Illinois Freemasonry Magazine - Fall 2021

• Rules of Freemason Etiquette

• Golf Outing Results

• Academic Bowl News

• 4th Quarter Anniversaries

Table Of Contents

Choose the Future with Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program

By Gale Kilbury

A Letter From Our Grand Master

By Bro. Michael E. Jackson,

M.W.

Grand Master

Rules of Freemason Etiquette

Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program

By Amber Alexander

Technology, Awareness and Engagement

By W.B. Mark Schmidt

My Life-Long Journey Choosing the Future

By R.W.B. Edward Walker, Editor

Academic Bowl

By Bro. Dale Thayer, Academic Bowl Chairman

24 Future + Pride + Activity

By John Loayza Grand Chancellor

26 The Journey of a True Traveler

By Wayne Spooner

28 Golf Outing

By Angelo Deserio

30 4th Quarter Anniversaries

32 Entered Eternal Rest and Refreshment

34 36

IMCAP’S Reading Program

By John Gulley

Sesser

Lodge

No. 744

Latest Lodge News

By Bro. Chris Carter

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Michael Jackson, M.W. Grand Master

Gale Kilbury, Director, IMCAP

John Loayza, Grand Chancellor

Dale Thayer, Academic Bowl Chairman

Wayne Spooner, Membership Chairman

EDITOR

Edward Walker, R.W.B.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Mark Schmidt, W.B.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jennifer Woods

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, 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, IL 62703; main phone (217) 529-8900. Periodical postage paid at Springfield, IL and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ILLINOIS FREEMASONRY, 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, IL 62703. 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, 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, IL 62703: by faxing to 217-529-0242: or by email at GS@ilmason.org

Choose the with the

Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program

By Gale Kilbury

The Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program offers so many ways to support children in our Illinois Masonic Families and our Illinois Lodge communities. It can be hard to keep track of all the ways we can help! To mediate this issue, IMCAP has created a “Snapshot” document outlining the basics of each of our programs and services that will be sent to Illinois Lodges.

While the “Snapshot” includes the names of each of our services and programs, all you need to know is what the child or children’s needs are. We will do the rest!

How Can IMCAP Help Children in Illinois Masonic Families?

- Grocery and household assistance

- Clothes

- Child care costs

- Medical expenses

- Cost of travel to medical appointments

- Dental expenses

- Disasters (fire, funeral, tornado)

- School supplies

- Tutoring

- Adaptive equipment

- Evaluation fees for learning and emotional needs

- Counseling

- ABA therapy

- Technology needs such as computer or internet access

- Extra-curricular activities

- Sports registration and fees

- Camp

- Leadership conferences

How Can Your Illinois Lodge Partner with IMCAP to Help Children in Your Community?

- Scholarship funding grants

- Food pantries and backpack programs

- Youth organizations

- Youth events

- Specialized learning programs for community children with learning disabilities

- Specialized learning software

- Specialized learning supplies

IMCAP relies on our Lodges to be our eyes and ears in your communities. If you know of a family or youth organization that may need assistance in your area, please reach out to Director Gale Kilbury by phone: 217-529-8900 ext. 222 or email: IMCAP@ilmason.org.

Even if you are unsure if the family or organization qualifies, still reach out. We may be able to find a way to help.

For more information on IMCAP and to download applications, please visit our website at IMCAP.org, or contact me at our Grand Lodge office.

Gale Kilbury Director,

Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program

Grand

Lodge of Illinois

2866 Via Verde, Springfield, IL 62703

Phone: (217) 529-8900 Ext. 222

Fax: (217) 210-0805

GRAND MASTER

“Choose the Future” is the theme for my term as Grand Master. Neil Peart’s lyrics above remind me that we are choosing the future whether we consciously make choices or allow them to just happen. We, as Masons, have been living on our past reputation and prominence for a long time, and it is time to decide what we want the future to be for our ancient and honorable fraternity. Do we continue on the same path and trend that is generating the results we are experiencing today or decide to take actions that embrace the future while still honoring the treasured parts of our past?

For more than 33 years, I have had the honor to bear the title of “Brother” within our fraternity. From the early part of my journey, our Masonic ritual work became an area of interest and a passion. Across those decades, I focused mostly on the fraternal side of Masonry through becoming a Grand Lecturer and Chairman of the Board of Grand Examiners (BOGE). I share that background information to highlight my admiration and feelings for our Masonic traditions. There is no one more traditional and conservative than a BOGE member. The very nature of the job is to keep everything the same by helping to preserve our timeless ceremonies and ritual. As I have advanced

through the Grand Lodge Officer roles to become Grand Master, my eyes have been opened more broadly to the realities of our fraternity. I have not lost my love for ritual work and our history. However, I have come to recognize a need for some change in direction (or even a direction to begin with) that helps us carry forward what is most valuable in Masonry to our current and further Brethren in the decades to come.

The question we must ask ourselves is, are we satisfied with the path that the fraternity is on now? We are seeing an unprecedented number of Lodge mergers with no indication of that trend stopping or reversing. The pandemic may have contributed to this result; however, the trend was accelerating before that challenge impacted our lives. Also, our membership population across the state continues to decline. Yes, there are multiple reasons for these results and some of them are beyond our control. However, I am confident that we have many actions, activities, and steps we do control to make a positive impact on our Masonic Membership Experience and how our Lodges can advance the legacy of our fraternity in their part of the state.

Looking for one magical program or solution is not the approach that I am recommending. We have several quality Masonic programs and best practices that drive the success of our most Active Lodges for Illinois Freemasonry. Our focus together will be on helping hundreds of Lodges embrace these successful

“If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.”

– Lyrics from “Freewill” by Rush

actions and activities which will improve membership retention, help attract good men in the local community, improve communication amongst the Brethren, encourage teamwork, and build confidence as knowledgeable and useful Masons. For example, the Grand Master’s Award of Excellence Program is a roadmap to success. If a Lodge makes a sincere effort to achieve either a Gold, Silver or Bronze Award, then it will undoubtedly become a more successful Lodge and deliver more value to its members.

As we embark on the next leg of our Masonic journey together, there are two keys to our future success as a grand jurisdiction — inspiring a personal “Pride in being a Mason” and “Lodge Activity.” All Masons should be proud of the association and connection with our fraternity and happily let others see that pride and respect in who we are and what we do together. Next, the true formula for a successful Lodge is activity. Yes, we must set the Craft to work. Through that work as an Active Lodge, the Brethren will happily say that “my Lodge is working” (e.g., performing quality degree ceremonies, helping our widows, fundraising for a scholarship program, hosting a lodge picnic, etc.). I cannot tell you what activity is right for your Lodge; every Lodge is different with members from varying backgrounds and lifestyles. What activities or events that will work for one Lodge may not for another.

For Lodge Activity, a key approach is to try something and be willing to fail; then, try something else. We older guys need to get out of the way of the newer, younger members and let them try new types of activities. Sure, maybe we tried that type of event before and it did not work; however, it is probably a different group of Brethren in the Lodge today than it was 10 years ago. Instead of being cynical and

saying no, let us try saying yes and see where that takes us. Remember Brethren, how some of us socialized in our 20s and 30s looks quite different from how we choose today to socialize in our 60s and 70s. We all still want to socialize and make genuine friends; the details of the activities may just look different depending upon the current members of the Lodge.

