This is the time of the year when it is really tough to be a turkey. If they knew their fate, I doubt they would feel there is much to be thankful for. Considering where they shall ultimately end up, it is best they do not know their fate. Nonetheless, I am very thankful for turkeys and all the associated joys they bring at this time of the year. Even though it is not related to Thanksgiving, I must admit
There is a famous quote, actually one of many, from the Illiad, Homer’s book on the Trojan Wars that has stuck with me over the years. It is a simple quote, but speaks volumes, especially if looked at from a Masonic viewpoint. The quote is “Achilles absent is Achilles still”, and it alludes to the fact that even if Achilles was not present, his presence was still felt through his influence on those who are. The Masonic inference here really
The beauty of our planet never fails to amaze and inspire me. No matter where one travels on this world, there is so much natural beauty to be seen and enjoyed –from the majestic beauty of the mountains, woodlands and deserts to the small, almost unnoticed complexity and beauty of a single woodland flower. Is it possible to stand on ocean shores, witness the crashing of huge waves, while at the same time contemplating upon the separate, hidden world
As many of you may know, one of my great loves is woodworking, and it is a hobby that I have enjoyed for years. Because of this addiction, I am constantly working on our house ––building, rebuilding or replacing something. Some time back I decided that the stairs in our basement needed replacing, so as I usually do, I set out to make the needed improvements. Normally, because of their use, stairs are built from a fairly hard, durable wood,
Brethren; As boys we built tree houses, club houses and forts, they were our special places. That special place was just for a select few of a special group of friends. They were also others who wanted to be part of the group but were never invited. As men, if you think we out grew the concept of a club house you’re wrong, the name and place has changed but the concept remains. As men we have cottages, boats, deer
As I travel the State of Wisconsin and visit other Jurisdictions, I start wondering about some of the people I meet. Are they on an ego trip, are they full of themselves, do they need to be in control and the list goes on. Putting the shoe on the other foot, how do I conduct myself? The conclusion is it’s really none of the above, “It’s about the Passion”. Regardless of the Organization, there are those members who attend its
My Brothers; Now that I have your attention! There was a personal reason you joined this great fraternity. Some of you had Fathers who gave you a petition and took you to Lodge. While others may have had male role models who did the same. Most of the Baby Boomers, my generation, were not joiners, divorce became socially acceptable, two income households, lack of time for family, the list is endless, thus membership in Churches, Fraternal and Volunteer Organizations has
Brethren; The Deputy Grand Master, Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, the Grand Secretary and myself have just returned from the Conference of Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries in Kansas City. There were over sixty different Grand Jurisdictions represented. The attendees were able to exchange ideas, compare membership trends and join in proactive seminars. The Seminars were very informative they dealt with everything from membership retention, working with new members and social media concepts. I have asked, in past articles, why
My Brothers: I had the opportunity to see Freemasonry is action by attending the Secretaries Training Seminar in Madison on Sunday, January 20. I want to thank PGM Michael A. DeWolf, our Grand Secretary, for making it a worth while event. It was interactive, so speakers could field questions and comments from the floor. I spoke with many of the Brothers who found it to very informative and helpful in providing leadership to their Lodges. I have also traveled to
My Brothers: I enjoy reading about our great fraternity and it seems the information read deserves time for reflection, analysis and action. Our Grand Secretary forwarded an article to me that was found on the International Royal Arch Masons website. I have read the article and felt it worthwhile to share along with some personal observations. “Seven Blunders of the Masonic World” Ritual without Meaning Our Ritual is what makes us different from other Fraternal or Service Organizations. We should
