"The Surveyor": Summer 2012

Barb Carroll hands out pins and craisins to thevisiting ladies from Indiana.

In the Surveyor

From the East . . . . . . . . . . . . 22012 Committees . . . . . . . . . 2Master’s Calendar . . . . . . . . 3From the West . . . . . . . . . . . 3The Role of Secretary . . . . . . 4Masonic Education . . . . . . . . 5Lodge News . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62012 Officers Directory . . . . 6The Human Touch . . . . . . . . 7Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . 7My Cousin George . . . . . . . 8-9Noteworthy News . . . . . . . . 10Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Indiana Visit Group Photo . 12

Vol. XIII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer Issue 2012

WHITEFISH BAY, WI

The Brethren of GW1776had the honor of hosting Jackson LodgeNo. 146 from Seymour, Indiana on the laststated meeting before going dark. June19th was an historical evening, this beingthe first such visit by an entire lodge froma foreign jurisdiction!

The visit actually began the nightbefore when the Indiana Brethren invitedthe Brothers of GW1776 to a Brewer gameat Miller Park. The Brewers beat theToronto Blue Jays 7-6 and everyone had awonderful time. Brothers Seth Swansonand Brad Behlke both brought theirfamilies and there were even three non-Mason visitors who came along for theevent.

The next day, Tuesday morning,Worshipful Master Chuck Carroll and hisLady Barbara drove down to the hotelwhere the visiting contingent was stayingso that Barb could properly greet theladies of the visiting lodge. She handed outpins for the ladies from the Grand Master’sLady, Nancy Siewert, along with aWisconsin treat, craisins.

The Stated Meeting that Tuesdayevening was one worth attending. Notyour typical boring business meeting, butone replete with pomp and muchmerriment as well as Masonic Educationand fellowship. Six Grand Lodge officerswere in attendance (see story page 6),seven if you count the District Lecturer, aswell as nearly 60 guests representing 14different lodges, four of which are fromIndiana.

The evening began with a catered (Continued page 11)

Brother Dan Sebring was raisedon Tuesday June 5, at a regular StatedMeeting of GW1776. The degree wasperformed, using only members ofGW1776 in all the parts, which has notbeen done is some time. Certainly, it isalways appreciated when brothers fromother lodges come and help out, but it isalso good to know that the lodge has theresources to raise a Master Mason.

Also in attendance was BrotherBob Strader, who was introduced for thefirst time as Junior Grand Steward.

The 2012 GrandMaster’s Pin

Celebrating Diversity amongWisconsin Freemasons, MWGMDennis Siewert asks that whenwearing his pin, that you wear noother pins so that the message isnot lost in the clutter.


New Lodge Phone Number(414) 979-1776

2012 Lodge Committee* Chairs

Lodge Projects

Co-Chairs: Jim Roberts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414-332-8247 [email protected] Hutchins . . 262-309-3500 [email protected]

Education, Entertainment & Social Events

Co-Chairs:Otto Tesch . . . . . . . . . . . 414-445-3537 [email protected] Fahrenkopf . . . . 920-296-3171 [email protected]

Community Relations

Co-Chairs:Frank Nuernberger . 414-357-8141 [email protected] Sargeant . . . . . . . 414-881-7060 [email protected]

Publicity & Member Outreach

Co-Chairs:Tyler Kristopeit . . . 608-346-0066 [email protected] Swanson . . . . . . 408-315-9601 [email protected]

*Not sure which committee to join? That’s easy. It’s beendecided for you. All members of GW1776 are members of eachand every committee!

W o r s h i p f u l

Master

Chuck Carroll

Summer is upon us and this year’s work is more than halfover. Have we accomplished half of what we set out to do? Are thebuilders on course to finish the Temple? Have you done your fairshare of the work? As an officer of the lodge, have you fulfilledyour oath of office and performed your duties to the best of yourabilities? As a Past Master, have you given wise counsel andoffered your services to those with less experience? As a memberof the lodge, have you been faithful to your commitments anddevoted to your brothers, participating in meetings and events, andstepping up to ease the burden of those who plan and implementthem? If so, you are to be commended. If not, then you yet havetime before the year ends to break free from what restrains you, joinin and make amends. Get involved. Don’t wait for a phone call oran email. Be the one to reach out and ask, “What can I do? Howam I needed? What is my part, my role in the Lodge?” There issomething for everyone.

