Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

Regular lodges in Wisconsin normally use a ritual specially authorized by the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, F. & A.M. Until recently, the only exception has been Aurora Lodge No. 30, a German-language lodge, meeting in Whitefish Bay. Benjamin Franklin No. 83, located in Madison, is now the state’s second regular lodge using an alternate ritual. Benjamin Franklin No. 83 works in the Emulation tradition.

The Emulation Ritual is perhaps the most widespread of all Masonic rituals. It takes its name from the Emulation Lodge of Improvement. Founded in 1823, this lodge meets every Friday from October to June at Freemason’s Hall in London, England. The Emulation Lodge of Improvement’s mission is to preserve the Emulation Ritual and instruct Master Masons in its working. The Emulation Ritual itself resulted from the merger of the Grand Lodge of England and its rival Ancient Grand Lodge in 1813. Since 1816, it has been the official ritual of the United Grand Lodge of England and many other Masonic jurisdictions as well.