More Activity, More Effectiveness: Appendant Orders!

By Mark Schmidt

Throughout this year, our Most Worshipful Grand Master has asked that we focus on the future of Freemasonry in Illinois. In this issue of Illinois Freemasonry, our focus is on activity as a road to the future. I cannot imagine a more worthwhile topic for exploration. Author and leadership guru Simon Sinek has noted that “words may inspire, but only activity creates change.” I am certain that every Lodge in our state is always on the lookout for new – and more effective – ways to be active.

Yet, I would contend that many Lodges are missing out on an excellent opportunity to increase their activity, and their effectiveness. That opportunity? Support of and participation in the Masonic family of appendant bodies. Our vision for the future should be nothing less than one in which our Masonic Centers become Masonic Family Centers, in which there is an organization – a place to belong if you will – for every member of the family.

Now, I do not want to hear smirking remarks about “skirt masons” or excuses that your community does not have a DeMolay Chapter, Rainbow Assembly, or Job’s Daughters Bethel nearby. The question is this: Is your lodge willing to be active to help build these organizations?

Consider if you will, these facts:

FACT: The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest philanthropical fraternity in the world which admits both men and women to membership. The members of the Order commit themselves to being “willing helpers” in the beneficent principles of Freemasonry. Whether it be support of the Eastern Star Home in Macon, activity in communityfocused projects like Soles for the Souls, scholarships, or care for the poor and distressed, OES members are not just talking the talk, but also walking the walk of the Masonic Family. While these activities may have slowed because of the ongoing pandemic, they will certainly rebound as soon as it is safe for them to

The question should never be “why would a Mason want to join Eastern Star?” Rather, it should be “why wouldn’t a Mason jump at the chance to join a Chapter?” Eastern Star provides a wonderful opportunity for husbands and wives to pursue Masonic activities together. Membership provides wives with a better understanding of what their husbands are doing in Blue Lodge, and Eastern Star Chapters have a proven record of support for Masonic activities conducted by local lodges. Additionally, the many social opportunities offered by Eastern Star provide a terrific way to make more friends among the Masonic Family.

Your community might not currently have an OES Chapter. But, during a time in which Brothers regularly drive an hour or more to help another Lodge, almost every Lodge in Illinois is within a reasonable drive of an Eastern Star Chapter.

FACT: Masonic youth orders are becoming stronger. After a downturn over the course of the past two decades, DeMolay, Rainbow and Job’s Daughters are once again growing. There are three clear indicators for this fact: 1) Membership itself is growing –quickly. 2) New local groups are being instituted in many areas of our state. 3) In areas without a youth order, teens (and their parents) are willing to drive an hour or more to enjoy the fun and benefits of being part of the Masonic Family. Even with high school athletics and many other activities, once introduced to our youth orders, teens are motivated and want to belong.

Of course, this essay does not include the other worthy and beneficial appendant bodies that add so much to the advancement of our communities.

If your Lodge does not have an active Fraternal Relations Chair, it should. Get to know your appendant bodies. As you do, you will find that they welcome your membership, are willing to partner with you, and will increase the overall activity of the Masonic Family in your area. Let us turn all our Masonic Centers into Masonic Family Centers. It will increase our activity and our effectiveness!

W.B. Mark Schmidt Rochester Lodge No. 635

By Mark D. Nokes

The Masonic Secretaries Association was founded in January 1974 for Secretaries of Blue Lodges to meet, discuss, and find ways to help promote Freemasonry as well as improve communication between the Northeast Area Lodges and our Grand Lodge. Instrumental in the growth of the Masonic Secretaries Association was Right Worshipful Brother Clarence Casson. For many years RWB Casson managed the affairs of the Association and saw many ideas flourish into everyday items used in most Blue Lodges in Illinois today. One of the most recognized items still used today is the “The Intender Program.” While it has evolved through the years it is a valuable education tool available to members as they progress through their degrees. Seasoned members can also make use of it to brush up on their Masonic Education and understanding of our three degrees. In addition to the Masonic Secretaries Association, a Fellowship Discussion Group was formed to discuss items that enhance the running of our lodges and to building better fellowship with the Secretaries, Officers, and members of the various lodges.

In 1998 Brother Andrew Torok started a foundation that would help fund various educational programs as well as other 501(C3) Masonic organizations. Each year the foundation receives several requests for grants for various programs, projects, and appendant funding. The foundation annually sponsors the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education. Over the years the foundations have made grants to the Medinah Shrine Therapy Dogs, Valley of Chicago

Dyslexia Programs, Wounded Warriors, the Masonic Assistance Program at Illinois Masonic Hospital, and several other Masonic Charities.

The Secretaries Association reaches out to the lodges in Illinois requesting nominations for Secretary of the Year (SOY). Each year the Secretaries Association sponsors a dinner during the Annual Communications for the Grand Lodge of Illinois and awards the SOY. Along with the dinner we have a keynote speaker. This year just happened to be the year we elected a new Grand Master, and our speaker gave an eloquent presentation on the Grand Masters jewel. The Association thought it would be appropriate to award more than one SOY. We reached out to various Grand Lodge staff members for recommendations. In 2021 we awarded 5 Secretary of the Year Awards, one for each area of the state.

We want to thank the Grand Lodge of Illinois for the tools they have provided over the years, especially MORI now called Groupable. This tool along with Our Lodge Page have made it easier to communicate with the Grand Lodge as well as get messages out to membership in a timelier fashion. The Secretaries Association works closely with both the Illinois’ Lodge of Research as well as the State Education Officers. Please check their website: https://illinoislodgeofresearch. org. Both groups heavily support education and research for the Fraternity. If you are interested in learning more about the Secretaries Association, please reach out to our Secretary Brother Thomas Bachochin radioman160@gmail.com or WB Mark D. Nokes at WM@illinoislodgeofresearch.org

W.B. Mark D. Nokes Worshipful Master, Illinois Lodge of Research Vice President/Treasurer, Masonic Secretary Association