Rhinelander Freemasons

10/18/2026

📜 Saturday Spotlight: Honoring Brother Edward B. Crofoot

​Welcome back to our weekly journey into the history of Rhinelander Lodge No. 242!

Today, we shine our Saturday Spotlight on a foundational pillar of both our lodge and our city: Brother Edward B. Crofoot.

​Arriving in Rhinelander in 1885, Brother Crofoot was part of the pioneering wave that built our Northwoods community from the ground up. Before our city even saw its rapid industrial boom, Crofoot was hard at work as a foreman for the Brown Brothers at the iconic Brown mill and yards, helping drive the local lumber economy.
​His contributions to Rhinelander extended far beyond the mills:

​Masonic Pioneer: Brother Crofoot served as the lodge's very first Senior Warden and quickly ascended to lead the craft, serving as the second ever Master of Rhinelander Lodge in 1890.

​Receiving Our Charter: A defining moment in our history came when he traveled alongside fellow brothers from Rhinelander, Merrill, Wausau, Phillips, and other Northwoods communities all the way to Milwaukee for the 46th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. There, he and his brethren proudly received Rhinelander's official charter from Grand Master Myron Reed.

​Shaping Education: Demonstrating a deep commitment to the community's future, Brother Crofoot served as the first president of the Rhinelander School Board, laying the educational foundation for the children of the growing town.

​Homesteader & Entrepreneur: True to the resilient spirit of the era, he homesteaded on the west side of town and successfully operated a local dairy business, helping feed the burgeoning community.

​Brother Crofoot’s dedication to fraternity, industry, and civic leadership helped turn a Northwoods logging camp into a thriving town. We owe a debt of gratitude to visionaries like him who laid our cornerstone.

​Join us next Saturday as we continue to uncover more remarkable stories from the history of Rhinelander Lodge No. 242!

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10/15/2026

10/10/2026

📜 Saturday Spotlight: Honoring Brother Stephen H. Alban

​Welcome back to our Saturday series highlighting the remarkable history of Rhinelander Lodge No. 242 and the visionary brothers who helped shape our community!

​For our second spotlight, we honor a true giant of northern Wisconsin: Brother Stephen Harris Alban (1836–1913).

​Brother Alban’s life was defined by profound public service, unshakeable integrity, and a deep dedication to Freemasonry. Raised in Ohio and Wisconsin after his father—Colonel James S. Alban—gave his life for the Union at the Battle of Shiloh, Stephen followed a path of remarkable civic leadership.

​Some of his many contributions include:
​Decades of Public Trust: Served for 24 years as a U.S. land office register, handling vast responsibilities with an uncorruptable honesty that was said at the time, left him a poorer man where others may have profited unduly from their position.

​Legal & Judicial Leadership: Practiced law with the principle of never taking an unjust case, later serving as a municipal judge and forming the prominent Rhinelander law firm Alban & Barnes in 1888.

​Serving Rhinelander: Appointed postmaster of Rhinelander in 1906, serving "in the harness" until his passing in December 1913.

​A Literary & Spiritual Voice: A brilliant writer, scholar, and author of "Lay Sermons," Brother Alban wrote from the heart, seeking to uplift his neighbors through wisdom and kindness rather than force.

​Dedicated Masonic Brother: Made a Mason in Plover, WI, in 1859, he rose to become a Past Master, a leader of several bodies of the York Rite; including Chapter and Commandry, and 32nd Degree of the Scottish Rite—even declining the prestigious 33rd degree due to his humble nature. When he passed away, his brothers of the Omar Commandery of Knights Templar proudly served as his funeral es**rt.
​Described in his time as "the best beloved man in Rhinelander," Brother Alban's legacy of quiet strength, faith, and community service endures to this day.

​Join us next Saturday as we continue to uncover the rich history of the men who built our lodge and our city!

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10/09/2026

The Rhinelander Freemasons are honored to have managed the B**r Garden at the inaugural Northwoods Benefit Concert: An Evening of Dreams. We’re incredibly proud to direct a portion of our proceeds with a $2,508.74 donation to the Northwoods Dream Fund. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside an organization making such a meaningful difference in the Northwoods community.

09/20/2026

A truly incredible milestone to celebrate during America's semi-quincentennial!

Today marks the 233rd anniversary of the Masonic cornerstone dedication ceremony of the United States Capitol. This ritual was officiated by George Washington, a lifelong Virginia Freemason, and attended by hundreds of brethren from around the region.

One of the massive murals in our inspiring Memorial Hall depicts this event vividly. It provides all of us with an opportunity to reflect on the foundations of our Republic, and the tremendous gift to humanity afforded by the American Revolution, and the freedoms that were recognized by the United States Constitution.

09/19/2026

📜 Introducing: Saturday Spotlight – Rhinelander’s Masonic Heritage
​Every Saturday, we’re taking a step back in time to highlight the remarkable history of Rhinelander Lodge No. 242 and the brothers who helped build, shape, and support our Northwoods community.

​To kick off our new series, we are featuring Arthur Taylor!

​As a devoted Freemason and a pioneering figure in Rhinelander’s early days, Brother Taylor embodied the core values of our craft: integrity, service, and dedication to the community. His vision and tireless efforts helped establish key local initiatives, leaving a lasting legacy that benefitted generations of Rhinelander residents.

"Arthur Taylor came to Rhinelander in 1890. In 1905 ye built the Taylor beverage company in rhinelander. This building also served as a shelter for victims of the great fire which occurred during that same year. Among many of Mr Taylor's accomplishments was to organize the Rhinelander Telephone Company, would she became secretary and later president. He served as chairman of the County board for 13 years and was instrumental in the building of the Oneida County courthouse. Arthur Taylor was a great advocate for the formation of the Oneida County training school for teachers. It was formed in 1909 and he served as president from 1909 to 1912. Brother Taylor was imminently connected with some of our earliest progressive movements in our city and county."

​Join us every weekend as we honor the men who helped forge Rhinelander’s history!
​Have a favorite historical figure or story from Rhinelander’s past? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

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09/11/2026

09/09/2026

Charity is not a once-a-year observance for Wisconsin Freemasons. It is an everyday goal. It is Relief in action.

On this International Day of Charity, Wisconsin Freemasonry invites every Brother, family member, and friend of our great fraternity to support MW Joseph E. Thompson’s Grand Master’s Appeal: Breast Cancer Recovery.

These survivor-led retreats give women facing breast cancer a place to heal emotionally—mind, body, and spirit—in the company of others who understand the journey. Your gift helps provide that space.

Through our Wisconsin Masonic Foundation, many donations can be matched so every dollar goes further. Give today. Help a sister find hope and move forward.

Donate: via the QR code below or at bcrecovery.org
Mail: Breast Cancer Recovery, 34 Schroeder #220, Madison, WI 53711

Thank you for helping women heal—together. Every donation makes a difference!

09/07/2026

On this Labor Day, Wisconsin Freemasons honor every hand that builds, serves, and lifts others up.

The working tools remind us that honest labor is more than a living — it’s a calling. May we square our work, level our dealings, and continue to strengthen our communities together in friendship and Brotherly Love.

Have a happy and safe Labor Day, Brothers!

09/06/2026

Thank you for being a part of this event and for everything you do in the community!

Come check us out at the Masonic Flea Market at the Rhinelander Ice Arena! We’ll be here until 3 PM today. Stop by and say hi!