GRAND MASTER’S

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

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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

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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