THE

WISCONSIN SUMMER 2019

Masonic Journal Chippewa Falls Lodge No. 176

Celebrates 150 years.
See page 6.

Wisconsin Masonic Calendar

July 2019
4 Chetek Lodge No. 277, Pancake Breakfast, 7 to 11 a.m. Adults
$7, 3 to 12 $4, under 3 free. Chetek Masonic Center, 216 Morrison St.,
Chetek. Bring family, friends and appetites. Parade in downtown
Chetek follows.
9 Zor Steak Fry, sponsored by Zor Clowns. Social hour 5 p.m.,
dinner 6 p.m., Zor Shrine Center. Make reservations by July 3 at 608-
833-6343.
14 Zor Imagineers/Funster Picnic, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Steve & Koral
Livernash residence, 4973 North Road, Wisconsin Rapids. Meat pro-
vided, bring a dish to pass, lawn chairs, and your own drinks.
19 Prairie View Lodge No. 95, 2nd annual Golf Scramble for Schol-
arships at the Utica Golf Club, 11 a.m. shotgun start with register on-
line at https://prairieviewlodge.org/events/golf-outing or call Larry
Malchow at 920-229-8704.
20 All-Star Soccer Games at UW-La Crosse. All-Star Recognition
Banquet at 8 a.m. Girls’ game at 11:30 a.m., boys’ game at 1:30 p.m.
See page 6.
20 Hiram Lodge No. 50/Valley of Madison, AASR-NMJ Outing to
Madison Mallards Baseball Game in Madison. Tickets include Game &
Pre-Game Tailgate @ 4:30 pm. $27 w/adult beverage, $22 w/soft
drinks – both through 7th inning. Reservation Deadline July 10. For
tickets/reservations, contact Bro. Lyle Christian 608-209-4312 or
xian4202@yahoo.com.
14 H.S. Baird Lodge No. 174, annual Steak Fry and Fish Boil, 5 -
9 p.m., Door County Fair Grounds, Sturgeon Bay. Contact Bro. Tom
Pinney at 920-493-3727.
14 Franklin Lodge No. 16, picnic, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Masonic
Center in Lone Rock.
18 75th New Diggings/Olive Branch Picnic, potluck starting at
Noon. Meat will be provided. Masonic Cemetery in New Diggings.
18 Warren Lodge No. 4, will host its 6th Annual Car Show at the
Holiday Gardens Event Center in beautiful downtown Potosii. Gates
will open at 8 a.m., with judging at noon. The Brewery Museum is just
across the street. If you have any questions please call Bro. Schelley
Schoville at 608-732-0030, also follow us on Facebook at
potosiwarrenlodge4/.
September 2019
6-8 Warren Lodge No. 4, Potosi, sixth annual Harold Lindeman
Campout and picnic, open to all Brothers and their families. Grant
River Recreational Area, 3990 Park Lane, Potosi. For more informa-
tion, park number is 563-582-0881. For reservations please contact
Bro. Larry Raymond, Master, 563-451-8497 or Junior Grand Deacon
David R. Ritchie, 608-482-3552. Feel free to make reservations on
your own as well. See page 6.
14 Silas Shepherd Lodge of Research No. 1843, coffee and carbs
9 a.m., meeting at 10 a.m., noon lunch, hosted by Unity Lodge No.
367, Kenosha.

20 Broken Column Outdoor MM Degrees. Coffee and carbs at 8:30
a.m., Lodge opens at 9 a.m. Three Pillars Campus. For more details
contact Junior Grand Warden Paul T. Tourville at 444-659-5205 or
ptt_2022@wisc-freemasonry.org.
20 Fish Days in Port Washington, Ozaukee Lodge No. 17 will
again be manning the refreshment tent.
23 Linden Lodge No. 206 , picnic, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Linden Community
Center.
26 Installation of Officers, Wisconsin Priory, Order of Knighthood,
6:30 p.m. Dinner to immediately follow the Installation, semi formal at-
tire. Please RSVP to Ryan Thiele at 414-374-2242 or
ryandemolay@gmail.com by July 21. Burlington Masonic Center,
325 N. Kane St., Burlington. See page 6.
26 Prairie View Lodge No. 95, Second Annual Golf Scramble for
Scholarships. 11 a.m. shotgun start, $75 per person, Utica Golf Club,
2330 Knott rd. Oshkosh, 920-233-4446. Contact Bro. Larry Malchow at
malchowl@ripon.edu or 920-229-8704.
14 McKinley Lodge Blood Drive, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Co-sponsored by
Girl Scout Troop 8015. Please sign up by emailing worshipful.mas-
ter@mckinleylodge.org ASAP to get your name on the list.
19 Waucoma Lodge No. 90, Annual Fall Picnic, 5:30 p.m. Serving
hamburgers, brats and whatever you bring as a dish to pass. Soda,
water, condiments, plates and utensils will be furnished. Bring a chair
and arrive early for fellowship. Family and Friends are invited. For
more info contact Past Master Bob Barnett at 608-333-1717.
21 Menomonie Lodge No. 164, Annual Golf Outing at Tanglewood
Greens, 4-person Best Ball.
October 2019
8 Zor Steak Fry, sponsored by Past Potentates. Social hour 5 p.m.,
dinner 6 p.m., Zor Shrine Center. Make reservations by Oct. 1 at 608-
833-6343.
12 District 4 Fall Meeting, hosted by Tri-County Daylight Lodge No.
218, 918 Louisa St., Crivitz.

August 2019
19 Masonic Day of Light, hosted by Tomah Lodge No. 132, 520 E.
Saratoga St., Tomah. Details and registration information to be an
1 Unity Picnic, Masons Park at the Shawano Masonic Center. nounced.
Potluck Dinner – Masons, guests, and ladies. 5 p.m. social, 6 p.m. din-
ner.
4 Three Pillars Friends and Family Chicken Barbecue Noon to 3
p.m., on the beautiful park-like campus at 36293 Sunset Dr., in Dous- Continued on page 24
man. Admission and kids events are free. Questions? Call 262-965-
2111. Grand
12 6th Annual Teddy Bear Classic, Wild Ridge Golf Course, Eau Lodge
Claire. Sponsored by Children’s Dyslexia Center of Upper Wisconsin.
More information at www.wicdc.org.
F. & A.M.
of WI Twitter
13 Zor Steak Fry, sponsored by Zor Divan. Social hour 5 p.m., din-
ner 6 p.m., Zor Shrine Center. Make reservations by Aug. 6 at 608- Like us on Facebook www.twitter.com/WI_Freemasons
833-6343.
 THE
WISCONSIN
Masonic Journal
VOLUME LII, NUMBER 7
175th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge
of Wis. Celebrated following the AC
Bro. Jerry McDonald (right) and District 2 Deputy Grand Master Earl Gunderson load mem-
orabilia into the time capsules to be placed in the model of the Madison Masonic Center Bro.
McDonald created for the occasion. The time capsules will be available for deposits until the
sealing ceremony on August 4, at the Three Pillars Friends and Family Picnic in Dousman. In
background: Grand Orator Craig J. Froelich; Jarrett McDonald, Master of Tomah Lodge No.
132; and Grand Treasurer Jeffrey L. Bryden. See more photos on page 16.
By Rich Rygh
The Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of
Wisconsin celebrated its 175th
Anniversary following the close of
the 175th Annual Communica-
tion on June 8, 2019.
Grand Secretary Michael A. De-
Wolf, PGM, introduced the partic-
ipating officers and opened the
Lodge in public form.
Grand Orator Craig J. Froelich
welcomed everyone present and
introduced Grand Master Robert
C. Strader. The Grand Master
thanked the committee that
helped put the 175th Anniversary
together.
The Grand Master introduced
Bro. Jerry McDonald to unveil a
beautiful edifice he created repre-
Most Worshipful Bro. Robert C. Strader
Installed as Grand Master for 2019-20
By Rich Rygh
Bro. Jeremy J. Koss, Master of
Freemasons Lodge No. 363, Mil-
waukee, opened a Lodge in public
form at the Madison Masonic
Center on June 7 for the purpose
of installing the Grand Lodge Of-
ficers for 2019-20. He was as-
On Our Cover
At the close of the 175th An-
niversary Ceremony the
Brethren gather on the floor of
the Madison Masonic Center
auditorium facing the West pro-
claiming in unison “I am proud
to be a Mason”.
Photo by Rich Rygh
The Official Publication of the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin
senting the Madison Masonic
Center that will contain the time
capsules containing small items
such as lodge pins/coins, a
lodge’s current trestleboard or
other small items pertinent to in-
dividual Lodges as well as the
Grand Lodge. Items will be some-
thing anyone opening the cap-
sules in the future might find of
interest regarding happenings in
2019. The time capsules will be
available for deposits until the seal-
ing ceremony on August 4, at the
Three Pillars Friends and Family
Picnic in Dousman. Items will be
accepted from appendant bodies.
The Grand Master introduced
the challenge coins struck for the
175th Anniversary. Everyone at-
sisted by Bro. Damon J. Sanchez
and Robert N. Strickler, Senior
and Junior Warden respectively of
Freemasons Lodge. Bro. Thomas
P. Curtis II, a Past Master of
Freemasons Lodge served as
Chaplain.
The Grand Commandery of
Wisconsin presented the flag.
Organ music was provided by
Bro. Jim Stoebe.
Master Jeremy Koss turned the
gavel over to Installing Grand
Master Dennis V. Siewert, PGM.
Past Grand Masters Joseph B.
Harker and John W. Wilke served
as Installing Grand Marshals and
Installing Grand Chaplain was
Past Grand Master Daniel L.
Slavik.
See GM on page 4
Photo by Rich Rygh
tending received a coin. Leftover
coins will be for sale at the Grand
Lodge Square Store at
www.freemasonry.org.
Past Grand Master Craig S.
Campbell gave a very informative
presentation on the history of the
Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. See
page 17 of this issue of the Wis-
consin Masonic Journal.
Grand Master Robert C. Strader
performed the reconsecration cer-
emony and reinstalled the Grand
Lodge Officers and constituent
lodge officers present.
After the closing of the Lodge
the Brethren assembled on the
floor facing the West proclaiming
in unison “I am proud to be a
Mason”.
Grand Master Robert C.
Strader is installed on June 7
at the Masonic Center in
Madison.
Photo by Rich Rygh
SUMMER 2019
The Grand Master’s Message:
By Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin
Brother Robert C. Strader
Greeting Brothers,
I still can’t believe my travels in the progressive Grand Lodge line
has led me to be installed as Grand Master already. When PGM
Dennis Siewert appointed me as Junior Grand
Steward, I just thought it would be forever to
get through the line. Boy was I wrong! The les-
sons you learn from your preceding Grand
Masters and the background you get being in-
volved with all the various committees and li-
aison positions really does prepare you for this
eventuality, if you pay attention and work dili-
gently.
Thank you again, my Brothers, for having
voted for me and reaffirming your trust in me.
Literally hundreds of you have approached me
in person or by email offering assistance in any
way. You wouldn't believe how welcoming that
is.
My Saturday morning AC talk is printed in
this edition of the Masonic Journal, so I won’t Grand Master
repeat any goals or programs, but only em- Robert C. Strader
phasize that they are not unrelated to current
ones, but meant to fill gaps, solve known issues and make your jour-
ney as a Mason more fulfilling. I really do live and breathe the ser-
vant-based leadership model. It’s important for all of us as leaders to
serve our Brothers and make them successful and appreciate that
they became Masons. Do me a favor and when you see a Masonic
leader in our lodges or any appendant body not acting in this way,
please whisper good counsel in their ear.
As I write this column, I am in my 12th day as your Grand Master.
I still need to share my vision with many of our committees, teams
and Grand Lodge Officers in order for our programs to get started
on a solid footing and to be able to launch into planning and execu-
tion. We’ve got our annual Strategic Planning session with the Grand
Lodge officers in a few days where we’ll discuss the current plan and
any potential changes in it to better align with the needs of our Broth-
ers in Wisconsin.
If you didn’t make it to AC, you missed our 175th Anniversary
celebration! With our historical perspective by PGM Craig Campbell,
our reconsecration ceremony, our Madison Masonic Center replica
built by Bro. Jerry McDonald housing time capsules, a challenge coin
given to all attendees and a rousing rendition from all Masons on the
floor of “I’m proud to be a Freemason”, it was an energizing expe-
rience for all. The remaining challenge coins are available for pur-
chase on the Grand Lodge website from the Grand Lodge Square
Store.
I went straight from our Annual Communication into another with
our Prince Hall Brothers here in Wisconsin.Their officers and the
other Midwest Grand Masters made me feel welcome and we dis-
cussed many issues common among all of us.Their matching resolu-
tion to ours working towards full recognition between our jurisdictions
was tabled until next year so that they could better frame further lan-
guage on plurality in lodges, something not allowed in the Wisconsin
Prince Hall Lodges. We’ll have to hold off on our celebrations until
next year, but at least the unanimous approval of our Resolution 4-
2019 is helping to put everything in motion.Thank you Brethren for
your support!
I also attended the Grand Commandery annual meeting in
Oshkosh, which had not been attended by a sitting Grand Master in
a while. It was nice to attend an annual meeting where I was not in-
volved in the numerous hours of planning and could just enjoy the
fellowship. The leadership in these York Rite bodies is as fully dedi-
cated to the success of their members as our Grand Lodge is to all
of you Brethren. The experiences in the appendant bodies are not
something that our blue lodges should fear. Every group must strive
to show value on their own, so every Brother will want to share his
time (a valuable commodity) among all the lodges and appendant
bodies that he wants to participate in.
A few of the Brothers have been asking me if we’ll be continuing
the first responder pin. My answer is “of course!”. From my per-
spective, this was not a Grand Master program, but one of the Grand
Lodge, vetted during the strategic planning process of previous ses-
sions. I’ve personally seen many smiling faces as they have received
their pins. PGM Scott Pedley, great idea! Some other news you’ve
been waiting for, we’ll be having a couple of Masonic Day of Light
events this fall, in Tomah on October 19 and in Sheboygan on No-
vember 2. Look for dates soon for next spring in Eau Claire and
Racine.
Please remember my challenge to all the Brethren in Wisconsin
when introducing my pin with the Forget-me-not as its center piece
and try something new (or something not done in a long while)
among our many varied experiences in Freemasonry and take a new
Mason along for the ride!
I’m proud to be a Freemason!
I hope you are too.
Faithfully yours,
Bob Strader
Embrace the Experience!
Grand Master
Past Grand Master Russell R. Thoughts for the Journey
Selbo Passes Away at Age 100 By Reverend David O. Leistra, Grand Chaplain

ter 1980-1981, on June 14,
2019, at the age of 100.
MWBro. Selbo was a Mason for
76 years. He was initiated as En-
tered Apprentice on December
10, 1942; passed to the Degree
of Fellowcraft on February 13,
1943; and raised a Master Mason
on May 12,1943 in Hartland
Lodge No. 122. He was also a
member of Victory Lodge No.
320, Ozaukee Lodge No. 17,
Lake Country Freemasons Lodge
No. 42 and was a founding mem-
ber of Silas Shepherd Lodge No.
1843. Bro. Selbo served as Wor-
shipful Master in Hartland Lodge
No. 122 in 1954 and was the
Grand Master of Masons in Wis-
consin from 1980 to 1981. Dur-
ing his term as Grand Master, the
Masonic Health Care Center at
Dousman was authorized by the
Grand Lodge. He subsequently
Past Grand Master served for several years as a Direc-
Russell R. Selbo tor and President of the Wisconsin
Masonic Home, Inc.
It is with profound sorrow that Bro. Selbo was also a member
we inform you of the death of of the York Rite, a 33rd Degree
Russell R. Selbo, Past Grand Mas- Mason and Past Most Wise Master
Masonic
Square Bears
Provide an extra fuzzy passen-
ger in patrol cars or other emer-
gency vehicles with a donation
by your lodge of Square Bears.
The goal is to provide comfort
to children suffering from a
traumatic event. Police meet
children daily who are coping
from a recent car accident or
the arrest of a loved one. A gift
of a stuffed animal can provide
them with a level of comfort.
Visit the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin Square Store at
www.wisc-freemasonry.org.
in the Scottish Rite Valley of Mil-
waukee. He and his wife Hazel
were both active in the Order of
the Eastern Star. He was a past
President of the United Masonic
Board for DeMolay and an Hon-
orary Member of the Grand
Bethel of Wisconsin Job’s Daugh-
ters. He was an Honorary Grand
Master of Minnesota.
Bro. Selbo was born on August
9, 1918 in Marshall, Wis. He
graduated from West Division
High School in Milwaukee, Wis.
and married Hazel Vergon in
1941. In 1943, he joined the
United States Marine Corp. He
saw action during WWII as a for-
ward spotter, leading strikes at the
Battle of Peleliu for the Marine Air
Corp. In his career Bro. Selbo
served as a safety manager and
eventual President of Wisconsin
Electric Company, retiring after
more than 40 years of service.
Memorial Services will be held
on Monday July 8, 2019 at Three
Pillars Senior Living Community
Village on the Square in Ewald
Chapel.Visitation 10 a.m. - 12
p.m. with a Scottish Rite 33rd De-
gree Rose & Salt Service at 12
p.m. followed by Masonic Serv-
ices from Ozaukee Lodge, Port
Washington, and Military Rites.
Address
Changing?
Remember to notify your lodge
Secretary or the Grand Lodge
Office of your change of
address.
Grand Lodge
F. & A. M. of Wisconsin
36275 Sunset Drive
Dousman, WI 53118
email
cheryl@wisc-freemasonry.org
Brethren,
It is a great honor to greet you as your Grand Chaplain. I will do
my utmost to live up to the honor of that office, and to the trust our
Grand Master has placed in me. I follow a very distinguished and
great gentleman, the Reverend Donald F. Iliff,
and I want to thank him for his graciousness and
words of wisdom offered as he passed the office
on to me. I take this office very seriously and be-
lieve that so ought every Brother in their role as
Chaplain of their respective lodges, as well as,
the Masters who have appointed them. Among
other responsibilities, ours is the important role
of leading the lodge in what as Masons we are
taught is to be done before entering any great
undertaking in life, to begin and end it in prayer.
In doing so we are recognizing and proclaiming
that as Masons our God is to be given first place
in our hearts. It is no accident that the Masonic Grand Chaplain
Altar holds the central place in any lodge and David O. Leistra
upon it rests the Great Lights of our fraternity;
all Masons sit around it and their attention is directed toward attend-
ing to those Great Lights of which central are the Holy Writings.
While we are not a religion, we are most certainly religious in our
traditions and worldview.
Our history is long and storied with many great men in the world’s
eyes who have found it a privilege to stand on the level with other
men around the Masonic Altar, and who have held their place in the
fraternity, no matter their titles and honors, in service to each other
and humanity with dignity and diligence. May their example cause
us to see that our role in the fraternity whether we sit in the East or
on the sidelines is the same; to learn, preserve, and faithfully pass
on the traditions and great lessons of life learned in the lodge to the
next generation of Masons. I believe that first among those traditions
and great truths is that as Masons the place we look to for the de-
signs on which we are to build our lives is in the Holy Writings kept
in the most honored place in our lodges, and that the One in whom
we place our trust is represented symbolically in every lodge above
the Master. In our uncertain world today our traditions of faith and
trust in the Almighty will give you the sure footing you need to travel
the road of life safely and successfully to its end.
At those times when I was a Master in the past I was told when
taking on that role that I was to “look well to the East.” I now call
on all Masons in our great state to look well to the Great Lights of
our fraternity. At the conclusion of the celebration of the 175th An-
niversary of our Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Wis-
consin held at our recent Annual Communication our Grand Master
had all of us surround him and the Masonic Altar and then in one
voice shout out “I’m proud to be a Mason,” and indeed I am, and it
sure sounded like everyone else that was there are as well. I hope
you are too. My prayer for you all is that this be a great Masonic
year for you, your families, and your respective lodges.
Fraternally Yours,
David O. Leistra,
Grand Chaplain

Grand Chaplain David O. Leistra can be reached at

Shriners believe in you.
Directory of Grand Lodge Officers & Contacts
Grand Master
Robert C. Strader (363)
Res. 262-827-1606
Cell 414-678-8785
rcs_2019@wisc-freemasonry.org
Deputy Grand Master
Kenneth C. Gorgen (307)
Res. 262-691-0859
Cell (262) 501-1879
kcg_2020@wisc-freemasonry.org
Senior Grand Warden
Gary L. Stang (351)
715-864-6813
gls_2021@wisc-freemasonry.org
Junior Grand Warden
Paul T. Tourville (60)
414-659-5205
ptt_2022@wisc-freemasonry.org
Grand Treasurer
Jeffrey L. Bryden (95)
414-491-5664
grandtreasurer@wisc-freemasonry.org
Grand Secretary
Michael A. DeWolf, PGM (267)
715-574-3151
Bus. 262-965-2200 Ext. 807
grandsecwi@wimasons.org
Grand Chaplain
David O. Leistra (174)
920-818-1041
PastorLeistra@gmail.com
Grand Lecturer
Patrick D. Cholka
414-254-5543
grand_lecturer@wisc-freemasonry.org
Senior Grand Deacon
David R. Ritchie (64)
608-776-2698
drr_2023@wisc-freemasonry.org
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
Junior Grand Deacon
Thomas W. Stevens (112)
715-579-8949
tws_2024@wisc-freemasonry.org
Senior Grand Steward
Jeffrey S. Schoenfeldt (319)
608-609-1447
jss_2025@wisc-freemasonry.org
Junior Grand Steward
Todd W. Krohn (291)
414-303-5320
toddkrohn@gmail.com
Grand Marshal
Robert D. Canfield (180)
608-239-0505
grand_marshal@wisc-freemasonry.org
Grand Orator
Craig J. Froelich (9)
(608) 258-8814
grand_orator@wisc-freemasonry.org
Grand Tiler
Thomas P. Curtis II 363)
262-782-3922
grand_tiler@wisc-freemasonry.org
District Deputy
Grand Masters
District 1
Dennis M. Schultz (329)
(715) 394-5620
superiorschultz@gmail.com
District 2
Earl Gunderson (192)
715-495-5763
e.g.badger@hotmail.com
District 3
Jacob W. Seever (130)
715-218-7046
JWSeever@gmail.com
PastorLeistra@gmail.com or 920-818-1041.
. Get the
Wisconsin Masonic Journal
Delivered to your inbox each month!
District 4
Christian M. Hirthe (322)
Grand Lodge Sign up on the Grand Lodge website
920-840-3666 Office at www.wisc-freemasonry.org
christian.hirthe@kcc.com Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Wisconsin
36275 Sunset Dr.
District 5
Dousman, WI 53118
Jacob R. Schultz (190)
(608) 778-5610 262-965-2200
jacobrschultz@gmail.com Fax: 262-965-4211
Grand Secretary:
District 6
Jamees R. Giese(128) Michael A. DeWolf, PGM
715-213-6326 grandsecwi@wimasons.org
jgiese@wctc.net Published by the Grand Lodge,
District 7
Membership Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin
Matthew H. Ivens (325) Support: Summer 2019
608-212-9053 Cheryl Martin - Ext. 800 The Wisconsin Masonic Journal, Publication Number 011-551 (ISSN No.
mivens@gmail.com 10770410), is the authorized publication of the Grand Lodge, Free and
cheryl@wisc-freemasonry.org
Accepted Masons of Wisconsin. It is published monthly except for the
District 9 Erika Miller - Ext. 831
Daniel C. Brylla (79) July/August issue which is combined. Periodical postage paid at Dousman,
erika@wisc-freemasonry.org
940-231-9818 Wisconsin 53118 and additional offices. Postmasters: send address changes to
dcb0003@gmail.com Christina Jester - Ext. 804
The Wisconsin Masonic Journal, 36275 Sunset Drive, Dousman, WI 53118.
christina@wisc-freemasonry.org
District 9 Subscription Rates:
Derek M. Henze(57) Wisconsin Masonic Non-members (within United States): $15.00 per year (payable in advance)
262-473-9585 Non-members (mailed outside of the United States): $50.00 (payable in advance)
derekhenze@gmail.com Journal
Members: $8.50 per year (included in the Grand Lodge per capita)
District 10 Richard A. Rygh, Editor
Editorial Production Office
Charles L. Smith (167) 608-444-0074
920-540-4756 wmjeditor@wisc-freemasonry.org Richard A. Rygh, Editor
clsmith3535@gmail.com 5823 Madsen Circle, Oregon, WI 53575
email: wmjeditor@wisc-freemasonry.org
David R. Ritchie, Ass’t. Editor
District 11 Phone 608-444-0074
Dennis J. Krahn (145) 608-482-3552
262-716-6110 hickorysprings@gmail.com Advertising Office Phone/FAX 262-965-3979
greenF250@msn.com Diane Igl, Advertising Manager
Diane Igl, Ad Manager email: diane@wisc-freemasonry.org
District 12 diane@wisc-freemasonry.org
Jeffrey S. Thiele (189)
414-530-0607 262-965-3979 Advertising rates upon request. Deadline for submission of advertising
mmjst0910@gmail.com 36275 Sunset Dr., copy is the fifteenth of each month preceding month of scheduled pub-
Dousman, WI 53118 lication.

