Illinois Freemasonry Magazine - Fall 2022

Table Of Contents

ARIZONA • FLORIDA

GRAND MASTER’S

2023 SNOWBIRD LUNCHEONS

A Letter From Our Grand Master

By Bro. Michael E. Jackson, M.W. Grand Master

Advancing Our Future -

A Masonic Renaissance Has Begun

By Wayne Spooner

12 14 16

Together Again: Time to Recognize Our Brothers

By Edward Walker

The Future is NOWTime for Positive Thinking

By Jennifer Martin

The Masonic Leader’s Working Tools

By Justus E. Fischer

CONTRIBUTORS

Michael E. Jackson, M.W. Grand Master

Wayne Spooner, Membership Chairman

Jennifer Martin, IMOS Director

Justus E. Fischer, Lodge Education Officer

Barrington Lodge No. 522

Herman Albers, Academic Bowl Chairman

Christopher J. Both, IMSAP Board of Managers, Chairman

19 20 22 28

04 06 26

Masonry Corner

The 2023 Illinois Masonic Charities Fund - Grand Master’s “Snowbird Luncheons” have been scheduled. You & Your Lady or Guest are Cordially invited to attend a luncheon with The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Michael E. Jackson. Receptions are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. with Luncheons beginning at noon. Attire is Country Club Casual. Reservation: $15.00 per person. For further information e-mail Amy at abright@ilmason.org or call 217-529-8900.

Grand Lodge Golf Outing

By Christopher J. Both

Reservations required by December 9, 2022 IN ARIZONA, 2023 IN FLORIDA, 2023

Reservations required by February 9, 2023

Academic Bowl

By Herman Albers

4th Quarter Anniversaries

Tuesday, Jan. 17 Tucson/Oro Valley (520) 297-1121

Wednesday, Jan. 18 Sun City (623) 977 8333

Thursday, Jan. 19 Scottsdale (480) 745-8200

Latest Lodge News

EDITORIAL

EDITOR

Edward Walker, R.W.B.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Mark Schmidt, W.B.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jennifer Woods

Illinois Freemasonry (ISSN 1091-2258, USPS 014656) is published February, May , August and November by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois, 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, IL 62703; main phone (217) 529-8900. Periodical postage paid at Springfield, IL and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ILLINOIS FREEMASONRY, 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, IL 62703. Printed in the U.S.A. Permission to reprint articles appearing in this publication will be granted to recognized Masonic publications. Such permission can be requested by writing to the Grand Secretary, 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, IL 62703: by faxing to 217-529-0242: or by email at GS@ilmason.org

His Full Name (first and last)

Oro Valley Country Club 300 W. Greenock Drive Oro Valley, AZ 85737

Palmbrook Country Club 9350 W. Greenway Road Sun City, AZ 85351

Courtyard Scottsdale Salt River 5201 N. Pima Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Monday, Mar. 13

Bradenton (941) 753-6200

Tuesday, Mar. 14 Fort Myers (239) 360-7274

Thursday, Mar. 16 Tampa (813) 281-1943

Friday, Mar. 17 The Villages (352) 626-1246

Lady’s Full Name (first and last)

Rosedale Golf & Country Club 5100 87th St. E. Bradenton, FL 34211

The Standard at Sabal Springs 3410 Clubview Drive North Fort Myers, FL 33917

Rusty Pelican 2425 N. Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607

The Brownwood Hotel & Spa 3003 Brownwood Blvd. The Villages, FL 32163

Street Address City or Town State and Zip Code

Phone Number Email

Are you a Veteran and/or 1st Responder?

Lodge Name Lodge Number Lodge Location (City, State) 1st Responder (Police, Fire, EMT)

Which Military Branch?

I have a friend who is an Illinois Mason and would also like to attend.

His Full Name (first and last)

Lady’s Full Name (first and last)

Street Address City or Town State and Zip Code

Lodge Name Lodge Number Lodge Location (City, State)

Total reservations I have enclosed a check in the amount of $15.00 per reservation that will be returned to me if I attend the Luncheon. If I fail to attend, my check will be donated. Mail check to: Grand Lodge of Illinois, 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, IL 62703.

Brethren:

I am writing this letter shortly after being reelected to a second term as your Grand Master. It continues to be an incredible and humbling honor to lead The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois.

I cannot thank the wonderful members of our Grand Lodge enough for your confidence and continued show of support for me and the work that we are doing together to propel our ancient and honorable fraternity into the future.

As I reflect on the past Masonic Year and our plans for the next, I cannot help but think about my theme of “Choose the Future” and what, if any, steps in the right direction we have taken. Ultimately, the future of Freemasonry in Illinois is completely up to you, the membership. The Grand Lodge Officers and our Grand Lodge Committees can offer endless numbers of programs; however, unless the membership embraces and uses them, they are for naught. Only you, at the local Lodge level, can decide to do something to retain membership and attract new men to our great fraternity.

I have preached long and hard that the key to a successful future for every Lodge and our grand jurisdiction is “Activity.” I truly believe that the solution is that simple! The challenging part for you is to figure out what the group of activities should be for your Lodge so that the Brethren can enjoy a quality Masonic Membership Experience that they

MASTER

value. I know you have heard this message before. The difference this time is that we witnessed proof that several Lodges are embracing this message to successfully plan, deliver, and engage their members. It was truly inspiring to see the number of Lodges from across the state that received the Grand Master’s Award of Excellence Program Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards during our Grand Lodge Annual Communication. These Lodge Officers and Brethren are positive examples which can inspire and encourage all of us to focus on this simple truth that must be continually repeated — “Activity drives success for the Active Lodges of Illinois Freemasonry.”

Quite literally, another important part of the future of Illinois Freemasonry is our three supported Masonic youth organizations: Rainbow for Girls, Job’s Daughters, and DeMolay. Yes, the young men of DeMolay are obvious potential membership prospects; however, we should not take them for granted. As much as we would like these quality young men to join our fraternity, it is unlikely that all of them will take that step. We need to provide them with worthy examples of honorable men and support them in their DeMolay activities and personal development. Fundamentally, we need to show these young men that we are an organization that is worth joining as a valuable part of their learning, development, and life’s journey.

Next, do not forget about the young ladies’ organizations. They may not seem as obvious as a valuable source of future potential members for our fraternity. However, keep in mind that they may have fathers who are not yet Masons today and these young ladies may one day have husbands, sons,

other family members and co-workers whom they can influence to inquire about Freemasonry. Similar to DeMolay, invest the time today to provide these young ladies with a positive perception and experience with Masons through your active visibility and support of their work, and their influence may drive good men to learn more about and join our brotherhood for decades to come.

Far beyond the topic of potential future membership prospects for our fraternity, the more important reason to support our Masonic youth organizations is the fact that these amazing young people are future leaders. They will be the leaders of families, businesses and communities with responsibilities spanning the local, state, and federal levels. These are truly extraordinary young men and women who are taught the morals and values that we, as a society, are so sorely in need of today. All anyone needs to do is spend a little time with them and you will be impressed. If you were at the Friday morning session of our Grand Lodge Annual Communication, you witnessed the speeches made by their current statewide leaders, Nina Hernandez, Maddie Pratt, and Ryan Brown, respectively. They are impressive and representative of the character and talent of the young people in our Masonic youth organizations.

