Table Of Contents
06 13 16 20 Celebrating Growth at Every Stage By Pamela Trinco A Letter From Our Grand Master By Bro. David P. Lynch, M.W. Grand Master
Masonic Friendship & Fellowship – A Way Forward By Wayne Spooner
Lodge No. 1: Continues
Momentum: Moving Forward Together By Jennifer Martin
Grand Lodge of Illinois: Patriot & Mason of 2024 By Edward Walker
EDITORIAL
EDITOR
Edward Walker, R.W.B. glccnews@ilmason.org
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Mark Schmidt, W.B. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kirsten Riedl
CONTRIBUTORS
David P. Lynch, M.W. Grand Master
Wayne Spooner, Membership Chairman
Sister Pamela Trinco, Board of Governors Grand Chapter OES of Illinois
Jennifer Martin, Director of IMOS and IMCAP
Robert Harvey, Secretary Poseidon Lodge No. 1184
James Williams, R.W.B., Senior Grand Warden Bodley Lodge No. 1
Illinois Freemasonry (ISSN 1091-2258, USPS 014656) is published February, May , August and November by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois, 3731 Wabash Ave., Springfield, IL 62711; main phone (217) 529-8900. Periodical postage paid at Springfield, IL and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ILLINOIS FREEMASONRY, 3731 Wabash Ave., Springfield, IL 62711. Printed in the U.S.A. Permission to reprint articles appearing in this publication will be granted to recognized Masonic publications. Such permission can be requested by writing to the Grand Secretary, 3731 Wabash Ave., Springfield, IL 62711: by faxing to 217-529-0242: or by email at GS@ilmason.org
Junior Grand Deacon Applications Now Being Accepted
Do you want to serve Illinois Freemasonry as a Grand Lodge Officer?
The future of any organization depends on the quality of its leadership. Application for appointment as Junior Grand Deacon will be accepted until the June deadline. Contact the Grand Lodge office for an official application packet.
This position is open to members who are residents of the State, are in good standing in an Illinois lodge, and have been previously installed as a Worshipful Master.
The Junior Grand Deacon position entails participation in meetings of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors as a non-voting member, as well as becoming familiar with the operations of our Fraternal and Charitable corporations. This invaluable experience continues as the Brother
advances to Senior Grand Deacon and then stands for possible election to office of Junior Grand Warden.
Applicants will be interviewed by the Board and a recommendation will be made to the incoming Grand Master for appointment. Those interested should submit a letter of interest along with a resume of personal, family, vocational and fraternal experience postmarked no later than June 1, 2025 to The Grand Lodge Office: 3731 Wabash Avenue, Springfield, IL 62711-6261. The letter of interest can also be emailed to grandmaster@ilmason.org.
A LETTER FROM OUR GRAND MASTER
MOMENTUM Moving Forward Together….
Brethren:
Does a new year excite you because you leave the old one behind? I often hear members say that they will be happy when this year is over. I have a clue for you, the new year is not much different than what you left behind unless you change it. Just like your life, unless you change things that need to be changed your life will remain the same. If you think all your neglect, all your unhealthy habits will be wiped away because it is a new year, you are mistaken, they are still there.
It is like the story of a man who boarded a bus in England shortly after WW 2 and sat down with a large, wrapped package in his lap. The bus driver came back to him and asked what he was holding on his lap. The man said an unexploded bomb he found in his garden, and he was taking to the police station. The bus driver said, why don’t you put it under your seat that way you do not need to carry it. Just because you move the things that you do not like does not mean they go away. The same thing is with your Lodge. If your Lodge is struggling or stagnant, your Lodge will be the same this year as it was in the past unless you change it. Whatever condition your Lodge is in currently, it is no one’s fault but the members and who are the members YOU. I am saying this not to blame anyone but to point out you have the way and the power to change your
THINKING ABOUT RENEWAL STEADY GROWTH SHARED PROGRAMS COLLABORATION
Lodge’s future. Even if your Lodge is an active and growing Lodge, there may come a time when you are not having any problems, that you become placid in your activities.
Our society has developed to the point where they have everyone looking to blame someone or something else for their faults, mistakes, shortcomings instead of standing up and recognizing they have faults and they are responsible for their actions, no one else. They want the government to take care of them instead of them taking care of themselves. Do you have health insurance, a retirement plan, or any plan for the future? Do not look for the government to solve your problems or secure your future. It is up to you, not anyone or any government plan to provide for your life. The same thing is for your Lodge’s future. Your Lodge will fail because of the members, not because it is a Lodge or because of what I hear members say “Grand Lodge” did not help. I have news for you, you are the Grand Lodge, not the Grand Lodge Officers. Illinois Freemasonry has plenty of programs, educational materials etc. to assist your Lodge in anything that you want to try.
I am excited about the enthusiasm that I hear when I attend different Lodges. Members are conferring degrees; Lodges are doing events and fund raisers. One Lodge member informed me they have around thirty events or fund-raisers scheduled for this year. I cannot imagine that one. Try something new. My own Lodge members at the last stated meeting were discussing having more events and more things to
Illinois Freemasonry has plenty of programs, educational materials etc. to assist your Lodge in anything that you want to try.”
include the families. I did not even mention anything, they brought it up. I am waiting to see what happens. We join a Lodge to get involved, not just sit on the sideline, and wait. So, this New Year I am waiting to see what you and your Lodge are going to do, and I hope that everything your Lodge does is a success. I will try and make your Lodges events if you invite me, and I am free.
