Brotherhood on the Green
Grand Lodge of Illinois Academic Bowl 2026 By Herman Albers
Grand Lodge Annual Communication By Edward Walker
From Field to Community: Sweetcorn Weekend Fuels Royalton Lodge’s Good Works By Patrick Grubbs Is It Worth the Drive? By Bryan R. Musicar
From Torah to Tanks: A Rabbi’s Unlikely Path to Inspiration By Jeremy Coumbes
EDITORIAL
EDITOR
Edward Walker, R.W.B. glccnews@ilmason.org
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Mark Schmidt, W.B.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kirsten Riedl
CONTRIBUTORS
W.B. Herman Albers, Academic Bowl Committee Chairman
R.W.B. Jeremiah W. Coumbes, Deputy Grand Secretary
R.W.B. Patrick Grubbs, Junior Grand Warden
R.W.B. Angelo S. Deserio, Senior Grand Warden
B. Joseph B. Ferrell, Most Worshipful Grand Master
Jeni Martin, Director of IMOS and IMCAP
R.W.B. Bryan R. Musicar, Grand Lodge Instructor
Pamela Trinco, President – Board of Governors Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of Illinois
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, 3731 Wabash Ave., Springfield, IL 62711; main phone (217) 529-8900. Periodical postage paid at Springfield, IL and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ILLINOIS FREEMASONRY, 3731 Wabash Ave., Springfield, IL 62711. 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, 3731 Wabash Ave., Springfield, IL 62711: by faxing to 217-529-0242: or by email at GS@ilmason.org
Horicon Lodge No. 244 Rededication
By Milan Vydareny
Rededication Ceremony
Illinois Grand Lodge Officers and the Brethren of Horicon Lodge No. 244 located in Rochelle, Illinois, gathered to celebrate and rededicate the 100-year-old building to Masonic purposes.
The rededication was conducted by Most Worshipful Grand Master, David P. Lynch assisted by Deputy Grand Master Joseph Ferrell, Senior Grand Warden James Williams, and Junior Grand Warden Patrick Grubbs The ceremony was ably managed and directed by Grand Marshall Daniel S. Yandel who also acted as MC during the introductions that followed the ceremony.
Highlights and Historical Lecture
Notable events during the rededication program included some customary Masonic traditions as well as an unexpected guest or two.
A brief historical lecture that presents an overview of the lodge with special emphasis on its meeting facilities is always an anticipated part of a rededication event. Horicon’s historical lecture was provided by Worshipful Brother Elisha Byrd, who serves as Horicon’s Secretary. Bro. Byrd employed a wealth of photos and illustrations projected during the presentation and generously provided a copy of them to me for inclusion in the final video.
Introduction of Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows
Rochelle’s current Mayor is Worshipful Brother John Bearrows, a lifelong resident of Rochelle, Illinois and since 1975 has been the owner of Bearrows Real Estate and Auction Company. Brother Bearrows offered remarks following the rededication ceremony.
Military Service and First Responder Recognition Awards
Most Worshipful Grand Master Lynch presented awards to Horicon Brothers, recognizing their service. Worshipful Brother A.J. Parker and Worshipful Brother Philip B. Perkins each received a certificate acknowledging their achievements along with a pin to commemorate the presentation.
Introduction of Boy Scout Troupe 553
Boy Scout Troupe 553 meets weekly at the Rochelle Masonic Temple, as a part of the traditional Masonic support for Youth Groups dedicated to the building of character and promoting civic responsibility. Troupe members were seated as a visiting group attending the ceremony. Grand Master Lynch invited the Troupe to the East, where he presented each member with his Grand Master’s Pin as a memento of their visit.
Luncheon Prior to Ceremony
Luncheon for attendees was provided prior to the ceremony, prepared and served by lodge members and several members of the Eastern Star, the appendant organization for women. Featured was a selection of Italian American choices including sausage, meatballs, mostaccioli, salad and assorted desserts.
Introductions
Regular attendees at Masonic ceremonies will recognize the ubiquitous and often lengthy part of any ceremony: Introductions. This segment is somewhat lengthy even by Masonic standards, and includes the Area Deputy and Assistant Area Deputy Grand Masters. Right Worshipful Brother Daniel S. Yandel, Grand Marshall, presented Grand Lodge Officers and when present, their ladies and children to those in attendance. Right Worshipful Brother Daniel S. Yandel noted that it was somewhat of a rarity when he was able to introduce Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Daniel C. Yandel. Right Worshipful Brother David P. Mayer, also serving as Horicon’s Master for this ceremony, handled the introductions of Horicon Brethren and their ladies.
W.B. Mylan Vydareny
Assistant Grand Historian
With Pride and Joy, Kinmundy Lodge #398 Welcomes Back Kai Howard
By Ed Michael
Kinmundy Lodge No. 398 was honored to welcome home Kai Howard, recipient of a joint scholarship, during the annual Kinmundy Labor Day Parade. Kai recently returned from a year-long academic exchange in Japan and took the opportunity to visit with his Masonic Brothers, sharing gratitude for their generous support that helped make his international studies possible.
The story began when Brother Dave Spencer proudly shared with the lodge that his grandson Kai had been accepted into a prestigious exchange program to study in Tokyo from September 2024 through August 2025. The estimated $10,000 cost of the program presented a significant challenge. In the spirit of true Masonic charity, the Brethren quickly stepped forward. Brother David Thomson introduced a motion to award Kai a $1,000 scholarship, which was seconded by Brother Matt and passed unanimously.
The lodge then applied to the Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program (IMCAP), which approved a matching grant. This doubled the total award
to $2,000—an amount that provided meaningful support for Kai’s educational journey abroad.
Kai spent his school year at Tokyo Metropolitan University, where he pursued an intensive program in Cyber Security while also studying the Japanese language. His time in Japan not only expanded his academic knowledge but also enriched his cultural understanding and global perspective.
Pictured here are the members of Kinmundy Lodge No. 398 celebrating Kai’s safe return and successful year. Featured are scholarship recipient Kai Howard; his grandfather, Brother David Spencer; current Worshipful Master, Ed Michael; and Past Master Clayton Keen, who presided when the scholarship was originally awarded. They are joined by Brothers Jerry Osborne, David Thomson, Steve Lindsey, Tim Yates, Louis Carter, and Dale Jahraus.
W.B. Ed Michael Worshipful Master
Kinmundy Lodge No. 398