PAGE 2 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019

Grand Lodge Officers 2019-20 EXPANDING OUR MASONIC KNOWLEDGE
By Grand Orator Craig J. Froelich

Elected and Appointed Grand Lodge Officers for 2019-20. Front row from left: Grand Treasurer Jeffrey L.
Bryden, Deputy Grand Master Kenneth C. Gorgen, Grand Master Robert C. Strader, Senior Grand Warden
Gary L. Stang; Junior Grand Warden Paul T. Tourville and Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PGM. Sec-
ond row: Grand Marshal Robert D. Canfield, Grand Lecturer Patrick D. Cholka, Grand Tiler Thomas P.
Curtis II and Grand Chaplain David O. Leistra. Third row: Junior Grand Steward Todd W. Krohn, Senior
Grand Steward Jeffrey S. Schoenfeldt, Junior Grand Deacon Thomas W. Stevens, Senior Grand Deacon
David W. Ritchie and Grand Orator Craig J. Froelich. Fourth row: DDGM 7 Matthew H. Ivens, DDGM 8
Daniel C. Brylla, DDGM 9 Derek M. Henze, DDGM 10 Charles L. Smith and DDGM 12 Jeffrey S. Thiele.
Back row: DDGM 1 Dennis M. Schultz, DDGM 2 Earl Gunderson, DDGM 3 Jacob W. Seever, DDGM 4
Christian M. Hirthe, DDGM 5 Jacob R. Schultz and DDGM 6 James R. Giese.
Photo by Michelle Allen Photography
Wisconsin Masonic Charities
Contact Erika Miller
erika@wisc-freemasonry.org
About the time this article comes out, it will be nearing what
would have been my grandfather’s 100th birthday. Worshipful
Brother Robert A. Nadler passed away about thirteen years ago,
having served the Craft for over 60 years. I
would hope that he’d be proud of the Masonic
progress I’ve made since then, but I can’t help
but wonder if I’ll ever be the man and the
Mason that he was.
I was raised a Master Mason over 21 years
ago, but before that, I was raised to be a
Mason. There was never any doubt that I
would join the Lodge, the only question was
when. t is only after I joined and began to
learn the lessons of Masonry, that I realized
Grandpa had been teaching me those lessons
my entire life, not by telling me, but rather by
showing me. I learned that the good, just, and Grand Orator
upright life he lived was exactly what I would Craig J. Froelich
later learn in the Lodge. He was honest, kind,
fair, and treated all men on the level. He gave so much to the
Lodge, as Master, Chaplain, and mentor. I still have the notebook
he used for over 30 years to give Masonic Memorial services. In
the back he has listed 66 names of the Brothers he conducted serv-
ices for; the first from 1964 written in a clear, strong hand, and
the last in 1996, the writing shaky and uneven as age took its toll.
He wanted to remember those who had gone before.
I was lucky to have such a wonderful man in my life, and to be
able to share, at least for a short time, Freemasonry with him. Not
everyone is as fortunate as I am to have a grandfather to guide him
through Masonry, but I hope that you are able to think about and
remember the good men who helped and guided you through your
journey, those first men who welcomed you to Lodge, the mentor
who posted you on your degrees, the friend and Brother who en-
couraged you. If those men are still around, take a moment to
thank them, to tell them how they affected your life. If those Broth-
ers are gone, find other good men to emulate. I ‘ve been lucky
enough to find many other men who have shown me what it means
to be a Mason, some who had been friends of my grandfather, men
my own age, even men young enough to be my sons and new to
Masonry. They have impressed me and inspired me to try to live
up to that ideal.
But more importantly, think about yourself, and how you can in-
spire those around you. I look to the example of my grandpa, and
think about my responsibility to those men of all ages around me.
I need to try to live a life that others want to emulate, to be that
example for them, because that will make me a better man. I know
that I have failed at that in the past, and I know I will fail again, but
that shouldn’t stop any of us from trying. We should all be con-
stantly chipping away at the rough edges of our lives, striving to
make ourselves better. And in making ourselves better, help to
make those who follow us better as well.
I know Grandpa wasn’t perfect, no man is, but if, when I wake
up tomorrow, I can be just a little bit more like him, I know that I
will be a better man.
Craig J. Froelich
Grand Orator

Feedback and questions are always welcome.

Contact Grand Orator Craig J. Froelich at
grand_orator@wisc-freemasonry.org

Easy Crusted Baked Cod

By Bro. William Beetcher, PGM
Landmark Lodge No. 244, Frederic

Ingredients
2 thawed cod filets
1 cup crushed corn flakes

1 egg with ⅛ cup of water

2 TBL Flour

1 TBL Parmesan and Romano cheese

⅛ tsp sage
Dash of cayenne pepper to taste

Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions
1. Pre-heat oven to 425º F.
2. Cover a baking sheet with tin foil
Become a
3. Spray a small baking rack with a non- stick oil and place on
top of the baking sheet DeMolay
4. Rinse thawed cod filets, pat dry on a paper towel
5. Mix the flour, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and Parmesan Dad
and Romano cheese on a plate Bro. Behling is a 70 year Mason
7. Beat 1 egg with ⅛ cup of water and dip the cod filet
6. Roll the cod in the mixture until well covered Providing adult mentors for en-
thusiastic youth is a continuing
mission of DeMolay. Grand Master Scott E. Pedley (left) presented a 70 year certificate to
in the egg mixture DeMolay is a youth-led, adult Bro. Robert Behling Sr. on March 28 exactly 70 years after he was
8. Put corn flakes and sage in a plastic bag; crush the corn advised organization. They are al- raised in Cambria Lodge No. 152. His son Bro. Robert Behling Jr. a
flakes ways looking for adults who are Mason residing in Nevada looks on. Bro. Behling Sr., served Cambria
9. Coat the filets in the corn flake mixture willing to give unselfishly of their Lodge as Master in 1969. He is currently a member of Waupun Lodge
10. Place cod on the baking rack and bake for 20-22 minutes time helping build tomorrow’s No. 48. The Grand Master said, “I greatly enjoyed speaking with Bro.
until cod is flaky leaders today! Behling. He is a World War II Veteran having served in the Navy. I
11. Remove from oven, let the fish cool for approximately 5 Learn more at: https://demo stayed for an hour and so enjoyed our conversation that I would have
minutes. Serve and enjoy! lay.org/front-page/be-a-demolay- liked to stay for hours. Bro. Behling is a great man and Mason.”
volunteer/. Submitted by Past Grand Master Scott E. Pedley

WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - PAGE 3


GM from page 1
Installing Grand Marshal Wilke
escorted Grand Master Scott E.
Pedley and his Lady Ronda to the
altar for introduction where they
were saluted with a hearty round
of applause. Grand Master Pedley
was escorted to the East.
The officers of the Grand
Lodge of Wisconsin were installed
in proper form. The officer’s col-
lars were presented by their ladies.
Grand Master elect Robert C.
Strader was escorted to the altar
for installation. All Masters of con-
stituent lodges present were asked
to join the Grand Master elect at
the altar, placing their hand on the
shoulder of the Master in front of
them. As they assembled a beau-
tiful and meaningful recitation en-
titled “Last Night I Knelt Where
Hiram Knelt” was presented by
Bro. Curt Campagna.
Bro. Robert C. Strader re-
ceived the charges of the Grand
Master as the Masters of the
lodges pledged their support.
Ohio State Fan Grand Master Robert C. Strader receives, of
all things, a Wisconsin Badger football jersey with his name
on it from Master Jeremy Koss, on behalf of his Brothers at
Freemasons Lodge No. 363.
PAGE 4 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019
Grand Master Strader was duly
installed and received his collar
from his Lady Barbara.
Grand Master Strader was es-
corted to the East by Installing
Grand Marshal Wilke and Piper
Bro. Gary L. Barg under an arch
of steel provided by the Grand
Commandery. Installing Grand
Master Siewert ordered that the
piper paid. Grand Master Robert
C. Strader properly paid the piper.
Installing Grand Master Siewert
introduced the new Grand Master
and presented him the gavel as
the Grand Master received a
hearty round of applause.
Installing Grand Marshal Wilke
proclaimed the officers installed in
South, West and East in the name
of the Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge Free and Accepted Masons
for the Sate of Wisconsin.
First Lady Barbara Strader pre-
sented Grand Master with a hat to
be worn during his year as Grand
Master. It is a Coachman’s hat
Photo by Rich Rygh
which was explained in the Grand
Master’s Message.
Grand Master Strader presented
Lady Barbara with a beautiful bou-
quet.
The Grand Master thanked the
Brethren for the great honor of
being able to serve as Grand Mas-
ter and all the Brothers participat-
ing in the installation. He
presented a special message to
the Craft.
Grand Master Strader received
an engraved gavel and sounding
block from his Lady Barbara.
Bro. Jeremy Koss, on behalf
of Freemasons lodge presented
Grand Master a Badger Football
Jersey with his name on it. In spite
of being a Ohio State graduate
and fan, he agreed to wear it.
Tripoli Potentate Bob Capen
presented Grand Master Strader
with a Tripoli Shrine Grand Mas-
ter’s Fez and a beautifully en-
graved carrying case.
The Grand Master also received
an embroidered memory plaque
from Bro. Jim “Jimbo the Clown”
Herman and an Ohio State ban-
ner and drinking cup from Cheryl
Hoff, member of the board of the
Ohio State Alumni Assoc. of Wis.
DeMolay and Job’s Daughters
gave presentations before the
closing.
Wisconsin DeMolay State
Councilor Sam Thiele presented
the DeMolay Father’s Talk and Il-
lustrious Knight Commander in
Wisconsin Ryan Thiele presented
the Ceremony of Light.
Grand Bethel Honored Queen
Alleya Ingram with the members
of Bethels and Grand Bethel pre-
sented the Living Cross Cere-
mony.
Past Grand Master Scott E.
Pedley and Lady Ronda exited the
auditorium following the new offi-
cers. They received a spectacular
standing ovation for their excep-
tional leadership, dedication and
love they have brought to the Ma-
sons of Wisconsin.
See photos on page 10
Brother presents brother 50 year pin
Bro. Gary Cuskey presents his brother Donald Cuskey his certificate
and pin for 50 years of service to Masonry on behalf of Blue Hills Lodge
No. 234. Bro. Donald was raised on May 13, 1969. Bro. Gary Cuskey
has had the privilege of presenting two of his brothers with their 50
year certificates and pins.
NOTES FROM THE GRAND LECTURER
By Brother Patrick D. Cholka
Brethren,
It is often said that one of the things that separates Freemasonry
from other similar organizations is our ritual. The ritual is what binds
Freemasons together throughout the world. Though Lodges serve
their communities, their primary purpose is to
make Masons. This is done through the lessons
communicated in the ritual. These lessons add
meaning and purpose to a Mason’s life. It is the
constant application of these lessons to our
lives that increases our usefulness to our fellow
creatures and makes good men better.
Most, if not all, Lodges are close and tightly-
knit. If you observe a Lodge that performs well-
practiced and well-rehearsed ritual, they appear
to be even closer yet. This can be observed not
only among the officers and active members
but also with the members that are not able to
attend and the spouses of the Brethren that Grand Lecturer
have passed to the Lodge Eternal. It is as Patrick D. Cholka
though through their individual practice, and re-
hearsals as a group, the practice of Freemasonry’s tenets and prin-
ciples have become second nature.
With such a high value placed on our ritual, it is only natural
then, that understanding our ritual becomes the responsibility of
every Mason in order to effectively apply the principles it reinforces
in our lives. Note that I said understanding our ritual, not memoriz-
ing it. Memorization, while important, without understanding will
only take a person to the end of his memorized work. Like memo-
rizing a geometric equation - you cannot properly apply it to a useful
situation unless you understand its components.
Near and dear to the heart of every Freemason, take the
Pythagorean Theorem for example. If I asked you how to find the
length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle, you might tell me: a2
+ b2 = c2. But how useful is it if you don’t understand that:
• The hypotenuse is side opposite the right angle and is repre-
sented by ‘c’ in that equation
• That ‘a’ and ‘b’ represent the other legs of the triangle?
• That ‘squared’ (2) is a value times itself.
• That the length of the hypotenuse is calculated by determin-
ing the square root of the sum of a2 and b2.
While the answer of a2 + b2 = c2 is correct, and while it is im-
portant to memorize this equation, if you do not understand the
components and how to work the equation, you cannot answer the
question nor properly apply it in the appropriate situations.
Similarly, memorization of Freemasonry’s ritual is equally impor-
tant, but, without learning and understanding the biblical, historical
and symbolic context of the precepts it contains, your ability to
apply it to your life is limited. Masonic retention is obtained when
both ritual and Masonic knowledge are balanced with one another.
As you study our ritual while you strive for your ritual or profi-
ciency card, or to better understand your part for the opening or
closing of the Lodge, remember to seek to understand the words
and movements you are reading. It is through this understanding
that you will be able to properly apply what you have learned to
your life. If you have any questions reach out to your District Lec-
turer or myself - we are happy to help.
Fraternally,
Patrick D. Cholka
Grand Lecturer
Feedback and questions are always welcome.
Contact Grand Lecturer Patrick D.Cholka at
grand_lecturer@wisc-freemasonry.org
Submitted by Bro. Steven Klein
Wisconsin Masonic Charities
Contact Erika Miller
erika@wisc-freemasonry.org
 First Line Signers for Last Fiscal Year Lodge Excellence
2018-2019 Award Winners
Lodge No. Master Level
Adam Roder Ian Wolfgang Luecke (2) Michael J. Statz District 1
Adam T. Witt James Cowee Michael J. Vineburg Keystone 263 Paul Wharton Bronze
Adrian E. Davis James D. Lukas Michael P. Bailey District 2
Alan Keith Scott James D. Schoville (3) Michael W. Sawyer (4) St. Croix 56 David Hadlich Bronze
Eau Claire 112 David Larson Gold
Alan Snyder James E. Olson Mitchell Custer Chippewa Falls 176 Jeff Clark Gold
Alex J. Rabe James Giese Nate M. Stiefvater North Star 187 Barry Ausen Bronze
Alexander Bruder (2) James J. Burton Neil Liljander Collins-Spring Valley 192 Earl Gunderson Gold
Andrew N. Behlke (2) James M. Brocker Nicholas Jacobe Hancock 229 Craig Krueger Gold
Andrew Brandt James M. Holmblad Nickolas L Kapsalis Clear Lake 230 Steve Rubie Bronze
Chetek 277 Darryl Dahl Bronze
Andrew R. Organ James Mcgillivern Norm J. Luellen Jr. Sanctuary 347 David D. Larson Silver
Anthony R. Jones James N. Davis Norman K. Burns George B. Wheeler 351 Chris Clark Bronze
Antonio G. Staver (8) James R. Schweitzer Owen A. Anderson District 3
Arthur Karos James R. Smith Patrick C Morton Forest 130 Jesse Furrer Bronze
Mystic Tie 280 Mark Steckel Bronze
Arthur R. Rettschlag James R. Timm Patrick H. Heaney District 5
Aubrey Heape (3) James W Mcguigan Paul A. Larson Valley 60 Jarrett McDonald Bronze
Barry Diehl James W. Blank Paul E. Peacock LaBelle 84 Chris L. Underwood Silver
Barry Hersh Jarett G. McDonald (2) Paul Hormig Salem 125 Jacob R. Schultz Bronze
Benjamin Cornell (2) Jasen Groves R. Scott Tillotson Tomah 132 Jerry McDonald Bronze
La Crosse Masonic 190 Jacob R. Schultz Gold
Boyd L Mcewen (2) Jason A. Braatz Ralph L. Behlke District 6
Brent C. Clausius Jason J. Mackey Raymond Dolsen Waverly 51 Jason Lone Bronze
Brett M. Krause Jason Reeves Raymond E. Mielke Wisconsin Rapids 128 Jonathan Wood Silver
Brian Duoss Jason Robertson Reese A. Deveau District 7
Hiram 50 Mathew Hughey Bronze
Brian Graff Jeffrey L. Brenner Richard A Preston Social 245 Alexander Vellender Bronze
Bruce Fransway Jeffrey B. Woosley (2) Richard A. Rygh Commonwealth 325 Ryan Murphy Bronze
Bryan Kirschbaum Jeremy Thomas Weller Richard C. Moore Doric 356 Paul Twardy Bronze
Byron E. Borck Jerome J. Miller Richard K. Plouffe District 8
Carl F. Peterson Jerry Leggett Richard M. Webb Baraboo 34 Martin L. Blake Bronze
Richland 66 Brent Clausis Bronze
Chad S Chaves Jesse W. Tihlarik (3) Richard Norman Hansen Reedsburg 79 Daniel C. Brylla Gold
Charles A. Hizer Joel W. Johnson Richard W. Rupp (2) District 9
Charles A. Nelson John L. Esch Richard Rogers Jefferson County 9 Noah Schultz Bronze
Charles H. Boelleow John Gosse (2) Richard M. Wood (4) Union 32 Tony M. Walls Silver
Lake Country Freemasons 42 Bruce Boland Silver
Charles M. Olson, Jr John Mitchell Rick Schnabel St. John’s 57 DerekmHenze Gold
Charlie L. Smith John Peter Reese Robert E. Dionne Fulton 69 Adam T. Witt Bronze
Christopher Acker John R Kovach Robert D. Scheff Oregon 151 Jordan Dietrich Silver
Clint Hudson John C. White Robert Haavind Milton 161 Patrick Garvin Silver
Corey J. P. Nowak (6) John Winters Robert L. Worth Dousman 315 David Renly Silver
Beloit 353 Norman Luellen Silver
Cody K. Rogers Jon Allan Falk Robert P. Craig Glenn L. Humphrey 364 Francis X. McKenna Silver
Craig S. Campbell (2) Jon Holtz Robert R. Anderson District 10
Craig J. Froelich Jon O. Bergh Robert Riemer Sheboygan 11 Sean Hurley Bronze
Cruz Gracia Jon W. Fuhlbohm (2) Rodney D Christensen Prairie View 95 Ron Treimstra Gold
Hartford 120 Carl Hoy Silver
Dale E Reeve Jonathan Foster (4) Ronold Gebel District 11
Dale Newman Jonathan W. Schroeder Roy A. Hubler Southern Lakes 12 Paul Beduze Silver
Daniel B. Fischer Jordan M. Dunham Russell A. Gename Kenosha 47 James Matson Silver
Daniel Bryalla Joseph Brunk Russell Sanders Washburn 145 Mike Wood Bronze
Daniel Conway Finley Joseph Harker Pgm Ryan K. Ramnarace Lafin-St. James 247 Gabe Winzenried Gold
Union Grove 288 George Wingett Bronze
Daniel G. Maughan Joseph M. Fisher Samuel B. Ferguson McKinley 307 Dan Richardson Gold
Daniel H. Toland Joseph Meintzer Scott E Pedley Unity 367 Denny Krahn Silver
Daniel J. Hagerty (4) Joseph W. Newbauer Scott Mcbeath District 12
Daniel Iverson Joshua D. Prescher Scott Scharnell Wauwatosa 267 Pat Cholka Silver
Freemasons 363 Brian Jahns Gold
Daniel J. Iverson Joshua Prescher Sean K. Dean
Darrel Bauman Joshua T. Sudbring Seth Allan Meltesen
Darrell Kyle Justin G. Herman Shawn Fahrenkaupf
Darren M Jones Keith R. Redell Sheridan Rossing
David Bergerson Kenneth C. Mertz Sherman M. Bradley
David D. Mahoney Kevin Klinger Signe O. Janoska-Bedi Join a Masonic appendant body.
David E Renley Kevin Knoke Stephen D. Dake There is much knowledge to be gained and
David Gonzalez Kevin R. Sorenson Steve Lasure great satisfaction to be had in helping others.
David Hermundson Larry Patterson Steven A. Klein
David Medici Larry R. Nines Stuart C. Manny
David Menke Larry R. Preston (2) Ted L. Hall
David R. Jacobson Larry W. Drangstveit Terrence R Brown
Danny L Bourassa (2) Lee A. Skelley Terry M Mcshane
Dennis J. Krahn (3) Leo J. Esch Thomas A. Feest
Derek M. Henze Leonard E Pickett III (3) Thomas B. Lorow Sr.
Derrick C. Huble (2) Loren R. Salsman Thomas David Lee (2)
Donald Iliff Lyle N. Koerner Jr. Thomas R. Pierro Jr
Duane L. Bunting Mark A Toraason Thomas S. Pinney Jr. (2)
Duane Sokohosky Mark A. Wetzel Tim Thiers
Earl Gunderson Mark Allen Toraason Timothy Schwister
Edwin Blake Mark B. Hazelbaker (2) Timothy W. Cree
Elliott Collier Mark E. Hink Tony E. Pool
Eric Davidson, Sr Mark Jesse Schubert Travis J. Lehrer
Eric R. Pangburn Mark K. Rutkowski Travis L. Rogers Jr.
Eugene R. Reece Jr Mark Rother Tyler Kristopeit
Gabe R. Winzenried Martin J. Callaway Wayne A Budwick
Gary L. Ebert (4) Matt Brigson Wayne M. Uttke
Garry Davis Matthew Alberts Wendell Kopish
George H. Jordan Matthew J. Brigson (2) William C Boutwell
George A. Jozwiak (2) Matthew Ivens William Catlin, Jr
George Vignyvich Matthew M. Hughey William J. Roelke
George W. Tincher Matthew S. Knott William John Lang
Gerald G. Arnholt Matthew W. Fitch William R. Pickett
Glenn D. Haroldson Mayan M. Turner William Trouten
Harry J. Burczyk Michael J. Daigle Wyatt Swan
Henry M. Paulson Michael R. Estell (3)
Ian S. Abrahamson Michael J. Hayden (2)

Masonic Quotes
“It doesn’t matter how big a house you are going to have, how fancy a car you are going to drive or how
big your bank account is when you leave this world. What is important 100 years from now is whether you
have done something to help a young person achieve success.”
– Past Grand Master Allan E. Iding

WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - PAGE 5

Chippewa Falls Lodge Celebrates Sesquicentennial
By Rich Rygh
Chippewa Falls Lodge No.
176, having received its charter
on June 10, 1869, holding its first
meeting on July 8, 1869 cele-
brated its Sesquicentennial on
June 11 with a reconsecration
ceremony conducted by Grand
Master Scott E. Pedley and offi-
cers of the Grand Lodge.
Bro. Mario Altuzar, Master of
the Lodge, gave some background
on the Lodge and gave a talk on
Masonry today. He stated,”The
Freemasons will continue to make
our tomorrows more rewarding,
more fulfilling, more compelling;
because of the changes we strive
to make today. May our Lodge
All-Star Soccer Games at
UW–La Crosse July 20
Bro. Brian Lerch, Chairman of
the Wisconsin Masonic Soccer
Program, is pleased to announce
that the 2019 All-Star Soccer
Camp, Banquet and Games will
be held at UW-La Crosse.
Activities will begin on Thurs.,
July 18, with the All-Star Camp.
Camp includes practices and so-
cial activities including participat-
ing in Bingo with the residents of
a local Senior Center.
The All-Star Recognition Ban-
quet will be held Sat., July 20, at
8 a.m.
TOP Soccer activities will be
held Sat., July 20 at the soccer
stadium at 10:30 a.m. The “Top
Soccer Program” is a community-
Warren Lodge to Host 6th
Annual Camp Out and Picnic
The past five years the Brothers
of Warren Lodge have hosted a
Camp Out at the Grant River
Recreational Site the weekend
after Labor Day each September.
The lodge has voted to name the
camp out in memory of Bro.
Harold Lindeman an avid camper
and truly a Mason’s Mason who
passed away earlier this year. The
campout dedicated to fellowship
and fun embodies Bro. Harold’s
ideals. He was always there with
an easy smile and his hand ex-
tended in brotherly love.
The sixth annual Harold Linde-
man Campout and picnic will be
held Friday, September 6 through
Support our Youth Groups
Advertise your Fundraiser in the
Wisconsin Masonic Journal
The Number 1 Source for Reaching the Masons of Wisconsin
We have a new special rate for
promoting your upcoming lodge events!
Contact Diane Igl
For our new special rate for lodge events!
email: diane@wisc-freemasonry.org
PAGE 6 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019
have the blessings of our Lord to
see another 150 years.”
Junior Warden Jonathan Beigh-
ley gave a history of the Lodge.
Master Altuzar opened the
Lodge with the public opening.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance
Deputy Grand Master Robert C.
Strader presented the “Toast to
the Flag”.
Grand Master Pedley intro-
duced the Grand Lodge Officers
and stated what a great honor it is
to be a part of this 150th Anniver-
sary.
At the request of the Master of
the Lodge Grand Master Pedley
asked the Grand Stewards to un-
cover the symbolic lodge and he
based training and team place-
ment program for young athletes
with disabilities.
The All-Star Games will be Sat.,
July 20, starting with the Girls’
Game at 11:30 a.m. with the
Boys’ Game following at approxi-
mately 1:30 p.m.
Sponsors are needed: Would
your lodge or business like to
sponsor part of the Soccer Pro-
gram? Sponsorship opportunities
include MVP Awards (Boys or
Girls), Top Soccer Program, Pizza
Party, Recognition Breakfast, or
other meals for the All-Stars. To
support the event or be part of it
contact Bro. Brian Lerch at Bri-
anL1@live.com.
Sunday September 8, open to all
Brothers and their families from
across Wisconsin and Iowa. The
site sits along the banks of the
Mississippi River amongst the
wooded hills of Southwest Wis-
consin just outside of Potosi. The
campground is run by the Army
Corp of Engineers. It has modern
shower and toilet facilities and a
fantastic view of the river and sur-
rounding bluffs. The Grant River
Recreational Area is located at
3990 Park Lane, Potosi. For
more information, the park num-
ber is 563-582-0881.
Food and beverage for the cam-
pout are your own to bring. All
262-965-3979
reconsecrated Chippewa Falls
Lodge agreeable to the ancient
usage and customs of the frater-
nity and reinstalled the officers of
the Lodge
Following the reconsecration
Grand Master Pedley presented
the following message:
It is a great honor to be with
you today to celebrate the 150th
anniversary of Chippewa Falls
Lodge No. 176.
I want to thank the members
of this fine Lodge for inviting us
here today and it is a great privi-
lege to take part in this event.
Friends and Brothers, it is our
desire to build lasting relationships
in each of the communities we in
July 20
Games Beginning at
11:30 a.m.
Brothers and their families are in-
vited to stay for the Warren Lodge
Picnic which will be held tenta-
tively Saturday, Sept. 8 at noon at
the main picnic shelter on the
park grounds. Bring a dish to
pass, the lodge will provide brats
and burgers.
If camping isn't your thing lodg-
ing is available nearby. The more
Brothers and families the more
fun. Enjoy Southwest Wisconsin
and join us for the campfire.
There are a limited number of
sites reserved and they will fill up
fast. Both camper and tent sites
are available. If you have questions
or would like to make reservations
please contact Bro. Larry Ray-
mond, Master, 563-451-8497 or
Junior Grand Deacon David R.
Ritchie, 608-482-3552. Feel free
to make reservations on your own
as well.
Wisconsin Freemasonry serve.
There are some 170 Lodges in
Wisconsin and there are several
million Masons serving throughout
the world!
In this nation which seems to
be tormented by incivility, the
great Light of Freemasonry stands
as a beacon of hope and as an ex-
ample for all who embrace a path
of civility, goodness and decency.
The strength of the great Light
of Freemasonry matters! And, the
great Masonic spirit, which in-
forms and controls our collective
strength, matters just as much!
The success of Freemasonry is
of special significance to every
community we touch. It is our
view that Freemasonry is a project
for human improvement. We em-
phasize the support of all mankind
and especially the support of chil-
dren in need, as children are the
world’s most valuable resource
and they are our best hope for the
future.
Every Shriner is a Mason. Our
Shrine-Masons work to support
some 22 hospitals or clinics
throughout North America for the
purpose of changing the lives and
thus changing the world for the
better as a result of the stellar
health care children receive there.
Our Scottish Rite Masons in the
Valleys here in Wisconsin are busy
supporting the three Children’s
Dyslexia Centers located in Madi-
son, Milwaukee, Eau Claire and
the recently dedicated Children’s
Dyslexia Center at Superior which
is an affiliate of the Eau Claire
Center. Once again, Masonry is
changing the world by improving
the lives of children! I wonder how
many local, State or Federal lead-
ers have come or will come
through our Scottish Rite dyslexia
centers? Again, Freemasonry is
changing the world for the better!!
Our York Rite Masons are
changing the world for the better
as a result of their support for
medical research!
And then there’s our wonder-
ful Eastern Star which is absolute
in their support of our fabulous
Three Pillars Senior Living Center
in Dousman. A Senior Living
Center which is as relevant in
Chippewa Falls as it is in Dous-
man and Shullsburg and all other
Masonic communities throughout
Wisconsin. At Three Pillars no
person ever has to leave, for ex-
ample, because they have outlived
their own financial resources. If a
person living there, a Mason or
non-Mason, who runs out of funds
to support their stay, Masonic as-
sistance comes to their relief and
they are able to stay. Every Mason
in Wisconsin can take a bow for
their charitable support for Three
Pillars.
Our Jobs Daughters and our
DeMolay organizations for girls
and for boys teach tremendous
leadership which results in the fu-
ture success of those who partici-
pate. Once again, Wisconsin
Freemasons are Stirring Up
Good!
As a result of all of this that I’ve
shared with you today, we look
forward to a time that our state
and our nation will not be afraid
to embrace grace, gentlemanly
conduct and civility.
The mind of a good man is our
fundamental resource. One
Mason can make a huge differ-
ence in the life of someone else
and it is our goal that every Mason
should try.
Thank you and may God Bless.
Past Master Matt Chromey and
a group of Brothers form Eau
Claire Lodge No. 112 congratu-
lated the Chippewa Falls Lodge
on their 150th Anniversary. They
presented a check to Pierce Free-
dom a charity the two lodges are
helping to support. Chippewa
Falls Lodge also presented a
check in the amount of $2250
which includes matching funds
from Acts of Kindness. Pierce
Freedom is a non-profit organiza-
tion which fights against human
sexual exploitation.
Senior Grand Steward Thomas
W. Stevens a Past Master of
Chippewa Falls Lodge made a
presentation on behalf of the
Lodge of another two dozen Care
Bears to Bro. Joe Nelson of the
Chippewa Falls Police Depart-
ment.
The Grand Master thanked the
Ladies for sharing their Mason’s
with us. He also introduced a long
time friend and fellow law enforce-
ment officer James Cardinal, a 61
year Mason.
Following the closing food,
music and good fellowship fol-
lowed in the dining room.
See photos on page 18
Strawberry Fest in Jefferson
By Rich Rygh
Brethren families and friends
enjoyed the 8th annual Straw-
berry Fest, celebrating the begin-
ning of summer 2019, at the
Jefferson Masonic Center on June
19. The event was sponsored by
Tri-County Chapter #11, Tri-
County Council #16, Martha
Chapter #66 of the Order of East-
ern Star, and Jefferson County
Lodge No. 9.
Everyone enjoyed the short-
cakes topped with strawberries.
whipped cream and a side scoop
of ice cream.
Rita Dow provided accordion
music for the evening.
Cooper Buchholz, recipient of
the lodge’s $3500 Foundation
Stone Scholarship addressed the
group expressing his appreciation
for the scholarship. He will be at-
tending UW–Eau Claire this fall to
study Biochemistry with a medical
objective of becoming a Nurse
Practitioner. He was president of
his class at Lake Mills High
School, is on the Lake Mills City
Council and is a mentor to a 15
year old boy and 12 year old girl
who lost their father.
Craig said he now understands
what Freemasonry is all about,
nothing like he has seen on TV,
and hopes to become a Mason
some day.
Photos by Rich Rygh
Warren Lodge to Host
6th Annual Car Show
Warren Lodge No. 4, will host
its 6th Annual Car Show at the
Holiday Gardens Event Center in
beautiful downtown Potosi, on
Aug. 18. Gates will open at 8
a.m., with judging at noon. The
Bro. Marshall achieves 55 years
Bro. Bob Ott, Secretary, presents Bro. Lester Marshall (right) his 55
year certificate from Reedsburg Lodge No. 79. Bro. Marshall was raised
on Sept. 16, 1964 in Richland Lodge No. 66. He served Reedsburg
Lodge as Master in 1973.
Bro. Richard Moen serves Bro. Adam Witt, Master of Fulton
Lodge No. 69.
Brothers Parker Dow, Dave Mahoney, and Ray Mielke; and
Sharon Mielke and Nancy Dow enjoy some fellowship.
Brewery Museum is just across the
street. If you have any questions
please call Bro. Schelley Schoville
at 608-732-0030, also follow us
on Facebook at potosiwarren-
lodge4/
Scholarship recipient Cooper
Buchholz answers questions
about his future plans.
First
Responders
Pin
Submitted by Bro. Bob Ott
As a law enforcement officer,
firefighter and Emergency
Medical Technician, I greatly
appreciate firsthand, the life
safety work of this segment of
our population. If you have
served in public safety as a
firefighter, emergency medical
responder or as a law enforce-
ment officer, thank you for
your service. We have a pin to
honor your contribution to
serve others.
Please contact your AA or
DDGM for a pin.
WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - PAGE 7
THE GENTLEMAN IN THE ROOM
By Junior Grand Deacon David R. Ritchie
My Brothers I want to take a moment and thank-you and
tell you how proud I am to know men of your caliber. This year at
Annual Communication there were a couple resolutions and topics
that fostered debate when they got to the
Grand Lodge floor. The Grand Master asked
for three speakers for and three opposed with
a maximum speaking time of two minutes as
a guideline for all discussion on each resolu-
tion.
Guess what happened. On the discussed
topics we had three brothers speak for and
three in opposition. No one went over the time
limit. The discussion was, at times, passionate
but never heated. When a point of clarification
was asked for, it was a true and genuine point
that needed clarifying and not a means to add
one more for or opposed comment in. It Bro. David R.
seemed that each speaker’s comments were Ritchie
thought out based on logic and reason, not just Senior Grand Deacon
an appeal to emotion. The discussion stayed
on topic and never became personal or aggressive.
Most years you can judge the way a vote will go by the applause
after each speaker. With Brothers applauding those they agree with.
I could not judge this year because the Brothers were applauding
the speaker and well thought out points on both sides not just those
they agreed with.
When the vote was taken, in each case, there was applause at
the outcome. There were no cries of “unfair” or “I needed more
time” or “they cheated” nor were there taunts from the side that
won. At the end of the day we walked out Brothers. The right hand
of friendship still extended.
So, we followed the rules of the discussion, thought through our
arguments, applauded well-reasoned thought, allowed each side
their due, and accepted the outcome of the vote. Can you imagine
if local, state, and federal governments did the same? What about
parents sitting in the stands at youth sporting events? Can you imag-
ine a work environment where the same standards applied?
Wouldn’t it be something if high schools and colleges fostered that
type of behavior? You did it at Annual Communication you can do
it in these other places as well.
We are Masons and it showed. Each man sitting in that auditorium
chose a higher path. Each man free to act or speak as he chose but
he chose, you chose, to be gentlemen. You can carry that with you
out into our communities. You and our Brothers might just be the
catalyst to get something good going. There was a banner hanging
in the auditorium in the East it read, “Not just a man-A Mason”.
In a world of internet debate, news media that thrives on childish
behavior, where the insult is mightier than reason. In a world of bul-
lying and “It’s not fair”. I was in a room filled with good men. It has
been said that as Masons we should strive to become “the gentleman
in the room”. To think that I had the honor of sitting where there
were hundreds of “gentlemen in the room”.
Thank-you Brothers for being a cut above. It isn’t always easy
but it always shows.
David R. Ritchie
Senior Grand Deacon
Feedback and questions are always welcome.
Contact Senior Grand Deacon David R. Ritchie at
drr_2023@wisc-freemasonry.org
Grand Chaplain’s Necrology Report
the deceased Brother is close and
we enumerate the many fraternal
and social events that drew us to-
gether. There may have been
times when he was a steadying in-
fluence in our lives. He may have
been as a mentor to us as we ex-
perienced hard times. As Masons
interact together we become
moral and spiritual compasses to
one another. When death of a
Brother occurs, sometimes we
only knew of him, but, since he
was a Brother Mason, we pause
to honor his life and pay tribute to
him as one of our own. We gather
for the Masonic Memorial service
or pause in the business meeting
of the lodge to pay our respects.
While saddened, Masonry re-
minds us of the Lodge Eternal.
We believe that at the end of our
Grand Chaplain earthly life the GAU welcomes us
Donald F. Iliff into His eternal presence. With
the words, “Well done thou good
When the rolls are called and an and faithful servant”, we enter
esteemed Brother answers not, it “That house not made with
is a sobering reality for us. We hands, eternal in the heavens.”
begin to recall the many times we Since we last met in Annual
have interacted with him and en- Communication, two Past Grand
joyed the brotherly love of our Ma- Masters have died. Past Grand
sonic relationship with him. Master Denman G. Kramer was
Sometimes our relationship with called to the Lodge Eternal on
Support Your Wisconsin
Masonic Charities
Memorials and Contributions
Gift Report for May 2019
Wisconsin Masonic Foundation
General Fund:
Herb Kohl Philanthropies, Guenther Berg, Jerome Nelson
Matching Scholarship:
Blue Hills Lodge, Linden Lodge Southern Lakes Lodge,
West Bend Lodge,
Acts of Kindness:
Appleton Lodge, Blue Hills Lodge, Frontier-Badger Lodge,
Island City Lodge, Linden Lodge, Mason-Woods Lodge,
Southern Lakes Lodge, Tomah Lodge, West Bend Lodge
Medical Fund:
South Shore Lodge
Decora Lodge Assists
February 14, 2019. He celebrated
his 100th birthday on December
25, 2018. He received his 70 Food Pantries
year membership certificate on
September 2, 2018. Bro.
Kramer was raised on February
11, 1948 in Baraboo Lodge. He
transferred to Eureka Lodge No.
11, Prairie du Sac. He was elected
Grand Master in 1971. Masonic
ritual was of special interest to
him. He was one of the editors of
the multiple letter cipher currently
used in Wisconsin.
Past Grand Master Richard E.
Black passed away April 4, 2019.
He was raised in Commonwealth
Lodge No. 325, Madison, on
April 13, 1977. He was elected
Grand Master of Masons in Wis-
consin in 1999. Among his many
cherished experiences was his
honorary membership in West
Virginia Lodge No. 132 in Burma
Springs. Master Guy Leavitt presents a $500 check to the the
These two Past Grand Masters Whitehall Food Pantry.
served our gentle craft with dis-
tinction. Their leadership exempli-
fied the finest leadership in
Masonry as they guided us during
their time of service.
Whether we are an EA in the
Northeast corner or the Grand
Master, because we meet on the
level, each has an important role
to fulfill. At this time we celebrate
the lives of all of our esteemed
Brothers who have laid down their
Masonic tools and have entered
the Lodge Eternal. They are
missed. Their work and accom-
plishments benefited Masonry.
We thank the GAU for having
shared them with us. Treasurer Jim Kline and Senior Deacon Steve Wright
Respectfully submitted,
present a $1,000 check to the GET Food Pantry.
Don Iliff
Grand Chaplain Decora Masonic Lodge No. 177 recently made donations to four
area food pantries as part of the Grand Lodge Acts of Kindness
program. Donations totaling $2,500 were made to the GET Food
Pantry, the Blair Food Pantry, the Whitehall Food Pantry and the
Food Basket in Onalaska.
Submitted by Bro. Guy Leavitt

Wisconsin Masonic Home Dear Brethren, Ladies, and Friends

General Fund: There is nothing better than summer in Wisconsin. After months
Richard Hansen
of cold, and this year, what has felt like months of rain and clouds,
Wisconsin Masonic Service and Assistance we are finally able to soak in the sunshine that blesses our cam-
pus.
In Memory of Robeert “Bob” Gustafson:
Charles E. White Summer also means it is time for our Annual Friends and Family
Chicken Barbeque, which is one of my favorite events on campus.
It is always a warm reminder of what not only brings us together
as an organization, but also as a fraternity.
-
Fill Out, Clip and Mail Today This year’s event takes place on Sunday, August 4, 2019 from
noon to 3:00 p.m. Please also remember our Tribute Path Cere-
Wisconsin Masonic Charities mony, which will start at Compass Point just prior to the Friends
and Family event at 11:30 a.m. – all are welcome!
Enclosed is my donation for: This event is a favorite among staff, residents, and their families.
It’s a chance to greet long-lost friends, share a meal, and enjoy
[ Grand Master’s Appeal
] the beauty of our campus. It’s our pleasure to offer this event year
[ Wisconsin Masonic Foundation
] after year, sharing our cherished community and welcoming peo-
[ Wisconsin Masonic Service & Assistance Fund
] Talk to that friend ple from near and far to experience Three Pillars for themselves.
[ Wisconsin Masonic Youth Fund
] you think may make a As a reminder, this is also a great opportunity to get your Brethren
[ Other
] good Mason! together and share time as a Lodge, without the need for an
_______________________________ agenda or work, but to enjoy the simple pleasure of each other’s
company.
[ ] Designated for______________________________________
I encourage you to bring your Lodge, using this time to get to-
[ ] In honor of: ________________________________________ gether and see the impact your support has on our residents and
[ ] In memory of: ______________________________________ staff.
Amount _____________________ Date___________________ For event details and information on meal voucher presales going
on until July 31, please see our ad in this edition or call
Please acknowledge to: Name ___________________________ 800.848.5306.
Address ________________________________________________ As always, if you have questions or comments, please call or drop
me a line at mstrautman@threepillars.org.
City_______________________ State________ Zip_________
Schmidt & I look forward to seeing you this summer.
Make your check payable to the benevolence you have
selected above and mail to: Wisconsin Masonic Charities Bartelt Fraternally,
36275 Sunset Drive, Dousman, WI 53118 FUNERAL SERVICE
Phone 262-965-2200 • email: erika@wisc-freemasonry.org A Friend to the Family
The Wisconsin Masonic Foundation is organized under Section 501(c)(3)
774-5010
of the Internal Revenue Code. The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin is organ-
• Wauwatosa Mark Strautman
ized under Section 501(c)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code. You should
• Mequon • Mukwonago Chief Executive Officer
consult your tax adviser to determine whether your contribution qualifies
• Menomonee Falls • Sussex
to receive a tax-deduction under the Internal Revenue Code.
• Oconomowoc

PAGE 8 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019

WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - PAGE 9
 Grand Master Robert C. Strader Installed

Grand Master Robert C. Strader is escorted to the East by

Grand Master Robert C. Strader pays piper Bro. Gary L. Barg. From left: Bro. Barg, Installing Grand Marshal Wilke and Piper Bro. Gary L. Barg
Installing Grand Master Siewert, PGM Scott E. Pedley and Grand Master Strader. under an arch of steel provided by the Grand Commandery.

Masters of the constituent lodges at the altar with Grand Master Elect Robert C. Strader as
he receives the Grand Master’s Charges.

Installing Grand Master Dennis V. Siewert,

PGM, installs the officers.

Photos by Rich Rygh

Illustrious Knight Commander

in Wisconsin DeMolay Ryan
Thiele presents the Ceremony
of Light.

See story on page 1

Grand Master Robert C. Strader presents a rose
to Lady Barbara as they prepare to retire from the
Grand Chaplain David O. Leistra received his collar from See more photos
auditorium.
his Lady Jackie. on page 28.