Lastly, I want to ask all Lodges to look at their own bylaws and if they do not state, “if a holiday falls on a stated meeting night that the meeting is moved” to another night, cancelled (if you meet the code of having at least 10 stated meetings a year). I have had a lot of dispensation requests to move stated meetings. Brethren, this is a waste of time and money for your Grand Lodge. I do not mind giving the dispensation, but the office staff must write it on the correct letterhead and mail hard copies to several people. This costs you money in postage and office staff time when all you must do is to submit an amendment to your by-laws changing them. The procedure for changing the Lodge bylaws requires a two-thirds vote. The proposed amendment must be presented in writing at a stated meeting at least four weeks prior to the vote. Additionally, all resident members must be notified of the proposed change (could be by email and/or hard copy mail) and the time of action at least two weeks before the vote takes place (Code 203).
This year prior to the holidays I have received twenty requests to move the stated meeting of the Lodge when this could be avoided and save time and money. I ask that you please look at your by-laws and change them if your Lodge meets on any holiday. I know my Lodge did this many years ago because I was the one who did it when it was presented at a District Deputy statewide meeting. I thank you for your consideration in helping our staff save time and the Grand Lodge a little money.
Fraternally,
Bro. David P. Lynch
M.W. Grand Master
A WAY FORWARD Friendship & Fellowship
By Wayne Spooner
Freemasonry is a fraternity, a brotherhood of men. The bonds of brotherly love and connection are forged by our timeless promises made about discretion, support and standards of behavior. From that foundation, we step forward to enjoy decades together investing time and resources along with combining our talents to advance the work of the fraternity. That access and proximity to one
another provides a cherished opportunity for deep personal relationships to develop and flourish. For the Brethren who travel far and wide in the realms of Freemasonry, they know that the following is true — there are no strangers amongst Freemasons; they are just Brothers and friends whom you have yet to meet. A powerful message to understand and share which is unique to our Masonic Membership Experience.
There are no strangers amongst Freemasons; they are just Brothers and friends whom you have yet to meet.
In our current Digital Age which is heavily impacted by social media platforms, the word “friend” has been coopted, watered down and changed from the meaning in our Masonic context. In the spirit of taking back the narrative, here is a working definition for us to reference — A friend is someone who you know genuinely cares about your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and is willing to invest time to talk and share life experiences together. Emanating from this definition, we hear and feel the value that friends bring to our lives. In our Masonic Membership Experience, we provide the environment in which genuine friendships can develop and grow.
Expanding our perspective for a moment, here is a question for us to ponder: do males in the general society really know how to make genuine friends? Let’s review some elements of our Masonic journey that are truly transformative and advances our perspective on this topic.
1 | In the initiatory experience as an Entered Apprentice, the Brother is taught the importance of trust and the value of one’s word amongst honorable men. He learns discretion and the requirement to treat private matters to the fraternity as items not appropriate to share with non-Masons. He experiences the power of having a trusted guide who helps him make progress on his personal journey and demonstrates a tangible care for his welfare.
2 | The new Brother is assigned an Intender who serves as his mentor, coach, guide and teacher to help him learn and advance in Freemasonry. The conversations and time spent with one’s Intender can make an overwhelmingly positive impact and create cherished lifelong memories.
3 | The new Brother learns that every Freemason is on the level. That fact reinforces the importance of the internal qualities and values of these good men. It also champions the individual talents, strengths and contributions that each Brother can provide to advance the fraternity’s work.
4 | When Freemasons assemble in formal or informal gatherings, the new Brother is informed that those meetings, events and activities are sanctuaries — times and places in which we can just be ourselves. The roles and responsibilities that we have in the outer world are muted. With that mindset, we enjoy the support and care of other good men who just want us to develop into the best version of ourselves.
The overt focus of Freemasonry on building trust, providing mentorship and guidance, promoting equality, and creating a safe space for men to just be themselves, creates an environment in which the spark of friendship can ignite.
“By the exercise of brotherly love, we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family — the high and low, rich and poor; who, as created by one Almighty Parent and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support and protect each other. On this principle, Masonry unties men of every country, sect and opinion, and conciliates true friendship amongst those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.” That ritual excerpt underscores another critical enabler of making genuine friends. It is the mutual respect earned from spending quality time with Brethren who come from different backgrounds (e.g. ages, ethnicity, culture, financial capabilities, educational accomplishments, careers, etc.). Being around men who are also investing in self-improvement and being useful to others, even if their personal journeys looks different than our own, engenders respect and in some instances, true admiration.
The trust and mutual respect developed amongst Freemasons does not happen by magic or just proximity. It is achieved by executing a critical aspect of our timeless Masonic learning and development process. We invest the time to engage in “mouth-to-ear” conversations which provide the opportunity to just talk and learn about the other Brother’s shoes. Yes, you gain insight and perspective about those figurative shoes that the Brother has been walking in to become the man you see today. This “mouthto-ear” experience is exemplified early in our Masonic career by the interactions between the Intender and a Brother advancing through the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry. The formula for success is simple — grab a cup of coffee or tea and just talk to one another. That’s it! Whether done in a Brother’s living room, the dining room of the Masonic temple or on a park bench, those types of private discussions lay the foundation on which to build a lasting relationship. Another key ingredient in these conversations is a desire to just be of service and support for the other Brother. It does not matter whether he is discussing aspirations about his career, challenges dealing with a significant other or learning portions of our ritual work. These moments together enable the process by which we move down the path from being acquaintances (who happen to be Brothers) onward to becoming friends.
Masonic fellowship consists of intentional opportunities to have meaningful shared experiences in which the participants achieve feelings of enjoyment and inspire a deeper connection as Brothers and friends.
The fundamental goal of Masonic fellowship is to invest time together doing something that the Brethren enjoy which helps strengthen the bond of brotherhood!
