Vol. XIII No. 4
George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board
Summer Issue 2012
WHITEFISH BAY, WI The Brethren of GW1776 had the honor of hosting Jackson Lodge No. 146 from Seymour, Indiana on the last stated meeting before going dark. June 19th was an historical evening, this being the first such visit by an entire lodge from a foreign jurisdiction! The visit actually began the night before when the Indiana Brethren invited the Brothers of GW1776 to a Brewer game at Miller Park. The Brewers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-6 and everyone had a wonderful time. Brothers Seth Swanson and Brad Behlke both brought their families and there were even three nonMason visitors who came along for the event. The next day, Tuesday morning, Worshipful Master Chuck Carroll and his Lady Barbara drove down to the hotel where the visiting contingent was staying so that Barb could properly greet the ladies of the visiting lodge. She handed out pins for the ladies from the Grand Master’s Lady, Nancy Siewert, along with a Wisconsin treat, craisins.
Brother Dan Sebring was raised on Tuesday June 5, at a regular Stated Meeting of GW1776. The degree was performed, using only members of GW1776 in all the parts, which has not been done is some time. Certainly, it is always appreciated when brothers from other lodges come and help out, but it is also good to know that the lodge has the resources to raise a Master Mason. Also in attendance was Brother Bob Strader, who was introduced for the first time as Junior Grand Steward.
In the Surveyor
Barb Carroll hands out pins and craisins to the visiting ladies from Indiana.
The Stated Meeting that Tuesday evening was one worth attending. Not your typical boring business meeting, but one replete with pomp and much merriment as well as Masonic Education and fellowship. Six Grand Lodge officers were in attendance (see story page 6), seven if you count the District Lecturer, as well as nearly 60 guests representing 14 different lodges, four of which are from Indiana. The evening began with a catered (Continued page 11)
From the East . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2012 Committees . . . . . . . . . 2 Master’s Calendar . . . . . . . . 3 From the West . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The Role of Secretary . . . . . . 4 Masonic Education . . . . . . . . 5 Lodge News . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2012 Officers Directory . . . . 6 The Human Touch . . . . . . . . 7 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 My Cousin George . . . . . . . 8-9 Noteworthy News . . . . . . . . 10 Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Indiana Visit Group Photo . 12
The 2012 Grand Master’s Pin
Celebrating Diversity among Wisconsin Freemasons, MWGM Dennis Siewert asks that when wearing his pin, that you wear no other pins so that the message is not lost in the clutter.
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Vol. XIII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer Issue 2012
Worshipful Master Chuck Carroll
Summer is upon us and this year’s work is more than half over. Have we accomplished half of what we set out to do? Are the builders on course to finish the Temple? Have you done your fair share of the work? As an officer of the lodge, have you fulfilled your oath of office and performed your duties to the best of your abilities? As a Past Master, have you given wise counsel and offered your services to those with less experience? As a member of the lodge, have you been faithful to your commitments and devoted to your brothers, participating in meetings and events, and stepping up to ease the burden of those who plan and implement them? If so, you are to be commended. If not, then you yet have time before the year ends to break free from what restrains you, join in and make amends. Get involved. Don’t wait for a phone call or an email. Be the one to reach out and ask, “What can I do? How am I needed? What is my part, my role in the Lodge?” There is something for everyone. I can’t imagine sitting on the sidelines, month after month, in stated meetings, watching, grousing and waiting. As a member of the audience, it is not the best show in town. I think that if my only role in the lodge was sitting on the sidelines, watching, then I would probably be better off with season theater tickets; I would certainly be more entertained. Masonry is not a spectator sport. To get anything out of it, you have to put something into it. This year, I have created four ad hoc committees, each with two co-chairs. These committees resulted from the input of nearly all active Lodge members who, last Summer, submitted survey answers with recommendations for the projects and programs they thought made best use of the talents and funds available to the lodge. I know of only one or two members of the lodge, aside from the eight committee chairs who have reached