I can’t imagine sitting on the sidelines, month after month,in stated meetings, watching, grousing and waiting. As a memberof the audience, it is not the best show in town. I think that if myonly role in the lodge was sitting on the sidelines, watching, then Iwould probably be better off with season theater tickets; I wouldcertainly be more entertained. Masonry is not a spectator sport. Toget anything out of it, you have to put something into it.

This year, I have created four ad hoc committees, eachwith two co-chairs. These committees resulted from the input ofnearly all active Lodge members who, last Summer, submittedsurvey answers with recommendations for the projects andprograms they thought made best use of the talents and fundsavailable to the lodge. I know of only one or two members of thelodge, aside from the eight committee chairs who have reached outto the committee chairs and offered their services towardaccomplishing committee goals. It must be absolutely awful forthose members who have not involved themselves, to just come tothe meetings and hear about what the lodge has accomplished, andyet have had no hand in bringing those accomplishments to fruition. Unless the next Worshipful Master decides to keep thosecommittees in place and continue to work on those projects andprograms, then there are precious few days left in this year to makethings happen.

Think about some of the symbols that speak to us, asMaster Masons, in our daily lives, and apply them to yourinvolvement in the lodge. The beehive is a symbol of industry. Areyou industrious? The hourglass is a symbol of fleeting time. Are

you making the most of the time left? The trowel is a symbol ofbrotherly love. Are you spreading the cement of brotherly love? The level is a symbol of equality and fairness. Are you givingfreely of your time and talents, shouldering your share of theworkload?

In my last message, I exhorted the Past Masters to rise upand help the younger Masons in the lodge. Now I urge you newerMasons to make your marks upon this lodge; take charge and getinvolved. Don’t wait for an invitation; just do it. Look at thecommittees listed below, go to the committee chairs and tell themthat you want to help. If you want to know what it means to be aMason, then you have to do what Masons do. As SpeculativeMasons we may not erect buildings of stone and mortar, but whatwe can build, if we are willing to give our time, will last longer thanany house made with hands. The Temple is yet unfinished, enjoyyour Summer, but do not neglect your brotherhood.

Vol. XIII No. 4 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board Summer Issue 2012 3

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 atheme for this Surveyor article. This morning at church oneof our members asked for "Let There Be Peace on Earth." Ithit me. The first line of the hymn is "Let there be peace onearth, and let it begin with me." To have peace with others,we must have peace within ourselves. When necessary, wecan contact the Supreme Being, no matter what name youcall him. If needed, we can seek outside human support,professional and otherwise.

We must be willing to start within ourselves. Makepeace with yourself. If possible make peace with those withwhom you have a problem. Peace with each other. In lodgewe call it harmony. As a matter of fact, we emphasizeharmony at the opening and closing of lodge. "Harmony, thestrength and support of all institutions, more especially of…."

Note that a little disharmony can go a long way, andnot in a good way. Harmony also goes a long way and leadsto unity. It is the cement of our institution.

With summer here, we are dark for two months. Calla brother, or brother's widow. See how they are doing. I'mnot the Chaplain, but I still advise: Pray for them and eachother. If you have a gripe against another, pray that it can besettled, not just for the good of the Craft, but for the good ofyourself. Have a good summer, come to the picnic on July22nd and join us on July 17th for the EA degree.


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; FrankNuernberger, PM; Tyler Kristopeit; Hank Hofmann,

PM

Photographers: Barb Carroll; Chuck Carroll; TylerKristopeit; 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

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 hisinstallation. Were these the only duties required of the Secretary,the job would be the envy of the brethren: one of little work and ofhigh praise. In all reality, the job has a nearly endless andincalculable list of duties – with a ‘To-Do’ list to match. TheSecretary is responsible to so many: the Worshipful Master, theGrand Lodge, and – certainly not least of these – the Brethren of theLodge. This is why the efficient Secretary is likened to being the“hub” of the Lodge – the person to whom brothers should go to giveinformation to the Lodge and the person from whom the brothersshould be hearing when issues arise.