I will conclude by sharing a word that we all should deeply consider and cherish as Masons; it is “Legacy.” I choose to have a future for Masonry not only for me, but also for those Brethren who come after me. I want us to look back 30 years from now and mark this time as the moment that we chose to change and adapt to the communications, technological and socialization patterns of this current age while preserving what is timeless and enjoyable about our fraternity. Will you make a conscious choice to help the Brethren around you advance our Masonic Legacy or just choose not to decide?

Fraternally and sincerely,

Michael E. Jackson Grand Master Grand Lodge of Illinois

“Choose the Future” — Advance our Masonic Legacy!

It is time to decide what we want the future to be for our ancient and honorable fraternity.”

Masonic Etiquette is merely good manners and respect for your lodge, its members, its Worshipful Master, and the convention of Freemasonry, in general. Unfortunately, Masonic Etiquette... or Blue Lodge Etiquette, (as it is called in the United States) is largely unpublished as well as unspoken, therefore, up until now, it has been more difficult to learn its rules and nuances.

You may study ritual work, degree work, floor work and know all Masonry’s glorious history, Masonic symbols, jewels, etc. but there is little written about how

to comport yourself, so you do not look foolish or be regarded as disrespectful. Some are trivial things, and some are not, but your Lodge conduct is continually on display. Few Masonic mentors include a list of proper Lodge behavior, as they have learned it, themselves, incident-by-incident, and usually learned by them after their having made an error and being kindly informed by another member as to the correct Masonic etiquette of the situation.

Conforming to Masonic Etiquette: Over time, and by watching others, members

conform themselves to exhibit proper Masonic etiquette behavior to learn lodge customs. As a newly Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft or Master Mason, it is expected that you will exhibit the proper decorum and propriety in observance of the formal requirements which govern behavior in polite societies... BEFORE someone takes you aside to explain your errors...or you would not be reading this.

The Master’s Authority: During his term in office, the brother who has been elected as Master is the most powerful member of the Lodge. He also shoulders all its many responsibilities. The Worshipful Master has the authority to rule any brother out of order on any subject at any time; decide what can and cannot be discussed. Should a brother believe that the Master is arbitrary, unjust, or unfair or is acting in an illegal manner, he can appeal to the District Deputy Grand Master. If that officer agrees that the appeal is a valid one, he will forward the complaint to the Grand Master. If, however, that brother insists on speaking after the Master has ruled that he is out of order, he may be committing a Masonic offense. Courteous brethren accept the requests made by the Master to serve on various committees such as the examination committee, the investigation committee, and other duties, as determined by the Lodge’s needs.

The following items are not Masonic offenses but simply a lack of Masonic Etiquette…or in other words, considered to be “bad form” or bad manners. So… Let us begin.

1. Walking Between the Altar and the Worshipful Master: Brethren do not pass between the Altar and the East when the lodge is open. Why? As a courtesy to the Master, it is necessary that the three Great Lights which shine their eternal light and wisdom upon the Master to help him govern the lodge should never be in shadow, not even for a millisecond, during the processes of an initiation or degree work.

2. Sitting in the East: Brethren do not take a seat in the East without an invitation...even if all other seats are full. Why? While all Brethren within a tiled room are equal to one another, and the officers are servants of the brethren, all lodge officers have worked and studied long and hard for their lodge. It is, therefore, the Master’s prerogative to recognize this devotion and their loyalty by inviting distinguished visitors or a special member whom the Master wishes to honor to sit with him in the East. In other words, if you were in

church, synagogue or mosque and the pews were full would you go up and sit beside the Pastor, Rabbi, or Imam (Muslim Priest)?

3. Always Fully Dressed: Brethren do not enter their Lodge room either without their apron nor while putting on that apron…not even the tying of its strings. Why? In respect to the formalities of their Lodge, officers expect that the Brethren will have the courtesy to enter it fully dressed and ready for the labor. They should not have to wait for a member to be fully “dressed,” even just tying or adjusting their apron, to salute that member. You are expected to be properly and entirely dressed when you pass by the Tyler and enter your lodge room.

4. Stand When You Speak: No man sits while speaking in the lodge room, no matter if he addresses an officer or another brother. Why? All lodge activity is based on each man in the lodge as being a servant of the Brethren. This includes the Worshipful Master and his officers. While the man, himself, who has been elected Worshipful Master does not gain any special honor, personally, as the Worshipful Master, it is to the

Worshipful Master as the Master of the Lodge that a member stands to address. It is simply a form of respect ...and no different than attending a shareholder’s meeting or a City Council meeting. It is expected that if you wish to address the audience, you will stand so all may see who is speaking.

5. Talking: “Side” talk while a degree is being conferred is considered bad manners. Why? The lodge room is a Temple of the Great Architect of the Universe. The brethren within are working to make the best ashlars (stones) for His spiritual temple. Just as it is impolite to talk in a church, synagogue, or mosque service, so it is improper to distract the officers, the workers in the degree or the candidate. Talking without asking to do so shows irreverence for the proceedings. God’s house is not for social conversation within the lodge room. It is for worship and learning the lesson of the day which is being taught. Unless you have requested of the Master to speak, silence is the

rule. This also means no whispering. HOW? If you have something of interest to say, raise your hand. When the Master recognizes you, you must stand up, and be recognized by the Master to speak. To address the brethren, you should say: “Worshipful Master, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren.” If the Most Worshipful Grand Master is in attendance, you should say: “Worshipful Master, Most Worshipful, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren.

6. Speaking: If you wish to offer a predetermined motion or matter for discussion, advise the Master beforehand. Why? Advising the Master before the meeting that you intend to bring up a specific motion or a matter for discussion is an important courtesy. You may, indeed, do it without advising him in advance, but the Master may have plans of his own for that meeting, for which your proposed motion or discussion may not easily fit into the allotted time frame. As a courtesy

to him, his work, and his dedication to the members, it is best to ask him privately, beforehand, if he will be able to recognize you to speak your purpose. This saves “face” for both of you. You will not publicly be refused, and he will not have to seem disagreeable or arrogant in his refusal of your motion.

7. Obey the Gavel: You must immediately obey the gavel. Why? Failure to immediately obey the gavel is a GRAVE DISCOURTESY and VERY poor Masonic Etiquette. The Master is all powerful in the lodge and his word is final. He can put or refuse to put any motion. He can rule any brother out of order on any subject at any time. He can say what he will, and what he will not, permit to be discussed. Brethren who think him unfair, arbitrary, unjust, or acting illegally have redress. The Grand Lodge can be appealed to on any such matter. However, in the lodge, the Master’s gavel, which is his emblem of authority, is supreme. When a Brother is gaveled down,

In the lodge, the Master’s gavel, which is his emblem of authority, is supreme.”

he should obey at once, without any further discussion. It is VERY bad manners to do otherwise. In fact, it is perilously close to the line between bad manners and a Masonic offense. Masonic etiquette decries anyone who does not obey the gavel.

8. Turning Your Back: Never turn one’s back on the Master to address the lodge without first receiving permission from the Master to speak. Why? Any debates that are in motion must be conducted using proper Masonic etiquette. One always stands to order when addressing the chair. Customs differ in various jurisdictions as to the method of salute; however, some salute should always be given when addressing the Master. Two brethren, both on their feet, simultaneously arguing a motion, who are facing each other and ignoring the Master is unacceptable.