My Brothers; The Holiday Season is upon us, a time for our religious celebrations, family gatherings, traditions, sharing with others, caring for others and the list goes on. In Freemasonry, when we live up to our obligations, “It’s always the Season”. Living up to our Masonic Tenants of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth gives a group of “Diverse” men from all walks of life an opportunity to join together. It is a time for those Brothers to bond and focus
Brethren; When you were young remember those birthday and holiday gifts? Which one got your attention? It was probably the biggest box and or the best wrapped. As you advanced in life, you bought a car, your pride and joy, you maintained it or wrapped it to the best of your ability. Many of us bought a house and made it a home. The way you maintain something or the way you wrap it becomes a reflection of your personality
Brethren; I want to tell of an instance that goes to prove the “Diversity” of our Brothers in our Great Fraternity. Last month I received an e-mail from our Editor, Rich Rygh, of our Wisconsin Masonic Journal. “I have the attached photo which would make a nice cover photo for the WMJ. I have never taken a photo during the conferral of a degree. What is your opinion? Do you think we are showing more than we should? I don’t
My Brothers; It is a pleasure to be serving you as your Grand Master. There seems to be something different to do each day. I had written a number of articles for the Masonic Journal but after reading them; they didn’t seem to be relevant as to what’s happening in Wisconsin Freemasonry. One of the Programs that your Grand Lodge, through the Masonic Charities Office, has been doing is to recognize our Brothers for their years of Masonic Service. We
On Friday evening June 1st, 2012 M.W. Brother Dennis Valentine Siewert was installed as the Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin. The following are the comments he delivered on June 2nd at the Madison Masonic Center. Past Grand Master, Davey L. White Jr., Past Grand Masters, Brethren All; Some Past Grand Masters have said being a Grand Master is somewhat like owing a Boat. The two best days of ownership is when you buy it and when you sell it.
Brethren, I imagine there are plenty of Brothers out there, who like me, enjoyed our early spring and are not enjoying the cool weather we have been receiving lately. I’m sure it won’t be here too much longer, but I’m getting impatient. The last month has been a busy one, starting out with the joint Table Lodge with our Prince Hall Brothers. It was a truly enjoyable evening for everyone involved. I would like to thank Grand Master Earl Thomas
Brethren, As I write this article, the Grand Lodge staff and officers are busy preparing for the upcoming Annual Communication in June. While it may seem a little early, we all know how fast the time flies by. The Lodges should also be preparing and planning for this event, as the Worshipful Masters and Wardens comprise the voting body of the Grand Lodge. We hope to have a little different approach to the Annual Communication this year. We will of
Brethren, I again would like to thank our Great Creator for blessing us with such wonderful weather this winter. I cannot remember in my 48 plus years ever having a winter as warm as this. While some people may enjoy the beautiful snowfalls that our Wisconsin winters normally bring (which I also do), I am thankful for traveling purposes that it has been a mild winter so far. During the past month I have continued battling a nasty virus, but
Brethren, As I write this article, it is evident that winter in Wisconsin has arrived. The snow and ice are upon us once again. While it is beautiful in its own way, it offers a lot of concerns for our Brothers as they travel around our state practicing our Masonic Principles. Please take every precaution when out and about traveling to other lodges and state functions. Your health and safety are our main concerns. I hope everyone has been enjoying
Brethren, As the month of January approaches, I think that we should feel very fortunate for the great weather that our “supreme architect of the universe” has provided for us so far this year (no offense snowmobilers). It has made travel throughout the state a lot more enjoyable. The month of December has been a particularly rewarding experience for me, as I have had the opportunity to travel to several Lodges that I have not been privileged to visit before.
