Grand Master’s May Address to the Craft

Greetings Brethren,

Your 2019 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin, which commences the morning of June 7, 2019, is just around the corner.  The events of that weekend include the Celebration of Wisconsin Freemasonry the evening of June 6.  For the most part, this is your annual legislative session during which your lodge officers (Master and Wardens) or their proxies are entitled to vote on the proposed budget and resolutions. In many respects, the policies and direction of the Grand Lodge for the ensuing year are contained within the proposed 2019-2020 budget which the voting members will be asked to carefully consider.

Attendance at the Annual Communication is obviously important and even if you aren’t one of the officers of your lodge with voting privileges, you can still “Stir Up Some Good” by being heard from the floor to express your views during the time the resolutions and any other matters needing the vote of the membership are being presented. There will be some very interesting training “Break Out Sessions”, as well. We look forward to seeing the Brethren at this year’s Annual Communication on June 7-8 at the Madison Masonic Center.

As I write this we are just on the heels of a fantastic Grand Lodge Staff Meeting weekend which was held close to my home. Our Grand Lodge Officer team met in Darlington where the Grand Master’s Testimonial Dinner was held. The outpouring of very kind words, gifts and love that Lady Ronda and I received was yet another “Mountain Top” experience delivered to us by the Masons of Wisconsin!  In addition to some 150 attendees from throughout Wisconsin, our awesome friend Bro. James “Jim” Smith, Assistant Imperial Rabban of Shriners International and his wonderful Lady Alice drove from Georgetown, Texas to be with us for our special evening. Although he has relocated to Texas, Imperial Sir Jim has primary membership as a Wisconsin Mason and is a member of Phillips Lodge. Just like the great Masons I have met throughout this State during my travels of 75,000+ miles since last June 2, Imperial Sir Jim is yet another true example of a Mason who is the essence of humility and brotherly love.

Additionally, Scottish Rite Masons, York Rite Masons, Eastern Star and our great Shriners were each well represented at the Testimonial Dinner. Zor Shrine Potentate Wally Trouten and Lady Gayle were on hand and I’m grateful they took the time to be with us along with many of Wally’s team. My Scottish Rite Valley of Madison Commander-In-Chief Ralph Behlke and Lady Mitch took of their time to travel to be with us, as well. I’m extremely proud of the continuous actions of all of our appendant/affiliated Wisconsin Masonic Bodies and how they are all “Stirring Up Good”!

Again, we look forward to seeing you at the upcoming Annual Communication in Madison.  Your attendance is important and I believe you will find it to be an enjoyable and Masonically refreshing experience.

I’ll see you in Lodge.

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