[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5103]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         ANNIVERSARY OF THE WALWORTH MASONIC LODGE, NUMBER 286

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                             HON. PAUL RYAN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 4, 2003

  Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of 
the 100th anniversary of the Walworth, Wisconsin Masonic Lodge 286. 
Throughout this period, the Masons of Lodge 286 have made invaluable 
contributions to their community and to Wisconsin.
  Faith, honor, integrity, responsibility for one's actions, the 
absolute right to intellectual and spiritual freedom, and self-control 
are the Masons' core values and principles. After the first Grand Lodge 
was founded in England in 1717, Masonry's rich history was solidified 
in America by such patriots as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, 
Paul Revere, and John Hancock. Many would argue that the Masons and 
Masonry played a significant role in the Revolutionary War and an even 
more important part in the Constitutional Convention. For 100 years the 
Masons of the Walworth, Wisconsin Lodge 286 have worked to maintain 
this tradition and standard of excellence.
  Charitable giving is also a large part of Masonry. Along with 
scholarship and loan funds to assist young people in furthering their 
education, Masons support many community-based charitable projects. 
These projects range from donating to children's hospitals and burn 
institutes built by Shriners, to simple and much needed services such 
as buying shoes and clothing for disadvantaged children. They have 
participated in charitable giving with other lodges in Wisconsin 
through the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation. Founded in 1925, the 
Foundation has been committed to educating our youth through an 
educational scholarship fund; caring for our elderly through the 
Wisconsin Masonic Home Endowment Fund; and doing good works through the 
Special Donor Advised Funds Program, which allows special donors to 
have naming rights as well as advisory capabilities related to the 
fund's intended purpose. Masons have constantly worked to make the 
world a better place.
  Mr. Speaker, the Masons of the Walworth, Wisconsin Lodge 286 have 
served as a model for all Masons for 100 years. Their commitment to God 
and country, emboldened by their brotherhood, has set a high standard 
for all Masonic lodges.

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