PAGE 10 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019

Grand Master Robert C. Strader’s Message to the Craft
Grand Master
Robert C. Strader
First, thank you for this honor to
serve the Freemasons of Wisconsin
as your Grand Master. I promise to
my brother Masons in Wisconsin
that I will do my best and use guid-
ance based on kindness, humility,
my officers, you brothers, and that
of the Supreme Architect in all my
planning and decision making, while
always acting with firm resolution. I
want to thank MWPGM Dennis
Siewert for selecting me as JGS
back in 2012, and the faith and
confidence he had in me.
I want to thank everyone involved
in the installation yesterday for a
well-run event, making it more
meaningful for those of us involved:
Freemasons Lodge in the public
opening, our PGMs for their instal-
lation ceremony, and everyone else.
You really don’t appreciate what
goes into one of these events until
you have to plan one.
Later this morning we will cele-
brate our 175 years as a Grand
Lodge with a re-consecration cere-
mony, open to the public. I think
you’ll enjoy it. We’ll have a historical
perspective by MWPGM Craig
Campbell and have prepared a spe-
cial exhibit modeled after this Madi-
son Masonic Center for housing
time capsules. I hope you’ve
brought some items for it, but if you
haven’t, you’ll have time to gather
and submit them until the closing
ceremony in August. We’ve also de-
signed a special souvenir challenge
coin for all attending the ceremony.
The symbolism around servant-
based leadership led me to select the
hat I am using as Grand Master.
You’ll notice it is not the typical Top
hat selected by many Grand Mas-
ters, but a Coachman’s hat. The
coachman is the fellow that rides on
top of the carriage, taking the car-
riage’s passengers to their destina-
tion. He listens to where they want
to go and takes the most direct
route there bearing in mind any ob-
stacles that may lay in his path, nav-
igating around them. This is how I
perceive my role as your Grand
Master.
Through the Wisconsin Masonic
Foundation and its matching grants
for Acts of Kindness, you in the
lodges are helping our communities
with donations of AEDs to schools,
playground equipment for commu-
nity parks, museum preservation,
equipment for police departments
and volunteer fire departments, vet-
eran honor flights, books for read-
ing projects and the list goes on and
on. Thank you for all your efforts.
You are being noticed, admired and
appreciated in your communities!
Grand Lodge has done some truly
amazing collaborative work with
Three Pillars and the Masonic
Home Board this past year. We
work together to strive to improve
the home, and help it to compete
better in the communities it serves,
to make it more meaningful to all
Masons in Wisconsin. With their
program “Live Better at Home”,
they are becoming a resource to
more Masons in all corners of the
state. With some recent land sales
to the Home, they will be able to do
an environmental corridor swap that
will allow them to do some much-
needed growth of facilities and bet-
ter balance their continuum of
premium services to their residents
and the community.
Every year, the Grand Master gets
to choose charities where his per-
sonal appeal will be directed.
Through the Sojourners and some
of our lodges and our collaboration
with Prince Hall Masons, I have
been involved in programs with out-
reach to veterans. Thankfully there
are many national and local charita-
ble programs that try to help these
veterans, some using therapies
based on outdoor activities. I have
decided that, for the first part of my
appeal, we should work with a cou-
ple of local veterans’ charities right
here in Wisconsin, programs where
local Wisconsin Masons are helping
with leadership, participation and
funding, but they need our help as
well.
The first is in Phillips, Wisconsin,
and is called the Wisconsin Veterans
Fishing Camp, Inc., a 501(c)(3) pub-
lic charity, and has been visited by
Wisconsin Masons who are veterans
including a couple of our recent
PGMs. It operates at the Hidden
Cove Resort, which is donated free
of charge for the camp. Nominated
veterans attend the camp for free.
Food, drinks and licenses are pro-
vided by sponsors and donations.
Fishing guides donate their time,
equipment, boats and travel ex-
penses for the camp.
The second charity is in the Mil-
waukee area, called the Wisconsin
Hero Outdoors Fund, a 501(c)(3)
public charity, founded by Bro. Eric
Falkner of Freemasons Lodge. Sim-
ilar to the first charity, they have
partnered with Lakewood WWV
Camp in Lake Geneva. Their out-
side activities for veterans include
fishing, camping, kayaking and
scuba diving
Our PGM, Bro. Scott Pedley, en-
joyed talking about just and upright
Masons across the state of Wiscon-
sin “stirring up good”. How does
one “stir up good”? Especially when
a Brother is a member of a lodge
that meets only to do lodge busi-
ness, closes and everyone goes
home? They sometimes decide that
Masonry has nothing to offer and
resign, or just stop attending and
stop paying dues. Remember our vi-
sion: “We will be the preeminent
fraternity of choice for men of qual-
ity and vision who seek personal
knowledge, moral growth and lead-
ership development; ultimately im-
proving the individual Mason, his
community and the world." How
can we or do we deliver on this?
Brothers, this next Masonic year will
not be focused on delivering yet
more new programs but focusing on
how to make our current programs
and processes more effective, with
initiatives driven from a Strategic
Plan that is refined and honed on a
yearly basis.
Opportunities for enrichment are
broad and diverse. Do any of you
have memories like these? I know
that many of these will sound famil-
iar to you . . .
• Remember how proud you were
when you learned that first ritual
part, participated in that first de-
gree, got that first atta-boy from an
old timer Mason?
• Remember when a half a dozen
Brothers from the lodge decided to
get together to give a fresh coat of
paint to the lodge room and what
an enormous improvement it was to
the looks and the increased energy
it seemed to give to meetings?
• Remember how difficult not to
shed a tear when you attended that
Scottish Rite Dyslexia Center grad-
uation and heard those children
proudly read . . . when you helped
deliver that children’s playset at the
community park that had done with-
out for so long . . . when your lodge
contributed that AED to the high
school where years later it saved a
life?
• Remember going to those youth
activities over the years, going to
Honor Mason nights, desert auc-
tions, carwashes, installations,
watching youth degree rituals,
watching very young shy young
people grow up to be confident
young leaders?
• Remember when you visited
other lodges and how it showed you
that things can be done differently
and how every lodge had its own
character?
• Remember that first joint softball
game when the Prince Hall Brothers
slaughtered us and the following
year we almost won?
• Remember how excited that
new Brother was when you sat with
him going through the Masonic Day
of Light as his mentor . . . and how
excited you got as well?
• Remember how tired you were
working all day in that food booth
at the fair but how good it felt to
raise money for the lodge?
• Remember how surprised that
50-year Brother who couldn’t get to
lodge was when you visited him at
home, sat and had a cup of coffee,
and asked him how you could help?
• Remember how you felt work-
ing with your lodge Brothers visiting
disabled veterans in the VA Hospi-
tal, delivering pizza to those allowed
to have it, stopping and talking for
a few minutes, see the emotion in
their eyes and feeling it in yourself?
Doesn’t every Brother deserve
their own memories like these? We
will introduce very soon what we’re
calling the Mentor’s Passport, some-
thing you can use to guide you in in-
troducing what our fraternity has to
offer to that new Mason and pre-
pare more sorely needed mentors.
Many state Masonic jurisdictions
are creating civility projects to assist
in returning civility to society and
our communities, something we see
as severely lacking as we watch the
political landscape. We are building
a base level understanding of the ef-
forts needed to do this in Wisconsin,
started by MWPGM Scott Pedley.
This can be a natural outgrowth of
programs like we have already un-
dertaken in the lodges like “Gentle-
men 101” with young men in our
communities.
We lost the ability to use Founda-
tion funds for the popular Spruce-
up awards that many lodges used to
encourage member involvement for
physical improvements to the lodge.
We want to return this matching
program for lodge use, but with an
alternate source of funding, funding
provided by lodges. We will work
with lodges that have larger savings
to set up a fund that will help the
lodges with insufficient funds for
lodge improvements. We currently
have lodge to Brother and Brother
to Brother charities, look at this as
a lodge to lodge charity fund. Ex-
pect to hear more about this during
the summer. If your lodge is inter-
ested in helping, please contact me,
we need your help.
I have been talking at recent dis-
trict meetings about my intent to ex-
periment, through lodges who want
to participate in the next Masonic
year and allow business to be con-
ducted in any degree with dispensa-
tion, depending on the Brothers
present. This was intended to fur-
ther involvement of our Brothers
who are advancing in their degrees
and keeping them close to the
lodges. Those Brothers who are not
yet Master Masons would not be al-
lowed to vote, but could be involved
in business of the lodge, learn, and
be better prepared for involvement
when completing their degrees.
Lodges would have to provide
progress reports to their district of-
ficers, which we would summarize
and report back to all, and we would
decide later if a new resolution
should be proposed to the Brethren
at next AC. Well, this has created a
firestorm of comments coming back
to me, both positive and negative.
Although many Masonic Jurisdic-
tions have already made this change
to their code and are having great
success with it, some reminded me
that we are not here to follow but to
WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - PAGE 11
lead in Wisconsin! I’m going to
study a bit longer on this potential
experiment before moving forward.
Education is key to improving
oneself, as a man, as a Mason, but
our education components are often
not convenient for delivery. We will
continue education like the Masonic
Academy in this next year, delivered
best in a classroom setting, but that
is not always the best approach. We
tried classroom delivery in our Ma-
sonic College but found that mainly
the Brothers that had already
“drank the Kool-Aid”, had already
gained much of this education by
their own experiences, were the
ones attending. We were not attract-
ing those we wanted to attend, new
Masons, or lodge officers in lower
line officer positions. We have many
presentations prepared over the
years on leadership, management
and programming, but if you don’t
know where they are or have some-
one experienced to give them, they
remained unfound and unused. Next
year our Grand Orator and the Ed-
ucation Committee will focus on re-
fining methods to deliver recorded
education down to the smart phone
level, indexed for internet delivery.
We will then be able to create any-
thing from full day college style
classes to focused district meeting
training to targeted lodge level edu-
cation to extremely focused per-
sonal education based on individual
need.
Our fraternal relations with our
Brother Prince Hall Masons are
something that gives me personal
fulfilment. Whether it’s the 16th An-
nual Combined Table Lodge be-
tween our two jurisdictions with an
average of over 200 in attendance,
the joint softball games and picnics
going into a third year, or involve-
ment with the Masonic Brotherhood
Council cooking and serving at July
4 picnics for disabled veterans from
the Zablocki Center or serving up
donuts and apples to veterans at the
Veterans parade each year, we have
a kinsmanship and bond that gets
stronger as time goes on.
Today, we chose to be bold again
in further tightening bonds with our
Prince Hall Brothers by passing our
resolution and charting a new path
towards full recognition and the abil-
ity to join a lodge in each other’s ju-
risdiction. Our counterparts in the
Prince Hall Grand Lodge have pre-
pared a resolution of their own for
their Annual Communications next
week. My brothers, this is Brotherly
Love in its purest definition!
How can we be reminded where
we need to strive for improvement,
for fulfillment, for involvement? I
wanted to use a common symbol we
see associated with Freemasonry to
help us, to remind us of what can
help us fulfill our goal to be more
complete Masons, the simple blue
flower called
the Forget-me-
not, which is
displayed
prominently on
my Grand
Master’s pin
design.
In early 1934, it became evident
that Freemasonry was in danger. In
that same year, the Grand Lodge of
the Sun, one of the pre-war Ger-
man Grand Lodges, realizing the
grave dangers involved, adopted the
little blue Forget Me Not flower as a
substitute for the traditional square
and compasses. It was felt the
flower would provide brethren with
an outward means of identification
while lessening the risk of possible
recognition in public by the Nazis,
who were engaged in wholesale
confiscation of all Masonic Lodge
properties. Freemasonry went un-
dercover, and this delicate flower as-
sumed its role as a symbol of
Masonry surviving throughout the
reign of terror and darkness. My
home lodge, Freemasons Lodge
No. 363, adopted this flower on its
lodge pin when chartered in 1992.
With so much emphasis on mem-
bership these days, the Forget-Me-
Not can also be a symbol to us of
what we don’t want to leave behind,
what we don’t want to forget, how
we ourselves would not want to be
forgotten.
• Things like the quality of the
members we bring into Freema-
sonry or associated bodies and not
just the quantity, what we call
“Guarding the West Gate”.
• Things like being a Mason
means living up to our obligations
outside the lodge room as well as in-
side it.
• Things like the importance of
family, our youth and youth groups,
our ladies, our honored ladies or
widows of our Brothers that have
passed through the veil.
• Things like continuing to care
about our Brothers who can no
longer participate in lodge meetings
or events.
• Things like remembering that
charity from the lodges needs to
come from our hearts, raised par-
tially through fundraising events
rather than just spending dead peo-
ple’s money from your treasury.
Most Grand Masters have a motto
of some sort for their year in office.
The one that struck closest to my
heart and stayed with me was
MWPGM Roger Magoon and his
motto of “A Way of Life”, which ap-
peared on the Grand Master’s pin
that year. In my own mind I re-
framed this later as “Wearing your
Symbolic Apron”, not only in the
Lodge room, but out of it as well,
when I put the phrase “Every
Shriner is First a Mason” on my Po-
tentate’s pin back in 2013. This
year our Brothers need to seek out
the facets of Masonry they have ei-
ther left behind or not yet experi-
enced. My motto this year will be to
“Embrace the Experience”.
Membership activities at the
Grand Lodge level will continue to
be a focus into the next Masonic
year. Our Membership Committee
under the leadership of our
MWPGM Arby Humphrey contin-
ues to work on programs focused
on recruitment, retention and
restoration. The very successful pro-
gram Masonic Day of Light will be
held at La Crosse and Sheboygan
this fall and Eau Claire and Racine
in the spring. We’re finding that
lodge degree work is continuing
while offering this alternate method
of raising Master Masons, and
lodges are getting more engaged in
seeking new candidates. We also
want to follow these Days of Light
with the successful Masonic Acad-
emy sessions as an opportunity for
our new Brothers to learn more
with sharing from our more learned
and experienced brethren. Brothers,
we are poised for real, positive and
sustained membership growth.
We “Guard the West Gate” by en-
suring we know the prospective
members we are proposing to bring
in, either directly by one of our own
members, or we take the time to get
to know them before accepting a
petition. That might be by inviting
them to dinners to get an opportu-
nity to get to know them. As Ma-
sons, we say we make good men
better, we don’t make bad men
good. It’s important to guage a per-
son’s character before opening the
gates, because it’s much more diffi-
cult to purge those of bad character
after they’ve joined unless they
overtly break their obligations. Short
of that, they can become a poison
to your lodge. We’re in the process
of rolling out a new and alternate in-
terview process for new candidates,
one that doesn’t just ask the same
questions as on the petition, but one
that helps delve into the character
of the man that is petitioning.
Working with our youth is another
rich and rewarding experience.
Watching them grow up in their
Bethels and Chapters, from shy
young people who whisper, can’t
look up, and lack confidence, to the
point where they lead others, beam
confidence, projecting their voices,
See Message on page 14
 Lodge of Perfection
Greetings, Brothers! My name is James
R. Gajdosik and I am humbled and hon-
ored by my election to the office of Thrice
Potent Master of the Lodge of Perfection
for line this ensuing Masonic Year.
My home lodge is Milton No. 161 and I
am a plural member at Bicknell Lodge
No. 94. I have had the opportunity to get
to know many of you throughout the Val-
ley of Madison and the state due to being
a travelling man and District Deputy for
District 9 over the last 4 years. I joined
my Blue Lodge in 2005 and Scottish Rite
in 2013. Both have been a tremendous
journey of fellowship, friendship, and
Brotherly Love.
The Degrees of the Scottish Rite are
one-act plays often staged with costume,
scenery, special effects, and the full rig-
ging of any production. Their purpose is
to examine different philosophies, an-
cient religions, and systems of ethics.
Through all of these, people have tried to
answer certain universal questions. The
Degrees of the Rite do not tell a person
what he should think about these ques-
tions. Instead, they tell him about what
New Diggings/Olive Branch Picnic Marks 75 Years
By Bro. Dave Ritchie
In 1944, during World War
II, the Brothers of Benton
Lodge No. 268 started a tradi-
tion that endures today. The
New Diggings/Olive Branch
picnic. For Seventy-five years
the picnic has been held at the
Masonic Cemetery in New
Diggings on the third Sunday
of August. The Lodge, at this
time, was meeting in the town
of Benton but being the care-
takers of the park like land en-
compassing the cemetery
choose to gather just outside of
New Diggings. The picnic has
always been open to the public
with Masons and non-Masons
alike joining in the festivities.
At its height the picnic would
draw hundreds of people from
the surrounding towns and
lodges and was attended by
Masonic and civil dignitaries
alike. The picnic is remem-
bered for many things. It has
always had live music and
games for kids and adults.
“Mountains of food and tables Current lodge building after restoration in
of desserts” was part of the de- 2011.
scription in a local article from
the time. There are some who
came for the gooseberry pie
and others just for the beautiful
setting.
Today Benton Lodge, now
Olive Branch No. 6, has re-
turned to New Diggings and
meets in the small lodge on the
cemetery grounds. The crowds
are not what they used to be,
but the third Sunday in August
there will be live music, beauti-
ful scenery, games, Masonic
brotherhood and “mountains
of food and tables of desserts.”
This being the 75th the Broth-
ers of Olive Branch have a few
extra surprises as well. A tradi- Restoration taking place in 2011.
tion 75 years old and growing.
PAGE 12 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019
great thinkers and civilizations of the past
have thought, and they try to create a sit-
uation in which the candidate or Brother
can gain insight. Agreeing with Socrates
that the unexamined life is not worth liv-
ing, the Rite helps with this self-examina-
tion by providing reference points.
Our degrees, the 4th thru 14th, are called
the Ineffable Degrees because their prin-
cipal purpose is the investigation and con-
templation of the ineffable name of Deity.
Ineffable comes from the Latinineffibilis
which means something that should not
be spoken.
We all know the world needs more just
and upright Masons, you owe it to your-
self to seek further light in Masonry. This
is where the Scottish Rite comes in, to
help further underscore the way Masons
should meet, act, and part; not just within
the Lodge room, but in their everyday
lives, as well.
If you are not a member, I would encour-
age you to seek that further light by join-
ing us and exploring this appendant
body.
James R Gajdosik
Thrice Potent Master
Photo by Rich Rygh
Photo by Ronda Pedley
Princes of Jerusalem fidelity to duty, and devotion to truth.
Greetings, Brothers! My name is Jeff We all know the world needs more just
Schoenfeldt and I have the honor to serve and upright Masons; but now, as a
as the Sovereign Prince of the Princes of Mason, you owe it to yourself to seek that
Jerusalem line this ensuing Masonic Year. further light in Masonry. That’s where
My home lodge is Barneveld No. 319 Scottish Rite comes in and I would en-
and I am a plural member at Mineral courage that if you are not a member, to
explore this appendant body, seek that
Point Lodge No. 1 and Madison Lodge
further light, and join us. We are a fun
No. 5. I know many throughout the Madi-
group!
son Valley due to my past work as a Dis-
trict Deputy in both District 8 and District I would be remiss if I didn’t extend a
7; and this year, I will also serve as your HUGE appreciation to my Brother,
Senior Grand Steward. I joined my Blue friend, and predecessor in this role, David
Lodge in 2007 and Scottish Rite in Grinder. David has lead the POJ with
2013, and both have been a tremendous honor, wore many hats within Scottish
journey of friendship, fellowship, and Rite, and served as a tremendous degree
Brotherly Love. manager during our past reunion. Thank
I am humbled and honored by my elec- you for your service, David – and also,
thank you to the other line officers and
tion to this office. If you had asked me
members who serve in the POJ. We work
ten years ago what a “Prince of
together as a great team and, as the say-
Jerusalem” was, I would have had no
ing goes, “many hands make the lift
idea. But it, like the other lines within
lighter!”
Scottish Rite, help to further underscore
the way Masons should meet, act, and Jeff Schoenfeldt
part; not just within the Lodge room, but Sovereign Prince
in their everyday lives, as well. Our de-
grees, the 15th and 16th, emphasize the
important lessons of loyalty to conviction,
Reconsecration ceremony after the 2011 restoration. Benton Lodge
No. 268 was reconsecrated Olive Branch Lodge No. 6.
Photo by Rich Rygh
The Lodge building,
believed the first to
be built in Wiscon-
sin, was acquired
by the Grand Lodge
and moved from its
original site in New
Diggings to the Ma-
sonic Cemetery. It
was restored and
dedicated on Sep-
tember 10, 1950.
Wis. State Historical
Society photo
New Diggings/Olive Branch Picnic
Aug. 18 starting at Noon
Meat is furnished, bring a dish to pass
and a hearty appetite.
Masonic Cemetery
County Rd. W., New Diggings
Officers of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar
SK Parker Wayne Dow, Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of
Wisconsin and his officers were installed at the 162nd Grand Conclave in Madison in June. Front row: Ken-
neth Bales, Grand Prelate; Kristoffer Pillar, Grand Captain General; Charles Olson, Deputy Grand Com-
mander; Parker Dow, Grand Commande; Clinton Cagle, Grand Generalissimo; Michael Fairbanks, Grand
Treasurer; and David Schreier, PGC and Grand Recorder. Back row: Noah Schultz, Grand Musician; Bradley
Bingheim, Grand Sentinel; Jeffery Lancelle, Grand Standard Bearer; Michael Mutter, Grand Warde; Michael
Roering, Grand Senior Warden; Steven Schwartz, Grand Sword Bearer; and Shawn Noble, Grand Junior
Warden. Submitted by Bro. Jamison Kifer

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WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - PAGE 13


DeMolay donates to Ozaukee County K9 Unit
Lincoln-Ozaukee Chapter of DeMolay recently made a donation to the Ozaukee County Sheriff's K9 Unit.
This was the year long project of Chapter Sweetheart Alyssa Barber who through several fundraisers and
donations was able to raise $1400. This money will help with the training, food costs, and medical expenses
of the dogs. There to receive the donation was Corporal Bradley Arndt, Deputy Michael Ganey, and K9
Wasko (pronounced Bosco) who joined us for a Spaghetti Dinner afterward. Front Row: Trent Nelson, Past
Master Councilor Joe DiFrances, Master Councilor Baker Metz, Chapter Sweetheart Alyssa Barber, Corporal
Bradley Arndt, Deputy Ganey and K9 Wasko.Back Row: District 10 Deputy Grand Master Charles L.Smith,
Chris Gaeth and Ozaukee Lodge No. 17 Master Gary McClellan.
Submitted by Bro. Matt DiFrances
Email your submissions to:
The Wisconsin Masonic Journal
wmjeditor@wisc-freemasonry.org
Welcome to the York Rite!
A Gentleman free born, of good rapport, and a strong desire
can be a Blue Lodge Master Mason. Most Gentlemen petition, go
through the degrees, post, and enjoy what the first three degrees
teach. A true Freemason is a student of the fraternity. He studies
the history, learns the degree work, and teaches others.
In order to truly understand the History and
Teachings of the Blue Lodge, a Freemason may
become a Royal Arch Mason. He may also
study what the Royal Arch is. The Capitular De-
grees answer many of the questions found in
Blue Lodge and a lot of questions you never
thought of. Just when you think you have it all
figured out, The Council of Royal and Select
Masters comes in. The Cryptic Degrees go even deeper into the
history of our Ancient Craft. The who, what, where, when and
why are revealed unto you and you will better understand your pre-
vious advancement.
Continue your Masonic education. Contact your local Royal Arch
Chapter “Red Coats” to start your journey today. If you are already
a Royal Arch Mason and have not been active, please become ac-
tive by contacting your High Priest or Secretary. Wisconsin Royal
Arch Masons have a lot of work to be done. Take a part in a degree
and learn it well. When a Royal Arch Chapter puts on a degree
and puts it on properly, these degrees can be the most fun, inspir-
ing, and educational degrees that could be bestowed upon you.
Every Christian Freemason should be a Knight Templar and wear
and march in uniform. If carrying a sword is your cup of tea, then
Commandery is where you need to be. Once you have successfully
completed the Capitular and Cryptic Degrees, you are entitled to
become a Knight Templar or a member of the Chivalric Order. To
fully explain the Knights Templar, I would need to write an ency-
clopedia. I am sure you have seen Ancient Knights Templar por-
trayed on TV, in movies or books. Don’t always believe what you
see and read. Find out for yourself by contacting your local Com-
mandery.
Finally, the reason you are still reading this is because you have
a deeper desire to further your light in Freemasonry. Further, you
seek to do more with yourself than you already have. Further, you
desire to shed more light unto the world and finally, you are looking
for that petition for your local Chapter, Council, and Commandery.
Go to www.yorkritewi.org, click on the tab for each Grand Body,
go to the Information tab and there you will find the Petition. Seek
out your local York Rite via the Chapter, Council, or Commandery
tab and send it in to them for consideration. You will not be disap-
pointed, and should you have any questions, feel free to contact
myself. My email is under the Grand Chapter Officers.
Have a great day and I hope to see you in the Royal Arch soon!
Travis J. Lehrer
Grand Scribe, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Mason of Wisconsin.

Message from page 11

is an amazing transformation. They firm their oath as Masonic Brothers,

have a powerful story that more Ma-
sons, and non-Masons, need to lis-
ten to, so that their sons and
daughters, granddaughters and
grandsons get the opportunity to
improve themselves through in-
volvement with Masonic Youth
Groups. I am convinced their story
is even more relevant in today’s
world than ever before. I know that
many of us describe the youth as the
“future” of our craft, but I like to
think of them also as the “present”.
I see all the bodies in our Masonic
related family as gears in a large
working machine. All of them must
be in working order for the whole
machine to be in optimal condition.
Break one or if one is weak, and it
will diminish the whole machine. My
year as Junior Grand Warden and li-
aison to the Masonic Youth Groups
was one of the most eventful and
fulfilling years of my being a Mason.
Look for the second part of my per-
sonal charitable appeal directed at
the Masonic Youth groups later in
the year.
We should not look down on
those Brothers that prefer to spend
more time with the appendant bod-
ies because they provide other ways
to broaden the Masonic experience.
We’ve talked in previous years about
feeder organizations into our frater-
nity. DeMolay, those young men
learning lessons very much like
ours, are a natural progression into
the Blue Lodges. Our women’s or-
ganizations such as Eastern Star, or
young women in Job’s Daughters,
or any women’s groups all have
strong influence over the men in
their lives and their male relatives.
The appendant bodies have in a
large part realized that adding to
their own numbers must involve
bringing new Brothers into Freema-
sonry.
In closing, consider a re-obligation
night at your lodge, so all can reaf-
and then take stock of their Masonic
lives. Masons must represent them-
selves at all times as true and upright
men, remembering always to meet
upon the Level, act by the Plumb,
and part upon the Square. There is
a passage near the end of the Scot-
tish Rite 14th degree that says it
well: “In the world, men know Ma-
sonry only through the lives of indi-
vidual Masons. Let us live, act and
speak in such a way that all may
know the high ideals for which we
stand.” Brothers, we are on the
brink of a new golden age of
Freemasonry, let’s all strive to be ev-
idence of its message.
I hope I have given you some
things to think about and that you
keep the Forget-Me-Not flower in
your thoughts. Please make a com-
mitment to yourselves to try some-
thing new, thinking about our
Forget-Me-Not theme, striving to
become that more complete Mason.
Embrace the Experience! Seek it
out!
Brethren, I thank each of you for
your service to Masonry and how
you each grace and enrich all our
lives. Thank you again for this op-
portunity to serve the craft, and I
will strive to work together with you
to further Freemasonry to new
heights in Wisconsin. The world
needs more Master Masons, those
who are just and upright, those who
embrace the experience and can be
leaders and models to others. Broth-
ers, I am proud to be a Freemason
and I hope you are as well!
God bless America, God bless our
fraternity and God bless all the
Freemasons and their families in
Wisconsin. Thank you.
Support Our
Youth Groups

