By Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin Brother Jeffrey S. Schoenfeldt
As the great philosopher (and Wisconsin native) Steve Miller said, “Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’… into the future.” Just as quickly as we began, here we are already – nearly 12 months in to our incredible journey together.
First let me report on several of the 25 events I attended this month. I had a great time at the Valley of Milwaukee Scottish Rite reunion honoring Brother Jim Stoebe. Brother Jim is an incredible Mason, our treasured Annual Communication Organist, and friend – and it was great to be there to support him.
I had the honor of installing Owen Lodge – and re-installing the Brothers of Kenosha-Unity Lodge #47. Kenosha and Unity Lodges recently merged; so I was able to install their new slate of officers. This marked number 47 of Blue Lodge Installations I was blessed to have been a part of this year, which is over 30% of all Wisconsin Lodges.
We also had an incredible Day of Light in Oshkosh where we raised 13 new MMs! I’m so proud of the seven MDOLs we held all over the state this year and the 92 Brothers they produced! I truly believe keeping those class sizes between 12-15 guys is the ideal to keeping the experience more personal and meaningful. That same morning, I was also in Burlington where they batched 5 MM degrees together – making the day a gain of 18 new Brothers!
I took part in a really nice Ladies at the Table Lodge in Wautoma, attended another Ozaukee County Lodge fish fry (my third this year – you HAVE to go for the clam chowder), and was back in my old stomping grounds for the District 7 Spring Meeting and the Dyslexia Center of Madison’s “Walk for Dyslexia” through a scenic neighborhood on Lake Monona on a gorgeous spring day.
Brother Jim McGuigan and the Brothers of James M Hays Lodge held a very successful and fun “Shed Lodge” in Milwaukee where they also presented an FST and AED to the Brown Deer Police Department and a scholarship to a Messmer High School student who is college bound for a career in IT. The Leadership Team and I had a great time at the 99th Annual Waucoma Lodge Oyster Stew and Chili Dinner, with chefs Duane (who makes the stew) and LeRoy (who makes the chili) Huber! Also was a great chance to catch up with my friend, Richard Moen, and celebrate Duane’s 89th Birthday!
I also had the honor to speak at the Opening Session of Job’s Daughters in the Dells and at the Installation Ceremony of Officers of Eastern Star Grand Chapter in Stevens Point. I’m always proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with these important members of our Masonic Family! We need to do all we can to involve them in our projects, make them feel welcome in our Family, and support them in their endeavors – that’s what family does! I also attended the Annual Communications of both Michigan (their 200th) and Indiana.
I’m on track to complete over 230 events and travel in excess of 38,000 miles; which is over 600 hours of windshield time – or roughly 25 solid days of just driving! I’ve enjoyed every single moment. No matter how far the journey seemed, no matter the other superfluities in my life: walking into that Lodge building and being greeted with the smiles of my Brothers made every visit a warm and cherished memory.
I want to thank my loving and supportive wife, Janelle. Despite the fact that we were married just six months when I was sworn in as Grand Master, she has risen to the occasion and taken care of our kids, home, and pets (1 dog and 9 cats) without ever an instance of frustration over my being gone so often. She’s reassured me time and time again that she didn’t mind because she knows the good that Freemasons do. She’s a saint and we’re lucky to have her in our Wisconsin Masonic Family!
I’m so grateful for the opportunity you gave me to lead this fraternity for a year. Looking back, aside from trying to pack in a few more visits maybe in the front part of the term, I don’t think I would do anything differently.
But, alas, as some lead, so, too, must others follow. In the waning days of this term, I will never stop promoting this incredible fraternity until it is my turn to step aside and take a seat on the sidelines. But, rest assured, I’m not done: I’m only 50 years old and have so much more to give to Freemasonry. What that exactly looks like is, again, up to the Grand Architect of the Universe.
Until we meet again, my Brothers, be ye all of one mind. Live in peace – and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and Bless you all.
So let us end our labors in the same manner in which we began them:
“Grand Architect of the Universe,
We thank Thee for the blessings of this past Masonic year – for the harmony that prevailed, the labors that prospered, and the light of Brotherly Love that shone brightly amongst us.
I am deeply grateful for the high honor of serving as Grand Master and, moreover, the opportunity to serve my Brothers. Thank you, Supreme Grand Master, for your gentle guidance this past year in all of our undertakings – and for enriching our hearts with kindness, compassion, and love.
As one year closes and another begins, we commend the incoming Grand Master and his officers into Thy wise and protecting care. Grant them the wisdom to lead with integrity, strength to uphold our tenets and continue our progress, and unity to bind the Brethren in peace and harmony. May their labors be marked by continued growth, powerful and meaningful charitable works, and the enduring spirit of Freemasonry.
So mote it be.”
Thank you for the opportunity to be your Grand Master. Thank you for everything you do for Masons and Masonry in Wisconsin. Thank you for caring about your families, communities and country – and thank you for the positive impacts you make each and every day. Thank you for being the good in the world – and thank you for being my Brother and friend!
I love you all – may God continue to Bless Wisconsin Freemasonry!
