Vol. XII No. 4
George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board
Special Summer Issue 2011
At the end of the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, held in Madison, a new line of Grand Lodge Officers took charge, led by our new Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin, Brother Davey L. White, Jr. and his right-hand man, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Brother Dennis V. Siewert. Br. Davey made it clear that he is a strong proponent of PGM Joe Harker's "on the level," message. A strong ritualist himself, our new Grand Master indicated a genuine love for the beauty of our art while extracting from the ritual, his thematic motto: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. According to Davey White, "When Masons live their lives by these tenets, they become better individuals and strengthen our communities."
In the Surveyor
MWGM Davey L. White, Jr. at the 167th Annual Communication
From the East . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Chapter & Council . . . . . . . 2 Secretary’s Desk . . . . . . . . . 3 Br. Walker Hall of Fame . . 3 Masonic Education . . . . . . . 4 Lost Temples . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 Civil War: Brotherhood Among Soldiers . . . . . . . . . 6 At & About the Lodge . . . . 7 See What You Missed . . . 8-9 Business Directory . . . . . . 10 Picnic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Master’s Calendar . . . . . . 11 Dinner Club . . . . . . . . . . . 11 2011 Officers Directory . . 12
Grand Master’s Pin 2011-2012
WM Otto Tesch & EA Seth Swanson
The year began with the Master Mason degree for Junior Steward William Hutchins. Next, on March 1st, Wiley Gladney, Assistant Pastor at the Whitefish Bay Methodist Church was initiated an Entered Apprentice. A little over a month later on April 18th, Seth Swanson, who owns his own software company, was also initiated an Entered Apprentice. On Friday, May 27th, to begin the Memorial Day weekend, Br. Gladney was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft. A week later, we initiated Dan Sebring, an auto dealer with a passion for politics. We have more EA and FC degrees coming up soon and eventually many MM degrees. (Continued Page 7)
The Brethren of GW1776 with new FC Br. Wiley Gladney
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Vol. XII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer, 2011
Message from the East
Worshipful Master We are going into an interesting time in the next few months. I just returned from the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in Madison and that is something all Masons should visit at least once. More than once is even better because you get more of the sub-text. This year will be my fifth or sixth time. First there is the installation of the new Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin and you have a chance to meet him and his officers. You have a chance to meet Masons from all over the state and find out that other Lodges have very similar problems and goals to what we have. And find out that Masons everywhere are much the same. They are not identical but have the same kinds of problems and may have different solutions The second reason I say that we are going into interesting times, we may have as many as five or more petitioners for degrees. This means we may have to do up to 15 degrees and the requisite Postings for all the candidates, soon. We may do some degrees (with Grand Lodge permission, of course) during the summer to try to get everything done by the end of the year. We almost certainly will be doing some of the degrees on nights other than regular meeting nights. I want you all to support those degrees by doing some of the parts in the degrees and supporting the degree teams on the sidelines. There will not be all work this summer; on July 17, 2011 there will be the regular Lodge Picnic, from noon to 4 p.m. The Lodge will provide hot dogs or brats and hamburgers and buns, I would like you, as in years past to provide sides, salads or desserts potluck fashion. Thirdly, Tyler Kristopeit has an idea for a special meeting in September, where we will be honoring 60 year members, and a 50year member, and a 25 year member. We will bring in our white leathern aprons, and re-obligate ourselves in the Master Mason Degree. Finally, this fall we will be trying to contact all members, "within the length of our cable tows" to get them to revisit the Lodge and come back often. There is a lot to do, come be a part of it all.
Kenwood North Shore Chapter #90 Royal Arch Masons Congratulations to our new corps of officers for the coming Masonic year and a grateful thank you to our past officers. Our Next meeting dates: September 8, 2011 at 7:30 pm; and November 10, 2011 at 7:30 pm. Fraternally, David Haase, T.I.M.
