Illinois Freemasonry Magazine - Spring 2022

Being Social in Your Lodge and Community Brotherhood

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A Letter From Our Grand Master

By Bro. Michael E. Jackson, M.W. Grand Master

Masonic Trust: My Brother, You Can Remove Your Armor

By Wayne Spooner

The Disappearing Past Master

By David Lynch

My Bicycle’s Role in My Success in Life

By Auston Eugene Smith, Junior Grand Warden

Supporting Masonic Widows

By Jennifer Martin, IMOS Director

2022 Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl

By Dale Thayer, Academic Bowl Chairman

Together Again...Time to Recognize Our Brothers

By R.W.B. Ed Walker

Introducing Our New Junior Grand Deacon

By R.W.B. Angelo Deserio, Junior Grand Deacon

2nd Quarter Anniversaries

Masonry Corner Short Talk Bulletin Podcast

Latest Lodge News

Michael E. Jackson, M.W. Grand Master

Dale Thayer, Academic Bowl Chairman

Wayne Spooner, Membership Chairman

David Lynch, Senior Grand Warden

Jennifer Martin, IMOS Director

EDITOR

Edward Walker, R.W.B.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Mark Schmidt, W.B.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jennifer Woods

“The ties that bind us together and our Faithful Friends and Guides”

As a fraternity, we are first and foremost a Brotherhood of men. We participate together in the unique learning experience of men as they navigate the primary stages of life from young adult to manhood and ultimately to being aged. Through that journey, we seek to learn and improve ourselves with the goal of being useful to our family, friends, co-workers, and communities. For more than 181 years, Lodges in our grand jurisdiction have executed our time-honored ceremonies to make Masons and add good men to our ancient and honorable fraternity. In our Lodges across Illinois, we do this important work and develop valuable “ties that bind us together,” not only with our local Brethren, but also with Master Masons around the world.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Brotherhood is defined as “an association for a particular purpose” and “fellowship.” We learn in our ritual that “it is the internal and not the external qualifications of a man that should recommend him to be made a Mason”. We fundamentally seek to make good men better through active participation in and exposure to our unique Masonic Membership Experience. How? Through the shared history, learning and experience achieved during the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry; also, through the access to and connection with men from various age groups and backgrounds (e.g., social, ethnic, financial, geographic, etc.). This last point underscores one of the most enduring secrets and values of our fraternity; it is the ability to meet and befriend men whom you would never have otherwise met along life’s journey, if not for connecting as Masons.

Even though the word Brotherhood can convey several meanings, I share my experience as an example of how my Masonic journey of selfimprovement, discovery and learning across the years has enhanced my life. I initially joined the fraternity for my father; not because he asked me to join, but rather, because I knew Masonry was important to him; and I thought it would please him if I followed in his footsteps to join. At 27 years old, I was a little slow getting around to joining. After taking my degrees, I distinctly remembered thinking that I did it for him and now I am done. There I stood as a younger man amongst all of these “old men” that on the surface I had nothing in common with. The first turbo charge to my Masonic journey came from the Worshipful Master at the time; he pushed me to get active and appointed me as the Junior Deacon of the Lodge. Of course, I was completely lost and embarrassed. That opportunity or challenge could have yielded one of two outcomes — either I run away and never come back to the Lodge or I embrace the determination to learn the work of that office and build confidence for the road ahead. In reflecting back, you can guess which option prevailed. It was the Brotherly Love and support from this Lodge leader that contributed to my ability to share these thoughts with you today.

From that first Lodge Officer appointment at the start of my Masonic career (which has led to this lofty position in which I serve all of you as your Grand Master), it opened my eyes to the joys of working on me and the genuine fellowship of men doing the same for themselves. We were truly builders together! Even though I was in my twenties, I took the time to sit with and listen to the “old men” as they enjoyed coffee and refreshments as a way of learning and sharing knowledge. In particular, I learned how to observe, think about Masonry, and eventually ask questions. To highlight my points made above, these men became my friends; yes, they were 30, 40 or even 70 years older than me. They passed along to me priceless experiences and helped me grow as a

man and a Mason. Yes, that was 34 years ago, and sadly the “arc of life” has impacted most of those “old men” who are no longer with us. With sincere honor and respect, I still think about and miss them all. Collectively, they were my “Faithful Friends and Guides.”

When reflecting on what Brotherhood further means to me, I recall fondly one person and set of experiences. Spending time traveling for hours to Lodge and other Masonic activities with the man I had the privilege to call “Brother Dad” is the best thing that Masonry has done for me. When I was younger, Brother Dad worked all the time and was usually asleep when he was home; so, the ability to spend quality time together, as Brothers, before he passed is the set of experiences that I cherish most. Taking nothing away from the honors and positions held on this great Masonic journey so far, what I learned and took away from those moments with Brother Dad are priceless and imprinted in the man you see today.

Fast forward to today and I am one of those “old men” that the 27-year-old me initially did not think I had anything in common with. The Level, an important symbol in Masonry, highlights the opportunity for every one of us to bring our best self forward to be useful and help advance our Lodges and fraternity. I hope that when we sit down together for coffee, refreshments, or other types of fellowship activities that the younger Brethren find us “old men” as fascinating as I did decades ago. We are here to help pass along our timeless insights including why we have prioritized investing decades of time being active Masons to both improve ourselves and help others. If you listen to the stories told and the knowledge shared, then you may feel, not only just hear, why we cherish “the ties that bind us together and our Faithful Friends and Guides” who have helped build the good men sitting before you. We encourage you to learn, be those “old men” in our future, and help advance our Masonic Legacy!

Fraternally and sincerely,

Michael E. Jackson, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Illinois

“Choose

the Future” — Advance our Masonic Legacy!

As a fraternity we are first and foremost a Brotherhood of men.”

My Brother, you can remove your armor” when we gather to talk, speculate, learn, develop, and work together as good men and Brothers.”

Masonic Trust: My Brother, You Can Remove Your Armor

By Wayne Spooner

In this Digital Age, we have technological tools that provide an ability to connect and communicate with people across the globe. On social media platforms, we connect with hundreds or more like thousands of people and consume information posted from a variety of sources. The ability for each of us to reach massive numbers of people is vast. The potential influence that individuals provide using these tools extends beyond their ability to do similarly in the real or physical world. Yet, a key question arises, who can you trust?