out to the committee chairs and offered their services toward accomplishing committee goals. It must be absolutely awful for those members who have not involved themselves, to just come to the meetings and hear about what the lodge has accomplished, and yet have had no hand in bringing those accomplishments to fruition. Unless the next Worshipful Master decides to keep those committees in place and continue to work on those projects and programs, then there are precious few days left in this year to make things happen. Think about some of the symbols that speak to us, as Master Masons, in our daily lives, and apply them to your involvement in the lodge. The beehive is a symbol of industry. Are you industrious? The hourglass is a symbol of fleeting time. Are
you making the most of the time left? The trowel is a symbol of brotherly love. Are you spreading the cement of brotherly love? The level is a symbol of equality and fairness. Are you giving freely of your time and talents, shouldering your share of the workload? In my last message, I exhorted the Past Masters to rise up and help the younger Masons in the lodge. Now I urge you newer Masons to make your marks upon this lodge; take charge and get involved. Don’t wait for an invitation; just do it. Look at the committees listed below, go to the committee chairs and tell them that you want to help. If you want to know what it means to be a Mason, then you have to do what Masons do. As Speculative Masons we may not erect buildings of stone and mortar, but what we can build, if we are willing to give our time, will last longer than any house made with hands. The Temple is yet unfinished, enjoy your Summer, but do not neglect your brotherhood.
2012 Lodge Committee* Chairs Lodge Projects Co-Chairs: Jim Roberts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414-332-8247 tiler@gw1776.org William Hutchins . . 262-309-3500 seniorsteward@gw1776.org Education, Entertainment & Social Events Co-Chairs: Otto Tesch . . . . . . . . . . . 414-445-3537 chaplain@gw1776.org Joe Fahrenkopf . . . . 920-296-3171 juniordeacon@gw1776.org Community Relations Co-Chairs: Frank Nuernberger . 414-357-8141 seniorwarden@gw1776.org Keith Sargeant . . . . . . . 414-881-7060 juniorwarden@1776.org Publicity & Member Outreach Co-Chairs: Tyler Kristopeit . . . 608-346-0066 seniordeacon@gw1776.org Seth Swanson . . . . . . 408-315-9601 sswanson@digitaliris.com *Not sure which committee to join? That’s easy. It’s been decided for you. All members of GW1776 are members of each and every committee!
New Lodge Phone Number (414) 979-1776
Vol. XIII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer Issue 2012
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July 4, Wednesday Independence Day, Whitefish Bay Parade at 11 a.m., Silver Spring Drive July 15, Sunday Scottish Rite Valley of Milwaukee Zoofari Picnic at 10:30a.m. July 17, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Entered Apprentice Degree for Mr. Adam Roder. Join us on the first EA degree of this year. July 20, Thursday, Stein Club at Sprecher July 22, Sunday, ANNUAL LODGE PICNIC! Rain or Shine at the lodge, 11 a. m. to 4 p. m.
August 10, Friday, Surveyor Deadline August 16, Thursday, Stein Club at Sprecher
Reminder–We go dark during July & August, but we still plan to be active during those months. Call a brother or a widow of the lodge and keep in touch!
***Annual Lodge Picnic Sunday, July 22, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Bring your Family & Friends!***
From the West
“Let there be peace ... let it begin with me." I was trying to find a theme for this Surveyor article. This morning at church one of our members asked for "Let There Be Peace on Earth." It hit me. The first line of the hymn is "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me." To have peace with others, we must have peace within ourselves. When necessary, we can contact the Supreme Being, no matter what name you call him. If needed, we can seek outside human support, professional and otherwise.
We must be willing to start within ourselves. Make peace with yourself. If possible make peace with those with whom you have a problem. Peace with each other. In lodge we call it harmony. As a matter of fact, we emphasize harmony at the opening and closing of lodge. "Harmony, the strength and support of all institutions, more especially of …." Note that a little disharmony can go a long way, and not in a good way. Harmony also goes a long way and leads to unity. It is the cement of our institution. With summer here, we are dark for two months. Call a brother, or brother's widow. See how they are doing. I'm not the Chaplain, but I still advise: Pray for them and each other. If you have a gripe against another, pray that it can be settled, not just for the good of the Craft, but for the good of yourself. Have a good summer, come to the picnic on July 22nd and join us on July 17th for the EA degree.