9. Salute: Some lodges (not all) offer salutes to the Master. Each of the brethren will salute the Master when they enter and when they leave their Masonic Mother Lodge room or any other Masonic lodge room. Some lodges offer salutes to the Senior Warden. Why? The Masonic etiquette of saluting the Master is your renewed pledge of fealty and service. It is your public display of decorum before all other brothers of your obligation. It shows your courteous respect for all that the Master stands for and shows that you acknowledge his authority. Salutes should reflect your heart-felt respect for all that for which he stands. The salute to

the Master is your pledge of honor and service, your publicly shown obligation. A lazy, sloppy, or improper salute is to be Masonically impolite and, thus, to exhibit poor Masonic etiquette.

10. Balloting: Do not enter or leave the lodge room during a ballot. Why? It is discourteous to leave the lodge room during a speech, during a degree, etc. There are several natural periods, such as at the end of one section and before the next begins, or when the Master puts the lodge at ease until the sound of the gavel. Then, and only then, you may leave the lodge without being considered rude. It is Masonic Etiquette that all brethren are expected to vote when requested to do so. Failure to cast your ballot not only results in your failure to share in your duties, but is indirect disobedience of the Master’s request.

11. Voting is Mandatory: When an issue is ready for a vote, all brethren should vote. Why? A brother who does not vote is discourteous because he skews the ballot. He becomes the weak link in a strong chain. No matter what the reason of his non-vote, he injures the lodge’s ballot, its value, and its secrecy. Failure to vote can injure a lodge’s feeling of brotherhood, and by that injury, can injure the Masonic fraternity. No matter what reason you may privately hold about voting, it is poor Masonic Etiquette to fail to vote when requested to do so by the Master.

12. Smoking: Absolutely no smoking allowed in Masonic Lodges.

13. Shouldering the Work: It is good Masonic Etiquette to accept a request made in the name of the lodge if it is within your abilities. Why? A lodge is a working “beehive of industry.” A request made of you from your lodge acknowledges that the lodge trusts you to competently fulfill such a request based upon your knowledge.

14. Correction of Verbal Errors: Lodge customs state that no one except for the Worshipful Master or his prearranged designee, may correct any mistake that may occur during the course of a Ceremony, and even he does so only when the error is a serious one. Why? It is discourteous to point out others mistakes in front of the lodge brethren. If you are in possession of a mind which allows you to be able to perform each and every degree and ceremony, perfectly, please advise the Worshipful Master of such that he may take advantage of your services to mentor others.

15. Exhibit Good Posture: Why? Good posture is necessary while within the Lodge room. Lounging, leaning and slovenly attitudes should be avoided. Poor posture is considered poor Masonic etiquette.

16. No Practical Jokes nor Off-Color Stories: Why? The great lessons of Masonry, which are taught by our ritual, should never be demeaned by levity or pranks. The lodge room is not a proper location for the telling of practical jokes, pranks, horseplay nor off-color stories.

17. Use Proper Masonic Names: Why? It is common courtesy to be accurate in speaking a brother’s name, so it is proper Masonic etiquette to address officers, members, and visitors by their correct Masonic titles and addresses.

18. Entering Lodge after the Meeting has Begun: If a brother should enter the Lodge after the opening ceremony is under way, he should go to the Altar to salute the Master. If he must leave before the meeting is over, the correct Masonic etiquette of his departure is that he should salute the Presiding Master at the Altar before he departs. The salute should always be given properly and not in a careless or perfunctory manner.

19. All Prayers at Lodge Functions are Non-Sectarian: Freemasonry is worldwide and holds no sectarian views. Non-sectarian means not sectioned into one, specific religion. Freemasonry embraces all religions. A Mason may choose the religion of his choice in his private life but should be aware and open to the fact that others among the brethren do not necessarily share, nor were they brought up with the religious dogmas and beliefs

that you, personally, embrace. Why? Prayers at lodge functions should be scrupulously in keeping with Masonic teachings. The Masonic Etiquette of offered prayers is that they should never be an expression of specific sectarian views or dogmatic creeds. It is a matter of courtesy that all prayers, speeches, and discussions at Masonic affairs avoid sectarian, controversial or political tones. Prayers are best directed to the Creator, the Master Architect of the Universe, and not toward specific religious teachings such as Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, Muhammad, Jehovah, Allah etc. To do so omits the religions of others within the brethren, which can cause conflict and therefore not be harmonious to the whole. In the spirit of non-sectarianism, we must remember that since the day that our Creator found that Man created the Tower of Babel to glorify themselves; it is HE who changed man’s language into the many diverse languages now spoken on Earth. In so doing, our Creator has many names across the world.

20. Turn Cell Phones Off: All cell phones should be turned off before entering the lodge room so as not to disrupt the proceedings.

Summary: Masonic etiquette is simply the rules of good manners which make lodge meetings pleasant for everyone. The position of Worshipful Master in the East occupies the most exalted position within the lodge. A lodge which does not honor its Master, no matter how they personally feel about the man, himself, lacks Masonic courtesy. The honor conveyed by the brethren in electing him, in other words, the historical traditions and the men who have gone before you must be given the utmost respect, if the traditions of the Fraternity are to be observed and proper Masonic etiquette is to be maintained. Masonic etiquette comprises lodge courtesies and proprieties. Good manners imply observance of the formal requirements governing man’s behavior in polite society and a sense of what is appropriate for a person of good breeding with high morals and good taste. The spirit of brotherly love and affection, by which we are bound together, will be exemplified in our conduct, our carriage, and our behavior at all times. It is my hope that you will use your trowel to cement the stones of brotherly love for the “More Noble and Glorious Purpose” of exhibiting these rules of Masonic Etiquette toward everyone within the brethren.

(Reprinted from the Illinois Freemasonry magazine, Winter Issue, Volume 21, No. 1)

Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program

By Amber Alexander

Iwould like to introduce myself. My name is Amber N. Alexander, and I am the Coordinator for the Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program. I received my master’s from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. My concentration is Social and Economic Development with a specialization in Policy. Prior to coming to the Grand Lodge, I was a state employee for the Illinois Attorney General’s office by way of the Illinois House of Representatives. I happened upon a job listing for the program coordinator. What stood out to me about the position was the description. Even from the description of the Program Coordinator position I could tell this program was especially important to the Grand Lodge of IL and the State of Illinois. The position would allow me to utilize my degree and incorporate my past work experience.

“The Student Assistance Program is a premier educational program focused on preventing at-risk student behaviors by teaching strategies and skills to address drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, bullying and more. This program offers educational trainings for school administrators, teachers, staff school and students.” – Student Assistance Program Coordinator job description excerpt.

I wanted to be able to make an impact on education in Illinois and this program allows

me to do so. I have only been in this position since July of 2021. In that brief time, I have gotten to know the Board of Managers for the program, and the chairman R.W.B. Angelo Deserio. The Chairman and Board have all reached out to me individually to introduce themselves and offer their assistance in any way possible. I have been able to attend several workshops which have been offered both in person and virtually. The trainings have been interactive and powerful with positive feedback from participants.

I took part in the Annual Golf Outing which had a record number of golfers. We had over ninety golfers take part in the outing and raised a significant amount for IMSAP. This would not have been possible without the Board, the Grand Lodge, participants, sponsors, and members. It was a magnificent event full of fellowship and good times for a great cause.

IMSAP uses two different educational consulting firms. One is the National Masonic Foundation for Children, and the other is Excel Educational Consulting, LLC. Both firms are certified by the IL State School Superintendent’s office to provide

I wanted to be able to make an impact on education in Illinois.”

training and offer CEUs and Professional Development credits for educators for select trainings.