In Freemasonry, we can all look back to that moment on our journey into the fraternity in which we were asked a momentous question, “in whom do you put your trust?” The exact moment in which the answer was given established the ability for each of us to be taken by the righthand as a Brother. It confirmed that we all have a common humility, reverence, and ability to make the promises that transformed us from “Mister” to “Brother.” The active acknowledgment and demonstration of that timeless foundation of our Brotherhood, which communicates to every Brother that you are trustworthy, is not to be understated.

That act gave gravity to the promises taken which summarily professed that “my Word is my currency amongst these honorable men.” When this theme is understood, the symbolic meaning of the penalty for not upholding those promises becomes clearer. Knowing that every Brother has made the same promises to keep what is private to the fraternity, private to himself, provides the foundation (if not the cornerstone) on which to build the unique trust that can exist amongst Freemasons. Literally, we are taught the “person or persons” to whom we can share what is not only private to the fraternity, but private to ourselves. We also learn that our personal thoughts, aspirations, and challenges in life can be

communicated to a Brother and that information will be kept private “when communicated to and received by me as such.” Said simply, through our shared history as Brethren, we are told the subset of the men around the world who we can extend the priceless gift of Masonic Trust.

The value that Masonic Trust offers to the lives of good men is immeasurable. These good men live by a moral code and set of guiding values like honor, integrity, freedom, equality, tolerance, brotherly love, learning and service to mankind. Overall, they embrace their status as imperfect human beings and strive to fulfill a lifelong mission to “invest in self-improvement and being useful to others.”

These good men, like prior generations of them, seek to advance the important work to help positively build themselves and the world around them. A key question is, how many places or circumstances exist these days for these good men to feel comfortable, affirmed, and safe to just be themselves and ask for the valuable help, support and guidance needed as they navigate through life?

By embracing the timeless foundation of Masonic Trust amongst our Brethren, we can collectively shout that “My Brother, you can remove your armor” when we gather to talk, speculate, learn, develop, and work together as good men and Brothers. In the sanctuaries that we provide during the various formal and informal events and activities of our Lodges, Districts,

Areas, and Statewide Fraternal Operations, we provide a place for the Brethren to feel safe and answer that insightful question stated above. We endeavor to create supportive environments and experiences in which to make real and enduring friends (Masonic Beauty / Brotherly Love) — genuine friends who broadly touch our lives and walk beside us during life’s joys, wonders and challenges. Also, in our work as Freemasons, we support the ability of the Brethren to say transformative words like “My Brother, I do not know; can you help me learn?” (Masonic Wisdom / Truth). As males, that type of vulnerability is not easily exhibited or implemented in many aspects of our lives; however, as Brothers who seek to help one another learn, develop and grow into the best versions of ourselves, those words are expected and welcomed.

I am Trustworthy — my Word is my currency amongst these honorable men.”

That learning journey of moving from darkness to Light.”

Thus, the Brother receiving that inquiry would happily respond with “Yes, glad you asked.” That learning journey of moving from darkness to Light by simply asking for knowledge and with the assistance of a Faithful Friend and Guide is a repeatable process known quite well to all Freemasons across the globe and throughout time. Lastly, our Masonic Trust fuels the “pride in works” generated by joining together to combine our talents, time and resources to complete successful tasks and activities for the fraternity and “relieve the suffering of others” (Masonic Strength / Relief); that life enhancing work is accomplished through the many harmonious acts done together with skill, kindness, love and charity within our Illinois Freemasonry Family and in our communities throughout the state.

Our Brotherhood provides what good men seek and value in life which is built firmly on the bedrock of Masonic Trust. When we remove the intellectual, spiritual, and emotional armor needed to fight and survive in the outer world, we can truly embrace the beauties, wonders, passions, and value that membership in our ancient and honorable fraternity provides in our lives. Fundamentally, “We are Builders” — our Brotherhood has captured the hearts, minds, and souls of good men throughout time and around the world to inspire and help positively transform humanity. Lastly, Freemasonry is not where we go to meet, but rather who we are! Our motto, “Masons living Masonry in their daily lives” is both an anthem to share and a reminder, as upright men and Masons, “to walk and act as such.”

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

By David Lynch

When I was a District Deputy Grand Master, I noticed that in many of my Lodges after the Worshipful Master had finished his term or year serving his Lodge, he rarely came back to Lodge meetings. I would ask them before their last meeting how they were feeling about stepping down. Most did not know what to expect or how they would feel, but I knew because I had been a Past Master twice. The first time I stepped down I felt like I was not important or needed anymore. I did my time and that was that. I admit I did not show up to Lodge as much as I did before. My nephew was the Senior Warden of my Lodge and because of his work schedule he could not fulfill his Office, so I was asked to fill in as Senior Warden when he was not there. He could

not move up to Worshipful Master and I was asked if I would take the chair again to fill the station. I agreed to do it. I had more fun the second time because I knew what to do and expect as the leader of the Lodge. As I was fulfilling my term, I was appointed the DDGM of the 16th Northeast District and I really received a better look at what Lodges should do and the workings of all the members.

So, what I would say is some of the Past Masters of the Lodges that I had just talked to came back to Lodge on occasion, then dropped out feeling they were not needed as before. Have you felt that way? Even as a member, do you feel not needed because you have no job to do or any responsibility?

isappearingD Past Master The

. . . he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs.”

When I would tell them before they stepped down that their feeling might be that of not being needed and empty, but they should feel just the opposite. They were needed more in their Lodge now than before. They were now in the position to guide, add knowledge, and show the younger Masons coming up the chairs what to do, (when asked) and mentoring the newer Masons. Now your new job as Past Master or position became more important than ever. I know many Lodges recycle their Officers because their membership is not coming to the meetings. So let me share this article I found a few years ago. It applies to all Masons in every Lodge.

The Silent Summons

Amember of a certain Lodge, who previously attended meetings regularly, had stopped going. After a few months went by, the Worshipful Master decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening, and the Worshipful Master found his Brother at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire.

Guessing the reason for the Worshipful Master’s visit, the Brother welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The Worshipful Master made himself comfortable but said nothing.

In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After a few minutes, the Worshipful Master took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth, all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent.

His host watched all of this in quiet contemplation. As the one, lone ember’s flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow, and its fire was no more. Soon, it was cold and dead.

Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The Worshipful Master glanced at his watch and chose this time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember, and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately, it began to glow once more, with all the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the Worshipful Master reached the door to leave, his host said, with a tear running down his cheek, “Thank you so much for your fiery summons, my Brother. I will be back in our Lodge next meeting.”