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Vol. XIII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer Issue 2012
By Tyler Kristopeit This is the third of more articles to come, on topics that were discussed at the 2012 Statewide Secretary’s Seminar, attended by our Senior Deacon and Assistant Secretary. –Ed. “It is your duty to observe the will and pleasure of the Worshipful Master in recording the proceedings of the lodge; transmit a copy thereof to the Grand Lodge when requested; to receive all monies paid into the lodge and pay them over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor. Your good inclination to Freemasonry and this lodge will induce you to discharge the duties of your office with fidelity, and by so doing you will merit the esteem of your brethren.” Such are the instructions given to the Secretary at his installation. Were these the only duties required of the Secretary, the job would be the envy of the brethren: one of little work and of high praise. In all reality, the job has a nearly endless and incalculable list of duties – with a ‘To-Do’ list to match. The Secretary is responsible to so many: the Worshipful Master, the Grand Lodge, and – certainly not least of these – the Brethren of the Lodge. This is why the efficient Secretary is likened to being the “hub” of the Lodge – the person to whom brothers should go to give information to the Lodge and the person from whom the brothers should be hearing when issues arise. Most Brothers have an incomplete picture of the role of Lodge Secretary. Because each person’s Masonic experience is varied, each brother gets to witness the Secretary performing different duties and may not get to see EVERYTHING a Secretary does. It is for this reason that I write this article: to make every effort to put out a complete picture of the Lodge Secretary’s duties and responsibilities. Let us first consider the Secretary’s responsibilities to the Lodge as a whole. First and foremost, the Secretary has a responsibility to attend all regular and special communications of the Lodge. This is for manifold purposes. First, that the minutes can be taken, thereby allowing the history of our Lodge to be recorded accurately. Secondly, that correspondence TO AND FROM the Lodge can be shared with the brethren. And, finally, like all craftsmen, so the Secretary can be aware of what has been placed on his Trestleboard by the Worshipful Master, who is the ultimate authority of the Lodge according to Masonic Code. Communication should generally be where the Secretary commits the most time in service to the Lodge. A first-rate Secretary should maintain constant contact with the officers and members of the Lodge, carrying news between them and always updating pertinent individuals about other brothers. The Secretary is the public contact of the Lodge and should be contacted when a brother hears news relevant to the Lodge (i.e. a Brother in Distress, etc.). As the Lodge’s public contact, the Secretary is also usually the first to hear from potential candidates for the degrees of Freemasonry or from family members about a departed brother. The Secretary must also handle the collection of dues. As anyone can imagine, this is a difficult task and one on which the Secretary should constantly update the Worshipful Master, Treasurer, and Wardens.
