Recently, the 9th Annual Golfing Tournament fundraiser for the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Upper Wisconsin based in Eau Claire was held. The event featured an 18-hole Tournament, auctions, raffles, and a banquet. Pictured above, from left: District 1 Deputy Danny L. Bourassa, Cindy Humphrey, PGM J.B. Van Hollen, and Deputy Grand Master Thomas W. Stevens. Submitted by District 1 Deputy Danny L. Bourassa
The Brothers of Onalaska Freemasons Lodge gathered to donate two Fire Suppression Tools (FSTs) to Onalaska Fire Chief Pete Fletty on September 8th. The FST was presented by Onalaska Lodge Master, Brother Will Lang. A third FST will be donated to the Onalaska Police Department at a later date. First row from left: Josh Mathison, Brother Lowell “Pete” Fairchild, Junior Warden Gary Lemke, Master William Lang, Fire Chief Pete Letty, Senior Warden Ron Lamkin and Nick Candahl. Second row: Matt
Brother Ryan Schroeder and his wife Brenda were married on September 22nd with their reception taking place at the Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center in Oshkosh — the very place the Wisconsin Freemasonry Leadership Team was meeting for their annual Fall Staff Meeting. Word got out to the gathered Freemasons regarding the Brother’s wedding. The entire Leadership Team filed through the dining room one-by-one to congratulate Brother Schroeder and his bride just before the reception began. The
By Rich Rygh It was a beautiful summer evening on August 31st. The Triangle Park in the Village of Oregon was packed. It was a community celebration honoring the members of the Police and Fire/EMS and staff of the Oregon Correctional Center and their families. Pictured above, first responders, their families and community members filled the park to honor the Police and Fire/EMS and staff of the Oregon Correctional Center. It was the third annual celebration featuring free food, and entertainment
At the recent District 4 Fall meeting, Freemasons of Northeast Wisconsin proudly presented seven emergency jump bags to the Wisconsin State Patrol at the Beja Masonic Building in Green Bay, Wisconsin. These life-saving kits contain Zoll automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and an innovative fire suppression tool (FST) from Fire Suppression Solutions LLC. Sgt. Dan Diedrich (pictured above), from the regional office of the State Patrol, received these bags and expressed his gratitude, knowing they’ll be distributed across Northeast Wisconsin. The
Freemasons from throughout Northeast Wisconsin gathered at Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay on Saturday, August 19th, for food, fellowship, and fun! The event (dubbed the “Northeast Wisconsin Masonic Picnic”) was largely organized by the Beja Shriners but included Brothers from ten area Blue Lodges. A large pavilion near the world-famous “Zippin Pippin” – a wooden roller coaster which was one of Elvis’s favorite rides – was secured and brats, hot dogs, and hamburgers were grilled. The meal also
Brothers of Chetek Freemasons Lodge held a hot dog and brat fundraising event on September 4, for Curtie Cares, a non-profit organization that offers help and hope to the home bound by giving them rides, running errands for them, or helping where needed at no cost to the participants. Pictured above, front row from left: Brothers Tom Nicolaides, Curt Harrison and Robert Lund. Back Row: Chuck Harrison, Paul Roe, Chef Tommy Lorow and PJ Deveraux (Curtie Cares Driver). A big
Your Wisconsin Freemasonry Leadership Team and the physical media committee are proud to offer your Lodge a one-time “Physical Media Grant.” Much like the “Acts of Kindness” program, these are matching dollars – up to $500 – that will go towards helping you publicize and promote Freemasonry in your community. What qualifies? • Placemat ads in local restaurants • Newspaper/Shopper ads • Billboards/Banners • Yard signs • Sponsorship of a local community event (where you can have an information booth)
We are “Helping Make Our Communities Better”. The AED’s committed to the Wisconsin State Patrol have arrived. We have opened, tested, and packed these lifesaving devices along with the FST’s into the bright yellow “Emergency Jump Bags”. Each bag is a $3500 investment in public safety, so we need to get them into service with the State Patrol as quickly as possible. The Patrol is putting these tools in the areas that matter most, rural areas where emergency medical first
Social Lodge of Cambridge held their annual Fellowship Picnic on Saturday, September 2nd. There was a great turn-out of Social Lodge Brothers and their families, and Brothers from lodges across the District. They also had a couple candidates come out to meet and get to know the Brothers from the lodge and a few Brothers from Prince Hall Capital City Lodge #2 in Madison also came out to enjoy some great food and wonderful conversation. From D7 Newsletter, Ryan Mayrand
Masonic Keystone Lodge #263 of Hayward and the Springbrook VFW Post 10568 partnered to purchase three fire suppression tools which they donated to the Washburn County Sheriff’s Department on Friday, July 14. Keystone’s Worshipful Master Chris Olson said the fire suppression tools, which cost $1,000 each, can be thrown inside a house on fire, spraying a safe chemical called Halotron 2 which drops the temperature and sometimes can put the fire out. The tool works like a grenade, in which
Brother David Schoff (left) of Ripon’s Prairie View Masonic Lodge No. 95 was presented with “The Daniel Cater Beard – Masonic Scouter Award” for his leadership in the Boy Scouts on Aug. 8th. Prairie View Lodge Master Greg Frounfelter makes the presentation. From donating $3,200 to their local United Way, to cleaning up their segment of Highway 23, to serving beverages at their community’s Ripon Concert on the Village Green – these Brothers have been very active lately! Submitted by
