The Ritualistic Divan can trace its roots back to 1941. Fred Breithaupt, the Potentate decided he should have alternates for all his Divan members. They were specifically to fill in for any Divan member who could not be there for a Ceremonial.

Those Potentates following abided by the same pro- cedure until Potentate George J. Fisher formally organized the Ritualistic Divan as a unit.

The Potentate for 1950, Herbert L. Mount, formally recognized the unit during his term.

Over the intervening years, several Potentates have asked the unit for special duties other than the Ceremo- nial. This unit has always discharged these assign- ments with dispatch and dignity.

The unit is comprised of degree oriented Masons. Their participation ranges from Past Grandmasters of Masons in Wisconsin to heads of all Masonic bodies. Several members have been Potentates of Tripoli Tem- ple. The present Potentate, Gerald Lemberg, is a member of this unit.

The first Director of the unit was Past Potentate Fred K. Breithaupt. When ill health forced him to relinquish the post, the late Noble Arthur Beckmann was appointed and held the directorship until 1954 when he resigned. Noble Eli Shupe was named as his replacement that year by then Potentate Read E. Wid- rig. William J. Holtan was named Director and so served until his passing in November of 1970. He was succeeded by Allan G. Wallsworth who served until 1973. He was succeeded by Richard Huegel who served until he was appointed to the Divan by Potentate Edward J. Bartlog in 1976. Kenneth Wood was ap- pointed to succeed him. He served for two years until 1978. Walter Kiel served until 1984 when the current Director James Jochims was appointed.