By District Representative Brian Jahns
The Masons of District 12 gathered on April 30, for their annual Spring Meeting at the Tripoli Shrine Center in Milwaukee. The meeting was very well attended.
The meeting was opened by the National Sojourners members PGM Kenneth C. Gorgen, W Brother. Jeremy Mathis and W Brother Lowell Scott, pictured above.
District 12 Deputy Jeremy J. Koss welcomed all in attendance and introduced the District 12 team.
District Education Officer Napoleon Sneed-Janczak provided the Brothers in attendance with a short education piece on “Service to Others Through Self”, which is a philosophical concept that emphasizes individuals dedicating themselves to helping and benefiting others while putting their own needs or interests aside. He explained on how this concept aligns with the values of our Fraternity including Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Senior Grand Steward Mike A. Burnham filled the Brothers in on what is going on with Membership in the State of Wisconsin. He stated that the targeted ad campaigns remain highly effective in generating interest in the Fraternity and encourages every Mason to “like”, but especially share the Grand Lodge posts on Facebook to maximize our reach and bring positive attention to our Fraternity. He discussed the upcoming online petition process which will streamline membership applications. He also said that the Membership team is widening their focus to include retention of current members to make sure that everyone feels welcome, appreciated and connected. The Membership team is working on creating scripts to make calling, texting and reaching out to our current members easier.
District Representative Derick Smith talked to the Brothers about getting their Lodge Calendar completed and submitted and using the Planning Guide to make their year a success. He also plans on putting together several meetings this fall to discuss various topics of interest to District 12’s Lodge Leaders.
District 12 Deputy Jeremy J. Koss presented four Traveling Apron Awards to Brother Jason Williams, W Brother John Pettigrew, Brother Bryan Morearty and Brother Karl Cleppe. W Brother Jeff Thiele, W Brother Matt Konradt and Brother Joe Payne will receive the Traveling Apron Awards at a later date.
James M. Hays Lodge No. 331 and Lake Lodge No. 189 were presented with the Traveling Lodge Award. Brother Jonas Wittke was awarded the District 12 Rookie of the Year Award. Brother Karl Cleppe was awarded the District 12 Mason of the Year.