The cost for all trainings is covered entirely by the IMSAP, so the regions and districts are not responsible for any costs. When conducting in person trainings lunch is provided by the program for participants. The districts who have taken part in the workshops have enjoyed the trainings and have rescheduled for more trainings to be offered in their region.

The goals for the program’s future are to expand into areas which the program has not been before and maintain the relationships made in regions currently participating in IMSAP workshops.

I am looking forward to continuing working as the Program Coordinator in cooperation with the Grand Lodge and IMSAP Board of Managers.

If you are interested in learning more about the program or bringing it to your area, please contact IMSAP Coordinator Amber Alexander 217-529-8900 ext. 219, email imsap@ilmason.org. There is information available on the IMSAP website www.imsap.org

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the program.

https://twitter.com/IL_MSAP

https://www.instagram.com/il_msap/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/illinois-masonicstudent-assistance-program

Find us on Facebook “The Illinois Student Assistance Program”

Sincerely, Amber N. Alexander, IMSAP Coordinator

((Editor’s note: additional response about success of IMSAP support. Julius is the winner of the steam contest and inserted as he wrote it))

Julius is the great grandson of Mason Richard Bradford of Arthur Good Standing - Master Mason (71 YGS )

Child: Julius Morrow

Age: 9

Grade: 3rd School district: Arthur CUSD 305 School: Arthur Grade School

Parents: Doug and Gabrielle Morrow Project: backyard obstacle course

Materials used: fallen down tree, recycled wood, paint, nails, rocks, and sticks

My ma Mal’s tree and tree house were knocked down during a storm, so I used the leftovers and created an obstacle course to go around trampoline and slide. I go to physical therapy to work on balance and created something with my mom and ma mals help. Start by using the logs as different stepping levels. I put them in an up and down pattern. I go to the slide and then go to hopscotch. I then ran to my balance beam I created. I then go to my walking teeter totter I created. Last, I run to wood steps I put together to help me get back on the trampoline.

Technology, Awareness and Engagement

Tips for Illinois Fraternal Organizations

By Mark Schmidt

Today’s Masonic Lodges and other appendant bodies face any number of challenges: shrinking membership and increasing difficulty in keeping members active in the Lodge; lack of public awareness of the purposes and benefits of Freemasonry; and continuing challenges in the ability of a Lodge to publicize its good works and upcoming events – particularly during this time of decreasing newspaper readership and increasing reliance on online news sources. Additionally, recent challenges posed by right-wing Christian groups opposing Freemasonry by distributing “manifestos” in the community pose an additional level of challenge.

As a result, many Lodges and other Masonic-related organizations are seeking new and better ways to get out the word concerning their purposes and activities.

Three years ago, RWB Wayne Spooner’s essay on Reclaiming the Message of Illinois Freemasonry described significant changes that were being undertaken by the Grand Lodge of Illinois to improve its visibility and relevance to those performing internet searches on the topic of Freemasonry. Brother Spooner correctly noted that new ways are necessary to spread the knowledge of the craft, which had previously been spread through family contacts and small, closeknit communities.

While those efforts have, to a certain extent, been successful, at the state level, repeatedly I see evidence that the use of technology to keep our lodges and other organizations active and relevant has not made its way to the level of our local organizations. Many local Lodge members do not have the awareness of the tools that are available, or the familiarity to use them effectively. An internet search reveals that many Grand Lodges discuss social media use on their web sites. However, when visiting these sites, one finds a list of general rules and prohibitions, rather than actual suggestions for effective utilization. Simply put, rules such as “remember your obligation,” “don’t post anything negative or divisive” and “don’t text while in Lodge” do not offer any real assistance to Lodge members seeking to use technology effectively.

In this article, it will be my goal to offer a beginner’s guide to tools, strategies and tactics that can help a lodge become more active, engaged, and visible in its local community. The strategies and tactics listed in this essay are intended to be neither comprehensive or nor exhaustive. They are meant to be a starting point. Begin here and then expand your activities as you gain experience and knowledge.

A Facebook page can be an excellent tool to build public awareness.”

STRATEGY ONE: ACTIVATE CURRENT MEMBERS

Tactic One: Use Call-Em-All to remind members of upcoming events. The Grand Lodge of Illinois makes the Call-Em-All service available at a very nominal price to Illinois Lodges and appendant bodies. Once enrolled in the service, Lodges simply upload a list of emails and/or telephone numbers to the system. Once this is done, it only takes ten minutes or less to log into the system and send a brief email or (preferably) recorded phone message to every member in the Lodge’s data base. Messages can be up to two minutes in length and will come from a local phone number belonging to one of the lodge members. Call-Em-All can be used to remind members of stated meetings, degree work, fundraisers, or other special events. Many Lodges which use the service report an increase in attendance from the very first call. Most Masons WANT to attend Lodge functions. With busy schedules and competing activities, sometimes all they need is a reminder to attend an event. For more information on Call-Em-All contact Anna Sinnott at the Grand Lodge office.

Tactic Two: Develop a bulk email program for more formal communication. While reminders are important, there are many times when Lodges require more formal and detailed communication of plans for upcoming events, newsletters, announcements of new initiatives, etc. Delivery via US Postal Service “snail mail” has become costly and unreliable. For this reason, I strongly recommend Lodges consider the use of an online bulk email delivery service. There are a wide variety of these services available. Many of them offer free or low-cost options perfect for fraternal organizations. For example, mailchimp.com offers its services for

free to any organization with fewer than 2,000 email addresses on its list and which sends fewer than 10,000 pieces of email a month.

While not all your members may use email, I would wager that the vast majority of them do. Any plan which avoids paying postage on a high percentage of mailings while at the same time guaranteeing instantaneous delivery should be of interest. Bulk email constitutes a low cost/high return proposition for most Lodges.

STRATEGY TWO: DEVELOP A CONSISTENT SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE

Tactic One: Begin with one social media channel, probably Facebook. Too many organizations try to do too much at one time, creating a Facebook page, an Instagram page, a Twitter feed, and a YouTube channel at the very beginning of their efforts. Unless your Lodge has a social media professional as a member, this is a recipe for disaster. Within weeks, at least half of your newly created social media outlets will have gone dormant. Believe me, there is nothing worse than a social media channel that does not receive regular, newsworthy posts! Learn to walk before you run. Develop a consistent strategy on one channel, and then expand if you wish.

Tactic Two: Make your Facebook page public. Do not create a private or a secret group. A Facebook page can be an excellent tool to build public awareness. However, it will fail if only your members can see what is going on! Let us be clear: we all know the information about the fraternity that can only be shared with members. Do not put that information on social media! However, this is but a small part of what Freemasonry is about. You can and should share EVERYTHING else!

Among the things you should be focusing on are new members (indicative of a growing organization); community activities (one central Illinois lodge supports their local academic bowl team, building much community support), honors and awards (50-year members, other awards), upcoming meetings, fund-raisers, and informational pieces about Freemasonry (including information on prominent Masons). There is plenty of information available if you look for it. Post as often as you can, hopefully not less than once a week.

Tactic Three: Photos, photos, and more photos. Pictures and informational graphics with your social media posts help build interest in the community. Try to make your photos informal and active. Here is an idea: Instead of the standard lodge photo of 12 members in aprons standing in the East, take informal photos of your members conversing before the meeting or relaxing at refreshment. Brothers who could not be present will want to see who was in attendance. Community members are more likely to want to learn about your Lodge if they see people, they know having fun. Informal photos of members enjoying fellowship are more interesting than a staged photo in the East! Share photos of and information about scholarship winners, local youth sports teams sponsored by the Lodge, Brothers serving pancakes or washing dishes during a fundraiser, or marching in a parade.

