lodge Excellence

AwardApplications must be

received by your District DeputyGrand Master

by February 15.

The application canbe downloaded from

www.wisc-freemasonry.org

The qualifying dates are January 1 thru

December 31, 2015.

Email your Lodge news [email protected].


Mineral Point Lodge No. 1

Keystone Lodge No. 263The officers of Mineral Point Lodge No. 1 were installed at a joint installation with otherIowa County lodges at the Masonic Heritage Center in Dodgeville on Dec. 17. Front row(from left): Royce Jones, Senior Deacon; Ray Paynter, Junior Steward; James Davis,Master; Past Grand Master Davey L. White Jr., Installing Master; Area Administrator An-drew Davis, Secretary/Treasurer; and David Fritsch, Junior Warden. Second row: BillBuckingham, Senior Steward; Orville Olson, Senior Warden; Ross Pollock, Counselor;District 8 Deputy Grand Master David R. Ritchie, Installing Chaplain; and Junior GrandWarden Scott E. Pedley, Installing Marshal.

Photo by Rich Rygh


Officers of Keystone Lodge No. 263, Hayward. Front row (from left): Les Johnson, Mas-ter; Grand Master Franklin J. Struble, Installing Master; Chris Olson, Senior Warden; andPaul Wharton, Junior Warden. Back row: John Sigafus, Secretary; Phil Petrouske, JuniorDeacon; Dennis Zajac, Chaplain; and Dale Baker, Junior Steward.

Submitted by Bro. Les Johnson, photo by Freya Johnson

Frontier-Badger and La Crosse MasonicThe 2016 officers of Frontier-Badger Lodge No. 45 and La Crosse Masonic Lodge No.190 were installed at a joint installation. Front row (from left): Kyle Larson, Senior Warden,45; Jerry Larsen, Master, 45 Dan Truax, Master, 190; Bob Haavind, Chaplain,190, DonFiscus, Senior Warden, 190; and District 5 Deputy Grand Master Todd A. Wohlert. Sec-ond row: Randy Erickson, Junior Warden, 45 and 190; Greg Heineck, Senior Deacon,45; Tim Larsen, Junior Steward, 45; David O’Neill, Counselor, 190; Rich Matl, JuniorDeacon,190; Bill Roberge, Senior Steward, 45; and Jim Kielley, Junior Deacon, 45.Back row: Jacob Schultz, Secretary/Treasurer, 190; Lowell Larson, Organist, 45; AreaAdministrator Kurt Eckes; Franz Wiggert, Chaplain, 45, Don Illiff, Counselor, 45; GeorgeBoyd III, Tiler, 45; John Snider, Trustee, 45; and Jason Risberg, Installing Chaplain.

Submitted by District 5 Deputy Todd A. Wohlert

Mystic Tie Lodge No. 280The Brothers of Mystic Tie Lodge No. 280, Ladysmith, held their annual holiday mealand open installation of officers on Jan. 5. The meal was served at 6 p.m., and was en-joyed by 32 Brothers, family members and friends. District 3 Deputy Grand Master MarkW. Steckel, installed the officers assisted by Bro. Al Jennerman, Installing Marshal. Frontrow (from left): District 3 Deputy Grand Master Mark W. Steckel; James Jennerman, Sen-ior Warden; Brian Miller, Master; Richard Withington, Junior Warden; William Howard,Secretary/Treasurer; and Edward Anderson, Tiler. Second row: Al Jennerman; KenBrown, Junior Deacon, pro tem for Jimmy Edming; Doug Kueny, Senior Deacon; andDeWayne Steckel, Chaplain, pro tem for Mark Steckel. At the conclusion of the installa-tion ceremony Brother Miller’s wife, Aliesha, presented him with his Master's Hat, andwished all of the new officers good luck.

Submitted by Bro. Bill Howard

Dodgeville Lodge No. 119The officers of Dodgeville Lodge No. 119 were installed at a joint installation with otherIowa County lodges at the Masonic Heritage Center in Dodgeville on Dec. 17. Front row(from left): Royce Jones, Senior Warden; Orville Olson, Junior Warden; Leonard Pishion,Counselor; Tom Mueller, Master; Junior Grand Warden Scott E. Pedley, Installing Marshal,District 8 Deputy Grand Master David R. Ritchie, Installing Chaplain. Second row: PastGrand Master Davey L. White Jr., Installing Master; Charles Pishion, Junior Steward; JeffFlint, Secretary; John Christianson; Junior Deacon; and Alex Ray, Senior Deacon.

Photo by Rich Rygh

Island City Lodge No. 330The 2016 officers of Island City Lodge No. 330, Minocqua, were installed Dec. 16. Frontrow (from left): Lee Handschke, Installing Marshal; Bill Shober, Junior Warden; LeonardPederson, Master; Rob Gehrt, Senior Warden; and Dick Hansen, Chaplain. Second row:Gerald Koudelka, Senior Deacon; Dave Imlah, Secretary; Chuck Bohmert, Tiler; BobEckert, Treasurer; Kevin Nisen, Junior Deacon; Richard Gee, Trustee; Thomas Boers,Installing Chaplain; and District 3 Lecturer Tony Budaj, Installing Master.

Submitted by Bro. Dave Imlah

Improve Your Lodge Facilities and Qualify for $500 GrantLodges that complete a facility

improvement project such as re-modeling, painting, landscaping,or other improvements may qual-ify to receive a Spruce-up Awardand grant ranging up to a $500limit.

