As I write this article, it is evident that winter in Wisconsin has arrived. The snow and ice are upon us once again. While it is beautiful in its own way, it offers a lot of concerns for our Brothers as they travel around our state practicing our Masonic Principles. Please take every precaution when out and about traveling to other lodges and state functions. Your health and safety are our main concerns.

I hope everyone has been enjoying a wonderful [...] . . . → Read More: Grand Master White’s February Address to the Craft]]> Brethren,

As I write this article, it is evident that winter in Wisconsin has arrived. The snow and ice are upon us once again. While it is beautiful in its own way, it offers a lot of concerns for our Brothers as they travel around our state practicing our Masonic Principles. Please take every precaution when out and about traveling to other lodges and state functions. Your health and safety are our main concerns.

I hope everyone has been enjoying a wonderful start to a Happy New Year. I feel the excitement in the air everywhere I travel. We have a great deal of enthusiastic young Masons who are full of great ideas. They, along with the seasoned veterans of the Lodges are working together to make Masonry more visible in our local communities. We cannot underestimate those important principles that our Masonic Ritual teaches us, how it unites the young and old alike. It forms a bond of friendship and brotherhood that I feel is as strong and meaningful as any I’ve come across. I commend the Lodges who have united together for one common goal, making good men better and improving their communities.

Your Grand Lodge officers and myself have started the year the same way we ended 2011, installing officers. The great thing about installing officers is we get to meet some prospective future leaders of our Fraternity. I know that as I travel I write down names and take business cards from various Brothers in hope that they may become Area Administrators and work their way up through the various Grand Lodge offices. Never underestimate what a little old fashioned hard work will do for you in this Fraternity. Believe me, we take notice and have put together a list of people to watch in the coming years. We also look for people who specialize in certain areas to serve on Grand Lodge committees, whether it would be finance, human resources, architecture, business or in other capacities. The Craft is continually evolving, while we do rely on a lot of Past Grand Masters for their wisdom and knowledge, we also know that we have to prepare our Fraternity for the future. We thank all of you for your willingness to serve and move this Fraternity forward.

I, along with my wife Tammi, Past Grand Master Michael DeWolf, and our director of development have just recently returned from our trip to Florida to visit our Brothers who reside there. We had the opportunity to honor several fifty year Brothers and present several Brothers with our new sixty year pins that we just started this year. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet our Brothers and their Ladies and to give them an update on our technology improvements and the projects we have put into place so far this year. I explained that a lot of what we have accomplished this year was actually started last year with Past Grand Master Joe Harker and the progressive line officers. The idea is to work together and work towards our goals together. No more implementing a new state of the art idea every year, just working together and picking up where the previous Grand Master left off. I believe it is paying dividends and we will accomplish a lot more as your elected and appointed officers. Special thanks to Past Grand Master Carl Wussow and Bro. Billy Brown for setting up these events in Florida.

We have just completed the first state wide secretaries training session in Madison. I must apologize for missing this wonderful event, but I had pneumonia and didn’t want to infect anyone else. From all reports the training was a great success. The members who I have talked to said it was very informative and worth the time and cost to attend. I believe there were over 100 Lodges represented and close to 150 Brothers in attendance. Due to its success we are planning to make this an annual event. The details will be put together at our staff meeting and sent out to you in advance. Special thanks to our Most Worshipful Past Grand Master and current Grand Secretary Mike DeWolf and the Grand Lodge office staff for all their hard work putting this all together. More importantly we would like to thank the Lodges and the Brothers for attending and making this a huge success.

Many of you may have already received a Masonic Birthday Card in the mail. This is also a new program that has just started recently. We felt that we should give something back to our Brothers who support our great Fraternity here in Wisconsin. I would personally like to thank the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation Board members for supporting this program and also the development office staff for all of their work and assistance in making this program a reality.

With Brotherly Love,

Davey L. White Jr.

Grand Master

As the month of January approaches, I think that we should feel very fortunate for the great weather that our “supreme architect of the universe” has provided for us so far this year (no offense snowmobilers). It has made travel throughout the state a lot more enjoyable.

Davey L. White, Jr.

The month of December has been a particularly rewarding experience for me, as I have had the opportunity to travel to several Lodges that I have not been privileged to [...] . . . → Read More: Grand Master White’s January Address to the Craft]]> Brethren,

As the month of January approaches, I think that we should feel very fortunate for the great weather that our “supreme architect of the universe” has provided for us so far this year (no offense snowmobilers). It has made travel throughout the state a lot more enjoyable.

Davey L. White, Jr.

The month of December has been a particularly rewarding experience for me, as I have had the opportunity to travel to several Lodges that I have not been privileged to visit before. This also means that I had the pleasure to meet Brothers and Ladies that I never had the opportunity to meet before. I cannot explain the joy that I feel inside every time I get the chance to share a conversation or just to spend time with Masons and their ladies throughout the State of Wisconsin and other Jurisdictions. The friendships that we develop will last a lifetime. Again I must say that Masonry unites men and Ladies from every walk of life. I hope that everyone reflects on the blessings of friendship and the people they have met through this great fraternity of ours.

