By Rich Rygh
Grand Master Jeffrey S. Schoenfeldt and his Lady Janelle hosted the spring Leadership Team Meeting at the Oneida Hotel in Green Bay, April 24-26.
It was a very productive and enjoyable weekend with business conducted and time set aside for community service, topped off with a tour of Lambeau Field, Saturday afternoon.
Saturday morning the team split into two groups, one assisting Roosevelt Lodge setting up for a Veteran’s Appreciation Dinner, the other rebuilding part of a foot bridge and painting a building at the N.E.W. Zoo.
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 Allan E. Iding (1981) a 63-year Mason, who passed away February 21. The Brothers shared a few stories of events attended with, and time spent with MW Brother Al.
Grand Master Schoenfeldt welcomed everyone and gave an overview of the weekend.
The Grand Master stated Mineral Point Lodge has sold their building and will rent back space for their meetings.
There will be a shuttle bus furnished by Tripoli Shrine at the Annual Communication running between the Concourse and the Wisconsin Masonic Center at the top and bottom of the hour. The parking around the Masonic Center will be reserved for handicapped and Brothers with limited mobility.
The Day of Light in Oshkosh is coming up. So far this year 79 Brothers have come through the Day of Light Degrees.
Kegonsa Lodge No. 73, Stoughton, is now a daylight lodge.
An emergency action plan is now available in the resource library of the Grand Lodge website to be used in cases of shootings or other emergencies.
Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PGM, reviewed the resolutions for the upcoming Annual Communication.
Grand Treasurer Paul T. Tourville, PGM, gave a budget report and provided Home Board updates.
The budget will be within a 1% margin of error. The Security Grant program has had about $20,000 worth of usage. It will be continuing next year. The $500 match on Physical Media will continue next year. The Grand Treasurer said he has the remainder of the AEDs with him and asked the DDs to take them to be distributed the lodges.
Grand Treasurer Tourville reported that Three Pillars will show a profit this year. He reported that U.S News and World Report has just released their Best Senior Living 2026 list. For the fifth year in a row Three Pillars is honored with several best ratings. He stated, “This year we are probably the only community in Wisconsin to be rated best in every single category possible.”
Brother Kyle Grahn reported the online petition is going smooth. The process is working well in keeping the petitions moving forward. There will be some changes coming from the IRS regarding financial reports. A reminder the lodges should be filing a PC-220 form from their local municipality on even numbered years for tax exemption.
Brother Jacob Schultz brought the Team up to date on membership and what the team is doing to promote a positive image. They are going to be producing more videos. They are looking for a cross section of Masons by mid May to be interviewed at the Annual Communication.
In the last 365 days we have had 1709 online leads; the DMRs have been working very hard.
There has been very positive feedback from Day of Light Members – everyone who participated in the survey .
Grand Treasurer Tourville reported that last year for the calendar year the membership was down 90 members total. This year to date we are down six.
District 11 Deputy Jason A. Braatz gave a report from the District Deputies. The majority of lodges are very busy. There has been a big increase in community outreach. There are some mergers in the works along with sale of buildings.
Grand Master Schoenfeldt thanked the DDs for their exceptional work.
Brother Todd Wohlert gave a report on The Wisconsin Masonic Journal. The Brothers extended their appreciation to editor Rich Rygh. He reported on the results of the survey and thanked Senior Grand Steward Ryan A. Mayrand for his assistance. Instead of a combined Summer issue for July and August, this year there will be a publication in July and August. The board will be working on increasing advertising.
Grand Chaplain Dr. David O. Leistra gave a report on Service and Assistance. The year started out slowly compared to last year but recently the number of requests have grown. He stated situations we help with are housing, medical, funeral expenses and transportation. Checks can only be issued to the creditor not the individual. We have a generous budget which we have not exhausted. Brother must be in good standing. We encourage the lodges to get involved. Also a Brother can request help for a Brother he knows needs help.
Wisconsin Masonic Foundation Executive Director Adam Rigden gave a report and update from the Foundation.
Grand Chaplain Dr. David O. Leistra conducted a worship service for the Brothers and Ladies following the meeting.
The Meeting reconvened Saturday following the community service and tour of Lambeau Field.
Grand Master Schoenfeldt offered his closing remarks. He stated how proud he is of the Leadership Team for all the time donated and their accomplishments. He said, “It isn’t my year – we are a team.”
Deputy Grand Master Joseph E. Thompson announced his appointed officers for next year. He said, “I know this is a team that is going to move us forward.”