To be considered for the Spruce-up Award, the project must becompleted between April 1, 2015and April 1, 2016. The online award application

must be submitted, prior to theApril 1, 2016 deadline. Applica-

tions and associated photos mustbe submitted electronically and willnot be accepted after the closingdate.

The application form and in-structions are located on theGrand Lodge website at

www.wisc-freemasonry.org underthe Awards tab.Lodges receiving the Spruce-up

Award will be announced in May2016 and recognized during the172nd Annual Communication inJune.

Contact Senior Grand WardenL. Arby Humphrey [email protected] you have questions.



Helping Lodges of all Sizes be Viable was Major Focus of Grand Lodge Officer Staff Meeting

Grand Master Franklin J. Strubleand the Grand Lodge Officers metin Oshkosh on Jan. 22-24 for thewinter staff meeting. It was a veryproductive weekend with a veryfull agenda.Grand Master Franklin J, Struble

opened the meetings on Friday af-ternoon. He announced the week-end meetings were going to focuson ideas has picked up from hislistening sessions. He gave exam-ples of several ideas he learnedfrom the recent listening sessionin Baldwin.Deputy Grand Master Donald

W. Hensiak introduced the officersto the Gustafson Report. Bro.Rick Gustafson, a member of She-boygan Lodge No. 11, put to-gether a report going county bycounty looking at how manymembers were in a lodge, howmany members they initiated overa four year period and how manybecame Master Masons. There

was a loss of around 500 thatnever progressed. The report alsobreaks down the demographics ofthe lodges and the membership.The Deputy Grand Master re-ferred to the membership num-bers in lodges. He said there are86 lodges in the state with under50 members, because of theirsmall size these lodges are oftenmore visible in their community,they know all their members andcan often do a better job of keep-ing track of their widows. Theirmembers are often able to do abetter job of being a Mason. Theycan be greatly affected however bythe loss of a few members.There are 71 lodges with mem-

bership of 51-99 and 25 lodgeswith a membership of over 100.He said to reach our target of25,000 Masons we must makeevery lodge in the state a viablelodge.Deputy Grand Master Hensiak

said he spoke at the SecretaryConference last weekend aboutbudgeting. He said, “A huge partof every lodge’s budget is the percapita. What I challenged the Sec-retaries to do is when you writethat per capita check, make sureyou are getting your money’sworth.”He said it is important that the

Grand Lodge gives the lodgestheir money’s worth.The District Deputy Grand Mas-

ters broke into quadrants of threeto discuss and work on ideas forhelping lodges. The group leaderof each quadrant brought forththeir plans of action for discussionon Saturday afternoon.Grand Master Struble called the

meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. onSaturday morning. He stated he isasking for an inventory to be doneof all Masonic properties in thestate because of a business interestthat could be financially beneficialto individual lodges.Senior Grand Deacon Robert C.

Strader gave the report of the Ed-ucation Committee. He said thethree year Masonic College Cur-riculum is in its second year andfeaturing the Management mod-ule. He said they have learned thevalue of participation exercises inthe classes. He said future classeswill be more exercise based. Theratings have ranged from 8.2 to9.2 out of 10. The classes are notjust for line officers but are alsogeared for trustees. There are fourManagement classes this year withthree still coming up in Dodgevilleon Jan. 30, Green Bay on Feb.27 and Eau Claire on April 2. The Senior Grand Deacon said

the Mentors Handbook is avail-able on the website. It has a lot ofpotential for mentoring newmembers and has a huge questionand answer section for lodge dis-cussion. The Rookie of the Yearprogram is also moving forward.Grand Orator Patrick D. Cholka

reviewed the Masonic Study Se-ries which is designed to be a twominute read. He said he has re-ports from lodges that are using itand it has been very well received.The sixth volume in the series isout for February.The Masonic Book Review

which runs monthly in the Wis-consin Masonic Journal hasproven to be very popular.Grand Secretary Michael A. De-

Wolf, PGM, reported on the re-cent Secretary Conference. Hesaid there were 107 in attendancein Madison and 25 in ChippewaFalls. There were very positive re-sponses on the Conference. Grand Lecturer Jerry A. Reick

presented ritual and proficiencycards to Grand Lodge OfficersDonald W. Hensiak, H. ScottPaulson, William Beetcher, L.Arby Humphrey, Michael A. Gor-gen and Kenneth C. Gorgen. Hepresented a Ritualist Ribbon andMedallion to District 11 DeputyGrand Master Michael A. Gorgenand a Proficiency Ribbon andMedallion to Senior Grand War-den L. Arby Humphrey. Ribbonsand Medallions will be presentedto the other officers in the near fu-ture. He said 67 requests havebeen made thus far for the newribbons.The District Deputy Grand Mas-

ters met to discuss updating andpossible changes to the Lodge Ex-cellence Award Form.In early afternoon the District

Deputy Grand Master quadrantsmet to develop action plans tobest assist and support lodgesaround the state. The importanceof staying in constant communica-tion with Brothers within thelodge was stressed.

Senior Grand Warden L. ArbyHumphrey gave the report fromthe Strategic Planning Commit-

tee. He reported the MembershipCommittee is making goodprogress, especially in recentmonths. He said the new websiteis up and running, however thereare still some bugs to be workedout. There is going to be contin-ued development and support totake it on to the next level. A so-cial media plan is being developedwith a social media consultant.The Senior Grand Warden saidthe Masonic College is right ontrack with their goals and objec-tives.