Also, if you were present during those speeches, you saw the friendly challenge that Nina Hernandez made to me. She presented me with a small stuffed owl (which is a symbol for her term in office) and challenged me to keep it with me during my Masonic travels for the year or pay $5.00 each time that I do not have the owl with me. Yes, I

accepted the challenge, like I had a choice, and will endeavor to have it with me at all Masonic events. So, when you see your Grand Master carrying around a stuffed owl, you will know why. I am fairly sure I can count on my loyal and supportive Brethren to rat me out to Nina when I forget to have the owl with me. Oh, it could be an expensive year…in reality, I am happy to participate in this challenge as a reminder to talk about and support our Masonic youth.

Absolutely, The Future is NOW! I offer you two critical words that will change the course of our fraternity’s future, “personal accountability.” We can no longer wait for someone else to do what needs to be done. Each of us needs to rededicate ourselves to our great fraternity and implement the activities that will spark deeper membership engagement in ourselves and others. Said simply, we must decide, choose, and take action. The good news is that many quality younger men (under 50 years old) are seeking genuine selfimprovement and being useful to others in various aspects of their lives. Freemasonry can be a solution for them! The growth and success of your Lodge and our grand jurisdiction is in your hands. So, be visible in the community, tell our unique story as active Masons, and through your personal example, inspire true respect for our ancient and honorable fraternity.

Fraternally and sincerely, Michael E. Jackson,

Lodge of Illinois A.F. & A.M. “Choose the Future” — Advance our Masonic Legacy!

Grand Master, Grand

is the KEY to a successful future!

Ultimately, the future of Freemasonry in Illinois is completely up to you, the membership.”

enaissance

Advancing Our Future –Renaissance A Masonic Has Begun

il

By Wayne Spooner

Freemasonry is one of the most nimble, flexible and adaptable organizations in history.” For centuries, our ancient and honorable fraternity has captured the hearts and minds of quality men who choose to design, create, build, and contribute positively to the world around them. Through a shared focus on the core skills of architecture and the building process, Freemasons have contributed mightily to the advancement of humanity across the globe. The number of noteworthy Brethren who were change agents and symbolic pillars throughout history are too numerous to mention. The commonality amongst them has been forged in a deep trust in one another, the steadfast appreciation of the talents that our Brethren can bring to the work ahead, and a focus on harmony to unite us in shared purposes and missions. Extracting from our unique ritual experiences, we have learned how to speculate, think for ourselves, envision

possibilities, and design a future that propels our Speculative Craft of Builders forward across time.

Our Masonic legacy around the world is balanced on a firm foundation of staying true to the past while being aspirational about the future. Said differently, our ability to leapfrog through time is driven by an unwavering focus on the symbolic art and applied science of architecture toward positively building and leading a better life for our families, communities, and brotherhood. Thinking small is not an attribute shared by true master architects along with many of our fore-Brothers who have helped dramatically transform countries and societies across the globe. As Freemasons, we think big and bold about the ingenuity and capabilities of skilled workmen to build a brighter future. When examining our fraternity’s history throughout Illinois, our Masonic temples were amongst the first structures built in many towns and

communities. Similarly, our Masonic Lodges occupy the list of the earliest incorporated entities in several local geographies throughout the state. Reflecting on those Masonic accomplishments and many more throughout the decades since 1840, we shift and pose this question, “what does your Lodge look like, just a decade from now, in 2032?”

As we peek through the looking glass, a first reality check is the realization that the Worshipful Masters and Wardens who will serve in those roles in 2032 may not have yet alarmed the Preparation Room door. What will be needed to ensure that the Brethren on the membership roll in 2032 are enjoying a quality Masonic Membership Experience from being part of an Active Lodge for Illinois Freemasonry? To address that question, we will focus on the Five Masonic Renaissance Drivers needed to design and implement a compelling and successful future for our Lodges and grand jurisdiction.

The Five Masonic Renaissance Drivers to achieve our exceptional future are as follows:

• Driver #1 - Go Back to the Basics - Let us Not Assume –Freemasonry is complex and requires a solid level of knowledge to understand it, execute our work and activities, and just be useful. We must challenge the assumption that the Brethren have a working knowledge of basic Masonic topics like Masonic Etiquette, successfully serving on a Lodge Investigating Committee for a membership prospect, how to vote on several matters within the Lodge, how to effectively talk about our Masonic Membership Experience in both compelling and accurate ways, how to successfully execute Lodge events and activities among many other fundamental topics. Keep in mind that unless a well-informed Brother shared the above information and effectively guided you or other Brethren in your Lodge through topics like those listed above, we should not assume that

a widespread understanding exists of our unique Masonic practices, procedures, and protocols. Let us work together and commit to proactive Membership Development to confidently reinstall a solid “standard” of what it means to live as a knowledgeable and productive Freemason and useful member of a Lodge.

• Driver #2 - Grow Masonic Teachers — The vast majority of the newer Brethren coming into Freemasonry are sincerely interested in genuine self-improvement and living more fulfilling lives; that trend will absolutely continue. To help these good men and all of us become the best version of ourselves, we must help the Brethren work on themselves in a safe and supportive environment, accrue confidence from valuable work and contributions made, and gain recognition and confirmation that they are actually being useful. That progression and those achievements are supported and advanced by our humble and knowledgeable Masonic Teachers (e.g., Grand Lecturers, Certified Lodge Instructors, Lodge Intenders, and well-informed Past Masters). Reflect on the answer to this catechism question to frame the critical importance of this success driver, “how

do you know yourself to be a Mason?” Thus, the journey of our Masonic Teachers begins with the Lodge Intender Program. In that crucial experience, a newer Brother learns from and is guided by a Faithful Friend and Guide as he progresses through the learning experience and degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry. Therefore, if you have a passion for helping others learn and are willing to dedicate yourself to acquiring the required knowledge and expertise to serve that mission for Freemasonry, then we encourage you to chart and advance your journey to become a faithful Masonic Teacher.

• Driver #3 - Invest in Lodge Officer Learning and Development — We need experienced, wellinformed, and confident Masonic leaders who can design the plans, interpret the work to be done, and inspire the Brethren to follow along on that profound journey to build a brighter and more compelling future for every Lodge across our grand jurisdiction. Building upon the last success driver above, the Brethren who serve as Lodge Officers need help; they are not expected to achieve success for their Lodges alone. They absolutely need the guidance and support from Masonic Teachers and other dedicated mentors.

Also, we provide them with valuable reference tools like The Handbook for Officer Advancement along with hands-on learning and development experiences from attending the “Lodge Officer Development Workshop — A Roadmap to the East” events and local Masonic Ritual Schools of Instruction. The Lodge Trestleboards / Annual Lodge Plans in the future will be designed by these upcoming Worshipful Masters and Wardens who will need to keep the Craft rooted in the timeless elements of our Masonic Membership Experience while staying nimble, flexible, and adaptable to the present and emerging times.

• Driver #4 - Embrace and Use Technology in Lodge Operations — Technological tools and capabilities should be embraced as Modern Masonic Working Tools to help communicate effectively with all members and facilitate efficient Lodge Operations. Every Lodge has access to a private and secure communications system that is exclusively available for Brethren in “Good Standing” status within our grand jurisdiction. It is the Our Lodge Page System (OLP) which is accessible via the OLP websites and an OLP mobile app. Next, many younger Brethren (under 50 years old) do not have or use physical checks to pay for anything; therefore, electronic payment capabilities are critical for all Lodges to adopt. OLP provides the ability for Brethren to securely pay dues electronically via credit and debit cards. The Zelle system available from most banks provides a secure electronic funds transfer capability which is done instead of using cash or checks for payments. Overall, we can expect

Freemasonry is one of the most nimble, flexible and adaptable organizations in history.”

more and not less technological tools and capabilities in our lives in the years ahead, and our Lodge Operations will need to stay flexible and adapt to effectively engage the entire membership across our grand jurisdiction in the decades ahead.

