Perseverance

is Part of Our Heritage

By Herb Lindberg

As we look forward to warmer weather and the coming of Spring, the reality of what our families, friends and places of work have endured for the last year makes us think and wonder about what lies ahead. Being more than 180 years old, our grand jurisdiction here in Illinois has endured many challenges. Here in the Northeastern Area, our oldest Lodge recently turned 175 years old; keep in mind, the City of Chicago was incorporated in 1837 which was only eight years before that Lodge was chartered.

So, why am I sharing this information? Because our great fraternity has persevered through wars, riots, social unrest, changing technologies and even pandemics. We have seen those challenges to our human existence here in Illinois (along with our Brethren around the world), and we are still here to help society keep moving forward.

While others are paralyzed by change and “staring into the unknown,” our ancient and honorable fraternity offers us and others something powerful. We offer “Light” to break through the darkness and offer direction. Through our experience as Freemasons, we know the strength of good men working together for common purposes, we embrace the differences in backgrounds and perspectives that allows us to find beneficial solutions, and we know that service to humanity is a duty that we all share. In good times, it is easy to take for granted the importance of our fraternity and love for one another. However, in times like these that we are living through now, we literally provide a lifeline to one another in the truth that “you are not alone, and your family is not alone either.”

In times of struggle and stress, we can learn plenty about ourselves and the people around us. In our fraternity, we are encouraged to act on the Level and strive for harmony in how we work together. One of the benefits we have in our Lodges is the age differences of our Brethren which can range from the late teens or 20s to 80s, 90s and beyond. We actively pass along from generation to generation the “baton or torch of Light” which contains not only the valuable learnings of Freemasonry, but cherished life lessons as good men. We preserve what is timeless about living as an upright and honorable man, who is striving to become the best value to others, while adapting to the changing communications, technology and issues of the day. Those precious “Jewels of a Fellowcraft” are actively at work and have literally helped us leapfrog through time.

Now, do not get me wrong. Cabin fever has been a real challenge. Hearing about the Brothers, family, friends, neighbors and others whom we have lost in this last year impacts me as well. Also, seeing the various struggles that exist in our communities weighs on my heart at times. However, “true to our principles, we pause not at our first or second step, but press forward for greater light.” I share that ritual passage because it is true and appropriate for how we live as Freemasons, not just now, but across the centuries — We Press Forward!

Remember, WE are Freemasons. Perseverance is part of our heritage! It is part of who we are and the value that we provide to humanity. Let our Light shine — the people around us need to see it, and we can help show them the way forward. Stay safe and healthy. v

RWB Herb Lindberg, Area Deputy Grand Master, Northeastern Area Grand Lodge of Illinois