Another powerful aspect of our Masonic Membership Experience is the variety of fellowship opportunities available to our Brothers. For a number of Brethren, the word “fellowship” is synonymous primarily with “social” and “fun”. To capture the transformative nature of fellowship in our Masonic context, let’s embrace a broader perspective. Masonic fellowship consists of intentional opportunities to have meaningful shared experiences in which the participants achieve feelings of enjoyment and inspire a deeper connection as Brothers and friends. For one group of Brothers, doing a backyard barbecue while watching a sporting event is a wonderful time spent together. Another group may have a blast practicing ritual work and grabbing coffee afterwards. Piling
in the car to travel together for a Lodge visit could be yet another memorable experience. Don’t forget about the community service and charitable activities that many Lodges and Brethren support; those are wonderful fellowship opportunities as well. Lastly, keep in mind that the fellowship opportunities attractive to Brethren in their 20s and 30s may look quite different than those of the Brethren in their 60s and 70s. Let’s expand our view and welcome the fellowship opportunities that align with the wide variety of interests and backgrounds of our members. The fundamental goal of Masonic fellowship is to invest time together doing something that the Brethren enjoy which helps strengthen the bond of brotherhood!
As a Speculative Craft of Builders, we are putting in the work on ourselves to improve and similarly, to build lasting relationships with Brothers who can transform into friends. How? By focusing on these powerful words — Trust, Mutual Respect and Meaningful Shared Experiences. Our ancient and honorable fraternity has leapfrogged through time and across the globe fueled by those words which underscore the cherished nature of our brotherhood. Good and honorable men know the value and power of those words, even though they may not quickly come to mind or easily roll off the tongue in casual conversations.
Overall, a true membership superpower embedded in our experience as Freemasons is the ability to make genuine friends. That said, building real and lasting friendships is a contact
sport; it is not passive, it is active! It requires time investment, a willingness to share information about ourselves, and an intentional desire to create positive memories together. So, what can you do? Invite a Brother to grab coffee or tea and just talk. Extend an invitation to Brethren to be a “plus one” and join you for events on your Masonic, personal or professional calendar (e.g. Lodge visits, social gatherings, hobbies or areas of interest, educational seminars, sporting events, family oriented activities, etc.). Take the initiative to start, and rest assured that anytime 3, 5 or 7 Brethren assemble to enjoy quality time together can be wonderful fellowship experiences.
As we collectively chart the way forward for Illinois Freemasonry, a focus on making genuine friends and enjoying fellowship experiences together will help drive membership loyalty and attract good men to inquire about how being a Freemason can transform their lives. Together, let’s shine a bright light on what has inspired good and honorable men to dedicate decade after decade of their lives to be active and working Freemasons. Brotherly Love, kindness, support and care distinguish us, and the unbreakable strength of our Mystic Tie is real!
Right Worshipful Brother Wayne Spooner Grand Lodge Membership Committee Chairman
...momentum does not mean speed, it means progress, purpose, and connection.”
GROWTH
EveryStage at Celebrating
By Pamela Trinco
At our Eastern Star home, we believe that life is a journey, not a destination. Every day offers a new chance to move forward, grow, and celebrate the joy of being. For our residents, momentum does not mean speed, it means progress, purpose, and connection
Moving forward together with our residents requires listening and connecting every day. From that communication grows change, improvement and even some “life hacks” to help make the little things (and some big things) a bit easier to manage.
We celebrate every step, no matter how big or small. Whether it is the rediscovery of a passion for painting, mastering a new game, or simply walking a little farther in physical therapy, these moments of motion remind us that growth does not stop as we age.
Our staff is dedicated to keeping life in motion for every resident and we strive to create an environment where everyone can continue to achieve their goals and find fulfillment. It is not just about staying active; it is about living actively— mind, body, and spirit.
Whether you are considering a move for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to experience the warmth and camaraderie of our Eastern Star Home firsthand.
Please join us at our Eastern Star Home for a
Open House” on Sunday, April 27, 2025
We encourage our Masonic family to attend and learn more about this amazing place we call “Home.”
Every resident’s journey is unique, and we are honored to walk beside them. Together, we celebrate milestones, create new memories, and prove that age is no barrier to living a vibrant, meaningful life.
Because, in our Masonic families and here at the Eastern Star Home, life is not about slowing down—it is about moving forward together, one joyful step at a time.
Pamela Trinco Board of Governors Grand Chapter Order of
the Eastern Star of Illinois
MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER MOMENTUM
So many lodges are getting involved and helping their communities.”
By Jennifer Martin
IMOS and IMCAP are moving forward together! Moving forward is our favorite phrase at the charities. We are here to help you and your Masonic families. We are partnering with Lodges to help your fellow Brethren and Masonic families in need as well as the community and the children in the community who are our future leaders.
MOMENTUM
I would just like to share that the Lodge based programs through IMCAP are growing more every day. So many Lodges are getting involved and helping their communities. Lodge-based programs are aimed at fostering community engagement through youth organizations, school programs, and offering valuable services to members. Through the Youth Organization Connection Program, so far, this fiscal year with the matching grants we have been able
to help organizations that serve over 10,000 youth. Around $40,000 in matching funds have supported a myriad of programs such as sports, music, education, clothing drives, and food banks. With the help of the Lodges, the Educational and Vocational Grants have awarded over $140,000 in scholarships to students in vocational, trade, college, and universities since July 1, 2024. The Bikes for Books program is bigger than ever, motivating students in pre-K through 5th grade to read books and enter to win a bike. There are twenty-five schools participating this school year so far!
IMOS partners with the Lodges through the Matching Grant Program. The participation of each Lodge when identifying and aiding members in need is an integral part of the IMOS program. The IMOS program offers one dollar of matching funds for every dollar of cash contributed up to $2,000, per recipient, per fiscal year. Under certain circumstances, funding is available to assist a Lodge with these endeavors.
Visit our websites to learn about all our many programs: IMOS: https://ilmasonicoutreach.org/ IMCAP: https://imcap.org/
Jennifer Martin Director of IMOS
and IMCAP
GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS
OF 2024 Patriot&Mason
...life was rebuilt, stone by stone, through the strength and guidance of Freemansonry.”
