Masons receive national recognition

Published:  Friday, March 20, 2009 (12 months ago)
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Two local Masons, Thomas Brenneman and Dennis Wilhelm, have been elected to receive the 33rd Degree. The Masonic Temple in Delphos will hold an open house from 2-5 p.m. Saturday and a spaghetti dinner from 4-7 p.m. with dine-in or carry-out service.By GARY LEVITT
For the Delphos Herald

DELPHOS — There has been much confusion amongst those not familiar with the fraternity of Masons. Many have heard of the word “degrees” in conjunction with the rituals performed at a Lodge by Masons. The first three degrees: the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason; are the format in which someone learns the principles of being a good person, a good Mason.
No higher honor exists than that of a Master Mason. But as man has continued throughout history to have a thirst for more knowledge, so has the Master Mason. As such, the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (AASR) is one of many Masonic bodies that provides more learning. The AASR provides those interested with 29 more “degrees” or dramas to learn more about the value of being a model citizen and a man who has been good to society.
Some Masons have devoted much of their time to learn the intricate rituals and texts that have been performed for centuries so that they might teach those interested of the true meaning of self-improvement. They have also spent countless hours working to build a better community through the Masonic charities.
As in every organization, members have been identified as being exceptional and have set a good example for others. For these few, the honorary degree of 33rd Degree Mason was established to pay tribute to these exceptional individuals. A similar example of this practice is the conferring of an honorary doctorate degree from a university.
At the annual meeting of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite held in Providence, R.I., in August of 2008, Brothers Thomas L. Brenneman and Dennis L. Wilhelm Sr. were elected to receive the 33rd Degree at the next annual meeting of the Supreme Council in Boston, Mass.
Brother Brenneman is a resident of Delphos and graduated from Delphos High School. Brenneman is a sales representative for Apple Farm Service in Botkins. He was a trustee for Marion Township from 1982-93 and served as city councilman in Delphos in 1994-95. He and his wife, Bobbie, attend Trinity United Methodist Church and have a daughter, Sandra, and twins, James and Jason, from a previous marriage.
He is Past Master of Hope Lodge 214, serving as Worshipful Master in 1979, 1985 and 2006-07; an Honorary Member of Hamer Lodge 167; joined Delphos Chapter 105, which merged with Spencerville Chapter 169, Royal and Accepted Masons, where he served as High Priest in 1981; joined Delphos Council #72, Royal and Select Masons, in 1978, serving as Illustrious Master from 1980-2004; and joined Ivanhoe Commandery #54 K.T., serving as Eminent Commander in 1999. He also served as Past District Deputy Grand Master of 10th Masonic District 1998-2000.
He joined the AASR Valley of Toledo in 1997 and is currently serving as Junior Warden of Ft. Industry Chapter of Rose Croix.
Brother Wilhelm is a resident of Delphos and graduated from Van Wert City High School. He is a sales and service tech for Lear Fire Equipment. He and his wife Joan attend Trinity United Methodist Church in Delphos and he has served as president of the Board of Trustees and the Men’s Club. He has two sons, Dennis Jr. and Robert, from a previous marriage.
He is a Past Master of Van Wert Lodge, 218 serving as Master in 1971 and 1974-75, as well as Lodge Education Officer in 1976. He joined Van Wert Chapter 71, R.A.M., where he served as High Priest in 1982. He received the Order of High Priesthood in 1982, served as Grand Marshal to Grand Chapter of Ohio in 1995 and is presently serving as Secretary of Van Wert Chapter.
He joined Van Wert Council 73, R.S.M., in 1974, serving as Illustrious Master in 1980. He received Council of Anointed Kings in 1980, was President of 2nd Arch in 1985 and is currently serving as Recorder of Van Wert Council.
He joined Ivanhoe Commandery 54, K.T., in 1976, serving as Commander in 1985 and 2000. He received the Knight Commander of the Temple Degree in 1985 and was President of the Knight Commander of the Temple Degree in 1994-95.
He started the Ivanhoe Class A Drill Team in 1980 and became a dual member of Shawnee Commandery 14 in 1991. He served as Deputy Division Commandery in 1987-88. He received the Meritorious Service Award from the Grand Commander in 1993 and 1997 and the Knight Commander of the Temple Award in 1999.
He was appointed Aide to Sir Knight William H. Koon II and Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, U.S.A., in 2000. He is currently Recorder of Ivanhoe Commandery and Chief Auditor for the State Drill Competitions.
He became a Knight of the York Cross of Honor in Ohio Priory 18 in 1986.
Wilhelm is a member and leader of numerous other Masonic organizations and has devoted much of his life to the betterment of his community. Both men join the two previous members of our community who have been honored with the 33rd Degree – the late Richard E. Thompson and the late Jean DeWeese.

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