By Edward Walker
R
ight Worshipful Brother Auston E. “Gene” Smith is the Junior Grand Warden of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois. He was elected to that office October 8, 2021 and works closely with the other Senior Grand Lodge officers to execute the activities and priorities of our grand jurisdiction. Having been raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in July 2011, Brother Smith has enjoyed an active Masonic journey spanning more than 10 years of dedication, leadership, and support for our ancient and honorable fraternity. Brother Smith’s home lodge is St. Clair Lodge No. 24 in Belleville, IL, where he is a Life Member and served as the Secretary from 2012 to 2014, Junior Warden in 2014 and then as its Worshipful Master in 2015. He is also a Life Member of Kaskaskia Lodge No. 86 in Red Bud, IL where he served as Treasurer in 2015 and then two years as its Worshipful Master during 2016 and 2017. In addition, he has been elected as an honorary member in several lodges in Illinois. Brother Smith was appointed as the District Deputy Grand Master of the 6th Southern Masonic District in 2016 and served until he was appointed as Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Illinois in 2017.
My Life-Long Journey Spent Choosing the Future
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