This leads me to one of the greatest rewards of being your Grand Master. On December 22, our Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Michael A. DeWolf, our Masonic Journal Editor Rich Rygh and myself had the opportunity to travel to Plymouth and present a plaque to a distinguished Brother Mason for his long and dedicated service to the Fraternity. Brother Donald Krauss celebrated his 103^rd birthday on November 11, 2011 and celebrated 79 years in our Masonic Fraternity on December 19, 2011. He has a long list of accomplishments to his resume. I know I enjoyed the stories he shared with us and he even played a few tunes on the organ for us before he had to leave for his next engagement for the day. He and his Lady were a joy to spend time with. Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to spend some time and share some history with us.

My wife Tammi and I had the pleasure to travel to Unity Lodge in Kenosha on December 3 to attend a benefit for one of my Officers, WB District Deputy Wayne Budwick who has recently lost his wife after a long battle with cancer. Bro. Wayne also suffered a heart attack just after her passing.  The members of Unity Lodge and the surrounding area are to be commended on rising up and practicing the tenant of relief for a Worthy Brother. Their compassion and willingness to help out when needed should be an inspiration and lesson for all of us. If we all practiced this simple act of kindness in our communities, people would take notice of what Masonry has to offer.

The Month of December started out with a trip to the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee. My thanks to our MSA representative Charles “Chuck” Wallens for his hard work and for putting together a wonderful tour and dinner for my wife Tammi and I. The new addition to the hospital will be opening soon and it is a state of the art facility. Whenever I visit the VA hospital it reminds me more and more of the sacrifices that our military personnel have made for not only our country, but for each and every one of us. They have provided a way of life for us that we should be truly thankful for. My hat is off to all of you.

The Grand Lodge Officers have been very busy attending installations of officers throughout the state. We thank you for inviting us to your Lodges. I personally have installed 24 Lodges this month so far and have attended several others. The enthusiasm of the officers and Brothers is truly wonderful. I believe that Masonry is heading in the right direction. I would like to thank the lodges for their courtesies and understanding while trying to schedule all of these events. I know that with my work schedule and all the overtime it wasn’t easy.

When we look ahead to next year, I would like to offer this thought. In the words of Andrew Y. McDonald “The customer is the boss”. We have a great deal to offer to our communities, friends, neighbors, and families. We all know what the principles of Masonry are and the great moral lessons that we relay. Let’s all go that extra step this year and make our world an even better place.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Fraternally,

Davey L. White Jr.

Twas the Night before Christmas,

And down at the lodge Not a gavel was stirring,

And in the hodge podge of aprons and jewels

And chairs East and West You could savour the silence,

Most gladly divest all metal and mineral,

It mattered not, Since Christmas was nigh

And the coals were still hot

In the hearth of your home place, all Masons abed,

As visions of trestleboards Danced in their head;

When up on the roof there arose such a clatter

Our Tyler jumped up to see what [...] . . . → Read More: A Masonic ‘Night Before Christmas’]]>

Twas the Night before Christmas,

And down at the lodge Not a gavel was stirring,

And in the hodge podge of aprons and jewels

And chairs East and West You could savour the silence,

Most gladly divest all metal and mineral,

It mattered not, Since Christmas was nigh

And the coals were still hot

In the hearth of your home place, all Masons abed,

As visions of trestleboards Danced in their head;

When up on the roof there arose such a clatter

Our Tyler jumped up to see what was the matter!

He picked up his sword and ran fast to the door,

Three knocks shook the panels – he wondered “What for?”

He answered the knocking with raps of his own,

And once the door opened he saw, with a moan

Of delight, it was Santa, all jolly and red

Except for one notable feature instead!

Upon his large finger he wore what we knew

Was compass and square on a background of blue!

“Why Santa!” he shouted and lowered his blade,

“I see you’re a Mason!” the Tyler relayed.

He looked toward the Master’s most dignified chair

And said, voice near trembling, “Most Worshipful there

Is a Gentleman properly clothed at the gate!”

The Master replied, “Let’s allow him – but wait!

You tell me a Gentleman, but I don’t see

His apron beneath that red suit.  Can it be

Our visitor hasn’t been properly raised?

Must we offer a test that is suitably phrased?”

“I do beg your pardon,” ol’ Santa said quick

As he pulled up his coat and displayed not a stick

But a cane with engraving, two balls did appear

And oh, what an apron, he wore and held dear!

Adorned like the Master’s, complete with a sign

Of “Lodge Number One, the North Pole” on one line!

“Now let this man enter,” the Master declared,

And once in the Lodge room, the Brethren all stared,

For Santa was wearing a jewel not seen

For many a century – there in between

The fur of his coat and the splendid red collar

Gleamed two golden reindeer that shone line a dollar!

“It’s Donner and Blitzen, who I must confess

Are actually images brought from the West

By my Warden, a craftsman like none in the world!”

And with a great laugh from his bag he unfurled

An ear of fine corn, and some oil from the East,

“My friend I have plenty.  Tonight we will feast

On all that is good!  We are Masons, kind sir!”

A murmur went throughout the Lodge, quite a stir,

As presents and promises flew from his sack!

This Santa, a Mason, showed he had a knack

For making this Christmas the best you could glean,

And soon even Deacons were laughing.  They’d seen

On this very night only happiness reigned!

