Is spring finally here? As I write this message the thermometer hovers around 30 degrees.
The monthly reports received from your Grand Lodge officers keep me informed of the activities of your Lodge. Please keep your District Deputy informed of the degrees and other events your lodge has planned. Each Deputy is reporting weekly on lodge happenings via an e-mail notice. I again must tell you that the majority of Wisconsin Lodges have been busy. They are conferring degrees, holding dinners, and honoring their members who have attained 25, 40, 50, and even 60 years of service. The lodges that are busy are having fun and enjoying the activities they have planned.
I attended the annual Oyster/Chili dinner at Waucoma No, 90 in Cooksville the other evening. It is just a little lodge above a small town General Store, what a unique and historic setting. That same evening I traveled with your Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Davey L. White, Jr., to Oregon Lodge where we were surprised to be asked to present a 25 and a 50 year service award. Presenting service awards is a very rewarding experience and one I enjoy very much. My Brothers, your Grand Lodge officers want to help your Lodge and support your activities in anyway we can. Please contact anyone of us as soon as you know the date and time of an upcoming event.
The 8th Annual Wisconsin Freemasons Combined Table Lodge is now history. This event combines the members of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Mason of Wisconsin, Inc. and The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Mason of Wisconsin to celebrate the “Ceremony of Seven Toasts”. What a great event. Over the years, this event has grown rapidly from the approximately 125 attendees at the first Table Lodge in 2004 to the 300 plus this year. It is important that we continue to share and enjoy fraternal fellowship, a meal and the toasts each year. I want to thank all those who once again volunteered to make the event such a great success.
I challenge all lodge elected officers to become familiar with the Wisconsin Masonic Code. The best way to do this is to study the Wisconsin Masonic Code and complete the Wisconsin Masonic Code Correspondence Course examination. Both are found on our website (http://wisc-freemasonry.org). The latest edition of the Wisconsin Masonic Code is located under the Publications Tab and the Exam is under Publications as well, see the Education offerings.
Our Three Pillars Senior Living Campus’ new Wellness Center and Hickory Suites Rehabilitation has been a great success. I have been receiving many great comments about the Rehabilitation care facility.
There is always activity in the Wellness Center. I have talked with several who know someone who has benefited from the services provided. Everyone speaks very highly of the facility, the staff and the programs offered. Even if you are not in need of the services provided, please encourage those who you know could use them, to check and see what we have to offer.
Your Wisconsin Masonic Foundation has identified a new matching grant program in which local lodges may wish to participate. The CPR Anytime first pilot program, was recently introduced into the Richland Center Middle School with great success. Contact our Development office for more information.
My Lady Mary and I wish you all a very Happy Easter! Our Scottish Rite Valleys and the various Commanderies will be conducting Easter services. Please support these activities. It will be good to be together with families and friends during this time of renewal. We are thankful for the freedom we enjoy to worship freely with our loved ones.
How do we meet my Brothers?
“On the Level”
Joe