Most Brothers have an incomplete picture of the role ofLodge Secretary. Because each person’s Masonic experience isvaried, each brother gets to witness the Secretary performingdifferent duties and may not get to see EVERYTHING a Secretarydoes. It is for this reason that I write this article: to make everyeffort to put out a complete picture of the Lodge Secretary’s dutiesand responsibilities.

Let us first consider the Secretary’s responsibilities to theLodge as a whole. First and foremost, the Secretary has aresponsibility to attend all regular and special communications ofthe Lodge. This is for manifold purposes. First, that the minutes canbe taken, thereby allowing the history of our Lodge to be recordedaccurately. Secondly, that correspondence TO AND FROM theLodge can be shared with the brethren. And, finally, like allcraftsmen, so the Secretary can be aware of what has been placed onhis Trestleboard by the Worshipful Master, who is the ultimateauthority of the Lodge according to Masonic Code.

Communication should generally be where the Secretarycommits the most time in service to the Lodge. A first-rateSecretary should maintain constant contact with the officers andmembers of the Lodge, carrying news between them and alwaysupdating pertinent individuals about other brothers. The Secretaryis the public contact of the Lodge and should be contacted when abrother hears news relevant to the Lodge (i.e. a Brother in Distress,etc.). As the Lodge’s public contact, the Secretary is also usually thefirst to hear from potential candidates for the degrees ofFreemasonry or from family members about a departed brother.

The Secretary must also handle the collection of dues. Asanyone can imagine, this is a difficult task and one on which theSecretary should constantly update the Worshipful Master,Treasurer, and Wardens.

There are also several less frequent functions by which theSecretary serves his brothers. These include arranging for MasonicTravel in other Jurisdictions through the Grand Lodge, arrangingPerpetual Membership Plans, coordinating the petition/degreepaperwork for the new brothers, maintaining adequate recordsbesides the minutes, etc.

Surprisingly, these are just some of the concerns theSecretary faces on a near-weekly basis just from the standpoint ofthe individual brothers of the Lodge. It seems especially dauntingwhen one considers that we have roughly 140 members, all withindividual needs and requirements. Next time, we’ll consider someof the responsibilities that the Secretary has to the WorshipfulMaster and to the Grand Lodge.

COMING IN THE NEXT SURVEYOR: The Secretary’sResponsibilities as they relate to the Worshipful Master and theGrand Lodge


by Richard D. Marcus, PM

This is George Washington 1776 Lodge, so it is fitting weshould start with a quote from our worthy brother GeorgeWashington: "Freemasonry is founded on the immutable laws ofTruth and Justice and its grand object is to promote the happinessof the human race."

Brother George's grand object of promoting the happinessof the human race arises by Freemasons participating in theirlodges. Surely he provides a reason not only to become a MasterMason but to come to lodge. And we explore the reasons for ourMasonic fellowship as twice in every stated meeting the WorshipfulMaster asks the Senior Warden: "What induced you to become aMaster Mason?"

It is a question we ask ourselves each time we return toLodge meetings. The question is posed at the opening and at theclosing of the Lodge. Why did I come to lodge tonight? Whatinduced me to return?

The answers are intensely personal, so they differ for eachof us, but there are symbolic answers to this question given by theSenior Warden. Let us reflect on the four reasons given by theSenior Warden.

1. To travel abroad. Becoming a Master Mason doesnot seem the same as getting a passport. Yet in the MM degree, werecall that the ruffians were unable to gain a passage to Egyptwithout the Master's Word. Perhaps the allusion to travel intoforeign 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 theirvillages to go to great cities or centers of learning to study.

We are induced to become a Master Mason to further ourtravels into enlightenment. We seek to be better men in ourunderstanding as well as our moral sensibilities. Our travel intoforeign countries produces knowledge in areas that were formerlyhidden from our eyes. We want a peek into the lands beyond oureveryday observation. We come again to lodge in expectation ofseeing more.

2. To work for Master's wages. At least in myexperience, being a Master Mason doesn't directly lead to higherincomes. If it did, we'd have thousands of men petitioning ourlodge.

Rather, Master's Wages must be the rewards of being in abrotherhood of charitable, welcoming, and tolerant men. As wework at our ritual, our charitable endeavors, and our fellowshipevents, we receive our payment in terms of friendship and brotherlylove. These are rich Master's Wages indeed and are worthy of ourcoming to lodge again and again.