Brothers, men are knocking on our doors seeking admission. Lodges are doing degrees all over the state. We are bringing in new Masons. Good men seeking something that are not finding elsewhere. They are coming. Now how do we keep them? Men become Masons for many reasons. Some are seeking the fellowship of like-minded men. Some are looking for deeper meanings or a stronger spiritual side to their life. Some are coming to find and practice a moral
District Deputy 4 Christopher ‘Skipper’ Young hosts Beja Shrine Vets & Patriots Unit at the Polish Ponderosa in Pulaski (Skipper’s garage) for the Annual Commanders. It was ahead of the Pulaski Polka Days Parade – a highlight in the Vets and Patriots’ Parade Schedule. Submitted by Brother Gary Fehl, PM
Brothers of Prairie View Lodge No. 95 served as beverage servers at the weekly Ripon Concert on the Village Green on August 25. This is a yearly community service event for Prairie View Masonic Lodge. Photoed above, from left: Phil Wepner; Rick Coles, PM; Wes O’Laire, PM; Kevan Nault; Ron Triemstra, PM; and Paul Walheim, PM. Not pictured but helping were Wes Wassell, PM and Larry Malchow, PM. Submitted by Brother Rick Coles
On July 15, Dousman Masonic Lodge No. 315 held a brat fry fundraiser at the local Piggly Wiggly. Pictured are three of the “Ace” customer service people (from left): Brothers Jack Raaths, Robert Rossdeutscher and David Renly. It turned out to be a good fundraiser — and an even better time! Submitted by Brother Terry Brown
Brothers from Frontier-Badger Lodge No. 45, La Crosse, donated a Fires Suppression Tool (FST) to Fire Chief Tony Holinka in the Town of Shelby on July 17th. This is the third FST Frontier Badger Lodge has donated. Earlier this month, we reported of their generous donation to the Stoddard Bergen Fire Department. From left: Brother Jim Kielley, Fire Chief Tony Holinka, and Brothers Dan Claussen, John Snider and Don Iliff. Submitted by Brother Kyle Larson
Prairie View Freemasons Lodge No. 95, Ripon, recently held its fifth annual golf scramble to raise money for the scholarships given to Ripon, Green Lake, Markesan, and Laconia graduating seniors each spring. Golfers included, from left: Tiler Phil Wepner, PM Larry Malchow, Masonic Foundation President Peter Tourville, Golf Outing Organizer Ron Triemstra, Andy Gryske, Junior Warden Kevan Nault, Grand Treasurer Paul T. Tourville, PGM and Lodge Secretary Meade Grimm. Earlier this month, we reported the Lodge’s involvement in RiponFest 2.0
Nationally-known race car driver Derek Thorn placed third in the Slinger Nationals on July 11. Thorn’s #44 car carried the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation Logo courtesy of our friends at Fire Suppression Solutions and PepperJack Kennels in recognition of our support of First Responders and our commitment to make communities safer. Wisconsin Freemasons have donated over 360 Fire Suppression Tools (FSTs) to local police and fire departments over the past year – and have recently announced a commitment to provide “Emergency
Blue Hills Freemasons Lodge in Rice Lake recently held their annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser. It was their largest attended dinner on record, serving over 240 meals and generating over $3000 to be used for High School Scholarships and general operating needs. The Lodge hosts this dinner annually and is well received in the Rice Lake community. The Brothers of Lodge No. 234 look forward each year to the event while following the long-time experience of Brother Bernie Kahl and his Lady
Freemasonry has many facets which have attracted men of good will of every race, religion, political view, and social position into its ranks throughout the world for many years. Every member has his own individual reason for joining, but generally its chief appeal is the charitable work it does, the philosophy of life taught in Masonry with its visible exhibition by Freemasons in their exemplary conduct in the everyday world. All these items are important, but to the nonmember who
The 2023 Masonic All-Star Soccer game weekend activities started with afternoon training sessions in Sun Prairie on July 28 followed by a cookout that evening. A free youth clinic was added this year giving the younger players an opportunity to learn from the All-Stars. The Masons of Wisconsin are the primary sponsors headed by Brother Brian Lerch. Brother Dave Tainter is in charge of the cookout, feeding about 250, where the soccer players claim, “We don’t get fed like this
Brothers (from left) Ron Montgomery, Mark Bargenquast and Alex Rabe of Oshkosh Freemasons Lodge No. 27 help celebrate the 4th of July by passing out popsicles to help cool down the crowd on very hot day. Submitted by Brother Jordan Wilcox
Prairie View Lodge No. 95, Ripon, held its annual Chili Cookoff competition and chili feed, as well as celebrating the 165th anniversary of the Lodge on July 25. In the photo above are the top three placewinners in the Chili Cookoff (from left): 3rd place Lodge JW Kevan Nault; Champion Ron Triemstra, PM; and 2nd place Jenn Aither (lady of PM Tim Aither). Brother Ron used the recipe of his late wife Darcy. Submitted by Brother Rick Coles
A few years ago, ironically, the Town of Gordon Volunteer Fire Department in Douglas County had the misfortune of having their firehall burn to the ground and all the equipment and paraphernalia was lost. Insurance covered much of the loss, but as is always true, not everything was covered or perhaps forgotten when the claim was turned in. In 2022, Acacia-Itasca Masonic Lodge No. 329 of Superior presented one of three fire suppression tools (FSTs) to the Town of Gordon.