Senior Grand Warden Hum-phrey said he is receiving someSpruce Up Award applicationsand is hoping for more involve-ment from the lodges. The dead-line is April 1.

Deputy Grand Master Hensiaksaid a summit meeting of the Ma-sonic Unity Conference was heldin Dousman earlier this year be-tween the leaders of all the Ma-sonic appendant bodies. Themeeting was very well attended.There is another meeting comingup in April. There are tentativeplans for a shared membershipevent on the second Saturday inOctober to have every lodge,chapter, Bethel, Valley, Shrine,etc. represented. They are alsoworking on a Masonic charitiesbook that will list every Masonicrelated Charity in Wisconsin.Junior Grand Deacon Kenneth

C. Gorgen gave a report from theplanning committee. He said theyhave developed a model for a newstyle of posting for the EnteredApprentice Degree (see “Is that allThere Is . . .” on page 3). He saidwe currently have since the begin-ning of 2015, 26 men elected andnot initiated, 119 EAs that havenot been passed and 53 FCs thathave not been raised. The hope isthis new posting may have a pos-itive affect and are ready to beginsome beta testing. The JuniorGrand Deacon said the Commit-tee will have the other two de-grees ready by April.The meeting was called to order

by Grand Master Struble at 8:00a.m. on Sunday morning.The Grand Master announced

that District 6 Deputy Grand Mas-ter A. Christopher Gans will betaking over as the new MasonicService Association Representa-tive for the State of Wisconsin.The new MSA contact person forthe Chippewa Falls Home will beGrand Tiler Robert Lund.District 6 Deputy Grand Master

Gans gave the report from theDistrict Deputy Grand Masters.He said great plans were made formoving forward to help the lodgesthroughout the state. Brothers are

now on board to store and distrib-ute the personal care items forvets collected by the lodges. Ideasfor the Annual Communicationand the possibility of going backto breakout sessions and possiblyhaving more vendors.DDGM Gans said there was dis-

cussion on the LEA, which hasnot been changed for five years aspromised. Point values for variousactivities were discussed and ifthere should be a 1st, 2nd and 3rdplacement. Points need to beadded for attending the MasonicCollege and supporting and visit-ing youth groups. Also the possi-bility of points for bringing back alost Brother. There are many pos-sibilities to be looked at.

The Sunday morning sessionconcluded with a Masonic FaithGathering conducted by GrandChaplain Curt A. Campagna.

Grand Master Franklin J. Struble relates some of his experi-ences at the learning sessions throughout the state. He saida recent session in Baldwin had amazing ideas with an atten-dance of 60 people.

Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf PGM, reports on the Sec-retary Conference held in Madison and in Chippewa Falls byWebEx.

Grand Lecturer Jerry A. Reick (left) presents a Proficiency Rib-bon and Medallion to Senior Grand Warden L. Arby Humphreyas District 11 Deputy Grand Master Michael A. Gorgen wear-ing his Ritualist Ribbon and Medallion looks on.

Deputy Grand Master DonaldW. Hensiak reviews informa-tion from the Gustafson Re-port.

Photos by Rich Rygh

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Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of WI


Stated Communicationsfor the Mason Traveling in Wisconsin

AntigoAntigo Lodge No. 231

645 7th Ave. • 715-275-3228Meet 2nd Monday, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

AlbanyAlbany Lodge No. 36

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

Dark July & August

AppletonWaverly Lodge No. 51

315 S. Bluemound Dr. • 920-738-9220Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

ArgyleArgyle Lodge No. 178

104 E. Milwaukee St. • 608-523-4714 Meet 2nd Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

BaldwinCollins-Spring Valley Lodge 192790 Main St. • 715-928-0001 (Sec)Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Dark June, July & August

BarabooBaraboo Lodge No. 34

108 Second Ave. • 608-434-7720Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

BarneveldBarneveld Lodge No. 319

108 S. Jones St. • 608-445-0445 (Sec)Meet 2nd Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

BayfieldBayfield Washburn No. 21527 2nd Street • 715-747-6965 Meet 1st Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

Beaver DamDodge County Lodge No. 721212 DeClark St • 920-885-2628Meet 1st Thurs. 7 p.m. & 3rd Mon.

6 p.m. Meets All Year

BeloitMorning Star Lodge No. 10229 W. Grand Ave. • 608-362-0422Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

Black EarthCrescent Valley Lodge No. 971020 Mills St. • 608-795-4484 (Sec)

Meet 1st Thursday, 7:00 p.m.Dark July & August

Black River FallsBlack River Lodge No. 74314 Main Street • 715-896-0329

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

BloomerBloomer Lodge No. 281

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

Dark January & February

BristolWashburn Lodge No. 145

8102 - 199th Ave.• 262-631-9616Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

2nd Thurs. only Jan. & Feb.

BrodheadBicknell Lodge No. 94

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

Dark July & August

BrookfieldMcKinley Lodge No. 307

4550 N. Pilgrim Rd. • 262-784-4176Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

BrookfieldMyron Reed No. 297

4550 N Pilgrim Rd. • 262-780-0176Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July and August

BurlingtonBurlington Lodge No. 28

325 N. Kane St. • 262-210-9510Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

CambridgeSocial Lodge No. 245

105 S. Spring St. • 608-423-7081 Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.www.social245.org • Meets All Year

Camp DouglasCamp Douglas Lodge No. 272211 Main St. • 608-372-5110 or608-387-1412, Meet 1st & 3rd

Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Meets All Year

CecilMason-Woods Lodge No. 368

N6446 Emery Ansorge Rd608-648-3692 (Sec) • 1st Tues., 10 a.m.

