By Jordan Wilcox, Master
The Freemasons of Oshkosh Lodge threw a “block party” for the community to celebrate 100 years of the Oshkosh Masonic Center and 175 years of Oshkosh Lodge (No. 27) on August 17th. Washington Avenue was closed to host this free public block party which included a 20-foot-tall inflatable slide, bounce house, musician, face painter, magician, balloon animal artist, and a firetruck for families to tour.
Inside the Oshkosh Masonic Center, the public enjoyed food, a walking history tour, guided tours of the Lodge Room, and a non-profit community fair to showcase other community service organizations to the public.
On August 16th, the building’s 100-year-old cornerstone was removed, and the cornerstone and the contents of the time capsule were placed on display in the walking history tour for the public to see. A new cornerstone was created to be rededicated.
The Lodge Room was standing room only for the public ceremony that began at noon. Everyone in attendance was very impressed by the presentations of the public officials that highlighted how important the Oshkosh Freemasons have been and continue to be to the community. Many of the speakers referenced that the Oshkosh Freemasons formed four years prior to the City of Oshkosh even becoming incorporated and were intricately involved in the creation of the city. Numerous commendations and citations were presented honoring the Oshkosh Freemasons.
Presentations were made by Brother Will Cochrane, Master; Brother Scott McCallum, 43rd Governor of Wisconsin; Mark Rohloff, Oshkosh City Manager; Jon Doemel, Winnebago County Executive; Glenn Grothman, US Congressman; Lori Palmeri, Wisconsin State Representative; Dean Smith, Oshkosh Police Chief; Brother Mike Stanley, Oshkosh Fire Chief; and John Matz, Winnebago County Sheriff.
The Oshkosh Brethren have committed to providing a Fire Suppression Tool (FST) for each Winnebago County Sheriff squad car. The benefits of the FST were discussed followed by a presentation of an FST to Sheriff John Matz.
The public had the opportunity to witness the Masonic Cornerstone Rededication Ceremony conducted by the Grand Master Thomas W. Stevens. Assisting the Grand Master were Master Will Cochrane, Senior Warden Paul Brown, and Junior Warden Chris Mattmiller.
The Celebration allowed the public to learn more about Oshkosh Freemasonry, their involvement in improving the community, and helped rejuvenate the pride in the Brothers of Oshkosh Lodge No. 27. Mission accomplished!