By Edward Walker
Our Grand Lodge of Illinois once again bestowed honors on two distinguished Master Masons at the Grand Lodge Annual Communication held this past October. The first Brother to be recognized was as the Patriot of the Year. Brother Michael A. Little’s acceptance speech was so powerful that it is being reprinted here.
“I am deeply honored to receive this Veteran of the Year Award tonight. But I stand before you not just as a veteran who has dedicated his post-military career to supporting our nation’s veterans, but as someone whose life was rebuilt, stone by stone, through the strength and guidance of Freemasonry.
When I returned from my combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2008 to 2010, I thought the hardest days were behind me. But soon after, my life began to unravel. In 2009, I lost my first shipmate to suicide, and in 2010, I lost another shipmate just a day after we returned home from the most mentally tough deployment you can imagine. Over the next seven years, I experienced the loss of 15 more shipmates to suicide.
By 2012, I hit my darkest hour. On March 3rd, I was ready to end my life. It was my American Legion Commander who stopped me from throwing everything away. But the road to recovery was long, and Freemasonry became the cornerstone of that recovery. Up until that point, my identity had been wrapped in my service to the Navy and my deployments. But Masonry— something I had joined in 2007—taught me something deeper. The working tools of Masonry, tools that I had learned but not truly understood, were waiting to guide me.
It was the grip of my brothers that pulled me from the darkness. My dear Brother, Worshipful Brother Sam Wilson, helped me realize that I didn’t need another deployment to find purpose. I needed more light. I found that light through Freemasonry, which gave me a new sense of purpose and a way to serve. My Brother never left my side, picking me up when I’d stumble and helping to praise me when I succeeded. In my opinion, he is the definition of how a Mason should strive to become.
As my journey continued, I turned to the Great Architect of the Universe and asked for strength. And through the Craft, I found it. I proudly served as Worshipful Master of my Lodge, learned the importance of philanthropy, and became an advocate in my community. I expanded my Masonic journey by becoming a 32° Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner, learning to serve others in new ways.
When I returned to the Navy temporarily, I soon realized I was still broken. But this time, I didn’t give up. The principles of Masonry gave me the strength to fight for myself, and in July 2023, the Navy finally recognized its oversight and granted me a full military retirement. In February of this year, before my family, friends, and loved ones, my career came to an end at my retirement ceremony in Norfolk, where our Grand Master provided a letter that was read to all the Sailors in attendance as he helped celebrate the end of my career.
Today, I am honored to serve as the CEO of one of the Coast Guard’s largest military nonprofits. For the past 10 years, I have proudly advocated for veterans in our nation’s capital and beyond. And when I meet veterans in need, I guide them to Masonry, where they can find the same light that saved me.
Though I no longer live in Illinois due to my wife’s service in the Coast Guard, I continue to attend Lodge wherever we move. But tonight, I must take a moment to honor the Brothers who are no longer with us—those who were there for me when I needed Masonry the most:
• Worshipful Brother Harold Kniffen
• Worshipful Brother Charlie Richey
• Worshipful Brother Charlie Everett
• Worshipful Brother Buddy Badgett
• Worshipful Brother John Woolridge
• Worshipful Brother Forrest Davis
• Worshipful Brother Eli Hook
• Worshipful Brother Bob Barker
• Worshipful Brother John Tolliver
And the man who introduced me to Masonry, Worshipful Brother Carroll Newman, who showed me that the “2B1ASK1” bumper sticker on the back of his car wasn’t just a slogan—it was a lifeline.
Although they are no longer with us, their legacy lives on through the lives they touched, including mine. Their guidance and friendship helped me become the man I am today, and I carry their memory with me always.
I also want to take this opportunity to recognize the Masonic mentors who continue to inspire and guide me today. As always, I am eternally grateful for my dear friend and Brother, Worshipful Brother Sam Wilson. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be here today without his unwavering support.
More recently, I have been blessed by my new friendship with Executive Secretary of the Valley of Southern Illinois Mark Maxwell, MSA, 33°. Even from afar, Mark has been a joy to get to know. We’ve had the most amazing conversations about Freemasonry, and he’s always eager to hear about my travels in the Craft. His support and our shared passion for Masonry have brought light and joy into my journey. So Mark, thanks for coming here tonight!
Brethren, Freemasonry taught me to live again. It gave me the tools to rebuild my life when all seemed lost. For that, I am eternally grateful. Thank you, Most Worshipful Grand Master, and thank you, my Brethren, for this honor.”
J. Little
Michael
Our Mason of the Year for 2024 has been a Mason for 40 years and one that is always ready to help. Right Worshipful Brother Jeffery Duncan Derrick currently serves as the Grand Tyler for our Grand Lodge, a position he has held since 2007. Prior to that he served as Assistant Grand Tyler.
Our Mason of the Year is a member of Virginia Lodge No. 544 in Virginia, Illinois. During his tenure as Grand Tyler, Brother Jeff has been awarded Honorary Memberships in at least eight Lodges throughout Illinois. He also currently serves as a Grand Representative to the United Grand Lodge of Queensland. Previously he has served as Grand Representative to the Grande Loge Nationale Togolaise.
As a member of Virginia Lodge No. 544, he has served as Worshipful Master, then as Junior Steward in Effingham Lodge No. 149 and Chaplain in Red Bud Lodge No.427. Several Grand Lodge Committees have also experienced his time and talents to include Public Relations/Marketing as Chairman, Masonic Awareness, and Grand Lodge History. Brother Jeff was instrumental in laying some early groundwork as Editor of this Illinois Freemasonry magazine and served on the Newsletter Editorial committee also.
If you have attended the Grand Lodge Annual Communication, all the work done to set up the main meeting room and to ensure that all runs smoothly is thanks to our Grand Tyler and his team. From set-up to teardown, he is the guiding force behind every successful annual meeting.
