Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

On January 12th six Brothers from Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 visited Aurora Lodge #30 in Whitefish Bay for their installation of Officers. This was an important meeting for BFL#83 because Brother Josef Pronnet was installed as Worshipful Master – for his 6th time! Brother Josef is a Special Friend of BFL#83. He is a frequent guest and has been instrumental in helping our Lodge develop. He has helped us in the ancient usages and accepted customs of Freemasonry. He has helped explain the significance of Aprons and Firing Cannons, among many other things. Most importantly, he has helped guide our Lodge in a better understanding and practice of the values and principles of Freemasonry. Grand Master Craig Campbell assisted in the East. BLF’s own Pat Storrs attended both as a BFL#83 member but also as a Grand Lodge Officer. Besides Brothers from many local Lodges, representatives of the Grand Lodge of Prince Hall Freemasons also attended.

The Lodge ritual was conducted in an ancient, modified French ritual in the German Language. The installation was also in German. Brother Markus Schumann helped the BFL#83 members with some interpretation. The Brothers were happy to be joined by Brother Mark Forster, who was recommended to us by Brother Josef, and updated us on his nursing studies at UW-LaCrosse. After the Lodge meeting the Brethren were treated to a light lunch with beer and wine in the basement of the Lodge building.

The BFL#83 Brothers later enjoyed continued discussion of Freemasonry at an establishment near Brother Winter’s residence in Milwaukee that was highly, and justly, recommended by Brother Winter.

Brother Josef then visited BFL#83 the following evening for our stated communication, accompanying a delegation from the Grand Lodge of Prince Hall Masons.

Pictured below are Bros. WM Scott Statz (Commonwealth 325), Grand Tiler Pat Storrs, Winter Guite', WM Joseph Pronnett (Aurora 30), WM Paul Gordon (Benjamin Franklin 83), Mark Forster, Marcus Schuman. (Bros. Statz, Guite', Storrs, Schuman, & Forster are all members or plural members of Benjamin Franklin 83). Some brothers viewing this picture might wonder "What's up with all the black hats?" It is the Masonic custom at Aurora 30 that ALL brothers present at lodge wear a hat. Aurora No. 30 will turn 160 years old this coming December 2010.