There are also several less frequent functions by which the Secretary serves his brothers. These include arranging for Masonic Travel in other Jurisdictions through the Grand Lodge, arranging Perpetual Membership Plans, coordinating the petition/degree paperwork for the new brothers, maintaining adequate records besides the minutes, etc. Surprisingly, these are just some of the concerns the Secretary faces on a near-weekly basis just from the standpoint of the individual brothers of the Lodge. It seems especially daunting when one considers that we have roughly 140 members, all with individual needs and requirements. Next time, we’ll consider some of the responsibilities that the Secretary has to the Worshipful Master and to the Grand Lodge. COMING IN THE NEXT SURVEYOR: The Secretary’s Responsibilities as they relate to the Worshipful Master and the Grand Lodge
Vol. XIII No.4 ©2012 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: Chuck Carroll; Richard Marcus, PM; Frank Nuernberger, PM; Tyler Kristopeit; Hank Hofmann, PM Photographers: Barb Carroll; Chuck Carroll; Tyler Kristopeit; Brian Bromberek; Pat Cholka, District 12 Deputy 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: Friday, August 10, 2012
Vol. XIII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer Issue 2012
by Richard D. Marcus, PM
This is George Washington 1776 Lodge, so it is fitting we should start with a quote from our worthy brother George Washington: "Freemasonry is founded on the immutable laws of Truth and Justice and its grand object is to promote the happiness of the human race." Brother George's grand object of promoting the happiness of the human race arises by Freemasons participating in their lodges. Surely he provides a reason not only to become a Master Mason but to come to lodge. And we explore the reasons for our Masonic fellowship as twice in every stated meeting the Worshipful Master asks the Senior Warden: "What induced you to become a Master Mason?" It is a question we ask ourselves each time we return to Lodge meetings. The question is posed at the opening and at the closing of the Lodge. Why did I come to lodge tonight? What induced me to return? The answers are intensely personal, so they differ for each of us, but there are symbolic answers to this question given by the Senior Warden. Let us reflect on the four reasons given by the Senior Warden. 1. To travel abroad. Becoming a Master Mason does not seem the same as getting a passport. Yet in the MM degree, we recall that the ruffians were unable to gain a passage to Egypt without the Master's Word. Perhaps the allusion to travel into foreign countries signifies something broader and deeper. Travel can be viewed as a means of gaining knowledge, wisdom, and an education. College students still travel from their villages to go to great cities or centers of learning to study. We are induced to become a Master Mason to further our travels into enlightenment. We seek to be better men in our understanding as well as our moral sensibilities. Our travel into foreign countries produces knowledge in areas that were formerly hidden from our eyes. We want a peek into the lands beyond our everyday observation. We come again to lodge in expectation of seeing more. 2. To work for Master's wages. At least in my experience, being a Master Mason doesn't directly lead to higher incomes. If it did, we'd have thousands of men petitioning our lodge. Rather, Master's Wages must be the rewards of being in a brotherhood of charitable, welcoming, and tolerant men. As we work at our ritual, our charitable endeavors, and our fellowship events, we receive our payment in terms of friendship and brotherly love. These are rich Master's Wages indeed and are worthy of our coming to lodge again and again.
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3. To support our families. Our families crave the leadership of men of character with a truly loving nature. There are several paths to enable us to become better in these dimensions, but work in our Lodge molds our desires toward more virtuous behavior that benefits ourselves and our families. As we improve in giving and receiving love, we are better enabled to support our families with what they truly need. That is surely a reason to induce us to come to lodge. 4. And contribute to charity. The Lodge repeatedly induces us to give relief and to be charitable. Of course, churches, synagogues, and other fraternities also encourage charity, but we are part of a select company of fellow Master Masons. We are induced to do far more than organizations with only a loose affiliation. We are reminded to look into the needs of our sick and distressed brother, attend the funerals of those who pass on, and then care for the widows and orphans of our departed brothers. Certainly, we are induced to come to lodge to continue our legacy of relief and care for our brothers, greet them with a warm handshake, and wish them good recovery in all ailments. So, when the question is raised again: "What induced you to be a become a Master Mason?", we are continually reminded of the four-fold reasons involving gaining knowledge in our Masonic travels; working and earning brotherly love and affection; supporting ourselves and families by growing in moral leadership; and contributing in ways that cannot help but give us loving and charitable hearts. The reasons to attend a lodge meeting can be far weaker than such a nagging sense of duty, but the opening and closing of our lodges give us richer reasons. I hope you will reflect on these thoughts as we open or close a lodge of Master Masons on what induced you to return to Lodge tonight
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Vol. XIII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer Issue 2012
WHITEFISH BAY, WI By Tyler Kristopeit The Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin, Br. Ken Gorgen, presented Counselor Walt Smith PM with the ritual card for posting at the 19 June 2012 Stated Communication, following the near-flawless posting of Brothers William Hutchins and Wiley Gladney. This card denotes Br. Walt as being proficient in the posting of candidates, a vital task that Br. Walt does from memory and has improved dramatically as Lodge Counselor.