3. To support our families. Our families crave theleadership of men of character with a truly loving nature. There areseveral paths to enable us to become better in these dimensions, butwork in our Lodge molds our desires toward more virtuous behaviorthat benefits ourselves and our families. As we improve in givingand receiving love, we are better enabled to support our familieswith what they truly need. That is surely a reason to induce us tocome to lodge.

4. And contribute to charity. The Lodge repeatedlyinduces us to give relief and to be charitable. Of course, churches,synagogues, and other fraternities also encourage charity, but we arepart of a select company of fellow Master Masons. We are inducedto do far more than organizations with only a loose affiliation. Weare reminded to look into the needs of our sick and distressedbrother, attend the funerals of those who pass on, and then care forthe widows and orphans of our departed brothers. Certainly, we areinduced to come to lodge to continue our legacy of relief and carefor our brothers, greet them with a warm handshake, and wish themgood recovery in all ailments.

So, when the question is raised again: "What induced youto be a become a Master Mason?", we are continually reminded ofthe four-fold reasons involving gaining knowledge in our Masonictravels; 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 andcharitable hearts.

The reasons to attend a lodge meeting can be far weakerthan such a nagging sense of duty, but the opening and closing ofour lodges give us richer reasons. I hope you will reflect on thesethoughts as we open or close a lodge of Master Masons on whatinduced you to return to Lodge tonight


Worshipful Master

Charles [email protected]

Senior Warden

Frank Nuernberger, [email protected]

Junior Warden

Keith [email protected]

Treasurer

Charles Roeder, [email protected]

Secretary

Dave Haase, [email protected]

Senior Deacon

Tyler [email protected]

Junior Deacon

Joseph [email protected]

Chaplain

Otto Tesch, [email protected]

Senior Steward

William [email protected]

Junior Steward

Brian [email protected]

Counselor

Walt Smith, [email protected]

Tiler

James Roberts, [email protected]

L-R: Wayne Budrick, Dist 11 Deputy; Dan Hensiak, Sr. GrandDeacon, Bob Strader, Jr. Grand Steward; Chuck Carroll, WMGW1776; Ken Gorgen, Grand Lecturer; Dan Slavik; DeputyGrand Master, Ruben Cummings, WM Jackson Lodge; Mike

DeWolfe, PGM, Grand Secretary

Brs. Chuck Carroll, Ken Gorgen & Walt Smith

WHITEFISH BAY, WI

By Tyler Kristopeit

The Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Free andAccepted Masons of Wisconsin, Br. Ken Gorgen, presentedCounselor Walt Smith PM with the ritual card for posting at the 19June 2012 Stated Communication, following the near-flawlessposting of Brothers William Hutchins and Wiley Gladney. This carddenotes Br. Walt as being proficient in the posting of candidates, avital task that Br. Walt does from memory and has improveddramatically as Lodge Counselor.

Additionally, the Grand Lecturer completely surprisedWorshipful Master Chuck Carroll by formally presenting him with theproficiency card. This card denotes that Br. Chuck has memorized allof the esoteric work for all three degrees, an honor currently held byonly three other members of our Lodge: George Burgess, EdHoffman, and Horace Palmer. Br. Chuck has been furthercommended by having been installed as the District 12 Lecturer at theAnnual Communication in June. George Washington 1776 Brothers can, and should be,proud of the achievements of our honorable brothers in memorizingthe beautiful ritual of our gentle craft. Congratulations, Brothers Walt& Chuck!

WHITEFISH BAY, WI

By Tyler Kristopeit

Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master Dan Slavik lead adelegation of Grand Lodge Officers to George Washington 1776Lodge’s June 19th Stated Communication. In what was without adoubt the largest Grand Lodge delegation sent to GW1776 since itsinception, the Grand Lodge officers arrived to join the brethren inwelcoming and celebrating the visit from the Brothers of JacksonLodge #146. These Grand Lodge Officers were: Deputy GrandMaster Dan Slavik, Grand Secretary Michael A. Dewolf PGM, GrandLecturer Ken Gorgen, Senior Grand Deacon Don Hensiak, JuniorGrand Steward Bob Strader, and District 11 Deputy Wayne Budwick.