PAGE 14 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019

Grand Master Scott E. Pedley’s Report to the Craft
Grand Master
Scott E. Pedley
To the Grand Lodge Free and
Accepted Masons of Wisconsin,
Right Worshipful Deputy Grand
Master, Distinguished East, My
Dear Brethren All,
I again wish to extend to each
and every one of you, a hearty
welcome to this 175th Annual
Communication of the Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Ma-
sons of Wisconsin.Our purpose
over the course of the next two
days is to consider and dispose of
such business as may be presented
to us in the sessions of today and
tomorrow.
It has been said that you are the
governing and the law-making
body in this Grand Jurisdiction
and as such, I urge you to partici-
pate fully in the deliberations that
come before you so that the fullest
possible discussion is given to any
particular subject.
My additional purpose in stand-
ing before you is to reflect upon
the accomplishments that you
have helped all of us to achieve.
In this time of Masonic renewal
and while so many of you have
been earnestly engaged in the
noble cause of Freemasonry, I am
pleased to announce to you that
we now have, for the first time in
some 60 years, more Wisconsin
Masons today than we had one
year ago.
Our gains are not enormous, but
nonetheless, we have gains!! Just
last Monday when I was at the
Grand Masonic Center, it was re-
ported to me that 10 new Peti-
tions had arrived for processing
last Monday alone.
As I have stated in the past, we
do not seek more Masons because
the burden of our labors is too
heavy. We seek more Masons be-
cause the Great Light of Free Ma-
sonry is so special and so
meaningful to all of those we
touch and it is too good not to be
shared with good men wherever
they may be found.
My Brothers, the recent sus-
tained trend of growth in our
membership numbers is your suc-
cess! You are the ones who have
been on a mission to find the
good men to bring into our world
of goodness and decency. My
congratulations to all Wisconsin
Masons wheresoever dispersed!
What a great time it is to be a Wis-
consin Freemason! You, the Just
and Upright Masons of Wisconsin
have been Stirring Up Good and I
can’t be more proud of you!!
At the previous Annual Commu-
nication you passed Resolution #8
relating to the possibility of taking
control of the Madison Masonic
Center by the charitable entity of
the Grand Lodge. The ex-
ploratory committee that has been
working on this project has con-
cluded that it is feasible for us to
assume control. We are continu-
ing to work with the members of
the Madison Masonic Center
Foundation Board to place the fin-
ishing touches on memos of un-
derstanding and we have been
awaiting the reestablishment of
the 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status
which had been previously lost.
Awaiting this reinstatement of the
tax exempt status has held up our
progress.I’m pleased to inform
you that yesterday a letter was re-
ceived from the Internal Revenue
Service reinstating the 501(c)(3)
status and we will be moving for-
ward with this project.
Let me be clear-We are not buy-
ing the Madison Masonic Center.
We are assuming control of a $4-
6 Million facility that comes with
a Trust fund now in the amount of
$400,000 plus and an indebted-
ness of some $100,000. Again-
We are not buying the Madison
Masonic Center. Rather, we are
assuming control of it.
I want to thank Most Worshipful
Brother Past Grand Master Frank
Struble, W. Bro. Tom Ewald, W.
Bro. Paul Lenz and W. Bro. David
Forsythe for working on this
rather complex project for us.
During the course of this Ma-
sonic Year, several additional goals
have been attained. A newly ed-
ited and produced Multiple Letter
Cipher project has been com-
pleted with the able work of Past
Grand Masters Craig Campbell,
John Hein and Davey L. White
Jr., along with Past District Lec-
turer Harold Christensen and our
current Grand Lecturer Larry
Ganske. As a result, a very fine
work product has been achieved.
We have established the Wiscon-
sin Masonic Academy as a learn-
ing opportunity for all Masons
wishing to improve their Masonic
knowledge. The curriculum estab-
lished is phenomenal! The high-
est of evaluation scoring and
comments have been achieved
during this educational endeavor.
Thank you Most Worshipful Past
Grand Master/Grand Orator
William Beetcher for your tireless
efforts to lead the Education Com-
mittee in the development of this
very worthy educational endeavor.
And to Worshipful Brothers Ray-
mond Mielke, Jason Laramee,
Robert Roth and David “Mr. Ex-
citement” Royal Ritchie for your
work to aid Most Worshipful Bro.
Bill in the development and deliv-
ery of this great work to the Craft.
Our Three Pillars Senior Living
Communities are in need of some
new facilities in order to remain
competitive and viable. They
have been unable to build at the
Three Pillars campus due to envi-
ronmental restrictions and in par-
ticular, a strictly enforced
environmental corridor space use
restriction. They were in need of
additional land and we have ac-
commodated them through the ef-
forts of our Grand Lodge
Trustees, members of our Wiscon-
sin Masonic Benevolent Activities
Board (WMBAB) and my Execu-
tive Officer Team.
A 29-acre parcel has been sold
to Three Pillars for the purpose of
arranging for them to have more
land available to ultimately allow
for needed expansion in the area
of our Health Care Center. By the
way, at the close of the fiscal year
ending last June, Three Pillars
posted profits in excess of $1.3
million.
Our Three Pillars Annual Family
Chicken BBQ and Picnic is com-
ing up the first weekend in Au-
gust. All are welcome to attend
and you don’t have to buy tickets
in advance. If you haven’t been
there, please do yourself a favor
and go. You will enjoy a great time
there!
I must also add, that because of
you, my Brothers, Masonic charity
has seen to it that dozens and
dozens of residents at our award
winning Three Pillars Senior Liv-
ing Communities – Masons and
non-Masons alike- down through
the years, have not had to leave
there when they find they have
outlived their financial
means.Congratulations again to
you! You see, it is my view that
these charitable acts by Masons
throughout Wisconsin clearly
make Three Pillars relevant every-
where within this Grand Jurisdic-
tion. Thank you for supporting
the worthy cause of top-of-the-line
senior living in Wisconsin!
In 2018 natural disasters struck
many of our Brethren who were
impacted by flood waters. We di-
rected that a rapid assessment be
conducted by our District Deputy
Grand Masters in the areas im-
pacted. Through our Wisconsin
Masonic Foundation and our Serv-
ice and Assistance Committee,
thousands of dollars of emergency
funding were provided to Wiscon-
sin Brethren in need as well as aid
being advanced to the Grand
Lodges in the Carolinas and
Florida in response to destruction
caused by deadly hurricanes.
We have placed special empha-
sis on the matter of Civility. Civil-
ity within our Lodges and Civility
throughout our daily lives as men
and as Masons. In this nation
which is tormented by incivility,
we believe it is essential for the
sake of this great nation and for
the sake of Liberty, that Masons
should embrace civility and con-
duct themselves as gentlemen
should. Treating their Ladies and
all others with respect, and with
dignity. Civility and the gentle-
manly conduct that is part and
parcel to it, is at the heart of a law-
abiding, peaceful society and just
and upright Masons can be the ef-
fective body to instill and display
quality behaviors within our com-
munities here and throughout the
world.
During this year we have built
relationships with our appen-
dant/affiliate organizations. Our
Eastern Star lead by Mrs. Brenda
Gaulke has had a tremendous
year.
Our Scottish Rite Valleys con-
tinue to move forward. Our chil-
dren’s dyslexia centers are a place
to be proud of. Again, Wisconsin
Masons Stirring Up Good and
changing the lives of children for
the better by supporting the chil-
dren afflicted with dyslexia and
their families by sponsoring the
Centers in Wisconsin.
Our York Rite Bodies continue
to work hard. The good work and
deeds they support with medical
research and providing additional
ritual experiences. Our York Rite
Masons are highly committed and
dedicated to improving Wisconsin
Freemasonry.
Our Shrine-Mason Bodies con-
tinue to work energetically for the
chief cause of helping children
with disabilities through the 22
hospitals/clinics throughout North
America. Lady Ronda and I trav-
elled to Daytona Beach for Shrine
Imperial this year as guests of Zor
Shriners, of which I am a proud
member. It was a teary-eyed week
seeing all the success, joy and
gladness of the children who have
been helped by our Shrine Health
Care facilities.
It has been said that there is no
prize today more coveted than the
minds of our youth. Junior Grand
Warden Gary Stang has reported
regularly to me about the Stirring
Up Good that is going on in our
DeMolay Chapters and our Jobs
Daughter’s Bethels. My Brothers,
Wisconsin Freemasonry continues
to financially support both of
these youth organizations heavily.
But, in addition to our financial
support they are in need of our
bodies to be on their sidelines sup-
porting them and caring about
them and their adult advisors. I
hope to be on their sidelines now
and then, in the future, and I urge
you to join with me.
WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - PAGE 15
We are all in this together. Each
of our affiliate or appendant or-
ganizations who are under the
Masonic family umbrella need one
another. I urge you to step up and
join them.
My travels to your Lodges and
other Masonic events are just a lit-
tle over 80,000 miles since last
June. This journey would not have
been possible without a very sup-
portive, understanding, caring and
loving wife, Lady Ronda. My son
and Masonic Brother David Ped-
ley has taken care of many of the
daily farm duties at our family
farm during my time serving as
Grand Master. I would have only
been able to be available a fraction
of the time if not for my wife and
son. I’m employed at the Benton
State Bank as a Director and Au-
ditor and I also owe a great deal
of appreciation to President/CEO
Steve Malone and Senior Vice
President Mrs. Kay Brink for al-
lowing me ample time off to fulfill
my duties this year. I also serve as
the Part-time Police Chief of the
Village of Benton and Village
President Gary McCrea and the
village board members, too, have
been very understanding of my
obligations to Wisconsin Freema-
sonry this past year.
Most Worshipful Past Grand
Master/Grand Secretary DeWolf,
you have been a tremendous re-
source for me. You offered coun-
sel only when asked. We are so
fortunate to have someone of
your experience, competence and
wisdom who handles the office du-
ties at the Grand Lodge with effi-
ciency and commendable ability.
All while being fuzzy and cuddly…
I have heard this it is “lonely at
the top”. My Brothers, I can as-
sure you that since last June 2nd,
I’ve never found myself being very
lonely. I often travel with Dave
Ritchie and Joe Thompson and
recently I found myself driving a
few places alone and it was a
pretty unique feeling because I
was finally the smartest guy in the
car for a change.
To my Grand Lodge Officers, I
have been truly blessed to have
been able to be surrounded by
such high-quality individuals and I
want to express my appreciation
to you for your loyalty and support
and I am very grateful indeed for
your counsel and your tireless ef-
forts on behalf of Wisconsin
Freemasonry.
As I leave this exalted role as
Grand Master, you and history will
ultimately be the judge of whether
or not the past 12 months have
been a productive endeavor. It is
my hope that history will be kind
and will conclude that, ultimately,
we have lead with Justice, Humil-
ity and Brotherly Love.
Finally, to you my Brothers. You
“are where the rubber hits the
highway” so to speak. It is about
you that we choose to serve and
are here for. As I’ve said many
times, you are the sovereign and
we in the Grand Lodge Officer
roles, are the servants. The great-
est honor of my life has been to
serve as the Grand Master of Ma-
sons in Wisconsin.
Thank you very much and may
God Bless you and this great Fra-
ternity!
Scott E. Pedley
Grand Master
Make a donation to the
Masonic Medical
Research Laboratory
through the
Wisconsin Masonic Foundation Medical Fund.
Contact Erika Miller
262-965-2200, ext. 831.
Presentation at the end
of the session on Fri-
day.
My Brothers,
On this day we have come to-
gether with great meaning and
with great purpose.
Wisconsin Freemasonry, in
many respects, is leading the na-
tion. Living examples of this in-
clude Worshipful Brother Bob
Roth who serves as our Grand
Tiler, for instance, is today in
Kansas moving up to the second
from the top leadership role in our
military arm of Freemasonry
known as National Sojourners.
Most Worshipful Past Grand
Master Arby Humphrey is recog-
nized nationally as a source of
leadership training and was re-
cently published in Northern
Lights Magazine which is the mag-
azine of the Scottish Rite-North-
ern Jurisdiction.
Most Worshipful Past Grand
Master/Grand Secretary Mike De-
Wolf has now been twice elected
as the Secretary of the North
American Conference of Grand
Masters.
Right Worshipful Deputy Grand
Master Bob Strader is also serving
our North American Conference
of Grand Masters Conference a
member of the influential Com-
mittee that provides oversight and
organizes those annual Confer-
ences.
My Brothers, Wisconsin Free-
masonry is being well-represented
on a national and international
basis and is prominent in the
minds of our fellow Masons.
During this Annual Communi-
cation, I have witnessed the heart-
felt and genuine acts of true
Brotherly Love. I believe intellec-
tual growth is a product of this and
our fraternity’s educational en-
deavors. When we seek to learn
and grow intellectually and when
we build lasting relationships, the
strength of the great light of
Freemasonry grows stronger! And
the great Masonic spirit which in-
forms and controls our collective
strength, matters just as much!
My Brothers, you as just and
upright Masons are a coalition for
the cause of good! For Freema-
sonry, I believe, is a project for
human improvement!
I further believe that Freema-
sonry is one of the greatest gifts
to mankind from the Supreme Ar-
chitect of the Universe.
Thank you to all of you for the
kindnesses and courtesies you
have shown to me and my Grand
Lodge Officers this past year.
Take care and let’s keep Stir-
ring Up Good!
I’ll see you in Lodge!
Scott E. Pedley
Grand Master
Something to
Think About
“A man only learns in two
ways, one by reading, and the
other by association with
smarter people.”
— Will Rogers, American
humorist and Freemason
 Grand Lodge Celebrates Dodransbicentennial

Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PGM, opens the lodge for the 175th Anniversary
Reconsecration. From left: Junior Grand Warden Paul T. Tourville; Deputy Grand Mas-
ter Kenneth C. Gorgen; Grand Secretary DeWolf, PGM; Grand Master Robert C. Strader
and Senior Grand Warden Gary L. Stang.
Grand Master Robert C. Strader explains the Madison
Masonic replica that will contain the 175th Anniversary
time capsules as Grand Orator Craig J. Froelich looks on.

175th Anniver-
sary Challenge
Coin.

See story
on page 1

Photos by
Rich Rygh

Junior Grand Steward Todd W. Krohn (left) and Senior Grand

Junior Grand Warden Paul T. Tourville prepares Steward Jeffrey S. Schoenfeldt.
to pour the corn as a symbol of plenty during the
reconsecration ceremony.

Past Grand Master Craig S. Campbell presents the history of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin.

PAGE 16 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019

175 Years of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin
Prepared by Past Grand Mas-
ter Craig S. Campbell for the
Re-consecration Ceremony,
June 8, 2019.
Greetings brethren and guests.
It is my privilege to be able to pro-
vide a history of the Grand Lodge
of Wisconsin and set focus on
some of the major hallmarks
along the way.
I wasn’t yet a teenager in 1973
when the home town of my father
celebrated its sesquicentennial.
My grandmother, born in 1905,
was a retired schoolteacher and
the town of Salem, Illinois desig-
nated her as the official town his-
torian. She earned that title.
Most of the town grew up around
her over the decades, and it
seemed like she knew everybody.
She gave me a large commemo-
rative coin during the ceremony as
the town celebrated its 150th an-
niversary. It was the first time I
ever saw the word Sesquicenten-
nial, and I remember reading it on
that coin many times over. I think
it may have been the largest word
I had ever encountered to that
point in my first 11 years of life.
Only three years later, the entire
country celebrated its bicentennial
in 1976. The 200th anniversary
of the Declaration of Independ-
ence. Many of us probably re-
member the many 1-minute
public service announcements that
aired on TV throughout that year
by dozens of famous people who
would recite some hallmark, per-
sonal biography, or interesting
fact of the revolutionary period,
that would all conclude with the
same phrase, “…this has been a
bicentennial minute.”
So when Most Worshipful
Brother Bob Strader called and
asked me to prepare a presenta-
tion on the history of the Grand
Lodge of Wisconsin for this occa-
sion of its 175th Anniversary, it
made me wonder if there was a
word for that? And it turns out
there is. If a sesquicentennial is a
150th anniversary and a bicenten-
nial is a 200th anniversary, what
might be the word for a 175th an-
niversary?
Well folks, let me be the first to
wish you a happy Dodransbicen-
tennial.
This word actually makes per-
fect sense, but you’d have to be a
latin scholar to know it. Dodrans
is a contraction of de-quadrans
which means "a whole unit less a
quarter" (de means "from"; quad-
rans means "quarter"). So 175
years is a quarter century less than
the next whole century, or quite
literally, twenty five years less than
200, therefore, 175. So happy
Dodransbicentennial!
As we celebrate this historic
landmark, it is fitting that we take
a look back at the past 175 years
and recap highlights along the
way, and that starts with how it
got its origin in 1843.
We know that nothing just
springs up by coincidence. For a
Grand Lodge to form and begin
operating, many events have to
transpire that lead to it. This ori-
gin is very well documented in Vol-
ume One of “Forward
Freemasonry”, and I credit it for
much of the early material that fol-
lows.
The earliest settlers in the Wis-
consin Territory were French fur-
traders who immigrated to the
area via Canada. One of those
successful traders was Solomon
Juneau, who settled in, and is
credited for the founding of the
city of Milwaukee in 1818. Coin-
cidentally, it was Solomon’s
cousin Joseph Juneau who co-
founded the city of Juneau,
Alaska. Solomon Juneau settled
an area east of the Milwaukee
River that become known as
Juneautown, which later joined
with George H. Walker's Walker's
Point, the area south of the
Menominee River where it enters
the Milwaukee River, and Byron
Kilbourn's Kilbourntown, the area
west of the Milwaukee River ex-
tending west about one mile, to in-
corporate the City of Milwaukee
in 1846, with Juneau being
elected the first Mayor. Walker
and Kilbourn were both Masons
and three years earlier, in 1843,
they each took part in petitioning
the Grand Lodge of Illinois for a
dispensation to form a new lodge,
and it became Milwaukee Lodge
#22. However, this was not the
first lodge in the new territory.
Around the same time that the
French fur traders were settling
the southeast corner of the state,
mineral deposits were discovered
in the southwest part of the state.
With navigation made easy by the
Mississippi River, miners from the
Illinois and the Missouri Territories
began settling in Wisconsin in the
1820s to mine the rich lead de-
posits in the region. Some of
these miners opted to shelter dur-
ing the winter in the tunnels they
burrowed into the hillsides rather
than build structures on the sur-
face. Observers stated they "lived
like badgers," thus earning Wis-
consin the nickname the "Badger
State."
In an effort to enforce the fed-
eral government’s Indian policies
as well as to regulate the fur trade,
three Army Posts were established
in the 1820s – Fort Howard in
Green Bay, Fort Winnebago at
the portage between the Fox and
Wisconsin Rivers, and Fort Craw-
ford at Prairie Du Chien on the
Mississippi River.
Along with all these traders, set-
tlers, and military came Freema-
sonry. The first known meeting
of Masons in Wisconsin occurred
to observe the Feast of Saint John
the Evangelist on December 27,
1823. Ten Masons met at the
home of George Johnston near
Fort Howard. Seven were Army
officers, three were civilians. A
committee of the group drafted a
petition of the Grand Lodge of
New York for permission to form
a Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons. The petition was ap-
proved by the Grand Master of
New York in May of 1824 and the
officers of Menominee Lodge No.
374 at Fort Howard were installed
that fall on September 2. The
lodge eventually become Menom-
inee Lodge No. 4 of the Grand
Lodge of Michigan, and ceased
operating in 1830 due to the re-
deployment of the military.
Six years later, the U.S. Con-
gress officially created the Wiscon-
sin Territory, separating it from
the Territory of Michigan. Presi-
dent and Brother Andrew Jackson
appointed Henry Dodge as the
Territorial Governor. Dodge be-
came a Mason in 1806 in West-
ern Star Lodge No.107,
Kaskaskia, IL, and later affiliated
with Louisiana Lodge No.109,
Missouri’s first lodge, at Saint
Geneviere, Missouri. Dodge orig-
inally selected Belmont, Wisconsin
as the territorial capital. This
made sense at the time, as nearly
half of Wisconsin’s residents lived
west of the Mississippi River in
today’s Iowa. But recognizing
Belmont’s shortcomings, Dodge
accepted the decision of the legis-
lature to establish Madison as the
capitol city where they declared
the Mississippi River to be the
western border.
The first lodge to operate in the
new Wisconsin Territory was Min-
eral Point Lodge No.49, of the
Grand Lodge of Missouri, in
1842. Instrumental in filing the
petition and receiving the charter
from the Grand Lodge of Missouri
was Brother Moses Meeker, a
manufacturer of white lead, who
moved to Galena, Illinois to work
the lead mines in the area. Hav-
ing been made a mason in Cincin-
nati, Ohio, Moses became the
charter Senior Deacon in
Strangers Union Lodge No.14, in
Galena, Illinois, and two years
after serving as Master of that
Lodge, moved again to Highland,
Wisconsin, 20 miles northwest of
Mineral Point.
Strangers Union Lodge initiated
Major John Rountree, then a for-
mer Major in the militia and a
sheriff in Illinois. Rountree moved
to Platte Mounds, now Platteville,
in 1827 and became the first
Postmaster at Platteville. In 1833
he became the first Chief Justice
of Iowa County, and then three
years later, in 1836, when Wis-
consin became a territory, he be-
came the first Probate Judge of
Grant County. Rountree helped
form a Methodist church class in
Grant County, and Platteville be-
came a stop on the circuit of
Methodist Episcopal preachers.
One such preacher was Rev.
Benjamin Kavanaugh who ob-
tained a license to preach in 1829
and served as a missionary in Illi-
nois. In 1842, the Rock River
Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church appointed him to
the Platteville District. Just two
years earlier, Rev. Kavanaugh was
made a mason in Winchester,
Kentucky.
The only lodge in the territory
was at Mineral Point, 20 miles
from Platteville. In late 1842,
Rountree, Kavanaugh, and eight
other Masons in the Platteville
area decided to form a new lodge.
In January, 1843, they obtained a
dispensation from the Deputy
Grand Master of Missouri to form
Melody Lodge No. 65.
Benjamin Kavanaugh, as Master
of Melody Lodge at Platteville,
then persuaded his lodge to con-
tact the lodges at Mineral Point
and Milwaukee to form a Grand
Lodge of Wisconsin.
In November of 1843, contact
was made, suggesting they hold a
Masonic convention. And exactly
one week before Christmas, on
Monday, December 18, 1843,
seven men representing the three
lodges met at the Capitol in Madi-
son where they adopted a consti-
tution as the Grand Lodge of
Wisconsin. Moses Meeker from
Mineral Point Lodge, being the
eldest Mason present, was desig-
nated chairman for the conven-
tion. Kavanaugh and Rountree
represented Melody Lodge, and
George Walker was the proxy for
Byron Kilbourn from Milwaukee
Lodge.
They met again one month later
on January 17, 1844 to register
the original lodges and any future
lodges, agreeing to number them
according to the date of their
charters of dispensation. Being
the earliest chartered, Mineral
Point become Lodge No. 1,
Melody became Lodge No. 2, and
Milwaukee become Lodge No. 3.
It’s worth pausing at this point
to contemplate the difficulty of
what just transpired.
We need to remind ourselves
that this was December of 1843
and January of 1844. Both Plat-
teville and Milwaukee are about
75 miles from Madison and Min-
eral point about 50 miles. Roads
did not yet exist. In this part of
the territory, the best they had
were paths at times, but in most
places, mere trails. No gigantic
green signs along the way saying
Madison, 40 miles. No heated
seats or windshields. No maps!
Picture yourself climbing onto
the back of a horse to make this
trip that is likely to take eight to
twelve hours. Out in the open air,
raw cold, exposed to the ele-
ments; rain, snow, wind, dark-
ness. And no rest stop, restaurant
or hotel along the way to duck
into to get warmed up. It is diffi-
cult for us to appreciate the hard-
ships these men endured just to
meet together to make this hap-
pen.
WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - PAGE 17
Many of us ring bells for the Sal-
vation Army in December. A typ-
ical shift is two hours, and by the
end of the shift, usually the toes
are getting real cold, along with
the hands, fingers, nose, and ears.
The same feeling can be related to
if any of you ever attended a Pack-
ers game in December. From the
start of tailgating to the end of the
game – usually the toes are nearly
numb, the cheeks and nose are so
cold they hurt when touched, and
if it rained or snowed, no way to
shed the dampness and really dry
out until later. It is hard to believe
that many of these same men en-
dured the rigors again just five
years later in establishing State-
hood for Wisconsin.
The growth of the Grand Lodge
was prolific. In the first year, two
new lodges were chartered, War-
ren Lodge No. 4 in Potosi, named
after our founding Patriot Joseph
Warren who was killed in the Bat-
tle of Bunker Hill; and Madison
Lodge No. 5. In five years, 28
lodges had been chartered. In 25
years, 170 lodges. In 50 years,
252 lodges. By Wisconsin’s 100th
anniversary in 1943, almost all of
the lodges in Wisconsin had been
chartered, with only 17 new
lodges chartered since, several of
those being specialty lodges and
research lodges.
Perhaps it is no coincidence that
the rapid growth periods of mem-
bership in Wisconsin Masonry
were the decades following our
major wars. The greatest growth
occurred in the 1920’s following
the end of WWI, the second great-
est growth occurred in the 1950’s
following the end of WWII, and
the third-largest growth period oc-
curred in the 1870’s following the
end of the Civil War. It is probable
that the bonds of brotherhood and
fraternizing that inevitably takes
place within the militia results in
thousands and thousands of men
seeking to continue those relation-
ships in philanthropic institutions
such as ours once their service is
concluded.
By today’s paradigms, the sta-
tistics are staggering; almost unbe-
lievable.
The most number of degrees (all
three combined) conferred in Wis-
consin in any one year occurred
in 1921, an astounding 14,159
degrees. The decade of the
1920s, across roughly 300
lodges, a total of 207,907 degrees
were conferred, including 67,942
Master Mason Degrees. For the
decade, this is an average of
nearly 70 degrees per lodge per
year, and over 22 Master Mason
Degrees per lodge per year. Once
again, contemplate the condi-
tions. Most of the men attending
these many meetings, and most
likely all but a very few of the can-
didates, commuted to and from
each meeting on horseback.
The 1950s conferred a total of
117,645 degrees, 38,666 Master
Mason Degrees; and the 1870s
conferred 35,660 degrees,
11,620 Master Mason Degrees.
The Lodge that still holds the
record for the most number of De-
grees conferred in one year is
Henry L. Palmer Lodge No. 301
who, in 1922, conferred an unbe-
lievable 581 Degrees! 205 Mas-
ter Mason Degrees, 200
Fellowcraft Degrees and 176 En-
tered Apprentice Degrees.
Perhaps more amazing is that
they also hold second place from
just one year earlier. In 1921 they
conferred a total of 435 de-
grees –- 174 EA Degrees, 136 FC
Degrees, and 125 MM Degrees.
Right behind them, in third place,
is McKinley Lodge #307 who, in
1925, conferred a total of 407 de-
grees. 110 EAs, 132 FCs, and,
165 MMs.
Considering that there are only
365 days in a year, you can do a
little math to gain an appreciation
for the volume of work these
Past Grand Master
Craig S. Campbell
lodges were doing.
The pinnacle year of member-
ship was 1957 when we peaked
with 64,868 members on the
rolls. Eight of the top ten years of
membership belong to the decade
of the 1950s, with membership
hovering just over 60,000 in
those years. This is followed
closely by a few years in the
1960s, then most of the 1930s,
again with membership at about
60,000.
At the century mark, in 1943,
Wisconsin had 50,804 members
and 347 lodges. At 150 years,
we had 26,162 members and
289 lodges. Once again we stand
on the precipice of seeing our first
net increase in membership for
the state since 1957.
As a Wisconsin Mason, you
have so much to be proud.
I was a young Grand Lodge of-
ficer during our sesquicentennial
year, and one of the highlights of
the year was conferring a Master
Mason Degree in Oshkosh during
the Experimental Aircraft Associ-
ation convention. Notice of our
conferral had circulated in ad-
vance through internal publica-
tions distributed worldwide by the
EAA organization, and that night
we had Masons attend from 20
states and 4 foreign countries.
MW Bro. Jack Allord had recently
obtained an optional ceremony
called the Bible Presentation
which was delivered that night. It
was the first time most in atten-
dance had ever seen or heard it,
and copies of it were sought by
nearly everyone. It has since been
delivered to every state in the
union and dozens of countries.
In 1986 we changed our code
provision to provide a possibility
for Proper Solicitation. The next
year a revised Posting Method
was developed in Shawano and
the Shawano Experiment was
born, later to become the Wiscon-
sin Program, which was picked up
and emulated by over a dozen
Grand Lodges in just five years.
In 1991, Wisconsin became the
second state in the union to offi-
cially recognize the Most Worship-
ful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of
Wisconsin and all its members as
regular. We would have been the
first for this historic hallmark, but
New Hampshire’s annual commu-
nication preceded ours by one
weekend. Most Worshipful Ben-
jamin Detroy proudly wrote in his
Grand Master’s Report in 1992,
that he had the privilege to be the
first Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of Wisconsin to attend the
annual communication of the
Most Worshipful Prince Hall
Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. It is
hard to believe it took until the
1990’s for this to occur. In 2003
we took another significant step
when we arranged for a joint table
lodge to be held between the con-
stituents of the two Grand
Lodges. This has taken place an-
nually since, and is often a sold
See G.L. 175 on page 24
 Chippewa Falls Lodge Celebrates 150 Years

Grand Master Scott E. Pedley begins the reconsecration of Chippewa Falls Lodge No. 176.