Tactic Four: Invite others to like your page. Of course, all the members of your Lodge should like your social media page. But it should not end there. Invite members of neighboring Lodges, appendant bodies and youth orders, organizations you sponsor, community leaders and media representatives to like and follow your page. Many people will like and follow your page if you simply ask them to do so. Your goal here is to create as broad an audience as possible.

To bring these tactics to life, work to find a social media chairman for your Lodge. This should be a person who is familiar with the basics of social media and who can use a phone or tablet to take pictures during an event. You do not need a professional photographer, just someone who can take clear and fun pictures.

STRATEGY THREE: GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL NEWS MEDIA

Even though newspapers are in decline, and while it may be difficult to attract attention in large media markets, this can be a major step in helping build awareness of the Craft.

Tactic One: Develop a list of media contacts. Get the phone numbers and email addresses of local reporters. While large daily newspapers may not be interested in your stories, small weekly newspapers that can be found everywhere are often hungry for stories. Radio stations may be interested in those who could be available for interviews during drive time, and even TV stations can be attracted by a good human-interest story. The contact information you are seeking can often be found on the website of a media outlet.

Tactic Two: Find opportunities to get to know reporters. A key here is to develop a relationship with a reporter BEFORE you have the need to pitch a story. Introduce yourself. Provide the reporter with information about Freemasonry in general and your Lodge in particular. Consider providing them with a free ticket to an upcoming fundraiser. Ask questions about the types of stories they would like to cover. Learn about their deadlines (this is particularly important with weekly newspapers). This knowledge will help you

provide them with the best possible information when you have an important story deserving of coverage.

Tactic Three: Promote major stories with good photo opportunities. Television and newspapers (even weeklies) love engaging photos. A few years ago, during a Grand Chapter session of the Order of the Eastern Star, the balcony of the convention center was draped with hundreds of blankets made by members of the Order and donated for children across Illinois. That was a unique visual that earned space on the front page of the daily newspaper and the evening news. Your Lodge might not have a balcony full of blankets, but you might have twin octogenarians receiving their 50-year pins together. You might have an academic bowl team that recently won the state championship. You might honor five members of your Lodge returning from a local Honor Flight to Washington D.C. I am convinced that our Lodges have many human-interest stories that are going untold. You just need to look for them.

Tactic Four: Share your coverage on social media. If you do receive media coverage, make sure that a link to the story is included in your social media fee. The fact that a local newspaper, radio station, or TV news department covered your story will impress those who follow you on social media, increasing awareness of your Lodge.

As I stated at the beginning of this article, this list of strategies, tactics and suggestions is not meant to be comprehensive. I am confident that our Brethren throughout the state can share many other fruitful ideas. If you take nothing else away from this article, please realize that well planned use of technology can pay impressive dividends in building engagement of your members, awareness in the community, and support from Masons and non-Masons alike. You do not have to do everything, but you do have to start somewhere. Where will your Lodge begin?

(Editor’s note – W.B. Schmidt spent seven years as the Chair of Publicity for the Grand Chapter of Illinois, OES.)

W. B. Mark J. Schmidt Associate Editor, Rochester Lodge No. 365

By Edward Walker

Right Worshipful Brother Auston E. “Gene” Smith is the Junior Grand Warden of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois. He was elected to that office October 8, 2021 and works closely with the other Senior Grand Lodge officers to execute the activities and priorities of our grand jurisdiction. Having been raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in July 2011, Brother Smith has enjoyed an active Masonic journey spanning more than 10 years of dedication, leadership, and support for our ancient and honorable fraternity.

Brother Smith’s home lodge is St. Clair Lodge No. 24 in Belleville, IL, where he is a Life Member and served as the Secretary from 2012 to 2014, Junior Warden in 2014 and then as its Worshipful Master in 2015. He is also a Life Member of Kaskaskia Lodge No. 86 in Red Bud, IL where he served as Treasurer in 2015 and then two years as its Worshipful Master during 2016 and 2017. In addition, he has been elected as an honorary member in several lodges in Illinois.

My Life-Long Journey Spent Choosing the Future

Brother Smith was appointed as the District Deputy Grand Master of the 6th Southern Masonic District in 2016 and served until he was appointed as Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Illinois in 2017.

Brother Smith is an active member and leader in many of the Appendant Masonic Bodies. He is a 32nd Degree (MSA) in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Southern Illinois where he served as Sovereign Prince of the Cahokia Council of Princes of Jerusalem and is a past member of the Valley’s Board of Directors. Brother Smith has also shared his leadership talents with the York Rite Bodies; he has the distinction of having served in each of the three bodies as the Excellent High Priest of Belleville Chapter #109 of Royal Arch Masons, Thrice Illustrious Master of Council #67 of Cryptic Masons and Eminent Commander of Tancred Commandery of Knights Templar. In 2015 Brother Smith was elected as Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar and served as the Right Eminent Grand Commander in 2020-2021.

Brother Smith is an active member of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor (KYCH); The Royal Order Masonic Knights of the Scarlet Cord of the USA; Southern Illinois York Rite College #33; The Philalethes Society; Shamrock Council 43 of the Knight Masons of the USA; Pathos Tabernacle No. 58 of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest; Grand College of Rites of the USA; Potomac Court No. 107 of the Royal Order of Athelstan, Province of USA; Legion of Honor of Ainad Temple of Shriners International; Cahokia Council No. 225 of the Allied Masonic Degrees of U.S.A.; St. Edward Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Royal Order of Scotland.

Brother Smith enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the United States Air Force spanning 34 years. Enlisting as an Airman Basic in 1973, he quickly advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant. After six years of enlisted service, during which time he completed his undergraduate degree, he was selected for Officer

Training School where he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in November 1979 and subsequently remained at that institution for two years as an instructor. During the next three decades, Brother Smith held a wide variety of roles and positions which afforded him exceptional professional growth and leadership experiences. He held command positions at the squadron, group, and wing levels. He also served in several overseas assignments including Honduras, South Korea, Germany, and Portugal; in particular, he served in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during the Gulf War. Along his military journey, Brother Smith won numerous awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters; Joint Service Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster; Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; and the Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters. In recognition of Brother Smith’s extensive skills, knowledge, and leadership talent, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel in February 2001. He served at that rank until retiring from active duty on 31 December 2006.

Brother Smith excelled through several academic and educational institutions including earning a Bachelor of Science degree (1978) from Troy University in Troy, Alabama, and a Master of Arts degree (1983) from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. He successfully completed numerous senior military colleges and universities including Marine Command and Staff College (1982); Air Command and Staff College (1988); Air War College (1996); Combined Warfare School, Armed Forces Staff College (1996); and the College of Strategic Studies and Defense Economics, George

C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies (1996) in Garmisch, Germany; following graduation from the Marshall Center Brother Smith remained on staff for three years as the Dean of Academics and then as Executive to the Director.

Brother Smith and his wife Cathy have spent more than 49 years building a loving family; they have one daughter and one granddaughter who is currently a student at the University of Alabama. In his limited leisure time, he enjoys golf, collecting rare writing instruments and Masonic antiques. As an avid researcher, Brother Smith enjoys searching for “lost knowledge” related to the history of Freemasonry in Illinois and around the world.