Meets All Year

ChetekChetek Lodge No. 277

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


Chippewa Falls Chippewa Falls Lodge No. 176650 Bridgewater Ave. • 715-723-6341 PO Box 171, Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays,

7:30 p.m. Dark July & August

ColumbusColumbus Lodge No. 75

318 N. Ludington St. • 920-623-3524(Sec) • 2nd Mon., 7 p.m., stated, 4thMon., fellowship, Meets All Year

CrandonCrandon Lodge No. 287

118 S. Lake Ave. • 715-616-2394 (Sec) Meet 2nd Tues. Apr.-June & Sept.-Dec. Meets 4th Tues. Mar.-May & July-Oct

CrivitzTri-County Daylite Lodge No. 218918 Louisa St. • 715-854-2199Meet 2nd Wednesday 10:00 a.m.

Meets All Year

DarlingtonEvening Star Lodge No. 64

433 Wells St. • 608-776-4213 (Sec)Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

DelavanSouthern Lakes Lodge No. 121007 S. 2nd St., 7 p.m. • 262-728-1630Meet 2nd & 4th Mon. Jan.-May & Aug.-Nov.; 4th Mon. June-July; 2nd Mon. Dec.

Dodgeville Dodgeville Lodge No. 119

200 W. Chapel St. • 608-553-0853 Meet 1st & 3rd Thurs., 6 p.m. lunch,7:30 p.m. Meeting, Meets All Year

DousmanDousman Lodge No. 315214 N. Main St. • 414-429-5981

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

DousmanGlenn L. Humphrey Lodge No. 364375 State Rd. 67 • 262-965-7360Meet 2nd Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.

Meets All Year

Eagle RiverEagle River Lodge No. 248610 E. Division • 715-891-3116

Meet 2nd Tuesday, 7 p.m.Meets All Year

Eau ClaireEau Claire Lodge No. 112

616 Graham Ave. • 715-299-3001 2nd & 4th Tues., 6 p.m. fellowship, 7p.m., Meeting. Dark July & Aug.

Eau ClaireGeorge B. Wheeler Lodge No. 351616 Graham Ave. • 715-559-2721Meet 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

Eau ClaireSanctuary Lodge No. 347

616 Graham Ave. • 715-318-1214Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.Dark Maundy Thurs., July & August

EdgertonFulton Lodge No. 69

312 W. Fulton St.• 608-884-4250Meets 1st Wednesday, 7p.m.

Dark July & August

EllsworthHancock Lodge No. 229

400 High Point Dr. • 715-273-4339Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

FlorenceHiram D. Fisher Lodge No. 222

5143 N. Montgomery Lake Rd.. 906-282-2625, Meet 2nd Wed.,

6:30 p.m. Meets All Year

Fond du Lac Fond du Lac Lodge No. 26

500 W. Arndt St. • 920-922-5800Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July and August

FranklinSouth Shore Lodge No. 3

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

Dark July & August

FredericLandmark Lodge No. 244

109 United Way • 414-559-3491Meet 2nd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Friendship Quincy Lodge No. 71

210 Main St. • 715-342-2089 (Sec)Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

GalesvilleDecora Lodge No. 177

231 S. Main St. • 608-539-5230Meets 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30 p.m.Dark July & Aug. & 1st Mon. Sept. & June

Green BayDes Peres Lodge No. 85

525 N. Taylor • 920-865-7637Meet 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m.

Dark July & August

Green Bay N.E.W. Daylite Lodge No. 360 525 N. Taylor St. • 920-371-8441

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

Green BayTheodore Roosevelt Lodge 322525 N. Taylor St. • 920-508-0606Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.Dark July & Aug., www.roosevelt322.com

Green BayWashington Lodge No. 21

525 N. Taylor St.• 920-499-7265Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

HartfordHartford Lodge No. 120

147 N. Rural St. • 262-408-8564Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

HaywardKeystone Lodge No. 263

10629 Main St. • 715-634-8735 (Sec)Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

HustisfordNeosho-Mayville-Horicon No. 108128 E. Anthony St., Hustisford

414-975-0516 • 1st & 3rd Tues. 7:00Dark July & August

HudsonSt. Croix Lodge No. 56

209 Locust Street • 651-210-7697Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

Iron RiverAncient Landmark No. 210

7575 West Mill St. • 715-685-44261st Wed., 7 p.m., Meets All Year

[email protected]

Iron RiverBarnes Lodge No. 365

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

JanesvilleJanesville-Western Star No. 552322 E. Milwaukee St. • 608-752-3098Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

JeffersonJefferson County Lodge No. 9617 Masonic Blvd. • 920-674-6715Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00 p.m.

