Building STRONGER BONDS
Partnerships within Illinois Freemasonry extend beyond the fraternity itself.”
Momentum in Community
We recognize staying connected to the world outside our campus.”
For many, a first introduction to our Home comes through a volunteer opportunity—and that initial connection often turns into something lasting. It’s common for volunteers and guests to refer friends and family when a loved one needs care. These bonds, formed through shared experiences, are the foundation of our ongoing momentum.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to building momentum through our connections and partnerships. We are always exploring new ways to expand our program and offer value to the broader community. Our efforts build on connection. By
staying open to the world, we help our residents remain part of it—fully, meaningfully, and joyfully.
Momentum at the Eastern Star Home is not about staying busy – it is about moving forward with purpose. Because when we move with compassion, collaboration, and connection, we all keep life in motion.
Pam Trinco Vice President Board of Governors Grand Chapter Order of the
Eastern
Star of Illinois
PBL Best Buddies –Kids Learning Together
Would you believe the simple acts of watching a video while having breakfast with others could bridge the gap between people with disabilities and those without? According to Jim Shearl, Secretary of Paxton Masonic Lodge #416, that is all it takes. Shearl continued by explaining that the Paxton Masonic Lodge is dedicated to finding needs in the Paxton area and developing ways to help. Paxton-Buckley-Loda (PBL) School District Unit #10 located in east-central Illinois is a farming community founded by people of Swedish descent. Paxton Lodge #416 has been active in the community since 1885.
The PBL Best Buddies program is rooted in people who care and are stepping up with extra hours as elementary school instructors. To not detract from regular classroom time, the teachers have gathered with kids monthly from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. During those meetings, a video is shown featuring a different disability. Those viewing the video are kids from grades 1-5 that have a disability along with kids that do not have a disability from the PBL School. In recent months, the students have
learned about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Rett’s Syndrome, Diabetes, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Down syndrome, and Autism. The concept the teachers are bringing forward involves the video which explains how a person’s life is affected by disability. Then, they play a game or do an activity to better understand what it is like for a person with that disability. PBL Instructor Michelle Swanson explains the learning experience this way. “There is learning on both sides, the kids with disabilities get to see how others play and those without disability learn how to play with those that have the issue.”
The Paxton Masonic Lodge along with Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program (IMCAP) is supporting this program by providing funds for the monthly breakfast and by purchasing the designer t-shirts which give the program a proud identity. The design on the t-shirts is two little fingers linking two people. Shearl commented, “What a symbol of friendship and closeness. When I first saw the t-shirt design, I thought not only of the tie it symbolizes between the kids, but also of the connectivity of the teachers to the program and of Masons throughout the world to people with needs.”
The PBL Best Buddies program is rooted in people who care and are steeping up.”
Another example of learning through the program is the Christmas cards and handmade bracelets given to the Paxton Lodge by the kids at Christmas. Pictured with this story are cards and bracelets made for us by the kids.
Hat’s off to these PBL Instructors for giving of their personal time to making PBL Best Buddies possible: Jaileigh Foster, Andi Staton, Michelle Swanson, Deb Johnson, Lindsey Flessner, Mariah Sizemore, Erin Graham, Nicole Shields, and Patricia Maher. The instructors gather with ninety students to make this program possible. – Jim Shearl
This is such a fantastic program! Let us keep partnering with the local schools in your community to help guide our future leaders!!
Jeni Martin Director of IMOS and IMCAP
By participating in local events or sponsoring local causes, you increase your visibility.”
As Freemasons, some of the most impactful work that we do is simply to be an Exemplar — an example for others to emulate.”
Freemasons are focused on how to work harmoniously together which is highlighted by an important symbol illustrated in our ritual ceremonies. The Beehive is a treasured symbol in Freemasonry and punctuates how we execute the small and large activities that transforms the lives of our Brothers and delivers valuable service to mankind. We learn that “the Beehive is an emblem of industry, and recommends the practice of that virtue to all created beings, from the highest seraph in Heaven to the lowest reptile of the dust. It teaches us that as we came into the world rational and intelligent beings, so we should ever be industrious ones; never sitting down contented while our fellow-creatures around us are in want, especially when it is in our power to relieve them without inconvenience to ourselves.” This symbol further informs us that “it might have pleased the great Creator of heaven and earth to have made man independent; but, as dependence is one of the strongest bonds of society, mankind were made dependent on each other for protection and security, as they thereby enjoy better opportunities for fulfilling the duties of reciprocal love and friendship.” Those ritual excerpts illuminate and inform how Freemasons network and partner together to be industrious.
