Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

By WM Paul Gordon:

Brother Mark Forster was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft at Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83’s first stated communication of 2009. Brothers braved the cold weather to participate in the degree work. Brother Mark had previously presented a program about the Bavarian dance and interest club he belongs to, which was founded a generation ago by Milwaukee area Masons interested in providing family friendly cultural activities. After the passing, Brother Mark also presented a Masonic Meditation reflecting on some themes in the degree work. The difference between “regular” and “perfect” as applied to a person’s character was the central theme. Consensus was gathered to pursue charitable foundation status under the IRS regulations for purposes of Lodge charitable contributions. The Brethren enjoyed a delicious Madison Club meal and continued fellowship. Among the topics discussed was the degree work of the Lodge in the coming year, qualifications for the Lodge of Excellence award, the MORI system, childhood sledding activities, living arrangements for the frail elderly, and Lodge building architecture. Congratulations to Brother Mark for attaining more light in Masonry!