Meets All Year

KenoshaKenosha Lodge No. 47

115 56th St. • 262-960-4588Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Kenosha Sunrise Lodge No. 359

4320 Washington Rd. • 262-694-7817Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 9:30 a.m.

Dark July & August

KenoshaUnity Lodge No. 367

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

La CrosseLa Crosse Masonic Lodge No. 190118 8th Street So. • 608-782-1616Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

La CrosseFrontier-Badger Lodge No. 45118 S. 8th St. • 608-782-1616

Meet 2nd & 4th Thurs., Dinner, 6 pm,Meeting 7 p.m. Dark July & August

LadysmithMystic Tie Lodge No. 280

705 E. 3rd St. N. • 715-532-7696 (Sec)Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Lake GenevaGeneva Lodge No. 44

335 S. Lake Shore Dr. • 262-497-63222nd Tue., eat 6 p.m., meet 7 p.m. 4thTues. social 6 p.m. Dark July & Aug.

LindenLinden Lodge No. 206

618 Main St. • 608-623-2143 (Sec)Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 8 p.m.

Meets All Year

LodiLodi Valley Lodge No 99114 First St. • 608-477-7102

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

Lone RockFranklin Lodge No. 16

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

Meets All Year

MadisonCommonwealth Lodge No. 325301 Wis. Ave. • 608-271-5574 (Sec.)

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

MadisonDoric 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. • 608-209-4312Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30 p.mDark 1st Mondays, July thru Sept.

MadisonMadison Lodge No. 5

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

ManawaManawa Lodge No. 82

520 N. Bridge St. • 920-596-2476Meet 2nd & 4th Mon., Dinner 6 p.m.

Meeting 7 p.m., Meets All Year

ManitowocManitowoc Lodge No. 65

810 Chicago St. • 920-553-7144 (Sec)Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.

Meets All Year

MarinetteMarinette Lodge No. 182

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

Dark July & August

MarshfieldMarshfield Lodge No. 224

402 W. 4th St. • 715-384-8646Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

MedfordMedford Lodge No. 217

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


Menomonee FallsLincoln Lodge No. 183

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

Meets All Year

MenomonieMenomonie Lodge No. 164

N5729 - 410th St. • 715-505-0733Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.Dark 4th Tuesday in December

MercerHurley Lodge No. 237

5189 N. Harper • 715-904-0400Meet 2nd & 4th Thurs., 7:30 p.m.

Dark December thru March

MerrillVirginia Falls Lodge No. 226

916½ E. Main St. • 715-536-0020 (Sec.)Meet 2nd Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.

Meets All Year

MerrillanMerrillan Lodge No. 279

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

MiddletonFour Lakes Daylite Lodge No. 3627409 Franklin Ave. • 608-831-8947

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

MiddletonMiddleton-Ionic Lodge No. 1807409 Franklin Ave. • www.middle

tonionic.org 1st & 3rd Tues., 7:30 p.m.608-444-0102, Dark July & August

MiltonMilton Lodge No. 161

508 Vernal Avenue • 608-931-4656Meets 4th Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

MilwaukeeDamascus Lodge No. 290

1235 E. Howard Ave. DL290.orgMeet 2nd Tues., 4 th Tues. Social, RSVP 6p.m. dinner - 7 p.m. meet. Meets All Year

MilwaukeeFreemasons Lodge No. 363

790 N. Van Buren St. • 414-659-52051st Wed., 5:30 p.m. Degrees 4th Wed.,

5:30 p.m. Meets All Year

MilwaukeeLake Lodge No. 189

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

Dark on Holidays

MilwaukeeMilwaukee-Harmony No. 2614315 N. 92nd St. • 414-961-1133

1st & 3rd Tues. 7:30 p.m. Dark July & August

MilwaukeeNathan Hale Lodge No. 350

3000 W. Wis. Ave. • 262-522-9872Meet 1st & 3rd Thursday, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

Mineral Point Mineral Point Lodge No. 1304 High St.• 608-220-3408

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

MinocquaIsland City Lodge No. 330

7529 Hwy 51 South • 715-892-2392Meet 1st Wed., 10 a.m., 3rd Wed., 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

MondoviBuffalo River Lodge No. 252

245 S. Franklin • 715-797-3261 (Sec)Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:00 p.m.

Dark July & August

MonroeSmith Lodge No. 31

1613-1/2 Tenth St. • 608-329-4641 Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.Dark 3rd Thurs. June & July & August

MosineeMosinee Lodge No. 318

607 13th St. • 715-693-2007Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

MukwonagoLaflin-St. James Lodge No. 247206 S. Main St. • 262-642-8717Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.

Dark July & August

NeenahAppleton Lodge No. 349

241 E. Wisconsin Ave. • 920-725-4896Meet 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

Neenah/MenashaTwin Cities Lodge No. 61

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

Dark June - Aug. Open after Labor Day

New DiggingsOlive Branch Lodge No. 6

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

Meets All Year

New GlarusNew Glarus Lodge No. 310

207 6th Avenue • 608-527-2583 (Sec)Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.


New RichmondNew Richmond Lodge No. 195119 E. 2nd St. • 15-246-2144Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.


OconomowocOconomowoc-Hartland Lodge 42375 State Rd. 67, Dousman • 262-367-2390, Meet 1st & 3rd Wed., 7:30 p.m.

3rd Wed., July & August

Oconto Pine Lodge No. 188

513 Superior Ave. • 920-835-3366Meet 2nd Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

Dark December & January

Oconto Falls Oconto Falls Lodge No. 293

170 N. Washington St. • 920-373-5747Meet 1st Mon., Sept. 2nd Mon., 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

OmroOmro Lodge No. 168

160 E. Main Street • 920-685-2798Meet 2nd Monday, 7:00 p.m.

Meets All Year

OnalaskaOnalaska Lodge No. 214

330 Main Street • 608-386-8230 (Sec) Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.2nd Thursday only, July & August

OregonOregon Lodge No. 151

201 Park St. • 608-444-0074 (Sec)Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

OshkoshOshkosh Lodge No. 27

204 Washington Ave. • 920-385-1034Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

OwenOwen Lodge No. 317

713 W. Third St. • 715-937-0938 (Sec.)Meets 1st Monday at 7:30 p.m. & 3rdMon. at 11 a.m. • Dark July & August

PhillipsPhillips 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 • 608-732-8625Meet 1st Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.