During a recess of the 2021 Annual Communications, I spoke with RWB Smith and asked why he became a Mason. He replied that “growing up in a small town, there were only two buildings of any size, one being the Masonic Lodge. I gave it no notice at the time, even asked my Grandparents about Masonry and received no satisfactory answer. In later years while playing golf with a close friend, the subject of Masonry was brought up and I asked a few questions about this group called Masons. Finally, at the age of sixty-one, I became a member of the Fraternity. My journey has been most rewarding in that it provided me a great chance to be a better man. I see a very bright future for Masonry in Illinois. I believe that those between 18 and 25 years of age are looking for something meaningful in their lives. I have found that Masonry is that something, I really appreciate the confidence of the Brothers for my election.”

R.W.B. Edward Walker, Editor

ACADEMIC BOWL

By Dale Thayer

The Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl is one of the largest programs supported by our Grand Lodge and over the past 37 years has made a very positive impact on the lives of many, many high school youth. Having Lodges sponsor their local or nearby high school(s) is a major part of this program. Schools do not pay an entry fee in order to compete in our scholastic bowl tournament and this is one of very few tournaments in which schools participate for free. The sponsorship money from Lodges helps offset the total cost of running this tournament.

Please mark these two dates on your Lodge calendar AND your personal calendar.

SECTIONAL TOURNAMENT DATE

FEBRUARY 19, 2022 (Saturday)

Several locations throughout state to be determined in mid-January after schools register

STATE TOURNAMENT DATE

MARCH 5, 2022 (Saturday)

Bloomington High School in Bloomington

Choose our

with the upcoming 2022 Tournament

I am surprised every year by the number of coaches that contact me after the tournament is over wanting me to give them a contact person in the Lodge that sponsored their team. My Brothers, show your pride in your Lodge, your school, and your community by actually getting to know the team your Lodge is sponsoring. The time spent interacting with these high school students and their coaches just may help choose the future of your Lodge and this great Fraternity by showing them that you are genuinely interested in them. By not visibly showing any interest in them, how can we expect them to ever be interested in us and our Fraternity? Choose the future – show pride to the team you are sponsoring.

There are scholastic bowl team members and coaches 3-5 hours away from where I live that I have actually gotten to know – some for several years. That has only been possible by me actually going to the tournament sites. Yes, some years I travel 3-5 hours to visit a tournament site because it is very important to the success of this program to get to know people involved in our program. No, you will not have to travel that many hours just to be present at the

Sectional Tournament location for your team, because of the many locations we schedule. Lodge members can show a lot of pride by attending the tournament site where their team is competing and letting the team know you are there for them and show them a lot of support during the day. Every year I am a little disappointed by the lack of attendance by Masons at the tournament sites. My Brothers, this is the Masonic Academic Bowl. Team members and coaches should not have to look around during the competition day to find Masons in attendance. With this being a Masonic event, they should be able to see Masons almost everywhere they look. Remember, attend the tournament site, talk to the team your Lodge sponsored, show pride in their accomplishments, and help choose the future in a very positive way.

As of October 25th, we have 124 high schools registered for our tournament and 56 Lodges that have sent in money to sponsor schools.

We now have a new website up and running at www.academicbowl.org. Check it out. It shows the participating schools and sponsoring Lodges. The

website is updated every day that I receive new data. I try to update it between 6 pm and 8 pm on those days. Closer to tournament time, it will show locations of the Sectional Tournament sites and the schools assigned to each of those sites. It will also show the results of the sectional tournaments, those advancing to the state tournament, and the state tournament results.

Questions or comments about the Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl should be submitted to Dale Thayer, Chairman, via email at thayerdale @mchsi.com or by telephone at 815-441-3070.

Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl

Providing Positive Recognition for Academic Excellence

R.W.B. Dale Thayer, Chairman, Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl

By John Loayza

FUTURE ACTIVITY P R D

The future is challenging because it involves change. How we adapt to change for improvement depends on what we have learned from the past. If we recognize our strengths

Masonic accomplishments. They will then be willing to recommend Freemasonry and their lodge to others, and they will stay active within their lodge during the present, and future years.

and weaknesses, along with the opportunities, we can over come any downward trends. Thus, we need to keep an open mind and not be shackled by the past.

Local lodge officers are leaders who need to demonstrate their respective roles as stewards or guides of their lodges, to develop activities (ritual, social, and community) that will not only help their lodges to flourish in difficult but also in good times. These actions contribute to establishing an esprit de corps or pride in being a Mason and in their specific lodge.

When local lodge officers and members share positive experiences, they develop a mind set that contributes to a good perception of pride. I.E., pride in the officer corps, pride in what has been accomplished, pride by being a member in a specific lodge, and pride in Freemasonry.

Successful lodges have unified and shared visions and values which all the members understand, and those visions or values contribute to a perception of being part of a team which is accomplishing positive goals for their lodge, all the brethren, and their local communities. Thus, when all the factors come together, all lodge members feel an extraordinarily strong bond of personal and

To have successful long-range goals, our local lodge officers need to align lodge activities, decisions, and connections with their brethren. Those local lodge officers should be looking for new ways to revitalize their actions with their brethren and to make the lodge more pro-active for their members and communities. This means knowing what the members are really looking for from their lodge officers, their lodge in general, and how to relate or interact with their community besides just seeing members once or twice a month at a lodge meeting. Whenever we have positive activity, we contribute to the element of pride which drives a positive future.

Lodge officers need to acquire as much data as possible about their brethren, and to develop a strong communications network and activities with them which will also respond in a positive manner to what the brethren are looking for from their lodge, as well as from their pro-active lodge officers. By implementing this type of process, lodge officers are going to be able to develop and deliver a system of twoway communication exchanges which are more relevant to their membership. All those activities lead to building and understanding member journeys within the lodge and other Masonic Bodies, as well as being more focused on lodge members, and contributing to their community or public image.

However, innovative, and motivational activity alone will not provide a strong and lasting member relationship. We really need to go deeper and truly know our members through continuous two-way exchanges of valued information. Our local lodge officers need to be the voice of their lodge brethren because they understand the positive organizational working that contributes to the member experience or what detracts from it. Experienced and successful lodge officers gather, interpret, analyze, and act on member insights/suggestions. They build and focus on sharing challenges, which are constantly changing, and applying decisions based on all collective strengths to solve issues. They need to truly listen and not just hear their member’s opinions. Periodic surveys can help with these endeavors, along with constant communications regarding activity failures and successes. No one has all the answers to every challenge; therefore, lodge officer actions or decisions need a sharing basis between the officer corps and the rest of the lodge brethren. When this activity is accomplished, a sense of pride is developed, and that leads to a better future. It becomes a proof of properly invested time and energy that strengthens Freemasonry.

We will always have differences of opinions on about anything, especially on activities. The approach of how we manage those differences in a negative or positive manner will determine a lodge’s future.

The purpose of lodge relationships is not to get the members to do just what the lodge officers want but to do what the members need, want, and value balanced with “Masonic Teachings.”

Becoming more member centric focused is a necessary element of lodge activity that leads to pride, and a stronger future. To become phenomenally successful in providing superior lodge, member, and community relationships, the local lodge officers need to become the voices of their members. They need to constantly update, as well as communicate their periodic research findings to all their members. It is necessary to provide a value-added aspect to our lodges which also extends into constant community activities and image building which are needed. Some of the components are based on:

- Continuous relationships and surveys throughout a member’s “Masonic Journey.”

- Feedback along with analyzed data as to what causes satisfaction or dissatisfaction among the lodge members.

