Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

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

Madison Masons, Madison Freemasons, Wisconsin Freemasonry

The Brethren of Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 83, Madison, and guests enjoyed a timely and important program at their November Brothers and Guests evening titled Sikhism: Universal Religion. The program was presented by area Sikh leaders Dr. Satwant Dhillon, an Obstetrician, and Mr. Randee Talwar, a professional hotelier. They were very appreciative of the opportunity to make this outreach in view of the recent tragedy at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Their program was arranged for the Lodge by Brother Shravan Sukumar, who was Initiated, Passed and Raised in Trinity Lodge No. 17, Tritchy, India in the Emulation Rite of Freemasonry. Brother Sukumar is a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Biochemistry and he is a frequent attendee at Benjamin Franklin Lodge No 83, which works in the Emulation Rite.

Brother Glen Witt and his son, Brother Adam Witt, who are both Master Masons, presented a very well received program at a recent Brothers and Guests night meeting at BFL#83. The topic of the presentation was “Electrical Experiments of Benjamin Franklin”. Brother Glen has long been interested in electrical experiments, and demonstrated some of Franklin’s innovations with some of his electrical equipment. He and Brother Adam also have a small library of books about Benjamin Franklin. Brother Adam gave a power point presentation about Franklin’s general background and his specific interest in electricity. Franklin was largely self–educated and received only Honorary degrees.

Four members of Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 attended the Ninth Annual Combined Table Lodge on March 29th. The Joint Hosts were the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Inc., Free & Accepted Masons of Wisconsin, and Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons of Wisconsin. The Table Lodge was held at the Prince Hall Masonic Center in Milwaukee. This has become one of the premier yearly events in Wisconsin Masonry and there was a sold out full house in attendance. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Brother Minor King, Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden of Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge.

Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 83 is happy to announce that Brother David Baux was raised to the degree of Master Mason on April 11, 2012. Pictured from left to right are WM Mitch Custer (PM) from Doric Lodge #356, Bro. David Baux, and WM Travis James West.

Bro. Merrell Tomlin recently presented on the topic of George Washington's work as a distiller. This fascinating presentation outlines Bro. Washington's family background, his rise to prominence as a businessman, as well as a revolutionary, and how the distilled spirit contributed to the forming of this great nation.

Our own Bro. Corey Kunde was recently featured in the "What I Do" section of the Wisconsin State Journal. The article describes his work in the field of construction material forensics, as well as his significant background in chemistry.

You can read the article at the Wisconsin State Journal:

What I Do: Corey Kunde specializes in 'construction material forensics'

On October 14 I was in Cleveland on business and it just so happened that the Grand Lodge of Ohio was having their annual communication. I had a pleasant interaction with a fellow brother. He is currently the Master of Arts & Science lodge No. 792 in Hillard, Ohio. It is worth mentioning that he is also the founding member of this lodge. The lodge is very similar in structure and ideology as Benjamin Franklin and just about 2 years old. It is great to see more Masons who share our vision. If you want you can check out their web page which has more information on the lodge and their activities.

A few months ago I wrote a short piece about Freemasons on the Santa Fe Trail that mentioned Brother Christopher “Kit” Carson and a little about his Masonic Lodge membership and his home, which is now a Museum. Time and circumstances presented the recent opportunity to view the Kit Carson Home and Museum, Carson’s burial place, the current Bent Lodge No. 42, and the Bent Home and Museum, all in Taos, New Mexico. Governor Bent, the first Governor of New Mexico after the Mexican - American war, was murdered in a violent skirmish between rival factions in the newly made state. He was a Freemason and Bent Lodge No. 42 is named after him. The Kit Carson Home and Museum is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Entry is free to those Freemasons presenting a current dues card. The Grand Lodge of New Mexico assisted in the placement of a suitable re-burial place for Carson and his second wife. Attached hereto are several photos of the locations visited, all of which should be self explanatory.

The Masonic contributions to medical research and practice was the subject of a Fellow Craft presentation on June 22,2011 at a BFL#83 Brothers and Guests evening. These FC presentations are given by each Entered Apprentice as they work to gain Masonic knowledge on their way to the FC Degree. Brothers and guests also learn more about the Craft from them.

This presentation was themed around showing the contributions of both past and present Masonic brothers for the good of science, medicine, and fellow man. While some endeavors were shown to be made by a single person, others are contributions made by groups. Neither are more important in the end than the other, but all had or do have lasting effects on the common man.