Brs. Chuck Carroll, Ken Gorgen & Walt Smith
Additionally, the Grand Lecturer completely surprised Worshipful Master Chuck Carroll by formally presenting him with the proficiency card. This card denotes that Br. Chuck has memorized all of the esoteric work for all three degrees, an honor currently held by only three other members of our Lodge: George Burgess, Ed Hoffman, and Horace Palmer. Br. Chuck has been further commended by having been installed as the District 12 Lecturer at the Annual Communication in June. George Washington 1776 Brothers can, and should be, proud of the achievements of our honorable brothers in memorizing the beautiful ritual of our gentle craft. Congratulations, Brothers Walt & Chuck!
L-R: Wayne Budrick, Dist 11 Deputy; Dan Hensiak, Sr. Grand Deacon, Bob Strader, Jr. Grand Steward; Chuck Carroll, WM GW1776; Ken Gorgen, Grand Lecturer; Dan Slavik; Deputy Grand Master, Ruben Cummings, WM Jackson Lodge; Mike DeWolfe, PGM, Grand Secretary
The Grand Lodge Officers were given the Grand Honors of Masonry by those attending. The Deputy Grand Master then proceeded to offer greetings on behalf of the Grand Master and explain the new Grand Master’s pin. This year’s Grand Master Pin is a top hat with the words“Wisconsin” and “Diversity” on it. The pin is said to celebrate all of the hats that the brethren around the jurisdiction wear and honor all of the diversities these brothers possess while being simultaneously united by devotion to the craft. All of the Brothers present – member and visitor alike – were proud to welcome these honorable Brothers to our Lodge and to congratulate many of them on their new appointments within the Grand Lodge.
Worshipful Master Charles Carroll 414-336-4252 worshipfulmaster@gw1776.org
Junior Deacon Joseph Fahrenkopf 920-296-3171 juniordeacon@gw1776.org
Senior Warden Frank Nuernberger, PM 414-357-8141 seniorwarden@gw1776.org
Chaplain Otto Tesch, PM 414-445-3537 chaplain@gw1776.org
WHITEFISH BAY, WI By Tyler Kristopeit Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master Dan Slavik lead a delegation of Grand Lodge Officers to George Washington 1776 Lodge’s June 19th Stated Communication. In what was without a doubt the largest Grand Lodge delegation sent to GW1776 since its inception, the Grand Lodge officers arrived to join the brethren in welcoming and celebrating the visit from the Brothers of Jackson Lodge #146. These Grand Lodge Officers were: Deputy Grand Master Dan Slavik, Grand Secretary Michael A. Dewolf PGM, Grand Lecturer Ken Gorgen, Senior Grand Deacon Don Hensiak, Junior Grand Steward Bob Strader, and District 11 Deputy Wayne Budwick.
Junior Warden Keith Sargeant 414-881-7060 juniorwarden@1776.org Treasurer Charles Roeder, PM 262-238-0162 treasurer@gw1776.org
Senior Steward William Hutchins 262-309-3500 seniorsteward@gw1776.org Junior Steward Brian Bromberek 414-467-8377 juniorsteward@gw1776.org
Secretary Dave Haase, PM 414-964-4080 secretary@gw1776.org
Counselor Walt Smith, PM 414-906-1695 counselor@gw1776.org
Senior Deacon Tyler Kristopeit 608-346-0066 seniordeacon@gw1776.org
Tiler James Roberts, PM 414-332-8247 tiler@gw1776.org
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by Br. Hank Hofmann, PM At a recent Lodge meeting I spoke with our scholar and Masonic historian, Brother Dick Marcus, PM, about books I received when obtaining my degrees. I thought Dick might not have known about them, but he already was aware that there were copies in our lodge library. I was referring to “Introduction to Freemasonry” by Carl H. Claudy, consisting of three small, easy to read blue books, covering individually, the three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. I received my Entered Apprentice degree on November 25, 1950; the copyright of book number one was dated, September, 1931. However, when Brother Marcus and I looked at similar books in our library, they had been reprinted in later years. I stress the reading of these books by our lodge members because all of us, old and new brothers alike, can use the refresher knowledge of our order. Quoting from the forward by Howard R. Cruse, P.G.M. of Masons in New Jersey, in the Entered Apprentice book:
When Br. Keith Sargent first suggested sponsoring a Little League team, I immediately thought about all the wonderful days of my youth spent in local baseball diamonds, playing ball with my friends, playing catch with my brothers and dad, beautiful memories of Summer. It has been fun attending the games this Summer and watching the kids, ages 6, 7, and 8, as they played the American pastime, some of them for the first time in their young lives. The following is from an email from the Manager of the Rays, Mr. Scott Winter: I first want to say thanks to you guys for coming out to our games. It is so nice to have such a supportive sponsor. And can't hurt to have a few more rooting for the kids. I know that the games can be a little slow at times at this level, but they are starting to get it a bit more each week. I’m not sure how much info the league passed on to you about our team, but the Rays are an expansion team this year in the Glendale Rookie League, so a little more of a challenge for coaches and kids going against returning teams and players. But we have some really good and improving players which is fun to follow through the season. Here’s hoping that this year was just the first of many years that GW1776 will support Glendale Little League.