For context, we have several Masonic Lodges in Illinois that are celebrating their 175th anniversary and still located in the various towns and cities that
they continue to serve. The teamwork of the Brethren have been time-tested and proven. From a historical perspective, many Lodges hold the distinction as one of the first incorporated entities in the town or city. As Freemasons, we take pride in the legacy of service and support for our local communities. At the root of that success has been the ability to attract good men to the fraternity generation after generation. Common threads amongst membership prospects continue to be the desire to make genuine friends and become better fathers, husbands and citizens. In many circumstances, the spark to seek membership came from observing men who were examples of how to live an impactful life filled with honor, integrity, freedom, equality, tolerance, brotherly love, learning and service to mankind. Also, the visibility, local story of our legacy and the inspiration felt from our ongoing work in the community continues to fuel the longevity of the active and engaged Lodges for Illinois Freemasonry.
If you are taking away the impression that the local Lodge is the cornerstone within Freemasonry upon which we build and perform our work, then you would be accurate. In Freemasonry, we do our work, not for glory or praise, but because it is work that should be done. Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth are the tenets and core principles of the fraternity. We take a broad view on how to relieve the suffering of others. Here is some insight into our perspective,
“to relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men; but particularly on Masons, who profess to be linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, and to restore peace to their troubled minds, is the grand aim we have in view. On this basis we form our friendships and establish our connections.” That ritual excerpt frames and underscores the work of the fraternity especially related to our charitable and benevolent activities and programs. Said simply, we are honorable men who care about the people around us and marshal our collective talents and resources to help out.
Staying true to our focus on building, we look to the servant leaders at the Lodge, District, Masonic Area and Statewide levels to act as our architects. These are the men chosen to lead the planning work, inspire Brethren to study and learn, assemble them to put on events, and celebrate completed projects together; also, as a brotherhood, these leaders champion the fun, unique friendships and fraternal
connections that we cherish. Next, the question, “what’s on the calendar or trestle board?” takes on a broad meaning within the fraternity and gives a companion call to action for the Brethren to step forward to volunteer their time, talents and resources to advance our work. Fundamentally, a Lodge is a place of teamwork, planning, communication, effective execution and ongoing follow up activities which are required to drive success. In particular, we encourage Brethren to ask for information, expand their knowledge and seek out guidance from mentors. Next, we have the privilege of interacting and meeting with Freemasons who come from a wide variety of backgrounds. In our work, there are no small jobs, just work that needs to get done. Whether you need a Brother to serve as the keynote speaker or help with food service for an event, all of the workmen are needed to deliver a positive result. Overall, the officers layout the plans and assemble the Craft to work; that simple approach has propelled the fraternity forward and underscores the strength of our legacy.
By Patrick Grubbs
IInspiration IN A BOTTLE The Story of the DuQuoin Masonic Decanter
n the late 1960s, rock and roll filled the airwaves, muscle cars thundered down the highways, and one visionary Mason in Southern Illinois looked at his aging lodge and saw an opportunity for change.
Nestled in the small town of DuQuoin stands DuQuoin Lodge No.234, a well-known Masonic lodge with deep roots in the community. At the time, the building was deteriorating and posed accessibility challenges for members with physical limitations. It was clear that the lodge needed a major fundraiser, something far more ambitious than the usual pancake breakfast or chili supper. They needed a bold idea, one that could fund the construction of a new Masonic Hall that would stand for generations.
Enter Brother Gene Gallmeister. Inspired by the popularity of Avon’s collectible decanters, he envisioned a unique “bottle” featuring the square and compasses atop the Holy Bible. With help from Brother Curt Dixon, the two developed a prototype and presented the concept to the lodge—and the greater fraternity. The idea gained traction quickly. With the Grand Master’s blessing, DuQuoin Lodge partnered with a company in Kentucky to produce the decanter mold.
Soon, 30,000 brochures were printed and distributed across the community, the Masonic fraternity, and neighboring jurisdictions. The decanter was priced at $10.00, with 50 cents in tax and $1.00 for shipping and handling. The first batch of 5,000 decanters was picked up in person by lodge members—and sold out almost instantly. Orders poured in from across Illinois and neighboring states, prompting additional trips to Kentucky to retrieve more inventory.
Eventually, sales were capped at 15,000 decanters. With over 30,000 brochures circulated and the cast destroyed to preserve its exclusivity, the DuQuoin decanter became a true collector’s item. The lodge secured the rights to all production and used the proceeds to build a new Masonic Hall—one that remains active and vibrant to this day.