Twas the Night before Christmas, And down at the lodge Not a gavel was stirring, And in the hodge podge of aprons and jewels And chairs East and West You could savour the silence, Most gladly divest all metal and mineral, It mattered not, Since Christmas was nigh And the coals were still hot In the hearth of your home place, all Masons abed, As visions of trestleboards Danced in their head; When up on the roof there arose such a clatter Our Tyler jumped up to see what was the
Brethren, As December approaches and we prepare for Mother Nature to bring us another winter in Wisconsin, it reminds us that it is the time of year for election of officers in our local Lodges. A time for the young men of our Fraternity to move forward and continue their education and journey in Masonry, while the Past Masters and veteran members of the Lodges continue spreading their wisdom to those that wish to learn. It truly is an exciting
Brethren, As we look at the beautiful scenes the supreme architect of the universe has provided for us in the month of October, we must feel an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy his creations. The colors of the trees and watching the animals scurry around preparing for the upcoming winter is my favorite time of year. This is also the busy part of our constituent lodges’ years as the current Masters are busy trying
What two things do we not talk about in our Masonic Lodges? The answer is Religion and Politics. However, United States Freemasons helped form and maintain this great country of ours and have always answered the call to arms. Recently I got a call from Brother Bob Roth, a retired Army Colonel, who serves us on a number Grand Lodge Committees. He asked me if I would like to represent my company and the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin on
Brethren, The month of September is drawing to a close and the Lodges are busy planning and implementing programs they have laid out on their trestleboards. You can feel the excitement in the air. There is degree work going on almost everywhere. I believe Freemasonry is alive and moving in the right direction in Wisconsin. We are making great strides not only in the Blue Lodge, but also in our appendant bodies as well. Our numbers are still declining, but
Brethren, Again I thank you for the opportunity to serve our great craft as your Grand Master. It truly is an extraordinary feeling. I would also like to thank Bro. Rich Rygh for his outstanding coverage of our Annual Communication. The picture on the cover of our summer issue says it all. I don’t believe there is anyone happier than my Father at that particular moment. Thanks Brother Rich for capturing the moment. As the lodges that were dark for
My Brothers, I am deeply honored and humbled by your vote of confidence. And while I have been elevated for a short time to the position of Grand Master, I assure you that I will always keep in mind that I am nothing more than a representative on your behalf. I further assure you that every decision made this year will be made with your best interests as well as those of our craft in mind. I would like to
Grand Master’s Report M .W. Joseph B. Harker My brothers, last June I was deeply humbled but honored to be elected and installed as your Grand Master, I remain equally humbled and honored today. It has been a privilege to serve OUR Grand Lodge these past twelve months as your Grand Master. Additionally, it was a joy to serve with these fine 2010-11 Grand Lodge Officers. To your Lodges we pledged our support, additionally; we pledged our support to York
The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin will convene at the Madison Masonic Center on Friday, June 10, 2011. All Wisconsin Lodges are expected to have their representatives (Master, Senior and Junior Wardens or Proxies) present for the entire communication. Any Lodge unable to attend must receive prior written permission from the Grand Master well in advance of the start of the Communication. My Brothers and friends we all owe a great deal to
My Lady Mary and I extend a very Happy Mother’s Day to all. Lodges that are the most successful are those that have made significant accomplishments such as reaching significant years of operation or have made improvements in their building. A few Lodges are planning to celebrate these accomplishments. Frequently these celebrations include an invitation to the Grand Officers to come and perform a rededication of the Lodge. There are several Lodges that have scheduled such events. Lodges with rededication
Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PGM, will host a MORI training seminar on May 21 from 9:30 a.m. thru 4:00 p.m. at the Weston Lanes, 5902 Schofield Ave, Weston, Wis. There will be a break for lunch at noon and each participant will be on his own for lunch. There are plenty of lunch choices available at the center. The class is designed to accommodate the new user as well as the power user. Some basic secretarial functions will be