-Author Unknown

Silent Summons

Your attendance at Lodge meetings whether you are a Past Master, Officer working your way up or just a member is important for every aspect of what a Lodge should be and how it should function. Masonry is a Fraternity of men who meet and have fellowship with each other. Fellowship is especially important to our own existence as human beings. We were not meant to be alone. I know when you join a Lodge for a while you do not understand what is going on or what to expect but that is when you must put forth your effort to get involved, not just sit, and wait what to be told to do. Every one of us has a talent that a Lodge needs and it is up to you to offer your talent to your Lodge. Do not be that single ember fading away.

R.W.B. David Lynch, Deputy Grand Master

brightly burning

My Success in my Bicycle’s Role

in Life

By Auston Eugene Smith

Okay, if you have read this far, hopefully I have your attention for the moment, but you have to read the entire article to find the answer to the question, “What does Smith’s bicycle have to do with the “Brotherhood” theme of this issue of Freemasonry Magazine. Well, it is my experience that “Brotherhood” is not achieved through osmosis, it is developed through social interaction between individuals. I also believe the “cement” that holds us together as Freemasons is Brotherhood. Show me a lodge that has active social/brotherhood programs and I’ll show you a thriving and growing lodge. Conversely, show me a lodge that is struggling for membership and on the verge of closing or merging and I’ll show you a lodge that does not have any social/brotherhood team-building programs! Here is where bike comes in.

Born in 1950, I was raised by my elderly grandparents, religious people who believed in the benefits of hard work and who had no time for “entertainment” such as television, movies and such. We were not in poverty but without money to waste on frills. My home was the first house built about 1868 in what would become Castleberry, Alabama. As a youngster, riding my bike about town, I noticed the only two story building in Castleberry was the Masonic Hall – Downing Lodge No. 580. By 1960, the town’s population was maybe 700 people if everyone was home when the count was taken. The bank was located on one side of my home and the bank president’s home was on the other side; it suffices to say I lived “downtown.” But my exposure to the wider world beyond Castleberry was limited.

First, you may ask why I think I am a “success in life” so here is my background. I retired from the U. S. Air Force on my 56th birthday in 2006. My “success” allowed me to pursue my interests and not have to worry about getting up early to go to work. Sure, I had to adjust my life style to fit my financial status, but I made that adjustment and began the retired life that I had dreamed of for so many years. However, after 5 years of playing golf and fishing, I realized there is something missing in my life, I had no goal to work towards – nothing to keep me “alive” and no sense of achievement. I needed to a new adventure!

While sitting on my deck late one spring afternoon in 2011, reflecting on my early life and past adventures, I remembered Downing Lodge No. 580 and those men who were always wearing black suits. When I asked my grandfather what these men did and why they always wore black suits, he said it was a “secret.” In my young imagination I remembered wanting to be become one of those secret guys one day, like my hero James Bond! Now, at age 61, it occurred to me that I have never achieved that goal of becoming a Mason. Becoming a Mason became my new goal in life so I could find out what those men in black suits actually did in Downing Lodge No. 580! Okay, but what about the bicycle you may be wondering! Stay with me, the bike was important.

My first seven years of life were spent outside, exploring the world of nature, wondering what other adventures lay just another mile down the road. My youngest uncle had left his 26-inch bicycle at home when he was drafted in the Army during the Korean War. Finally, by age 7, I had grown tall enough that my legs could reach the pedals on the bicycle and after many failed attempts, I learned to ride. My school was only one mile from my home and the school bus only picked up children who lived more than 1.5 miles from school so I rode my bike to school every day. And yes, the school was actually uphill from my house! Fortunately, the safety of living in a small rural town in the late 1960s meant I could ride the bike wherever I wanted during the summers, so long as I met my grandmother’s rule of being home by sunset.

Bicycling kept me off the couch, kept me active, benefited my health and got me started on my life-long quest to travel the world in search of adventure. However, within a couple of years I had explored the surrounding area of my hometown and by age 10 or so I was looking for more exciting adventures. Because I had no electronic distractions (television, cell phone, computer), I began to take mental expeditions by reading books from the school library. I rarely took school text books home but every day my bicycle basket was full of books from the library, allowing me to travel across the seas with Christopher Columbus, chase whales with Ishmael and Captain Ahab on the ship Pequod, even fight off bears, wild hogs and wolves with my side-kick Arliss Coates and his dog Old Yeller. Even after living and traveling around the world during 34 years in the Air Force, I still enjoy a good adventure, exploring what is over the next hill.

The ability to read, was instrumental in my future success in life. Reading enabled me to learn how to communicate, how to learn new skills, and eventually how to exercise the skill of “critical thinking.” Unfortunately, today many young children cannot read, students are even graduating from high school without the ability to read above a grammar school level. According to an online article by https://chicago.chalkbeat.org, “fewer than one in five Chicago thirdgraders met or exceeded state standards in reading and math on a standardized exam given in the spring (2020) — when a majority of students were doing most of their learning at home.” If a child can’t

read, comprehend, and think critically, their future is very limited.

But what has bicycles got to do with reading skills you may still be asking! Here is my point in this article; if reading is a critical life-skill, and if a goal of Freemasonry is to contribute to the betterment of mankind, we need to consider how Masonry can enhance the reading

skills of our youth, and I have an idea on how we can use bicycles to help do that while at the same time strengthening brotherhood in our lodges.

Local Masonic lodges can develop a relationship with local schools to reward grammar-school-age children who demonstrate measurable improvement in their reading skills. Under this “Bikes for Books” program,

the local lodges can request funds from IMCAP to purchase bicycles to be presented to children who demonstrate measurable improvement in their reading comprehension. The local schools would be responsible for developing the rules, administering the program and selecting the winners. If a lodge is looking for a program to help build social interaction and brotherhood among its members, such a project would provide those opportunities, while at the same time greatly benefit local children and generate favorable publicity for the lodge in the local community, all for the minimal cost of a new bike.

There may be some situations where parents have reservations about their child having a bike; for example, the area where the child lives may not be safe for youngsters to ride bikes. In this case, perhaps the prize awarded could be a Kindle e-Reader which costs approximately the same as a bicycle.

