Joint Masonic Center Event and Fellowcraft Degrees

It was a fantastic evening last night for the N.E.W. Masonic Center, Washington Lodge #21 and Roosevelt Lodge #322. Both lodges shared fellowship over dinner to begin an evening that included Washington Lodge honoring Past Master Gerry Barlament for 60 years of membership and service to the fraternity as well as Past Master Jim Smejkal for 50 years of membership and service to the fraternity. After honoring these 2 brothers with a public ceremony lead by Larry Zochert P.M., Washington Lodge proceeded to pass 4 Fellowcrafts while Roosevelt Lodge raised 2 Master Masons.

Congratulations Brothers and Thank You!
Thanks to Roosevelt Lodge #322 for the fantastic dinner and fellowship.

I'll post pictures of the honored Past Masters as soon as I receive them.

Commeraderie and the Craft

Washington Lodge stated communication turned into an exercise in the tenants of friendship and brotherly love, as always we started out with our dinner at 6:00pm but with a twist. Our York Rite brethren brought an old favorite out for the enjoyment of everyone, we had oyster stew and a friendship degree called the Knife and Fork degree, which is all about fun and friendship. The members of the lodge engaged in lively conversation and fantastic food, we wish you could have joined us for the festivities. This was followed up by an impressive EA degree for Shawn Niemann, where we welcomed a new member to our lodge, along with the plural affiliation of Elliot Collier, a brother from another mother. Come out and join us for a night that is more than just listening to minutes and treasures' reports, so step back out of your comfort zone and back into the friendly confines of Washington Lodge, we've been here for 147 years; come and find out why.

From the Master

Greetings:
We find ourselves at the beginning of a new year, full of hope and optimism
for the possibilities that are soon to present themselves to our new corps
of officers.
As the new Master of Washington Lodge I would like to congratulate the
new officers of our lodge as well as those of Des Pere, Daylight, and
Roosevelt lodge. I would also like to thank the members of our three youth
groups, DeMolay, Rainbow for Girls, and Job’s Daughters who all helped
make our installation a wonderful experience!
I would especially like to urge each adult that is reading this message to
take some of your time this year and devote it our most precious resource
and our “best” hope for the future - our youth! Please take the time to visit
them, they enjoy guests as much as we do!
As we start this year we encourage each of our members to attend regularly.
We are looking forward to bringing in more new members, and
embarking on several exciting projects. We want each of you to be a part
of this and enjoy the comradery and sense of fulfillment that comes from
participating in worthy endeavours.
As always dinner is at 6:00 pm before lodge so all members can join us for
fellowship, regardless of your current degree. Friendship is the true cement
that holds a lodge together, gives it strength, and helps it grow!
Fraternally,
Joseph Chilcote
Master Washington Lodge #21

New Officers of 2012

Here's your officer line for 2012. The officers of Washington Lodge #21 F&AM of Wisconsin are:

From left to right front:
Mark Ellis PM - Trustee
Larry Zochert PM - Treasurer
Jake Lancelle - Junior Warden
Joe Chilcote - WORSHIPFUL MASTER
Jeff Lancelle - Senior Warden
Charles Clarage PM - Secretary
Nick Brosig - Chaplain

From left to right back:
Dennis Oshefsky - Junior Steward
Chad Kurowski - Junior Deacon
Leon Kaiver - Tiler
Mike Scalf PM - Counselor
John Van Lanen - Senior Deacon
Clint Compton - Senior Steward

Congratulations guys. It's going to be a great year. Enjoy the journey!

First meeting this Thursday, January 5th. Hope to see you there.

Past Master's Event & Manitowoc Lodge Visit

The February 26th Past Master's day was a success. We raised 3 new Master Masons, Paul Lyman, Leon Kaiver and Christopher Nighbor. The Past Masters did all the degree work and it was a pleasure to see them in action. The evenings dinner was highlighted by the presentation to Mike Scalf of his P.M. apron and certificate. The new Master Masons were also presented with their Holy Bibles and Aprons. Thanks to everyone who participated.

On March 3rd Senior Warden Joe Chilcote sat in the east and opened lodge while several officers and past masters traveled to visit our brethren in Manitowoc Lodge who meet on the same nights Washington Lodge meets. Just as advertised their lodge is beautiful. These pictures don't do it justice. Washington Lodge's Master presented the Master of Manitowoc Lodge with some gifts and thanked him for the fellowship and opportunity to sit in such a beautiful lodge. Here's some links to pictures of the visit.

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Trestleboard article for March - April

There is such excitement in the air as we look towards spring. The days are getting longer, for now warmer and the birds are beginning to make themselves seen and heard again. It is with that same excitement that I look at the year so far in lodge and what is yet to come.

We've just completed our annual school of instruction meeting with district lecturer Moses Adams. It's great to see our newest officers embrace their duties and strive to perform at a high level. We're all working hard to get ready to defend our championship at the annual degree competition. Washington Lodge has 2 teams registered to compete this year. The regular officers will compete as well as a Past Master's team. Now that's exciting!

We've been very busy with degree work. At our first meeting of the year, we conferred the Master Mason degree on Jesse Jones. We've been busy with degree work since and it's not showing any signs of slowing down. Exciting!

I'm also excited about the coming annual James L. Fox Mason of the Year Chinese dinner. When I first took this office, I looked toward the responsibility of choosing a Mason of the Year with difficulty. I'm excited now as it's become completely clear to me who the recipient of this honor will be. I look forward to making that announcement soon. Please join us April 21^st for this event.

As you can see, we have much going on and much to be excited about. Come join in the fun.

Follow us on our website: washingtonlodge21.blogspot.com

Stated Meetings are 1^st & 3^rd Thursday: Dinner @ 6:00PM, Gavel Sounds @ 7:00PM

March 3 – Stated Meeting – Degree TBD

March 17 – Stated Meeting – Degree TBD

April 7 – Stated Meeting – Degree TBD

April 21 – James L. Fox Mason of the Year Annual Chinese Dinner

April 30 – (Saturday) Annual Degree Competition - Madison

January 20th & February 3rd Meetings

January was busy. Washington Lodge's officers attended Beja Shrine's installation and Job's Daughters Bethel 32's installation. Our Jan. 20th meeting was a short business meeting which included adopting the budget for the year.

This past Thursday night I had the privilege of conferring my first EA as Master of the lodge. It was not my first time conferring the EA but it was my first time doing so in the N.E.W. Masonic Center. I conferred two EAs at the Heritage Hill event last year. I think the work went very well. Christopher Nighbor has joined our ranks and is planned to be passed next meeting. Come out and see Joe Chilcote exercise his duty as Senior Warden and confer the FC Degree on Thursday February 20th. Hope to see you there.

Some additional events this month are:

School of Instruction - Saturday Feb. 19th at 9:00AM

Past Master's Event - Saturday Feb. 26th