This jolly Saint Nicholas quickly explained

That only a Mason could be so inclined

To make all kids happy, make all people find

A Christmas so special.  Yes, Santa was right!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Author:           Clayton L. Wright

As December approaches and we prepare for Mother Nature to bring us another winter in Wisconsin, it reminds us that it is the time of year for election of officers in our local Lodges. A time for the young men of our Fraternity to move forward and continue their education and journey in Masonry, while the Past Masters and veteran members of the Lodges continue spreading their wisdom to those that wish to learn. It truly is an exciting time [...] . . . → Read More: Grand Master Whites December Address to the Craft]]> Brethren,

As December approaches and we prepare for Mother Nature to bring us another winter in Wisconsin, it reminds us that it is the time of year for election of officers in our local Lodges. A time for the young men of our Fraternity to move forward and continue their education and journey in Masonry, while the Past Masters and veteran members of the Lodges continue spreading their wisdom to those that wish to learn. It truly is an exciting time of the year for all Masons in the State. For all the outgoing Masters we thank you for your service and for providing your leadership to your respective Lodges. To the newly elected and soon to be installed Masters we thank you for your willingness to lead your respective Lodges next year. We look forward to working with you and helping to make all of your experiences be hopefully positive.

Your Grand Lodge Officers will be busy traveling the State helping the Lodges with their installations of officers. It is one of the busiest times of the year and we appreciate all the invitations that we receive. It is one of the greatest honors we have as your representatives. It’s a time to renew old friendships and a time to form new acquaintances and friendships. The true meaning of Brotherly Love shines brightly at this time of the year. We can never take for granted the number of people we would never have had the opportunity to share our lives with if it wasn’t for this great Fraternity. We truly do meet men and ladies from every country, sect, and opinion. I know personally that I have been blessed with some great friendships that mean the world to me. Many people have touched my life over the course of my Masonic life and have helped me become the man I am today. As our Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Roger L. Magoon reminded us on his lapel pin. Masonry is “A WAY OF LIFE”.

As the new Masters and Wardens take office I would like to remind them to become familiar with the Masonic Code of Wisconsin. It is important that you have an understanding of the laws and regulations of our State. Please take the Charges of your offices very seriously, as you are held accountable for your actions and decisions. Never forget the obligations you took in Lodge. Working together we can accomplish a great deal and move this Fraternity forward. One of the main goals of every Master or Grand Master should be to leave the state of the craft in a better position than they received it. This is why our Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Joseph B. Harker stressed to all his officers that we are a team and we will work together to accomplish our goals. I believe this method of leadership is working and paying dividends for our State.

Most of you have probably received the mailing concerning the Grand Masters appeal for this year. I wish to thank all who have contributed so far and hope that many more will find it in their hearts to support this great cause. Some of you may perhaps think it strange that I would choose the Masonic Journal for my appeal. Please let me explain. Believe me I realize that we are in a technological age and many of you would rather view the Journal on line. I have no problem with that. The thing we must remember is that the average age of Masons in the State of Wisconsin is 65 years old. Not that I consider that old in years, but it does mean that we have elderly members. Some of them are shut in or in Care facilities. We have an OBLIGATION to provide for and take care of our Brothers who may be at this time less fortunate than ourselves. I know for years I have been visiting Brothers in our local care facilities. The Masonic Journal is their link to the Fraternity; it lets them know what’s happening throughout the State. I think they have earned our respect and deserve to be included in our thoughts and plans for the future. The Masonic Journal helps to accomplish this goal. Others like myself would rather have a written publication that I can look at and carry with me. The less time spent on a computer the happier my life is. Again thank you for your support of our great publication. If you happen to see a member of the Journal Board, Thank them for their hard work. I would again like to express my personal thanks to our Editor Rich Rygh, who does a phenomenal job.

For those of who celebrate the Christmas season, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and to all a Happy New Year. May God bless you all.

Fraternally,

Davey L. White Jr.

As we look at the beautiful scenes the supreme architect of the universe has provided for us in the month of October, we must feel an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy his creations. The colors of the trees and watching the animals scurry around preparing for the upcoming winter is my favorite time of year.

This is also the busy part of our constituent lodges’ years as the current Masters are busy trying to finish [...] . . . → Read More: Grand Master White’s November Address to the Craft]]> Brethren,

As we look at the beautiful scenes the supreme architect of the universe has provided for us in the month of October, we must feel an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy his creations. The colors of the trees and watching the animals scurry around preparing for the upcoming winter is my favorite time of year.

This is also the busy part of our constituent lodges’ years as the current Masters are busy trying to finish implementing their programs, while at the same time preparing the lodges for the upcoming elections and the installation of a new Master for the upcoming Masonic year.

This is also a very busy time for your elected and appointed Grand Lodge officers as they are busy  trying to relay information to the lodges at our district meetings. I hope every lodge takes the opportunity to attend their respective district meeting, so they have the opportunity to hear the plans that are laid out on our trestleboards for the upcoming year. This is the place where you can voice your opinion and ask any pertinent questions you may have for the officers.

