Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

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.

A point system has been established to record a lodge’s activities in three sections, Lodge Education & Growth, Lodge Programs & Activities, and Community Service by the Lodge. All lodges achieving threshold scores will be recognized for their accomplishments.

BF#83 earned the Award for what was its first full year as a Lodge, making it a wonderful way to start a “new” Lodge. Although all members of BF#83 have contributed in some way towards earning the Award, special mention may be made of Brothers Felix Geissler, Bob Blackburn and Adam Witt, who were instrumental in the Lodge formation and, even thought they live in three different states outside Wisconsin, have continued to participate in Lodge activities that count towards the Award.

A formal presentation of the Lodge Excellent Award will be made at an upcoming Lodge meeting by the District Deputy. In the meantime, BF#83 continues to work to become a repeat recipient by recognizing the value of the activities underlying the Award. A complete breakdown of the point system is available on the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin website.