• Driver #5 - Inspire Personal Accountability and Ownership

Being an active and engaged Freemason is quite personal. Good men seek out our fraternity for three primary motivations and expectations — Opportunities for Fellowship (Brotherly Love), Opportunities to Learn (Masonic Truth) and Opportunities to Make a Difference and Contribute (Relief). Also, as a fraternity, we are first and foremost a brotherhood of men who seek to make genuine friends in the real, physical world. Thus, add informal activities on the Lodge Calendar which provides time for the Brethren to casually mingle, connect and just talk. Working together on Lodge projects including degree conferral teams inspires personal accountability to learn, acknowledgment of self-improvement progress, pride in shared achievements, and joint ownership of “My Lodge,” not just “The Lodge.” Remember that a Lodge is not the building; it is the list of Brethren named on the membership roll who work together as shared owners and caretakers of Illinois Freemasonry now and for decades to come.

Like the Brethren throughout the centuries who have toiled as “fellow workmen in the quarries of Freemasonry,” focusing on the above Five Masonic Renaissance Drivers will deliver a brighter and more enduring future for our beloved fraternity.

Yes, a Masonic Renaissance has begun in Illinois which is propelled by the passion, dedication, capabilities and focus of many Masonic leaders and Brethren on executing the five success drivers outlined above (along with other valuable initiatives being implemented for our grand jurisdiction). As Freemasons, we are investing in self-improvement and being useful to others. Said simply, we are Builders! For more than 182 years, our Brethren in Illinois have shared their talents, time, and resources to advance our Masonic legacy. For the Brethren reading this message today, the baton is now in your hands to carry our ancient and honorable fraternity forward into the future. Like those who have gone this way before us, we will retain what is truly timeless about Freemasonry while adapting to the changing technological, communications and social norms in the years ahead. Our motto of “Masons living Masonry in their daily lives” will carry forward to

A Masonic Renaissance has begun in Illinois and our momentum is accelerating.”

...the baton is now in your hands...”

to Together Again

Our Brothers Recognize Time

By Ed Walker

Following many months of preparation by the Grand Lodge officers, office staff, and all the committees, the 183rd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Illinois was successfully conducted in peace and harmony. It was a time for food, fun, and fellowship, and a time to catch up on some important awards. Most Worshipful Grand Master Michael Jackson presided over the two-day session where visiting Brothers and Sisters were welcomed, the three youth groups were recognized, and awards given out to many of our Lodges in recognition of their achievements this past year.

During the Grand Master’s Friday evening banquet, three special awards were announced. The Mason selected as Mason of the Year for 2022 was raised a Master Mason in June of 1993 and is a member Hesperia Lodge No. 411, Chicago. Right Worshipful Brother Wayne Spooner has enjoyed an active Masonic journey spanning over 28 years. He proudly serves in several local and statewide leadership roles within The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois and is also an avid contributor to the fraternity’s educational and charitable activities.

In addition to his Lodge activities, RWB Spooner continues to serve Illinois Freemasonry in a manner that has had a positive impact on Membership Retention, Attraction, and Development results. During the annual Grand Lodge of Illinois Communications, he has shared his talents and passion for Membership Development and Enlightenment by facilitating several interactive and informative workshops.

Our 2022 Mason of the Year is a member of the Valley of Chicago and previously served as an officer in the Council of Princes of Jerusalem. He currently serves on the Ancient Craft Degree Team. Brother Spooner also served the Illinois Council of Deliberation as a past statewide Membership Committee Chairman.

Professionally, he is the founder and leader of a professional services firm. He created this firm to follow his passion for helping business professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs implement tangible actions and behaviors to drive positive operating results. When he spends some relaxation time, Brother Spooner enjoys exploring Chicago architecture, getting fresh air while discovering the lakefront treasures between Chicago and Wisconsin, reading, and having quality conversations with friends.

Honored for his service to our Nation is our Patriot of the Year for 2022. This Master Mason has served in the United States Army with distinction and pride 1985. Chief Warrant Office 2 Leonard J. Huff was raised a Master Mason in Cary-Grove Lodge No. 1157, Cary, IL. In February of 2013 and is affiliated with both Dundee Lodge No. 190 and Oneida Lodge No. 337. He was Worshipful Master in 2018 and currently serves as Secretary of Cary-Grove Lodge and as Senior Warden in Dundee Lodge.

Brother Leonard attended Eastern Illinois University where he joined ROTC and was commissioned in 1985 as a Second Lieutenant. He had various assignments in the Signal Corps. In 2007 he resigned his commission and accepted an appointment as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 is a wide range of duty stations. His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (3rd award), Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd award), Army Superior Unit Award, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (2nd award), Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/M Device (3rd award) UN Medal, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Ranger and Special Forces Tab.

CW2 Huff is married to Melinda Lynn Bailey. They have a daughter, Jessica, age 29, and a son, Nicholas, age 26.

For 2022, the First Responder of the Year is Brother Paul McCormick, a member of Metropolis Lodge No. 91, Metropolis, IL. He was raised as a Master Mason in November of 2012 and is currently the Junior Steward of his Lodge.

Paul is always trying to help people in anyway he can. It all started when his father returned home wounded from war. Paul took care of him until he passed away. Brother Paul practically raised his little sister growing up. He knows what it is like to have nothing and to fight for everything. He has always helped anyone, especially kids in need.

After he moved to Tennessee to take care of his Mother-in-Law, he joined the volunteer fire department. Paul has also run the Red Cross for seven different counties while working as a sheriff’s deputy. After he left the department, he became part of the local rescue squad and fire chief of two departments. He continues to focus his energies on young adults yet he purchased and remodeled an ambulance so he can carry everything he needs to help when and where needed. His spare time finds him heavily involved in his local chapter of the Widows Sons Masonic Riding Group.

Congratulations to these three Grand Lodge of Illinois Master Masons, our award winners for 2022. Be sure to attend the 184th Annual Communication of our Grand Lodge in 2023 and share in recognizing the new winners.

R.W.B. Edward R. Walker Editor, Illinois Freemasonry

Congratulations to these three Grand Lodge of Illinois Master Masons.”

The Future is NOW – Time for

By Jennifer Martin

Oh, what fun we had at Grand Lodge Annual Communication 2022!!!! It was so nice to see and meet everyone in person. IMOS and the other Grand Lodge charities were able to give presentations during the breakout sessions. Thank you for all who attended. I hope we were able to answer all your questions. Please spread the word that we are here.

Congratulations to Brother Wayne Spooner for being awarded Mason of the Year 2022, Brother Paul McCormick for being awarded First Responder of the Year 2022, and Brother Leonard Huff Patriot of the Year 2022! Thank you for everything you all do.

I wanted to send a reminder to all Lodges to reach out to those members and widows you may have not heard from in a long time. Especially now that it is going into the end of the year with the chilly weather and holidays coming! I hear great feedback from the widows that receive visits and phone calls from their late husband’s Lodge members. They are grateful, and it means the world to them. That is truly taking care of your Masonic Brethren and families even when they have passed.

