Dedicated Service to Our Grand Lodge

My name is Right Worshipful Brother Joseph B. Ferrell, currently serving our Grand Lodge as Junior Grand Warden of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois. I was elected to that office in October 2019. As Junior Grand Warden, I am responsible for leading several projects and initiatives to advance the successful operations of our grand jurisdiction. Having been raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in March 2008, I have enjoyed an active Masonic journey spanning more than 13 years of dedication and support for our ancient and honorable fraternity.

Everyone has an idea on how their future life would look like. I never envisioned being a Mason or really knew much of its history or purpose. I was visiting with some friends at an American Legion function and our conversation took a turn to Masonry. My friends gave the typical “elevator” speech on the benefits of Masonry and that really hit home. I took to heart what they said and believed in what Masonry had to offer and submitted my petition for initiation.

Azure La Grange Lodge No. 770 in Western Springs, IL is my mother Lodge. Before my other lodges merged, I served as Worshipful Master (leader) in 2012 of La Grange Lodge No. 770 and Worshipful Master in 2013 of Azure Lodge No. 1153. I have also served as Treasurer on multiple occasions. I have had the honor being chosen as an Honorary member of several Lodges in Illinois. I would have been happy to just sit on the sidelines and help wherever needed as I had previously been doing. RWB Herb Lindberg was preparing to step down as our District Deputy Grand Master and thought I would make an ideal replacement. Working closely with the brethren and Lodges in the 10th Northeastern Masonic District in the state, I then served as the District Deputy Grand Master from 2013 to 2015.

For several years, I served as a special assistant to the Northeastern Area Deputy Grand Master and helped advance priority projects and activities of the Northeastern Area District Deputy Grand Masters Association, especially focusing on fundraising and providing scholarships to students.

My first Grand Lodge officer appointment occurred in October 2015 as the Junior Grand Deacon. When asked what made him apply for this entry-level position, Joe replied “I would have been happy with just serving as an Appointed Grand Line Officer. I worried about not being selected for the Junior Grand Deacon position but submitted my application, nevertheless. Thank goodness I was appointed on my first try.” This started the progression up the Grand Line and was appointed as Senior Grand Deacon in 2017.

I was privileged to serve on the Illinois Masonic Children’s Homes Board of Managers and lent my talents to assist with the effective transition of this long-time charitable program for Illinois Freemasonry into the new Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program (IMCAP). I have been recognized for forward thinking and effective use of digital communication tools while serving on the Grand Lodge Communications, Marketing and Branding Committee. This important committee has partnered with several Masonic leaders, Brothers, and supporters of the fraternity to create and promote a more consistent, engaging, and impactful message about Illinois Freemasonry.

I have been an active member and supporter of many Appendant Masonic Bodies in the Chicagoland area. I hold memberships in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago, Medinah Shrine (Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine), West Suburban York Rite Bodies including serving as Secretary/Recorder in 2015, St. John’s Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, and El Jaala Grotto in Des Plaines, IL.

Throughout my professional career, my focus was on growing my business skills and talents in the auto, manufacturing, and financial services industries. In a span of six years, I was a partner in two separate auto dealerships including managing the day-to-day operations. Additionally, I learned from this unique experience by traveling to auto auction events internationally and purchasing vehicle inventory. My leadership and business acumen grew from the six years spent as an executive in a manufacturing company primarily leading large teams focused on product fabrication, assembly operations, quality control and getting the completed products to customers on time. For the last 14 years, I have focused on the financial services industry operating as a successful independent Day Trader. With strong organizational skills and proven ability to collaborate well with others, I continue to achieve positive results for myself and our Masonic Fraternity.

Among my closest friends, I am known as an avid lover of food, and therefore, a ready partner for a journey to a restaurant for good eats and fellowship. Also, I enjoy traveling both domestically and internationally including places where I can use my qualifications as a Certified Scuba Diver. As an avid sports fan, I enjoy following the progress of many teams and the exceptional skills of its athletes. Do not read that last point as “couch potato”. I do get out and enjoy the fresh air especially the challenge of horseback riding. Speaking of getting fresh air, I have been known to jump out of perfectly well-operating airplanes to raise awareness about and support for our Illinois Masonic Charities.

R.W. Brother Joseph Ferrell, Junior Grand Warden

R.W. Brother Edward Walker, Editor