- The sharing of positive or even negative information with the lodge members.

- Lodge member relationships that are aligned with strategic goals.

- Activities that are supported by researching what local lodge officers and members consider of value.

Thus, if we plan and implement balanced activities that the majority of the members value, they will become positive spokesmen for and develop both personal and community pride in their lodge. This brings us back to the original concept that:

ACTIVITY + PRIDE = FUTURE

RWB John Loayza Grand Chancellor

TheJourney of a True

By Wayne Spooner

Every great and impactful journey in life includes a clear and visual understanding of the ultimate destination of the traveler. As a Speculative Freemason, what is your destination? Where are you going? What is the focus of your journey?

As we progress through the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, we are provided with clues, tools and insights that begin to help us learn the answers to those questions. Much of the wisdom of Freemasonry is contained within its “mysteries” which must be unlocked and unpacked by investing dedicated time to study, contemplate and challenge ourselves in new ways. Though simply said, that work is not easy; however, it is a worthwhile and beneficial investment in yourself! It is some of the most rewarding work that we are expected to do during our lifetime. Also, realized or not, it is

the work that we signed up for “of our own free will and accord.” Notably, those valuable insights help to inform the positive choices that we make now and into the future.

As Freemasons, we are all workmen in the quarries of life. Though we may have distinct roles and responsibilities, tenure in the fraternity, talents, and strengths, etc., we are all on the same level as Brethren. Each of us is given an equal opportunity to contribute as building blocks and quality material for the continued growth and development of our Lodges and grand jurisdiction. Can you see the designs on the Trestleboard and the section of The Architect’s plan that governs the portion of the work designated for you? The importance of that question is amplified by a profound quote from Brother Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) - “The two most important

days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” What is your “why”? Quite seriously, why are you here? What is your purpose?

Our ancient and honorable fraternity provides the devoted student with the ability to answer all of the questions raised thus far and many more. As we travel the road to acquiring proficiency, we use three primary types of fuel — Study (acquiring knowledge), Practice (gaining experience and sharpening skills) and Feedback (obtaining detailed insights from a proven Master). Building a track record of success aids the confidence in your choices when the journey seems rough, and the road is not straight. Next, to begin purposefully unlocking the mysteries of Freemasonry requires an important mindset shift. Here

is a cornerstone to lay in your mind — “Freemasonry is a way of life - a timeless approach to living, loving, learning, and inspiring the best in each other for the betterment of society.” Yes Brethren, Freemasonry and our individual Masonic Journey of Self-Improvement are furthered by all of the small actions and behaviors that we do every single day. We are expected to make well-informed and conscious choices about our future! It is not magic; it is like the action of putting one foot in front of the other or laying one brick upon another to build a beautiful edifice. Put in the work and the positive results will be realized. Remember, we are Builders; it is our heritage!

As well-informed Speculative Freemasons, we are True Travelers on the journey of our lives to become the absolute best version of ourselves — putting into magnificent bloom

our “why” (unique gifts, talents, and strengths) to contribute meaningfully to Freemasonry, our families, friends, and communities. Fundamentally, it is completing the work set forth for each of us on the plans created by the Grand Architect of the Universe. Further, as Lodge members, we combine our strengths and amplify the positive activities done together to invoke pride, respect and admiration in the Lodge and Freemasonry overall. We embrace our shared role as “Caretakers of Freemasonry” and heed the unspoken admonition to pass it along in a condition better than we received it. Those actions and behaviors have fueled and propelled our ancient and honorable fraternity forward for centuries.

Finally, Brethren, as a True Traveler, be a beacon light and worthy example of this faithful motto, “Masons living

Masonry in their daily lives.” Be the Light for others which breaks through the darkness in their lives. Let our Light shine to confirm that good men do exist in the world, because we exist. Let the people around us know and feel that words like honor, integrity, freedom, equality, and tolerance are still alive. Let them see Brotherly Love in action, know how we help one another learn those valued Masonic truths that drive selfimprovement, and witness how we combine our capabilities to selflessly serve mankind. Lastly, always know that you do not travel alone and have a unique opportunity to help advance the positive legacy of our Speculative Craft of Builders!

R.W.B. Wayne Spooner Grand Lodge Membership Committee Chairman

— Brother Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)

The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.”

Annual Grand Lodge Supports IMSAP

Golf Outing

By Angelo Deserio

Hello Brethren! On Monday August 9th, 2021, the 21st Annual Illinois Grand Lodge Golf Outing to benefit the Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program was held at the El Paso Golf Club. Despite the rain filled start to the morning, we were able to welcome out ninety-six golfers from across the state. The day was started with registration and lunch, followed by a shotgun start. The course proved a challenge to all teams, but they played their best, had a fun time, and raised an amazing amount of money for our great charity! Golfers enjoyed a sunny day, a delicious dinner, and fellowship all around. We raised over $19,000 for the Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program!

With your assistance and donations, we were able to assist over thirty school districts, three hundred teachers, administrators, and staff members, and were able to affect the lives of thousands of students across the state of Illinois. The committee would like to thank all brethren, family, and friends that came out to raise money for such a great program and look forward to seeing everyone next year! Mark it on your calendars now, the 2022 Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program golf outing will tee off on Monday June 13th, 2022, at the El Paso Golf Club in El Paso, IL.

R.W.B. Angelo Deserio Junior Grand Deacon

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation

The Illinois Freemasonry (Pub. #101-465) is published four times a year (February, May, August, November) by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois. Subscription rate is $1.00 per year. The offices of publication and headquarters and general business offices of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois is 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, IL 62703. The sole owner of the publication is the Most Worshipful Grand Loge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois at the address listed above. There are no known bondholders, mortgage or other security holders.

Entered Eternal Rest and Refreshment

Most Worshipful Charles J. Luman, Sr. Past Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, and a resident of Roseville, Minnesota, passed away June 27, 2021. A memorial service was held at HolcombHenry-Boom-Purcell Funeral Home on July 8th. MWB Chuck was born July 25, 1935, in Illinois and raised along the Spoon River in London Mills. He graduated from the University of Illinois, with a degree in engineering, and later attended the American Graduate School of International Management. His career included his service with the Army Corp of Engineers, working for 3M, self-employed consulting and teaching at Metro State University. Chuck is survived by his son, Charles (Laurie) Luman, Jr.; daughters, Anne (Frank) McMahon and Susan Bright; grandchildren, Nicholas, Sarah, Jeremy, Brette, Constance, Dylan, and Austin; brothers, Donald (Lynda) and Ronald (Dianne) Luman; sister in-law, Marilyn Luman; special family friend, Doris Mitchell; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by wife, Libby; parents, Bernard and Lucille and brother, Roger Luman.

Chuck was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in London Lodge No. 848 in London Mills, Illinois. He was a Past Master of Tusler-Summit Lodge No. 263 in Roseville, a Past Wise Master of the Chapter Rose Croix in the St. Paul Valley Scottish Rite, where he was also a 33° Inspector General Honorary. He was a member of Osman Shrine and the National Sojourners. He served the Grand Lodge of Minnesota as Area Deputy before being appointed to the Grand Lodge progressive line in 1991. Chuck served as Grand Master of Masons in Minnesota in 1998–1999.

I certify that the information stated is true and complete Editor

ARIZONA • FLORIDA GRAND MASTER’S

2022 SNOWBIRD LUNCHEONS

The 2022 Illinois Masonic Charities Fund - Grand Master’s “Snowbird Luncheons” have been scheduled. You & Your Lady or Guest are Cordially invited to attend a luncheon with The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Michael E. Jackson. Receptions are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. with Luncheons beginning at noon. Attire is Country Club Casual. Reservation: $15.00 per person. For further information e-mail Amy at abright@ilmason.org or call 217-529-8900.

