04/02/2026
In the spirit of our revered traditions, let us reflect on the profound wisdom shared by Leo Buscaglia: "It’s not enough to have lived, we should be determined to live for something, may I suggest that it be creating joy for others, sharing what we have for the betterment of humankind, bringing Hope to the lost and love to the lonely.” This timeless sentiment resonates deeply with the core principles guiding our beloved Craft and sets the stage for the important updates within this communication.
Esteemed Brethren of Middleton-Ionic Lodge,
It is with immense pride and heartfelt gratitude that I address you today. Observing the dedication and commitment each member brings to our Lodge fills me with profound admiration. Your individual contributions, whether through service, mentorship, or simply by embodying the virtues of Freemasonry, are collectively fostering an environment of growth, fellowship, and impactful outreach within our community and beyond. Together, we are truly making Middleton-Ionic a beacon of brotherly love and good works.
Demonstrating our unwavering commitment to "Relief" – one of the three great tenets of our Order – I am pleased to announce the establishment of a dedicated Lodge Relief Fund. This fund is specifically designed to provide essential support to any Brother Mason, a widow of a departed Brother, or any loved one of a Mason who may find themselves facing hardship or in need of assistance. Our Lodge believes strongly in looking after our own, and this initiative ensures that no member of our extended Masonic family ever feels alone in times of adversity.
Should you become aware of any Brother or their family in need, please do not hesitate to reach out. Confidentiality and compassion are paramount. You may contact our esteemed Brother Michael Thumm directly, or myself, Dan Burkeland, and we will ensure that the appropriate steps are taken with discretion and care. Middleton-Ionic stands ready to extend a helping hand to those who require it most.
On the vital front of Masonic education and growth, I wish to draw your attention to an important message from our dedicated Education Committee Chairman, Brother Alex. As we look forward to our next Stated Meeting on the 7th, Brother Alex and his committee are eager to foster a more interactive and enriching experience for our newest members.
A special, informal Q&A session is being introduced for our recently initiated Entered Apprentices and Passed Fellowcrafts. This unique opportunity will allow you to enter the Lodge room and engage in open discussion, ask those "burning questions" about your current degree, and share your early experiences in the Craft. The conversation will be thoughtfully tailored to be relevant and accessible to the lowest degree Brother present, ensuring a comfortable and informative environment.
The logistics for this session will be seamless: we will open the Lodge in the Master Mason degree as usual, and then either 'call down' or transition into an informal setting to welcome our EAs and FCs. We strongly encourage all Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts to come prepared with any queries or insights they wish to share. This is your chance to deepen your understanding and connect with the broader Lodge community in a meaningful way.
Congratulations to P.M. Gary Wodka and Bro. Michael Thumm on being the recipients of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin Ashler Award. Given to them honoring their contributions of mentoring new member on their assent through the Masonic Degree’s.
Thank you for your dedication to the lodge and your fellow brothers.
To further strengthen our internal cohesion and external presence, I am delighted to introduce our newly formed Social Media and Communication Committee. This vital committee will be ably led by our Chairman, Brother Dewey Tennessen, working in close collaboration with Brother Dave Shearer. Their mission is to enhance our communication strategies across various platforms, including our dedicated social media channels, and the venerable Masonic journal.
This initiative aims to keep all members better informed about Lodge activities, achievements, and upcoming events, while also sharing the positive impact of Freemasonry with a wider audience. We are particularly keen to showcase the vibrant life within Middleton-Ionic. Therefore, if you have any photographs from Lodge events, inspiring stories, or news items you believe would be of interest to our Brethren or the wider community, please do not hesitate to reach out to Brother Dewey or Brother Dave. They are enthusiastic about sharing our collective journey and would be thrilled to feature your contributions.
Reminder: This Friday, April 3rd the Brothers of Capital City Lodge PHM will be hosting their annual Fish Fry featuring Catfish. Dinners will be served from 11:00am until 6:00pm at SS. Morris AME Church, 3511 Milwaukee St, Madison
Cost is $20.00 dine in and take out is available.
A special Thank you to Brother Mickey and Brother Sadi for their efforts updating the Past Masters portrait wall.
As we continue our collective journey, let us always remember the bonds that unite us and the noble purposes we strive to achieve. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming Stated Meeting and to the continued growth and prosperity of Middleton-Ionic Lodge.
Fraternally and with deepest respect,
Dan Burkeland