Freemasons from Lodi Valley Lodge No. 99 participated in the Susie the Duck Day parade on August 12th in Lodi. Lodge Brethren tossed out six 5-gallon pails of candy to children (and the young at heart) who lined the streets. The Lodge also sponsored the Zor Mavericks Scooter Patrol and the Zor Midgets Car Patrol in the parade. The tractor in the photo above is a 1953 Super H, owned by the family of Master Roger Haarklau. Earlier this summer,
The Up North Grizzlies Traveling Youth Baseball Team was started three years ago with the goal of making an affordable opportunity to local kids. The closest travel teams are 75 plus miles away and expensive to be a part of. The team has played many local tournaments and every year try to participate in one big tournament. In the past, we have played at the Field Of Dreams in Iowa and also in Milwaukee. This year’s 11 team members live
Chetek Masonic Lodge Brothers and the young men and advisors of the Chippewa Valley DeMolay served 292 pancake breakfasts on July 4th. This helps support our benevolent activities. The Brothers did an excellent job once again with the pancakes, french toast and all the fixings! The DeMolay volunteers assisted as greeters, servers and cleanup crews. Many favorable comments were expressed about the DeMolay participation in making this an enjoyable event. Submitted by Bro. Jim Toman, Photo by Bro. Darryl Dahl
Ozaukee Lodge No. 17, located in beautiful Port Washington, celebrated 175 years of service to the community on July 22. The day consisted of a “churchfest” type party, with a tent, raffles, official T-shirt sales, smoked chicken and pulled pork dinners. Brother Mike Roddy and his band “Whiskey Flats” entertained the enthusiastic crowd. And although it tried to rain, no one’s spirits were dampened. A wonderful, community-based event was enjoyed by all! A reconsecration Ceremony will be held on October 21
District 2 had a Masonic Outpost Breakfast in New Richmond at the “Not Justa Cafe” with 14 Brothers stopping by. We had a great time and spent about two hours together. Lots of laughs along with some really great stories. From PGM Gary L. Stang, “If you haven’t started a Masonic Outpost Breakfast meeting yet, please get one started. It can be a great time!” Around the table from from right: Brothers Mike Bessette, John Davenport, Dennis Brown, Wayne Pearce,
The Children’s Dyslexia Center recently gave a very nice presentation for all the Madison Valley Scottish Rite Brothers. Brigid Ryan is one of the instructors who spoke and gave us a lot of really great information about the Children’s Dyslexia Center (CDC). Amelia Cooper recently graduated from the CDC and gave a very heartfelt and inspiring speech around what the CDC was able to do for her as a student. Amelia was diagnosed with Dyslexia in the 4th grade and
In 2021 Brother Scott Graham and District 9 Deputy Paul A. Larson, both from Jefferson County Masonic Lodge No. 9 and Members of the Valley of Madison Scottish Rite, took on the task of cleaning and preserving documents and other artifacts that were located in the large walk in safe in the basement of the Wisconsin Masonic Center. There had been a water leak in the safe and repairs were being made to protect its contents. To this point some of
The Brethren of Prairie View Freemasons Lodge No. 95 hosted the 4th Annual Masonic Stone Challenge as part of RiponFest 2.0 in Ripon on July 8th. Over $500 was raised for high school scholarships. Above, pictured staffing the Masonic Stone Challenge (from left) are: Brother Tim Aither, Calin Frounfelter, Landon Shidell, Lodge Junior Warden Kevan Nault, Lodge Master Greg Frounfelter, Brother Zach Beek. Not pictured: Brother Ron Triemstra. In conjunction with the Open and Challenge Stone Division, the 1st Annual
The 18th Annual Masonic Scholarship Golf Outing was held June 24 at the Westwood Golf Course in Phillips. This Golf Outing is sponsored by the Phillips Freemasons Lodge No. 225 to support scholarships for graduating seniors from the Phillips, Park Falls and Prentice High Schools. There were both scratch and handicap divisions. Each offered cash prizes for the top teams. There were ties in both divisions. The winners for the Scratch Division were: Kevin Johnson (pictured at the top of this
Brothers from Frontier Badger Masonic Lodge in La Crosse presented a Fire Suppression Tool (FST) to the Stoddard Bergen Fire Chief, Brian Lehmann earlier this summer. Many of the crew were present for this event. This is the second FST the Lodge has presented and they will be presenting a third within the next few weeks. Statewide, Wisconsin Freemasons have donated over 350 of these devices in the past year – 14 of which have already been used to help
During the second weekend in July, the intrepid Brothers of Washburn Freemasons Lodge No. 145 in Bristol braved the summer heat to serve up their delectable funnel cakes to the hungry attendees of Bristol Progress Days! Brotherhood, funnel cakes, and fireworks were enjoyed by all. Front row from left: Brothers Mike Wood and Jim Mattson. Back row: Brothers Leon Davis, Bill Gilmore, John Walker, Jayson Hoisington, and Mitch Czaplicki. Submitted by Brother Mike Wood
Freemasons from Oconto’s Pine Lodge No. 188 Tom Shallow, Gary McMahon, and Mike Werner were assisted by their Ladies Lisa Shallow, Jacqui McMahon, and non-lodge members Laurie and Kelly Irish in making 40 gallons of Booyah for The Other Guys Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club on August 12. Laurie and Kelly assist at many lodge fundraisers. This was The Other Guys 9th annual fundraiser. Their one day event usually raises over $20,000 and is split between the Child Advocacy Center and