Vol. XII No.4 ©2011 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board A Bi-Monthly Periodical Established July, 2000 Chuck Carroll, Editor in Chief Barb Carroll, Proof Reader Contributors: David Haase, PM; Otto Tesch, PM; Richard D. Marcus, PM; Terry Johannes; Arnold Walker, PM Photographers: Chuck Carroll; Terry Johannes; Kristin Anthony; Barb Carroll The Surveyor is printed & mailed by Central File Inc., Br. Dan Chaudoir, President. Payment for printing is donated directly to the George Washington Masonic Fund. Silver Spring Masonic Center 517 E. Beaumont Avenue Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Deadline for submissions for the next issue of The Surveyor: Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Vol. XII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer, 2011
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Brethren,
I offer congratulations to our GW Lodge on our 11th anniversary this July. We have grown both in being a fraternity and in membership. I thank all who have responded to paying dues. We have some that have not. If you have a problem or health situation, please call. I will contact you if you do not. Have a green 2011 dues card this summer.
Please look at the new masonic journal for the changes that grand lodge adopted at the Annual Communication.
I have heard of a few of our brethren and/or families have had health problems. If we can be of assistance, please call. Let’s keep our fellow brothers in our prayers. If you would like to reacquaint yourself with the lodge and brethren, please come to our Annual Picnic on July 17th at the lodge. We will have a great time. Fraternally, David Haase, PM Secretary
Mandatory Trustee Meetings for Information Call Dave Haase 414-964-4080 dave.haase.hair@gmail.com
Upcoming Scottish Rite Events All events listed for the Scottish Rite are open to all Masons, non Masons and their ladies. July 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zoofari 2011 August 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teddy Bear Classic Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . Scottish Rite Kickoff Dinner Sept. 23, 24, 25 . . . Scottish Rite Fall Reunion
For information: Keith Sargeant 414-881-7060 wisarge@yahoo.com
Upcoming Tripoli Temple Events See the Tripoli Tattler for the Shrine Summer Schedule Tripoli Tattler link: http://www.tripolishrine.com/tattler.html
Bro. Arnold Walker has been active in the Wisconsin Golf Community over the past four decades serving as a volunteer in various capacities with the Milwaukee County Public Links Association, (MCPLA); the Wisconsin Public Links Association, (WPLA); the Wisconsin Professional Golf Association (WPGA) and the Wisconsin State Golf Association, (WSGA). He has and continues to serve as a Rules Official at all levels of competition statewide.
Recently, on April 19, 130 golfers and friends, braved icy roads to attend a “Tribute Night” honoring Bro. Arnold and his wife Betty for their contributions to the Game and the MCPLA. On May 18, the WSGA Hall of Fame Committee elected Arnold as the 81st member of the Wisconsin Golf Hall of Fame, with induction to follow in August. Congratulations Arnold! Your brothers at GW1776 are proud to call you “Brother!”