Reservations required by December 10, 2021

Reservations required by February 10, 2022

IN ARIZONA, 2022 IN FLORIDA, 2022

Tuesday, Jan. 11 Tucson/Oro Valley (520) 297-1121

Wednesday, Jan. 12 Sun City (623) 977 8333

Thursday, Jan. 13 Scottsdale (480) 745-8200

His Full Name (first and last)

Oro Valley Country Club 300 W. Greenock Drive Oro Valley, AZ 85737

Palmbrook Country Club 9350 W. Greenway Road Sun City, AZ 85351

Courtyard by Marriott Salt River 5201 N. Pima Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Monday, Mar. 14 Bradenton (941) 753-6200

Tuesday, Mar. 15 Fort Myers (239) 599-8568

Thursday, Mar. 17 Tampa (813) 281-1943

Friday, Mar. 18

The Villages (352) 753-7535

Lady’s Full Name (first and last)

Rosedale Country Club 5100 87th Street Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211

3 Fisherman Seafood 13021 N. Cleveland Ave. North Fort Myers, FL 33903

The Rusty Pelican 2425 N. Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607

The Waterfront Inn 1105 Lakeshore Drive The Villages, FL 32162

Street Address City or Town State and Zip Code

Lodge Name Lodge Number Lodge Location (City, State)

Are you a Veteran and/or 1st Responder? Email

Military Branch 1st Responder

I have a friend who is an Illinois Mason that did not receive an invitation. He would also like to attend.

His Full Name (first and last)

Lady’s Full Name (first and last)

Street Address City or Town State and Zip Code

Lodge Name Lodge Number Lodge Location (City, State)

Total reservations I have enclosed a check in the amount of $15.00 per reservation that will be returned to me if I attend the Luncheon. If I fail to attend, my check will be donated.

Sesser-Goode Lodge No. 744 & IMCAP’s Youth Organization Connection

Instrumental in Support of Local

PROGRAM

By John Gulley

It has been my family’s tradition for several years to visit Branson, Missouri during the holiday season. One of our favorite annual activities is to pay a visit to Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner show. Each show consists of a meal, a trick riding show, and a “competition” between the different sides of the arena. As part of the competition, children are randomly selected from the audience and invited to participate in different events. On one of our annual visits, my daughter Claire was chosen to chase chickens from one side of the arena to the other. As her prize, she received a copy of Dolly Parton’s children’s book “Coat of Many Colors” based on her song of the same name. The book contained a message from the famous singer/songwriter, and information about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free children’s book gifting program started by Dolly Parton in 1995. The program started by offering every child in her home county in Tennessee a free age-appropriate book each month in the mail until the age of five, regardless of family income. In 2000, the Imagination Library was expanded to make the program available to any community that would partner with the Dolly Parton Foundation and support it locally. The program has since expanded to over 1,800 local communities in the U.S. and abroad.

After learning more about the program, my family and I decided to pursue bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to our community. At first, we considered starting a county-wide program, but decided that was more than we were ready to take on. We settled on setting up a program in the area defined by our local school district. The local affiliate is responsible for enrolling children into the program and maintaining the database. The local affiliate is also responsible for raising $25 per child per year to cover the cost of the books and postage. For our community, we needed to raise $2,000 to get the program off the ground.

As a member of Sesser-Goode Lodge No. 744, I was aware of IMCAP and the Youth Organization Connection but had not really explored the program or its benefits. A Brother suggested that I reach out to the program to see if IMCAP would be interested in partnering with my Lodge in supporting our local affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. After a quick phone call to Gale Kilbury, I filled out a simple application. Within a few weeks, I was notified that IMCAP, and the Youth Organization Connection was excited to contribute $2,000 to our program. This,

WM Kevin Acosta and Sesser-Goode Lodge #744 present a check from IMCAP to John Gulley. John is the coordinator of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Sesser-Valier and a past master of Sesser-Goode Lodge #744.

along with a $500 contribution from the Lodge, gave us the funds we needed to start our program.

To date, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has mailed over 150 million books to children throughout the United States and abroad. In our little community, we currently have seventy-four children enrolled, two graduates (meaning the child has turned 5) and have mailed out 246 books free of charge to the families who receive them. We are striving to enroll more children and hope to have at least seventy-five more join our program.

We have had great community partners step forward to assist us including the Sesser Youth and Family Activity Planners (Sesser YAP), the City of Sesser, area churches, and other individuals. The timely support of Sesser-Goode Lodge No. 744, IMCAP, and the Youth Organization Connection was key to getting the program off the ground.

The Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library website features a quote from Dolly Parton herself that says, “You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children.” With the help of many community partners including IMCAP, we are working to get as many books as possible into the hands of as many Sesser-Valier children as possible.

W.B. John Gulley Past Master Sesser-Goode Lodge No. 744

Pictured right: Landrie Ashmore, daughter of Paige and Jason Ashmore of Sesser, proudly shows her copy of “The Little Engine That Could”. Each child enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library receives a copy of this book as a welcome gift.”

Lombard Lodge No. 1098 Shares Community Successes

By Christopher Carter

With the opportunity to submit an article to the fall issue of our Illinois Freemasonry Magazine, I thought it was great timing as there has recently been discussion about how to promote Lodge activities within our communities. Lombard Lodge #1098 has made a commitment, to not only participate in public events, but build a relationship with our local government and businesses in the Village of Lombard. The idea of having a “Special Project” is not a one-time extra effort event, but instead have an on-going calendar of events for our Lodge. In doing so, it promotes leadership within our Lodge as we create committees, to which to which each has a chairman, who coordinates these efforts and directs the activities on the day of the event.

The discussion of promoting the efforts, of any Lodge, came from the feeling that one of the biggest errors we make as a fraternity is that we do not demonstrate excellent work within our local communities very well. If that was the case, then opinions would be more favorable towards Freemasonry. Additionally, our work within our communities needs to be more than just focusing on them being several types of recruitment methods.

Public relations are a priority for Lombard Lodge, and we have taken the time to build a genuine relationship with our local government, businesses, paper, and TV news outlets. Most of our community involvement is submitted to “The Lombardian,” our local newspaper for their weekly publication. We recently had WGN TV coverage for our Adopt-A-Highway clean-up day, where we picked up trash along North Avenue (Rt. 64) between Grace Street and Rt 53.

Some of the other Lodge initiatives have included an appreciation day for our Village employees and first responders, blood drives, participated in local parades, Salvation Army bell ringing, academic bowls, and hosting Masonic family identification events. Each of these will have an article and photo of the day’s activities submitted to The Lombardian with the goal of increasing Masonic awareness throughout our community. It is a grassroots campaign with the hope that men, both young and old, will see who we are as Masons and eventually knock on our door.

I think that the opinions of those outside of the fraternity are driven by our actions at the local level. Having “Special Projects” is a good thing but does not necessarily need to be a mega project to be effective. Make a calendar of events that you can have your Lodge members commit to, and if you have not done so already, reach out to your local government and make the introduction. Having a partnership with the leaders of our community has been great for Lombard Lodge #1098 and as a result, created a bond which has benefited both the Village and residents in which we live. “Faith Hope and Charity”

Chris Carter Junior Warden, Lombard Lodge No.1098