...the guiding force behind every successful annual meeting.”
R.W.B. Edward Walker Editor, Illinois Freemasonry Magazine
Jeffery
D. Derrick
MOMENTUM
A New Lodge is Started a Secretary’s
By Robert Harvey
Recently a Brother and I were talking about the possibilities regarding a theoretical newly constructed Temple building. There was much discussion about the pros and cons of having a day lodge, a Lodge not only populated by those with a lot of time on their hands, but by those working different shifts. As a perfect example of this type of Lodge, St. Cecilia Lodge No. 865 in Chicago which was founded to cater to the needs of theater people, musicians and others that worked the nightlife venues. Fast forward to the present, St. Cecilia Lodge is now continually active
Perspective
and vibrant because of an influx of shift workers in other fields, such as hospitals, hotels, door attendants for large buildings, and security staff, as well as those working alternative hours from home due to Covid.
We also wanted to provide a Lodge for those interested in Masonry, or who may have drifted away from our Masonic roots. Those who work during the week needing a Saturday meeting that might fit their lifestyle and work schedule better, and to support our Masonic Youth Groups were other considerations. The need for other day Lodges seemed obvious.
Fast forward to 2024, it was noted that we have a DeMolay Chapter in our building and felt that starting a new Lodge would help support our several youth
groups. While we have a Lodge in the NE area, Jacques DeMolay No. 1919, that also supports the youth, they are in the suburbs. We felt that having a metro Lodge would ease some concerns about transportation and travel distances.
So, after further discussion, it was decided to start a new Lodge. This is no straightforward process but having a knowledgeable Secretary helped to ease concerns. He was familiar with what administrative duties are required in starting a new Lodge and how to obtain Certificates of Good Standing from other Lodge Secretaries of those Brothers that are interested in affiliating with the new Lodge. That process had to follow what the Grand Lodge Book of Constitutions and By-laws required. Thanks to the outstanding assistance from our Grand Master Lynch, our Grand Secretary Frank Cline, and several office staff, the entire process moved along in due form.
Timing was important as Grand Lodge only issues new charters at its Annual Communication which was coming up in a few short months.
Once most of the steps were completed, it was now necessary to certify that the three principal officers could conduct each of the three degrees. Twenty members were required to become plural members in a Lodge Under Dispensation. This step was easily accomplished by visiting other Lodges in our district. Then we had to find a candidate for the degrees that would be agreeable to taking his degrees in another Lodge. One was found and his First Degree was scheduled for June of 2024 but had to be postponed due to an injury. Luck would have it that we had an Invitation to Petition sent to us and our vetting process was done and we were ready for degrees to be conducted in July.
Meanwhile we also had a candidate that had gone through his First Degree at Hesperia Lodge No. 411 that we asked to have jurisdiction waived for us at Poseidon UD to confer the remainder of his degrees. He was agreeable. The timing for his Waiver of Jurisdiction process was right up to the wire, with it being completed by the required layover times and votes, the final necessary vote being the day of the degree.
With the proper dispensation we scheduled an extra meeting in July to confer the First Degree on July 20 and a Second Degree during our regular meeting in July. Required proficiency exams for the two degrees were waived by dispensation. These candidates are presently working on their proficiency in all three degrees after their raising. This enabled us to raise all three at our August meeting which put us out less than a week before we had to file our Annual Return report to GL to receive our Charter. The return was due by September 1, 2024, and was completed in time.
Having strong District leadership is extremely helpful in the process as ours has historically fostered communication across constituent District Lodges, as well as providing events for all Lodges to work together and collaborate. In addition to informative quarterly meetings and events, the resulting familiarity between members encourages a spirit of community effort. We could not have achieved this goal without input from all the Lodges in the District. This is great for the new Lodge and strengthens the bonds of Lodges and brethren in the District. We are now happy to say we have a new, vibrant Lodge chartered under the name of Poseidon Lodge No.1184 because of all the team effort!
W.B. Robert Harvey
Secretary Poseidon Lodge No. 1184
By James Williams
Charitable Giving
Bodley lodge No. 1, Quincy, recently held its annual awards dinner. Those in attendance were treated to a wonderful meal. Following the meal, Worshipful Master Jack VanCamp presented a program detailing the Lodge’s annual holiday gift giving. Many of the Quincy charitable organizations were awarded a sizable financial gift to help offset the cost of their charitable work in the community.