To a Mason, all labor is noble. In Labor, he builds and defines himself. In idleness, he finds decay and despair. Happy Labor Day. May your celebrations be filled with joy. May your relaxation be filled with peace. This weekend marks the traditional end of summer. What a summer it has been. We are on a record pace in bringing men from darkness to light. We are out in our communities like never before. We are holding more dinners, family
What a summer it has been for Wisconsin Freemasonry. Lodges are doing degree work. Better still many lodges are once again traveling to help with degrees. Lodges are taking part in town festivals many for the first time or are expanding their role. Many lodges are marching or putting floats in local parades. Food stands and information booths at fairs are becoming the norm. Many lodges and districts are attending Northwoods Baseball games or Minor league games as a
Arts Mineral Point utilizes Mineral Point Lodge for annual painting event Art’s Mineral point utilized the Mineral Point Masonic Lodge building for their annual open air painting event. This event included 45 artists painting scenery and building’s in around the Mineral Point area. They had hundreds of visitors from all over the Midwest to look at the paintings and also purchase the ones that they fell in love with. From the District 8 Newsletter, week of August 14, 2023
The Hiramic Legend is woven around Hiram Abiff, the skilled artificer who was the son of a widow of the Tribe of Naphtali. There is no character in all of Freemasonry whose life story is so dependent on tradition as this celebrated architect of the Temple. The earlier accounts of this artisan and builder will be found recorded in the 1st Book of Kings, 7:13, 14. His coming to work on the great Temple at Jerusalem is mentioned in a
From The Three Pillars August 2023 Newsletter: “Congratulations to our Glenn L. Humphrey Scholarship recipients! This year, we were able to expand the scholarship program to include individuals pursuing technical degrees and certificates, as well as individuals continuing their education. We are so grateful to be a part of all of the recipients’ educational journey and confident they will continue to do wonderful things!” Recipients in the photo above (from left to right): Grace, Kate, Olivia, Roxanne, Nicole, Hailey, Molly, Emily,
Three Freemasons were honored and recognized for their service to our country by “Quilts for Valor” at this year’s Annual Communication, held at the Wisconsin Masonic Center in downtown Madison. We had previously reported that “Quilts for Valor” has recently stopped in Potosi, Wisconsin and gave out four quilts to members of Warren Freemasons Lodge. Above, Brother LeRoy Huber, whose home Lodge is Milton but is an active member of and pillar of over a dozen Lodges in south central
Brother Chris Cochrane had the opportunity to present the Executive Training Program (ETP) to District 6 at the Manawa Masonic Center on June 17. District 6 Deputy Keith Wohlfert organized the event. The ETP is designed as a Masonic Lodge leadership training program. The Master will be most effective as a leader if he has a working knowledge of every aspect of his Lodge. In the corporate world, CEO’s can participate in executive training programs which give them experience in
Brother Bob Rossdeutscher was a guest at Glenn L. Humphrey Freemasons Lodge No. 364’s, “May Fourth Tuesday Meeting”. Brother Rossdeutscher is the current Tiler of Dousman Freemasons Lodge No. 315. The large blade on the front of his table is the Tiler’s sword that he is making. It is a work in process and has acquired the start of a handle. A scabbard is planned. Brother Rossdeutscher is a Journeyman of the American Blacksmith Society. He retired and moved to Dousman
Lodge Master Eugene Reece presents Brother Dave Lindsay his 70 year pin and certificate on behalf of Manawa Freemasons Lodge No. 82 for his service to the Brothers of Manawa Lodge, Freemasonry and his community. His loving family was in attendance for the presentation. Brother Lindsay was raised on September 2, 1952, he served the Lodge as Master in 1996. He is currently a Trustee of his Lodge. Pictured above, from left: Danielle Starr, Marlese Lindsay, David Lindsay, Master Gene
Freemasons from Mystic Tie Lodge No. 280 in Ladysmith recently operated a brat stand at their local “The Market” grocery store. The funds generated at this annual fund raiser go to help supporting the four high school scholarships that the lodge presents every year. The Brothers that helped out during the weekend included Doug Kueny; Mark Steckel; Bob Grunseth and his son Andrew; Ken Brown; Jim Jennerman and his wife Sue; and Bill Howard. The Brothers enjoy this annual event,
The Brothers of Chetek Masonic Lodge No. 277 celebrated their annual Bib Overall Night earlier this summer. The Stated Communication started with a delicious Friendship Dinner prepared by Brothers Tom Nicolaides, Darryl Dahl and Jim Sells. Pictured above, front row from left: Brothers Paul Roe, John Henneman, Clint Miller, Jim Olson, Darryl Dahl, PGM Franklin J. Struble, and Jim Toman. Second row: Brothers Tom Nicolaides and Chris Van Beek. Back row: Brothers Dave Bowman, Jim Sells, Robert Lund, Burt Hamm
Wisconsin Rapids Freemasons Lodge No. 128 recently organized its second annual youth Bike Rodeo & Safety Fair. The Rodeo was held at the Grand Rapids Lions Club and integrated the Masonic Lodge, Order of Eastern Star, Shriners, Widows’ Son Motorcycle Club, the Lions Club, the Wisconsin Rapids and Grand Rapids Police Departments and volunteers from Brings Cycle. It was great to be able to bring together all of these organizations for one purpose: the safety of our children. Police Officers
P.M. Jack Byrd (left) presents P.M. Ray Dolsen a beautiful stained glass Square and Compasses in appreciation for all he does for Acacia-Itasca Freemasons Lodge No. 329 in Superior. Submitted by Bro. Jack Byrd
