Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

On October 28, 2006, Grand Master Rodney A. Paulsen, F. & A.M. of Wisconsin, approved the creation of a new Madison-area lodge. Given that some lodges within the state had recently consolidated or closed, this was indeed a joyful and unexpected occasion. But perhaps more surprising was the lodge’s format. Rather than working in Wisconsin’s tradition, the new lodge would be using the Emulation ritual. Its members, too, had abandoned ties to a specific “temple” in favor of meeting at a private club.

Benjamin Franklin No. 83 represents an experiment in Wisconsin Freemasonry. It is intentionally cultivating a small, traditional lodge experience where fellowship, not lodge finances or building maintenance, can be the focus of its work. Its predecessor, Concordia No. 83, was chartered in Madison in 1857. Concordia No. 83 was a German-speaking lodge that used a “French” Masonic ritual. This earlier lodge surrendered its charter in 1882. In 2006, a group of Madison-area Masons began meeting as the Leather Apron Club. The focus of their meetings was Masonic education. Later that same year, the Leather Apron Club decided to formalize itself by resurrecting Concordia No. 83’s charter. The lodge was renamed “Benjamin Franklin” in honor of the Leather Apron Club’s symbolic patron. Something of Concordia No. 83’s European “flavor,” however, was preserved with the decision to conduct regular meetings in the Emulation tradition.

Benjamin Franklin No. 83 sees its future in terms of Freemasonry’s past. Membership is limited to ensure that brothers become acquainted with one another. Masonic tradition and respect for the Fraternity is also strictly observed. Stated meetings are formal and attendance is mandatory. Benjamin Franklin No. 83 meets in a private club, much as the earliest Masonic lodges met in taverns or coffee houses. Its few working tools are contained in a simple box altar for easy transport and storage. As with the Leather Apron Club, meetings focus on Masonic education, discussion, and fellowship.