The Grand Lodge officers have just completed their first staff meeting in Wisconsin Rapids at the beginning of October. We as an Executive staff get to hear reports from all the District Deputies. They voice their concerns and make recommendations on what they think is the best course of action to help individual lodges in their districts. I am pleased to let you know that Masonry seems to be moving along quite well and in the right direction for the most part. I was a little bit alarmed on the number of lodges reported having internal arguments amongst themselves. We all need to pay attention to the simple lessons taught in the openings and closing of our lodges.  Peace and Harmony should prevail in all instances. The Charges that we receive at the conclusion of each degree and at our installations are full of lessons that we should utilize in our daily lives as well as when in lodge. Working together and implementing these lessons we can make a big difference in our communities, lodges and lives. When approaching subjects using Masonic principles and utilizing our teachings, there is no room for arguments and unrest in the lodge.

On a personal note, I have been busy not only as the Grand Master but also at work. We have been on overtime for the past several months and working third shift it makes for some very sleepless days and nights. I have had the pleasure to once again visit one of our veterans hospitals in Tomah. It is a very rewarding experience and I encourage everyone to take the time to visit and volunteer their time for those who have provided a great deal for us.

I am sure most of you have read about the ESGR (Employers supporting the Guards and Reserve) project we have initiated. I ask that all Masons take part in this worthwhile cause and show our military personnel how much we appreciate their efforts defending our great country and the principles we hold dear.

Fraternally,

Davey L. White Jr.

What two things do we not talk about in our Masonic Lodges? The answer is Religion and Politics. However, United States Freemasons helped form and maintain this great country of ours and have always answered the call to arms.

An F-16 fighter jet flies just off the wing of the KC-135 after refueling. Several F-16s were refueled while the KC-135 was en route to the air station at the Base at Norfolk, Virginia.

Recently I got a call from Brother Bob [...] . . . → Read More: Masons are Patriots by Dennis V. Siewert, R.W. Deputy Grand Master]]>  

What two things do we not talk about in our Masonic Lodges? The answer is Religion and Politics. However, United States Freemasons helped form and maintain this great country of ours and have always answered the call to arms.

An F-16 fighter jet flies just off the wing of the KC-135 after refueling. Several F-16s were refueled while the KC-135 was en route to the air station at the Base at Norfolk, Virginia.

Recently I got a call from Brother Bob Roth, a retired Army Colonel, who serves us on a number Grand Lodge Committees. He asked me if I would like to represent my company and the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin on a Defense Department sponsored “Bosslift” to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. It was an opportunity to learn about the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense (DOD) activity that supports employers who have or may have employees who serve in the National Guard or the Reserve Components of the various military services. Brother Roth said it would be a memorable trip and experiencing these citizen warriors at work supporting our national defense.

An F-16 is refueled through a boom in mid-air by a KC-135. The F-16 is about 35 feet from the refueling plane. The KC-135 flies at 530 miles per hour at 30,000 feet and can take off with a gross weight of up to 322,500 lbs. Several planes were refueled enroute from Milwaukee to Norfolk, Virginia.

I said yes, and the next thing I knew I was getting my background checked, my security clearances done, and was packing a bag and heading for the military side of Mitchell Field in Milwaukee. I reported to the headquarters of the 128th USAF (Air National Guard) Refueling Wing for our security briefings.  We flew out on Monday July 18, 2011 and were back on the ground in Milwaukee in the late afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th. Aboard two KC-135 tanker jets were seventy three (73) employers from around the state joined by fifteen (15) ESGR volunteers, one Navy Rear Admiral, and two Brigadier Generals from the Wisconsin National Guard. While on the way to the air station at the Base at Norfolk Virginia, the tanker refueled F16 Fighters.

It was a special flight, and I got to see the mid-air refueling done through a boom actually flown by the boom operator at the back of the tanker, with the fighter jet about 35 feet away and all of us flying at hundreds of miles an hour. It was air ballet of a different sort. Note that the FAA considers any two planes within a mile of one another as a “near miss.” That wouldn’t work so well in this case.

The ESGR representatives filled us in about the work they are doing in Wisconsin and elsewhere.  We learned that they are a group of volunteers with a few full time support persons doing the day to day coordination on project ranging from these bosslifts to working directly with employers to help find work for returning veterans and serving Reserve Component members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Yes, it’s really is a Department of Defense Activity, and there are about 4500 of these volunteers at work nationwide. The committee in Wisconsin is very busy right now, with the recent return of the 32nd Combat Brigade of the Army National Guard returning from Iraq. We learned, not without some surprise and discomfort that upwards of 30% of that force of more than 5000 solders came home without a job waiting for them. Yes, a few were students, but that just seemed wholly out of proportion to what we should expect for these men and women.

Deputy Grand Master Dennis V. Siewert aboard the KC-135.

So part of the reason for this article is to let all Masons in Wisconsin know that if they have an opportunity to hire someone, that they should give thought to hiring a veteran or a serving member of the Reserve Component. I’ll detail some contact information for you at the bottom of this article that will point the way for you. It would be a way for us to do our part to support that one percent of the population that is currently shouldering the entire defense of this nation for the benefit of the other ninety-nine percent of us.

Cockpit of the KC-135 tanker jet.