In gratitude to the community, the lodge also erected a large metal square and compasses in front of the new building, a symbol of appreciation for the support, dedication, and labor of love that made the project possible.
Legend has it that three prototypes were originally made: one gold (which went into production), one red, and one blue. The latter two never made it to market, but whispers suggest they may still be hidden away— tucked into a closet, a trunk, or a safe—waiting to be rediscovered.
Over 50 years later, these iconic decanters can still be found in Masonic lodges, homes, antique shops, and museums throughout Illinois. This story is a testament to the power of a single idea—how it can ignite a lodge, inspire a fundraiser, and transform a simple meeting into a legacy.
Though the Brothers who launched this legendary fundraiser have long since laid down their working tools, their vision and impact continue to live on.
R.W.B. Patrick Grubbs Senior Grand Deacon
Congratulations 2025 2nd Quarter Anniversaries
2025 2nd Quarter Anniversaries
Rickey Eugene Morse Farmington 192
John Michael Connor Farmington 192
Kerry Ross Danner Farmington 192
Michael C Hinds Farmington 192
David Donald Jacobs Centralia 201
Ronald Alan Klokkenga Lincoln 210
Charles Craig Becker Black Hawk 238
Donald Clark Pullins Galva 243
Robert Eugene Rebbec El Paso 246
Danny Michael Schrock Aledo 252
Duane Alan Moffitt Aledo 252
Jack Wayne Browning Mattoon 260
Roger Allen Gordon Mattoon 260
Larry Doyle Butts Mattoon 260
Rick Nelson Illinois 263
Richard Eldon Johnson Wheaton 269
Ernest Andrew Childress North West 271
Richard Thomas Floyd Carmi 272
Terry Eugene Watson Kansas 280
Forrest Gale Likes Benjamin 297
William Joseph Watkins Raven 303
Kenneth Louis Helgesen Palatine 314
Robert Harold Fuhrer Doric 319
Ronald Joseph Mays Doric 319
Harold Kermit Raaen Doric 319
Tom M. Telford Doric 319
John Charles Gridley Dunlap 321
Michael Lee Woods Tuscola 332
Paul Edward Baltzell Sumner 334
Edward A Brian Sumner 334
Henry W Bullock New Columbia 336
Joseph Norman Lambert Saline 339
Merle Isacc Simmons Kedron 340
Larry Scott Richardson Wenona 344
Wilson Henry Pearce Wenona 344
David Lee Parkinson Morton 352
Thomas Glenn Voigt Marine 355
William Francis Guennewig Jr Arcola 366
Donald Ray Greenfield Mississippi 385
Gary Lawrence Lovell Ashmore 390
Jerry Michael Lowery Ashmore 390
Delbert Leo Severs Makanda 434
Lynne Lee Haste Watseka 446
Michael William Eastburn Watseka 446
Don Kent Kuhle Bromwell 451
Michael Paul Graham Rantoul 470
Vaughn H. M. Faber Libertyville 492
Theron Leon Lyerla Stonefort 495
James Roland Farmer Alma 497
Glenn Ray Towler Hiram 503
Stanley Norman Brillhart Andalusia 516
Robert John Chamberlain Barrington 522
Lee Allen Gladish Chatham Central 523
Bryan Edward Coussens Evans 524
Roy Raymond Cross Jr Altamont 533
David Ray Morrison Altamont 533
Donald Keith Palmer Plainfield 536
William Henry Herring Jr Lockport 538
David Bruce Rowley Lockport 538
Gary Allen White Lockport 538
Ronald Jay Klotz Madison 560
John Gregory Mosher Manteno 636
Bob G. Harris Oblong City 644
Gary Francis Mc Connell Blueville 647
Charles P. Kutcher Greenland 665
Ronald Lee Gwaltney Burnt Prairie 668
Gary Christian Riss Normal 673
Robert Wayne Lyon Buffalo Prairie 679
Harry James Mc Ward Morrisonville 681
Walter Leon Russell Galatia 684
DJ Johnson Herrin’s Prairie 693
James Thomas Winch Pleasant Plains 700
Charles Parker Acton Collison 714
Wayne Acton Collison 714
James Stephen Clingan Collison 714
Rodney Dean Parrish Collison 714
John Clinton Lytle May 718
David Gaile White Lake Creek 729
Charles Douglas Jensen Gibson 733
Gary Lee Stroh Gibson 733
Randall Ray Hartstirn Morning Star 734
Dane David Bergquist Alta 748
Jerry King Alta 748
Thomas Steven Easton Crete 763
John Allen Roth Crete 763
Matt Dostal Arcadia Palace 765
William Edward Edwards Triluminar 767
George Paul Stray Ravenswood 777
Thomas Orville Dell Pittsfield 790
Robert Emil Vorel Jr Lawn 815 Theodore Vasile Gotis Grove 824 Richard Owings Emmons Grove 824
James Robert Wilson Mazon 826 Greg E. Lange Edgar 829 Timothy Leslie Darling Toledo
ILLINOIS FREEMASONRY
Announcing The Illinois Masonic Blue Pages
The Illinois Masonic Blue Pages is a new member resource which provides a directory of businesses across several industries that are owned by or associated with Freemasons in Illinois.
