Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

Freemasonry finds itself at a crossroad. It enjoys a distinguished and inspiring past filled with famous members and grand achievements. But membership in many lodges has been declining and what the Fraternity is, or should be, in the minds of many brothers is unclear. We at Benjamin Franklin No. 83 have chosen to embrace Freemasonry’s rich heritage – especially its educational tradition - and to use it to plan our lodge’s future. Certainly building on this tried and successful foundation makes sense.

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.

On October 28, 2006, Grand Master Rodney A. Paulsen, F. & A.M. of Wisconsin, approved the creation of a new Madison-area lodge. Given that some lodges within the state had recently consolidated or closed, this was indeed a joyful and unexpected occasion. But perhaps more surprising was the lodge’s format. Rather than working in Wisconsin’s tradition, the new lodge would be using the Emulation ritual. Its members, too, had abandoned ties to a specific “temple” in favor of meeting at a private club.

Members of Benjamin Franklin No. 83, their spouses, children, and guests gathered on December 27 at the home of Bro. Robert Blackburn and his wife, Tara Breslin, to celebrate St. John the Evangelist's Day in accordance with Masonic tradition. Attendees enjoyed an evening of food and fellowship. There was also talk among the brethern about their hopes and goals for the upcoming year. Bro. Blackburn presented a short paper, "The Holy Saints John and Freemasonry," as part of the evening's entertainment. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the evening such a pleasurable event.

The Holy Saints John and Freemasonry by Bro. Robert Blackburn

Representatives of the Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Masons of Wisconsin and Scottish Rite (Northern Jurisdiction) installed the new officers in the newly rechartered Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83 at the Madison Club on Wednesday night.

WM Felix Geissler gave the following speech at the installation of officers on Wednesday night:

Otto von Bismarck, one of the most prominent European aristocrats, a brother, and a famous statesman of the nineteenth century once said: “A speech is either short or insulting”, so I try to make it really short. First let me thank our brother the Most Worshipful Grand Secretary Michael DeWolf and Brother Norman Christensen for the wonderful installation of officers for the brand new

Despite its numerical ranking, Benjamin Franklin No. 83 is, in fact, a new lodge. Its predecessor, Concordia No. 83, was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin in 1857. Concordia No. 83 was a German-speaking lodge that used a "French" Masonic ritual. In 1882, Concordia No. 83 surrendered its charter and jewels. Its remaining members transferred either to Madison Lodge No. 5 or Hiram Lodge No. 50. A group of predominantly Madison-area Masons, known as the Leather Apron Club, resurrected Concordia No. 83 in 2006. Grand Master Rodney Allen Paulsen granted their request for a dispensation on October 29. The lodge, however, was renamed "Benjamin Franklin" in honor of their symbolic patron. Benjamin Franklin No. 83 still retains some of its European flavor. The lodge works in the Emulation Rite, has limited membership, and endeavors to strictly observe Masonic tradition.

Our dispensation can be viewed by clicking here.

The new lodge officers will be installed on December 13th 2006 beginning at 7:00pm. A violin performance will be held after the installation at 8:00pm. Hors d'oeuvres will be served during the event, and a cash bar will be available. There is a nominal fee of $36 per person. The dress code is formal, and spouses are welcome.

The event will be held at the Madison Club located at 5 East Wilson Street, in Madison, WI.

For reservations, please contact the secretary:

James Anderson
644 Millrun Circle
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
email: jeanderson129@aol.com

Click Here to view the program for the evening (PDF)
or view images of the pages below.

Click Here to view the original invitation

Greetings!

This is the beginning of the site for the Benjamin Franklin Lodge. In the coming days more information on the organization will be available for both members as well as nonmembers. If you would like to learn more about us, feel free to read the article about us in the Wisconsin Masonic Journal available at
http://www.wisc-freemasonry.org/wmj/WMJ_Oct_2006.pdf

Thanks for your interest,

The Benjamin Franklin Lodge Site Administrator