Speaking of Widows, I wrote in a previous article about Brother Paul McCormick (member of the Widow’s Sons) and his efforts to aid when there are natural disasters. Brother Paul brought his Response Team vehicle to Grand Lodge Annual Communication. As a reminder, Brother Paul was at the site where the tornadoes hit in Mayfield KY. He will be sharing with IMOS any future relief efforts so we can keep you updated.

If anyone else would like to assist Brother Paul, they can contact me, and I will get you all in touch with each other. In the photo shown to the left is Brother Paul on the left, me in the middle and Brother Joe Norman (President of the Widow’s Sons Cornerstones Chapter) on the right. Brother Paul spends hundreds of his own dollars to stock the vehicle with food and supplies for first responders and they can get into the vehicle to get warm and go back out in wintry weather. Brother Paul provides hot tea, coffee, and hot chocolates as well as hot food and water, to name a few.

I feel blessed that I get to be part of the Illinois Freemasonry and everything you all do for each other and your community as well! Feel free to reach out to me anytime if you have questions or have more stories and photos I can share with others.

Jennifer Martin, Director, Illinois Masonic Outreach Services

Phone: 217.529.8900 ext. 212/Fax: 217.883.4630 outreach@ilmason.org

I feel blessed that I get to be part of the Illinois Freemasonry.”

Working The Masonic Leader’s Tools

By Justus E. Fischer

In Freemasonry, its lessons give us the tools to enhance our own lives and the lives of those around us. However, someone may apply these lessons; it is up to his discretion. So it is a fair assumption to point out that as the years change, our Masonic leadership changes hands. Not every person in a leadership position is a seasoned professional. Sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zones and learn from our experiences; as someone who has worked in customer service for quite some years. I can honestly say that I’ve had good mentors and leaders teaching me the core values of leadership. As I progressed, traveled, and undertook various responsibilities in my Masonic journey, had no choice but to become a team leader. I had to take the lessons I’ve learned in my professional background and apply them to my Masonic philosophy. We are not all born to be leaders, and that’s completely normal. However, I must impart some wisdom to the less informed brethren so that, ultimately, you can pass this forward and improve the lives of yourself and those around you. The strong must help the weak to bring balance and harmony to our society. Together, we are builders.

There are three main types of leadership:

1. Apathetic

2. Sympathetic

3. Empathetic

Apathetic Leaders: Transactional and taskoriented, these leaders are not looking for ways to have an emotional or a loving and personal connection. These types of leaders exhibit attention strictly driven by results and accolades. These attributes are a by-product of an all-work and no-play attitude.

Sympathetic Leaders: The public perception of these leaders is generally favorable. However, they don’t offer their followers or constituents the answers needed to progress forward in a positive direction. Their followers feel that generally, they are cared for, but they rarely get the solutions necessary to problem solve and think critically.

Empathetic Leaders: These leaders are genuinely transformational as they exemplify the rough ashlar becoming a perfect specimen while spreading the cement of brotherly love. It is no secret that the primary focus of the empathetic leader is empowering the brethren around him. These leaders inspire greatness in other individuals. Simply put, they listen more than speak. They are inquisitive-minded people. There is no assumption of a worst-case scenario with them; they are positive and always put their best foot forward, inside and outside the lodge. These leaders have a high moral fiber (the plumb.) These leaders are in balance with their followers. (the level.) These leaders are fair in all their public and private dealings (the square.)

I can honestly say that I’ve had good mentors and leaders teaching me the core values of leadership.”

In conclusion, regardless of what type of leader you are, the search for self-help and personal development is never ending. However, it need not be a lifelong journey if we can honestly and introspectively assess our strengths and weaknesses and take the lessons of improvement taught in our Masonic ritual. Applying the wisdom to our leadership strategies, we can genuinely improve the lives of others and overall enhance our experience on this journey. Impactful leaders utilize the latest technology and resources to communicate effectively and listen with empathy in their faithful breasts. The great leaders have led by their example on the front lines (I.e., George Washington when he crossed the Delaware River.) These leaders are primarily spiritual and look for ways to improve their “inner temple.” (I.e., Phil Jackson, the NBA Basketball player, and coach boasting thirteen championships.) There is no I in the word team. Individual successes begin and end with us, but when we improve the lives of others, we are giving back to our society and future generations after us. This benevolence is our legacy, and we must cherish it. Together we can achieve if we genuinely believe.

Bro. Justus E. Fischer, Lodge Education Officer, Barrington Lodge No. 522

Masonry Corner

Did you leave Springfield and our Annual Communication with a positive attitude? Perhaps the feeling of “So what else are we to do” went home with you. I went home with a renewed outlook on the path forward for my Lodge and for our Grand Lodge. This session went very smoothly with some positive actions. Congratulations to Grand Master Jackson and his core of officers on a job well-done.

Today’s smartphones are a modern marvel. Manufacturers are churning out new, state-of-theart products at a dizzying rate. You may be asking yourself, “Do I really need a smartphone that will shoot a 48-megapixel image?” The short answer is not really.

The Future is NOW –

Time to

So many workshops are presented during our GLAC where members had an opportunity to increase their awareness of what our Grand Lodge is doing and how you as a member can improve your home lodge. Did you participate in one? If not, why not?

Just a small reminder that if you change any of your personal information, be sure to let your secretary know of the change. It is very important when doing a Call-em-All or emailing a Brother that the correct information is in the Lodge database. use the database when I need information on a Brother or a Lodge and notice that not everyone’s information is current.

A typical smartphone usually takes photos at a 12 megapixel size (or larger). This is more than adequate resolution for the Freemasonry publication. Many times the photos submitted are so much smaller than that size. When uploading photos from your smartphone, please make sure you send the actual image size — not a reduced version (i.e. small, medium or large). Often when emailing a photo, your phone will ask what size it should send.

For everyday use, most smartphones will do just fine. My nearly 6-year-old Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone creates a 22.6 megapixel photo. This will translate to a 13” wide by 10” high image which is ideal for printing in the Freemasonry magazine. My husband has an older model iPhone 11 which takes an even larger photo: a 34.9 megapixel image. As far as taking a group shot or a photo of a building’s exterior, I couldn’t ask for a better phone.

Keep in mind that email servers these days can accept a MUCH larger file size than they ever could before. You should have no problem emailing actual size (original resolution) photos.

R.W.B. Ed Walker, Editor

W.B. Mark Schmidt, Associate Editor Jennifer Woods, Graphic Designer

Together we can achieve if we genuinely believe.”

I went home with a renewed outlook on the path forward.”

GRAND LODGE GOLF OUTING 2022

What a

Greetings Brethren! On July 18th, 2022, over eighty golfers gathered for our Annual Grand Lodge Golf Outing at El Paso Golf Club to benefit the Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program. With beautiful weather, the day started with registration followed by a shotgun start. The course was in excellent shape and provided great competition between the teams. As the teams finished their 18th hole, they all joined together in the club house for a delicious dinner and awards ceremony. We were able to raise over $18,000 this year!

Through your assistance and donations, the Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program was able to provide continuing education to many administrators, teachers, and support staff working in Illinois school districts. Through these educators we were able to affect the lives of thousands of students throughout the State of Illinois. The IMSAP Committee members would like to send a special thank you to all our golfers, volunteers, sponsors, and all involved in making this event a success. We look forward to seeing you all on July 17th, 2023, at the El Paso Golf Club in El Paso, IL.

