WM Erik Nielsen and Almoner Merrell Tomlin stand behind gifts and toys to be donated to the Children’s Hospital in Madison.

The Brethren of Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, recently donated toys and funds for children who are at the Children’s Hospital in Madison. The Brethren purchased the toys on their own, or provided funds for general toy uses, and gathered them at a recent stated communication. The project was organized by the Lodge Almoner, Brother Merrell Tomlin. Brother Tomlin and WM Erik Nielsen are shown in the photo admiring some of the toys.

By Paul Gordon at 2 Dec 2013 – 3:53pm

From Left: Glen Witt, Greg Ellis, Dan Slavik, Erik Nielsen, Adam Witt

Brother Daniel Slavik, a founding member of Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, became the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin at the 169th Annual Communication in Madison on June 7-8, 2013. Grand Master Slavik has worked long and hard in the quarries of life and Freemasonry, traveling thousands of miles and spending countless hours as a Grand Lodge Officer to carry forward the goals and activities of the Craft. Among his various duties and activities he has frequently served as Installing Master at Officer Installations for BFL#83 and other Lodges. He has been instrumental in arranging meetings and visitations between Prince Hall Freemasons and BFL#83 and other Lodges.

By Paul Gordon

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.

By Paul Gordon

Bro. Glen Witt and Bro. Adam Witt demonstrate Benjamin Franklin’s lightning bells experiment.

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.

By Robert Blackburn

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.

By Robert Blackburn

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.