The Grand Lodge Officers were given the Grand Honorsof Masonry by those attending. The Deputy Grand Master thenproceeded to offer greetings on behalf of the Grand Master andexplain the new Grand Master’s pin. This year’s Grand Master Pinis a top hat with the words“Wisconsin” and “Diversity” on it. Thepin is said to celebrate all of the hats that the brethren around thejurisdiction wear and honor all of the diversities these brotherspossess 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 andto congratulate many of them on their new appointments within theGrand Lodge.


Br. JW Keith Sargent with the Rookie Rays and their coaches.

by Br. Hank Hofmann, PM

At a recent Lodge meeting I spoke with our scholar andMasonic historian, Brother Dick Marcus, PM, about books Ireceived when obtaining my degrees. I thought Dick might not haveknown about them, but he already was aware that there were copiesin our lodge library.

I was referring to “Introduction to Freemasonry” by CarlH. 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 similarbooks in our library, they had been reprinted in later years.

I stress the reading of these books by our lodge membersbecause all of us, old and new brothers alike, can use the refresherknowledge of our order. Quoting from the forward by Howard R.Cruse, P.G.M. of Masons in New Jersey, in the Entered Apprenticebook:

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.

When Br. Keith Sargent first suggested sponsoring a Little

League team, I immediately thought about all the wonderful days ofmy youth spent in local baseball diamonds, playing ball with myfriends, playing catch with my brothers and dad, beautiful memoriesof Summer.

It has been fun attending the games this Summer andwatching the kids, ages 6, 7, and 8, as they played the Americanpastime, some of them for the first time in their young lives. Thefollowing is from an email from the Manager of the Rays, Mr. ScottWinter:

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 yearsthat GW1776 will support Glendale Little League.


by Chuck Carroll

George Washington

and the Jewish

Masons

The Grand Master’s Theme this year is “Diversity.” InDistrict 12 we are very much aware of diversity in Masonic lodges. Aurora Lodge is a German speaking lodge that practices a modifiedFrench Rite ritual. District 12 lodges also participate in a monthlybreakfast meeting under the name of the Masonic BrotherhoodCouncil, composed of members of Wisconsin Masons and PrinceHall Masons. And, of course, who could forget MilwaukeeHarmony Lodge which consists primarily of Jewish brothers.

At the earliest formation of the Grand Lodge of Englandin the eighteenth century, and throughout America’s late colonialperiod, Jews were not considered citizens, were persecuted andwere 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 discoursewith Christians and demonstrate that their interaction was mutuallybeneficial. During the American Revolution, 24 Jewish Masonsserved as officers under General George Washington.

One of the most famous of Brother George Washington’sletters, still preserved, was addressed to the Brothers of KingDavid’s Lodge, No. 1, in Newport Rhode Island. To this day, theletter is still recited in an annual public ceremony held at the TouroJewish Synagogue in Newport, attracting distinguished keynotespeakers, including Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgand Brown University President Ruth Simmons.

King David’s Lodge was composed of Jewish Freemasons. Moses Seixes, one of King David’s founders, was tasked withcomposing and delivering an address to President Washington whowas scheduled to visit Newport in August, 1790. At the time aWarden of the lodge, Seixes eventually became Master of his lodge,and also the first Grand Master of the Order of Masons in RhodeIsland. On the morning of August 18, 1790, the citizens of Newportgathered at the Touro Synagogue to receive President Washington,because the Town Hall was being renovated. The brothers of KingDavid’s Lodge were in attendance when Right Worshipful MosesSeixes delivered the historic address.

To the President of the United States of AmericaNewport Rhode Island August 17th 1790.

Sir,Permit the children of the Stock of

Abraham to approach you with the most cordialaffection and esteem for your person & merits

and to join with our fellow Citizens in welcomingyou to New Port.

With pleasure we reflect on thosedays--those days of difficulty, & danger when theGod of Israel, who delivered David from theperil of the sword, shielded your head in the dayof battle: and we rejoice to think, that the sameSpirit who rested in the Bosom of the greatlybeloved Daniel enabling him to preside over theProvinces of the Babylonish Empire, rests andever will rest upon you, enabling you todischarge the arduous duties of Chief Magistratein these States.

