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.”