By Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin Brother Joseph E. Thompson
First, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Brethren for placing your trust in me to lead this Gentle Craft. This is a responsibility I take to heart, and it is a commitment I make to myself and more importantly, to each of you. I also want to thank Lady Julie and my family in advance for their understanding when my duties may take me away from home.
With that, I say to you: welcome to my journey! This year, I want to take you along on my travels. Together, we will highlight some of the most outstanding individuals on Earth – Freemasons! Last Christmas, Lady Julie gave me a metal clip for my sunvisor engraved with: My Guardian Angel rides shotgun – DAD – 1931-2010.” Knowing that my father is watching over me, I am ready to hit the road!
Of course, family comes first. The day following Annual Communication, the first event was to spend time with Lady Julie; my son, Justin; my daughter, Jennifer; and my Grandson, Teegan. I was lucky enough to have entered a drawing to win a chance to attend American Family Field in Milwaukee to watch the Banana Baseball Team. What a fun day we had!
At the end of the game, I was walking back to my vehicle just outside the Stadium wearing my Masonic baseball hat and I was approached by a young man with his son on his shoulders walking toward me. As we got closer, he says, “Hello Brother!” I immediately stopped and we began talking. This young man was Brother Michael Bailey from Peshtigo, Wisconsin, a member of Pine Lodge No.188 and Marinette Lodge No. 182. Had I not been wearing my Masonic hat, I would have missed an opportunity to meet this wonderful young man!
The following day, Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PM, and I attended Prince Hall Annual Communications in Brookfield. This was an amazing event! Brotherly Love filled the air every moment I spent there. Every person I walked past extended their hand and gave me a hearty greeting. This is the exact unity I was hoping to create this Masonic Year! I was quickly known as the “New Kid on the Block”. Lady Julie joined me at the banquet that evening and Most Worshipful Grand Master Shawn A. James Sr., presented me with an Honorary Membership certificate. What a humbling experience! I look forward to expanding our relationship with Prince Hall Masons.
On Friday, June 12, I had the privilege to attend the National Sojourner’s President’s Banquet. It was an evening of patriotism, reverence and unity. Our Late Brothers Dave Mahoney and Mike Mutter were honored. Lady Shirley and Lady April were recognized during the ceremony. After spending the evening with the National Sojourners, it made me feel proud to support such a fine organization. And even more proud to be an American!
On Saturday, June 13, I had the privilege to preside over the Re-dedication Ceremony of Oregon Lodge No. 151 at Kiser Fireman’s Park along with our outstanding Leadership Team. At the completion of the Ceremony, we enjoyed a pig roast with all the trimmings! Worshipful Master David Huston then presented the Leadership Team with a “Million Dollar Thank You.”
The following day, Sunday, June 14, I traveled to Union Grove Lodge No. 288 to celebrate the Lodge owning the former brick Schoolhouse for 100 years. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held and a historic building plaque was presented to the Lodge. The event was well attended and there was no shortage of fellowship.
My next stop was at Albany Lodge No. 36 on June 17, for their annual picnic. Our Grand Tiler Larry Hanson and his Lady Jill, along with other Lodge members provided us with a delicious meal. After the meal, WB Scott Magnusson, representing Madison Valley of Scottish Rite, presented Junior Warden Phill Ringhand and the Lodge with a plaque recognizing their 175th Anniversary. I had the privilege of presenting WB Matt Hanson with his 25-year Certificate and Pin on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin.
Olive Branch Lodge No. 6 held its annual fish fry on Friday, June 19. PGM David R. Ritchie and I were able to fry up enough fish to feed over 90 meals. Our Lodge members came from all over the state to help with serving food and tending to the tables. It was a great evening of fellowship and a successful fundraiser for the Lodge.
Bright and early the following morning, June 20, PGM Dave Ritchie and I traveled to Iola for a Dedication of a new Flagpole that was erected on the main highway so travelers could observe our Nation’s Flag when entering and leaving the city to celebrate our Nation’s 250th Anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence. I had the privilege of presiding over the ceremony. The Flagpole was donated by Bro. David Forsythe of Manawa Lodge No. 82. News Reporter, John Faucher, from Multi Media Channels, LLC was on hand to cover the event and take photographs. A very nice news article was later published in the Waupaca County Newspaper.
Upon leaving Iola, PGM Dave and I traveled to Milton Lodge No. 161 for their “Hillbilly Night.” The event was well attended and full of fun and fellowship. The food was delicious! Several Awards were presented by the Lodge.
On Father’s Day, Lady Julie and I decided to travel to Waushara County Fairgrounds to attend Wautoma Lodge No. 148’s annual car show. This was the first time I had attended this event, and I was more than impressed. I understand there were record numbers of cars, trucks, and motorcycles on display. Several of which caught my eye! Hats off for a job well done!
Lady Julie and I then traveled to Lansing, Michigan for their 200th year Bicentennial Gala on June 24. I was honored to meet Grand Master Michael Roberts and his Lady. I also had the opportunity to share the evening with Grand Master of Indiana, MW John Bridegroom. During the evening, the history of Michigan’s Grand Lodge was divided into 50-year segments. Freemasonry continues to be very strong in the State of Michigan.
On Friday, June 26 I had the honor to attend McKinney Lodge No. 307’s Table Lodge. Another wonderful night of fellowship was spent with the Brethren. PGM Ken Gorgen and his team of chefs made sure no one went home hungry! It was nice to see PGM Joe Harker and PGM Dan Slavik in attendance. At the completion of the night, I was presented with a check in the amount of $500 from the Lodge in support of my Grand Master’s Appeal for Breast Cancer Recovery. Thank you to all the Brothers for this amazing gift!
To finish off the month, I traveled to Fredric on June 28, for Landmark Lodge No. 244’s Golf Outing. What a turn out! The weather was very different, but the fellowship was outstanding! I spent the day with RW George Eisenmann III and WB Danny Bourassa, DD1, chasing that little white ball all over the course! Needless to say, we are NOT going to be on the PGA Tour any too soon!
So, my Brothers, I hope I didn’t bore you too much but wanted to let you know your Leadership Team is out there working for you! If you have an event that you want your Leadership to attend, please let me know, and we will surely attempt to get it on our calendars.
Fraternally,
Joe Thompson, Grand Master 2026-2027