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Vol. XII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer, 2011
by Richard D. Marcus, PM
Orders of Architecture Knowledge is recommended to Masons, especially the study of the liberal arts. We are asked to consider astronomy, geography, navigation, and the arts. But there is a curious lecture about the five orders of classical architecture. While we may have been aware of the appearance of Corinthian or Ionic columns on massive downtown banks, the Winding Stair Lecture stresses a distinction between three original Greek columns and two Roman columns that are borrowed or derived from the original ones. There are at least three reasons for making that distinction between the original Greek and the Roman columns that we are told "differ only accidentally." First, the distinction helps to identify and contrast the various columns. The eye readily notices the lovely fluting of the Doric columns, whereas the Tuscan columns are round and smooth. We are told that the Tuscan is the Doric in its earliest state, meaning that the stonemasons constructed simple rounded columns and then, with much skill and work, added the beautiful fluting up and down the column. It is clear why the Doric is viewed as finished, whereas the Tuscan is in some sense unfinished. Praise goes the completed work; lazy or unfinished work does not deserve praise. Similarly, inspection of the Composite column shows that the capital has the identical design of the Corinthian column, but added right below it is also the design found on Ionic columns. This "enrichment" is seen by many as more beautiful, but by others as being a bit garish. Is it judicious to add as much gaudy ornamentation to a column that one can imagine? We are told we are indebted to the Greeks for coming up with that which is great and distinct. Once we hear this lecture, we can better see the distinctions among the five types of columns. Second, literary critics have long argued that Homer's Iliad was nearly plagiarized by Virgil becoming the Aeneid, both being stories of the Trojan war and both following the exploits of a man who is half-god and half-mortal. Achilles is the hero of Iliad, whereas Aeneas is the hero of the Aeneid. Achilles is a man of individual accomplishment, personal glory, bravery, and skill. Virgil, at the time of Caesar Augustus, uses his hero Aeneas to praise him for the glory of his state. The distinctions between these two stories fill many volumes on the quality of writing in Homer and Virgil, with many seeing the Greek tale to be richer, greater, and freer of political polemic. Thus anyone with a classical education would be familiar with Greek versus Roman comparisons and criticisms. Third, we live in a time when we often try to praise every behavior of a child for fear of harming their self-esteem. Politicians who criticize their opponents are often negatively viewed by voters who want everyone to "just get along." But Masonic tradition includes a vigorous discussion of truth and
The Classic Five Orders of Architecture falsehood. The praise for invention given to the Greeks and the general disgust leveled at the Romans found in the Winding Stair Lecture is that we are shown in a particular fashion that some actions are praiseworthy and other actions deserve our criticism, admonition, or detestation. The lecture models that praise can be assigned to behaviors, actions, and inventions, whereas blame or criticism is also justly assigned to other behaviors, actions, or inventions. If we are to learn how to stand and address the Worshipful Master and the lodge, we need to see that praise is valued and so too is earnest criticism. The order of architecture lecture teaches at a minimum how to distinguish the various columns. It mimics the long tradition of historical and literary criticism of the classical foundations of our civilization. But more than that, it shows us that we can and should be able to see what is great, judicious, and distinct in our world. We cannot remain nonjudgmental Kindergarten teachers who praise everything that Johnny (or everyone) does. Being able to see distinctions in quality will help make us better men in Masonry.
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Vol. XII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer, 2011
This is the tenth in a series about Masonic Temples no longer being used for their original purpose. These abandoned and reclaimed structures remain memorials to our glorious past. Dedicated to this quest, the author investigates the Lost Temples of Wisconsin. -ed.
In the early days in the city of Milwaukee, the population was small and Masonic organizations banded together to rent meeting space eventually calling themselves the Milwaukee Masonic Union. This arrangement of joint tenancy lasted until about 1900. By the late 1870's Wisconsin lodge #13 was renting their Masonic hall in the Iron Block (still standing at Water & Wisconsin) to other Masonic
Henry L. Palmer, 33
organizations. These included Independence Lodge, Harmony Lodge, Wisconsin Chapter Royal Arch Masons, Wisconsin Council Royal & Select Masons, Wisconsin Commandery Knights Templar, and the Wisconsin Scottish Rite Bodies These tenants of Wisconsin Lodge were unhappy with the poor conditions at the Iron Block even after Wisconsin Lodge
The Iron Block Building, birthplace of the Milwaukee Masonic Union
installed indoor plumbing. In 1879 it was decided to form the Milwaukee Masonic Union to find a suitable meeting hall. Help came from Henry L. Palmer. Henry Palmer was a driving force behind the growth of freemasonry in the early days in Wisconsin. Having been raised at his home Lodge in New York, Palmer served as Worshipful Master from 1846-1848. Upon his arrival in Milwaukee he joined Wisconsin Lodge and served as Master in 1851, 1852, 1857, 1858, 1865 and 1867. Palmer was also Grand Master four times in 1852, 1857, 1858, 1871 and 1872. Palmer was a 33rd degree Mason and Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the Knights Templar of the United States in 1865. He was also instrumental in organizing the Tripoli Shrine. Believe it or not, all these accomplishments are only part of the Masonic legacy of Henry L. Palmer. Professionally, Henry L. Palmer was a lawyer, politician and judge. He resigned his judgeship to found the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 1880 Palmer offered the meeting halls on the third and fourth floors of his new office building to the Masonic Union. This building still stands at Broadway & Michigan and is known as the Loyalty Building today. The fourth floor hall was first known as Consistory Hall, then Masonic Hall and finally Egyptian Hall. It was twenty nine feet high and lighted with gas lights which were converted to electric lights in 1888, some of the first in the city. The third floor had meeting rooms, a kitchen and banquet hall. Milwaukee's first elevator gained access to the hall.
