Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

At the recent Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge there was a breakout session on Masonic symbolism put on by the Brothers of Silas Shepherd Lodge of Research. BFL#83 Member Brother Pat Storrs is the Worshipful Master of Silas Shepherd Lodge, and participated in the session.

Central to the session was the symbolism of the working tools that are used in the various Masonic Degrees. In the Wisconsin Ritual there are two working tools in the degrees. The Silas Shepherd Brethren discussed the operative and speculative, or moral uses and meaning of these tools. The session pointed out that there are many different symbols used in Freemasonry, and that there are many different Masonic rituals that use different or additional working tools in their degree work. The symbolic meaning of the chisel, pencil and skirret were then explained as examples of other Masonic working tools.

Aurora Lodge #30 was then cited as an example of how the symbols in Freemasonry
can be recognized and appreciated in different rituals, Aurora working in an ancient, modified French ritual and done in the German Language. Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83’s use of the Emulation Ritual and the above mentioned additional working tools in its degree work was also noted. In pointing out the wide variety of symbolism in Freemasonry, Aurora Lodge #30 and Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 were referred to as “jewels in Wisconsin Freemasonry.” Session attendees were urged to take advantage of opportunities to visit Aurora Lodge and Benjamin Franklin Lodge to observe the different rituals and symbols.

It was particularly nice to see Aurora Lodge #30 and Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 mentioned together like this. The current Master of Aurora Lodge is Brother Josef Pronnet, who is also the Special Friend of Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83. Brother Josef is a frequent guest in our Lodge and has shared much Masonic knowledge with us, helping us to grow as a Lodge and as Freemasons. Several Members of Benjamin Franklin Lodge have had the opportunity to observe Aurora Lodge work in their ritual at their Lodge meetings.