Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

Brethren of the Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 in full regalia.

Madison Masons, Madison Freemasons, Wisconsin Freemasonry

Our own Bro. Corey Kunde was recently featured in the "What I Do" section of the Wisconsin State Journal. The article describes his work in the field of construction material forensics, as well as his significant background in chemistry.

You can read the article at the Wisconsin State Journal:

What I Do: Corey Kunde specializes in 'construction material forensics'

On October 14 I was in Cleveland on business and it just so happened that the Grand Lodge of Ohio was having their annual communication. I had a pleasant interaction with a fellow brother. He is currently the Master of Arts & Science lodge No. 792 in Hillard, Ohio. It is worth mentioning that he is also the founding member of this lodge. The lodge is very similar in structure and ideology as Benjamin Franklin and just about 2 years old. It is great to see more Masons who share our vision. If you want you can check out their web page which has more information on the lodge and their activities.

A few months ago I wrote a short piece about Freemasons on the Santa Fe Trail that mentioned Brother Christopher “Kit” Carson and a little about his Masonic Lodge membership and his home, which is now a Museum. Time and circumstances presented the recent opportunity to view the Kit Carson Home and Museum, Carson’s burial place, the current Bent Lodge No. 42, and the Bent Home and Museum, all in Taos, New Mexico. Governor Bent, the first Governor of New Mexico after the Mexican - American war, was murdered in a violent skirmish between rival factions in the newly made state. He was a Freemason and Bent Lodge No. 42 is named after him. The Kit Carson Home and Museum is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Entry is free to those Freemasons presenting a current dues card. The Grand Lodge of New Mexico assisted in the placement of a suitable re-burial place for Carson and his second wife. Attached hereto are several photos of the locations visited, all of which should be self explanatory.

The Masonic contributions to medical research and practice was the subject of a Fellow Craft presentation on June 22,2011 at a BFL#83 Brothers and Guests evening. These FC presentations are given by each Entered Apprentice as they work to gain Masonic knowledge on their way to the FC Degree. Brothers and guests also learn more about the Craft from them.

This presentation was themed around showing the contributions of both past and present Masonic brothers for the good of science, medicine, and fellow man. While some endeavors were shown to be made by a single person, others are contributions made by groups. Neither are more important in the end than the other, but all had or do have lasting effects on the common man.

Attorney Nilesh P. Patel visited our lodge and presented on the topic of Wisconsin's new concealed carry law for firearms, as well as the potential liability considerations for businesses. The presentation was followed by a lively discussion.

By Brother Richard Drerup

The Masonic contributions to medical research and practice was the subject of a Fellow Craft presentation on June 22,2011 at a BFL#83 Brothers and Guests evening. These FC presentations are given by each Entered Apprentice as they work to gain Masonic knowledge on their way to the FC Degree. Brothers and guests also learn more about the Craft from them.

This presentation was themed around showing the contributions of both past and present Masonic brothers for the good of science, medicine, and fellow man. While some endeavors were shown to be made by a single person, others are contributions made by groups. Neither are more important in the end than the other, but all had or do have lasting effects on the common man.

A Brief Visit King David’s Lodge No. 209- San Luis Obispo, California:

During my recent trip to San Luis Obispo for a class at California Polytechnic University (Cal Poly) I had the privilege of meeting PM Robert Bettencourt and getting a brief tour/history of King David’s Lodge No. 209.
As you’ll see from the adjacent pictures, the lodge is situated in a bit of a unique position, as it has commercial tenants on either side of their entrance. A bit more in-depth description of the history behind this can be found at their website here: http://www.calodges.org/no209/SLOMasons/About_Our_Lodge.html

An overview of the state of Freemasonry before and during World War II in Europe was the subject of the FC presentation by Bro. Corey Kunde. This was presented on the night of May 25th, 2011 during a Brother’s Guest night. The presentation focused on the initial persecution of Freemasons in Germany and its’ spread throughout occupied Europe.
Excellent insights in the role of Freemasonry in Europe during this time were made throughout the presentation by the gathered Brethren. These helped initiate in a lively and interesting discussion on the various points covered throughout the presentation. The night provided a reminder of the sacrifices made by Brethren before us and still made today around the world.

I am reporting about Benjamin Franklin 83's fabulous members only BBQ. Once again our brotherhood has out done itself with a great social and educational event at Brother Merrell’s man cavern. We thank Brother Merrell for opening his doors and providing the perfect setting and infrastructure for slicing meat and tasting wine.

Our Brother Felipe Diaz professionally butchered the meat into accurate portions while educating us on knifes, cutting technique, beef cuts and meat quality grading. In a joint effort with Brother Merrell the meat was seasoned and grilled. My personal favorite was Brother Merrell introduction to wine tasting: interesting, educational and entertaining. Although I prefer beer I enjoyed the initiation and I am looking forward to learn more so that my guests stop suffering through my poor wine selection. The Brotherhood provided a nice spread of pot-lucked sides.

Special thanks for hosting, slicing, educating, sharing, tasting and traveling from the East.

Brother Markus