Master Masio Altuzar opens the Lodge for the

reconsecration.

See story on page 6

Grand Master Pedley highlights the Junior Warden Jonathan Beighley

great things done by Masons and gives a history of the Lodge.
appendant bodies.

Senior Warden Peter Sterzinger explains the sym-

bolism of the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses
as he displays them on the altar.

Photos by Rich Rygh

Masons from Eau Claire Lodge No. 112 congratulate Chippewa Falls Lodge on there
sesquicentennial. In front from left: Michael Abernathy, Secretary Matthew Chromey
and Master Nicholas Koerner.

Bro. Joe Nelson of the Chippewa Falls Police

Department receives a new supply of Square
Bears from Senior Grand Steward Thomas W. Chairs were added to the lodge room to seat everyone.
Stevens.

PAGE 18 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019

 News Events from the Lodges
Oconto’s Copperfest
Submitted by Bro. Michael Werner
Above: Pine Lodge
No. 188 Brothers Mike
Werner, Glenn Sowle
and Tom Shallow,
pose with Miss Cop-
perfest 2019, Alayna
Westenberg in front of
their food stand during
Oconto’s Copperfest
Celebration June 7-9.
At left: Brothers Tom
Shallow and Paul Bai-
ley ride Bro. Bailey’s
hand built tricycle in
the parade.
Hiram Lodge No. 50/Valley of Madison
Scottish Rite Baseball Outing July 20
“Summertime . . . And the
Livin’ is Easy!” George Gersh-
win’s timeless muse, penned over
four score and four years ago, still
resonates today. Summertime is a
time of relaxation and enjoyment
– to kick back and soak up the
rays and some fun – to take a
break from school or work and
spend time with family and friends
getting together for burgers, hot
dogs, cold beverages, engaging in
picnics, fishing, swimming, golf,
and “our pastime” - baseball. scheduled to be the Fond du Lac fun with friends, family and frater-
If you are looking for something Dock Spiders. The tickets for the nal Brothers & Sisters!
relaxing, enjoyable and fun to do game include a pre-game tailgate The reservation deadline is July
this Summer, consider participat- party starting at 4:30 p.m., with 10, 2019. Reservations and tick-
ing in Hiram Lodge No. 50’s and game time is 6:05 p.m. Tickets ets for the game and pre-game
the Valley of Madison AASR- are $22 (including soft drinks) and tailgate party can be made and
NMJ’s Annual Outing to the $27 (including adult beverage). purchased through Bro. Lyle
Madison Mallard’s Baseball Game. Both drink types good through Christian at 608-209-4312 or
This year’s outing will be on Sat- the 7th inning. xian4202@yahoo.com .
urday, July 20, at the Duck Pond, This is a great opportunity to in- Hope you and your family have
the Madison Mallard’s Stadium lo- troduce a friend to Masonry in a a very relaxing and enjoyable
cated at the corner of North Sher- relaxed, social setting! This is a Summer of 2019 and hope you
man Avenue and Northport Drive great opportunity to introduce a consider joining us at the Hiram
in Warner Park on the North Side Mason to the Scottish Rite Frater- Lodge No. 50/Valley of Madison,
of Madison (10 minutes from I- nity within the Masonic Family! AASR-NMJ outing to the Madi-
39/I-90/I-94). Their opponent is This is a great opportunity to have son Mallards game on July 20.

Sturgeon Bay Lodge and Star donate to museum

Henry S. Baird Lodge No. 174 and Honor Chapter #1, OES with matching funds from the Wisconsin Ma-
sonic Foundation donated $1400 to the Door County Maritime Museum. The funds are for AED devices
and assisted listening devices for the three Maritime Museums in Door County. From left: Sam Perlman,
Deputy Director & Development Manager Maritime Museum; Kevin Osgood, Executive Director Maritime
Awards total 180 years Museum; Connie Skarvan; Worthy Matron, Honor Chapter; Susan Shefchik; Past Matron, Honor Chapter;
and Rick Rodgers, Past Master, Henry S. Baird Lodge.
Brothers receiving Service Awards in Sun Prairie Lodge No. 143 on Submitted by Bro. Ed Klein
June 18, totaled 180 years of Masonry. Seated is Bro. Jerome Nelson.
Standing from left are Brothers Robert (Bob) Larson, Master Mike Estell
and William (Bill) Hughey. Bro Jerome Nelson received his 65 year
certificate. He was raised on Sept. 7, 1954 and served the Lodge as
Master in 1990. Bro. Bob Larson received his 50 year certificate. He
was raised in Commonwealth Lodge No. 325 on April 9, 1969. Bro.
Bill Hughey received his 65 year certificate. He was raised on Feb. 26,
1954.
Submitted by Bro. Mike Estell

Wisconsin Masonic Charities

erika@wisc-freemasonry.org

MSA Volunteers are Needed

Take a few hours of your time each month to be a Masonic
Service 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 con-
tact State MSA Coordinator A. Christopher Gans, at 715-467-
or nagamon@execpc.com.
James M. Hays Lodge purchases 3 LEDs
Milwaukee Public Schools have 50 outdated Automated External Defibrillators that are due for replacement.
They were recently able to purchase three with funds donated by James M. Hays Lodge No. 331, with
matching funds from the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation Medical Fund. Presenting the check are Jim Win-
ston, Master and Chris Niggemeier Junior Warden. Receiving the check, from left:Rebecca Neumann-
Schwabe, MPS HeartSafe Schools AED Nurse, and Aaron Shapiro, Principal of Bradley Technology and
Trade High School.
Submitted by Bro. James Winston

WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - PAGE 19

175th Annual Communication

Grand Master Scott E. Pedley as the first order of

Grand Commandery Officers under the direction of SK LeRoy Kifer REGC present the flag at the opening business quickly covered the red IH cap on his desk
of the 175th Annual Communication. with a John Deere cap. He later stated, “There are
only two kinds of tractor people in this world, those
By Rich Rygh ored Queen Alleya Ingram gave a history of the origin of who own John Deere and those that wish they did.”
The 175th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge Job’s Daughters and what the organization has done for
F. & A.M. of Wisconsin was opened on June 6, at 8 a.m., here. She said, “Job’s Daughters can be an important of problems, look at the work done on perpetual membership
by Past Grand Master Davey L White Jr. the future of Masonry in Wisconsin, if you don’t have a when it is presented, listen to what they are here ready to
Following an alarm at the outer door Senior Deacon Bethel in your lodge, take a trip to a Bethel, if there isn’t a deliver, one word, amazing. We can also thank Lady Ronda
Royce Jones retired and received Deputy Grand Master Bethel close to your lodge open one. Let us work together for all here efforts to keep the home Masonic Family in the
Robert C. Strader and the Grand Lodge Officers. The Sen- in building our organizations to what they once were.” forefront. Most Worshipful we are proud to have you as a
ior Deacon escorted the Deputy Grand Master to the East She reminded the Brethren that the Job’s Daughters member of our Past Masters Association. We thank you
were he was accorded the Grand Honors. The gavel was need their support to be strong in Wisconsin. for all you have done and all you will continue to do as you
turned over to the Deputy Grand Master and the Grand Braden Bauman, State Master Councilor of Wisconsin always have. God Bless.”
Lodge Officers assumed their stations. DeMolay thanked the Grand Lodge for their continued sup- Grand Master Gregory L. Clark of the Grand Lodge of
Grand Master Scott E. Pedley was escorted to the altar port. He said, ”This year it is the Centennial Anniversary Illinois, gave the response of the visiting guests. Thanked
and introduced by Senior Grand Deacon Paul T. Tourville. of DeMolay International. With the support of Grand the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin for their hospitality. He pre-
Deputy Grand Master Strader greeted Grand Master Pedley Lodge we are sending over 100 boys and advisors to the sented the Grand Master with a Unity Medallion from the
at the altar and escorted him to the East where he received Centennial Celebration in Kansas City, the birth place of Grand Lodge of Illinois. He said, “He would like to share
the gavel and was formally introduced followed by the DeMolay. Within the United States our jurisdiction is taking and state that as Brothers in Unity, as we move Freema-
Grand Honors. the second most attendees to Kansas City.” sonry Forward in our United States, that we laugh more
Grand Master Pedley welcomed everyone to the 175th He said with continued support DeMolay will someday than we cry, may we give more than we take and may we
Annual Communication. His first order of business was to observe their 175th anniversary as the Grand Lodge is love more than we hate.”
cover the red cap on his desk Prince Hall Deputy Grand
with a green John Deere cap. Master Samuel L. Stotts
He stated, “There are only brought greetings from Prince
two kinds of tractor people in Hall Grand Master Anthony J.
this world, those who own McGaughy Sr. and the Prince
John Deere and those that Hall Masons of Wisconsin.
wish they did.” Deputy Grand Master
The Past Grand Masters Robert C. Strader presented
and honored guests were in- the report of the Nominating
troduced by the Senior Grand Committee as follows: Jeffery
Deacon Paul T. Tourville and L. Bryden, Grand Treasurer;
received by Grand Master Ped- Michael A. DeWolf, PGM,
ley and Deputy Grand Master Grand Secretary; Grand Mas-
Strader. They were accorded ter Scott E. Pedley, Trustee.
the Grand Honors. For three year terms on the
The flag was presented by Grand Master Scott E. Pedley presents his Grand Master’s Awards of Appreciation to Brothers from Wisconsin Masonic Benevo-
the Grand Commandery and left: Nathan Randall, District 6 Deputy Grand Master Jason E. Laramee, District 9 Deputy Grand Master lent Activities Board: Monte B.
placed on the dais followed by James R. Gajdosik, David Fritsch, Ed Klein (being accepted by Bro. Tom Penney), Duane Bunting, Steiber and David D. Larson.
the Pledge of Allegiance and Orville Olson and George Jordan. Not pictured: Tony Staver and Jan Talaga. For a three year term on the
the singing of the first verse of Wisconsin Masonic Journal
our National Anthem. today. Board: Lowell H. Scott. The report was accepted.
Grand Master Scott E. Pedley declared the 175th An- Cheri Brus, Grand Royal Matron, Grand Court of Wis- Grand Master Pedley declared the ballot open for the
nual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin consin Order of Amaranth, stated that they have raised purpose of electing the 2019-2020 Grand Lodge Officers.
open in ample form. over $300,000 in the last two years to fight diabetes in the Boxes were placed at the entrance to the auditorium to re-
The Grand Master declared the Annual Communication state of Wisconsin. She thanked the Brethren for their sup- ceive the ballots. The Grand Master said the ballot will be
informal for remarks from our youth groups, Order of port. closed following the break for lunch.
Amaranth and OES. Ian Watts, Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter
Job’s Daughter International of Wis. Grand Bethel Hon- of Wisconsin Order of Eastern Star, congratulated the See AC on page 21
Grand Lodge for all they have accomplished this past year.
He asked the Brethren to encourage their children to get
involved in our youth groups and along with their wives
join the Order of Eastern Star.
The Grand Lodge was declared formal.
Grand Secretary Michael A DeWolf, PGM, gave the re-
port of the Credentials Committee, 140 lodges are regis-
tered.
Past Grand Master L. Arby Humphrey reported there
was no unfinished business at the close of the 174th An-
nual Communication.
The Grand Secretary stated he had the proceedings of
the 174th Annual Communication that have been pub-
lished and distributed to the proper places. A motion was
made and passed that the proceedings not be read at this
time. The proceedings were approved.
The Grand Master asked the District Lectures and Area
Administrators to rise. He asked that the Brethren give
them a big round of applause for all their great work.
Past Grand Master Franklin J. Struble gave the response
on behalf of the Grand Masters. He thanked Grand Master
Pedley for all the good that has been stirred up this year
Bro. Rich Rygh, editor of the Wisconsin Masonic and for bringing back civility. For honoring our first respon-
Journal presents Grand Master Scott. E. Pedley a ders and for all the miles (over 80,000) he has traveled
bound copy of the Journals published during his throughout the state. He stated, “ Bro. Scott has once Bro. Mario Altuzar, Master of Chippewa Falls Lodge
year as Grand Master. again raised the bar, he has been brilliant in his use of spe- No. 176 accepts the Grand Master’s Sesquicenten-
Photo by Bro. Curt Campagna cial workers which you will see here to solve long term nial Award on behalf of the Lodge.

PAGE 20 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019

 son behind this

AC from page 20
was to help out
the lodges by
providing a
legacy to the
lodge in perpe-
tuity structured
on seven per
cent annual re-
turn. The pro-
gram did quite
well. On two
occasions divi-
dends were
paid.
Times have Grand Marshal Robert B. Canfield packed the lodge room with his breakout session enti-
changed and in- tled “Gentlemanly Concealed Carry”.
terest rates are
no longer the same and the program was no longer sup- bership lodges for 2018, tied at five.
porting itself. Past Grand Master Donald W. Hensiak sus- Bro. Mario Altuzar, Master of Chippewa Falls Lodge
pended any new members from coming into the plan as No. 176 accepted the Grand Master’s Sesquicentennial
have the two Grand Masters following him. Award on behalf of the Lodge. Bro. Altuzar stated what a
He said the Committee worked hard and long, not al- privilege it is for him to be the Master of his Lodge for this
ways agreeing, to come up with Resolution No. 5-2019. special year.
The problem being the resolution deadline was only a Following a break for lunch Grand Master Pedley rec-
month after the Committee was appointed and the dead- ognized Bro. LeRoy Huber, a member of 13 lodges, for at-
Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf. PGM, presents line was missed. The Committee asked that by majority
tending 52 consecutive Annual Communications. He
Past Grand Master Scott E. Pedley his Past Grand vote, which is according to code, the Grand Lodge permit
received a hearty round of applause.
Master’s Jewel. hearing of Resolution No. 5-2019. A motion was made Grand Master closed the ballot and the Brothers retired
Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf. PGM, presented and passed to permit hearing the Resolution. to the breakout sessions: “Civility” by Junior Grand Deacon
Past Grand Master Scott E. Pedley his Past Grand Master’s Resolution No. 5-2019 effective June 8, 2019, to David R. Ritchie, Junior Grand Steward Jeffrey S. Schoen-
Jewel. (1) change the factor for purchase of a perpetual member- feldt and Bro. Derek Henze; “Gentlemanly Concealed
Past Grand Master James H. Olson presented the report ship under the Perpetual Membership Plan (PMP) to 31 Carry” by Grand Marshal Robert B. Canfield; “MORI Up-
of the Resolutions Committee. He asked that the report be times the sum of the existing lodge dues and existing Grand date and Refresher for Secretaries” by Bro. Mark Menard;
accepted as printed in the pre-proceedings. The report was Lodge per capita tax and (2) eliminate the annual allocation and “Beyond Green Beans, How to plan a dinner” by Sen-
accepted. of funds to the Grand Lodge under the Plan if an accumu- ior Grand Warden Kenneth C. Gorgen, District 11 Lecturer
Past Grand Master Olson gave the report of the Jurispru- lated deficit will exist. Michael Gorgen and Bro. Nick Nicklosovich. All breakout
dence Committee which routinely reviews the resolutions, After much discussion and clarifications the Resolution sessions were very well attended and many favorable com-
activities of the Grand Master as it relates to edicts, deci- was approved. ments were received from the Brethren.
sions and other matters relating to the operation of the Ma- Junior Grand Deacon Gary L. Stang presented Reso- Following the breakout sessions Bro. Tony Staver was
sonic Code. There were 15 changes in bylaws by the lution No 3-2019 to designate the place of holding An- presented his Certificate of Appreciation by the Grand
lodges and 77 dispensations along with a number of edicts nual Communication in June, 2021 in the City of Madison. Master.
and expulsions. He moved the acceptance of the Jurispru- The Resolution passed. Grand Master Michael A. DeWolf announced the results
dence Report. It was accepted. The report of the Masonic Home as listed in the pre- of the election. Jeffery L. Bryden, Grand Treasurer;
Past Grand Master Olson presented the Report of the proceedings was approved. Michael A. DeWolf, PGM, Grand Secretary; Grand Master
Appeals and Grievances Committee which reviews all Ma- Grand Master Scott E. Pedley presented in the Grand Scott E. Pedley, Trustee. For three year terms on the Wis-
sonic trials and appeals to report to the Annual Communi- Master’s Report to the Craft which is printed on page 15 consin Masonic Benevolent Activities Board: Monte B.
cation and of this Wiscon- Steiber and David D. Larson. For a three year term on the
re c o m m e n d s sin Masonic Wisconsin Masonic Journal Board: Lowell H. Scott. For
what action Journal. The Grand Master, Robert C. Strader; for Deputy Grand Mas-
should be Grand Masters ter, Kenneth C. Gorgen; for Senior Grand Warden, Gary
taken on re- Report was ac- L. Stang; for Junior Grand Warden, Paul T. Tourville, for
view and con- cepted and Grand Treasurer, Jeffery L. Bryden; and for Grand Secre-
sider petitions spread upon tary, Michael A. DeWolf, PGM.
for restoration. the minutes. The Grand Master recognized the retiring Grand Lodge
Three mem- Grand Mas- Officers.
bers were ex- ter presented Grand Master Pedley made some closing remarks. See
pelled for his special page 15 of this Wisconsin Masonic Journal.
felony convic- awards. The The Grand Lodge was declared informal for the instal-
tions and two highest award lation of officers at 4:30 p.m.
Brothers for that can be Grand Master Robert C. Strader called the Annual Com-
un-Masonic presented by a munication to order at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning. He
Conduct. All Grand Master, presented the “Toast to the Flag” following the Pledge of
expulsions The Grand Allegiance.
were approved Past Grand Master Allan E. Iding (right) gives the report of the special com- Master’s Meri- Grand Chaplain David O. Leistra gave the prayer.
by the commit- mittee on perpetual membership. From left: Senior Grand Deacon Paul T. torious Ma- Grand Master Strader presented his message to the
tee. No re- Tourville, Grand treasurer Jeffrey L. Bryden and Bro. Matt Hughey, Master sonic Service Craft. See page 11 of this Wisconsin Masonic Journal.
quests were of Hiram Lodge No. 50. Award was Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf. PGM, presented
received this presented ear- Past Grand Master Scott E. Pedley his Past Grand Master’s
Masonic year. The report was approved and accepted. lier in the year to Bro. Bill Hahnfeldt of Burlington Lodge Jewel.
Past Grand Master Olson stated he has been coming to No. 28. PGM Pedley presented Grand Master Strader with the
Annual Communications since 1973 serving in numerous The Grand Master presented Certificates of Appreciation Grand Master’s Jewel which has been worn by all the
capacities. He said it has been a great pleasure and a priv- to the following Brothers: George Jordan, Jan Talaga, Grand Masters since 2003.
ilege. He stated he was retiring from the appeals and Griev- Orville Olson, Tony Staver, Ed Klein, Duane Bunting, David Grand Treasurer Jeffrey L. Bryden presented the Ex-
ances Committee. Fritsch, DDGM James Gajdosik, Nathan Randall and penditures Committee and Treasurer’s Report as printed
Bro. Frank During along with Brothers from District 2 DDGM Jason Laramee. in the pre-proceedings. He stated there are still 38 lodges
made a special presentation of a hat of appreciation to Grand Chaplain Donald F. Iliff presented the Necrology that have not filed their annual financial statement. If a
honor District 2 Deputy Grand Master Earl Gunderson. Report. See page 8 of this issue of the Wisconsin Masonic lodge does not provide their information to be included in
Grand Master Pedley said, “Any DDGM that can get 162 Journal. The Brethren voted that the report be spread the 990 Report. The lodge is responsible for their own fil-
people to a District Meeting . . . that is pretty phenomenal upon the minutes. ing. The ACH conversion has saved a lot of time and
stuff.” Grand Master Pedley asked for a motion to approve all money. No payments go to lodges that do not adopted
Bro. Gary Beier presented the report of the activities of other reports as printed in the pre-proceedings. A motion ACH.
the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation as found in the pre- was made and passed. Grand Treasurer said the budget was based on a two
proceedings. He also introduced Bro. Paul Wharton as Bro. Rich Rygh, editor of the Wisconsin Masonic Jour- dollar increase in per capita. The reports were received.
Treasurer of the Foundation. Bro. Beier stated what you nal, presented Grand Master Pedley a bound copy of the Grand Treasurer Jeffrey L. Bryden presented Res-
have accomplished over the last year clearly shows what Journals printed during his year as Grand Master. olution No. 2-2019 to provide for a Per Capita Tax in
the Grand Master’s goal of stirring up good has done. He Deputy Grand Master Robert C. Strader presented Res- the sum of $45. There was no discussion and the resolu-
said, “You have been able to enact 106 community grants olution 4-2019 to provide a vehicle for full recognition tion passed.
across the state of Wisconsin, most importantly your Ma- of Prince Hall Grand Lodges upon their request. Deputy The Grand Treasurer presented Resolution No. 1-
sonic Charity has been directly responsible for saving two Grand Master Strader explained the Resolution and it was 2019 to adopt a budget for the fiscal year of 2019-2020
lives.” Bro. Paul Wharton mentioned the many diverse passed unanimously. calling for expenditures of $1,240,362. The motion
grants given throughout the state totaling $1.4 million. District 8 Deputy Grand Master Joseph E. Thompson, passed.
Past Grand Master Allan E. Iding presented the report chairman of the Wisconsin Masonic Service Association, Grand Master Strader announced the Lodge Excellence
of the Foreign Relations Committee as printed in the pre- presented Resolution 5-2018 a carry over from the Award Winners as listed on page 5 of this Wisconsin Ma-
proceedings. The report was adopted. Two other requests 174th Annual Communication. The Resolution is to Allo- sonic Journal.
have been receive from the Grand Lodge of Lebanon and cate funds for the Live Better at Home program. The Res- The Brethren retired to the breakout sessions: “Cookie
Italy for recognition. The committee requested that the olution passed. Debate, How to disagree in lodge” and Politics in the
recognition be postponed until approval has been received Resolution 7-2018, a carry over from the 174th An- Lodge/Social Media by District 7 Deputy Grand Master
from the Commission on Regulation for Recognition. The nual Communication, to change the word “subject” to “cit- Matthew H. Ivens, Grand Orator Craig J. Freolich, Junior
report was received. izen” in the third paragraph of the Entered Apprentice Grand Deacon Thomas W. Stevens and Senior Grand
PGM Iding gave the report of the special committee on Charge. Grand Lecturer Lawrence L. Ganske spoke Steward Jeffrey S. Schoenfeldt; “Mentoring” by Senior
perpetual membership as printed in the pre- against the Resolution on behalf of the Esoteric Committee. Grand Warden Gary L. Stang and Senior Grand Deacon
proceedings.The committee consisting of Grand Treasurer A motion was made for the adoption of the Resolution. David R. Ritchie; and “MORI and OLP for lodge officers”
Jeffrey L. Bryden, Senior Grand Deacon Paul T. Tourville After much discussion on both sides the Resolution failed. by Bro. Mark Menard.
and Bro. Matt Hughey, Master of Hiram Lodge No. 50. Grand Master Pedley recognized Southern Lakes Lodge Following the breakout sessions the Grand Lodge was
Bro. Iding said in 1983 the original perpetual membership No. 12, Racine-Belle City Lodge No. 18 and Mystic Tie closed in due form by the Grand Lodge Officers.
plan which the lodge could opt into was adopted. The rea- Lodge No. 280 for being the top three net gain in mem See more photos on page 27

WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - PAGE 21

 News Events from the Lodges
La Crosse Memorial Day Parade
La Crosse Masonic Lodge No. 190 conducted it's annual Revolutionary
Reenactment color guard for the La Crosse Memorial Day Parade. This
year, unfortunately it was rained out at the last minute. But as always,
this day was dedicated to the remembrance of those who made the ul-
timate sacrifice for our country. Brothers from left: Jacob Schultz, Dan
Truax, Tucker Robeson, Scott Hiser.
Submitted by Bro. Jacob Schultz
Frontier Badger Lodge donation
Brothers Jerry Larsen (left) and Don Iliff present a $500 Random Acts
of Kindness donation to Bridget Crave representing the First Teen
Clothes Closet, a program of First Lutheran Church in Onalaska. The
First Teen Clothes Closet is housed at Trinity Lutheran Church in La
Crosse and provides clothing and toiletries to teens in need.
Submitted by Bro. Kyle Larson
Join a Masonic appendant body.
There is much knowledge to be gained and
great satisfaction to be had in helping others.
PAGE 22 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019
Lodge presents 50 year certificate to Illinois Brother
Four members of H.S. Baird No. 174 traveled to Washington Island by car ferry to present a 50 year cer-
tificate and pin at the request of Grand Lodge of Illinois. The Brothers made the presentation to Bro. Richard
Lee Bjarnarson, a Past Master of Wilmington Lodge No. 208 A.F. & A.M. From left: Charles Klima, Shirley
Ellefson, Marilyn Bjarnarson, Master William Schaefer, Senior Warden Ross Chapman; and Bro. Richard
Lee Bjarnarson.
Submitted by Bro. Ed Klein, photo by Bro. Tom Pinney
Bro. Lee
Honored for
55 Years
Bro. Donn West is 50 year Mason
Bro. Harlan Dodge (left), Master of Blue Hills Lodge No. 234, presents
Bro. Donn West his certificate and pin for 50 years of service to Ma-
sonry in Wisconsin. Bro. West was raised on March 10, 1969.
Submitted by Bro. Steven Klein
Bro. Clarence Lee recently re-
ceived his 55 year certificate from
Reedsburg Lodge No. 79. Bro.
Lee was raised on Nov. 19, 1964.
Submitted by Bro. Bob Ott
PGM Kramer’s apron goes to Baraboo
Sauk Prairie Lodge No. 113, Brothers Rich Campbell and Dave Dick-
son have taken it upon themselves to spread Past Grand Master Den-
man G. Kramer’s legacy among a few local lodges of District 8. PGM
Kramer was very inspirational in spreading Masonry in and around Wis-
consin. PGM Kramer was raised in Baraboo, they felt is was appropri-
ate to return his Grand Master’s Apron to Baraboo Lodge for their
museum. Brothers Campbell and Dickson are ensuring his legacy will
continue with future generations.
Submitted by District 8 Deputy Grand Master Daniel C. Brylla
 Antigo
Antigo Lodge No. 231
645 7th Ave. • 715-275-3228
Meet 2nd Monday, 7 p.m.
Dark July & August
Albany
Albany Lodge No. 36
205 N. Water St. • 608-778-0802
Meet 3rd Wed., 7:00 p.m.
Dark July & August
Appleton
Waverly Lodge No. 51
315 S. Bluemound Dr. • 920-738-9220 608-642-3692 (Sec) • 3rd Tues., 10 a.m.
Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Appleton
Appleton Lodge No. 349
241 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah •
920-725-4896, Meet 2nd & 4th Wed.,
7 p.m. Dark July & August
Argyle
Argyle Lodge No. 178
104 E. Milwaukee St. • 608-523-4714
Meet 2nd Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Meets All Year
Baldwin
Collins-Spring Valley Lodge 192
790 Main St. • 715-928-0001 (Sec)
Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Baraboo
Baraboo Lodge No. 34
108 Second Ave. • 608-381-0083
Meet 1st & 3rd Wed,, 6 p.m. social, 7
p.m. meeting. Dark July and August
Barneveld
Barneveld Lodge No. 319
108 S. Jones St. • 608-445-0445 (Sec) Meet 2nd Tues. Apr.-June & Sept.-Dec. Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Meet 2nd Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Meets All Year
Bayfield
Bayfield Washburn No. 215
29 N. 2nd Street • 715-209-6397
Meet 1st Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
Meets All Year
Beaver Dam
Dodge County Lodge No. 72
1212 DeClark St • 920-885-2628
Meet 1st Thurs. 7 p.m. & 3rd Mon.
6 p.m. Meets All Year
Beloit
Morning Star Lodge No. 10
229 W. Grand Ave. • 608-362-0422
Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.
Meets All Year
Berlin
200 W. Chapel St. • 608-935-2751 525 N. Taylor St. • 920-264-6177
Berlin Lodge No. 38
Meet 3rd Thurs., 6 p.m. meal, 7 p.m. Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
124 E. Huron St.. • 920-573-1921
Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m.
Dark July & August
Black River Falls
Black River Lodge No. 74
314 Main Street • 715-284-7176
Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
Dark July & August
Bloomer
Bloomer Lodge No. 281
1617 Larson St. • 715-828-7940
Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Dark January & February
Bristol
Washburn Lodge No. 145
8102 - 199th Ave.• 262-865-4552
Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
2nd Thurs. only Jan. & Feb.
Brodhead
Bicknell Lodge No. 94
301 1st Center Ave. • 608-897-8069
Meets 2nd Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Dark July & August
Brookfield
McKinley Lodge No. 307
2nd Tues., possible 4th Tues. 7 p.m.
4550 N. Pilgrim Rd. • 262-781-9907
Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.
Dark July & August
George B. Wheeler Lodge No. 351
Brookfield
616 Graham Ave. • 715-495-1620
Brookfield Lodge No. 370
Meet 2nd & 4th Wed., Dinner 6 p.m.,
4550 N. Pilgrim Rd. • 414-940-5632
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Dark July & August
Burlington
Burlington Lodge No. 28
325 N. Kane St. • 262-210-9510
Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.
Dark July & August
Cambridge
Social Lodge No. 245
105 S. Spring St. • 608-423-7081
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
www.social245.org • Meets All Year
Camp Douglas
Camp Douglas Lodge No. 272
211 Main St. • 608-372-5110 or
608-387-1412, Meet 1st & 3rd
Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Meets All Year
Stated Communications
for the Mason Traveling in Wisconsin
Cecil
Mason-Woods Lodge No. 368
Union Lodge No. 32
N6446 Emery Ansorge Rd.
705 Brown School Rd • 608-921-9907
Meet 2nd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Dark January & February
Chetek
Chetek Lodge No. 277
216 Morrison St.
Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m.
Dark June, July & August
Chippewa Falls
Chippewa Falls Lodge No. 176
650 Bridgewater Ave. • 715-579-8949
1st Tues. stated, 3rd Tues., social,
7 p.m., Meets All Year
Clear Lake
Clear Lake Lodge No. 230
411 Third Ave. • 715-263-2511
4th Monday, 7:30 p.m.,
Meets All Year
Columbus
Columbus Lodge No. 75
Landmark Lodge No. 244
318 N. Ludington St. • 920-248-9685
109 United Way • 715-566-0350
(Sec) • 2nd Mon., 7 p.m., stated, 4th Meet 2nd & 4th Tues., Dinner 6 p.m.,
Mon., fellowship, Meets All Year
meeting 7 p.m. Meets All Year
Crandon
Crandon Lodge No. 287
Quincy Lodge No. 71
118 S. Lake Ave. • 715-616-2394 (Sec) 210 Main St. • 608-853-1768 (Sec.)
Meets 4th Tues. Mar.-May & July-Oct
Dark January & February
Crivitz
Tri-County Daylite Lodge No. 218
Decora Lodge No. 177
918 Louisa St. • 715-854-2199
231 S. Main St. • 608-539-5230
Meet 2nd Wednesday 10:00 a.m.
Meets 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30 p.m.
Meets All Year
Dark July & Aug. & 1st Mon. Sept. & June
Darlington
Evening Star Lodge No. 64
433 Wells St. • 608-482-3552 (Sec)
Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.
Meets All Year
Delavan
Southern Lakes Lodge No. 12
1007 S. 2nd St., 7 p.m. • 262-581-5378
Meet 2nd & 4th Mon. Jan.-May & Aug.-
Nov.; 4th Mon. June-July; 2nd Mon. Dec.
Dodgeville
Dodgeville Lodge No. 119
Theodore Roosevelt Lodge 322
Meeting, Meets All Year Dark July & Aug., www.roosevelt322.com
Dousman
Dousman Lodge No. 315
214 N. Main St. • 414-429-5981
Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
3rd Tuesday only July & August
Dousman
Glenn L. Humphrey Lodge No. 364
375 State Rd. 67 • 262-965-7360
Meet 2nd Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.
Meets All Year
Durand
Durand-Pepin No. 149
203 W. Main St. • 414-429-5981
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7p.m.
Dark July & August
Eagle River
Eagle River Lodge No. 248
610 E. Division • 715-891-2156
Meet 2nd Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Eau Claire
Eau Claire Lodge No. 112
616 Graham Ave. • 715-835-8254
Dark July & Aug.
Eau Claire
meet 7 p.m., Dark July & Aug.
Eau Claire
Sanctuary Lodge No. 347
616 Graham Ave. • 715-318-1214
Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.
Dark Maundy Thurs., July & August
Edgerton
Fulton Lodge No. 69
312 W. Fulton St.• 608-884-4250
Meets 1st Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
Dark July & August
Ellsworth
Hancock Lodge No. 229
400 High Point Dr. • 715-273-4263
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Dark July & August
Evansville Kenosha
Kenosha Lodge No. 47
115 56th St. • 262-287-9878
Meet 2nd (dinner 5:30 p.m.) & 4th
Tues., 7 p.m. Meets All Year
Meets All Year
Florence Kenosha
Unity Lodge No. 367
Hiram D. Fisher Lodge No. 222
4320 Washington Rd. • 262-657-5575
5143 N. Montgomery Lake Rd..
Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.
906-396-7915 Meet 2nd Wed.,
Dark 3rd Thurs., July & August
6:30 p.m. Meets All Year
Fond du Lac La Crosse
La Crosse Masonic Lodge No. 190
Fond du Lac Lodge No. 26
118 8th Street So. • 608-782-1616
500 W. Arndt St. • 920-922-5800
Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Dark July and August
Franklin La Crosse
Frontier-Badger Lodge No. 45
South Shore Lodge No. 3
118 S. 8th St. • 608-782-1616
9023 S. 27th St. • 414-761-6474
Meet 2nd & 4th Thurs., Dinner, 6 pm,
Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:30 pm
Meeting 7 p.m. Dark July & August
Dark July & August
Frederic Ladysmith
Mystic Tie Lodge No. 280
705 E. 3rd St. N. • 715-532-7696 (Sec) 7409 Franklin Ave. • 608-831-8947
Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Meets 1st Mon. - 2nd Mon. if 1st is holiday
Meets All Year
Friendship Lake Geneva
Geneva Lodge No. 44
335 S. Lake Shore Dr. • 262-497-6322
2nd & 4th Tues., social and dinner 6
p.m., meet 7 p.m. Dark July & Aug.
Galesville Linden
Linden Lodge No. 206
618 Main St. • 608-623-2143 (Sec)
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 8 p.m.
Meets All Year
Green Bay Lodi
Lodi Valley Lodge No 99
Des Peres Lodge No. 85
114 First St. • 608-477-7102
525 N. Taylor • 920-865-7637
Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30 p.m.
Meet 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m.
Dark July & August
Dark July & August
Green Bay Lone Rock
Franklin Lodge No. 16
N.E.W. Daylite Lodge No. 360
227 S. Oak St. • 608-583-4303 (Sec) 3000 W. Wisconsin Ave., • 414-659-5205
525 N. Taylor St. • 920-371-8441
Meet 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 8 p.m. 1st Wed., 5:30 p.m. Degrees 4th Wed.,
Meet 2nd Thursday, 10 a.m.
Meets All Year
Dark July & August
Green Bay Madison
Commonwealth Lodge No. 325
301 Wis. Ave. • 608-212-9053 (Sec.)
3rd Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
Meets All Year
Green Bay Madison
Doric Lodge No. 356
Washington Lodge No. 21
85 S. Stoughton Rd. • 608-241-4751
525 N. Taylor St.• 920-499-7265
(Sec), Meet 1st & 3rd Tues., 7 p.m.
Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Dark July & August
Hartford Madison
Hiram Lodge No. 50
Hartford Lodge No. 120
301 Wisconsin Ave. • 608-209-4312 3000 W. Wis. Ave. • 262-955-3621
147 N. Rural St. • 262-408-8564
Meet 3rd Mondays, 7:30 p.m Meet 1st & 3rd Thurs., RSVP dinner 6
Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m.
Dark 1st Mondays, July thru Sept. p.m., meet at 7 p.m. Meets All Year
Meets All Year
Hayward Madison
Madison Lodge No. 5
Keystone Lodge No. 263
301 Wisconsin Ave. • 608-322-7028
10629 Main St. • 715-462-4363 (Sec)
Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
Meet 2nd Thursday, 7 p.m.
Dark 1st Thursday July & August
Meets All Year
Hustisford Manawa
Manawa Lodge No. 82
Neosho-Mayville-Horicon No. 108
520 N. Bridge St. • 920-596-2476 7529 Hwy 51 South • 715-892-2392
128 E. Anthony St., Hustisford
Meet 2nd & 4th Mon., Dinner 6 p.m. Meet 1st Wed., 10 a.m., 3rd Wed., 7 p.m.
920-349-3454 • 1st & 3rd Tues. 7p.m.
Meeting 7 p.m., Meets All Year
Dark July & August
Hudson Manitowoc
Manitowoc Lodge No. 65
St. Croix Lodge No. 56
810 Chicago St. • 920-905-0344 (Sec)
209 Locust Street • 715-377-0817
Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.
Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.
Meets All Year
Dark July & August
Iron River Marinette
Marinette Lodge No. 182
Ancient Landmark No. 210
1610 Main St. • 715-923-9397
7575 West Mill St. • 715-685-4426
Meet 1st Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
1st Wed., 7 p.m., Meets All Year
Dark July & August
bmarriott7@gmail.com
Iron River Marshfield
Marshfield Lodge No. 224
Barnes Lodge No. 365
402 W. 4th St. • 715-387-4957
7575 West Mill St. • 715-372-5425
Meet 2nd & 4th Thurs., 6 p.m. social
Meet 2nd Tues. 7:00 p.m.
7 p.m. meeting. Meets All Year
Dark January & February
Janesville Medford
Medford Lodge No. 217
Janesville-Western Star No. 55
150 S. Seventh St. • 715-748-6909
2322 E. Milwaukee St. • 608-752-3098
Meet 2nd Mondays 7:30 p.m.
Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Meets All Year
Jefferson Menomonee Falls
Lincoln Lodge No. 183
Jefferson County Lodge No. 9
N86 W16856 Appleton Ave.• 414-640-
617 Masonic Blvd. • 920-674-6715
6569. Meet 2nd Tues., 7 p.m.
Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Meets All Year
WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - PAGE 23
Menomonie
Menomonie Lodge No. 164
N5729 - 410th St. • 715-797-9094
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Mercer
Hurley Lodge No. 237
5189 N. Harper • 715-776-0710
Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 6:30 p.m.
Dark December thru March
Merrill
Virginia Falls Lodge No. 226
916½ E. Main St. • 715-536-0020 (Sec.)
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Merrillan
Merrillan Lodge No. 279
105 S. Main Street • 715-333-5643 (Sec)
Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7 p.m.
Dark January, February & March
Middleton
Four Lakes Daylite Lodge No. 362
weekend., 10 a.m. Meets All Year
Middleton
Middleton-Ionic Lodge No. 180
7409 Franklin Ave. • www.middle
tonionic.org 1st & 3rd Tues., 7:30 p.m.
608-444-0102, Dark July & August
Milton
Milton Lodge No. 161
508 Vernal Avenue • 608-931-4656
Meets 4th Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Milwaukee
Damascus Lodge No. 290
1235 E. Howard Ave. DL290.org
Meet 2nd Tues., 4 th Tues. Social, RSVP 6 204 Washington Ave. • 920-385-1034
p.m. dinner - 7 p.m. meet. Meets All Year
Milwaukee
Freemasons Lodge No. 363
5:30 p.m. Meets All Year
Milwaukee
Lake Lodge No. 189
1235 E. Howard Ave. • 414-744-4609
Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m.
Dark on Holidays
Milwaukee
Milwaukee-Harmony No. 261
4315 N. 92nd St. • 414-961-1133
1st & 3rd Tues. 7:30 p.m.
Dark July & August
Milwaukee
Nathan Hale Lodge No. 350
Mineral Point
Mineral Point Lodge No. 1
304 High St.• 608-220-3408
3rd Mon., Jan.-March, July-Sept. & Dec.,
1st & 3rd Mon., Apr.,-June, Oct.,-Dec.
Minocqua
Island City Lodge No. 330
Meets All Year
Mondovi
Buffalo River Lodge No. 252
245 S. Franklin • 715-797-3261 (Sec)
Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m.
Dark July & August
Monroe
Smith Lodge No. 31
1613½ Tenth St. • 608-329-4641
Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
Dark June & July & August
Mukwonago
Laflin-St. James Lodge No. 247
206 S. Main St. • 262-470-8616
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Dark July & August
Neenah/Menasha
Twin Cities Lodge No. 61
241 E. Wisconsin Ave. • 920-722-3611
Meets 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7 p.m.
Dark June - Aug. Open after Labor Day
New Diggings
Olive Branch Lodge No. 6
26750 Cty. Rd. W • 608-965-3122
Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.
Meets All Year
Lodge Listings are continued on page 24
New Glarus
New Glarus Lodge No. 310
207 6th Avenue • 608-527-2583 (Sec)
Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.
Dark June, July & August
New Holstein
Calumet Lodge No. 172
2019 Washington St.• 920-257-3885
Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
New Richmond
New Richmond Lodge No. 195
119 E. 2nd St. • 715-246-2144
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Dark June, July & August
Oconomowoc
Lake Country Freemasons Lodge No. 42
2911 N. Dousman Rd., Oconomowoc
262-367-2309 • Meet 1st & 3rd Wed.,
7 p.m., Dark 1st Wed., July & Aug.
Oconto
Pine Lodge No. 188
513 Superior Ave. • 920-604-2826
Meet 2nd Monday, 7 p.m.
Dark December & January
Oconto Falls
Oconto Falls Lodge No. 293
170 N. Washington St. • 920-373-5747
Meet 1st Mon., Sept. 2nd Mon., 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Omro
Omro Lodge No. 168
160 E. Main Street • 920-685-2798
Meet 2nd Monday, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Onalaska
Onalaska Lodge No. 214
330 Main Street • 608-783-2652 (Sec)
Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
2nd Thurs. only, July, Aug. Nov. & Dec.
Oregon
Oregon Lodge No. 151
201 Park St. • 608-444-0074 (Sec)
Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
Dark July & August
Oshkosh
Oshkosh Lodge No. 27
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Dark July & August
Owen
Owen Lodge No. 317
713 W. Third St. • 715-229-2798 (Sec.)
Meets 1st Mon., 7:30 p.m. & 3rd Mon. at
11 a.m., July & Aug. 3rd Mon. at 11 a.m.
Phillips
Phillips Lodge No. 225
137 N. Lake Ave.•715-762-4043, 7:30 p.m.
1st Mon., Dec- Feb..; 1st & 3rd Mon. Mar.-
May, Oct. & Nov.; 3rd Mon., June-Sept.
Platteville
Melody Lodge No. 2
783 Enterprise Drive • 608-732-8625
Meet 1st Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.
Meets All Year
Plymouth
Cassia Lodge No. 167
441 Smith St. • 920-892-6336
Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:00 p.m.
Dark July & August
Portage
Fort Winnebago Lodge No. 33
111 W. Conant Street • 608-334-6681
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 7:30 p.m.
Dark January & February
Port Washington
Ozaukee Lodge No. 17
504 W. Grand Ave. • 414-412-6515
Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Potosi
Warren Lodge No. 4
112 S. Main St. • 608-763-2221 (Sec)
Meets 1st Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Meets All Year
Prairie du Chien
Prairie du Chien Lodge No. 8
107½ E. Blackhawk Avenue
608-326-4640 (Sec) • Meet 1st & 3rd
Wed., 7:30 p.m. • Meets All Year
Prescott
Northwestern Lodge No. 105
132 N. Court St. • 651-210-4408 (Sec)
Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Dark July & August
Racine
Racine-Belle City Lodge No. 18
1012 Main St. • 262-633-6658
Meets 1st Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Reedsburg
Reedsburg Lodge No. 79
213 E. Main St. • 608-524-1390
Meet 1st & 3rd Thurs., 7:30 p.m.
www.reedsburglodge79.org
G.L. 175
out event. Then in 2007, by
adopting the report of Grand
Master J.B. Van Hollen, Wiscon-
sin took another significant step in
this regard by affirming his edict
that Wisconsin will recognize as
regular any and all members of
any Prince Hall Grand Lodge
La Crosse
Masonic
Center Lunches
The La Crosse Masonic Center
118 S. 8th St., La Crosse, has a
noon lunch the 1st and 3rd Friday
of every month.
Cost is $7 for all you can eat
soup, sandwiches, and desserts.
Email your
Lodge news to
wmjeditor@wisc-freemasonry.org.
from page 17
where they are also recognized by
the Grand Lodge of their respec-
tive state. And now, in our 175th
year, we have torn down the last
barrier of this frontier by moving
to allow full plural membership to
any Prince Hall Mason who
wishes to join a lodge of the
Grand Lodge of Wisconsin.
In 2009 I attended the 200th
annual communication of the
Grand Lodge of Ohio (having
been founded in 1809). They cel-
ebrated that anniversary with nu-
merous reflections and skits, one
of which was a time warp where
Benjamin Franklin and George
Washington were instantly trans-
ported in time from 1789 to
2009.
They were amazed at so much
of what we now take for
granted… light bulbs, electricity,
computers, TV screens, projected
images, rubber bands, pens with
self-contained ink. After several
minutes examining what had be-
come of Masonry, it was time for
them to go back to 1789. They
agreed not to. Instead, they
agreed to jump in the time ma-
chine and go forward another
200 years to see the results of
what Masonry would become
from our stewardship.
Brethren, this is our legacy and
our mission. To usher Wisconsin
Freemasonry through another
quarter century, century, and
longer. The principles of this fra-
ternity are timeless and are so im-
portant to be conveyed and
embraced within the hearts of all
men. The effects of this institu-
tion have had a greater impact on
the world than any organization
outside of organized religion. You
really are doing the Lord’s work
gentlemen, please realize that. Be
proud as we celebrate our contri-
butions to Freemasonry over
these last 175 years, and let us re-
alize that this is year one of the
next 175.
Thank You Brethren, May God
Richly Bless You All!
Stated Communication
(continued from page 23)
Rhinelander
Rhinelander Lodge No. 242
23 E. Davenport St. • 715-362-3080
Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Rice Lake
Blue Hills Lodge No. 234
225 W. South St. • 715-495-2374
Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:00 p.m.
Meets All Year
Richland Center
Richland Lodge No. 66
290 W. Union St. • 608-553-1418 (Sec)
Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Ripon
Prairie View Lodge No. 95
W14188 County Rd. KK. • 920-229-6204
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.
Dark 4th Tues. Nov. & Dec., 2nd Tues. Jan.
River Falls
River Falls Lodge No. 109
122 E. Walnut St. • 715-222-3939 (Sec.)
Meet 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.
3rd Tuesday only July & August
Sheboygan
Sheboygan Lodge No. 11
411 St. Clair Ave. • 920-718-1986 (Sec.)
Waupun
Waupun Lodge No. 48
16 S. Madison St. • 920-324-3141
Meets 1st Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Dark July & August
Wausau
Forest Lodge No. 130
916½ E. Main, Merrill, WI • 715-298-6002
Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Dark June, July & August
Wautoma
Wautoma Lodge No. 148
203 S. Scott St. • 920-765-2495 (Sec.)
Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m.
Dark Jan. and Feb.
Wauwatosa
Henry L. Palmer Lodge No. 301
4315 N. 92nd St. • 262-424-6993
4th Fri., 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. meeting
Meets All Year
Wauwatosa
James M. Hays Lodge No. 331
4315 N. 92nd St. • 414-349-7650
1st Monday, 6:30 p.m.
Dark July & August
Wauwatosa
Wisconsin Lodge No. 13
4315 N. 92nd St. • 262-939-2985 (Sec)

