[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 172 (Thursday, November 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         DR. HANS R. WILHELMSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2009

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor 
Dr. Hans R. Wilhelmsen, 33 Degree Sovereign Grant Inspector General, 
for his distinguished service to the principals of the Masonry, 
Scottish Rite, and Grand Lodge.
  Dr. Wilhelmsen was raised as a Master Mason in December 1982. He 
received the 32 degree in the Scottish Rite, Valley of Baltimore in the 
Spring Class of 1983. In 1991, he became an Honorary Past Master of 
Pythagoras Lodge and received the Knight Commander Court of Honor in 
1995. Dr. Wilhelmsen was coroneted a 33 degree mason in 1997.
  During the early years of his Masonic journey, Dr. Wilhelmsen's time 
was devoted mainly to plastic and reconstructive surgery. He is a 1959 
Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Maryland School of 
Dentistry. Inspired by the lectures of Dr. Milton Edgerton, Professor 
of Plastic Surgery, Wilhelmsen matriculated to the University School of 
Medicine. In 1963, Dr. Wilhelmsen obtained his medical degree in 
General Surgery. He completed Plastic Surgery training in 1965 at the 
University of Pittsburgh.
  While much of his time was dedicated to plastic and reconstructive 
surgery, Dr. Wilhelmsen dedicated the spare time he had to Masonry. In 
1995, he was appointed to the Scottish Rite Holding Company. Wilhelmsen 
progressed to assisting the Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Dr. 
Bernard E. Rothman. In 2003, he was coroneted Sovereign Grand Inspector 
General in Maryland and Active Member of the Supreme Council. Three 
years later, Dr. Wilhelmsen was awarded the highest honor that is given 
by the Grand Lodge of Maryland for his contribution to masonry in the 
State of Maryland. A portrait of him is now mounted in the Pillars of 
Charity Portrait Gallery at the House of Temple in Washington, D.C.
  Dr. Wilhelmsen's medical and personal philosophy emphasizes treating 
all people with respect and dignity. He is a tireless worker for his 
patients, whose lives have been enriched by his professional manner and 
surgical ability. Though his profession left little time for 
extracurricular activities, Dr. Wilhelmsen has remained actively 
involved in Masonry.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Dr. Hans R. 
Wilhelmsen for his commitment to Masonry, Scottish Rite, and Grand 
Lodge. Dr. Wilhelmsen's enthusiasm and commitment is a remarkable asset 
to the Masonic organization.

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