For the brother old in the Craft who will read them, a revelation awaits. For the initiate, here is wisdom, strength and beauty. For all, the Ancient Craft is here set forth in an unforgettable trilogy of books which not only tell the facts, but forget not the vision; which not only describe the form, but also reveal the spirit of Freemasonry. Br. JW Keith Sargent with the Rookie Rays and their coaches.
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Vol. XIII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer Issue 2012
by Chuck Carroll
George Washington and the Jewish Masons
The Grand Master’s Theme this year is “Diversity.” In District 12 we are very much aware of diversity in Masonic lodges. Aurora Lodge is a German speaking lodge that practices a modified French Rite ritual. District 12 lodges also participate in a monthly breakfast meeting under the name of the Masonic Brotherhood Council, composed of members of Wisconsin Masons and Prince Hall Masons. And, of course, who could forget Milwaukee Harmony Lodge which consists primarily of Jewish brothers. At the earliest formation of the Grand Lodge of England in the eighteenth century, and throughout America’s late colonial period, Jews were not considered citizens, were persecuted and were not allowed to enter certain trades and occupations. Freemasonry, therefore, with its tolerance of religious beliefs, became a safe haven where Jews could gather in social discourse with Christians and demonstrate that their interaction was mutually beneficial. During the American Revolution, 24 Jewish Masons served as officers under General George Washington. One of the most famous of Brother George Washington’s letters, still preserved, was addressed to the Brothers of King David’s Lodge, No. 1, in Newport Rhode Island. To this day, the letter is still recited in an annual public ceremony held at the Touro Jewish Synagogue in Newport, attracting distinguished keynote speakers, including Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Brown University President Ruth Simmons. King David’s Lodge was composed of Jewish Freemasons. Moses Seixes, one of King David’s founders, was tasked with composing and delivering an address to President Washington who was scheduled to visit Newport in August, 1790. At the time a Warden of the lodge, Seixes eventually became Master of his lodge, and also the first Grand Master of the Order of Masons in Rhode Island. On the morning of August 18, 1790, the citizens of Newport gathered at the Touro Synagogue to receive President Washington, because the Town Hall was being renovated. The brothers of King David’s Lodge were in attendance when Right Worshipful Moses Seixes delivered the historic address.