Social Media Code of Conduct for Wisconsin Freemasons Meet 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m.
Meets All Year
Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
Dark June & July

West Allis
Grand Lodge Shell Lake
Shell Lake /Spooner Lodge No. 221
28 Doboy Drive • 715-296-3638
Day-lite Lodge No. 358
7515 W. National Ave. • 414-257-9450
Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 9:30 a.m.
Free and Accepted Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.
Meets All Year Meets All Year

Shullsburg West Allis

Masons of Wisconsin Amicitia Lodge No. 25
127½ Water St. • 608-963-5951
Wauwatosa Lodge No. 267
7515 W. National Ave. • 262-662-9934
Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m.
Meet 2nd & 4th Thursday, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year Dark July & August
“To preserve the reputation of the Fraternity unsullied must be your constant care.”
When we represent ourselves as members of the fraternity, we become someone’s impression of Freema- Sparta West Bend
sonry. As such, it is important that we act accordingly and subscribe to the lessons we are all taught as West Bend Lodge No. 138
Valley Lodge No. 60
301 N. University Dr. • 262-323-6532
Masons in terms of how we communicate and interact with Masons and non-Masons. 603 N. Court St. • 608-269-2616
Meet 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m.
Meet 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Dark July & August
• Freemasons must conduct Social Media activities in a way that reflects membership in the Craft, acting in a
way that presents a positive image of the fraternity; avoiding private piques and quarrels; being cautious in Star Prairie West Salem
behavior; courteous to our brethren and to promote the general good and to preserve the reputation of the Salem Lodge No. 125
North Star Lodge No. 187
101 W. Hamilton St. • 608-786-0930 (Sec)
fraternity. 207 Bridge St. • 715-246-6258
Meets 4th Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.
Dark July & August
• Freemasons must be aware that postings are a permanent record; and therefore an individual's conduct may Dark June, July & August

influence the world with a positive or negative image about the individual and also about Freemasonry. Stevens Point
Postings and actions on the various Social Media outlets should reflect the highest standards of morality and Evergreen Lodge No. 93
integrity. 1756 Dixon St. • 715-344-7539,
715-572-3981, Meet 1st & 3rd Tues.,
• Postings should not bring discredit to Freemasonry nor should they fit within the definition of Unmasonic 7 p.m., Meets All Year
Conduct as defined by our Masonic fraternity. Conduct contrary to the accepted and customary rule of
Stoughton
right and duty between Freemasons or to society in general, is improper. Kegonsa Lodge No. 73
125 S. 5th St. • 608-279-4299
• ere should never be discussion related to the business of a Lodge and what is discussed within our tiled Meet 1st Tues., 7 p.m.
doors. Dark July & August
Whitefish Bay
Aurora Lodge No. 30
517 E. Beaumont Ave. • 414-422-0669
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.
Dark July & August
Whitefish Bay
Geo. Washington 1776 Lodge No. 337
517 E. Beaumont Ave. • 414-979-1776
Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.
Dark July & August

• ere should never be discussion related to petitions, applications, background checks, investigation of an Sturgeon Bay
applicant, or regarding balloting on an applicant. Henry S. Baird Lodge No. 174
31 S. 3rd Ave. • 920-493-3727
• Posts must comply with Grand Lodge rules, regulations, and edicts. Meet 2nd & 4th Thurs., Supper 5:30 p.m.
Lodge 6:30 p.m., Dark July & August
• Participation in discussions with those who most often are looking for discussions outside of what is Mason-
ically acceptable should be avoided.
Sun Prairie
Sun Prairie Lodge No. 143
Call Sec. for Meeting Location • 608-770-
• No official communication with other Grand Lodges or their subordinate or concordant Lodges may take 2018 Meet 1st & 3rd Mon., 7 p.m.
place online. Contact must be conducted through the Office of the Grand Secretary. Dark July & August
Whitewater
St. John’s Whitewater-Palmyra No. 57
226 W. Main Street • 262-510-1049
Meet 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30 p.m.
1st Monday July & August
Wilmot
Wilmot Lodge No. 241
30702 113th St. • 847-774-0013
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.
Dark 4th Tuesday July & August

• e Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Wisconsin is the absolute Masonic authority in Wiscon- Superior
sin. Only the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Wisconsin can make authoritative statements Acacia-Itasca Lodge No. 329
3117 N. 21 St .• 218-590-2754 (Sec.)
on behalf of Wisconsin Masons. Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
• To ensure our fraternity represents itself to the high standards we must regulate our actions by individual re-
straint and through Brother-to-Brother intervention. As a Freemason, quietly advise a Brother if you feel Superior
that what he has posted is improper within the framework of our Grand Constitutions, laws, rules, regula- Superior Lodge No. 236
tions, edicts and the general regulations of Freemasonry. 1503 Belknap St .• 218-590-0537
Meet 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Meets All Year
Winneconne
Winneconne Lodge No. 186
100 N. 1st Street • 608-219-6935 (Sec)
Meet 2nd & 4th Tues., 7 p.m.
Dark Dec., Jan. and Feb.
Wisconsin Dells
Dells Lodge No. 124
815 Oak St. • 608-254-7012
Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
Dark January & February

Tomah Wisconsin Rapids

Tomah Lodge No. 132 Wisconsin Rapids Lodge No. 128

Wisconsin Masonic Calendar 520 E. Saratoga Street • 608-372-5507

Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m.
2321 2nd Ave. So. • 715-421-9669
Meet 1st & 3rd Wed., 6 p.m. meal, 7 p.m.

continued from cover

Dark July & August meeting, Dark July & August

November 2019
Union Grove Silas H. Shepherd
Union Grove Lodge No. 288 Lodge of Research No. 1843

2 Masonic Day of Light, hosted by Sheboygan Lodge No. 11, 411 St. Clair Ave.,
1021 – 11th Ave. • 262-878-1494 Oconomowoc • 262-391-5716

Sheboygan. Details and registration information to be announced.

Meet 3rd Saturday, 8:30 a.m. 2nd Saturday • March, June, Sept., Dec.

December 2019
Meets All Year Call for meeting location

Waukesha
14 Silas Shepherd Lodge of Research No. 1843, coffee and carbs 9 a.m., meeting at 10 a.m., noon lunch, hosted by
Lake Country Lodge No. 42, Oconomowoc.
Waukesha Lodge No. 37
317 South Street • 262-701-7037

May 2020
Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. To list your lodge contact
Dark July & August Diane Igl,

8 Save the Date, Three Pillars Senior Living Communities presents: An Evening of Music and Memories, Marriott Mil-
diane@wisc-freemasonry.org
Waupaca
waukee West, W231N1600 Corporate Ct., Waukesha.
262-965-3979

June 2020
Waupaca Lodge No. 123
105½ N. Main Street • 715-258-6198
Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

13 Theodore Roosevelt Lodge No. 322, 100th Anniversary and reconsecration.

Dark June, July & August

PAGE 24 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019

 Celebration of Freemasonry Dinner adds $5,000 to Dyslexia Centers Total of $55,000
By Rich Rygh
Brethren and their ladies enjoyed a fun evening with great
food, live music by Charlie O and entertainment by two wily
auctioneers at the Grand Master’s Celebration of Freemasonry
Dinner on June 6, just prior to
the Annual Communication. The
evening ended with a sense of
accomplishment in providing ad-
ditional funding for the Children’s
Dyslexia Centers of Wisconsin.
Emcee Grand Secretary
Michael A. DeWolf, PGM, intro-
duced the Grand Lodge Officers.
Grand Lodge Officers and their
Ladies created and brought gift
baskets with a wide variety of
contents and Masonic related Junior Grand Steward Jeffrey S. Schoenfeldt holds up a basket for Brothers Randy Gill
items to be auctioned off during and Larry Teasdale to auction off.
the evening with proceeds going
to the Children’s Dyslexia Cen-
ters of Wisconsin. One of the top
money raising items at the auc-
tion, donated by District 2
Deputy Grand Master Earl Gun-
Emcee Grand Secretary
Michael A. DeWolf, PGM
derson, was a stainless steel Ma-
sonic Square and Compasses
designed and manufactured by Bro. Brent Swenson of Collins-
Spring Valley Lodge of Baldwin. The items were auctioned off
with an array of quick-witted remarks and tricks by long time
professional auctioneers Brothers Larry Teasdale and Randy
Gill as only they can do. The auction brought in $4,635 and a
Brother immediately donated another $65 to make it an even
$5,000 raised during the evening.
Grand Master Scott E. Pedley and Lady Ronda presented a
check to Children’s Dyslexia Center Representatives in the
amount of $32,000 from the Grand Master’s Appeal earlier in
the evening. This money along with the money raised at the
auction and with an additional distribution from the Glenn and Bro. Chris Gans, MSA State
Gertrude Humphrey Fund will result in a $55,000 donation to Coordinator purchased the
the Children’s Dyslexia Centers of Wisconsin. stainless steel square and Grand Master Scott E. Pedley and Lady Ronda thank
compasses. everyone at the close of the evening.
Photo by DDGM Earl Gunderson

Charlie O entertained during and after the dinner.

Lady Ronda and Grand Master Scott E. Pedley (right) present a check in the amount of
$32,000 from the Grand Master’s Appeal to representatives of the Children’s Dyslexia
Centers of Wisconsin. From left: Bro. Gary Beier, Executive Director Wis. Masonic Foun-
Photos by Rich Rygh dation; Tom Vosburgh, Master of Acacia-Itasca Lodge; Karen Gunderson, representing
the Eau Claire Center; Sally Weber, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Center; and
Kelly Kuenzie, Executive Director of the Madison Center.

Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star

Officers for 2019-20
Laramie Reissner Worthy Grand Matron Kathy Carlson Grand Ruth
Ian Watts Worthy Grand Patron Joy Zastrow-Mulcahy Grand Esther
Terri Hundhausen Associate Grand Matron Karen Kaas Grand Martha
Leonard Pederson Associate Grand Patron Dutch Leydel Grand Electa
Nancy Ryburn Grand Secretary Orville Olson Grand Warder
Mary Rasmussen, PGM Grand Treasurer Doug Moorhouse Grand Sentinel
Tammy Hundhausen Grand Conductress
Debra Bower Assoc. Grand Conductress Laurie Ziegler Grand Trustee Chairman
Joan Burr Grand Chaplain Mary Olson Grand Trustee
Brethren visit booths at AC Rosie Fiscus, PGM Grand Lecturer Craig Wepprecht Grand Trustee
Linda Knee Grand Marshal
Brethren browse the J. P. Luther Co. display of Masonic aprons, sup-
Helen Shue Grand Organist
plies, clothing and almost anything Masonic related during a break at
the Annual Communication in Madison. Kate Smilie Grand Adah
Photo by Rich Rygh

WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - PAGE 25

 News Events from the Lodges
Brothers Travel to Iowa for
175th Anniversary Celebration
By Bro. Dave Ritchie
A small group of Masons from
around Southwest Wisconsin,
crossed the Mississippi and trav-
eled to Dubuque Iowa to watch
the rededication of Dubuque
Lodge No. 3 of the Grand Lodge
of Iowa A.F. & A.M. The Grand
Lodge of Iowa is celebrating their
175th anniversary this year. To
commemorate the event the
Grand Lodge Officers are taking a
week long motorcycle tour of
Iowa and rededicating the first six
lodges which made up the original
Grand Lodge of Iowa. They will
finish in Cedar Rapids at their Li-
brary and Grand Lodge Center
with an evening gala.
After a hearty banquet the fes-
tivities moved to the buildings
largest lodge room. A public
opening was preformed with
words and history given by Broth-
ers of Dubuque No. 3 and the
Lodge was rededicated in full form
Deputy Grand Master of Iowa by the Grand Lodge Officers with
Bill Post presents the ewer of all the pomp and pageantry of
oil to the Grand Master Terry Masonry. The evening was
Osbourne. topped off with a short time of fel-
Photo by Bro. Dave Ritchie lowship.
Bro. John Uphoff is 60 year Mason
Brothers Brian (left) and Steven Uphoff recently presented their father
Bro. John Uphhoff with his 60 year certificate on behalf of Dells Lodge
No. 124. Bro. John was Initiated in Bloomington, Minnesota Lodge
No. 340 on June 17,1959, Passed on Nov. 5, 1959 and Raised a MM
on March 15, 1960. He was Affiliated with Dells Lodge 124 on March
15, 1960. He presently resides in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Submitted by Bro. James Timm, Secretary
Make a Donation to Operation Freedom
Operation Freedom, a partnership between Lake Country
Freemasons Lodge No. 42, Three Pillars Senior Living Communi-
ties and Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, seeks to accomplish a
twofold goal: to ensure every eligible veteran who resides at Three
Pillars Senior Living Communities will travel on a flight, and that
each of their travel companion “guardians” will fly at no cost.
Credit or debit card: Check:
Make payable to “Wisconsin
Visit http://bit.ly/GIVEto3P
Select “Operation Freedom Masonic Home – Operation
Fund” from the “Designa- Freedom” and mail to:
tion” dropdown box
Operation Freedom
or c/o Three Pillars Senior Living
Communities
visit the Our Community tab
at www.lakecountryfreema Attn: Jane Olisar
375 State Road 67
sonslodge42.org Dousman, WI 53118
PAGE 26 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019
Shawano Lodge Presents Four
AEDs to Gresham High School
Gresham High School receives the AEDs. Front row from left: School Nurse Kyla Heiman,
Jeff Zobeck, Heidi Cerveny, Michelle Hoffman, Taylor Welcing and Past Master Jim Herman.
Back row: Nick Curran, Shawano Lodge Past Master Karl Simonson, Ben Heninger, Tim Wild,
Cheryl Boettcher, Ben Smith, Ben Dieck, and Newell Haffner. School Nurse Kyla Heiman
taught classes to the teachers and office staff on AEDs before the presentation.
Photo by Bro. George Tincher
By Bro. George Tincher minutes if an emergency should School student collapsed following
The Masonic Medical Fund and arise. a track practice and would have
Shawano Masons made their first Past Master Jim Herman pre- died had it not been for the use of
medical grant in 1986 to the sented the check of $3,778.00 an AED the lodge had donated.
Shawano Community Hospital, from Shawano Masons Inc. and Due to the Masonic Medical Fund
that partnership has continued. the Wisconsin Masonic Founda- donation of AEDs across Wiscon-
On June 3, four defibrillators were tion to Gresham School Superin- sin 37 lives have been saved. Bro.
purchased for the Gresham High tendent Newell Haffner for the Herman said he has two grand-
School. purchase of the AEDs. Bro. Her- children currently attending Gre-
The AEDs will be placed at sev- man said Shawano Lodge has sham school and hopes they
eral points in the school so they seen firsthand the benefit of a de- never have to use them but it is al-
can be accessed in less than two fibrillator when a Shawano high ways better to be well prepared.
Masons and Star support food pantry
Henry S. Baird Lodge No. 174 and Honor Chapter #1 OES with matching funds from the Wisconsin Ma-
sonic Foundation Acts of Kindness donated $700 to support ongoing operations at the Kewaunee County
Food Pantry on June 19. In addition to the Kewaunee County Food Pantry, the group has donated to the
Door County Maritime Museum, Door County Social Services, Lakeshore CAP, Destination Imagination,
Clipper Zone Fitness fund and Sevastopol Town parks. Their 2019 donations total well over $5000.
Submitted by Bro. Ed Klein
Fond du Lac Lodge Collects “Pop Tops”
The Brethren of Fond du Lac
Lodge No. 26 helped collect and
then facilitate the donation of 10
gallons of aluminum can “pop
tops” to the Ronald Mc Donald
house charity. The donation was
championed by Jeff Olson who is
a son of Lodge Brother Dave
Olson. Together, father and son
organized these collections both
at the lodge as well as through
Bro. Jeff’s association with other
worthwhile organizations. His
other fellow members continued
to save these “pop tops” because
everyone knew they were being
donated to Ronald Mc Donald
House.
Brothers Jeff Olson, Dave Olson, and Master By Bro. Jack Bridich, Master
Jack Bridich with 10 gallons of “pop tops”.
 175th Annual Communication
Junior Grand Steward Jeffrey S.
Schoenfeldt gives information on
what to expect in the upcoming
presidential election during one of
the breakout sessions.
Prince Hall Deputy Grand
Master Samuel L. Stotts
brings greetings from the
Prince Hall Masons of Wis-
consin.
See story on page 20
Past Grand Master Franklin J.
Struble gives the response on be-
half of the Past Grand Masters.
He praised Grand Master Pedley
for the amazing job he has done
and welcomes him as a Past
Grand Master.
Grand master Scott E. Pedley congratulates Lodges winning the Past Grand Master Davey L.
Top Gain Award. From left: District 3 Deputy Grand Master Mark White Jr. opens the 175th An-
W. Steckel representing Mystic Tie Lodge No. 280, Phil Itzen- nual Communication.
huiser representing Racine-Belle Lodge No. 18 and Area Admin-
istrator Robert Burton representing Southern Lakes Lodge No.
12.
Past Grand Master James H. Olson
presented the reports of the Resolu- Bro LeRoy Huber (center), a member of 13 lodges, receives a round
tions Committee, the Appeals and of applause after being recognized by Grand Master Pedley for having
Grievances Committee and the Ju- attended 52 consecutive Annual Communications.
risprudence Committee.
Grand Master Scott E. Pedley (right) recognizes the outgoing District Deputy Grand Masters for the great
job they have done for Masonry in Wisconsin. From left: District 8, Joseph E. Thompson; District 9,
James R. Gajdosik; District 6, James E. Laramee; District 3, Mark W. Steckel; District 5, Gerald L. Mc-
Donald; and District 12, Todd W. Krohn.
Photos by Rich Rygh
WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - PAGE 27
 Installation of Grand Lodge Officers

Tripoli Potentate Bob Capen presents Grand Master Robert C. Strader with
a Tripoli Shrine Grand Master’s Fez. Grand Master Strader is a Past Poten-
tate of Tripoli Shrine and appointed Potentate Capen to the Tripoli officer
line.

Wisconsin DeMolay State Councilor Sam Thiele presents the

DeMolay Father’s Talk. See story on page1 and photos on page 10

Grand Bethel Honored Queen Alleya Ingram with the members of Bethels and Grand Bethel
Bro. Curt Campagna gives a beautiful and present the Living Cross Ceremony.
meaningful recitation entitled “Last Night I
Knelt Where Hiram Knelt”.

Photos by Rich Rygh

District Deputy Grand Masters are introduced for installation. From left: District 12, Jeffrey S. Thiele; District 11, Dennis J. Krahn, District 10,
Charles L. Smith; District 9, Derek M. Henze; Distict 8, Daniel C. Brylla; District 7, Matthew H. Ivens; District 6, James R. Giese; District 5, Jacob
K. Schultz; District 4, Christian N. Hirthe; District 3, Jacob W. Seever; District 2, Earl Gunderson; and District 1, Dennis M. Schultz.

WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - PAGE 28

Bro. Myhre received apron and bible
Bro. Brian Myhre receives his apron and bible in a public ceremony for his benefit in LaBelle Lodge No.
84 in Viroqua on June 5. Past Grand Matron Brenda Gaulke gave a talk on the Order of the Eastern Star
and Membership in Appendant Bodies. From left: Junior Warden Nathan Randall and Bro. Myhre and
Master Ben Hansen.
Submitted by Bro. Chris Underwood

Support the Very proud mother

Wisconsin Masonic Soccer Foundation District 8 Deputy Grand Master Daniel C. Brylla gets a hug from his
mother Claudia Brylla following the installation of Grand Lodge Officers
Contact on June 7. He is a third generation Mason and his son Christopher is
the fourth generation. Both are members of Reedsburg Lodge No. 79.
Erika Miller District 8 Events

erika@wisc-freemasonry.org
262-965-2200, ext. 831
Support the Businesses
that Advertise in your
Wisconsin Masonic Journal

PAGE 29 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019

Honored for 50 years in Scottish Rite
Brothers ride ferry to present 50 year certificate
Bro. Les Paulson, Commander in Chief ASSR, Valley of Eau Claire
presents Bro. Donn West (right) his 50 year certificate and pin for his Brothers from H.S. Baird Lodge ride the car ferry over to Washington Island to present a 50 year certificate
service to Scottish Rite Masonry. to Illinois Brother Richard L. Bjarnarson. From left: Master William Schaefer, Ross Chapman and Charles
Submitted by Bro. Steven Klein Klima.
Submitted by Bro. Ed Klein, photo by Bro. Tom Pinney

Warren Lodge Car Show is Aug. 18 Traveling Gavel

District 7
District 1
Keystone Lodge No. 236 Hiram Lodge No. 50
District 2 District 8
Collins-Spring Valley No. 192 Richland Lodge No. 66
District 3 District 9
Phillips Lodge No. 225 Glenn L. Humphrey No. 364
District 4 District 10
Tri-County Daylite No. 218 Cassia Lodge No. 167
District 5 District 11
Salem Lodge No. 125 Lincoln Lodge No. 183
Warren Lodge No. 4, will host its 6th Annual Car Show at the Holiday Gardens Event Center in beautiful
downtown Potosi, on Aug. 18. Gates will open at 8 a.m., with judging at noon. The Brewery Museum is District 6 District 12
just across the street. If you have any questions please call Bro. Schelley Schoville at 608-732-0030, also Wisconsin Rapids Lodge No. 128 Lafayette Lodge No. 265
follow us on Facebook at potosiwarrenlodge4/.
Please check with the Master of the lodge listed before scheduling a trip to
claim the Traveling Gavel. It may already have been claimed by or delivered
Attend and Support Your Lodge! to another lodge.

Sister Connie Vogt honored

Sister Connie Vogt received the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter's
highest award, the Shining Star during a special banquet held at the
Ellsworth Masonic Center on May 18. Connie is shown being congrat-
ulated by Worthy Matron Dolores Waltz.
Photo by Bro. Milt Helmer

MSA Volunteers are Needed

Take a few hours of your time each month to be a Masonic
Service 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 con-
tact State MSA Coordinator A. Christopher Gans, at 715-467-
or nagamon@execpc.com.

WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019 - MAY 30

 New Master Masons

Bro. Locascio in new MM

Bro. Dominick Locascio was raised in Washburn Lodge No.145 on
June 13. Brother Locascio completed all three degrees in short order
thanks to the wonderful tutelage of Lodge Counselor Wayne Terpstra
and Master Joe Brown. He is currently serving in the US Navy as a
drill instructor at the NTTC Great Lakes.
Submitted by District 11 Deputy Grand Master Dennis J. Krahn
Lake Lodge raises Bro. Michael Wallner
Bro. Michael Wallner was raised in Lake Lodge No. 189 on June 20. Front row from left: Grant Walden;
Master Jon Falk, Michael Wallner, Jeremy Hilgendorf and Joshua Armstrong. 2nd row: Jon Young, Rickey
Lashley, Bill Reid, Don Engel, John Bugajski, Brad Bingheim and Mick Olson. Back row: Tom Dohoney,
Art Kuenstler; Matt Konradt, Jason Walden and Michael Clinnin.
Submitted by Bro. Joshua Armstrong

Bro. Dan Gunderson is raised a Master Mason

Bro. Dan Gunderson to the sublime degree of Master Mason in George B. Wheeler Lodge No. 351 on
June 12. Front row from left: Mark Hink, Master Jim Kent, Dan Gunderson Senior Grand Warden Gary L.
Stang, Scott Tillotson, Dustin Larson and Dewain Lightfoot. Second row: Alex Tillotson, Ron Malcolm,
Jerry Spies, Tim Cree and Matt Chromey. Back row: Kevin Johnson, Steve Lasure, Bob Sloan, Josh Eddy
and David Waibel.
Submitted by Senior Grand Warden Gary L. Stang
Photo by Bro. Les Paulson

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

PAGE 31 - WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2019