Recently, the 9th Annual Golfing Tournament fundraiser for the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Upper Wisconsin based in Eau Claire was held. The event featured an 18-hole Tournament, auctions, raffles, and a banquet. Pictured above, from left: District 1 Deputy Danny L. Bourassa, Cindy Humphrey, PGM J.B. Van Hollen, and Deputy Grand Master Thomas W. Stevens. Submitted by District 1 Deputy Danny L. Bourassa
The Brothers of Onalaska Freemasons Lodge gathered to donate two Fire Suppression Tools (FSTs) to Onalaska Fire Chief Pete Fletty on September 8th. The FST was presented by Onalaska Lodge Master, Brother Will Lang. A third FST will be donated to the Onalaska Police Department at a later date. First row from left: Josh Mathison, Brother Lowell “Pete” Fairchild, Junior Warden Gary Lemke, Master William Lang, Fire Chief Pete Letty, Senior Warden Ron Lamkin and Nick Candahl. Second row: Matt
Brother Ryan Schroeder and his wife Brenda were married on September 22nd with their reception taking place at the Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center in Oshkosh — the very place the Wisconsin Freemasonry Leadership Team was meeting for their annual Fall Staff Meeting. Word got out to the gathered Freemasons regarding the Brother’s wedding. The entire Leadership Team filed through the dining room one-by-one to congratulate Brother Schroeder and his bride just before the reception began. The
By Rich Rygh It was a beautiful summer evening on August 31st. The Triangle Park in the Village of Oregon was packed. It was a community celebration honoring the members of the Police and Fire/EMS and staff of the Oregon Correctional Center and their families. Pictured above, first responders, their families and community members filled the park to honor the Police and Fire/EMS and staff of the Oregon Correctional Center. It was the third annual celebration featuring free food, and entertainment
At the recent District 4 Fall meeting, Freemasons of Northeast Wisconsin proudly presented seven emergency jump bags to the Wisconsin State Patrol at the Beja Masonic Building in Green Bay, Wisconsin. These life-saving kits contain Zoll automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and an innovative fire suppression tool (FST) from Fire Suppression Solutions LLC. Sgt. Dan Diedrich (pictured above), from the regional office of the State Patrol, received these bags and expressed his gratitude, knowing they’ll be distributed across Northeast Wisconsin. The
Freemasons from throughout Northeast Wisconsin gathered at Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay on Saturday, August 19th, for food, fellowship, and fun! The event (dubbed the “Northeast Wisconsin Masonic Picnic”) was largely organized by the Beja Shriners but included Brothers from ten area Blue Lodges. A large pavilion near the world-famous “Zippin Pippin” – a wooden roller coaster which was one of Elvis’s favorite rides – was secured and brats, hot dogs, and hamburgers were grilled. The meal also
Brothers of Chetek Freemasons Lodge held a hot dog and brat fundraising event on September 4, for Curtie Cares, a non-profit organization that offers help and hope to the home bound by giving them rides, running errands for them, or helping where needed at no cost to the participants. Pictured above, front row from left: Brothers Tom Nicolaides, Curt Harrison and Robert Lund. Back Row: Chuck Harrison, Paul Roe, Chef Tommy Lorow and PJ Deveraux (Curtie Cares Driver). A big
Your Wisconsin Freemasonry Leadership Team and the physical media committee are proud to offer your Lodge a one-time “Physical Media Grant.” Much like the “Acts of Kindness” program, these are matching dollars – up to $500 – that will go towards helping you publicize and promote Freemasonry in your community. What qualifies? • Placemat ads in local restaurants • Newspaper/Shopper ads • Billboards/Banners • Yard signs • Sponsorship of a local community event (where you can have an information booth)
We are “Helping Make Our Communities Better”. The AED’s committed to the Wisconsin State Patrol have arrived. We have opened, tested, and packed these lifesaving devices along with the FST’s into the bright yellow “Emergency Jump Bags”. Each bag is a $3500 investment in public safety, so we need to get them into service with the State Patrol as quickly as possible. The Patrol is putting these tools in the areas that matter most, rural areas where emergency medical first
Social Lodge of Cambridge held their annual Fellowship Picnic on Saturday, September 2nd. There was a great turn-out of Social Lodge Brothers and their families, and Brothers from lodges across the District. They also had a couple candidates come out to meet and get to know the Brothers from the lodge and a few Brothers from Prince Hall Capital City Lodge #2 in Madison also came out to enjoy some great food and wonderful conversation. From D7 Newsletter, Ryan Mayrand
Masonic Keystone Lodge #263 of Hayward and the Springbrook VFW Post 10568 partnered to purchase three fire suppression tools which they donated to the Washburn County Sheriff’s Department on Friday, July 14. Keystone’s Worshipful Master Chris Olson said the fire suppression tools, which cost $1,000 each, can be thrown inside a house on fire, spraying a safe chemical called Halotron 2 which drops the temperature and sometimes can put the fire out. The tool works like a grenade, in which
Brother David Schoff (left) of Ripon’s Prairie View Masonic Lodge No. 95 was presented with “The Daniel Cater Beard – Masonic Scouter Award” for his leadership in the Boy Scouts on Aug. 8th. Prairie View Lodge Master Greg Frounfelter makes the presentation. From donating $3,200 to their local United Way, to cleaning up their segment of Highway 23, to serving beverages at their community’s Ripon Concert on the Village Green – these Brothers have been very active lately! Submitted by
