Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

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

Madison Masons, Madison Freemasons, Wisconsin Freemasonry

"Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Benjamin Franklin, 1759

As a society we have a responsibility to uphold certain liberties, including freedom of speech and insure that all people are treated fairly. Our society was built upon a foundation of personal liberties that must withstand the trials it faces today. In times of political differences, racial tension, natural disasters, and acts of terror we have to make sure these liberties endure. When people are fearful, they may be willing to give up civil liberties in exchange for a feeling of safety, however we must hold tight to the principals that we’ve determined are vital to a free society. As individuals in that society it’s important that we understand our personal responsibility to give people freedom of expression and treat them justly. It’s sometimes easy to forget how connected we all are.

PM Felix Geissler was, to put it mildly, instrumental in forming Benjamin Franklin No. 83. He is a man deeply committed to, and passionate about, the Craft. The lodge wishes Felix and his family every happiness with their move to New Jersey. We know too that PM Geissler will always be with the lodge in spirit, even if distance keeps him from visiting as often as he would like.

The following are some thoughts and reflections PM Geissler shared from the East during his last evening as Master of the lodge.

On Wednesday April 23, 2008, Brother Felix Geissler was invested with the jewel of Past Master by Bro. Paul Gordon WM. Brother Felix was the Worshipful Master that every lodge would like to have. More details and photos to follow as soon as I'm sure I know what I'm doing here?

Bro. Scott

Submitted by Bro. Joseph Howell:

Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 83 members Paul Gordon, Travis West, Erik Nielsen, Joseph Howell, and Ross Lehmann toured the Shriners Hospital for Children in Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 18, 2008. They carried with them a collective donation from the Lodge, which they presented to the administrator of the hospital. The Twin Cities Shriners Hospital is a 40-bed facility that provides orthopedic care to children, free of charge.

Submitted by Bro. Joseph Howell:

Sir Winston Churchill Research Lodge No. 1003 welcomed several members of Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 to a festive board, held in Minneapolis on April 17, 2008. The festive board, at the elegant Minneapolis Club, was held in honor of Martello Lodge No. 7121 of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, UK; of which several members were in attendance. Also participating in the event were several officers of the Minnesota Grand Lodge, including Grand Master Thomas Jackson. It was a splendid evening, with fine food and drink, singing, and several toasts in firing style with wine and single-malt whiskey.

Laying Down your Working Tools: A Mason’s Thoughts on Death and Dying, by Bro. Joseph M. Howell. Originally presented to Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 83 in October 2007.

It is a foundational principle of Freemasonry to remember that just as we were all born into this world through the grace of the Great Architect, by His will we each, some day, must die. In growing as human beings, we learn the value of life by our exposure to death. Perhaps death has touched us personally in some way, or maybe not. Suffice it to say, whether we have internalized the concept of our own mortality or not, each of us knows we will die. This article will discuss some general concepts important at the end-of-life. It also will offer suggestions about ways to fulfill your responsibilities towards people who could be placed in the worst of situations when you are dying – that of uncertainty regarding your wishes.

Submitted by Bro. Paul Gordon, S.W.

Several members of Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 attended the Joint Table Lodge hosted by Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Inc., Free & Accepted Masons of Wisconsin and Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Masons of Wisconsin. The 5th annual event was held on March 31, 2008 at the Prince Hall Masonic Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The opening of the Table Lodge was performed by Tyre Lodge #8, in the Entered Apprentice Degree. The Ceremony of Seven Toasts followed, which provide an opportunity to use the Firing Cannons in the honor of our Country, Lodge Offices, and the Brethren. Dinner was followed by Remarks from M.W. G. M. J. B. Van Hollen and M. W. G. M. James E. Davis. Masonic values and the work to be done in the quarries of life were some of the topics of their remarks. Tyre Lodge #8 Closed the Table Lodge.

Brother Mozart was born 252 years ago yesterday, being January 27, 1756. In celebration, if not just good timing, here is a marvelous book synopsis from Bro. Paul Gordon about this distinguished Freemason.

BOOK REPORT
Submitted by Bro. Paul Gordon

MOZART the FREEMASON, The Masonic Influence on His Musical Genius, Jacques Henry, Inner Traditions, 2006. Translated by Jack Cain.

As Freemasons we are encouraged to study and learn more about the liberal arts, one of which is music. Music often has a significant role in Masonic ritual and Masonry generally. One of the world’s best known composers is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a Freemason and member of Zur Wohltatigkeit (“Charity”) Lodge in Vienna, Austria, during the Age of Enlightenment. In MOZART the FREEMASON, Jacques Henry, a French musicologist and Freemason, makes his aim to analyze as rigorously as possible the exact role of symbolism, insofar as it is a true musical language in Mozart’s creation and its power of inspiration (See MOZART the FREEMASON, Preface p. xvi). This book can help any Mason, regardless of the depth of their musical background, learn more about music and its application in Freemasonry.

It is no secret that I'm a history buff. I like visiting historic places, poking around cemeteries, and ambling along streets where the original architecture has been preserved. Indeed, one of my favorite things to do while on such outings is to look for fraternal emblems. Some of the first permanent buildings constructed in American towns belonged to fraternal organizations. Look up along the roof lines and you may see Freemasonry's square and compass, the "I.O.O.F." and linked chain of the Odd Fellows, or perhaps the name of an otherwise forgotten ethnic club. I'm strange. For me, this is like finding buried treasure.