By DD12 Matt Konradt
Eleven Brothers (representing the Low 12 MRA Puddlers Chapter, Lake Lodge No. 189, Wautoma Lodge No. 148, Union Grove No. 288, Middleton-Ionic No. 180, Ozaukee No. 17, McKinley No. 307, and La Belle No. 84) traveled to Kingston, Tennessee for the 55th Annual Cave Degree put on by Union Lodge No. 38 under the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. Some traveled by motorcycle, some by car, but all enjoyed the wonderful degree work, food and fellowship.
Pictured above are Brothers (from left): Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PGM; Chet Melcher; Jason Gilgenback; DD12 Matt Konradt; Chris Acker; Michael Thumm; Tom Kelley; Dave Vargas; Gregg Helgeson; Victor Magnus; and Dan Cehanovich.
This was my third time attending, I also went in 2023 and 24. The fellowship with Masons around the country keeps me coming back. There has been anywhere from 200-400 attendees there in the years I have been. Most try to stay in the same group of hotels so parking lot Masonry can be enjoyed, we all have chairs with us for the cave anyway.
I have also not yet seen Tennessee work as different jurisdictions confer the degrees each year. My first year was a Florida EA on Friday night and a New Jersey MM in the cave on Saturday afternoon, then a North Carolina EA and Florida MM. I missed a year, and this year was a Florida FC and a North Carolina MM. You never know what you will see.
I know this will be an event I plan to attend more years than not. Please feel free to reach out if your are interested in learning more in the future and joining us in the awesome adventure, dd12@wimasons.org.
Wisconsin Freemasonry Travels!