Deprived as we heretofore have been ofthe invaluable rights of free Citizens, we now(with a deep sense of gratitude to the Almightydisposer of all events) behold a Government,erected by the Majesty of the People--aGovernment, which to bigotry gives no sanction,to persecution no assistance--but generouslyaffording to All liberty of conscience, andimmunities of Citizenship: deeming every one, ofwhatever Nation, tongue, or language, equal partsof the great governmental Machine: This soample and extensive Federal Union whose basisis Philanthropy, Mutual Confidence and PublickVirtue, we cannot but acknowledge to be thework of the Great God, who ruleth in the ArmiesOf Heaven and among the Inhabitants of theEarth, doing whatever seemeth him good.

For all the Blessings of civil andreligious liberty which we enjoy under an equaland benign administration, we desire to send upour thanks to the Antient of Days, the greatpreserver of Men--beseeching him, that theAngel who conducted our forefathers through thewilderness into the promised land, maygraciously conduct you through all thedifficulties and dangers of this mortal life: and,when like Joshua full of days and full of honour,

you are gathered to yourFathers, may you be admitted

Touro Synagogue, oldest existing Jewish Synagogue in America


Washington’s letter “To the Hebrew Congregation inNewport”

into the Heavenly Paradise to partake of the water of life, and thetree of immortality.

Done and Signed by Order of theHebrew Congregation in Newport Rhode Island

Moses Seixas, Warden

In his book, “Washington's Masonic Correspondence, AsFound among the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress,”author, Julius F. Sachse writes: “President Washington arrived atNewport, at eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, August 17, 1790. On the next day, Wednesday, the President and his suite left on thePacket Hancock at nine o'clock in the morning for Providence. Hiscompany consisted of Governor Clinton of New York, ThomasJefferson, 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 theNewport Brethren:”

Gentlemen: While I received with much satisfaction

your address replete with expressions of esteem,I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you that Ishall always retain grateful remembrance of thecordial welcome I experienced on my visit toNewport from all classes of citizens.

The reflection on the days of difficultyand danger which are past is rendered the moresweet from a consciousness that they aresucceeded by days of uncommon prosperity andsecurity.

If we have wisdom to make the best useof the advantages with which we are nowfavored, we cannot fail, under the justadministration of a good government, to becomea great and happy people.

The citizens of the United States ofAmerica have a right to applaud themselves for

having given to mankind examples of an enlargedand liberal policy--a policy worthy of imitation.All possess alike liberty of conscience andimmunities of citizenship.

It is now no more that toleration isspoken of as if it were the indulgence of oneclass of people that another enjoyed the exerciseof their inherent natural rights, for, happily, the

Government of the United States, which gives tobigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance,requires only that they who live under itsprotection should demean themselves as goodcitizens in giving it on all occasions theireffectual support.

It would be inconsistent with thefrankness of my character not to avow that I ampleased with your favorable opinion of myadministration and fervent wishes for my felicity.

May the children of the stock ofAbraham who dwell in this land continue to meritand enjoy the good will of the otherinhabitants--while every one shall sit in safetyunder his own vine and fig tree and there shall benone to make him afraid.

May the father of all mercies scatterlight, and not darkness, upon our paths, and makeus all in our several vocations useful here, and inHis own due time and way everlastingly happy.

G. Washington

“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


Got a story for?

Deadline for theSeptember/October 2012 issue is

Friday, August10, 2012.Submit by email to:

[email protected]

****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

Chelsie Vickery, Graduated fromBrown Deer High School on June 7,2012 and received a $400scholarship from George Washington1776 Lodge which she will usetoward her college tuition at theUniversity of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Our Junior Warden, Br.Brian Bromberek waselected Class President atthis year’s Spring Reunionof the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Milwaukee. Hewas chosen to give the class address at the 203rd Reunion Banqueton May 12th, where the Class honored the Illustrious Lowell A.Tainter, 33, MSA.

