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