Meets All Year

PlymouthCassia Lodge No. 167

441 Smith St. • 920-892-6336Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00 p.m.

Dark July & August

PortageFort Winnebago Lodge No. 33

111 W. Conant Street • 608-334-6681Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 7:30 p.m.


Port WashingtonOzaukee Lodge No. 17

504 W. Grand Ave. • 262-284-6515Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30 p.m.

1st Monday in September

PotosiWarren Lodge No. 4

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

Meets All Year

Prairie du ChienPrairie du Chien Lodge No. 8

107 E. Blackhawk Avenue 608-326-4640 (Sec) • Meet 1st & 3rdWed., 7:30 p.m. • Meets All Year

PrescottNorthwestern Lodge No. 105

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

Dark July & August

RacineRacine-Belle City Lodge No. 181012 Main St. • 262-633-6658

Meets 1st Tuesday, 7 p.m.Meets All Year

ReedsburgReedsburg Lodge No. 79

213 E. Main St. • 608-524-1390Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

Meets All Year

RhinelanderRhinelander Lodge No. 242

23 E. Davenport St. • 715-362-3080 Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.


Rice LakeBlue Hills Lodge No. 234

225 W. South St. • 715-296-0485 Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:00 p.m.

Meets All Year

Lodge Listings are continued on page 22

Stated Communication(continued from page 21)

Richland CenterRichland Lodge No. 66

290 W. Union St. • 608-604-7797 (Sec)Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

RiponPrairie View Lodge No. 95

W14188 County Rd. KK. • 920-291-8800Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.

Dark 4th Tues. Nov. & Dec.

River FallsRiver Falls Lodge No. 109

122 E. Walnut St. • 715-338-8281 (Sec.)Meet 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

SheboyganSheboygan Lodge No. 11

411 St. Clair Ave. • 952-250-3154 (Sec.)Meet 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m.

Meets All Year

Shell LakeShell Lake /Spooner Lodge No. 221

28 Doboy Drive • 715-296-3638 Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.

Meets All Year

SpartaValley Lodge No. 60

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

Dark July & August

Star PrairieNorth Star Lodge No. 187207 Bridge St. • 715-246-6258

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

Stevens PointEvergreen Lodge No. 93

1756 Dixon St. • 715-344-7539,715-572-3981, Meet 1st & 3rd Tues.,

7 p.m., Meets All Year

StoughtonKegonsa Lodge No. 73

125 S. 5th St.,. • 608-279-4299,Meet 1st Tues., 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

Sturgeon Bay Henry S. Baird Lodge No. 17431 S. 3rd Ave. • 920-493-3727

Meet 2nd & 4th Thurs., Supper 5:30 p.m.Lodge 6:30 p.m., Dark July & August

Sun PrairieSun Prairie Lodge No. 143152 N. Bird St. • 608-320-9582Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

Superior Acacia-Itasca Lodge No. 329

3117 N. 21 St .• 218-590-2754 (Sec.)Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00 p.m.

Dark July & August

Superior Superior Lodge No. 236

1503 Belknap St .• 218-590-0537 Meet 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

TomahTomah Lodge No. 132

520 E. Saratoga Street • 608-372-5507Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

Union GroveUnion Grove Lodge No. 288

1021 – 11th Ave. • 262-878-1494 Meet 3rd Saturday, 8:30 a.m.

Meets All Year

WaukeshaWaukesha Lodge No. 37

317 South Street • 262-701-7037Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

WaupacaWaupaca Lodge No. 123

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


WaupunWaupun Lodge No. 48

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

Dark July & August

Wausau Forest Lodge No. 130

130 First Street • 715-845-5198Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.


WautomaWautoma Lodge No. 148

203 S. Scott St. • 920-787-1614 (Sec.)Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:00 p.m.Dark 4th Mon. Dec., All Jan. and Feb.

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

4th Fri., Jan.– Oct.; 3rd Fri., Nov. & Dec., 7p.m., 6 p.m. fellowship – Dark July & August

Wauwatosa James M. Hayes Lodg No. 331 4315 N. 92nd St. • 414-454-9898

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

Wauwatosa Wisconsin Lodge No. 13

4315 N. 92nd St. • 414-463-8390 (Sec)Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark June & July

West AllisDay-lite Lodge No. 358

7515 W. National Ave. • 414-257-9450 Meet1st & 3rd MondaysDark July & August

West AllisWauwatosa Lodge No. 267

7515 W. National Ave. • 262-662-9934Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

West BendWest Bend Lodge No. 138

301 N. University Dr. • 262-323-6532Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Meets All Year

West SalemSalem 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 BayGeo. Washington 1776 Lodge No. 337517 E. Beaumont Ave. • 414-979-1776Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

WhitewaterSt. John’s Lodge No. 57

226 W. Main Street • 262-510-1049Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30 p.m.

Dark July & August

Wilmot Wilmot Lodge No. 241

30702 113th St. • 262-812-6570Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.Dark 4th Tuesday July & August

WinneconneWinneconne Lodge No. 186

100 N. 1st Street • 920-379-4744 (Sec) Meet 2nd & 4th Tues., 7 p.m.

Dark July & August

Wisconsin DellsDells Lodge No. 124

815 Oak St. • 608-254-7012 Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.


Wisconsin Rapids Wisconsin Rapids Lodge No. 1282321 2nd Ave. So. • 715-421-9669

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

Silas H. Shepherd Lodge of Research No. 1843 Oconomowoc • 262-391-5716

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


Question about Freemasonry?