Contemporary reports said the furnishings and art were unequaled to any in the West. Northwestern Mutual built its new headquarters at the end of Wisconsin Avenue and sold the Broadway location in 1890. By 1896 the Wisconsin Commandery of the knights Templar built its own building at Jefferson & Wells. This was a large six-story building with ten meeting rooms and banquet facilities The Commandery purchased the Masonic Union's furnishings and organ and moved them to their new building. Other tenants included Wisconsin Lodge and the Scottish rite along with affiliated Commandery groups. Upon completion of the Jefferson Street building, the Milwaukee Masonic Union was disbanded. The Commandery building was demolished in 1963 to make way for offices and a parking structure. While researching for the Lost Temple series I've had the opportunity to read about our early Masonic forefathers and their early meeting places. I wanted to see what remained of the early meeting (Continued Page 6)
Northwestern Mutual Building
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Vol. XII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer, 2011
(Lost Temples Continued from page 5)
places. As I mentioned earlier, the Iron Block building still stands and was completely remodeled into offices in the late 1980's. Looking at the building today, it's hard to imagine that indoor plumbing was installed to keep the Masonic bodies as tenants. To the South and a block away is the old Northwestern Mutual building. After 120 years I did not expect to see any
Masonic clues but was pleasantly surprised to see the Square & Compasses incorporated in the decorative brickwork above the first floor windows on the Broadway Street side. It appears that Henry L. Palmer wanted Masonic identification on his new building! The biggest surprise was the Commandery Building on Jefferson Street. Though the building is long gone, the existing parking structure (built in 1964) contains decorative stonework that was salvaged from the old building. The carved limestone with gothic influence and gargoyles stretches three floors and can be seen when you enter at 770 N. Jefferson across from Watts China Store.
These are but a few clues of our early Masonic heritage in downtown Milwaukee. It makes one wonder what other Masonic clues can be found.
long before the Yankees on Hilton Head sent out a messenger under a white flag. It seemed that the Yankees had among them a young fellow who had passed through the Fellow Craft Degree before shipping out. The Yanks were just sitting around slapping gnats when it occurred to one of them that, just maybe, there was a nearby lodge that could test him in the Fellow Craft Degree, and raise him to that of a Master Mason. As luck would have it, there was indeed a lodge in Savannah that would soon be having a Masters Degree. One morning, not too many days later, a detail of Confederate Cavalry slipped across the Savannah River into South Carolina and traveled through Bluffton to the shore opposite Hilton Head island. From there they escorted one Fellow Craft Mason and, I believe, a number of Master Masons of the Northern Persuasion, safely through the Confederate Lines, and back through about 35 miles of Confederate defenses to Savannah, where the candidate and his witnesses were delivered into the lodge. The records note that this Brother was indeed proficient in the Fellow Craft Degree, and he was raised to the Degree of a Master Mason. That night another detail of Confederate Cavalry, no doubt Brothers to a man, slipped back across the Savannah River and safely escorted their Brothers back to Hilton Head. Anyway, I have loved this story since the first time I heard it. It clearly demonstrates that, at the darkest period in our Nation’s history, when brothers were
killing brothers, Brothers could still be Brothers.