In a doubledonation effort by thebrethren of GW1776, thelodge purchased 100 lbs ofVidalia onions to support

the Shrine Motor Corps, and then donated them to Feeding AmericaEastern Wisconsin. Through their Milwaukee distribution center,Feeding America provides food to nearly 800 nonprofit programssuch as food pantries, soup kitchens, meal programs and homelessshelters in nine counties,

Worshipful Master Chuck Carroll delivered a check in theamount of $370.00 at the June Stated Meeting of the MilwaukeeValley Scottish Rite, for the Children’s Dyslexia Center. Themoney had been collected as a free-will offering on June 19th duringthe Feast of St. John the Baptist on the night that the Brethren from

Seymour Indiana cameto visit. Carroll alsopresented a check for$375 from the childrenof the Whitefish BayKung Fu Club who hadcollected the moneyduring a lion danceperformance for aChinese wedding inOshkosh the weekbefore.

On April 17, GW1776 lodge voted to make Brother BobStrader, District 12 Deputy, an honorary member of the lodge. OnJune 19th, WM Chuck Carroll presented a certificate of membershipto Deputy Bob,” in recognition of his regular attendance and wisecounsel.” The watermark on the certificate was a badge designedby GW1776 member, Br. Seth Swanson, based on the old Dragnet

TV series. Br. Bob has since been appointed Junior Grand Stewardof the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Wisconsin. Congratulations, Deputy Bob!


GW1776 Brs. Tyler & Brian with Lora, Pat & Jo from Indiana

For Information about the Mandatory Monthly Trustee

Meetings Contact: One of these trustees

Larry with one of three fish he caught on Lake Michigan.

At the Brewer game.

(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, tocelebrate the feast days of St. John the Baptist and St. John theEvangelist, so this was to honor that tradition. Lodge Cateringprepared roast beef and broasted chicken with mashed potatoes andcorn, which was well received by those in attendance. It is theusual custom to set out a basket for a free will offering, but thistime the money was collected specifically for the Children’sDyslexia Center, located at the Humphrey Scottish Rite Center indowntown Milwaukee.

The evening’s festivities continued in the stated meetingwhere Br. Dick Marcus gave his talk on “What Induced You toBecome a Mason?” which you will find on page 5 of this issue ofThe Surveyor. After that Br. Don Hensiak, Senior Grand Deacon,gave his talk on “Member Retention.”

The Junior and Senior Wardens were presented with aplaque from Glendale Little League for support from the Lodge, Br. “Deputy Bob” Strader received a certificate of HonoraryMembership, and each member of the Indiana contingent receiveda lodge toasting cannon and a Wisconsin Grand Master’s Pin.

Not to be outdone, Br. Ruben Cummings, WorshipfulMaster of Jackson Lodge No. 146 from Seymour, Indiana, presentedWorshipful Master Chuck Carroll with a commemorative book andcoin from Jackson Lodge as well as a lodge beer mug, which he alsogave to the Grand Lodge Officers who attended that evening.

The next morning, a few of the brothers from GW1776 metup with brothers and ladies from Indiana and went out on a fishingcharter in four different boats. Each of the boats had six on board,not counting the skipper, and brought back at least a dozen or morecoho and chinook salmon, as well as steel head and lake trout ineach boat!

Each year, the Master of the Jackson Lodge decides wherethe annual “Master’s Trip” will be taken, and half the cost is coveredby the lodge. They spend 5 days in a different city each year andduring that time they choose a lodge that is having a stated meetingnearby and the men go to the meeting.

This year about 18 men and 19 women took the trip toMilwaukee and the Brothers of GW1776 are grateful to have beenthe chosen recipients of the tremendous show of brotherly love and

affection felt by these traveling Masons. We look forward to theopportunity of future fellowship with great anticipation.


Lodge Web Site: WWW.GW1776.ORG New Lodge Phone Number: 414-979-1776

The Brethren of George Washington 1776 played host to Jackson Lodge No. 146 from Seymour, Indiana, June 19, 2012. Brothers form at least 11different Wisconsin Lodges and the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin met with 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

The Brethren of George Washington 1776 played host to Jackson Lodge No. 146 from Seymour, Indiana, June 19, 2012. Brothers form at least 11different Wisconsin Lodges and the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin met with Brothers from four Indiana lodges to celebrate brotherly love and affection

in true Masonic fashion.

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMilwaukee, WI

Permit No. 5434

Documents

"The Surveyor": Summer 2012