This directory is provided as a direct response to members who periodically seek products or services in which they would like an option in their evaluation process of working with a Freemason.
A dedicated webpage on our Illinois Freemasonry website (ilmason. org) contains information about the Illinois Masonic Blue Pages, provides the ability to view and download the directory, and includes a section to submit a request to have your business listed in the directory.
Any Master Mason in “Good Standing” status with the fraternity can submit a request to be included in the Illinois Masonic Blue Pages. The directory will include businesses from a variety of industries (e.g. Automotive, Business & Professional Services, Finance & Insurance, Real Estate, Retail, Manufacturing, Construction, etc.).
We are currently building the first editions of the directory so your active participation is needed. Also, this member resource is provided at no cost to the businesses listed in the directory.
Networking and Partnership with IMCAP
By Patrick Grubbs
Rend Lake Lodge No. 64 has a long history of community support. This Lodge is the forever home of Worshipful Brother Harold E. Zimmerman and Brother Clarence Eugene Gulley, two fine Brothers you may have met somewhere on your Masonic journey. Located in beautiful downtown Sesser, Illinois, Rend Lake Lodge No. 64 consists of five area Lodges that have merged in the past. These Lodges were from Christopher, Benton, Sesser, Valley, and the very small village of Ewing.
Most have never heard of Ewing as the village only has a post office, a fire department and the second smallest grade school in Franklin County. Ewing Northen Grade school is very small compared to other schools in the area with an enrollment of about 215 students from pre-K to eighth grade. Being small does not mean small goals and accomplishments. The Ewing Warriors have enjoyed many successes in basketball, softball, cross country, archery, and they are a dominate force on the volleyball court winning many regionals and placing in state.
They also have a junior high band program that competes and participates in concerts and parades. Mrs. Milligan, the band director, has about forty-five students and they all are dedicated to music and work very hard to be highly proficient with their instrument. Dr. Ing, the school’s Principal and Superintendent and
Mrs. Hamson the school’s Assistant Principal both support all the programs at the school. However, sometimes with budget cuts or low funding these programs have been trimmed back.
Thus Rend Lake Lodge No. 64 headed by their Worshipful Master Eric Kern has stepped up to help this small but ambitious school. The members of the lodge have in the past assisted the school in purchasing a storage shed to hold sporting equipment and supplies for the gymnasium and this year the lodge passed the hat around the room during a stated meeting and received $400.00 to donate to the Ewing Grade school marching band and then applied for the Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program (IMCAP) for matching funds. Then Mrs. Milligan and the Ewing Warrior Marching Band received $800.00 to purchase supplies and instruments that were needed very badly. Mrs. Milligan was very proud to show off her new (slightly used) tuba, the new uniforms that were also purchased from other funds and some new drums. The assistance from Rend Lake Lodge No. 64 was deeply appreciated by Dr. Ing, Mrs. Hamson, Mrs. Milligan and all the band members. Keep an eye out for the Marching Warriors at your next parade.”
R.W.B. Patrick Grubbs Senior Grand Deacon
Scott Lodge No. 79 Honors Past Masters
By Charles Simms
Scott Lodge No. 79, Carlyle, recently held a remarkable Past Masters Night, a tradition that honors and celebrates the contributions of those who have previously served as Lodge Worshipful Masters. The evening was filled with camaraderie, reflection, and reaffirming the values and commitments guiding the Lodge’s activities.
Brother Patrick Grubbs, Right Worshipful Junior Grand Deacon, gave a heartfelt talk on the various charities supported by the Grand Lodge. He
highlighted these charities’ significant impact on the community and emphasized the importance of continued support and engagement. His words inspired many to recommit to the values of service and generosity central to the Lodge’s mission. Worshipful Brother David Thomson of Kinmundy Lodge No. 398 read a paper he wrote about Past Masters.
R.W.B. Charles Simms Secretary, Scott Lodge No. 79