My idea would be to place the bicycles (boys & girls) or Kindle e-Reader on display in the grammar school library at the beginning of the school year. As mentioned above, the program rules would be developed by each individual school, but as an example, students who read a book from the library and pass a comprehensive examination on that book would receive a “ticket” which is then placed in a jar or other container. At the end of the semester or

school year, the winning ticket(s) would be drawn and the bicycle(s) awarded to the winning student(s). The local schools would determine the number of bikes to be awarded and other rules to govern the competition. All the local lodges have to do is sponsor the program, provide the bikes and generate positive publicity for the reading program and Freemasonry in Illinois. In case you are wondering if this would be considered a “raffle” I have been advised that the answer is “No.”

This type of program is used by the Idaho Freemason Foundation and several other State Masonic Outreach programs to support reading enhancement among preteens and the programs have been very successful. In fact, the Idaho Freemason Foundation has expanded their program to include a “Teacher of the Year” recognition award for the teacher whose students read the most books and pass the comprehension examinations.

I encourage any lodge that wants to increase their exposure in the local community while at the same time providing members with an opportunity for social “team building” to consider the Bikes for Books program. Help build a better future for the children while at the same time building stronger “Brotherhood” in you lodge. Contact IMCAP for additional details and information on funding.

DATE: July 18, 2022 • REGISTRATION: 8:00 a.m. • SHOTGUN START: 10:00 a.m.

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Supporting Masonic Widows

To go along with this month’s theme of being social in your Lodge and Community, let’s not forget about our Widows! Some Lodges have reported to me that they have created Widow’s committees to go out and check in on our Masonic Widows. Kudos to you all who do help the Masonic Widows. Some Lodges put on dinners for them as well. I know here at IMOS we have assisted in helping keep Widows in their homes with one-time assistance and even monthly assistance. IMOS has paid to remodel a Widow’s bathroom so that it is safe for her to go in and out of the bathroom. We have built ramps for Widow’s to get in and out of their homes safely while they use their walker or wheelchair.

I have heard Widow’s say to me that they do not know what they would do if a natural disaster came and destroyed their home. My answer is for them to call IMOS! If they are not qualified for our financial assistance, we could still help them get the proper resources to get the assistance they need and deserve.

I am going to create a blog on the IMOS website and give a shout out individually to each Lodge that contacts me and lets me know what they are doing to support their Masonic Widows, membership and their community. If you would like to send me a short summary and maybe some pictures (with consent of who is in the photograph of course) that would be wonderful!

If you have already shared what your Lodge is currently doing for your Community, please send me a reminder. I do not want anyone to miss out on being a part of my blog and shout outs!

Here is my email address to where you can send your summaries and photos: Outreach@ilmason.org

Thank you so much for all that you do!!

Jennifer Martin, IMOS Director

B WL ACADEMIC 2022 Illinois Masonic

Class 1A State Champion: Elgin Academy • Class 2A State Champion: Herscher H.S.

Class 3A State Champion: University Laboratory H.S. (Urbana)

Class 1A State Champion – Elgin Academy

Class 1A Second Place – Roanoke-Benson H.S. (Roanoke)

Elgin Academy won the 2022 Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl Class 1A State Championship on March 5th by defeating RoanokeBenson HS with a score of 230 to 80. Elgin Academy received a $1,500 scholastic monetary award from the Masons of Illinois and the Class 1A state championship trophy. Roanoke-Benson HS received a $1,000 scholastic monetary award from the Masons of Illinois and the Class 1A Second-Place plaque.

Elgin Academy – Class 1A State Champion

Sponsored by Cary-Grove Lodge No. 1157 in Cary.

Class 1A Third Place – Cumberland H.S. (Toledo)

Class 1A Fourth Place – New Berlin H.S.

Roanoke-Benson H.S. – Class 1A Second Place No Masonic Lodge sponsor.

Cumberland HS won 3rd-Place by defeating New Berlin HS with a score of 120 to 110. Cumberland HS received a $700 scholastic monetary award from the Masons of Illinois and the Class 1A Third-Place plaque. New Berlin HS received a $400 scholastic monetary award from the Masons of Illinois and the Class 1A Fourth-Place plaque.

Cumberland H.S. – Class 1A Third Place

Co-Sponsored by Greenup Lodge No. 125 in Greenup, Hutton Lodge No. 0698 in Diona, and Toledo Lodge No. 0834 in Toledo.

New Berlin H.S. – Class 1A Fourth Place

Sponsored by St. Paul’s Lodge No. 0500 in Springfield. Sponsored by Pawnee Lodge No. 0675 in Pawnee.

B WL ACADEMIC

Class 2A State Champion – Herscher H.S.

Class 2A Second Place – Southwestern H.S. (Piasa)

Herscher H.S. won the 2022 Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl Class 2A State Championship on March 5th by defeating Southwestern H.S. with a score of 210 to 170. Herscher H.S. received a $1,500 scholastic monetary award from the Masons of Illinois and the Class 2A state championship trophy. Southwestern H.S. received a $1,000 scholastic monetary award from the Masons of Illinois and the Class 2A Second-Place plaque.

Herscher

Sponsored by Oak Forest Lodge No. 832 in Oak Forest.

Southwesten H.S. – Class 2A Second Place

Sponsored by Shipman Lodge No. 212 in Shipman.

Class 2A Third Place – Timothy Christian H.S. (Elmhurst)

Class 2A Fourth Place – Williamsville H.S.

Timothy Christian H.S. won 3rd-Place by defeating Williamsville High School with a score of 220 to 160. Timothy Christian H.S. received a $700 scholastic monetary award from the Masons of Illinois and the Class 2A Third-Place plaque. Williamsville H.S. received a $400 scholastic monetary award from the Masons of Illinois and the Class 2A Fourth-Place plaque.

H.S. – Class 2A State Champion

Timothy Christian H.S. – Class 2A Third Place Sponsored by Old Glory Lodge No. 141 in Westchester.

Williamsville H.S. – Class 2A Fourth Place Sponsored by Riverton-Lavely Lodge No. 786 in Riverton.

Class 3A State Champion – University Laboratory H.S. (Urbana)

Class 3A Second Place – Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Aurora)

University H.S. won the 2022 Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl Class 3A State Championship on March 5th by defeating Illinois Math and Science Academy with a score of 280 to 250. University H.S. received a $1,500 scholastic monetary award from the Masons of Illinois and the Class 3A state championship trophy. IMSA received a $1,000 scholastic monetary award from the Masons of Illinois and the Class 3A Second-Place plaque.