We arrived Monday afternoon at the Naval Station Norfolk, the largest Navy installation in the world, with about 145,000 personnel assigned to the base.  We checked into the Navy Hotel, followed by dinner and orientation. The Reserve Component forces are about fifty percent of the total fighting force and fully engaged in the fight. Some of those F16s we fueled could be headed to Southwest Asia. Much of what we observed was training of personnel in preparation for future deployments. You couldn’t tell the difference between the reservists and the actives, and the level of morale, professionalism and complete commitment to protection of our way of life was on display.

The next day, Tuesday, we were kept busy visiting naval vessels. We boarded and toured the U.S.S. Mahan (DDG72), a Destroyer just back from deployment. We then toured the new, about to go on its maiden voyage, USS New York, LPD 21.  On the bridge, the Captain gave an interesting talk about his ship. Its hull and other parts of the ship are made from steel from the twin towers, salvaged after 9/11!  The City of New York has “adopted” the ship, and there is memorabilia and gifts on display from the city and 9/11. This special craft designed to carry Marines, their personal gear and all of their equipment into combat.

After lunch, we visited the Riverine Forces, and saw many different aspects of the close in Navy operations, to include the small vessels that do pirate and drug interdiction, IED bomb removal units, the Civil Affairs Units and Construction Engineers (the Seabees). The Reserve officers and sailors on site went out of their way to explain how they do the work for us in the Navy and also work with their civilian employers.

The Battleship Wisconsin at the maritime museum in Norfolk, VA. The reason the ship is not in Wisconsin is because it is unable to pass through the St. Lawrence Seaway, as the Eisenhower Lock is two inches too small.

We then boarded buses and went to downtown Norfolk, VA, to visit their wonderful maritime museum featuring the Battleship Wisconsin, BB-64.  We had an excellent docent (guided) tour throughout the ship. We were told the reason its not in Wisconsin is that the ship can’t pass through the St. Lawrence Seaway, as the Eisenhower Lock is two inches too small. We also learned that the U.S.S. Wisconsin was able to make it through the Panama Canal as the locks are four inches wider than the beam of the ship.

Wednesday morning we visited the Air Wing at the Naval Station and got a close look at the reconnaissance planes that are assigned to aircraft carriers, as well as the latest version of the Navy’s “Blackhawk” helicopters. It was an eye opener as well, and again, we were briefed well and treated better.

In what seemed like just a short while, we were back at the air base, loading the refueling jets, up in the air, and once again refueling. This time we got to see the Air Force’s premier ground support aircraft, the A-10 “Warthog” get topped up. The Army veteran’s on board really extolled the virtue of that plane. It’s been in the system for a while, but for those on the ground, fighting the ground war, it just keeps on giving and giving.

At dinner, Tuesday evening, I signed a “Statement of Support” for the members of the Reserve and National Guard on behalf of my business in Green Bay. I have spoken with our Grand Master, Davey White Jr., about my experiences. It is at his urging that I make this report to you my Brothers.

Deputy Grand Master Dennis V. Siewert, Bro. Robert Roth and Bro. David Alderfer stand in front of a Black Hawk Helicopter at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia.

We believe that signing the “Statement of Support” is a wonderful way for Masons to show our Patriotism and Support for Our Troops. The Grand Master will be sending each Lodge in the state a letter urging lodges to sign a “Statement of Support”. Brother Bob Roth and the ESGR volunteers will coordinate these efforts. It will have a positive impact on the morale of the service members in Wisconsin and it does get mentioned in what our volunteers call, “Pentagon Circles,” which at the end of the day helps them get the few dollars they get from Uncle Sam to support their projects. Each Lodge will receive a framed “Statement of Support” to be displayed. Your Grand Lodge Executive Committee under the direction of the Grand Master is positive that by Lodges showing their support for our Troops, we will make Wisconsin Free Masons the first fraternal group to do so.

I urge each Lodge to use the News Hawk reimbursement plan to publicize your support in your area for this project. I also believe  that returning military men will seek out Masonic Lodges for membership because of our support for them.

If you want to see what the ESGR is all about, check out their website at www.esgr.org. If there’s any one of you that might like to learn more about the ESGR or its projects, contact Brother Bob Roth at rroth2@wi.rr.com. Brother Bob will probably have the answer for you as he was the Employer Outreach Director for the ESGR in Wisconsin.

If you ever have a chance to go on a Military sponsored Bosslift, do it. You’ll meet fellow countrymen and women doing the Nation’s business at its best. What a powerful experience to be aboard ship and have military personal walk up to you and shake your hand and say, “Welcome aboard Brother”, it just so happened I was wearing a shirt with the Square & Compasses on it.

I would like to thank our Most Worshipful Grand Master, Davey L. White Jr. for letting me represent the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Wisconsin on this trip. It was an experience of a life-time. I learned so much about what military brothers are going through with employment issues following deployments from serving in active duty.

