By Rich Rygh 

Grand Master Jeffrey S. Schoenfeldt welcomed everyone to the “Wisconsin Freemasonry: A Salute to America” Thursday evening before the Annual Communication at the Madison Concourse. 

On behalf of the entire Wisconsin Freemason Leadership Team he welcomed everyone to the kick off of the 182 Annual Communication. 

He said tonight we are celebrating Freemasonry and the 250th Anniversary of our country. He stated our American founders were deeply shaped by Masonic ideals. 

He said, “Tonight as we break bread together let us give thanks for the blessings of liberty that we enjoy and let us rededicate ourselves to the timeless values that bind us as Brothers and Americans. 

Everyone joined in a toast to our country. 

Grand Chaplain Dr. David O. Leistra provided an invocation before the meal. 

Red, white and blue was the theme with dancing to Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos. Pictured at the top of the article, Brother Kevin Reichenbach, Master of Waterloo Lodge No. 63, who was dressed for the occasion, including dying his beard read, white, and blue!

GM Jeff’s remarks that evening:

Brethren and Honored Guests,

Good evening! 

I’m Jeff Schoenfeldt, Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin, and behalf of my Lady, Janelle, the Wisconsin Freemasonry Leadership Team and I welcome you to the kick off event of the 182nd Annual Communication. 

It is a distinct pleasure to stand before you tonight as we celebrate two great lights: 

Freemasonry and the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America.

A quarter of a millennium ago, in 1776, a bold group of patriots declared that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. Many of those signers and leaders — including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and others — were members of our ancient fraternity. They understood that the principles we cherish as Masons — Liberty, Equality, Justice, and Brotherly Love — are the very foundation stones of this great Republic.

Freemasonry did not create America, but America’s founders were deeply shaped by Masonic ideals. In our lodges, we have always taught that men of differing backgrounds can gather in peace, reason together, and work for the common good. 

That same spirit built this nation.

Here in Wisconsin, we continue that proud tradition. Whether we are supporting our communities, educating our youth, or quietly extending relief to those in need, we do so as American Freemasons — grateful for our freedom and committed to preserving it.

Tonight, as we break bread together, let us give thanks for the blessings of liberty we enjoy, and let us rededicate ourselves to the timeless values that bind us as Brothers and as Americans.

Please rise and join me in a toast:

To Freemasonry — that ancient and honorable fraternity which has lighted the paths of patriots and builders for centuries, teaching us to meet upon the Level, act upon the Plumb, and part upon the Square.

And to the United States of America on her 250th Anniversary — born in the spirit of Liberty, guided by Masonic ideals, and still standing as a beacon of hope under the watchful eye of the Great Architect of the Universe.

May the square of virtue guide our conduct, the compass of reason bound our passions, and the blessings of freedom ever unite us as Brothers and as proud Americans.

While we are standing, let us humbly invoke the blessing of deity – Brother Grand Chaplin, please led us in prayer. 

Thank you – enjoy your meal, enjoy the company of those around you, and have fun later with the incredible dueling pianos we have planned for this evening. 

God bless you all, God bless America – and may God continue to bless Wisconsin Freemasonry!