and to join with our fellow Citizens in welcoming you to New Port. With pleasure we reflect on those days--those days of difficulty, & danger when the God of Israel, who delivered David from the peril of the sword, shielded your head in the day of battle: and we rejoice to think, that the same Spirit who rested in the Bosom of the greatly beloved Daniel enabling him to preside over the Provinces of the Babylonish Empire, rests and ever will rest upon you, enabling you to discharge the arduous duties of Chief Magistrate in these States. Deprived as we heretofore have been of the invaluable rights of free Citizens, we now (with a deep sense of gratitude to the Almighty disposer of all events) behold a Government, erected by the Majesty of the People--a Government, which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance--but generously affording to All liberty of conscience, and immunities of Citizenship: deeming every one, of whatever Nation, tongue, or language, equal parts of the great governmental Machine: This so ample and extensive Federal Union whose basis is Philanthropy, Mutual Confidence and Publick Virtue, we cannot but acknowledge to be the work of the Great God, who ruleth in the Armies Of Heaven and among the Inhabitants of the Earth, doing whatever seemeth him good. For all the Blessings of civil and religious liberty which we enjoy under an equal and benign administration, we desire to send up our thanks to the Antient of Days, the great preserver of Men--beseeching him, that the Angel who conducted our forefathers through the wilderness into the promised land, may graciously conduct you through all the difficulties and dangers of this mortal life: and, when like Joshua full of days and full of honour, you are gathered to your Fathers, may you be admitted
To the President of the United States of America Newport Rhode Island August 17th 1790. Sir, Permit the children of the Stock of Abraham to approach you with the most cordial affection and esteem for your person & merits Touro Synagogue, oldest existing Jewish Synagogue in America
Vol. XIII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer Issue 2012 into the Heavenly Paradise to partake of the water of life, and the tree of immortality. Done and Signed by Order of the Hebrew Congregation in Newport Rhode Island Moses Seixas, Warden In his book, “Washington's Masonic Correspondence, As Found among the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress,” author, Julius F. Sachse writes: “President Washington arrived at Newport, at eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, August 17, 1790. On the next day, Wednesday, the President and his suite left on the Packet Hancock at nine o'clock in the morning for Providence. His company consisted of Governor Clinton of New York, Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, Senator Theodore Foster, Judge Blair, Mr. Smith of South Carolina and Mr. Gorman of New Hampshire; members of Congress. Washington left Providence, Saturday, August 21, and arrived in New York upon the following day, Sunday, August 22, 1790, and sent the following reply to the Newport Brethren:”
Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support. It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of my administration and fervent wishes for my felicity. May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants--while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness, upon our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in His own due time and way everlastingly happy. G. Washington
Gentlemen: While I received with much satisfaction your address replete with expressions of esteem, I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you that I shall always retain grateful remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced on my visit to Newport from all classes of citizens. The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which are past is rendered the more sweet from a consciousness that they are succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity and security. If we have wisdom to make the best use of the advantages with which we are now favored, we cannot fail, under the just administration of a good government, to become a great and happy people. The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for
“May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants...” –GW
having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy--a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights, for, happily, the
Washington’s letter “To the Hebrew Congregation in Newport”
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Vol. XIII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer Issue 2012
Chelsie Vickery, Graduated from Brown Deer High School on June 7, 2012 and received a $400 scholarship from George Washington 1776 Lodge which she will use toward her college tuition at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Seymour Indiana came to visit. Carroll also presented a check for $375 from the children of the Whitefish Bay Kung Fu Club who had collected the money during a lion dance performance for a Chinese wedding in Oshkosh the week before.
Our Junior Warden, Br. Brian Bromberek was elected Class President at this year’s Spring Reunion of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Milwaukee. He was chosen to give the class address at the 203rd Reunion Banquet on May 12th, where the Class honored the Illustrious Lowell A. Tainter, 33, MSA.
In a double donation effort by the brethren of GW1776, the lodge purchased 100 lbs of Vidalia onions to support the Shrine Motor Corps, and then donated them to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. Through their Milwaukee distribution center, Feeding America provides food to nearly 800 nonprofit programs such as food pantries, soup kitchens, meal programs and homeless shelters in nine counties,
Worshipful Master Chuck Carroll delivered a check in the amount of $370.00 at the June Stated Meeting of the Milwaukee Valley Scottish Rite, for the Children’s Dyslexia Center. The money had been collected as a free-will offering on June 19th during the Feast of St. John the Baptist on the night that the Brethren from
On April 17, GW1776 lodge voted to make Brother Bob Strader, District 12 Deputy, an honorary member of the lodge. On June 19th, WM Chuck Carroll presented a certificate of membership to Deputy Bob,” in recognition of his regular attendance and wise counsel.” The watermark on the certificate was a badge designed by GW1776 member, Br. Seth Swanson, based on the old Dragnet TV series. Br. Bob has since been appointed Junior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Wisconsin. Congratulations, Deputy Bob!
