Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

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

Madison Masons, Madison Freemasons, Wisconsin Freemasonry

by Bro. Robert Blackburn

PM Felix Geissler, a.k.a. “Captain America” (actually, I'm informed, it's "Throttle Boy") donned his motorcycle gear, mounted his Harley, and joined former Wisconsin governor and fellow Freemason Tommy Thompson for the 15th Annual Tommy Thompson’s Motorcycle Tour. The event took place June 7 – 11, 2009, was headquartered in Bartlett, New Hampshire, in the heart of the White Mountains. Riders enjoyed tours of the New Hampshire sea coast, northeastern Vermont, the Maine coastline, and Mount Washington. Daily lunches were held at local Harley dealerships. The even culminated with Tommy Thompson’s annual “Biker’s Ball.”

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S & F

Robert Blackburn

By WM Paul Gordon:

Here are a few recent photos from the Manawa Lodge cornerstone dedication ceremony on Sunday, June 14, 2009. Brother Pat Storrs was the Architect for the building. He also wrote the Masonic ceremony for the groundbreaking, which occurred last Fall. Brohte Dan Slavik assisted in the cermoney as a Grand Lodge Officer. Please be sure to read more about this wonderful building in the December 2008 issue of the Wisconisn Masonic Journal, which is online.

As many of you brothers know, I now reside in Ann Arbor, MI, and am a plural member of Ann Arbor-Fraternity No. 262. What you may not know is that I write occasional freelance pieces for the Ann Arbor Observer, a local magazine. The following is one of my articles that ran earlier this year. It details the history and state of Masonry in Ann Arbor. In many ways, however, it might be the story of Masonry in many other communities.

Brethren,

I would like to introduce you to The Masonic Society, started one year ago by a number of prominent Masons across North America, and now with a worldwide membership. I am fortunate to be among the founding members, and can lay blame for much of my recent Masonic learning squarely at the feet of the members of the Society. It is the intention of the Society to become nothing less than the foremost Masonic research association in the world. With many Masonic authors and researchers among its members, freely conversing and sharing information on the Society's online forum, the Society is well on its way to this goal. The level and diversity of information being shared, debated, and discussed among the membership is compelling for anyone interested in finding more light in Freemasonry.

by WM Paul Gordon

The Brethren of Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 were recently named as one of the recipients of the Lodge Excellence Award! The announcement was made at the 2009 Grand Lodge Proceedings where those Lodges receiving the award were recognized.
The Lodge Excellence Award, established in 1977 as the Grand Master’s Achievement Award to aid lodges in planning a vibrant and successful slate of activities, will continue to recognize Lodges who earn outstanding achievement in meeting threshold levels of activity.

By WM Paul Gordon

Brother Mark Forster was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on June 10, 2009 in Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 at Madison. Besides the Members of BF#83, in attendance was Brother Josef Pronnet of Aurora Lodge #30 who presented Brother Mark with his Master Mason pin. Brother Mark has recently been admitted to the School of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin. At the Business portion of the Lodge meeting Brother Dan Slavik, who is the Senior Grand Deacon, reported on the recent Grand Lodge activities.

By WM Paul Gordon

Two members of Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 were recently appointed to Grand Lodge Offices by new Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin, Craig Campbell. Holding the office of Senior Grand Deacon is Brother Daniel Slavik. Holding the office of Grand Tiler is Brother Patrick Storrs.

These Brothers have demonstrated great skill and dedication to the Craft and earned the respect of Masons throughout Wisconsin as is demonstrated by their appointments. As Members of Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 we are all proud of their accomplishments and hope to aid them in all their endeavors throughout this coming Masonic year.

By WM Paul Gordon

Brother Jalal Hussein was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 in Madison on June 4, 2009. The ceremony was performed at the Madison Club in the Emulation Ritual, and used antique working tools in the degree. At the business portion of the meeting preparations for Grand Lodge were reviewed. After the Lodge meeting a Festive Board was held in Brother Jalal’s honor. Canon fire followed toasts in the finest of Masonic tradition. The Brethren discussed optimistic prospects for significant progress towards