University H.S. – Class 3A State Champion

Sponsored by Homer Lodge No. 199 in Homer.

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy –Class 3A Second Place

Sponsored by Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 90 in Aurora.

Class 3A Third Place – William Fremd H.S. (Palatine)

Class 3A Fourth Place – Rockford Auburn H.S.

William Fremd H.S. won 3rd-Place by defeating Rockford Auburn H.S. with a score of 300 to 230. William Fremd H.S. received a $700 scholastic monetary award from the Masons of Illinois and the Class 3A Third-Place plaque. Rockford Auburn H.S. received a $400 scholastic monetary award from the Masons of Illinois and the Class 3A Fourth-Place plaque.

William Fremd H.S. – Class 3A Third Place

Sponsored by Palatine Lodge No. 314 in Palatine.

Rockford Auburn H.S. – Class 3A Fourth Place

Sponsored by Durand Lodge No. 302 in Durand.

B WL ACADEMIC

In addition to the 4 finalists in each class at the State Tournament, the other 6 competing teams in Class 1A, 8 competing teams in Class 2A, and 6 competing teams in Class 3A received $100 from the Masons of Illinois for being State Tournament qualifiers. Those teams were: Class 1A –Blue Ridge (Farmer City), East Dubuque, Erie-Prophetstown Cooperative (Prophetstown), Fisher, Goreville, and Tripoia (Concord); Class 2A – Carterville, Charleston, Gibault Catholic (Waterloo), Illinois Valley Central (Chillicothe), Macomb, Paris Cooperative, Riverdale (Port Byron), and Winnebago; Class 3A – Bloomington, Carbondale Community, Carl Sandburg (Orland Park), Glenbard North (Carol Stream), Glenbrook South (Glenview), and Quincy Senior.

n 3-Class Tournament

The IHSA official enrollment numbers were used and the Classes were established as follows: Class 1A schools were those with enrollments of 300 and less, Class 2A schools were those with enrollments of 301 to 850, and Class 3A schools were those with enrollments of 851 and more. The Tournament Director determines the enrollment breakpoints between the Classes, trying to have approximately the same number of schools in each of the 3 Classes.

n Number of Schools competing slightly down this year

A total of 299 high schools registered to participate in our 38th annual tournament, which was 21 less than in our 2020 tournament. We had 259 schools actually compete in our tournament this year. Eight new schools registered for the tournament this year. One school joined our tournament after an 9-year absence, 1 returned after a 4-year absence, 2 returned after a 3-year absence, and 6 returned after a 2-year absence. The sectional tournaments were held on February 19th at 32 different tournament sites throughout the state. Thirty-three tournament sites were originally scheduled, but 1 was canceled due to our face mask policy and time being too short to set up a replacement tournament site. Forty schools withdrew for various reasons with 4 withdrawing due to road conditions in their area, but the majority of those reasons being conflicts in their schedules. Ten sectional sites were for Class 1A schools, 12 were for Class 2A schools, and 10 were for Class 3A schools. At each of the 32 sectional tournament sites, scholastic

awards money was awarded as follows: $400 to the Sectional Champion, $300 to second-place, $200 to thirdplace, and $100 to fourth-place. This was a total of $32,000 being awarded to the schools that finished in the top 4 positions at the 32 sectional tournament sites.

n Number of Lodges Supporting Program declined this year.

254 Lodges financially supported the 2022 Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl. This was 13 less than in our 2020 tournament. These 254 Lodges contributed $42,186.10 this year, which was $1,626.40 less than in 2020. The Masonic Academic Bowl Committee greatly appreciates the financial support provided by these Lodges. Through the Contribution Opportunities Program, the following amounts were received: $259.74 for a Bronze Contribution from an individual Mason; $400.00 for a Bronze Contribution from an individual Mason, and $250.00 for a Bronze Contribution from an individual Mason. Total contributions to the program were $43,095.84 which was $2,006.66 less than in 2020.

n Attendance of Masons at Sectional Tournaments continued to decline this year.

We had 288 Masons attend the Sectional Tournaments this year. This amounted to 88 fewer than in 2020. This decrease was mainly due to some of the Sectional Sites limiting the attendance of spectators because of continuing COVID concerns. Attendance by Masons at the State Tournament was 90 which was an increase of 19 over the 2020 tournament.

2022 SECTIONAL TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Class 1A Schools (enrollment = 300 and under)

Site 01 at Pearl City H.S.

Champion – East Dubuque H.S., 2nd – Dakota H.S., 3rd – Pecatonica H.S., and 4th – Pearl City H.S.

Site 02 at Elgin Academy (Elgin)

Champion – Elgin Academy, 2nd – Keith Country Day School (Rockford), 3rd – Newark H.S., and 4th – Indian Creek H.S. (Shabbona)

Site 03 at Prophetstown H.S.

Champion – Erie-Prophetstown Cooperative H.S., 2nd –Fulton H.S., 3rd – Ashton-Franklin Center H.S. (Ashton), and 4th – Morrison H.S.

Site 04 at Elmwood H.S.

Site cancelled due to face mask requirements.

Site 05 at Tri-Point H.S. (Cullom)

Champion – Roanoke-Benson H.S.(Roanoke), 2nd –Putnam County H.S. (Granville), 3rd – Tri-Point H.S. (Cullom), and 4th – Henry-Senachwine H.S. (Henry)

Site 06 at Winchester H.S.

Champion – Triopia H.S. (Concord), 2nd – Unity H.S. (Mendon), 3rd – Brown County H.S. (Mt. Sterling), and 4th – Illini Central H.S. (Mason City)

Site 07 at New Berlin H.S.

Champion – New Berlin H.S., 2nd – Calhoun H.S. (Hardin), 3rd – Brussels H.S., and 4th – Mt. Olive H.S.

Site 08 at Meridian H.S. (Macon)

Champion – Blue Ridge H.S. (Farmer City), 2nd – Cornerstone Christian Academy (Bloomington), 3rd – Argenta-Oreana H.S. (Argenta), and 4th – Meridian H.S. (Macon)

Site 09 at Villa Grove H.S.

Champion – Fisher H.S., 2nd – Villa Grove H.S., 3rd –Salt Fork H.S. (Catlin), and 4th – Tri-County H.S. (Oakland)

Site 10 at Cumberland H.S. (Toledo)

Champion – Cumberland H.S. (Toledo), 2nd – Edwards County H.S. (Albion), 3rd – South Central H.S. (Farina), and 4th –Oblong H.S.

