On June 1, 2007, Grand Master Rodney Paulsen presented Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 83 with its charter at the 163rd Annual Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, F. & A.M. Communication in Madison, Wisconsin. It was an exciting occassion to witness the official recognition of an entirely new lodge in Wisconsin. Approximately ten brothers from Benjamin Franklin No. 83 were present, including its three principal officers WM Felix Geissler, SW Robert Blackburn, and JW Travis West. WM Geissler made a short presentation to the Grand Lodge, the text of which follows:
Most Worshipful Grandmaster Paulsen, Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Wisconsin, other Brethren, and Friends! On behalf of Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you most sincerely for the trust which you have placed in us, by allowing the creation of this unique Lodge. What was once only an idea in the minds of a few Brethren, has now become a reality, thanks to the help from yourselves, the Members of the Grand Lodge, such as Grandmaster Paulsen and Grand Secretary DeWolf. Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 was formed by members of many different Lodges, from West Bend to Janesville, Madison and Waterloo. We have already been able to initiate 3 new members, and we continue to educate not only our newly-obligated Brethren, but all the members of our Lodge.
The principle which we use to drive our little enterprise forward, is simple. Our Brother Benjamin Franklin, after whom our Lodge is named and whose example we follow, expressed it like this : "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn".
That is exactly what we try to do with our members, and - so far - it has worked! Thank you again for the opportunity which you have given to Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, and we undertake that, through this Lodge, we will continue to maintain and uphold the ancient and noble traditions of Freemasonry in general, and of Masonry in Wisconsin in particular.
Felix Geissler WM
