By Rich Rygh
District 9 Lecturer Bradley Behlke, Master of Jefferson County Lodge No. 9, opened the Lodge on January 30, in celebration of their 180th anniversary. There was not an empty seat in the entire Lodge room!
Master Bradley Behlke welcomed everyone and commenced to open a public Lodge.
Grand Master Jeffrey S. Schoenfeldt introduced his leadership team. He highlighted Jefferson County Lodge’s many contributions to the community. The Grand Master said, “The best is yet to come.” The Lodge is the oldest civic organization in Jefferson.
Grand Master Schoenfeldt asked the Stewards to uncover the Lodge and he rededicated Jefferson County Lodge agreeable to the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity and reinstalled the officers of the Lodge. The Grand Master declared the Lodge reconstituted to Freemasonry, virtue and universal benevolence.
Brother Rich Moulding “English”, president, and members of the Wisconsin Widows Sons Green Dragon Chapter, which includes Brothers from Jefferson County Lodge presented Grand Master Schoenfeldt a check for $2,319. The money was raised for the Grand Master’s Appeal during the Widow’s Sons Charity Ride on August 11, 2025, beginning at the Three Pillars Senior Living Community in Dousman. Grand Master Schoenfeldt participated in the ride.
The Lodge was closed and everyone retired to the dining room for fellowship and an incredible buffet topped with Lady Kim Larson’s special Masonic cakes for dessert.
Pictured above, Brothers from left: Deputy Grand Master Joseph E. Thompson, Grand Master Jeffrey S. Schoenfeldt, Master Bradley Behlke, District 6 Deputy Adam J. Rigden, Senior Warden Miguel Perez, Chaplain James Grenz. Second row: Junior Grand Warden Matthew H. Ivens Grand Marshal Jan F. Talaga, Junior Grand Steward Paul A. Larson and District 11 Deputy Jason A. Braatz. Back row: District 9 Deputy Patrick J. Garvin, Junior Grand Deacon Michael A. Burnham, Senior Grand Steward Ryan A. Mayrand, Junior Warden Ryan Michalski and Junior Deacon David Medici.