Site 11 at Sesser-Valier H.S. (Sesser)

Champion – Goreville H.S., 2nd – Galatia H.S., 3rd – SesserValier H.S. (Sesser), and 4th – Cisne H.S.

Class 2A Schools (enrollment = 301 to 850)

Site 12 at Byron H.S.

Champion – Winnebago H.S., 2nd – Marengo Community H.S., 3rd – Byron H.S., and 4th – Mendota Township H.S.

Site 13 at Timothy Christian H.S. (Elmhurst)

Champion – Timothy Christian H.S. (Elmhurst), 2nd –Latin School of Chicago, 3rd – Westmont H.S., and 4th –Beacon Academy (Evanston)

Site 14 at Geneseo H.S.

Champion – Riverdale H.S. (Port Byron), 2nd – Princeton H.S., 3rd – Geneseo H.S., and 4th – Rock Falls H.S.

Site 15 at Herscher H.S.

Champion – Herscher H.S., 2nd – Streator Township H.S., 3rd – St. Bede Academy (Peru), and 4th –Pontiac Township H.S.

Site 16 at Macomb H.S.

Champion – Macomb H.S., 2nd – Quincy Notre Dame H.S., 3rd – Illini West H.S. (Carthage), and 4th – Rushville-Industry H.S. (Rushville)

Site 17 at Peoria Chrstian H.S.

Champion – Illinois Valley Central H.S. (Chillicothe), 2nd – Lincoln Community H.S., 3rd – Eureka H.S., and 4th –Peoria Christian H.S.

Site 18 at St. Teresa H.S. (Decatur)

Champion – Williamsville H.S., 2nd – Warrensburg-Latham H.S. (Warrensburg), 3rd – Rochester H.S., and 4th –Pleasant Plains H.S.

Site 19 at Paris H.S.

Champion – Paris Cooperative H.S., 2nd – Sullivan H.S., 3rd – Paxton-Buckley-Loda H.S. (Paxton), and 4th –St. Joseph-Ogden H.S. (St. Joseph)

B WL ACADEMIC

Site 20 at Southwestern H.S. (Piasa)

Champion – Southwestern H.S. (Piasa), 2nd – Litchfield H.S., 3rd – Staunton H.S., and 4th – Carlinville H.S.

Site 21 at Newton Community H.S.

Champion – Charleston H.S., 2nd – Robinson H.S., 3rd – St. Anthony H.S. (Effingham), and 4th –Effingham H.S.

Site 22 at Bond County H.S. (Greenville)

Champion – Gibault Catholic H.S. (Waterloo), 2nd –Mater Dei Catholic H.S. (Breese), 3rd – Althoff Catholic H.S. (Belleville), and 4th – Central H.S. (Breese)

Site 23 at Carterville H.S.

Champion – Carterville H.S., 2nd – Herrin H.S., 3rd – Massac County H.S. (Metropolis), and 4th –Johnston City H.S.

Class 3A Schools (enrollment = 851 and over)

Site 24 at Boylan Catholic H.S. (Rockford)

Champion – Rockford Auburn H.S., 2nd – Hononegah

Commuity H.S. (Rockton), 3rd – Belvidere North H.S., and 4th – Kaneland H.S. (Maple Park)

Site 25 at Barrington H.S.

Champion – William Fremd H.S. (Palatine), 2nd –Barrington H.S., 3rd – Palatine H.S., and 4th –Carmel Catholic H.S. (Mundelein)

Site 26 at Loyola Academy (Wilmette)

Champion – Glenbrook South H.S. (Glenview), 2nd – Adlai E. Stevenson H.S. (Lincolnshire), 3rd –Loyola Academy (Wilmette), and 4th –Maine East H.S. (Park Ridge)

Site 27 at Fenton H.S. (Bensenville)

Champion – Glenbard North H.S. (Carol Stream), 2nd – Hoffman Estates H.S., 3rd – St. Charles East H.S., and 4th – Jones College Prep H.S. (Chicago)

Site 28 at Naperville North H.S.

Champion – Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Aurora), 2nd – Naperville North H.S., 3rd – Benet Academy (Lisle), and 4th – Metea Valley H.S. (Aurora)

Site 29 at Carl Sandburg H.S. (Orland Park)

Champion – Carl Sandburg H.S. (Orland Park), 2nd – Lincoln-Way East H.S. (Frankfort), 3rd –Minooka Community H.S., and 4th – HomewoodFlossmoor H.S. (Flossmoor)

Site 30 at Galesburg H.S.

Champion – Quincy Senior H.S., 2nd – Dunlap H.S., 3rd – United Township H.S. (East Moline), and 4th –Richwoods H.S. (Peoria)

Site 31 at Normal Community H.S.

Champion – Bloomington H.S., 2nd – LaSalle-Peru Township H.S. (LaSalle), 3rd – Washington Community H.S., and 4th – East Peoria Community H.S.

Site 32 at Mattoon H.S.

Champion – University Laboratory H.S. (Urbana), 2nd – Springfield H.S., 3rd – Centennial H.S. (Champaign), and 4th – Champaign Central H.S.

Site 33 at Granite City H.S.

Champion – Carbondale Community H.S., 2nd – Granite City H.S., 3rd – Alton H.S., and 4th – Mascoutah H.S.

Over the past 38 years, the Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl program has provided a means for the Masons of Illinois to become well-known for supporting high school academics, providing positive recognition for academic excellence, and affording much monetary assistance to many Illinois high school scholastic bowl programs throughout our state. We are very proud to be able to support and promote scholastic bowl in our Illinois high schools.

n 2023 Tournament Dates

The dates for the 2023 Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl will be:

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023 – Sectional Tournaments (32 or 33 sites to be determined).

Saturday, Mar. 4, 2023 – State Tournament at service in order to keep this program running smoothly, especially at tournament time. The support that I have received from the Grand Lodge Officers over the past 18 years has been unwavering. I extend my THANKS to all of them for placing their trust in me to oversee this Grand Lodge program and allowing our tournament to grow to new heights of recognition and respect associated with high school scholastic bowl competition in Illinois. My plans are to finish up several reports for this year’s tournament and then hand the reigns over to Wor. Bro. Herman Albers, a member of Red Bud Lodge No. 427, sometime in early May. I have been working with Wor. Bro. Albers for 2 years so that he is prepared to take over, and I am confident that this program will be in very capable hands under his leadership. Please give him the same support that you have given me for the last 18 years. This has been a very challenging and extremely rewarding experience for me and I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to have served our Grand Lodge in this capacity. I will continue to fully support this program and will always promote it in any way that I am able to do so. REMEMBER – working together, we have accomplished much, and by continuing to work together, we will accomplish even more.