R.W.B. Christopher J. Both, IMSAP Board of Managers, Chairman

Prepare for the Future –Academic 2023 BOWL

By Herman Albers

The 39th annual Masonic Academic Bowl is now registering schools for participation and all lodges are asked to support their local school or schools.

The dates of the tournament are:

Sectionals -- Saturday February 18, 2023, at locations to be determined throughout Illinois.

State Finals - Saturday March 4, 2023, at Bloomington High School.

The program was started for several reasons, not the least of which was to provide positive recognition for academic excellence. Another primary reason was to get lodges out of their buildings and into the community by recognizing student achievement through their scholar bowl programs. By contacting schools, coaches, and parents, Masons could become more visible to the community and to young adults who are the leaders for the next generation.

In early October, all lodges were sent a letter explaining the program and asking it to participate in the program. If you need a copy of the letter, talk to your lodge officers, or contact the chairman (albers@htc.net). More information on the tournament, its history, and format are available at the website (academic bowl.org).

Sponsorships consist of several parts. Financially, a full sponsorship for a school in the tournament is $150. If a lodge cannot sponsor a school fully, partial sponsorships are recognized. Two lodges can partner to provide sponsorships for a school and a lodge can sponsor more than one school. The lodge remittance form is available on the Grand Lodge website (ilmason.org) or via the committee chairman.

A great way for lodges to provide positive recognition for academic excellence.”

Lodge sponsorship of a school, however, means more than just financially supporting the program. It means lodge members are encouraged to contact the school principal, contact the coach, meet with team members, and demonstrate that they are interested in their school and program. One of the best ways to show support is to attend the Sectional Tournament in February for your school(s). Be on site. Shake the hands of the coach and team members. Tell them who you. Tell them who you are representing. Show them that Masons are interested in their school and their program. I urge you and your brethren to invest a few hours on a Saturday in our youth’s future. They will be impressed with you, and you will be impressed with them.

Another part of the program is to get schools involved. All schools with scholar bowl programs were sent an invitation to register in September. As the website shows, about sixty schools have currently registered. The deadline for registering is January 10, 2023. Some coaches will not register until the deadline looms. Some coaches will register at the next opportunity. Some coaches need a gentle reminder from a local Mason to email the registration form to the chairman.

The school coach must register the team; a lodge cannot register a school. Masons are urged to check the website and if their local school is not registered, contact the school, coach, or principal, and ask them to get involved in the tournament. There is no cost to the school. If you need help, contact the Academic Bowl Committee member in your area. The contact by local Masons is a huge part of making this program successful.

With the longevity of this program and about three hundred schools participating annually, the Masonic Academic Bowl program provided by the Grand Lodge is an effective way for Lodges and Masons to become more visible and involved. The Academic Bowl Committee urges you and your lodge to be effective in your community. Your school and your lodge will be better for it.

W.B. Herman Albers, Academic Bowl Chairman

Robert Leroy Minor Harmony 3

Johnny Arthur Wagner New Boston 59

Wilbur Julius Jahr Doric 319

Ernest Edward Hoffman Maroa 454

Lenord K. Hensel Constellation 974

Jack Ray Reynolds Stephen Decatur 979

George J Toscas Hellenic 1084

Constantine Nicholas Kangles Clarence P. Schwarz 1163

Victor Joseph De Croix Morton 352

Finley Arthur Hauck Princeville 360

Roland Albert Hassebrock Douglas 361

Ivan Leroy Gunter Ashmore 390

Larry Dean Wood Bethalto 406

Jim Hewitt Paxton 416

Jeffrey Lynn Rowan Makanda 434

William Frank La Vres Chicago 437

Donald Ray Sheldon Cave-In-Rock 444

Eugene Bernard Pollock Bromwell 451

Francis Eugene Asselmeier Columbia 474

Dale Jack Sandelin Pleiades 478

Thorkil Winther Pleiades 478

Keith Frank Fencl Pleiades 478

Gary Dean Henson Alma 497

Paul Clifford Polete Murphysboro 498

Paul Eldon Hemken Madison 560

Walter Leon Wilhite Madison 560

Richard Earl Melvin Frankfort 567

Darius George Monken O'Fallon 576

Richard Lee Card Rock River 612

Dan William Chappell Manteno 636

William Henry Lilly Greenland 665

Roger Dean Brandt Erie 667

Gerald Lee Freeborn Buffalo Prairie 679

Roger Lee Ellingson Orangeville 687

Chris Allen Thompson Herrin's Prairie 693

Ervin Edward Kumm Gibson 733

Lowell Theodore Bell Morning Star 734

Terry Lee Miller Sesser - Goode 744

James Arthur Williamson Crete 763

Marvin Eugene Rentfrow George A. Sentel 764

William Alan Margeson Azure La Grange 770

James Louis White Ridgway 816

Leroy Edward Hansen Grove 824

George Henry Warriner III Mazon 826

James Odell Cobb Triple 835

Loring H Kohrt Silvis 898

John Richard Boland Elmhurst 941

James Irving Dahle Elmhurst 941

John Arthur Cella Elmhurst 941

Wayne Everett Williams Stephen Decatur 979

Robert Dean Watson Stephen Decatur 979

Terry Lee Elliott Anchor 980

Larry Gene Quick Anchor 980

Kenneth Craig Thompson Paul Revere 998

Delbert Ray Jeralds Hurst 1004

Jack Dean Scoville Emeth 1030

Louie Cross Zeigler 1048

Alan Lloyd Minton Zeigler 1048

Stanley Clark Link Wood River 1062

William Lee Heylek Villa Park 1113

Michael Leslie Budde Argo-Summit 1133

Aldon J Allen Hilton 1143

Edward David Ramsey Springfield 4

Ray Thomas Lusk Jr Macomb 17

Lee Odell Myers Mt. Vernon 31

William Forrest Freeman Olive Branch 38

Samuel Boyd Smith Herman 39

Emmett Franklin Roth Occidental 40

Carl Robert Berry Jr Bloomington 43

Richard Arthur Kangas Temple 46

Michael Eugene Sissom Caledonia 47

Marlin C Walker Unity 48

Harmon Presswood Chester 72

Phillip Dean Cochran Prairie 77

Randall William Sutton Prairie 77

Robert Henry Brinkerhoff Prairie 77

Terence Eric Cracknell Waukegan 78

Larry Gene Harbison White Hall 80

Donald Ray Parr Metropolis 91

John Charles Tice Samuel H. Davis 96

Richard Leon Seagraves Taylor 98

James Martin Bittle Rockford 102

Donald Gantz Devonshire Rockford 102

Neal Eugene Isbell Lancaster 106

Clyde Morgan Stokes Jr Anna-Jonesboro Masonic 111

Thomas Parker Strawn Mound 122

Rodney William Miller Empire

George Allen Greenwell Marshall 133

Henry David Newkirk De Kalb

Ronald Orren Williams Delavan

Alan J. Robel McHenry

Merle Edward Clucas Star in the East

Mark Quentin Schild Star in the East

Robert Bing Wells Lena

Larry Allen Buchenau Lena

Larry Allen Friese Lena

William Henry Miller Staunton

Dale Franklin Thayer Fulton City

Gary Vernon Isbell Farmington

Donald Robert Zessin Farmington

Craig Eugene Alcorn Centralia

Lewis White Flora

Albert Allen Gray Wilmington

Terry Leroy Smith

Ronnie Joe Horwedel Ipava

Daryl Fredric Notzke George Washington 222

Ross Brooks Baer George Washington 222

William Dale Chamness Cairo 237

Larry D. Buhrmester Western Star 240

Glenn E. Thomas Western Star 240

Glenn Edward Rinkel Illinois 263

Gary Wayne Palmer Genoa 288

Louis Gail Hummel Prophetstown 293

Delbert Keith Clayton Doric 319

Michael Wayne Williams Sr Doric 319

Lonnie Keith Devin Flat Rock 348

Support Your Local Masonic Lodge

By Ed Walker

How active is your Lodge in communicating with your members and widows? Do you wish participation was greater than what you are experiencing today? Your Grand Lodge offers two very successful programs that have helped many Lodges, not only to maintain what they have now, but enables the Lodge to grow and keep members interested in Lodge activities and community involvement.