The month of September is drawing to a close and the Lodges are busy planning and implementing programs they have laid out on their trestleboards. You can feel the excitement in the air. There is degree work going on almost everywhere. I believe Freemasonry is alive and moving in the right direction in Wisconsin. We are making great strides not only in the Blue Lodge, but also in our appendant bodies  as well. Our numbers are still declining, but every [...] . . . → Read More: Grand Master White’s October Address to the Craft]]> Brethren,

The month of September is drawing to a close and the Lodges are busy planning and implementing programs they have laid out on their trestleboards. You can feel the excitement in the air. There is degree work going on almost everywhere. I believe Freemasonry is alive and moving in the right direction in Wisconsin. We are making great strides not only in the Blue Lodge, but also in our appendant bodies  as well. Our numbers are still declining, but every year we draw closer to an actual gain. We all need to concentrate on Lodge programing and keeping our Brothers involved and interested. We also need to be much more thorough in checking out and contacting our Brothers who are in arrears with their dues. If we can cut down the resignations and suspensions for nonpayment of dues we will have an increase in membership sooner than expected. Keep up the good work.

I have tried to be at the Grand Lodge office at least once a week to sign dispensations and bylaw changes. I am encouraged with the number of requests for bylaw changes allowing lodges to remain open all year. I know this is repetitious, but I believe it is important. Lodges need to remain open and be active to retain membership. It’s very easy to get out of a routine, when you get a two month break it’s easy to remain home when the Lodge reopens in the fall or spring. If your Lodge hasn’t examined its bylaws for a number of years please do so as soon as possible.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Grand Lodge Office Staff. They make the transition of being Grand Master very easy. They are always willing to help and share their years of experience. We are truly fortunate to have the employees we have. Thank You.

I have had a wonderful month traveling to functions. I have just concluded visiting the Veterans hospital in Madison. The volunteers who donate their time are to be congratulated on a job well done. I was astounded by the number of volunteer hours logged during the last year. MWPGM Beecher Daniels and his representatives are working hard to give back as much as possible to those who have served our country in the several branches of our armed forces.  As you know we have increased our monthly donations to our hospital representative by $100.00 a month. If you have any extra time please consider volunteering at one of the hospitals, I’m sure they would appreciate any assistance you could provide.

The Grand Lodge Officers traveled to Wausau to help Forrest Lodge No. 130 celebrate their 150th year as a Lodge. We performed a reconsecration ceremony for them and enjoyed a fabulous meal along with ZOR Potentate Steve Peterson and his lady. The evening was filled with history and memories of years past. To have a Masonic presence in a community for 150 years is a great accomplishment. It takes great leadership and dedication from its members. My personal thanks to MWPGM John W. Wilke for assisting the current Grand Lodge officers in this great endeavor. We all had a great time.

Please continue promoting the tenants of our gentle craft.

Fraternally,

Davey L. White Jr.

M.W. Grand Master

Again I thank you for the opportunity to serve our great craft as your Grand  Master.   It truly is an extraordinary feeling. I would also like to thank Bro. Rich Rygh for his outstanding coverage of our Annual Communication. The picture on the cover of our summer issue says it all. I don’t believe there is anyone happier than my Father at that particular moment. Thanks Brother Rich for capturing the moment.

As the lodges that were dark for the summer [...] . . . → Read More: Grand Master White’s September Address to the Craft]]> Brethren,

Again I thank you for the opportunity to serve our great craft as your Grand  Master.   It truly is an extraordinary feeling. I would also like to thank Bro. Rich Rygh for his outstanding coverage of our Annual Communication. The picture on the cover of our summer issue says it all. I don’t believe there is anyone happier than my Father at that particular moment. Thanks Brother Rich for capturing the moment.

As the lodges that were dark for the summer months prepare to start anew in September, it brings to mind one of the requests that our Past Grand Master Joe Harker proposed last year and that I will also encourage during this Masonic year. We would encourage all lodges to review their by-laws and consider changing or updating them so your lodges meet at least once a month during the entire year. Masonry is a way of life and I don’t recall anywhere in our teachings that calls for a lodge to take a vacation from caring for their communities or distressed worthy Brothers. I believe that it is in the best interest of every lodge in the state to remain open and build on their enthusiasm, continue their programs and hopefully raise Masons. Thanks to all the Lodges who have already changed their by-laws to support this request.

This summer has been busy with many lodges having picnics and booths at their local fairs and gatherings. I tried to attend as many of these events as I could, to not only support the lodges in their endeavors and programs, but to meet and converse with Brothers  from the different parts of the state. I found out long ago that picnics and special functions of the local lodges are a great place to meet Brothers who might not attend Lodge regularly. All Masons have their own niche in this great Fraternity.  Some enjoy ritual, some enjoy chairing committees, and others enjoy the external activities. In my travels I did have the pleasure to meet several of these Brothers and the pleasure was all mine. We need to take time to show all Masons that we care and appreciate their support of our Fraternity. One quick story that can illustrate this. When I was  Master of my lodge in Potosi, Wis., several of our Lodge Brothers traveled to Janesville to present a 50 year member with his certificate and pin. We took him out to lunch and enjoyed some time with him telling stories. He shared that he hasn’t attended lodge since he was raised, and wondered why we would take the time to travel to Janesville to honor him. I don’t believe that I need to supply the answer to that question.