Submitted by: Dale F. Thayer, Chairman Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl

By Ed Walker

After months spent apart due to COVID-19, and many zoom meetings, our Grand Lodge of Illinois was finally able to gather in person for the 182nd Annual Communication held last October in Springfield. It was a time for food, fun, and fellowship, and a time to catch up on some important awards. Past Grand Master Stephen Oakley presented several Illinois Masons with their awards, this time for two years, along with two special awards for long and dedicated service to our Grand Lodge.

The Mason of the Year for 2021 is R.W.B. Henry Albert Haisch, Jr.

The Mason of the Year for 2021 was raised a Master Mason in July of 2011 in Lebanon Lodge No. 110 and served as Worshipful Master in 2017. He currently serves as the District Deputy Grand Master of the 6th Southern District. He is a member of the Valley of Southern Illinois where he serves as the Deputy’s Representative. His Masonic journey has taken him through many Scottish Rite and York Rite Bodies along with an extensive history in the Shrine. He enjoys riding his bike with the Stone Templars Chapter of the Widow’s Sons and is also a member of the

The Mason selected as Mason of the Year for 2020 was raised a Master Mason in April of 2000 in Rushville Lodge No. 9 where he served as Worshipful Master and received his Certified Lodge Instructor designation in 2004. He also served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 9th Western District, Assistant Area Deputy Grand Master of the Western Area and currently serves as the Western Area Deputy Grand Master. He belongs to the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite where he serves as the Deputy’s Representative for the Valley of Quincy. This Mason also belongs to several York Rite Bodies in Macomb.

Our 2020 Patriot of the Year is R.W.B. Auston Eugene Smith, our current Junior Grand Warden.

Honored for his service to our Nation is our Patriot of the Year for 2020. This Master Mason has served in the United States Air Force with distinction and pride for more than thirty years. This Brother first attempted to join the Air Force shortly after graduating from high school but there were no openings at the

The Mason of the Year for 2020 is R.W.B. Dan Phillips.

time. He then applied to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, where he was accepted in September of 1969 as a State Trooper Cadet. Not being 21 years old yet and unable to legally carry a weapon, he worked as a Cadet for one year in the capacity of a radio dispatcher. After several years as a State Trooper, he was finally able to enlist in the Air Force and thus began an outstanding career of service. You may read more about the 2020 Patriot of the Year in the fall issue of this magazine.

Our Patriot of the Year for 2021 is Brother Robert Zuniga, Master Sergeant, United States Air Force, Scott AFB, Illinois.

Our Patriot of the Year for 2021 has served in both the United States Army and Air Force. He first enlisted in the Army in September 2020 and completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, then Advanced Individual Training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and was assigned to the Army’s 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York. His tour of duty assignments includes direct support of Operations JOINT GUARDIAN and ENDURING FREEDOM, serving as a field intelligence analyst and source operator. In 2006 he was assigned to the Army National Guard’s 36th Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Hood, Texas. His tour of duty assignments includes direct support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and SINBAD. He then entered the Air Force Reserves in December of 2011. He served as an Operations Intelligence Specialist with the 932nd Operations Support Flight, 932nd Operations Group until 2014, where he cross-trained into the Career Enlisted Aviation field. He now holds the rank of Master Sergeant and is a C-40C Element Leader within the 73rd Airlift Squadron, 932nd Airlift Wing, Scott Air Force Basse, Illinois. He was raised as a Master Mason January of 2008 in Johnson City-Unity Lodge No. 970, Johnson City New York, then affiliated with Springfield Lodge No. 4, and several other Lodges in various duty stations. In addition to these four awards, Past Grand Master Oakley presented two other special awards in recognition of long and dedicated service to our Grand Lodge.

The first was presented to R.W.B. James O. Shrum, Grand Marshal Emeritus. He was recognized for his long service to our Grand Lodge as a Certified Lodge Instructor, member of the Lodge Programs Committee, Area Assistant Deputy Grand Master for the Western Area, Western Coordinator for the Blue Lightning Committee, Area Deputy Grand Master for the Western Area, Grand Lecturer, Grand Lodge Instructor, Grand Steward, and as Grand Marshal from 2009 to 2021. He is a member of two Lodges and an honorary member of over thirty Illinois Lodges.

Also recognized for long and devoted service to our Grand Lodge was R.W.B. Brad Cole, a 21-year member of Murphysboro Lodge No. 498. Brad has served on the Masonic Home Committee, as Grand Orator, Chairman of the Leadership Development Committee and as a member, Chairman of the IMOS Board of Managers, and as Chairman of the IMCAP Board of Managers. If you have attended any of the Friday night Grand Lodge banquets, you know the excellent effort he put forth year after year as the Master of Ceremonies, always with a kind word for the current Grand Master. Congratulations Brad as a top-notch MC.

Be sure to attend the 183rd Annual Communication of our Grand October 7-8, 2022, in Springfield, and share in recognizing the Mason and Patriot of the Year for 2022. Information will be published in the summer edition of the Illinois Freemasonry magazine.

R.W.B. Edward R. Walker, Editor, Illinois Freemasonry

Hello Brethren of the Grand Jurisdiction of Illinois. My name is Right Worshipful Brother Angelo S. Deserio. I have the honor of serving as your Junior Grand Deacon since being appointed to that office in October 2021. Having been raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason more than 18 years ago, I have had the pleasure of enjoying this wonderful journey together filled with brotherly love, learning and service to our communities. I have proudly served my Lodges, Districts, Area, and our Grand Lodge in several different support and leadership roles. During that time, I can honestly say that I have grown positively as a man and Mason. I have become a better husband, father, friend, employee, and member of my community.