Ask your secretary about the Call-Em-All program that many Lodges are using on a regular basis to inform members of Lodge activities. The second program is called OurLodgePage, a free website that each Lodge has access to post events in your Lodge calendar, post new stories or items of interest to members, can also be used to pay dues online.

Again, if your Lodge is not using either of these programs, find out why and get going on enhancing your Masonic heritage.

R.W.B. Ed Walker, Editor

Arcola Masonic Community Center

By Christopher J. Campbell

This is a story of how Arcola Lodge No. 366, a small-town lodge with extremely limited funds but lots of positive thinking, built a valuable Masonic and Community asset. When I first heard this story of how the Arcola Masonic Community Center came to be, I was intrigued and knew I had to share it with my Masonic Brothers. I met with WB Gary Doemelt and WB Zach Doemelt in early June 2022; this is their story.

An Old Building

Prior to the mid-1980s, the Arcola Masonic Lodge was housed at 108 1/2 East Main Street. WB Gary Doemelt was the Worshipful Master at that time. The lodge met upstairs, up thirty-three stairs in fact, above an insurance agency. The Lodge owned the building, and the insurance agent who rented the ground floor, Brother D. Lindenmeyer, was a member of the Arcola Lodge. In the early 1980s, the members of the Lodge realized that they would need to do something about the building; it was constantly in need of repair and those repairs were not always completed due to lack of funds. Almost every lodge has the same concerns: not enough money and not enough volunteers to do what is necessary.

In 1984, the lodge held an event, the purpose lost to memory, with the ladies from the local Methodist Church providing the meal. Moving people, food, and everything else up and down the thirty-three stairs, in an old building constantly needing repairs made it clear this building would need a lot of upgrades to serve the Lodge and the community. At a Stated Meeting shortly after this event, WB Doemelt asked the Lodge, “So, what do we do?” He mentioned the idea of establishing a building fund and of eventually moving out of the old building. To contribute to this building fund, it was suggested that those men who did not have close family could leave funds to the building fund in their wills. At the time, Arcola Lodge No. 366 had 106 members, approximately ten who regularly participated.

The adjacent building housed a photography studio on the ground floor and space used by the Lodge for kitchen and dining on the second floor. When its owners, the unmarried Thompson sisters, died, they left their building to the Lodge. Brother D. Lindenmeyer, the insurance agent on the first floor, made a fair market offer to buy the building and the Lodge voted to accept. The Lodge sold the building, including the adjacent

Thompson building, to Brother Lindenmeyer with an informal agreement that the Lodge could use the upstairs lodge areas if they covered utilities and insurance. Brother Lindenmeyer passed away in June 1995. After several years, his heirs were unable to continue to make the needed repairs to the building and to allow the Lodge to continue to occupy the building rent free. The Lodge needed to act!

By early 2013, the lodge was meeting in the break room at Doemelt’s machine shop east of downtown Arcola. At this time, the building fund was approximately $180,000; not enough to build a new building, but a lot of money to give away to another lodge or to Grand Lodge. The Lodge members could not reach a consensus of which other Lodge to join and could neither reach a consensus on whether to or how to disburse the building fund monies. WB Doemelt was again the Master. They were faced with several unattractive options: repair the existing building, move into another building, or close the Arcola Lodge and join another area lodge. WB Doemelt said, “I did not want to be the Master who closed the Lodge after 153 years”.

A core group of half a dozen or so of the Lodge membership then

numbering forty-two decided to lead an effort to build a new building. These members were mostly retired, and many were or had been businessmen. They began to ask each other, “What can you do to contribute?” Building a new lodge building was a daunting challenge. This Lodge’s journey was not a carefully mapped out, scripted trip from point A to point B. Throughout the process there were revisions, setbacks, and many skeptics. Much of the planning and many of the ideas were developed over coffee at a local coffee shop, or beers at a local pub. In conversation and brain storming, the members hit upon a possible answer. They would make the public aware of their objective and keep the local community of Arcola up to date on their plans. With help from Editor Chris Slack, the Lodge shared their progress through weekly articles in the Arcola Record-Herald. Businesses and organizations in Arcola, a farming community of 3,000, stepped up and contributed.

Growing the Building Fund

How does a Lodge of a few dozen members, in a city of 3,000, raise well over $300,000 for a new building? It took work. The members of the Lodge wrote letters to hundreds of businesses, knocked on doors, asked for funds. WB Doemelt said that there were a few who promised support but failed to deliver. More surprising, though, were those who one would never expect to give a dime, but who gave generously. The Lodge knew that people are not apt to contribute to a cause without some benefit to themselves. So, the Lodge decided this new building would not be the Arcola Masonic Lodge, but the Arcola Masonic Community Center. A community center was an idea that elicited much more support. If other organizations would be welcome to use the building, contributing made much more sense.

Inside the new Lodge building, there is a wall facing the front doors, off to the right. Known as the Arcola Lodge Appreciation Board, it catches the eye immediately as one enters the building. On this wall are 106 names of individuals and organizations etched in bright blue anodized aluminum. Each name represents a contribution of $1,000 or more to the building fund. Doemelt will not say how much more but did note that many contributors

donated far more than $1,000. He further said that every one of the 106 names on the wall represents a story. A story of respect or sacrifice or fraternity. In observance of the Lodge’s and contributors’ wishes, those stories will remain private.

Donations were not limited to cash; Doemelt estimates 80% of the building materials were donated. The local Rotary Club donated a floor buffer. The security system was donated. All the general labor was donated, much by members of the Lodge, but also including members of the Arcola community. Some specialty skills, however, were hired and paid out of the building fund.

Contributions through Inheritance

Several Masons left monies to the building fund in their wills. Some of these are:

One Brother, a market owner named Raymond, left a sizable sum. When Raymond agreed to leave his inheritance to the building fund, he shook his finger in WB Doemelt’s face, and said “I expect you not to squander my money!” Advice the Lodge would follow. Raymond passed away in 1993, and true to his promise ten years previously, his will left $70,000 to the Arcola lodge building fund.

Another brother, known as ‘Dutch,’ left $6,500. Then there was WB Eugene ‘Shammy’ Shambarger; he was a Past Master of Arcola Lodge and served as Chaplain in 2013. His story is one of many miracles that show The Grand Architect of the Universe smiles favorably upon Masonry. Three Lodge meetings in early 2013 were pivotal for the Lodge for it was during this period that Shammy’s contribution to the new Masonic Community Center was realized. The Lodge had purchased a life insurance annuity on him since he was considered a key member of the Lodge.

