By Brother Roger Wolski
The installation of officers took place during the 182nd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin on Friday, June 5, 2026. Grand Master Joseph E. Thompson and the 2026-2027 Grand Lodge Officers were installed in due form before a packed assembly of Wisconsin Masons, their families and guests. Pictured above, Grand Master Thompson receives his hat from Lady Julie, daughter Jennifer and son Justin.
The ceremony began with members of Wisconsin DeMolay presenting the Schoolbooks and placing them beside the Holy Bible, which was carried to the altar by Grand Master-elect Joseph E. Thompson’s grandchildren Tinsley and Teegan Nelson. The flag of the United States was presented by the Grand Commandery of Wisconsin, led by Sir Knights Parker Dow, Shawn Noble, Frank Rumisek, James Hunt and Richard Moen. The assembly recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The National Anthem was sung by District 5 Deputy Nathan H. Randall, followed by the Ceremony of Light presented by Donovan Stadler of Wisconsin DeMolay.
Worshipful Brothers Marc Steiber, Master; Monte Steiber, Senior Warden; Royce Jones, Junior Warden; and Orville Olsen, Chaplain, opened the lodge in public form. After the tapers were lit and the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses were properly displayed, Worshipful Brother Olsen offered prayer.
Brother Marc Steiber introduced the installing officers: PGM Brother Gary L. Stang, Installing Grand Master; PGMs Scott E. Pedley and L. Arby Humphrey, Installing Grand Marshals; PGM David R. Ritchie, Installing Grand Chaplain; and Bro. James R. Stoebe, Organist.
The officers and District Deputies being installed arose and took their obligations. Before proceeding, the Installing Grand Chaplain invoked the blessing of Deity upon the installation ceremony.
The Installing Grand Marshal introduced the District Deputies. After receiving their charges and instructions, they were invested with their collars by their ladies and escorted to their places.
The officers of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin were installed in due form. Their ladies presented their collars, and the Installing Grand Marshal conducted each officer to his station.
Grand Master-elect Joseph E. Thompson was then escorted to the altar for installation. The Masters of the Lodges that were present were asked to join the Grand Master Elect at the altar. They placed a hand upon the shoulder of the Master before them, forming a symbolic chain connecting them to the Grand Master-elect. Bro. Joseph E. Thompson received the charges of his office and was duly installed as Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin.
Following his installation, the Grand Marshal escorted Grand Master Thompson to the East. As he made his way forward, he passed beneath an Arch of Steel formed by members of the Valley of Madison Scottish Rite Chapter of Rose Croix. He was welcomed to the East with enthusiastic applause.
Installing Grand Marshal Scott E. Pedley, PGM, proclaimed the officers duly installed. The proclamation was made in the South, West and East in the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin.
In his first remarks, Grand Master Thompson addressed the District Deputies, reminding them of the importance of their positions and thanking them for their support during the coming year.
The Grand Master expressed his gratitude to the brethren of Wisconsin for placing their trust in him and introduced members of his family. He recognized his Lady, Julie, presenting her with a bouquet of flowers. He thanked his daughter Jennifer, her husband Jason, and his grandchildren, Tinsley and Teegan Nelson. He also acknowledged his son, Justin Thompson, and Angela and extended family members who were present.
Grand Master Thompson announced that the 2026-2027 Grand Master’s Appeal would benefit the Breast Cancer Recovery Program, a cause that holds special meaning for him and his family.
The Grand Master also expressed appreciation to the opening and installing officers, as well as the many volunteers who work behind the scenes to make the Annual Communication a success.
Special recognition was given to Wisconsin’s appendant bodies for their continued support of Freemasonry. Grand Master Thompson noted that these organizations help strengthen membership and improve retention throughout the fraternity. As he remarked, “Why should we bring men to light if we lose them before they can shine?”
The Grand Master then shared the story of his Masonic journey. He explained that he joined Freemasonry alongside his father, beginning a lifelong experience they enjoyed together until his father’s health prevented him from traveling. In tribute to his father, Grand Master Thompson announced that he would wear his father’s Masonic ring throughout his year as Grand Master.
A special presentation from his family followed. His son, Justin, delivered heartfelt remarks about his father and presented him with a hat fitting for a Grand Master.
Brother Jim Herman presented Grand Master Thompson with an embroidered memory plaque.
Representing the Shrine, Steve Livernash of Zor Shrine, along with Imperial Potentate Jim Smith of Shriners International and Jim Burton, Potentate of Tripoli Shrine, presented the Grand Master with the traditional Grand Master’s Fez.
The Past Potentates of Zor Shrine contributed $1,300 to the Grand Master’s Appeal.
Additional support came from PGM Davey L. White Jr. and the brethren of Warren Lodge No. 4, who organized a spaghetti supper to benefit the appeal. Their efforts raised $1,000, and with an additional $2,000 contribution from Melody Lodge No. 2, a check for $3,000 was presented to Grand Master Thompson.
Just when it appeared the presentations had concluded, the theme from “The Blues Brothers” echoed through the auditorium. Brothers Kevin Baker and Nick Baker, known as the Baker Brothers, made a memorable entrance dressed in full Blues Brothers attire. Declaring they were “on a mission from God,” they presented Grand Master Thompson with a handcrafted gavel carved from timber taken from Olive Lodge No. 6.
The installation ceremony concluded in due form. The newly installed Grand Lodge officers and their ladies exited the auditorium to Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song,” bringing an inspiring and memorable ceremony to a close.