Is spring finally here? As I write this message the thermometer hovers around 30 degrees. The monthly reports received from your Grand Lodge officers keep me informed of the activities of your Lodge. Please keep your District Deputy informed of the degrees and other events your lodge has planned. Each Deputy is reporting weekly on lodge happenings via an e-mail notice. I again must tell you that the majority of Wisconsin Lodges have been busy. They are conferring degrees, holding
By now all Lodges have installed their officers for the 2011 Masonic year. It is always encouraging to see our new officers grow their skills to fulfill their new responsibilities. I am sure you have hopes and goals set for what you plan to accomplish this Masonic year. Share those ideas with your fellow officers and members. Engage them–it is a lot more fun if you can work together to plan and complete a project. Your Grand Lodge officers were
Article by Don Hensiak, Senior Grand Steward The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin has enjoyed a growing relationship with the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. The two Grand Lodges remain separate and distinct, but have enjoyed mutual recognition since 1990. This allows the two jurisdictions to enjoy camaraderie and visitations. The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin currently recognizes 31 Prince Hall Grand Lodges throughout America. Many Masons have labored under the mistaken idea that Prince Hall is a “black” lodge and
What a joy the last couple of months have been, Lodge officers installed, time spent with family and friends. A great kick off to 2011. While installing Lodge officers I have witnessed a number of occasions where the lodge is including their ladies and family members by having them place the officer’s jewel on their loved one or by using a candle ceremony. A few lodges have made some minor modifications to the installation ceremony to meet their needs and
Past Grand Master Robert Edward Billings passed away on January 21, 2011 at the age of 93, at Greentree Health and Rehabilitation Center, Clintonville. He served the Masons of Wisconsin as Grand Master in 1975. He was born in Clintonville, Wisconsin, September 14, 1917 the son of Guy and Jennie (Carr) Billings. He married Jane Elizabeth Kelly his wife of 63 years in October 1941. She preceded him in death in 2004. Bro. Billings graduated from the Clintonville public school
Happy New Year! By now most Lodges have installed their officers for the 2011 Masonic year. There are just a few lodges that have scheduled installation for early January. As of this writing I have attended the installation of officers for 25 lodges with more scheduled over the next couple of weeks. Your Grand Lodge Officers have all been very busy working in the lodges to install the 2011 officers. Many lodges have officers occupying a office that they have
Past Grand Master Perry A. Risberg, 93, of Hayward, Wis, passed to the Lodge Eternal on Tuesday, November 23, 2010, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota. Bro. Perry was born on August 21, 1917, in Whitehall, Wis., to Walter and Dora (Brandon) Risberg. His family moved to Hayward when he was in high school and he graduated from Hayward High School. He then attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison, with accounting and law degrees. After receiving
My Lady Mary and I hope you and your family have a very Happy and Joyous Holiday season. As you gather with family and friends enjoy all the blessings that you have received and remember those who are less fortunate. All of our Masonic related organizations are a gift that we must all be thankful to be a part of. It extends an opportunity to each and everyone of us to share and unite in the common good. By now
Your Grand Lodge officers met in Madison the weekend of October 8-10 as reported elsewhere in this issue of our Wisconsin Masonic Journal. The highlight of the weekend was the Unity dinner where many of the Wisconsin Masonic bodies’ Grand Officers came together to socialize and learn more about each other’s organizations. There were members from Eastern Star, Amaranth, Job’s Daughters, Rainbow for Girls, DeMolay, Commandery, and the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. All appendant bodies were invited and I hope
Video address by Lee Sherman Dreyfus – former Governor of Wisconsin. Hosted by Freemasons Lodge #363, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and recorded in 2003 at the Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Milwaukee. [cincopa AQCAtTKt2397]
Bro. Donald E. Krueger, PGM, of Tampa, Florida, passed away Sept. 12, 2010 at the age of 94. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on May 26, 1916, to Arnold A. and Lorraine (nee Pfieffer) Krueger. He graduated from Burlington High School and Carroll College. Bro. Krueger was employed by the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company in Milwaukee until his retirement in 1976. He served a President of the Board of Trustees of Racine County Hospital and as President of
