By Rich Rygh
Grand Master Joseph E. Thompson and his Lady Julie hosted the fall Grand Lodge Leadership Team Meeting at the Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center September 18-20.
It was a very informative and productive weekend focused on education.
The Ladies worked on assembling gift bags for Breast Cancer Recovery, this year’s Grand Master’s Appeal on Friday afternoon, the farmer’s market on Saturday morning, had lunch at the Roxy Supper Club and played Glow in the Dark Indoor Mini Golf in the afternoon.
The leadership team meeting was called to order Friday afternoon by Grand Master Thompson followed by a prayer by Grand Chaplain Darrell O. Kyle and the “Pledge of Allegiance” lead by Grand Tiler Larry A. Hanson. Pictured above, Grand Master Joseph E. Thompson explains the agenda for the weekend meetings.
Grand Chaplain Darrel O. Kyle was officially installed by the Grand Master.
Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PGM, reported on activities from the Secretaries office. He stated service awards have been sent out to each of the lodge secretaries of record. Certificates, pins and wallet cards have been sent out for 25, 50 and 60 years.
Grand Treasurer Paul T. Tourville, PGM, provided updates as Treasurer and updates from the Masonic Home Board. He also reported on the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation.
Senior Grand Steward Kyle A. Grahn, Business Manager, stated there will be some changes in the tax forms for this year. Which should simplify the filing. He also stated the Grand Lodge will be switching from their current fiscal year to the calendar year.
Brother Sam Dixon and DD1 Danny Bourassa reported on the combining of the Education and Membership Committee. Some of the new videos were shown. Training is now being offered for the new online petitions, Secretaries are encouraged to complete the training as soon as possible. New tools are being developed for retention and recruitment and will be rolled out soon.
Senior Grand Deacon Michael A. Burnham gave a very informative presentation on Cybersecurity and best-practices to keep us all safer online. A link to this presentation has been emailed to the membership.
Saturday morning Brother Bob Roth opened with a presentation on Fiduciary Liabilities for Trustees and Grand Lodge Officers, Civil Liabilities and Masonic-sponsored charities.
The group broke into workshops. The PLO/Executive officers met covering a multitude topics and the District Deputies met.
Grand Lecturer Davey L. White Jr. PGM, addressed the DDs on Masonic Protocol. DD8 Daniel M. Wohlfert lead a discussion Standardizing District Newsletters throughout the 12 districts. The DDs went through and updated the District Deputies’ Handbook.
Reports were made from the workshops and the meeting was closed by the Grand Master.
Grand Chaplain Darrell O. Kyle conducted a worship service with everyone wearing their favorite game day attire followed by a dinner and fellowship.
