Your Grand Lodge officers met in Madison the weekend of October 8-10 as reported elsewhere in this issue of our Wisconsin Masonic Journal. The highlight of the weekend was the Unity dinner where many of the Wisconsin Masonic bodies’ Grand Officers came together to socialize and learn more about each other’s organizations. There were members from Eastern Star, Amaranth, Job’s Daughters, Rainbow for Girls, DeMolay, Commandery, and the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. All appendant bodies were invited and I hope I did not miss naming any organization that was represented. I encourage all Masonic groups to be understanding of each other and work together for the common good of the organizations. Your Junior Grand Warden, Right Worshipful Brother Daniel Slavik, has been working hard since taking office attending to numerous Youth events and leading your Grand Lodge Youth Funding Committee.
I again must tell you that the majority of Wisconsin Lodges have been busy. They are conferring degrees, hosting dinners, and honoring their members who have attained 25, 40, 50, and even 60 years of service to our gentle craft. Those lodges that are busy are having fun and enjoying the activities they have planned. The lodges will soon be electing their officers for the next year. Many have done advance planning and have many of the details of the installations attended to. It is not too late to invite a Grand Lodge officer to officiate at your installation.
There are two other important items to be included in your planning for the upcoming year. You must work with your budget to make sure that your lodge operates within its means. The other item is planning your calendar of events. These items will provide points toward the annual Lodge Excellence Award (LEA).
The Hickory Suites Rehabilitation and the Three Pillars Wellness Connection on our Three Pillars Senior Living Campus is getting very close to opening, construction is progressing very quickly. I have toured the buildings several times since the cornerstone was dedicated on August 1. We are anticipating a December 1 opening.
I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! We are truly blessed and a have a great deal to be thankful for. We are thankful for the success of our Wisconsin Masonic Home; the active lodges across the state; for the volunteers at the VA centers throughout Wisconsin; and for our Armed Forces and the services and protection they are providing. We are thankful for the friendship and brotherly love that exists between us all and for the freedoms we enjoy so that we can meet freely as Freemasons when and where we want. We are thankful for our great organization.
How do we meet my Brothers?
“On the Level”
Joe