R.W.B. James Williams Senior Grand Warden
Congratulations 2025 1st Quarter Anniversaries
Dale Burna Temperance 16
John Howard Barnett Piasa 27
Einar Raymond Jenstrom Waukegan 78
Gordon Dale Hayes Fellowship 89
Harold Eugene Stiman Marion 130
Ray Allen Peat Cyrus 188
Samuel William Brewer Flora 204
Thomas Bryan Mc Carty Flora 204
Don
Michael Lawrence Smith Rushville 9
Darrel Lynn Virden Temperance 16
Byron Gerald Winters Jr Macomb 17
James Glenn Satorius Clinton 19
Terry Cutright
Wayne Louis Wood
19
19
Avon Eugene Posey Hancock 20 Roger Elmer Poole St. Clair 24 Donald Elmer Stein
24
2025 1st Quarter Anniversaries
Dan Gordon Loescher Evergreen 170
Charles Eugene Elliott Wabash 179
Christopher Lowell Keim Cyrus 188
Brian Smith Woessner Cyrus 188
James Michael Brentz Farmington 192
Jeffry Lynn Mc Kinty Farmington 192
David Earl Lewis Flora 204
Robert Jorome Hawkins Fairfield 206
Bruce Robert Bartman Lincoln 210
George Franklin Ervin Newton 216
Donald Wayne Rowe Oakland 219
Gary L. Weaver George Washington 222
Leo James Ancelet Black Hawk 238
Dennis Lee Blom Greenville 245
Francis Eaton Draper Robinson 250
Clark Dennis Pulliam Robinson 250
Richard Delos Sedam Aledo 252
Thomas Edward Sederquist Aledo 252
Blaine Cameron Willits Aledo 252
Roger Alan Hill Mattoon 260
Gary Lee Rippentrop Byron 274
Michael Ray Black Catlin 285
James Ivan Jones Catlin 285
Gerald Michael Smith Durand 302
William Jay Binger Durand 302
James Wayne Qualkenbush Raven 303
Jeffrey Lee Anderson Raven 303
J. Douglas Newlin York 313
Jim Breed Dunlap 321
Ronald E Orr Harrisburg 325
Thomas L Collopy Altona 330
Paul Daryl Moore Tyrian 333
Herschel Martin Morton 352
Dale Robert Heuiser Sr Marine 355
Charles Robert Lucus Livingston 371
Charles Wayne Hoots El Dara 388
Le Roy James La Cost Kankakee 389
Robert William Benson Batavia 404
Larry Dean Breon Batavia 404
Philip K Cutright Casey 442
Edward Glen Allen Casey 442
Darrell Arthur Woolums Maroa 454
Robert Edward Mandrell II Blazing Star 458
James Andrew Lawson Denver 464
Roscoe Dean Specht Rantoul 470
David Roy Muskopf Columbia 474
Ronald Richard Sklenar Pleiades 478
Clement Arthur Newton Stark County 479
Danny Joe Austin Edgewood 484
George Barnes Stonefort 495
Michael Eugene Followell Murphysboro 498
Morris Dean Mc Daniel Murphysboro 498
Franklin Eugene Payne Hiram 503
Lewis David Hurst East 504
Neil Lyna Williamson Wade Barney 512
Chuck Zimmerman Barrington 522
John Frederick Weiffenbach Plainfield 536
Russell Jon Heuberger Highland 583
Hubert Keith Johnson Cerro Gordo 600
Clifford Ray Powless Rock River 612
Dennis Marvin Gambel E. F. W. Ellis 633
Phillip Damon Mendenhall Oblong City 644
Paul B. Thacker Oblong City 644
L. D. Pickens Winterrowd 664
Larry Lee Winterrowd Winterrowd 664
Terry Duane Ward Pawnee 675
Clifford Joseph Chiovatero A. O. Fay 676
Lyman Russell Harrington Enfield 677
Monte Bruce Moore Herrin’s Prairie 693
Rodney Brent Moore Herrin’s Prairie 693 John Thomas Mc Creary
Masonry Corner
Brethren, as Editor of the Illinois Freemasonry magazine, I encourage you to let others know what successful activities your Lodge has participated in, how the seeds you have planted have grown into ideas that are ready to harvest. What I cannot do is perform miracles on some of the articles that have been sent to me.
If you are going to submit an article for one of the four yearly issues, I need more than just a photo or two or three along with one line of text describing your activity. I need your name and title, the name of your Lodge and at least one or two paragraphs describing what it is you want published. In previous issues, our Graphic Designer, Jennifer, has explained how your photos should be submitted and a word count to make your article interesting. I am asking her to explain that once again.
We have received some material on specific anniversary celebrations. All 50 and 75-year
Name: Lodge: City:
anniversaries are listed each quarter, so we cannot print articles on specific ones unless it is received from the Grand Master being a participant. If there is space available, we will strive to include those that are special.
As an Assistant on the Grand Lodge Facebook page, it is my responsibility to approve or deny requests for membership to that group. To be granted membership, one must answer three questions – your name, name and number of your Lodge, and city, and that is required – and you must be a Master Mason. Failure to follow instructions on answering the questions will result in membership being denied. If you are going to suggest a group of Masons for membership, they will be denied if no information has been provided.
R.W.B. Ed Walker Editor
Brethren, Brother Ed is correct when he urges you to share the good works of your lodge with others in your community. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by forming friendships with your local weekly newspapers and local radio stations. These local news outlets are often in search of positive, local news stories they can share with their readers and listeners. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by reaching out BEFORE you need their help. Stop by your local media outlet well in advance of your next public event, fundraiser or presentation. Get to know the staff and identify the specific person who can best assist you in sharing your good news. Find out what types of stories they like to run. This will allow you to “tailor” your approach to meet their needs. Many local newspapers love to run photos of local organizations in action. Find out whether you
can submit photos on your own, or whether they would like to send a photojournalist out to cover your event. When working with radio stations, find out if there are times during the day in which the station welcomes guests onto the broadcast. This is often early morning or late afternoon “drive time.” Having a member of your Lodge join a host on-air to discuss Lodge activities is a great way to personalize your upcoming event. By building these relationships before you need them, you will find it easier to gain the coverage you are seeking. And, don’t forget – get a link to newspaper stories or an audio recording of radio coverage that you can share on your social media!
W.B. Mark Schmidt Associate Editor
If you are submitting an article with images for publication, a word count of approximately 275 is preferred. Please submit articles in Microsoft Word. Quotations from those involved in your story will help bring your photos to life and add a human touch to the event being covered.
If you are planning to submit photos for publication in the magazine, here are some guidelines to follow: Photos should be in focus with a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1800 (6 MB uncompressed). The preferred size is 2500 x 2000 (14 MB uncompressed) or higher, especially for featured articles. Note that taking images from a website does not usually translate to something usable in print. Print resolution is quite high (300 pixels per inch), and website images (72 pixels per
inch) can be extremely small in resolution and still look fine when viewed on a computer monitor. If you are taking images from a website with the intent to use them in the publication, please check the specifications on those images and make sure they meet at least the minimum requirement. We can accept JPG (high quality, light compression), TIFF, PNG, or Adobe Photoshop formats for pixelbased images. Vector based artwork can be submitted as EPS, PDF, or Adobe Illustrator formats. If you are shooting with a smartphone, photos will generally work better if taken in the landscape (wide) mode.