Jefferson St. Commandery Building
Detail of NW Mutual Building
by John Hohenstein A Brother in Savannah, Georgia reported this story of Civil War soldiers from his Masonic lodge records. It was a time not long after Fort Sumter, and the War of Northern Aggression was well under way. The Yankees, as they are still wont to do, had promptly flocked to Hilton Head and Tybee Islands, the barrier islands on opposite sides of the mouth of the Savannah River. The Savannah folks didn’t mind much that the Yankees had stolen the good beaches, for the water was still a bit cool for Southern preferences and, besides, they knew the gnats and mosquitoes would teach the Yankees a lesson they’d never forget. So, the Southerners, as Southerners are wont to do sometimes, just waited. They didn’t have to wait very
Sources: Georgia Masonic Messenger article by John Hohenstein, Zerubbabel Lodge No. 15, Savannah, Georgia; reprinted by Southern California Research Lodge in August 2008; published online by Sanford Holst on www.MasonicSourcebook.com, 5 February 2009.
From the editor..... This year marks the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. Even after 150 years, some of the same issues that plagued each side then, still occasionally rear their ugly heads and touch off sudden conflicts. I liked the story about the brotherhood that existed between soldiers of the North and those of the South. My wife’s family hails from the North and are proud of their Union ancestors, while my family is Southern and my ancestors Confederate. Even my wife and I argue at times about Civil War atrocities and issues that we approach from different perspectives. I would like to print more Civil War stories about Masons. If you have a good story let me know. —ed.
Vol. XII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer, 2011
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Increased degrees means more memory work for the brothers of GW1776. Each time a candidate goes through a single rite, at least nine different parts must be filled. Many lodges lack the number of active members needed to put on a degree. Fortunately, District 12 lodges are all close enough to one another that it is no inconvenience to travel to a lodge that needs help with a part. While it is certainly desirable to have members dressing the sidelines during a degree, there needs to be at least the minimum number available to pull it off. Members who have the ability to memorize even small parts should make an effort to do so, as the rewards are great. No matter how many times you witness a degree, it never really reveals its deepest meanings more than when you commit the lesson to memory. For years, GW1776 Lodge has scheduled ritual practice on Monday evenings at 7pm, except on certain holidays or when dark. Sometimes, the attendance is impressive while at other times there are no more than one or two members who show. The question has often come up, if there is, perhaps, a better day of the week to meet, however, intermittent polls have not resulted in finding a better schedule. GW1776 is fortunate to have three Proficiency Men and two Ritualists, one in the FC degree and the other in the EA & FC degrees. Over time, a man can get stuck doing the same part in the same degree over and over, every time that degree is presented and never get a chance to play a different part, simply because no one took the time to learn his part. While some might be comfortable doing only one part, if that member took ill or was on vacation on the day of a degree when that part was needed, then the lodge is forced to reschedule the degree, or find a member of another lodge who can do the part and is available for that particular evening. It just makes sense to have multiple back-ups in the degree work, whether it’s to spell a brother, or
MADISON, WI
New Entered Apprentice Paul Sebring with the GW1776 Degree Team.
to take a brother’s place when he cannot be there for whatever reason. The main purpose of the Blue Lodge, according to our Charter, is to make Masons. Without a full cadre of brothers steeped in the ritual of our art, we cannot make Masons. Masonry in cyclical. Interest by the profane has increased in recent years and we can realistically anticipate more and more candidates seeking to join our ranks. While it is a fact of life, that we all grow old and eventually leave this world, hopefully for a better one, it is incumbent upon us all to take up the challenge and ensure that our lodge is prepared to receive new brothers into our midst. There are brothers in the lodge now, who are ready and willing to assist any member who wishes to learn a part. There are some parts that no one in the lodge is prepared to present, and other parts that need to be learned for back-up. If you would like to know which parts you could learn that would best help the lodge at this time, please contact the Senior Warden, Chuck Carroll at 414-336-4252 or sifuchuck@aol.com.