Shortly after the Lodge started meeting at the machine shop, Shammy, now in his eighties, had fallen on tough times, both financially and due to failing health. WB Doemelt related that during the first Lodge meeting in 2013, Shammy appeared visibly moved and asked God for a way to contribute. While shopping shortly after that meeting, he suffered a heart attack. He was rushed to the

hospital, where he was successfully treated. He told the Lodge that during his attack, he saw a hand in front of his face, and heard a voice saying, “it is not yet your time.” Two months later, on the morning of the third Lodge meeting, Shammy suffered another heart attack and died. The life annuity had matured a mere six days before his death. The Lodge lost a long-time and treasured Brother, but the building fund benefited from a sizable addition paid out from the annuity.

Building a New Building

The building needed a location. The City of Arcola contributed vacant property at 111 S. Locust Street. The Lodge secured the assistance of retired Douglas County judge, RW Brother Frank Lincoln, a member of Tuscola Lodge 332, for much of the legal assistance. Interestingly, RWB Lincoln’s grandfather had owned an auto dealership at that location when Lincoln was a young boy, and for RWB Lincoln it was a sometime playground.

Construction began with clearing the site in 2013. The building opened five years later, on April 17, 2017. With a large commercial kitchen, it provides the ability to cook meals for large groups; however, WB Doemelt says he is most proud of the soft serve ice cream machine. The kitchen includes two commercial freezers, a large commercial refrigerator, an ice machine, cooking appliances, and sinks for clean-up. Most of the kitchen furnishings were purchased out of the building fund.

Not all of what we see there was donated or covered by the building fund. The Lodge still needed to borrow $75,000. That mortgage, though, is being paid off well in advance, and the Lodge expects it to be fully repaid in mid-2024.

A Small-Town Masonic Community Center

The building name, topping the front covered porch, reads Arcola Masonic Community Center. Sure, the square and compass appears on the front of the

building, but this is not solely a Masonic Lodge. In fact, unlike some other lodges, there is no dedicated Lodge room. The lodge furnishings and materials are stored in a secured room, and due to clever planning and organization, can be set up for Lodge meetings in six minutes. The building dimensions are sixty-four feet by 112 feet, not including the covered porch on the front (west) side. Most of the space is dedicated to the large, open, meeting room. The floor is polished concrete, to reflect its multi-purpose use. Tables and chairs, providing seating for 250, are kept stored on built in racks and rolling racks in a closet in the northeast corner, in line with the kitchen.

Regular users, in addition to the Lodge, which meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM, include the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Both contributed to the building, and both contribute an annual fee for use. The Chamber of Commerce holds dances, and youth groups and church groups hold events in the building. When COVID vaccinations were being offered to large groups, the Arcola Masonic Community Center was where they were administered.

The Secret: You must run it like a business

The Lodge has grown from forty-two members in the early days of this journey to seventy-eight members today. Despite almost double the number, however, WB Doemelt observes there is no way a Lodge can survive on dues alone, no matter how high. He says, “This building takes funds, and lots of them, to remain open each month. To keep that operating, it must be thought of and run like a business. It needs income to support its expenses.”

The Arcola Lodge holds several fund raisers, which in addition to the rental and ongoing contributions from users, keeps the building open. Arcola holds an annual Broom Corn Festival each summer; the Lodge participates as a vendor, serving drinks, ice cream, and other snacks. Each March, the Lodge holds a raffle with 31 days of prizes, worth at least $100 a day. Twice a year, the Lodge has a drive-through pork dinner; local citizens can drive up and receive a full pork dinner, prepared in the building’s large kitchen, which is up to the task.

WB Doemelt is justifiably proud of this facility, and what it took to achieve it. He stresses though that it was not one man’s work. There were many who contributed.

• Brothers who believed in the idea, and who left portions of their estates to the building fund

• O thers who left portions of the estate, and who contributed to the old lodge before the new building idea was even raised

• Brothers and other members of the community who provided their labor to work, in planning, preparation, and construction

• Local businesses and organizations who contributed funds, materials, and equipment

• Members of the community who supported and continue to support the building through attending the events held there

There have been too many contributions to name. As Doemelt states, this is not a major success story, and it is not the story of one person. Rather, it is about a Lodge, a group of Brothers who, through their Fraternity and dedication to one another, were able to come together, share a vision, and through that Fraternity and dedication, make that vision a reality.

In this writer’s opinion, Arcola is fortunate to have this Lodge of Masons as part of their community. They have given something valuable back to their community for now and many years to come.

Brother Christopher J. Campbell Junior Deacon, Tolono Lodge No.391

Celebrating 150 Years in Herrin

By Bro. Clint Borcky

For 150 years, this Lodge has been tiled.

To say that this year marks a momentous occasion for Herrin’s Prairie Lodge #693 would be putting it lightly. The lodge is not only excited, but also deeply honored to celebrate one-hundred and fifty years since receiving their charter. That means one-hundred and fifty years of history, one-hundred and fifty years of brotherhood, and one-hundred and fifty years of passing on tradition, ceremony, light, and the knowledge that a man may always improve himself in Masonry. In these one-hundred and fifty years, the lodge has suffered through wars, gang activity, death, sickness, riots, massacres, and shootouts (Herrin has not always been the quaint mining-town it is today) and it has always risen to the occasion and stands all the stronger for it. From its first year in 1872, not seven years after the ending of the Civil War, to the present day, the lodge perseveres. From dark days and darker nights, to sparkling light and hope in a torn community. From brothers answering the call of their country and never returning, to brothers helping each other weather the storm, this is Herrin’s Prairie Lodge #693.

Past:

In fall of 1872, the upstairs room of a flour mill was ordered to be cleared out in order to make space for meetings. This mill had been built just ten years prior, the third steam mill in the county, and was operated by William Jasper Pope. It boasted a cotton gin as part of the plant and miller Wiley Blair was brought in to oversee operations upon Pope’s death. There was not much else in the township of Herrin’s Prairie, though it did possess a number of churches, stores, a fourth class post office (with the name Herrin’s Prairie) and a boxed building named Stotlar School. This was, indeed, a prairie after-all and farming was the number one profession in the area. The mills allowed the grain that was harvested in the county to be milled and refined without having to outsource to more urban areas, like St. Louis. This brought work to the area and allowed the town to reach a large enough size that,

on October 2nd, 1872, a group of men held the first stated meeting of Herrin’s Prairie Lodge #693.

Dr. Samuel H. Bundy, a preacher at the nearby Gum Springs Church served as the Worshipful Master during that time. Other member’s include his son, William H. Bundy (who would go on to be the last surviving Charter Member upon his death in 1938) and D. R. Harrison, an influential figure in the area. Harrison’s cousin John D. Herrin, who was a merchant in the neighboring town of Carterville and the previously mentioned miller, Wiley Blair, were the first to be initiated into the degree of Entered Apprentice. Other Masons in the area, including Civil War veteran John G. Williams, transferred membership to the newly formed lodge during this period as well. [1]

Fast forward fifty-four years and you’ll arrive in a very different town of Herrin (no longer Herrin’s Prairie, though the lodge opted to keep the extended name). While farming was still a large part of the local economy, field-hands and milling began to give way to coal miners and mine shafts. In 1922, the most horrific labor dispute the country had ever witnessed had culminated in the sleepy community. Strike breakers, or Scabs as they were called, had been massacred at a nearby mine by the strikers themselves. The survivors were rounded up and marched within a block of the Herrin Masonic Temple (the lodge had moved into a room above a store and post office before the large temple was built downtown). Their march would end at the city cemetery, where they would be shot and dumped in shallow graves with no markers. This event was known as the Herrin Massacre. [2]

