Masonic Journal - Freemasons of Wisconsin

Installation of 2012 Grand Lodge Officers
Most Worshipful Dennis V. Siewert is installed as Grand Master
of Masons in Wisconsin.
By Rich Rygh
Bro. Barry Siewert, Past Master of Theodore Roosevelt Lodge No. 322,
extended a welcome to everyone present for the installation of the Grand
Lodge Officers for 2012, including his father Grand Master Dennis V.
Siewert.
Grand Master Siewert’s grandchildren, Morgan Siewert and Porter Siewert,
daughter and son of Bro. Barry and Meghan Siewert, placed the Holy
Bible, Square and Compasses on the altar for the opening.
Bro. Siewert opened the Grand Lodge assisted by: Bros. Michael Belongia,
Christopher Young and Past Grand Master James J. Byrnes.
The flag was presented by Palestine Commandery No. 20, Green Bay.
Past Grand Master James J. Byrnes and his Lady Alice presented a tribute
to the flag on behalf of the National Sojourners.
Past Grand Master Byrnes gave the opening prayer.
Bro. Barry Siewert turned the gavel over to Past Grand Master Roger
L. Magoon, Installing Grand Master.
The Installing Grand Master installed the officers assisted by Installing
Grand Marshal Bruce S. Sim, PGM. The officer’s collars were presented
by their ladies.
Grand Master Dennis V. Siewert was escorted to the East by the Installing
Marshal under an arch of steel provided by Palestine Commandery,
where he was presented his collar by Lady Nancy Siewert. Bro.
Blake Siewert, the Grand Master’s son sang a solo accompanied by Bro.
James Stoebe.
Installing Master Roger L. Magoon, PGM, thanked the Grand Master
for the opportunity to serve as his Installing Grand Master. Paster Grand
Master Magoon appointed the Grand Master to the Grand Lodge progressive
line in 2005.
The Grand Master introduced youth group representatives from Rainbow,
DeMolay and Job’s Daughters. The representatives told of their experiences
with the youth groups and why young ladies and men should
join.
Grand Master Siewert introduced his family and special guests.
The Grand Master thanked everyone in attendance and all of those who
assisted with the installation. He thanked Past Grand Master Davey L.
White Jr. and all the Past Grand Masters for their guidance and counsel.
He introduced the “love of his life”, and wife of 45 years, Nancy Siewert.
The Grand Master told of his bout with cancer and because of his wife
Nancy, his family, the setting of short and long term goals and with the
help of a friend, the late Marilyn DeWolf he survived.
He said all the support, prayers, cards and hospital visits were deeply
appreciated.
He said I stand here today cancer free and take no medication, I had a
great hospital staff in Green Bay.
Grand Master Siewert, said he would like to talk about legacy. He and
his brothers and sisters lost their father very tragically in 1963. He said
little did I know I would become a Master Mason. I have come to realize
that throughout life I have had mentors who taught me some of life’s lessons,
gave advice, supported me and even became shareholders and cosigners
in some of my business ventures. Many of these men were Master
Masons who took their obligations very seriously.
He displayed many mementos from his and Nancy’s fathers and grandfathers,
he said these men were all great mentors.
He said, “What do these men have in common with me and many in
this room, they were all Master Masons and they all went through the
same Masonic Degrees. Think about that, 175 years ago my great great
grandfather went through the same degree work that I did.”
The Grand Master said many people have asked him to describe this
fraternity. He said 18 years ago he found a statement written by Robert
G. Davis 33º that best describes it. "The mission of Freemasonry is to
promote a way of life that binds like minded men in a worldwide brotherhood
that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational
differences; by teaching the great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief,
and Truth; and, by the outward expression of these, through its fellowship,
its compassion and its concern, to find ways in which to serve God,
family, country, neighbors and self."
Grand Master Siewert thanked everyone who has supported him
through this life’s journey. He said, “I would charge the men gathered
here to please consider, or continue to build your own Masonic Legacy.
If not you,Who?”
The Grand Master’s granddaughter, Morgan Siewert presented him with
a hat to wear during his year as Grand Master.
Bro. David Oshefsky, Potentate of Beja Shrine presented the Grand
Master with a Grand Master’s Fez.
The Grand Master gives his grandaughter Morgan Valentine Siewert the “thumbs up” after
she presents him with a hat.
Installing Grand Master Roger L.
Magoon, PGM, gives a little Masonic
history on Grand Master
Siewert.
Grandson Porter Donahue Siewert places the
square and compasses on the altar prior to the
opening by his father Bro. Barry Siewert.
See more photos of the installation on page 26
Photos by Rich Rygh
Grand Master Dennis V. Siewert escorts his Lady Nancy from the auditorium after the installation.
WISCONSIN MASONIC JOURNAL - SUMMER 2012 - PAGE 17