I would encourage all lodge officers to become familiar with the Wisconsin Masonic Code. When requesting dispensations please include the sections of the code that will be affected. When your dispensation is approved please make sure you follow all other sections of the code. The last thing any Grand Lodge Officer wants to do is reprimand our Brothers for a violation that could affect or risk the reputation of our Great Fraternity.

Please keep the tenants of our Fraternity in the forefront of your minds in conducting your business whether it is in lodge or your personal lives.

Fraternally,

Davey L. White Jr.

M.W.Grand Master

I would like to congratulate [...] . . . → Read More: Grand Master White’s Installation Address]]> My Brothers, I am deeply honored and humbled by your vote of confidence.  And while I have been elevated for a short time to the position of Grand Master, I assure you that I will always keep in mind that I am nothing more than a representative on your behalf.  I further assure you that every decision made this year will be made with your best interests as well as those of our craft in mind.

I would like to congratulate the elected and appointed officers who have been duly installed for the ensuing Masonic year.  All Grand Lodge Officers will do their very best to uphold the duties of the office for which they have been installed, and on their behalf we would like to thank you all for your ongoing support.

The progressive line officers have been very busy preparing for the upcoming year and have worked diligently on your behalf to ensure that we move this great Fraternity forward while continuing to be leaders in educational programming.  We are ready and excited to support the constituent lodges in all their endeavors.  Please contact us as far in advance as possible in order that we might send representation to your events.

We also would like to extend our support to all appendant bodies as well as our youth organizations. Your success is our success, and working together as a team, there is no doubt that Masonry will prosper and reap the benefits of those successes.

Our fraternity is fortunate to have had the strong leadership of our Most Worshipful Past Grand Masters.  Each and every one has shown the leadership, wisdom, concern and compassion it takes to be a great leader. They have laid a solid foundation for all future Grand Masters to build upon and for this we are truly grateful.  I have personally had the honor to serve this great fraternity as a Grand Lodge officer under the guidance of 16 Grand Masters and each one of them has a special place in my heart. They have helped develop me into a better person, with a better outlook on life.  I encourage all brother Masons to take the time to thank them and have them share their wisdom and experiences with you. I know that I will be drawing on their knowledge throughout the upcoming year and I thank them in advance for being ready to assist as well as support us in all aspects of Masonry in Wisconsin. Thank you all.

The progressive line officers along with Most Worshipful Grand Master Joseph B. Harker held monthly meetings to prepare for the upcoming year. We worked diligently on nominations throughout the year and I feel we have assembled a great team of officers. There will be a lot of new faces along with many familiar ones. Please welcome your new Area Administrators, District Deputies, District Lecturers and Area Chaplains when they visit your respective lodges and give them the respect they deserve. They are there to work with you not against you.

During the course of the year we also met with Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer John Benedict as the expenditures committee prepared our yearly budget. We spent several months going through it line by line, in order to present a budget that was as close to actual operating expense and income as possible. I again thank these brothers for their hard work and dedication.

I am sure the progressive line officers will continue to meet monthly so we can continue to have the cohesiveness and programming that comes from a team effort. We all know more can be accomplished as a team than individually. I will also continue to hold monthly Skype conferences with the executive committee in order to address problems and concerns promptly and efficiently.

Our Most Worshipful Past Grand Master and Current Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf will again be conducting MORI Training during the upcoming year. He is always ready to assist the lodge secretaries and their assistants with any problems they may encounter while learning to navigate their way through the MORI system.

During this Masonic year, we will be implementing a Secretaries Training Seminar to be held in the Madison area on January 21^st and 22^nd 2012.  Please put this date on your calendar and plan on attending. The session will cover a wide variety of subjects and will be very useful to all who attend.  In addition, we will be adding a section in the L.E.A. form to cover this training, with a large point total for participation in the event.

It is essential for lodge secretaries to participate in the training sessions offered by the Grand Lodge office staff.  Continuing improvement in modern technology coupled with ever-changing government regulation has created a real need to offer this type of training to prepare our lodges for the future needs of our fraternity and society. I certainly hope you take advantage of this and any of the other programs offered by your Grand Lodge representatives. Your Grand Secretary is usually available during the normal business hours of the Grand Lodge office and will assist you in finding the answers to your questions.

The Grand Lodge Office staff consisting of Jan, Alicia, Cheryl, Erika and Bill are always ready to assist you or your lodge with questions, providing materials or awards, or pointing you in the right direction to get answers.  We have an excellent staff and each individual is extremely knowledgeable and patient.  I have spent a great deal of time at the Grand Lodge office and logged many hours talking with them on the phone over the last 16 years. They have always provided me with the information I needed in a timely manner and I would like to thank them for all their help and assistance, it was greatly appreciated.

Our Director of Development Office personnel, consisting of Bill Barnes and Erika Miller stand ready to assist you with matching grant programs (and many others), letting you know what qualifies and the parameters you will need to operate within. Bill is a wealth of information and is willing to travel to your lodge and make presentations on these programs throughout the year.  Remember there are no stupid questions, they are all important to us.

The Wisconsin Masonic Home Inc. under the direction of Mark Strautman and his staff continues to be a shining example of what Masonry is about. The care and compassion shown the residents who reside there is second to none.  The Board of directors is to be applauded on their fine efforts also.  They along with the staff have been very busy implementing the new by-law changes as well as handling continually changing government regulations.  It truly is a very complex industry and I have enjoyed being on the board and learning more it.

