Theodore Roosevelt Masonic Lodge

Welcome to Theodore Roosevelt Lodge 322. We meet every 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month.  Dinner is at 5:30pm and Lodge Meetings begin at 6:30pm.

The Brethren of Theodore Roosevelt Lodge 322 believe that Freemasonry is to help make good men better by encouraging its members to follow the teachings of their own religious faith, to support in every way possible beneficial, civic and charitable causes, to be responsible for their own moral and ethical conduct, to be examples and teachers for their families and to treat all other persons regardless of race, religion or national heritage in a just an ethical manner.

“Freemasonry (or Masonry) is dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. It uses the tools and implements of ancient architectural craftsmen symbolically in a system of instruction designed to build character and moral values in its members. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military, and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is a fraternity which encourages its members to practice the faith of their personal acceptance. Masonry teaches that each person, through self-improvement and helping others, has an obligation to make a difference for good in the world.”

The first meeting of Roosevelt Lodge #322. Under Dispensation, was held on Oct. 30. 1919. It was organized by members of Washington Lodge #21 who wanted the opportunity to be officers, but were unable to because of the size of that Lodge about 400 to 500. Officers were elected and the meeting nights set for the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.

Grand Lodge met on June 9 . 1920 and voted to constitute the Lodge. On July 16, 1920 a special communication was held to constitute the Lodge, present the Charter, and install officers. Grand Master Shaeffer presided and gave a “splendid address

Lee F. Blood was elected the first Worshipful Master. A motion was made on Nov. 13, 1919 that the 27th day of October (Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday) be observed each year in a fitting manner and to be commemorated as the founding date of the Lodge.

The Lodge name was later changed to Theodore Roosevelt #322 to clarify which President Roosevelt the lodge was named after

Initially the fees were set as follows: petition fee – $10, EA degree – $15, FC degree – $25, and MM degree . The Tiler was paid $5 and the Secretary served gratis until Nov. 1920, then he was paid $150/year. In 1928 an Official Poster was paid $1.50 per degree, not to exceed $100/year. As late as 1956 the fees were the same, but the dues were now $7.50

To date 2017 Theodore Roosevelt Lodge has had 91Masters with nine of them serving more than one year – Lee Blood 1919,1920,1921). Leo Eichelberger (1928,1929). Harry G. Anderson ( 1939, 1943) Cecil Forehand (1962, 1975), William Duhm (1976,1977). Milt Berger (1973,1981) Larry Raether (1992,1999 Dennis Siewert (1978, 1983, 1996, 2000). and Christian  Hirthe  (2006, 2007)

One Master. Kurt Wallinger. presided while his father. George, was Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin. Master  Dale Vollrath (Master in 1986) is the father of Tom Vollrath (Master in 1993).Grand Master (2007) Dennis Siewert is the father of Barry V. Siewert (Master in 2010

Several members of our Lodge served as Grand Lodge Officers.  Ralph Knowlton, Secretary of the Lodge for many years, served as Grand Lecturer, Dennis Siewert , Grand Master 2012. Christian Hirthe served as District Deputy and also served on the Grand Lodge membership committee as wellas many other duties for the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin  from 2012 to 2015.

Other Past Masters of Roosevelt Lodge that have added a lot to the craft include Russell “Jim” De Mary Master 1982, He was very active with Jobe’s daughters, The Mason of the year award is named in his honor. Past Master Dale Lyndahl Master 1968 at the age of 29 was the youngest Master to serve Roosevelt Lodge.

Disaster struck in Green Bay on the evening of  February 5th, 1977 when fire destroyed the Masonic Temple. The upper two floors were gutted and In the true Masonic spirit, friends stepped forward and provided temporary space for the required Masonic meetings: including the Lodges in De Pere and Appleton, and the Green Bay Odd Fellows. A Second Temple With  representatives of the owning bodies: Washington and Roosevelt Lodges and