We are deeply saddened at the passing of Brother Donald E. Krueger, who served our Grand Jurisdiction as Grand Master in 1969-70. We extend our sympathy to his family. I have recently travelled out of state representing the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin to the Midwest Conference of Grand Lodges in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; the Supreme Council Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Northern Jurisdiction in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Iowa in Sioux City,
It has been a very exciting and rewarding beginning to our 2010-11 Wisconsin Grand Lodge year. I was very pleased with the material content and quality the summer issue of this Wisconsin Masonic Journal. I hope you were as well. I hope that many of you went to the electronic version of the WI Masonic Journal. In the Electronic version you may find something about your Lodge. If you have any concern about our paper, please send a message to
June 2010 : Madison Masonic Center My brothers, I am deeply humbled but honored by having been elected and installed as your Grand Master. I want to congratulate and thank all of the Grand Lodge Officers that have been elected or appointed and installed to serve you this next Grand Lodge year with me. We all thank you for your support and confidence. We pledge to you our support in all of your endeavors. We also pledge our support to
This is the time of the year when it is really tough to be a turkey. If they knew their fate, I doubt they would feel there is much to be thankful for. Considering where they shall ultimately end up, it is best they do not know their fate. Nonetheless, I am very thankful for turkeys and all the associated joys they bring at this time of the year. Even though it is not related to Thanksgiving, I must admit
There is a famous quote, actually one of many, from the Illiad, Homer’s book on the Trojan Wars that has stuck with me over the years. It is a simple quote, but speaks volumes, especially if looked at from a Masonic viewpoint. The quote is “Achilles absent is Achilles still”, and it alludes to the fact that even if Achilles was not present, his presence was still felt through his influence on those who are. The Masonic inference here really
The beauty of our planet never fails to amaze and inspire me. No matter where one travels on this world, there is so much natural beauty to be seen and enjoyed –from the majestic beauty of the mountains, woodlands and deserts to the small, almost unnoticed complexity and beauty of a single woodland flower. Is it possible to stand on ocean shores, witness the crashing of huge waves, while at the same time contemplating upon the separate, hidden world
As many of you may know, one of my great loves is woodworking, and it is a hobby that I have enjoyed for years. Because of this addiction, I am constantly working on our house ––building, rebuilding or replacing something. Some time back I decided that the stairs in our basement needed replacing, so as I usually do, I set out to make the needed improvements. Normally, because of their use, stairs are built from a fairly hard, durable wood,
Brethren; As boys we built tree houses, club houses and forts, they were our special places. That special place was just for a select few of a special group of friends. They were also others who wanted to be part of the group but were never invited. As men, if you think we out grew the concept of a club house you’re wrong, the name and place has changed but the concept remains. As men we have cottages, boats, deer
As I travel the State of Wisconsin and visit other Jurisdictions, I start wondering about some of the people I meet. Are they on an ego trip, are they full of themselves, do they need to be in control and the list goes on. Putting the shoe on the other foot, how do I conduct myself? The conclusion is it’s really none of the above, “It’s about the Passion”. Regardless of the Organization, there are those members who attend its
My Brothers; Now that I have your attention! There was a personal reason you joined this great fraternity. Some of you had Fathers who gave you a petition and took you to Lodge. While others may have had male role models who did the same. Most of the Baby Boomers, my generation, were not joiners, divorce became socially acceptable, two income households, lack of time for family, the list is endless, thus membership in Churches, Fraternal and Volunteer Organizations has
Brethren; The Deputy Grand Master, Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, the Grand Secretary and myself have just returned from the Conference of Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries in Kansas City. There were over sixty different Grand Jurisdictions represented. The attendees were able to exchange ideas, compare membership trends and join in proactive seminars. The Seminars were very informative they dealt with everything from membership retention, working with new members and social media concepts. I have asked, in past articles, why
My Brothers: I had the opportunity to see Freemasonry is action by attending the Secretaries Training Seminar in Madison on Sunday, January 20. I want to thank PGM Michael A. DeWolf, our Grand Secretary, for making it a worth while event. It was interactive, so speakers could field questions and comments from the floor. I spoke with many of the Brothers who found it to very informative and helpful in providing leadership to their Lodges. I have also traveled to
