PROCEEDINGS GRAND LODGE - Freemasons of Wisconsin

covers all lodges in the master program.Last year we were able to secure a substantial savings from St. Paul/Travelers.Because of the satisfaction with last year’s program and rates I again met with Mr.Charles Johnson of Robertson Ryan to negotiate our renewal pricing well in advanceof the renewal date. I am pleased to report that our negotiations were successful. Forthis upcoming year our rates will remain the same as last year. Additionally, St.Paul/Travelers agreed to use last year’s values. We all know that replacement costsare increasing drastically but we all will have the benefit of the blanket limit of$86,340,278. This will virtually insure that no one lodge can be underinsured at thetime of a serious property claim.Wisconsin Masonic CodeThe Wisconsin Masonic Code is the controlling document with which we governour Craft. The Code is available on our Web site at http://www.wisc-freemasonry.organd is available to download as a Word Document or in PDF form. Since the Codehas been converted to an electronic format one of the key features is the ability todo key word searches. We will continue to work to make this document as friendlyto use as possible.EmailThe Grand Lodge Officers and the Grand Lodge, along with many lodges continueto use this effective tool to communicate and it is becoming one of the most commontools we use today. Our general address is glo@wisc-freemasonry.org. The GrandSecretaries address is grandsecretarywi@charter.net you can visit our web site fora complete listing of all email addresses.We encourage you to use this tool for the majority of your requests or processes.I want to remind each of the members and lodges that there are protocols that shouldstill be followed for communicating within other grand jurisdictions. All correspondenceshould still be sent through the Grand Secretary and I will then forward it onto the respective recipient’s Grand Lodge. As our technology grows, we still have tomaintain certain courtesies that are considered important to many Masons andGrand Jurisdictions.Grand Masonic CenterYour Grand Masonic Center in Dousman continues to serve the Craft well. Inaddition to the Grand Lodge support staff we also house the Grand Chapter O.E.S.,Grand York Rite Bodies of Chapter, Council and Commandery, and the WisconsinMasonic Charities office. Additionally, there are two conference rooms equipped forteleconferencing that are available.The Grand Lodge library is also located in the lower level of the Masonic Center.You are encouraged to stop in and visit anytime.ConclusionWisconsin Freemasonry has a great heritage, and each generation has added tothe building stones, which make up our great fraternity. The symbols of our Craftare becoming more visible to the general public; we are bringing light into a worldthat seems to be struggling with darkness.We are living in difficult days, as Freemasons we must take up the challenge tolive great and standby the ideals, values, and principals that have withstood the test33