Ask [email protected].

or mail your question to the Grand Lodge Office c/o Ask Hiram 36275 Sunset Drive, Dousman, WI 53118

District 9 Group Masonic Code Correspondence Course

By Rich Rygh

Brethren enjoyed a few hours of fel-lowship and learning at the District 9Masonic Code CorrespondenceCourse group class on Jan. 9 in Mil-ton.

District 9 Deputy Grand MasterJames R. Gajdosik Jr., put together ateam of presenters consisting of AreaAdministrator Noah Schultz, DistrictLecturer Brian Duoss and Past GrandMaster John W. Wilke.

Everyone present from the newestMaster Mason to the 40 plus yearMasons learned from the course andrelated discussions.A lunch and fellowship followed.

District 9 Deputy Grand Master James R. Gaj-dosik Jr., explains how the course will be con-ducted.

Past Grand Master John W. Wilke answers aquestion.

Area Administrator Noah Schultz begins the course by reviewing parts of the code relatingto the Master of the lodge.

District Lecturer Brian Duossasks some of the questionson the exam.

Photos by Rich Rygh

Treasurer Elaine Engelke, 400 North Main St., Blanchardville, WI 53516. Ques-tions: Contact Elaine at 608-523-4134 or [email protected].

30 2016 Wisconsin Degree Competition. Exact location is TBD by March 1. Thedeadline to sign up is February 29. See Grand Lecturer’s Message on page 3.

MAY 201621 Armed Forces Outdoor MM Degree.

JUNE 20163-4 172nd Annual Communication in Madison.

17 Olive Branch Lodge No. 6, 14th Annual Catfish Fry, New Diggings.

24 McKinley Lodge No. 307, Table Lodge, 5:30 p.m., McKinley Masonic Center4550 N. Pilgrim Rd. Brookfield. Contact [email protected] fortickets.

JULY 201613-17 Lafayette County Lodges’ food stand, Lafayette County Fair.

23 Middleton-Ionic Lodge No. 180, Annual Pig Roast and Luau, starts at 5p.m. eat at 6 p.m. Cost $15.

AUGUST 201619-21 Job's Daughters Jamboree at Green Lake Conference Center. Cost $110.For more information and registration forms, please email Mom Dorothy Cigale [email protected] or call 414-481-1194.

21 Olive Branch Annual Picnic at grounds in New Diggings at Noon. One of Wis-consin's oldest fraternal picnics.

OCTOBER 201619 Olive Branch Lodge’s annual Chili Dump. The public is invited.

continued from coverWisconsin Masonic Calendar

Multiple-LetterCiphers

Go to theGrand Lodge Store at


Wisconsin Masonic Charities

Erika Miller, [email protected]

The Wisconsin Masonic Journal262-965-2200 Ext. 808 or by e-mail at [email protected]


New Master MasonsNew Master Masons

Lodge Excellence

AwardApplications must be

received by your District DeputyGrand Master

by February 15.

The application canbe downloaded from


Bro. Steven Brauch is new MMOconto Falls Lodge No. 293 assisted Tri-County Daylight No. 218 in a Master Mason Degree on Jan 13.Bro. Steven Brauch (front) was raised a Master Mason at Crivitz. From left: District 4 Deputy Grand MasterJason L. Richardson, Brandon Pendl, 293; area Administrator Zachary Jensen; Robert Burmek, Master,218; and Ralph Papesh, 293. In addition to the Master Mason Degree, the Traveling Gavel of District 4was captured by Oconto Falls.

Submitted by Bro. Doug Morrison

Bro. Berthold receives PM certificateBro. Josh Sudbrink, Master of George B. Wheeler Lodge No. 351,presents Bro. John Berthold his Past Master’s Certificate along withcongratulations on a great year.


The District Deputy Grand Mas-ter in your District is looking fornominees for “Rookie of theYear”.The purpose is to recognize an

outstanding, newly made Masonwho exemplifies Masonic Princi-ples, and has shown that he is aworthy Brother by applying thoseprinciples in his lodge, commu-nity, and personal life.The award is open to any Mas-

ter Mason who was raised at anytime in the three years prior toMarch 1, 2016.The nomination form is on page

52 of the Mentors Handbook and

can be downloaded from theGrand Lodge website atwww.wisc-freemasonry.org underPublications-Masonic Education.Nominations must be received byyour District Deputy Grand Mas-ter by March 1, 2016.Nominations will be reviewed by

the District Deputy Grand Master,Area Administrators, and DistrictLecturer. The decision will betheirs alone and based on a num-ber of categories including but notlimited to: lodge participation,community service, lodge visits,Masonic charity and ritual partici-pation.

