Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

Submitted by Bro. Joseph Howell:

Sir Winston Churchill Research Lodge No. 1003 welcomed several members of Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 to a festive board, held in Minneapolis on April 17, 2008. The festive board, at the elegant Minneapolis Club, was held in honor of Martello Lodge No. 7121 of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, UK; of which several members were in attendance. Also participating in the event were several officers of the Minnesota Grand Lodge, including Grand Master Thomas Jackson. It was a splendid evening, with fine food and drink, singing, and several toasts in firing style with wine and single-malt whiskey.

Preceding the festive board was a wine and cheese gathering at the nearby home of Brother Frank Harris, where the Benjamin Franklin members had the opportunity to discuss points of Emulation Ritual with some of their brethren from the UK.

To celebrate the formation of Sir Winston Churchill Lodge, which intends to work in the Emulation Ritual, the Benjamin Franklin Lodge members presented to the new Lodge a gift of our bijoux, the medallion that is the distinguishing badge of membership in our Lodge. The bijoux was framed in a shadow box, accompanied by a certificate reading

"Presented by the members of Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 83 Madison, Wisconsin
to the members of Sir Winston Churchill Lodge No. 1003 Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 17, 2008"

In the forge of our auspicious undertakings we weld the chain of brotherhood, bringing light to darkness, relief to the burdened, and hope to the lost and troubled.

The Benjamin Franklin Lodge members were graciously honored through the evening, and each was pleased to be presented with a firing cannon engraved with the Square and Compass, the seal of Sir Winston Churchill Lodge, and their own name. We look forward to hosting a visit to Madison by members of the new Emulation Lodge later this year.