By Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin, Brother Jeff Schoenfeldt
Happy 2026, Brothers! I trust all of your holidays were merry and bright, filled with the warmth, laughter, and love of family and friends.
To me, one of the most important and exciting times of the year is “Installation Season” as we elect, appoint, and install our Lodges’ new leadership teams across the state. Just to give you an idea of how important I think they are, as of this writing, I have been a part of the installations of 33 Lodges in almost every district. My goal this year is 40 – or roughly 23% of all of the Lodges in the state.
Lodge installations remind us that every ending is a new beginning. At these ceremonies, the first thing I do is thank the outgoing 2025 Lodge officers for their service and leadership over the past year. Without their commitment and dedication, the Lodge and its Brethren would not be in the position they are today; and for that, we are grateful.
However, as their tenures come to a close, I remind the Lodge Brethren that now is the time for these new leaders to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. I remind them that several years ago, they knelt at the altar of their Lodge and promised to be a better man – and that today, at their installation ceremony, they will similarly gather at the altar and promise to be the best leader they can be for their Lodge during next year.
To be that leader they need to seize the moment, make a difference, and keep being the good in the world.
Then, just as we received a charge at the end of all of our degrees, I give these new officers their charge for the upcoming year:
• Your time is now: Be bold. Do new things. Try different things. Evolve traditions. Energize and activate your Lodge and its Brethren.
• Lead with wisdom. Work with your Lodge Leadership Team to discuss priorities, objectives, and goals – and then work together to achieve them. Listen to dissention, heed advice, consider all options – but do so together, as a Team!
• Use the Lodge Planning Guide to strategically plan the year ahead; take the Online Masonic Code Course to get a good refresher on how to use the Code.
• Most importantly: lead with Brotherly Love. Be compassionate and kind in all that you do and all that you say.
• Be proud of the fact that you are a Mason. Walk upright and conduct yourselves in a way that continues to make all of us proud to call your our Brother and our friend.
• Have fun, do good, and a make a difference! Keep a smile on your face and love in your hearts and, as always, keep being the good in the world!
I’m so tremendously proud of the work that you and your Lodges have done over the past year – and, I believe that the best is yet to come for Wisconsin Freemasonry and you will help lead the way! I challenge our incoming leaders to continue to provide value to your Lodge Brethren, be it with further light through education, increased fellowship and Brotherly Love opportunities, or with additional ways of community involvement and support.
Congratulations, officers: Let’s make 2026 our best year yet!
