Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

Brethren of the Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 in full regalia.

Madison Masons, Madison Freemasons, Wisconsin Freemasonry

I am a big fan of American roots music and have an extensive collection of 20s, 30s, & 40s rural country music & blues. I've also got a good bit of Western Swing & Cowboy tunes from the likes of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, Milton Brown & his Musical Brownies, the Sons of the Pioneers, and of course Gene Autry. I ran across a Youtube video the other day which incorporated Autry's old chestnut version of "South of the Border" with his radio and TV show's "Cowboy Code." These broadcasts ran between 1940 and 1956 - NOT a time particularly known for tolerance and openness to people of different ethnic backgrounds and religious ideas. I'm personally thinking that some of Bro. Autry's Masonry might have slipped into his Cowboy Code. I'll let you brothers be the judge. In the meantime, I'll just put on my over-sized white Stetson and Hollywood smile, hop up on my trusty horse El Caballo, and ride off into that Masonically purple sage.

The Officers of Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, were installed on January 28, 2010 at a public installation ceremony. Five guests, three with petitions, were in attendance. Senior Grand Deacon Dan Slavik was Installing Master, assisted by Grand Tyler Pat Storrs as Installing Marshall and District Deputy Dave Bromkamp as Installing Chaplin. Pictured from left to right are Officers and members: Dan Slavik, Dave Bomkamp, James Anderson Secretary, Erik Nielsen SD, Paul Gordon WM, Phil Ferris Chaplin, Patrick Blawat Treasurer, Ross Lehmann Musician, Pat Storrs, Brendan Connelly. In absentia and not pictured: Travis West SW, Scott Statz JW, Joseph Howell SD, Gary Oien IG, Winter Guite Tyler, and Trustees Felix Geissler, Robert Blackburn, Joe Abrams.

As some of you may know, my mother lodge is Dalkey No.261, situated just south of Dublin. It is the only lodge in the Metropolitan Area to have its own temple building. Recently, a new Master's chair was presented to the lodge. I can't say I've ever seen its like. What a marvelous addition to the lodge's furnishings.

S & F

Robert Blackburn

By Robert Blackburn at 19 Jan 2010 - 10:43am | read more | 1 attachment

On January 13, 2010 Benjamin Hawkins became a Freemason in Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83. Brother Ben is a student at the University of Wisconsin, studying business, and working part time as a bartender. He has been a frequent guest at our Brothers and Guests nights. There were 25 Brothers in attendance at his initiation, including our District Deputy, Area Administrator, two representatives from the Grand Lodge of Prince Hall Freemasons in Wisconsin, as well as Brother Josef Pronett of Aurora Lodge #30, all in addition to BFL#83’s Grand Lodge of Wisconsin members. After the Lodge meeting and photographs, a Festive Board was held in Brother Ben’s honor on the occasion of his becoming a Freemason. Firing cannons rang out frequently after numerous Masonic toasts. Later, some Brothers enjoyed cigars and continued fellowship in the “Moose” lounge. Congratulations to Brother Ben for finding light in Freemasonry!

Attached is a paper presented by Bro. Brendan on September 23, 2009. The paper was presented as part of his work toward advancing from the E.A. to F.C. degree.

Summary: This presentation was an attempt at sharing possibly universal tenants behind my sad and necessary
experience of reconciling painful and largely unconscious wounds brought on by two divorces during my
childhood. When the messages of three main bodies of work I had been pursuing for many years to my

On January 12th six Brothers from Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 visited Aurora Lodge #30 in Whitefish Bay for their installation of Officers. This was an important meeting for BFL#83 because Brother Josef Pronnet was installed as Worshipful Master – for his 6th time! Brother Josef is a Special Friend of BFL#83. He is a frequent guest and has been instrumental in helping our Lodge develop. He has helped us in the ancient usages and accepted customs of Freemasonry. He has helped explain the significance of Aprons and Firing Cannons, among many other things. Most importantly, he has helped guide our Lodge in a better understanding and practice of the values and principles of Freemasonry. Grand Master Craig Campbell assisted in the East. BLF’s own Pat Storrs attended both as a BFL#83 member but also as a Grand Lodge Officer. Besides Brothers from many local Lodges, representatives of the Grand Lodge of Prince Hall Freemasons also attended.

The November stated communication of BFL#83 was on November 11th, Veterans Day. Several members of our Lodge are military veterans. Others have family members who are or were veterans. All of us appreciate the sacrifice that all veterans have made for us and our country. While we all, veterans or not, try to meet our duty to God, our families and our country in many different ways, this is a day and time for a very special remembrance of those who risk, and give, their utmost measure through military service.

The District 7 meeting was hosted by BF#83 at the Madison Masonic Center on October 29th. The meeting was coordinated by Brother Dave Bomkamp, District 7 Deputy. An inspirational message was given by Most Worshipful Grand Master Craig S Campbell. Other presentations included a video about the Shriners and the Shrine Hospitals for Children, the Mori System, Lodge of Excellence, Masonic values as promoting the craft, updating electronic communications among Lodge members, Lodge of instruction, upcoming events, and other topics. About 25 Masons from throughout the District were in attendance. BF#83 provided a light lunch and deserts before and after the meeting, which was enjoyed by the Brothers while continuing discussions and fellowship.

By WM Paul Gordon

Masonic symbolism designed into the new Lodge building in Manawa by Brother Pat Storrs was the subject of the program presented at the October 28 Brothers/Guest night. Brother Pat used three slide shows to explain the details. The first was about symbols in Freemasonry as generally applied to architecture. The second then applied some of these to the building plans and features of the new building.