Deputies Seek Nominationsfor “Rookie of the Year”

Traveling GavelDistrict 1

Keystone Lodge No. 236 District 2

River Falls Lodge No. 109District 3

Virginia Falls Lodge No. 226District 4

Theodore Roosevelt No. 322District 5

Decora Lodge No. 177District 6

Manawa Lodge No. 82

District 7 Social Lodge No. 245

District 8Reedsburg Lodge No. 79

District 9Bicknell Lodge No. 94

District 10Omro Lodge No. 168

District 11Union Grove Lodge No. 288

District 12Wauwatosa Lodge No. 267

Please check with the Master of the lodge listed before scheduling a trip toclaim the Traveling Gavel. It may already have been claimed by or deliveredto another lodge.

Send your questions about Freemasonry to:

[email protected].


2016 State Secretary Conference

Grand Master Franklin J. Struble ad-dresses taking care of our Brothers andsuspensions for non-payment of dues.

Secretary Don Wood, right, asks a MORI question of Bro. Mark Menard.

Bro. Mark Menard answers questions and gives detailed instruction on the use of MORI.

Bro. Don Wood, Secretary of Oshkosh Lodge No. 27, placesand online order from the Square Store. Bro. Jeff Schwartzwas on hand to offer any assistance.

Bro. David Schreier, Secretary of Lake Lodge No. 189, Milwaukee, gets a clarifi-cation.

Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PGM, andGrand Orator Patrick D. Cholka keep the com-munication open between Madison andChippewa Falls.

Photos by Rich Rygh


Amicitia Lodge Installation was a family affairThe joint installation of the 2016 Officers for Amicitia Lodge No. 25 and Olive Branch Lodge No. 6 was held on Dec. 29, at the Masonic Center in Shullsburg. It was an eveningof fun and fellowship for lodge members and their families. The group enjoyed an excellent meal prepared by Ronda Pedley.


New IRA Legislation Helps Donors Support their Favorite CharitiesPermanent IRA Rollover!The Protecting Americans From

Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015was passed by votes of 318 to109 in the House and 65 to 33 inthe Senate. With bipartisan sup-port, the bill makes permanentfour tax extenders that helpdonors support their favorite char-ities. President Obama signed thePATH Act on December 18,2015.The four permanent charitable

provisions include the following:

1. IRA Charitable Rollover –Each IRA owner over age 70½may make a transfer of up to$100,000 per year to a qualified

charity. IRA charitable rolloversare tax-free and not included inadjusted gross income. An IRAcharitable rollover may fulfill partor all of your required minimumdistribution (RMD).2. Conservation Gift Limits –Gifts of property for conservationpurposes benefit from increaseddeduction limits. The normal 30%of adjusted gross income (AGI)limit for appreciated property giftsis increased to 50% and the car-ryforward limit is extended fromfive years to 15 years. For quali-fied farmers and ranchers, the de-duction limit is 100% of AGI.3. Food Inventory Gifts – Anenhanced deduction for contribu-

tions of "apparently wholesome"food will be available for alldonors. The deduction is thelesser of twice the basis or basisplus one-half of the appreciation.The deduction limit is raised to15%.4. S Corporation AppreciatedGifts – A Subchapter S corpora-tion may give appreciated stock orland to charity. Only the basis ofthe S corporation in the donatedasset will be used to reduce theshareholder basis, even thoughthe full fair market value deductionis claimed by the shareholder.

A permanent IRA CharitableRollover is very good news for allfriends of philanthropy. Donorsmay now plan with certainty to

help their favorite charitiesthrough an IRA gift. Because theIRA rollover gift is not reported intaxable income, it is a very con-venient and simple way to helpcharity. It also may simplify yourtax return by reducing your ad-justed gross income.Sec. 112 IRA CharitableRolloversIRA owners who are over age

70½ are required to take a mini-mum distribution each year. Innearly all cases, this distributionfrom a traditional IRA producesordinary income for the recipient. A “qualified charitable distribu-

tion” is now permitted for trans-fers from the IRA custodiandirectly to a qualified charity. IRA

owners over age 70½ may trans-fer up to $100,000 per year to aSec. 170(b)(1)(A) charity. Thepublic charity may not be a sup-porting organization or a donoradvised fund.The QCD may be used to fulfill

the required minimum distribution(RMD) for the year of the transfer.Because the QCD is not includedin taxable income, there is no re-ported charitable deduction. Sec.408(d)(8). However, transferringthe QCD amount directly to char-ity rather than taking a distributionand writing a check to charity re-sults in a lower adjusted gross in-come (AGI). This may save bothordinary tax and alternative mini-mum tax.



Ladies Tour Oshkosh Masonic CenterThe Grand Lodge Officers’ Ladies toured the Oshkosh Masonic Center during therecent Grand Lodge Staff Meeting in Oshkosh. The Center is the home of OshkoshLodge No. 27, Tyrion Chapter #15 R.A.M., Oshkosh Council #8, Oshkosh Comman-dery #11 and Assembly #267 Social Order of Beauceant. Past Master Leland Burli-son conducted the tour along with Bro. Kenneth Bales. The Center was built in 1924at a cost of $265,000. The building is currently being refurbished.

Bro. Leland Burlison answers questions during thetour.

Ceiling in the main lodge room.Bro. Kenneth Bales gives background information on the main lodge room.

Lady Wendy Struble photographs the main lodge room from the bal-cony as Lady Jan Gorgen looks on.

Lady Cindy Humphrey admires an original painting doneby Bro. Gustav Behncke, a member of Oshkosh Lodge.Bro. Behncke, born in Germany, painted between 1880and 1930.

Lady Nancy Stang examines a picture in the museum.

Ladies tour the Ballroom.Photos by Rich Rygh

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