Brothers, men are knocking on our doors seeking admission. Lodges are doing degrees all over the state. We are bringing in new Masons. Good men seeking something that are not finding elsewhere. They are coming. Now how do we keep them? Men become Masons for many reasons. Some are seeking the fellowship of like-minded men. Some are looking for deeper meanings or a stronger spiritual side to their life. Some are coming to find and practice a moral
District Deputy 4 Christopher ‘Skipper’ Young hosts Beja Shrine Vets & Patriots Unit at the Polish Ponderosa in Pulaski (Skipper’s garage) for the Annual Commanders. It was ahead of the Pulaski Polka Days Parade – a highlight in the Vets and Patriots’ Parade Schedule. Submitted by Brother Gary Fehl, PM
Brothers of Prairie View Lodge No. 95 served as beverage servers at the weekly Ripon Concert on the Village Green on August 25. This is a yearly community service event for Prairie View Masonic Lodge. Photoed above, from left: Phil Wepner; Rick Coles, PM; Wes O’Laire, PM; Kevan Nault; Ron Triemstra, PM; and Paul Walheim, PM. Not pictured but helping were Wes Wassell, PM and Larry Malchow, PM. Submitted by Brother Rick Coles
On July 15, Dousman Masonic Lodge No. 315 held a brat fry fundraiser at the local Piggly Wiggly. Pictured are three of the “Ace” customer service people (from left): Brothers Jack Raaths, Robert Rossdeutscher and David Renly. It turned out to be a good fundraiser — and an even better time! Submitted by Brother Terry Brown
Brothers from Frontier-Badger Lodge No. 45, La Crosse, donated a Fires Suppression Tool (FST) to Fire Chief Tony Holinka in the Town of Shelby on July 17th. This is the third FST Frontier Badger Lodge has donated. Earlier this month, we reported of their generous donation to the Stoddard Bergen Fire Department. From left: Brother Jim Kielley, Fire Chief Tony Holinka, and Brothers Dan Claussen, John Snider and Don Iliff. Submitted by Brother Kyle Larson
Prairie View Freemasons Lodge No. 95, Ripon, recently held its fifth annual golf scramble to raise money for the scholarships given to Ripon, Green Lake, Markesan, and Laconia graduating seniors each spring. Golfers included, from left: Tiler Phil Wepner, PM Larry Malchow, Masonic Foundation President Peter Tourville, Golf Outing Organizer Ron Triemstra, Andy Gryske, Junior Warden Kevan Nault, Grand Treasurer Paul T. Tourville, PGM and Lodge Secretary Meade Grimm. Earlier this month, we reported the Lodge’s involvement in RiponFest 2.0
Nationally-known race car driver Derek Thorn placed third in the Slinger Nationals on July 11. Thorn’s #44 car carried the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation Logo courtesy of our friends at Fire Suppression Solutions and PepperJack Kennels in recognition of our support of First Responders and our commitment to make communities safer. Wisconsin Freemasons have donated over 360 Fire Suppression Tools (FSTs) to local police and fire departments over the past year – and have recently announced a commitment to provide “Emergency
Blue Hills Freemasons Lodge in Rice Lake recently held their annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser. It was their largest attended dinner on record, serving over 240 meals and generating over $3000 to be used for High School Scholarships and general operating needs. The Lodge hosts this dinner annually and is well received in the Rice Lake community. The Brothers of Lodge No. 234 look forward each year to the event while following the long-time experience of Brother Bernie Kahl and his Lady
Freemasonry has many facets which have attracted men of good will of every race, religion, political view, and social position into its ranks throughout the world for many years. Every member has his own individual reason for joining, but generally its chief appeal is the charitable work it does, the philosophy of life taught in Masonry with its visible exhibition by Freemasons in their exemplary conduct in the everyday world. All these items are important, but to the nonmember who
The 2023 Masonic All-Star Soccer game weekend activities started with afternoon training sessions in Sun Prairie on July 28 followed by a cookout that evening. A free youth clinic was added this year giving the younger players an opportunity to learn from the All-Stars. The Masons of Wisconsin are the primary sponsors headed by Brother Brian Lerch. Brother Dave Tainter is in charge of the cookout, feeding about 250, where the soccer players claim, “We don’t get fed like this
Brothers (from left) Ron Montgomery, Mark Bargenquast and Alex Rabe of Oshkosh Freemasons Lodge No. 27 help celebrate the 4th of July by passing out popsicles to help cool down the crowd on very hot day. Submitted by Brother Jordan Wilcox
Prairie View Lodge No. 95, Ripon, held its annual Chili Cookoff competition and chili feed, as well as celebrating the 165th anniversary of the Lodge on July 25. In the photo above are the top three placewinners in the Chili Cookoff (from left): 3rd place Lodge JW Kevan Nault; Champion Ron Triemstra, PM; and 2nd place Jenn Aither (lady of PM Tim Aither). Brother Ron used the recipe of his late wife Darcy. Submitted by Brother Rick Coles
A few years ago, ironically, the Town of Gordon Volunteer Fire Department in Douglas County had the misfortune of having their firehall burn to the ground and all the equipment and paraphernalia was lost. Insurance covered much of the loss, but as is always true, not everything was covered or perhaps forgotten when the claim was turned in. In 2022, Acacia-Itasca Masonic Lodge No. 329 of Superior presented one of three fire suppression tools (FSTs) to the Town of Gordon.