This tragedy left the community divided for many years, and was still fresh in every citizen’s mind in 1926, when another horrific event would shape the community. A local election had been manipulated by the Ku Klux Klan and results were produced in their favor. The town of Herrin, then a much more callous place, was divided once again. Several events led to the front steps of the Masonic Temple, which was

a polling place at the time. Many prominent Klansmen were in the area, attempting to sway voters, when a gunfight broke out. As many as 6 were dead, and many more were wounded on the lawn of the Temple. A bullet fired by a Klansman, missed a resident and lodged itself in the brick of the Masonic Temple wall. According to author Gary DeNeal, “The bullet remained in the concrete for years and, despite efforts at patching, [is] still discernible …” [3]

Scars, even in buildings, tend to fade overtime and time marches on. Most times were good, certainly, though the more disturbing images always seem to cast a shadow on the better days. Herrin’s Prairie Lodge #693 served as a beacon in the community. The lodge saw many young brothers off to face Germany in WWI, Japan and the Nazis in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East, and to this day proudly honors those who served, both brother and stranger.

Time was not kind to the large Masonic Temple in Herrin, and in 2006 it was sold. Anyone can still wander by there today and see the pockmarks left by bullets (only one from the 1926 shootout, more were added later by a man who claimed the Freemasons caused his divorce!) and almost hear the voices lost to memory as they whisper their woes and triumphs. The building is now owned by the Herrin Memorial Hospital and used for record keeping, but it is still a beautiful sight to behold.

With every sad passing comes the possibility for rebirth. It was in this spirit that a new building was built on the opposite end of town. While the new lodge appears quainter, it never ceased in activity. Through the years, thousands of dollars have been raised in the Masonic spirit of bettering the community by bettering its men. Each day is a new chapter in a book that continues to be a page-turner.

Present:

As of 2022, the lodge is more determined than ever to remain a constant in the eyes of our beautiful little city. Herrin’s Prairie Lodge proudly donates to the Herrin’s Prairie Lodge

Scholarship, which is awarded to a student at Herrin High School every year. The lodge recently marched in the Herrin Festa Italiana parade, where a large Square and Compass were on prominent display! An annual fishing derby was proposed by BRO. Jesse Richardson, which is for children under the age of 14 years old. The derby awards prizes for most fish caught and largest fish caught and awards trophies to the winners.

“My favorite event is the kids fishing derby,” states W.M. John Smoot, “I feel that it is a fun way to introduce kids to the outdoors and it is something anyone can do. It has been a great way to connect with the community and provide something for the kids to do.” [4]

This was an incredible event that many people in the city of Herrin now look forward to every year. The lodge is also elated to be sponsoring a Jr. Ball League baseball team and has helped raise money for a youth skeet shooting team that they purchase better equipment.

Food continues to be a driving activity at the lodge as every year multiple breakfasts, lunches and dinners are hosted. From mostaccioli to biscuits and gravy. From the most tender pork steak you’ve ever cut into, to soul-warming chicken & dumplings. Herrin’s Prairie #693 is always cooking and using food as a way to show the city citizens that the lodge is a warm and welcoming place.

Light, and further light, is also a staple for the brothers of the lodge. It is not uncommon to see members from the Masonic lodge in Herrin, turn up at degree work all over Southern Illinois. W.M. Smoot stated that, “2022 has been about rebuilding. We have worked to provide many opportunities in different areas because everyone joins for a different reason and we want everyone to be able to receive the light they desired when they first joined.”

We are also happy to work alongside other Masonic organizations such as Rainbow Girls, Order of the Eastern Star, and The Widow’s Sons

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation

The Illinois Freemasonry (Pub. #1014-655) is published four times a year (February, May, August, November) by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois. Subscription rate is $1.00 per year. The offices of publication and headquarters and general business offices of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois is 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, IL 62703. The sole owner of the publication is the Most Worshipful Grand Loge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois at the address listed above. There are no known bondholders, mortgage or other security holders.

MC. Recently, the Lodge in Herrin also started acting as the annual meeting facility for the local Swords of Bunker Hill chapter and hope to partner with many more organizations in the future.

Future:

As with all things, the future of Herrin’s Prairie Lodge #693 will remain uncertain. Only the passing of time can reveal the work, the fellowship, the community involvement, the laughter, the tears, the education, the light, the commitment, and the hope that will continue to flourish amongst the brothers here. Members desire that the Lodge remains a beacon of hope for men looking to improve themselves in Masonry, and this is echoed in the words of W.M. John Smoot when he says, “I hope the lodge continues to promote the basic principles of Freemasonry and expands [it’s] participation in the community.” The lodge looks forward to celebrating their sesquicentennial in style and look to the east for all that is to come.

Here’s hoping for another 150 years of seeing that the Lodge is tiled.

The Future is NOW in Edwardsville Lodge No. 99

By John Evans and Dave Hutt

The Brethren of Edwardsville Lodge No. 99 are on the move. After the dense fog of the pandemic season, the membership wanted to start having fundraiser breakfasts once again. The decision was made as a Lodge to make our efforts more visible in the community of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon. It was decided that the proceeds of our fundraising efforts should be forwarded to worthy organizations in our community. The overarching goal was to get individuals from the community into our Lodge besides the usual lodge member.

The first event we had in April was earmarked to benefit the Glen Ed Food Pantry. The director of that community organization was invited to attend the Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast and pass out information about what they do. The event was well attended both by Masons and the community, including the Mayor of Edwardsville and at least one Alderman. In conjunction with Branch No. 14 of the Western Catholic Union, the breakfast served over fifty people, raised $352, and collected 195 pounds of can goods and non-perishable food items. The amount raised was matched by Branch No. 14 in the amount of $250 making the total $602. This amount along with the collected food items were presented to the Glen-Ed Pantry on May 13, 2022.

June’s breakfast named “Faith in Action”, a local faithbased group that aids the elderly in the community, as the beneficiary of our labors. For the first time in recent memory, there were more non-Masons than Masons in our Lodge. The June 18th event raised $588 with the proceeds presented on June 24, 2022.

(Photo)

Our most recent breakfast was held on July 16 to benefit the Scottish Rite’s Children’s Dyslexia Center. This time, we invited BSA Troop 216 to offer a service opportunity for any Scouts that wanted to participate. The final donation total reached $1115, and a request has been submitted to IMCAP to request any matching funds they are able to supply.

The energy of Edwardsville Lodge No. 99 has been amplified by the summer’s activities, and future community beneficiaries have been selected for the upcoming fund-raising activities.

W.M. John Evans – Worshipful Master and Brother Dave Hutt - Treasurer Edwardsville Lodge No. 99

4th of July Parade and Masonry

By Kerry Danner

Farmington Lodge No. 192 assembled on July 4th wearing aprons to participate in a parade in Farmington, Illinois. It is our annual parade hosted by the lodge. While there were only about fifteen of us there, we rode a makeshift float pulled by a tractor, followed by a few Widows Sons on their bikes. There were two Order of the Eastern Star Sisters also riding as they hold their meetings in our Lodge. Candy was tossed to the children along the route which was eagerly picked up. It was a warm and sunny day for the parade and spectators and participants had fun interacting along the parade route.

R.W.B.

Kerry Danner

Secretary, Farmington Lodge No. 192