(Continued from Page 1)
Daniel Kleinhans was initiated an Entered Apprentice on June 21. Witnessing this event were our other two EAs, Brs. Seth Swanson and Dan Sebring. This was the first time the lodge made use of it’s new projector for something other than Masonic Cinema Night. There were many comments of approval over the advancement in technology as the EA 3rd Lecture was given using a lap top computer instead of the antiquated slide projector. On June 30, Tim Klug was initiated an Entered Apprentice and plans are underway for more degrees before the fall sessions begin.
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Vol. XII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer, 2011
You Missed Our First MM Degree of the Year!
You Missed the Installation of 2011 Officers!
You Missed the Silas Shepherd Lodge!
You Missed the Prince Hall Table Lodge!
You Missed the Magic!
You Missed Dinner with Your Brothers!
Vol. XII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer, 2011
You Missed the Joint Table Lodge! You Missed the Ladies at the Table!
You Missed the Easter Bunny! You Missed the Magic!
You Missed the Job’s Daughters’ Spa Day!
You Missed Your Annual Check-up!
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Chuck Carroll American Republic Health & Life Insurance Licensed Agent 2170 West Marne Ave. Glendale, WI 53209 414-336-4252 sifuchuck@aol.com Daniel R. Chaudoir Central File Marketing President 5277 W. Beaver Creek Parkway Brown Deer, WI 53223 414-365-9000 (800) 749-6245 Toll Free
Dave Haase Haase's Hair Emporium Master Barber/Stylist 5168 N. Hollywood Ave. Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 Appointments: 964-4080 dave.haase.hair@gmail.com
Robert Batchelder Reilly & Me Dogwalker 510 E Beaumont Ave Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 414-916-0054 wndwtchr@gmail.com
Franklin G Nuernberger Accountant/Tax Specialist 9133 North 70th Street Milwaukee, WI 53223 414-357-8141 414-581-2019 Cell Bayite@aol.com
Walt Smith A Touch of Magic Magic Entertainment for any occasion For booking call: 414906-1695
Got a Business to Advertise? We are offering free space to members of the GW1776 Lodge. Send your contact information to: The Surveyor, c/o Chuck Carroll, EIC, 2170 West Marne Ave., Glendale, WI 53209 or email: sifuchuck@aol.com
Rain or Shine
Silver Spring Masonic Center 517 E. Beaumont Ave., Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Vol. XII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer, 2011
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The Dog Days of Summer It is generally thought that the Dog Days are so named because it’s so hot it’s only fit for dogs. Others believe it is the kind of weather that makes dogs mad. It is in fact, so named because from July 3, to August 11, Sirius, the dog star, rises in the East with the sun. It is named for astronomical reasons rather than anything to do with actual dogs.
September 6, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Stated Meeting White Leathern Apron meeting -- honor 60-50-25 year members and Master Mason re-obligation. Be sure to make dinner reservations with JW Will Cekosh.
In 1777, Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary in a manner a modern American would find quite familiar: an official dinner for the Continental Congress: toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews, and fireworks. Ships were decked with red, white, and blue bunting.
August 16, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Special Meeting FC/MM degree
The First 4th of July Celebration
July 4, Monday, Independence Day July 17, Sunday, Noon - 4:00 p.m. Annual Picnic July 19, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Special meeting FC degree
Continental Congress, July 4, 1776
September 20, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Stated meeting Be sure to make dinner reservations with JW Will Cekosh. FC/MM degree
Dinner Club Dinner Club will not be meeting in July or August, but will resume in September. Br. Dick Paradowski is looking for suggestions of places to have the Dinner Club this Fall. If you have some ideas, please give Dick a call. All are welcome at Dinner Club including ladies, friends and family. Please RSVP by the Thursday before each Dinner Club meeting. Dick Paradowski at 262-782-8835.
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jamesruthann@yahoo.com jamesruthann@yahoo.com