Freemasons from Lodi Valley Lodge No. 99 participated in the Susie the Duck Day parade on August 12th in Lodi. Lodge Brethren tossed out six 5-gallon pails of candy to children (and the young at heart) who lined the streets. The Lodge also sponsored the Zor Mavericks Scooter Patrol and the Zor Midgets Car Patrol in the parade. The tractor in the photo above is a 1953 Super H, owned by the family of Master Roger Haarklau. Earlier this summer,
The Up North Grizzlies Traveling Youth Baseball Team was started three years ago with the goal of making an affordable opportunity to local kids. The closest travel teams are 75 plus miles away and expensive to be a part of. The team has played many local tournaments and every year try to participate in one big tournament. In the past, we have played at the Field Of Dreams in Iowa and also in Milwaukee. This year’s 11 team members live
Chetek Masonic Lodge Brothers and the young men and advisors of the Chippewa Valley DeMolay served 292 pancake breakfasts on July 4th. This helps support our benevolent activities. The Brothers did an excellent job once again with the pancakes, french toast and all the fixings! The DeMolay volunteers assisted as greeters, servers and cleanup crews. Many favorable comments were expressed about the DeMolay participation in making this an enjoyable event. Submitted by Bro. Jim Toman, Photo by Bro. Darryl Dahl
Ozaukee Lodge No. 17, located in beautiful Port Washington, celebrated 175 years of service to the community on July 22. The day consisted of a “churchfest” type party, with a tent, raffles, official T-shirt sales, smoked chicken and pulled pork dinners. Brother Mike Roddy and his band “Whiskey Flats” entertained the enthusiastic crowd. And although it tried to rain, no one’s spirits were dampened. A wonderful, community-based event was enjoyed by all! A reconsecration Ceremony will be held on October 21
District 2 had a Masonic Outpost Breakfast in New Richmond at the “Not Justa Cafe” with 14 Brothers stopping by. We had a great time and spent about two hours together. Lots of laughs along with some really great stories. From PGM Gary L. Stang, “If you haven’t started a Masonic Outpost Breakfast meeting yet, please get one started. It can be a great time!” Around the table from from right: Brothers Mike Bessette, John Davenport, Dennis Brown, Wayne Pearce,
The Children’s Dyslexia Center recently gave a very nice presentation for all the Madison Valley Scottish Rite Brothers. Brigid Ryan is one of the instructors who spoke and gave us a lot of really great information about the Children’s Dyslexia Center (CDC). Amelia Cooper recently graduated from the CDC and gave a very heartfelt and inspiring speech around what the CDC was able to do for her as a student. Amelia was diagnosed with Dyslexia in the 4th grade and
In 2021 Brother Scott Graham and District 9 Deputy Paul A. Larson, both from Jefferson County Masonic Lodge No. 9 and Members of the Valley of Madison Scottish Rite, took on the task of cleaning and preserving documents and other artifacts that were located in the large walk in safe in the basement of the Wisconsin Masonic Center. There had been a water leak in the safe and repairs were being made to protect its contents. To this point some of
The Brethren of Prairie View Freemasons Lodge No. 95 hosted the 4th Annual Masonic Stone Challenge as part of RiponFest 2.0 in Ripon on July 8th. Over $500 was raised for high school scholarships. Above, pictured staffing the Masonic Stone Challenge (from left) are: Brother Tim Aither, Calin Frounfelter, Landon Shidell, Lodge Junior Warden Kevan Nault, Lodge Master Greg Frounfelter, Brother Zach Beek. Not pictured: Brother Ron Triemstra. In conjunction with the Open and Challenge Stone Division, the 1st Annual
The 18th Annual Masonic Scholarship Golf Outing was held June 24 at the Westwood Golf Course in Phillips. This Golf Outing is sponsored by the Phillips Freemasons Lodge No. 225 to support scholarships for graduating seniors from the Phillips, Park Falls and Prentice High Schools. There were both scratch and handicap divisions. Each offered cash prizes for the top teams. There were ties in both divisions. The winners for the Scratch Division were: Kevin Johnson (pictured at the top of this
Brothers from Frontier Badger Masonic Lodge in La Crosse presented a Fire Suppression Tool (FST) to the Stoddard Bergen Fire Chief, Brian Lehmann earlier this summer. Many of the crew were present for this event. This is the second FST the Lodge has presented and they will be presenting a third within the next few weeks. Statewide, Wisconsin Freemasons have donated over 350 of these devices in the past year – 14 of which have already been used to help
During the second weekend in July, the intrepid Brothers of Washburn Freemasons Lodge No. 145 in Bristol braved the summer heat to serve up their delectable funnel cakes to the hungry attendees of Bristol Progress Days! Brotherhood, funnel cakes, and fireworks were enjoyed by all. Front row from left: Brothers Mike Wood and Jim Mattson. Back row: Brothers Leon Davis, Bill Gilmore, John Walker, Jayson Hoisington, and Mitch Czaplicki. Submitted by Brother Mike Wood
Freemasons from Oconto’s Pine Lodge No. 188 Tom Shallow, Gary McMahon, and Mike Werner were assisted by their Ladies Lisa Shallow, Jacqui McMahon, and non-lodge members Laurie and Kelly Irish in making 40 gallons of Booyah for The Other Guys Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club on August 12. Laurie and Kelly assist at many lodge fundraisers. This was The Other Guys 9th annual fundraiser. Their one day event usually raises over $20,000 and is split between the Child Advocacy Center and
