By Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin Brother Joseph E. Thompson
Hello Brethren,
Another busy month of spending time with you and enjoying every minute of this marvelous journey. I am blessed to attend your events, making this journey so amazing.
August 20, was one of those amazing events. I traveled to Oregon with PGM Dave Ritchie to attend a First Responder picnic and Awards evening. WB John Graham did his normal amazing job organizing this event which was a huge success. The cooking crew led by WM Dave Huston fed the huge gathering in the Park. I had an opportunity to meet several of my good friends and mentors! Two of my favorites are Mike and Mark Nelson. It is always a pleasure to see these Brothers throughout my travels in several Districts, always spreading that Brotherly Love that we are all seeking.
My next stop was Cedar Rapids, Iowa on August 22, with the Madison Valley of Scottish Rite. Our Valley performed the 16th Degree and Iowa’s Grand Master Wade Sheeler was the exemplar. I had the honor to be the exemplar for the Fourth Degree performed by Cedar Rapids’ Valley. There was no shortage of Fellowship during this event.
Lady Julie and I traveled to Wautoma for their Sweet Corn and Baked Potato Fundraiser on August 24. District Administrator of Wild Rose School District, Graig Hayes was the Guest Speaker and enlightened the large crowd on hand. Three of the Lodges Scholarship recipients attended the fundraiser. It was great to see members from Wautoma Lodge again. I spent time with WB Jim Lukas who was WM in 2022. He pointed out that WB Danny Wohlfert followed him as WM in 2023. RWDGM Earl Gunderson and Lady Karen also attended this event.
I had the opportunity to attend the FC Degree for Brother Kaine Evans at Dodgeville Lodge on August 27. In speaking with Brother Evans, I learned that his relatives live on Evans Quarry Road just northeast of Dodgeville. As a youngster, I grew up working on my two uncles’ farm in this area. One never knows how small this world really is when you travel.
The following day, I went to Waukesha School District where 55 AEDs were presented to the School District by the Freemasons of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation. The funds were from an anonymous donor that provided the funds to upgrade and replace several AEDs in the School District. Once again, this act of kindness highlights what Freemasons are doing throughout the State.
The Grand Master’s Motorcycle Ride was held on August 29. The ride began in Dousman, with a parade around Three Pillars Campus and ended near Brookfield. Rain was predicted, but we managed to get the ride in before the heavy rain began.
September 1, I was honored to speak at our Red Cross of Constantine meeting at the Madison Club. Another great night spent with high-quality Masons throughout the State.
Since Lady Julie spent my birthday on vacation with her friends, I was able to spend my birthday attending Amicitia Lodge No. 25 and Olive Branch Lodge No. 6. This rounded out my year as I spent our 49th Wedding Anniversary at the District 6 Spring Meeting in Wautoma, however, we have dinner plans for Lady Julie’s birthday to spend time together before attending the upcoming District 8 meeting in Darlington.
Not all days are happy days, however. On September 3 we sadly said Farewell to PGM Beetcher Daniels with a Masonic Service. I have so many fond memories of PGM Beetcher. Whenever I met with him, he was quick to remind anyone around that he played the part of Jubelum in my Master Mason Degree. He was a giant of a man with a heart to match!
On September 4, I traveled back to the north country to help with the Wounded Warrior Golf outing on September 5, at Lake Nebagamon. Once again, I made PGM Arby Humphrey and WB Danny Bourassa look good compared to my golfing technique! I was able to help with cooking brats and burgers for the golfers. I understand this was one of the best attended fundraisers for the Wounded Warriors this year.
September 8, was another day of fellowship with the ROJ Freemasons at Reedsburg. Although the weather was somewhat of a damper to start the day, we did manage to get out on the course to get 18 holes in. As the humidity increased, so did my scorecard! I obviously get my money’s worth whenever I golf, but one cannot put value on the Friendship and Brotherly Love experienced with these outstanding Freemasons.
September 14, was a very special day for me and for the members of Blue Hills Lodge No. 234. This Lodge has worked very hard together to get back on track and build strength within their Lodge. That evening the members of the Blue Hills Lodge were Installed in a public opening and their charter returned.
Special thanks to RW George Eisenmann and WB Mark Steckel for their outstanding leadership in guiding the Lodge. Also, I wish to thank RWDGM Earl Gunderson, RWSGW Matt Ivens and RWJGW George Eisenmann for assisting me with the Installation of the Officers. Also, many thanks to WB Kyle Grahn, SGS, for his assistance in helping Blue Hills Lodge get back on their feet.
As I stated earlier, not every day is a happy day. While attending the Teddy Bear Classic Fundraiser, I had the privilege to meet RWJGW George Eisenmann’s mother, Carol, and shortly thereafter, I learned of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to RWJGW George and his family. Ms. Carol was a beautiful person and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her. On September 5, we said our final goodbyes to this lovely lady but will forever keep her in our hearts.
Upon returning from Superior on the 16th, I stopped at Baraboo for their Table Lodge. Although there was a small crew on hand, the food was delicious and an enjoyable evening was spent with plenty of Fellowship. WB, Ill Sir. Larry Hanson, Grand Tyler also attended this event along with Danny Wolhfert, DD8.
On Friday, September 18 – 20, was our first Full Staff weekend held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We started the meeting with the Installation of WB Darrell Kyle as Grand Chaplain. Then followed by updates from MW Michael A. DeWolf, Grand Secretary and MW Paul Tourville with updates as Treasurer and Masonic Home Board. We were then presented with a very informative and powerful discussion of our joint Membership and Educational Committees. WB Danny Bourassa and WB Sam Dixon and their outstanding Committees have accomplished several tasks requested of them to assist Wisconsin Freemasonry move forward and leading the way to our future. Several of these programs will be reviewed by the Executive Committee for final approval and will be rolled out soon to the Lodges to assist them with new tools for recruitment, restoration and retention. WB Mike Burnham followed up with an outstanding presentation on Cybersecurity. As usual, not only was this informative, but it was presented in a fashion that was very understandable.
The following morning, Ill Brother Bob Roth provided the Team with a much-needed update of Grand Lodge Officers’ duties and legal responsibilities. Our teams broke into Workshops with the DDs working on projects and the Progress Line Officers working on finalizing various projects and programs.
Unfortunately, I had the unpleasant task of addressing disharmony within our ranks. As a result of Progressive Line and Executive Committee review, input and assessment, and my decision, RW Earl Gunderson, DGM, was discharged from all his Grand Lodge duties. In part, this was due to ongoing direct insubordination, for conduct unbecoming of a Grand Lodge Officer, and because of a serious lack of confidence by senior leadership in his ability to do his duties now, or in the future, within our Grand Jurisdiction.
Although awkward, the Team came together and stayed on task to complete the work necessary to keep our Craft moving forward and remembering we are Servant Leaders.
As I close, I thank God and my Dad for watching over me, providing me with safe travels and assisting me in making hard decisions that I am faced with daily. As I promised, I will always do my best to move Wisconsin Freemasonry forward.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Joe Thompson
Grand Master 2026-2027