The last year we opened the new Hickory Suites Rehabilitation Center and the Health And Wellness Center on our campus. They are both state-of-the-art complexes and I encourage you to visit them when you’re in the area. Please watch for upcoming festivities to be held on the campus and take the time to enjoy it’s beautiful surroundings. The residents always enjoy sharing some time with visitors. This truly is one of our greatest charities and something we all can be proud of.

Our Wisconsin Masonic Foundation continues to look for and implement new programs. We all know about the AED program, which has been around for quite some time. Through our efforts, the Masonic lodges and the Foundation have placed units in communities throughout the state, saving a number of lives by doing so. The Wisconsin Masonic Foundation has many matching grant programs available for the lodges to utilize and I encourage you to contact the foundation with any ideas you might have to see if they can assist you. It is a great way to become involved in your community and make a difference in the lives of many individuals. One of the new programs being implemented is the CPR anytime program which was kicked off in Richland Center earlier this year. I look forward to this program developing into a great success. Thanks to the board members for their hard work and innovative ideas.

My Brothers I would like to talk a bit about some of the programs we will continue as well as those we will be introducing.   As most of you know, my start in this fraternity began with my ability to learn the ritual. This year we will be introducing a three-year program to be instituted at our Schools of Instruction.  We will be covering one degree per year along with some additional sections.  I, as well as the progressive line officers, recognize the need to bring the integrity and importance of our ritual back to our Schools of Instruction. Without our ritual teachings and people like Ernie Hiegal, our fraternity would not be what it is today.

The Lodge Excellence Award has been revamped, and we have moved all required sections into one section making it easier to follow and understand.  We also cleared up a few sections we felt were either too confusing or were being manipulated by some lodges. I would ask that within a few weeks after Annual Communication the Masters, Wardens and Secretaries look this up on the Grand Lodge website to either adjust your current year or plan your upcoming year. This award is a great tool for the Wardens to utilize and will make planning their individual year much easier. The Planning Committee will be putting together a chart, which will be available to keep track of your lodge’s activities as the year progresses.

The Education Committee has been charged with putting together several new programs. We ask that you contact one of the progressive line officers and schedule them to make a presentation at your District Meeting or special lodge function. We would also ask that you try to schedule an officer from outside your respective district as we feel it is imperative that progressive line officers travel to other districts and get to know brothers from across the state. Our goal is to put together programs that we can take to the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education to share with the other jurisdictions attending.

We will be continuing to partner with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons Inc. through our annual joint Table Lodge. They will be hosting the event this year so please watch the Wisconsin Masonic Journal for future details. We would also like to expand our joint efforts in the future and I look forward to working with Most Worshipful Earl M. Thomas III in accomplishing our goals.

During the course of our travels, we also picked up a few programs at the North American Conference of Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries that we thought were worthwhile and are continuing to explore ways to implement these programs in Wisconsin.

One of the goals we have set this year is to have our progressive line officers attempt to visit every lodge in the state during the upcoming year. We have all traveled to Lodges that tell us they haven’t seen a Grand Lodge Officer for years. This will change.  I work third shift and am limited to the distance I can travel on Sunday through Thursday nights.  However if given enough notice, we will arrange for one of the officers to attend your function.  If you would like me to attend your function, I would encourage you to schedule it on Friday through Sunday and give me advance notice. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.

I would encourage all officers of the lodges to take the Code Correspondence Course and become familiar with it, especially when it comes to our ritual. We should all know what is permissible and what is not. I am not a fan of the “It’s easier to do it and ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.” approach.  If forced to, I will make an example of those violating our code in this manner.

I would like to address my pin for the year. It stands for the tenants of our fraternity. Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. These are the foundation of our Fraternity, and if practiced on a regular basis in our daily lives, become a way of life. Our ritual states that “By the exercise of brotherly love Masonry unites men from every country, sect and opinion and conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance” I feel sometimes we forget that simple statement and how fortunate we are to belong to such a fine institution, where we have the opportunity to broaden our horizons and friendships.

To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men, but more particularly on Masons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. My brothers it’s time we realize our duty and obligation to take care of our brothers in need. There are several resolutions being presented this year concerning suspension for non-payment of dues and providing for our elderly members. Often we get so wrapped up in the dollars and cents of our own budgets and today’s society that we forget it’s our obligation to provide for our brothers in need.  And, if that means paying their dues, so be it.

Truth is something we should strive to practice at all times and that’s why there is an all seeing eye at the top of the compasses… to remind us that although we may hide things from the eyes of men, our great creator is keeping an eye on us at all times.

You may have noticed that I thanked some people several times.  This was not done by accident. They deserve every thank-you they received.

In closing I would like to thank my wife Tammi. Without her this would have been very hard to accomplish. She stayed home with the kids, taking them to ball games and other functions so I could do what I thought I needed to do to accomplish this goal. Thank You!

Lastly I would like to close with a poem that was given to me by my Godchild.

Fraternally,

Davey L. White Jr.

M.W. Davey L. White, Jr. Grand Master of Masons in WI 2011-2012