Article and Photos By Rich Rygh
Brother Kevin Reichenbach, Master of Waterloo Lodge No. 63, opened a special communication of the Lodge on June 22, for the purpose of celebrating their 170th anniversary. The celebration took place at Firemen’s Park in Waterloo. After presenting a short history of the Lodge since it was chartered on June 18, 1855, Brother Reichenbach turned the gavel over to Grand Master Jeffrey S. Schoenfeldt to reconsecrate the Lodge and reinstall the officers.
Pictured above are Grand Lodge Officers (from left) : Deputy Grand Master Joseph E. Thompson, Senior Grand Warden Earl Gunderson (back to camera), Grand Master Jeffrey S. Schoenfeldt, Junior Grand Deacon Michael A. Burnham, Senior Grand Steward Ryan A. Mayrand, Junior Grand Warden Matthew H. Ivens, and Junior Grand Steward Paul A. Larson. As Grand Master Schoenfeldt stated, “Having 7 of the 8 members of the Progressive Line of Wisconsin Freemasonry Leadership Team here today underscores how proud we are of your Lodge’s achievement of 170 years – and how proud we are to call you our Brothers and friends!”
Grand Master Schoenfeldt thanked the lodge for the positive impact the Lodge has had on Waterloo and the surrounding area. He mentioned that due to the extreme heat (it was 95 degree that day) the dress for the occasion was a little less formal. The Grand Master stated he believed that even after 170 years of being the good in their community, the best of Waterloo Lodge is yet to come.
The Grand Master asked the Grand Stewards to uncover the lodge and he reconsecrated Waterloo Lodge agreeable to the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity and reinstalled the officers of the Lodge.
District 46 State Representative Joan Fitzgerald complimented the lodge on the important part the Lodge has played in the history of Waterloo.
In closing Brother Reichenbach stated, “As we look forward to the future of Waterloo Lodge, I’m filled with pride. We stand on the shoulders of our Brothers who have brought us to were we are today. We can be proud that we have had three 33º Scottish Rite Brothers. We are blessed with having Worshipful Brother Parker Dow who has been Grand Commander of the Knights Temple of the State of Wisconsin and 11 times Worshipful Master of Waterloo 63. We have a 75 year plus Past Master of Waterloo Lodge, Brother George Socha, who I feel is the conscience of our lodge. Brother George turns 100 years old this year. And very honored to have a Past Grand Master of Freemasonry, Most Worshipful Brother Daniel L. Slavik. As current Worshipful Master, I stand in your shadow my Brothers and I salute you and all the Past Masters living and dead. But Most importantly, all the Brothers who were and are the Brothers of Waterloo Lodge No. 63 F. & A.M.”
Refreshments and fellowship followed.