My Brothers: I enjoy reading about our great fraternity and it seems the information read deserves time for reflection, analysis and action. Our Grand Secretary forwarded an article to me that was found on the International Royal Arch Masons website. I have read the article and felt it worthwhile to share along with some personal observations. “Seven Blunders of the Masonic World” Ritual without Meaning Our Ritual is what makes us different from other Fraternal or Service Organizations. We should
My Brothers; The Holiday Season is upon us, a time for our religious celebrations, family gatherings, traditions, sharing with others, caring for others and the list goes on. In Freemasonry, when we live up to our obligations, “It’s always the Season”. Living up to our Masonic Tenants of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth gives a group of “Diverse” men from all walks of life an opportunity to join together. It is a time for those Brothers to bond and focus
Brethren; When you were young remember those birthday and holiday gifts? Which one got your attention? It was probably the biggest box and or the best wrapped. As you advanced in life, you bought a car, your pride and joy, you maintained it or wrapped it to the best of your ability. Many of us bought a house and made it a home. The way you maintain something or the way you wrap it becomes a reflection of your personality
Brethren; I want to tell of an instance that goes to prove the “Diversity” of our Brothers in our Great Fraternity. Last month I received an e-mail from our Editor, Rich Rygh, of our Wisconsin Masonic Journal. “I have the attached photo which would make a nice cover photo for the WMJ. I have never taken a photo during the conferral of a degree. What is your opinion? Do you think we are showing more than we should? I don’t
My Brothers; It is a pleasure to be serving you as your Grand Master. There seems to be something different to do each day. I had written a number of articles for the Masonic Journal but after reading them; they didn’t seem to be relevant as to what’s happening in Wisconsin Freemasonry. One of the Programs that your Grand Lodge, through the Masonic Charities Office, has been doing is to recognize our Brothers for their years of Masonic Service. We
On Friday evening June 1st, 2012 M.W. Brother Dennis Valentine Siewert was installed as the Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin. The following are the comments he delivered on June 2nd at the Madison Masonic Center. Past Grand Master, Davey L. White Jr., Past Grand Masters, Brethren All; Some Past Grand Masters have said being a Grand Master is somewhat like owing a Boat. The two best days of ownership is when you buy it and when you sell it.
Brethren, I imagine there are plenty of Brothers out there, who like me, enjoyed our early spring and are not enjoying the cool weather we have been receiving lately. I’m sure it won’t be here too much longer, but I’m getting impatient. The last month has been a busy one, starting out with the joint Table Lodge with our Prince Hall Brothers. It was a truly enjoyable evening for everyone involved. I would like to thank Grand Master Earl Thomas
Brethren, As I write this article, the Grand Lodge staff and officers are busy preparing for the upcoming Annual Communication in June. While it may seem a little early, we all know how fast the time flies by. The Lodges should also be preparing and planning for this event, as the Worshipful Masters and Wardens comprise the voting body of the Grand Lodge. We hope to have a little different approach to the Annual Communication this year. We will of
Brethren, I again would like to thank our Great Creator for blessing us with such wonderful weather this winter. I cannot remember in my 48 plus years ever having a winter as warm as this. While some people may enjoy the beautiful snowfalls that our Wisconsin winters normally bring (which I also do), I am thankful for traveling purposes that it has been a mild winter so far. During the past month I have continued battling a nasty virus, but
Brethren, As I write this article, it is evident that winter in Wisconsin has arrived. The snow and ice are upon us once again. While it is beautiful in its own way, it offers a lot of concerns for our Brothers as they travel around our state practicing our Masonic Principles. Please take every precaution when out and about traveling to other lodges and state functions. Your health and safety are our main concerns. I hope everyone has been enjoying
Brethren, As the month of January approaches, I think that we should feel very fortunate for the great weather that our “supreme architect of the universe” has provided for us so far this year (no offense snowmobilers). It has made travel throughout the state a lot more enjoyable. The month of December has been a particularly rewarding experience for me, as I have had the opportunity to travel to several Lodges that I have not been privileged to visit before.
