Master's Message Spring 2025

Master's Message

Spring 2025

Brothers, this year I have chosen the Middle Chamber as my theme for the year. There is a reason for this, I was given my Middle Chamber by Worshipful Brother Jim Fleming of Oconomowoc Lodge back in 2004. While I tried desperately to follow along the power of the Middle Chamber was multiplied by the amazing delivery only Worshipful Brother Fleming was capable of. It left a lasting impact that encouraged me to return to graduate school and very much led me to my career and the life I have today.

I though it only fitting to start this year with a brief explanation of the History and importance of this pivotal degree so I can share some of its magic. The Middle Chamber lecture is a key component of Masonry, rich in symbolism and teachings that guide us on our journey of self-improvement and enlightenment.

The Middle Chamber lecture originates from the allegory of King Solomon's Temple, specifically the Winding Staircase leading to the Middle Chamber. This concept was first formalized in the 18th century, with William Preston adding to its structure and symbolism in the 1770s. Early references, such as in Pritchard's Masonry Dissected (1730), mention the staircase but lack the deep symbolism later developed by Preston and others. Over time, the lecture evolved into an essential part of the ritual, emphasizing intellectual and spiritual growth.

The Middle Chamber represents a metaphorical culmination of moral, intellectual, and spiritual development. Key elements include The Winding Staircase, divided into steps of 3, 5, and 7, symbolizing moral foundations, intellectual refinement, and spiritual understanding. Self-Improvement, the journey teaches perseverance, discipline, and continuous learning. It underscores the importance of ascending step by step to achieve wisdom and virtue. Spiritual growth, the Middle Chamber symbolizes a sacred space where one connects with divine wisdom. Without this connection, aspirations risk falling into chaos. Community responsibility, the lessons extend beyond personal growth to emphasize service to others and ethical conduct in society.

The lecture also serves as a reminder that true understanding comes not just from ritual memorization but from applying Masonic principles daily. It is both a personal and communal guide for living a virtuous life.

The Middle Chamber is, in my view, what encourages the education, research and self-improvement that is the foundation of Silas Shepherd and I hope to see you on March 8th in Waukesha so we can share in our Masonic nerdom and grow both as men and as Masons.

Fraternally yours,

Chris Luedke

Worshipful Master

Master's Message Fall 2024

There has been no shortage of ideas and inspiration at Silas this year. Brothers are engaged and hungry for more.  Several brothers have been inspired to write papers, speeches and lead discussions.  We’ve followed down some fascinating rabbit holes and brothers, I couldn’t be prouder to be Worshipful Master this year.

Rhinelander was a blast. Max Skenandore whet our hunger with a retelling of the history of Rhinelander and Crandon Lodges.  We discussed why brothers should consider joining the York Rite Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and then the Grand High Priest from Chapter invited me to present my paper and lead a discussion with his officers. So, think about that – a small ripple that was a paper and a spirited discussion at Silas, could be the inspiration for a tidal wave of ideas and changes. 

Brothers, this is what Silas does.  It offers us the opportunities to explore ideas and concepts that reconnect with our Masonic past, and build a plan for our future.  It gives Brothers an opportunity to develop themselves, whether it is their speaking and presentation skills, or even a reason to explore; dig down into our history and do some research.

I’m reminded of my first Silas meeting. W. Brother Frank McKenna presented a historical paper and a discussion about brothers in wartime. The discussion that ensued was inspirational.  It made me appreciate Silas, and I filled out my petition right then and there.

Our Senior Warden, W. Brother Chris Luedke, spoke on the new happenings with the education committee, W. Brother Napoleon Sneed-Janczak spoke on the 7 C’s of Communication, and W. Brother Corey Nowak is going to write a paper on membership for our September meeting.

As you’re likely aware; this year’s theme is “Digital Masonry”, and it’s amazing how many things have changed even since the year started. A discussion today could be like advocating for floppy disks but just 6 months later we’ve moved onto USB drives and after that everyone is just using the cloud so there’s no more practical use for handheld storage.  Yes, it’s that fast - with subjects ranging from video editing to algorithms to frequency of posts. It can be head spinning but it can also inspire us to wonder and act on whatever the next big changes are.

I’d encourage you to put some of your ideas to paper and submit them for publication. What has inspired you? Was it an event? Traveling to another lodge?  A chance meeting with a Brother Mason from another place? Perhaps your experience or idea will inspire someone else – to fill them with that sense of masonic wonder. When we do that, well…Imagine the possibilities. Papers don’t have to be about digital masonry, but it’s certainly easiest if you can email them to our Secretary, Napoleon.

In September we’ll be doing a western Wisconsin encore of “In Defense of the Ruffians” at Lacrosse Lodge #190. This two-man play is thought provoking and like nothing you’ve seen before.

If I haven’t said it before, you are important. You are valued. We’ve all had times in our lives when we haven’t been appreciated. Silas is a place where you can explore ideas in a safe environment where we foster ideas and inspire others. We do it by writing down those ideas and then discussing them.  If you haven’t written down your thoughts, this is a great time to do it.

We’ve been compared to the Island of misfit toys because we sometimes think differently or take on tasks in a way that others might not understand. While we might be more of a “Charlie in the Box” (instead of Jack in the Box), you’re going to get some pleasant surprises. When that happens, you’ll be left wondering why you didn’t do it earlier.  You’ll find that doing cool stuff can be addicting, and you’ll be left wondering how you can best inspire others.

Fraternally yours,

Jim McGuigan

Worshipful Master 2024

Masters Message Spring 2024

Digital Masonry                                                                                                       

Spring 2024                

What makes Silas Shepherd different?  We satisfy hunger.  Hunger for history.  Hunger for ideas.  Hunger to make a difference.

The pandemic tee-ed us up to satisfy those hungers.  Over a year of isolation made men look around and wonder… is this it?  The public couldn’t connect with others.  They started looking for ways to connect with others, and found that it was difficult to make new friends.

Technology gave people connections.  The digital world allowed people from nearby or even on the other side of the world to build bonds, and those continued even after pandemic passed.

While connections were made and relationships built through digital conference platforms like Zoom or Teams, people's eyes were opened as they realized that they could speak to other people, create other audiences and promote ideas from within the safety of their own home.

However, with the expansion of social media platforms; so comes with it the growing pains of learning how to manage social media.  Just as text messaging can contribute to misunderstandings, it takes skill and vigilance to learn how to communicate on each platform.  Even platforms and their popularity changes and this brings unique challenges.  For social media today; TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are the most used as of this writing.  MySpace is a hollow shell of what it once was and Twitter now X is waning in popularity.

Rising in popularity are Reddit, Nextdoor, WhatsApp, Discord and GroupMe, and various others. 

Freemasonry has found its way to all these platforms including podcasts….  How has it impacted you?  Whether you were a content creator, you’ve read or listened to something that made a change?.

How has digital masonry affected you?  Have you written, or performed on any of these platforms?  We can be on the cutting edge.  There is a hunger for masonry right now – for the connections with like-minded individuals worldwide. We can do cool stuff, and we can feed the hunger. My Brothers, I look to an exciting year of taking Silas Shepherd to new heights this year, and with your contributions making an impact to a larger hungry audience!

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Jim McGuigan

Worshipful Master 2024