Kirsten Riedl Graphic Designer
Old Glory Lodge No. 141 Honors Those Who Have Served
By Ivan Lugo
Tuesday, November 19, 2024, was a day of celebration for Old Glory Lodge No. 141. Members of the Lodge hosted a dinner that celebrated Veterans, 1st Responders, Nurses, & Healthcare workers. We also had the honor and privilege to host the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois Brother David Lynch and his lovely wife Judy. Other special guests in attendance included Brother Vytenis Kirvelaitis, Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master of the 10th Northeastern District of Ancient Free and Accepted Masone of the State of Illinois along with various spouses, family members and friends. Old Glory Lodge was also fortunate to have five active-duty military members in attendance. Worshipful Master John Avelino welcomed everyone and then asked Right Worshipful Brother Noah Panlilio to conduct the dinner prayer followed by an excellent meal.
After dinner, the Worshipful Master requested the Brethren retire to the Lodge room where Old Glory
Lodge was opened, and Most Worshipful Grand Master David Lynch was received and given the Grand Honors. The Grand Master then proceeded to close the lodge seeing that there was no further business on the agenda. The members then returned to our guests in the dining room.
Worshipful Master John, with the assistance of Worshipful Brother Ivan Lugo, presented certificates of appreciation to the active service members of our armed forces, nurses and healthcare workers. A certificate was also presented to the Grand Master for his service to our country as a Marine. The Grand Master then presented our Lodge members who were 1st Responders or Veterans with their certificates and pins. We were immensely proud to be able to celebrate everyone who contributed and continue to contribute to the well-being of everyone and those who defend our freedom.
W.B. Ivan Lugo Secretary, Old Glory Lodge
No.141
Not One but Three Bikes
By Patrick Grubbs
One of the most successful Grand Lodge of Illinois Charities is the Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program, or IMCAP for short. And part of that one is called the Bikes for Books Program where school children can read books and submit their name into a drawing to receive a new bike as a reward.
On December 19th, the Zeigler Royalton Grade School had a few guests stop by the school to visit to present a new bike to three well deserving students. Ziegler Lodge No. 1048 collaborated with the school librarian Joy Beleos in conjunction with the Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program (IMCAP) Bikes for Books Program. This program encourages students to read books during the second quarter of the school year. With each book the students read and pass a quiz, the student’s name went into the bikes for books drawing. The students enthusiastically accepted the challenge
and a whopping total of 2,064 books were read by the students in K-5th grades.
To the surprise of the teachers and students, Zeigler Lodge No.1048 did not just give away one bike but three bikes along with helmets. Both the school librarian and principal agree that this is a great program and they both stated that they fully enjoyed working with the Lodge and its members and hope that this program continues for many years to come.
R.W.B. Patrick Grubbs Senior Grand Deacon
Our Grand Lodge Programs at Work
By Kendall Iglehart
Most Worshipful Grand Master David Lynch and Columbia Lodge No. 474 once again honored Lodge veterans and other First Responders from the Columbia area. On November 14th, the Brothers of Columbia Lodge No. 474 were honored with a visit from Most Worshipful Grand Master David Lynch, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master Joseph Ferrell, Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden James Williams, Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden Angelo Desario, District Deputy Grand Master Orvel Cox and, Area Deputy Grand Master Johnnie Lovell, as the Lodge paid tribute to the veterans and Brothers of Columbia Lodge. We also honored First Responders from various departments in and around
our community. Departments present were Columbia Police Department, Columbia EMS, Dupo Fire Department, Prairie Dupont Fire Department, and Monroe County EMS. Certificates and pins were presented to all awardees after a fine meal.
After the awards ceremony, we held our monthly stated meeting, with Illinois Most Worshipful Grand Master David Lynch closing our “First Degree” Work. Two days later we had a phenomenally successful Chicken and Dumpling Dinner fund raiser, run by our own Brother and Junior Deacon Mike Blankenship. We also conducted a “FREE to the public” Breakfast with Santa on December 14th. Our goal is to have a positive community impact and demonstrate to the public how Free and Accepted Masonry can, and is, of value to every community.
Brother Kendal Iglehart
Secretary Columbia Lodge No. 474
Herrin’s Prairie Lodge No. 693
Goes to the Dogs
By Tony Eaton
About a year and a half ago, Herrin’s Prairie Lodge No. 693 opened their lodge to an amazing nonprofit organization called Down the Leash Service Dogs. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit was founded by Brother Tony Eaton, a Master Mason from Herrin’s Prairie lodge. Down the Leash Service Dogs teaches veterans with disabilities how to train their own service dogs, free of charge. This program was created to combat and reduce the number of veteran suicides that are plaguing our nation’s veterans. It is estimated that twenty-two veterans, per day, fall victim to this terrible end.
A little over two years ago, I was approached by a young woman in a local grocery store. She noticed that I had my service dog, Ariel, and struck up a conversation with me about my dog. She asked me how she could go about getting a service dog for her husband, who was an Army combat veteran. After about a 20-minute, heartfelt conversation, I asked to meet with her husband and try and get him the help he deserved and needed. Several meetings were held with the veteran see about getting him placed with a trained service dog but unfortunately could not find any program that could help him. I then took this veteran out one morning for a breakfast meeting and discussed what our next steps had to be. After a fourhour meeting it was decided that I was going to help this fellow veteran himself. “I was not about to give up on my brother and I needed to help him anyway I could. If there is one thing I learned in the Marine Corps, you never leave a man behind.” So, it was decided that I was going to help, not only this veteran but other veterans too, by teaching them how to train their own service dogs.