Twas the Night before Christmas, And down at the lodge Not a gavel was stirring, And in the hodge podge of aprons and jewels And chairs East and West You could savour the silence, Most gladly divest all metal and mineral, It mattered not, Since Christmas was nigh And the coals were still hot In the hearth of your home place, all Masons abed, As visions of trestleboards Danced in their head; When up on the roof there arose such a clatter Our Tyler jumped up to see what was the
Brethren, As December approaches and we prepare for Mother Nature to bring us another winter in Wisconsin, it reminds us that it is the time of year for election of officers in our local Lodges. A time for the young men of our Fraternity to move forward and continue their education and journey in Masonry, while the Past Masters and veteran members of the Lodges continue spreading their wisdom to those that wish to learn. It truly is an exciting
Brethren, As we look at the beautiful scenes the supreme architect of the universe has provided for us in the month of October, we must feel an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy his creations. The colors of the trees and watching the animals scurry around preparing for the upcoming winter is my favorite time of year. This is also the busy part of our constituent lodges’ years as the current Masters are busy trying
What two things do we not talk about in our Masonic Lodges? The answer is Religion and Politics. However, United States Freemasons helped form and maintain this great country of ours and have always answered the call to arms. Recently I got a call from Brother Bob Roth, a retired Army Colonel, who serves us on a number Grand Lodge Committees. He asked me if I would like to represent my company and the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin on
Brethren, The month of September is drawing to a close and the Lodges are busy planning and implementing programs they have laid out on their trestleboards. You can feel the excitement in the air. There is degree work going on almost everywhere. I believe Freemasonry is alive and moving in the right direction in Wisconsin. We are making great strides not only in the Blue Lodge, but also in our appendant bodies as well. Our numbers are still declining, but
Brethren, Again I thank you for the opportunity to serve our great craft as your Grand Master. It truly is an extraordinary feeling. I would also like to thank Bro. Rich Rygh for his outstanding coverage of our Annual Communication. The picture on the cover of our summer issue says it all. I don’t believe there is anyone happier than my Father at that particular moment. Thanks Brother Rich for capturing the moment. As the lodges that were dark for
My Brothers, I am deeply honored and humbled by your vote of confidence. And while I have been elevated for a short time to the position of Grand Master, I assure you that I will always keep in mind that I am nothing more than a representative on your behalf. I further assure you that every decision made this year will be made with your best interests as well as those of our craft in mind. I would like to
Grand Master’s Report M .W. Joseph B. Harker My brothers, last June I was deeply humbled but honored to be elected and installed as your Grand Master, I remain equally humbled and honored today. It has been a privilege to serve OUR Grand Lodge these past twelve months as your Grand Master. Additionally, it was a joy to serve with these fine 2010-11 Grand Lodge Officers. To your Lodges we pledged our support, additionally; we pledged our support to York
The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin will convene at the Madison Masonic Center on Friday, June 10, 2011. All Wisconsin Lodges are expected to have their representatives (Master, Senior and Junior Wardens or Proxies) present for the entire communication. Any Lodge unable to attend must receive prior written permission from the Grand Master well in advance of the start of the Communication. My Brothers and friends we all owe a great deal to
My Lady Mary and I extend a very Happy Mother’s Day to all. Lodges that are the most successful are those that have made significant accomplishments such as reaching significant years of operation or have made improvements in their building. A few Lodges are planning to celebrate these accomplishments. Frequently these celebrations include an invitation to the Grand Officers to come and perform a rededication of the Lodge. There are several Lodges that have scheduled such events. Lodges with rededication
Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf, PGM, will host a MORI training seminar on May 21 from 9:30 a.m. thru 4:00 p.m. at the Weston Lanes, 5902 Schofield Ave, Weston, Wis. There will be a break for lunch at noon and each participant will be on his own for lunch. There are plenty of lunch choices available at the center. The class is designed to accommodate the new user as well as the power user. Some basic secretarial functions will be
Is spring finally here? As I write this message the thermometer hovers around 30 degrees. The monthly reports received from your Grand Lodge officers keep me informed of the activities of your Lodge. Please keep your District Deputy informed of the degrees and other events your lodge has planned. Each Deputy is reporting weekly on lodge happenings via an e-mail notice. I again must tell you that the majority of Wisconsin Lodges have been busy. They are conferring degrees, holding
By now all Lodges have installed their officers for the 2011 Masonic year. It is always encouraging to see our new officers grow their skills to fulfill their new responsibilities. I am sure you have hopes and goals set for what you plan to accomplish this Masonic year. Share those ideas with your fellow officers and members. Engage them–it is a lot more fun if you can work together to plan and complete a project. Your Grand Lodge officers were