To a Mason, all labor is noble. In Labor, he builds and defines himself. In idleness, he finds decay and despair. Happy Labor Day. May your celebrations be filled with joy. May your relaxation be filled with peace. This weekend marks the traditional end of summer. What a summer it has been. We are on a record pace in bringing men from darkness to light. We are out in our communities like never before. We are holding more dinners, family
What a summer it has been for Wisconsin Freemasonry. Lodges are doing degree work. Better still many lodges are once again traveling to help with degrees. Lodges are taking part in town festivals many for the first time or are expanding their role. Many lodges are marching or putting floats in local parades. Food stands and information booths at fairs are becoming the norm. Many lodges and districts are attending Northwoods Baseball games or Minor league games as a
Arts Mineral Point utilizes Mineral Point Lodge for annual painting event Art’s Mineral point utilized the Mineral Point Masonic Lodge building for their annual open air painting event. This event included 45 artists painting scenery and building’s in around the Mineral Point area. They had hundreds of visitors from all over the Midwest to look at the paintings and also purchase the ones that they fell in love with. From the District 8 Newsletter, week of August 14, 2023
The Hiramic Legend is woven around Hiram Abiff, the skilled artificer who was the son of a widow of the Tribe of Naphtali. There is no character in all of Freemasonry whose life story is so dependent on tradition as this celebrated architect of the Temple. The earlier accounts of this artisan and builder will be found recorded in the 1st Book of Kings, 7:13, 14. His coming to work on the great Temple at Jerusalem is mentioned in a
From The Three Pillars August 2023 Newsletter: “Congratulations to our Glenn L. Humphrey Scholarship recipients! This year, we were able to expand the scholarship program to include individuals pursuing technical degrees and certificates, as well as individuals continuing their education. We are so grateful to be a part of all of the recipients’ educational journey and confident they will continue to do wonderful things!” Recipients in the photo above (from left to right): Grace, Kate, Olivia, Roxanne, Nicole, Hailey, Molly, Emily,
Three Freemasons were honored and recognized for their service to our country by “Quilts for Valor” at this year’s Annual Communication, held at the Wisconsin Masonic Center in downtown Madison. We had previously reported that “Quilts for Valor” has recently stopped in Potosi, Wisconsin and gave out four quilts to members of Warren Freemasons Lodge. Above, Brother LeRoy Huber, whose home Lodge is Milton but is an active member of and pillar of over a dozen Lodges in south central
Brother Chris Cochrane had the opportunity to present the Executive Training Program (ETP) to District 6 at the Manawa Masonic Center on June 17. District 6 Deputy Keith Wohlfert organized the event. The ETP is designed as a Masonic Lodge leadership training program. The Master will be most effective as a leader if he has a working knowledge of every aspect of his Lodge. In the corporate world, CEO’s can participate in executive training programs which give them experience in
Brother Bob Rossdeutscher was a guest at Glenn L. Humphrey Freemasons Lodge No. 364’s, “May Fourth Tuesday Meeting”. Brother Rossdeutscher is the current Tiler of Dousman Freemasons Lodge No. 315. The large blade on the front of his table is the Tiler’s sword that he is making. It is a work in process and has acquired the start of a handle. A scabbard is planned. Brother Rossdeutscher is a Journeyman of the American Blacksmith Society. He retired and moved to Dousman
Lodge Master Eugene Reece presents Brother Dave Lindsay his 70 year pin and certificate on behalf of Manawa Freemasons Lodge No. 82 for his service to the Brothers of Manawa Lodge, Freemasonry and his community. His loving family was in attendance for the presentation. Brother Lindsay was raised on September 2, 1952, he served the Lodge as Master in 1996. He is currently a Trustee of his Lodge. Pictured above, from left: Danielle Starr, Marlese Lindsay, David Lindsay, Master Gene
Freemasons from Mystic Tie Lodge No. 280 in Ladysmith recently operated a brat stand at their local “The Market” grocery store. The funds generated at this annual fund raiser go to help supporting the four high school scholarships that the lodge presents every year. The Brothers that helped out during the weekend included Doug Kueny; Mark Steckel; Bob Grunseth and his son Andrew; Ken Brown; Jim Jennerman and his wife Sue; and Bill Howard. The Brothers enjoy this annual event,
The Brothers of Chetek Masonic Lodge No. 277 celebrated their annual Bib Overall Night earlier this summer. The Stated Communication started with a delicious Friendship Dinner prepared by Brothers Tom Nicolaides, Darryl Dahl and Jim Sells. Pictured above, front row from left: Brothers Paul Roe, John Henneman, Clint Miller, Jim Olson, Darryl Dahl, PGM Franklin J. Struble, and Jim Toman. Second row: Brothers Tom Nicolaides and Chris Van Beek. Back row: Brothers Dave Bowman, Jim Sells, Robert Lund, Burt Hamm
Wisconsin Rapids Freemasons Lodge No. 128 recently organized its second annual youth Bike Rodeo & Safety Fair. The Rodeo was held at the Grand Rapids Lions Club and integrated the Masonic Lodge, Order of Eastern Star, Shriners, Widows’ Son Motorcycle Club, the Lions Club, the Wisconsin Rapids and Grand Rapids Police Departments and volunteers from Brings Cycle. It was great to be able to bring together all of these organizations for one purpose: the safety of our children. Police Officers
P.M. Jack Byrd (left) presents P.M. Ray Dolsen a beautiful stained glass Square and Compasses in appreciation for all he does for Acacia-Itasca Freemasons Lodge No. 329 in Superior. Submitted by Bro. Jack Byrd
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