I was not new to the service dog world. About five years before I started Down the Leash Service Dogs, I trained my own service dog to help me with my PTSD and mobility issues. “I really understand the benefits to these amazing dogs. They truly are life savers. My dog has helped me to reclaim my own life.” On average, a service dog takes about a year to two years
to be professionally trained and can cost upwards of $30,000. The Veteran’s Administration does not pay for veterans to have service dogs and very few programs exist to help our veterans to obtain one.
Down the Leash Service Dogs was started in my parent’s garage in Carbondale, Illinois, about two years ago. Its humble beginnings were just the two of us but very quickly started to grow. When the garage could no longer hold any more people and dogs we needed to find a new home. I decided to approach my Lodge Brothers about using our fellowship hall to further this mission to help our veterans. It was brought up in a lodge meeting and the vote was unanimous to allow the use of the lodge for free. After the first six months, donations started to come in for the program and my fellow Board of Directors decided that we wanted to help Herrin Prairie lodge by gifting them with a new flagpole and flag. The decision was also made that they would help the lodge, that so graciously helped them, by paying their fair share for the use of their beautiful lodge.
Down the Leash Service Dogs has helped forty veterans in the past two years and that number continues to grow. The program is not just about training service dogs but is also about helping veterans. We have teamed up with several local veteran groups that help vets in other areas of their lives, such as Equine Therapy, Homeless and assisted living shelter, food banks, counseling services and other types of help. Our goal is to help these veterans get their lives back and give them that camaraderie that they had when they served.
If you’d like to donate to our mission or know more about us, please contact me at tony@ downtheleashservicedogs.com or check out our website at www.downtheleashservicedogs.com or follow us on Facebook.
Brother Tony Eaton
Down the Leash Service Dogs
My Masonic Journey
By Eric Taghoy
In the shadow of the global pandemic, when uncertainty loomed large, I embarked on a quest for deeper meaning and enlightenment. It was during these challenging times that I discovered the ancient and honorable fraternity of Freemasonry. I began my journey amid the throes of COVID-19, navigating the complexities of life while embracing the rituals and lessons of the Craft.
As an Entered Apprentice, I was introduced to the foundational principles that guide every Mason. Through perseverance and dedication, I progressed to the degree of Fellowcraft, deepening my understanding and commitment. On a memorable day, April 30, 2021, at Pilipinas Lodge No.1180 in Elmhurst, Illinois, I was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. It was a moment of profound joy and accomplishment.
My thirst for knowledge led me to explore further within the Masonic family. I joined various appendant bodies, including the Scottish Rite, where I delved into esoteric teachings and participated in meaningful work. Each meeting and every ritual were a step towards greater wisdom and camaraderie. Recently, I found myself knocking once again at the door of the Lodge, this time as a candidate for York Rite. The journey through York Rite brought me face-to-face with the rich traditions and history of Masonry. I traversed the three orders—the Order of the Red Cross,
North Wayne Toys for Kids Receives Donation
By Robert Reed
Anthony Doherty Lodge No. 1111 recently presented a check to the North Wayne Toys for Kids in Cisne, Illinois. Following a raffle that was held to raise money for our Coins for Children program, a check in the amount of $750 was donated on October 30, 2024. The donation will help children have a special Christmas that may not otherwise be able to enjoy the holiday season.
B. Robert William Reed
Anthony Doherty Lodge No. 1111
the Order of the Temple, and the Order of Malta. Each order unveiled new layers of knowledge and insight.
In the Blue Lodge, I learned about the universal principles that unite all Masons under the Great Architect of the Universe. As my journey continued into the Royal Arch of Masonry, I witnessed a transformation from the teachings of the Old Testament to the New Testament, where Jesus Christ was introduced. The Order of Malta was a poignant moment of acceptance, where I embraced Jesus Christ as our Savior and God. The Knights Templar, those noble warriors, taught me the sacred duty of brotherhood. They embody the spirit of protectors, ready to draw their swords in defense of their faith and their fellow brethren. This brotherhood, bound by honor and duty, has shown me the true meaning of being a keeper of my brothers.
My Masonic journey has been one of discovery, growth, and deep spiritual awakening. The lessons and experiences I have gained have enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined. It is a journey that continues to inspire and guide me, illuminating the path with the light of wisdom and fraternity.
Brother Eric Martin Taghoy Chaplain Pilipinas Lodge #1180
Pictured from left to right (Donald Reed, Chad Cordell, Lindsay Riley, Don Barrett)
Hurst Lodge No. 1004
Twenty-Five Year Tradition Continues
By Patrick Grubbs
Hurst Lodge No. 1004 located in beautiful downtown Hurst, Illinois, has had one of the best and most well-known fund raisers in Southern Illinois. It all started about 25 years when one Brother said let us try something new and sell breakfast sausage and history was made. In the beginning they purchased their own meat and seasonings and ground it themselves at the lodge. The first year of sales they sold three hundred pounds and was happy with the success to continue. Then in a couple of years a new meat processing plant opened not too far away from the lodge, and they designed a “secret” recipe for the now “WORLD FAMOUS HURST BREAKFAST SAUSAGE.”
The Brothers from Hurst Lodge sell the one-pound chubs at degree work, stated meetings, and have now expanded to selling their sausage at four way stops and parks. In the words of Worshipful Brother Randy Simpkins “it keeps us young and keeps the doors open.” Every year they increase their stock and in 2024 they are set to sell over 4,000 pounds of their breakfast sausage. It is always a joy to see the brethren from Hurst Lodge wheel in their cooler of sausage in the dining room of a lodge and they always have a smile on their faces. “It’s not just for breakfast as it goes in chili, hamburger and in soups,” Worshipful Brother Jerry Simpkins will say as they open for business, “Great Sausage from a great Lodge sold by great Brethren.”
R.W.B. Patrick Grubbs
Senior
Grand Deacon
