Article and photos by Brother Rich Rygh
Grand Master Jeff Schoenfeldt and his Lady Janelle hosted the winter Leadership Team Meeting at the Ingelside Hotel in Pewaukee January 16-18.
It was a very enjoyable and productive weekend including tours of Three Pillars Senior Living Communities and The Fields on Saturday morning. The Leadership Team Ladies hosted a Bingo Party for Residents of Three Pillars on Saturday afternoon.
The meeting was called to order Friday afternoon by Grand Master Jeffrey S. Schoenfeldt followed by a prayer by Grand Chaplain David O. Leistra and the “Pledge of Allegiance”.
A moment of silence was observed for PGM Robert E. Moore (1989) a 55-year Mason, who passed away earlier that morning. Brother Moore was also a longtime resident of Three Pillars Senior Living Communities.
It was reported Brother Keith Wohlfert is home and improving. A “Get Well Soon” card was passed around for all to sign to send their well wishes to our Brother.
There is a Secretaries Conference scheduled for Feb. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Rothchild.
Grand Master Schoenfeldt stated he has attended 43 lodge officer installations so far this year, lodges in all twelve Districts. He stated how he greatly enjoyed attending the installations. He said he has felt the Brotherly Love.
Brookfield Lodge No. 370 has been returned to District 12. The incoming WM and other Lodge Brethren had contacted the GM requesting the move. At their recent Lodge installation, GM Jeff presented Brookfield Master Ken Redlin with a certificate proclaiming the move.
The Wisconsin Masonic Foundation has upped the level of matching to $4000 effective immediately. Restrictions tied to the former medical fund have been removed, giving Lodges greater flexibility to respond to a wide range of community needs.
Lineage Pins will soon be available. You will be able to purchase a pin with your name on it and add bars of names of Masons in your family.
Membership Committee Chairman Jacob Schultz reported on Day of Light Candidate feedback and feedback from members who have resigned. He also addressed the Membership Long Term Strategic Plan.
Brother Schultz showed some of our new very professional videos which are available on youtube.com. We had 1,713 online leads generated in 2025 as a result of these promotional videos.
Brother Schultz reported on various feedback surveys from the Day of Light events. The candidates have rated the Days of Light a 5 out of 5. A Day of Light Handbook is coming out.
Surveys are being sent out to members that have resigned and new EAs.
There is an Open House Handbook now available for lodges to assist in their planning.
Work is being done on establishing a “Love Ya Brother Program”.
District 1 Deputy Danny L. Bourassa explained the District Membership Representative program and the importance of Lodge Membership Representatives.
Brother Kyle Grahn reported the tax apps are now up and running and tax info is available on Groupable.
Brother Grahn also explained the online petitions including background checks which have been active since November 1. Training is necessary for the online petitions to be available to a Secretary. There are training sessions coming up on February 9 and 17 at 7 p.m.
The Grand Master extended his appreciation to the Grand Lodge Office Staff and the extraordinary job they do for our fraternity.
Grand Treasurer Paul T. Tourville, PGM, reported the Security Grants are still available. There is a lot of money available, very few lodges have taken advantage of this grant. This is a grant not a match, available for up to $500 No matching funds are required. Also the Physical Media Grants are still available.
Investments have been very strong, they are our largest source of revenue.
Grand Treasurer Tourville stated Three Pillars, which we will tour tomorrow morning is the largest charity in Wisconsin Freemasonry. He said. “We have been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the number one senior living facility in the country.”
The Fields is a $125 million dollar expansion going on right now which will add 110 units. 105 of those units are sold. The Grand Treasurer stated we will be touring that facility including the Welcome Center, the ongoing construction and the Grand Lodge Office.
The District Deputies gave reports on happenings in their districts. The DDs reported a lot of activity in their lodges; several Days of Light planned; increased community involvement; lodges are very busy with degree work; consent agendas are being used to shorten meetings; meetings are including more education; more travel; and the lodges are providing the members with a reason to attend.
Grand Chaplain David O. Leistra conducted a worship service following the meeting on the Joseph saga from the book of Genesis.
Saturday morning the group toured Three Pillars Senior Living Communities beginning with CEO Brother Mark Strautman providing timeline on Three Pillars. This facility provides a deep sense of pride among the Freemasons of Wisconsin.
The meeting continued Saturday afternoon.
Senior Grand Warden Earl Gunderson provided an update of the Strategic Plan with the individual Brother being at the center, followed by the lodge and then the community.
Education Committee Chairman Chris Luedke reported there are several education days scheduled throughout the state. They are listed in the Education Newsletter. He states Symposium is doing well with 40 to 60 people per episode. He brought everyone up on upcoming events.
They are looking at updating the Lodge Planning Guide. The District Deputies offered their input.
Grand Orator Todd A. Wohlert gave a report of the Wisconsin Masonic Journal Committee. The Brothers extended their appreciation to editor Rich Rygh. The board is working on a five year strategic plan. They are going to go to 12 issues next calendar year. Brother Wohlert gave preliminary results from the survey. He said we are not interested in totally changing the WMJ, just improving it.
Grand Chaplain David O. Leistra, Chairman of the Service and Assistance Committee stated requests have slowed down a bit. All requests so far this year have been approved. The lodges are getting involved in helping needy Brothers. Most requests seem to involve health issues. There is plenty of money in the fund available to help our Brothers.
Junior Grand Warden Matthew H. Ivens gave a report on the Wisconsin Masonic Center. He asked the Brothers to extend their appreciation to Brother Tom Ewald for all the work he does. He introduced the Bourbon Barrel fundraiser.
District 6 Deputy Adam J. Rigden, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation reported the matching grants are now up to $4000 per lodge. If all lodges took advantage of this it would be $1.272 million going out to communities. The goal is to go as close as possible to 100% online for requests to increase efficiency. The Acts of Kindness Fund is now close to 5 Million. There are several AOK fundraising galas coming up.
The group broke into breakout sessions.
Following the sessions the groups made their reports. One of the topics discussed was how to better serve and honor our widows.
There will be another online store coming up soon, contact District 7 Kevin K. Gruber for any special requests.
Grand Master Jeff Schoenfeldt closed the meeting.
