By Rich Rygh
Brothers, families, and friends gathered at the McKinley Masonic Center in Brookfield on September 29 to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of Wisconsin Lodge No. 13.
Past Master Clayton Bartz (immediately above) opened the Lodge in public form and welcomed all present. He introduced Grand Master Thomas W. Stevens and the Past Grand Masters and Grand Lodge Officers that were conducting the reconsecration ceremony. Pictured at the top of this story, Wisconsin Lodge Master Dan Pappas, who served as Junior Warden, lights the candles at the public opening of the Lodge.
At the request of the officers of Wisconsin Lodge No. 13, Chartered on January 15, 1848, Grand Master Thomas W. Stevens reconstituted the Lodge and reinstalled the officers agreeable to the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity.
The Grand Master returned the gavel to PM Clayton Bartz.
PM Bartz thanked current Master Dan Pappas for allowing him to conduct the anniversary ceremony which Brother Bartz planned last year but had to be postponed until this year.
Following the ceremony everyone retired to the dining room for a barbecue, fellowship and gun raffle winner announcements.