Got a story for
? Deadline for the September/October 2012 issue is Friday, August10, 2012. Submit by email to: surveyor@gw1776.org ****Submissions Policy**** All submissions must be in digital format or neatly typed. Handwritten materials will not be accepted for publication. Questions? Call the editor, Chuck Carroll 414-336-4252
Vol. XIII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer Issue 2012
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(Continued) dinner in honor of St. John the Baptist. It had been a tradition, established by the first Master of Silver Spring Lodge No. 337, to celebrate the feast days of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, so this was to honor that tradition. Lodge Catering prepared roast beef and broasted chicken with mashed potatoes and corn, which was well received by those in attendance. It is the usual custom to set out a basket for a free will offering, but this time the money was collected specifically for the Children’s Dyslexia Center, located at the Humphrey Scottish Rite Center in downtown Milwaukee.
At the Brewer game.
Larry with one of three fish he caught on Lake Michigan.
The evening’s festivities continued in the stated meeting where Br. Dick Marcus gave his talk on “What Induced You to Become a Mason?” which you will find on page 5 of this issue of The Surveyor. After that Br. Don Hensiak, Senior Grand Deacon, gave his talk on “Member Retention.” The Junior and Senior Wardens were presented with a plaque from Glendale Little League for support from the Lodge, Br. “Deputy Bob” Strader received a certificate of Honorary Membership, and each member of the Indiana contingent received a lodge toasting cannon and a Wisconsin Grand Master’s Pin.
Not to be outdone, Br. Ruben Cummings, Worshipful Master of Jackson Lodge No. 146 from Seymour, Indiana, presented Worshipful Master Chuck Carroll with a commemorative book and coin from Jackson Lodge as well as a lodge beer mug, which he also gave to the Grand Lodge Officers who attended that evening. The next morning, a few of the brothers from GW1776 met up with brothers and ladies from Indiana and went out on a fishing charter in four different boats. Each of the boats had six on board, not counting the skipper, and brought back at least a dozen or more coho and chinook salmon, as well as steel head and lake trout in each boat! Each year, the Master of the Jackson Lodge decides where the annual “Master’s Trip” will be taken, and half the cost is covered by the lodge. They spend 5 days in a different city each year and during that time they choose a lodge that is having a stated meeting nearby and the men go to the meeting. This year about 18 men and 19 women took the trip to Milwaukee and the Brothers of GW1776 are grateful to have been the chosen recipients of the tremendous show of brotherly love and affection felt by these traveling Masons. We look forward to the opportunity of future fellowship with great anticipation.
For Information about the Mandatory Monthly Trustee Meetings Contact: One of these trustees
GW1776 Brs. Tyler & Brian with Lora, Pat & Jo from Indiana
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Vol. XIII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer Issue 2012 Vol. XIII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer Issue 2012
The Brethren of George Washington 1776 played host to Jackson Lodge No. 146 from Seymour, Indiana, June 19, 2012. Brothers form at least 11 different Wisconsin Lodges and the Grand Wisconsin metLodge with Brothers from Seymour, four Indiana lodgesJune to celebrate love andataffection The Brethren of George Washington 1776 Lodge playedof host to Jackson No. 146 from Indiana, 19, 2012.brotherly Brothers form least 11 in met truewith Masonic fashion. different Wisconsin Lodges and the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin Brothers from four Indiana lodges to celebrate brotherly love and affection in true Masonic fashion.
Lodge Web Site: WWW.GW1776.ORG New Lodge Phone Number: 414-979-1776 Lodge Web Site: WWW.GW1776.ORG New Lodge Phone Number: 414-979-1776 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Milwaukee, WI Permit No. 5434
PRSRT STD