Article by Don Hensiak, Senior Grand Steward The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin has enjoyed a growing relationship with the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. The two Grand Lodges remain separate and distinct, but have enjoyed mutual recognition since 1990. This allows the two jurisdictions to enjoy camaraderie and visitations. The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin currently recognizes 31 Prince Hall Grand Lodges throughout America. Many Masons have labored under the mistaken idea that Prince Hall is a “black” lodge and
What a joy the last couple of months have been, Lodge officers installed, time spent with family and friends. A great kick off to 2011. While installing Lodge officers I have witnessed a number of occasions where the lodge is including their ladies and family members by having them place the officer’s jewel on their loved one or by using a candle ceremony. A few lodges have made some minor modifications to the installation ceremony to meet their needs and
Past Grand Master Robert Edward Billings passed away on January 21, 2011 at the age of 93, at Greentree Health and Rehabilitation Center, Clintonville. He served the Masons of Wisconsin as Grand Master in 1975. He was born in Clintonville, Wisconsin, September 14, 1917 the son of Guy and Jennie (Carr) Billings. He married Jane Elizabeth Kelly his wife of 63 years in October 1941. She preceded him in death in 2004. Bro. Billings graduated from the Clintonville public school
Happy New Year! By now most Lodges have installed their officers for the 2011 Masonic year. There are just a few lodges that have scheduled installation for early January. As of this writing I have attended the installation of officers for 25 lodges with more scheduled over the next couple of weeks. Your Grand Lodge Officers have all been very busy working in the lodges to install the 2011 officers. Many lodges have officers occupying a office that they have
Past Grand Master Perry A. Risberg, 93, of Hayward, Wis, passed to the Lodge Eternal on Tuesday, November 23, 2010, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota. Bro. Perry was born on August 21, 1917, in Whitehall, Wis., to Walter and Dora (Brandon) Risberg. His family moved to Hayward when he was in high school and he graduated from Hayward High School. He then attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison, with accounting and law degrees. After receiving
My Lady Mary and I hope you and your family have a very Happy and Joyous Holiday season. As you gather with family and friends enjoy all the blessings that you have received and remember those who are less fortunate. All of our Masonic related organizations are a gift that we must all be thankful to be a part of. It extends an opportunity to each and everyone of us to share and unite in the common good. By now
Your Grand Lodge officers met in Madison the weekend of October 8-10 as reported elsewhere in this issue of our Wisconsin Masonic Journal. The highlight of the weekend was the Unity dinner where many of the Wisconsin Masonic bodies’ Grand Officers came together to socialize and learn more about each other’s organizations. There were members from Eastern Star, Amaranth, Job’s Daughters, Rainbow for Girls, DeMolay, Commandery, and the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. All appendant bodies were invited and I hope
Video address by Lee Sherman Dreyfus – former Governor of Wisconsin. Hosted by Freemasons Lodge #363, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and recorded in 2003 at the Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Milwaukee. [cincopa AQCAtTKt2397]
Bro. Donald E. Krueger, PGM, of Tampa, Florida, passed away Sept. 12, 2010 at the age of 94. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on May 26, 1916, to Arnold A. and Lorraine (nee Pfieffer) Krueger. He graduated from Burlington High School and Carroll College. Bro. Krueger was employed by the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company in Milwaukee until his retirement in 1976. He served a President of the Board of Trustees of Racine County Hospital and as President of
We are deeply saddened at the passing of Brother Donald E. Krueger, who served our Grand Jurisdiction as Grand Master in 1969-70. We extend our sympathy to his family. I have recently travelled out of state representing the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin to the Midwest Conference of Grand Lodges in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; the Supreme Council Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Northern Jurisdiction in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Iowa in Sioux City,
It has been a very exciting and rewarding beginning to our 2010-11 Wisconsin Grand Lodge year. I was very pleased with the material content and quality the summer issue of this Wisconsin Masonic Journal. I hope you were as well. I hope that many of you went to the electronic version of the WI Masonic Journal. In the Electronic version you may find something about your Lodge. If you have any concern about our paper, please send a message to
June 2010 : Madison Masonic Center My brothers, I am deeply humbled but honored by having been elected and installed as your Grand Master. I want to congratulate and thank all of the Grand Lodge Officers that have been elected or appointed and installed to serve you this next Grand Lodge year with me. We all thank you for your support and confidence. We pledge to you our support in all of your endeavors. We also pledge our support to
Freemasons are united in the common goal of becoming better men.
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