So far on my Masonic journey, I have had an opportunity to learn about the fraternity and how it operates at multiple levels. Matteson Lodge No. 175 in Joliet, IL is my mother Lodge in which I served as its Worshipful

Introducing Our New Junior Grand Deacon

Master in 2008. The Brethren of three additional Lodges elected me as their Worshipful Master — Landmark Lodge No. 442 (2009 and 2010), Green Dragon Lodge No. 821 (2017) and Jacques DeMolay Lodge No. 1919 (2021). That last one captures a special moment both as being one of the charter members and the first Worshipful Master of the newest Lodge in the Northeastern Area and our grand jurisdiction. I am also an Honorary member of Crete Lodge No. 763. Diving further into Lodge Operations, I serve as the current Secretary of Green Dragon Lodge No. 821. While as a District Deputy Grand Master and then as an Assistant Area Deputy Grand Master for the Northeastern Area, I have gotten a deeper understanding of both the issues and opportunities facing our Lodges. Also, in those positions, I learned from helping officers manage problem escalation, encourage Brethren to work harmoniously together, educate and share resources to help them be successful, and assist with making tough decisions when needed.

A rewarding and valuable Masonic experience has been serving for more than three years as the Chairman of the Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program (IMSAP) Board of Managers. This role has provided an opportunity to gain experience and help advance the financial and charitable work of our Grand Lodge. Among our Illinois Masonic Charities, I do have a passion for the work done by all the charitable programs under the IMSAP umbrella (including the Academic Bowl and Coins for Children). I have gotten a first-hand view of the magnificent work and positive impact that our charities have in our communities across the state especially collaborating directly with teachers, administrators, and students. The focus on helping our youth in Illinois cope with and adapt to the difficulties of growing into productive adults is some of the most beneficial work that we do, both before and after this pandemic.

While thinking about the major challenges and opportunities of

our grand jurisdiction now and into the future, I focus on what I have learned not only in the leadership roles already mentioned, but from my deep and active involvement with our Masonic Youth organizations. Masonry has real value in the lives of the younger men and women and their friends who I have helped to mentor for years; providing that value will have a positive impact on membership retention and help attract new Brethren to support membership growth. Also, when Masons are visible in the community doing direct service work, we make a positive impact and highlight a key part of who we are which is incredibly attractive to men of all ages and their families. Based upon my experience with our Masonic Youth, I can humbly say that the future is bright for our fraternity if we focus on delivering the type of value that I know we can in the lives of the younger men and women throughout the state.

My Masonic journey also includes active support, leadership, and dedication to several Appendant Masonic Bodies in the Chicagoland area. For the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, I served as Thrice Potent Master of the Van Rensselaer Lodge of Perfection for the Valley of Chicago. I served with honor as Excellent High Priest, Thrice Illustrious Master and Eminent Commander of the York Rite Bodies in Joliet, IL. I am also a proud member of Medinah Shriners (including assisting as the Chairman of the Youth Committee) and many other Masonic organizations. One of my biggest pleasures is serving as an adult volunteer and advisor with all three of our Masonic Youth Groups in Illinois (Illinois DeMolay, Rainbow for Girls, and Jobs Daughters).

Active military service is a valuable part of my background that helped shape my life. I had the honor of serving our country in the Illinois Army National Guard in a full-time capacity as a company clerk and on numerous Battalion Staff positions. My primary Occupation was infantry, being able to serve our country for more than eight years and honorably discharged in 1995 as a Sergeant. I had the pleasure of being a Squad Leader including mentoring and leading the young soldiers of our Company and Battalion.

For almost 30 years, I have worked for a major construction company in the greater Chicagoland area.

Masonic Riding Association...”

During the last 28 years, I have been a Concrete Quality Control Manager. In addition to managing my team of lab and field technicians, I partner with several other internal contract managers and external City, State and Federal representatives and customers. A key contribution and focus of my work is managing contract compliance while completing multi-million-dollar projects on time and within budget.

Since becoming a Mason, a primary joy has been the support of my family and their active involvement with various parts of our Masonic family here in Illinois. My wife and true companion in life has been by my side for more than 25 years and we are looking forward to many more decades together. We have two amazing children. Our daughter just graduated Engineering school in Italy and is expecting our first grandchild. Our son, a Master Mason raised six years ago, is a Deputy Sheriff for Will County and currently working for Prairie Materials as a Technical Service Inspector. Yes, I am proud of our family team and having their full support to take on additional responsibilities for our fraternity in the years ahead is a fact that I cherish. Also, in our limited leisure time, one of our families’ biggest forms of relaxation is taking a ride on our Harley motorcycle and spending time with our Widows Sons Masonic Riding Association brothers and sisters. Yes, I am biased; however, there is nothing more relaxing and enjoyable than being in the open air and viewing the roads of this great state from behind the handlebars of that steel horse.

Yes, Brethren, I genuinely enjoy serving our Illinois Masonic Family in any capacity that I am asked. As a younger man, I did not really know about Freemasonry, and I am so happy to have found it. Becoming an active Brother of our ancient and honorable fraternity has been a positive life changing experience. I have truly found what I needed in my life to help me grow and be the best version of myself. I have not reached that milestone yet and that focus on self-improvement and being useful to others will continue as a beacon light for the future.

R.W.B. Angelo S. Deserio, Junior Grand Deacon

...taking a ride on our Harley motorcycle and spending time with our Widows Sons

Masonry Corner

Welcome to a new feature that will combine Here’s What Happening in the next issue with tips and thoughts from your editorial staff. We hope that it will contribute to more ideas on becoming more involved in your Lodge and Community. Our hope is to get more Lodges to submit articles on happenings in their community. Jennifer will impart hints on how best to submit photos for publication and suggestions for article length. Mark has vast experience in marketing and will share ideas on promoting your Lodge and its members.

If you missed attending one of the many Town Hall meetings held around the state, you missed some very important fellowship and sharing of ideas, both from the Grand Lodge Officers and from the members in attendance. Among the things I learned was just how involved

Masonic Founding Father. You can learn more about them and view a list of members who have donated a coin by visiting https://www.uprightandtrue. com. A portion of the cost of each coin is donated to our three Youth Groups.

R.W.B. Ed Walker Editor

If you are planning on submitting 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. The following formats are acceptable: JPG (high quality, light compression), TIFF, PNG or Adobe Photoshop for pixel-based images. Vector based artwork can be submitted as EPS, PDF or Adobe Illustrator formats.

If you are submitting an article with images for publication, a word count of approximately 275 is preferred. Please submit articles in Microsoft Word.

Our new idea was to get involved in sponsoring a local youth team.”

Short Talk Bulletin Podcast:

The Masonic Services Association of North America (MSA) has been printing and distributing “The Short Talk Bulletins” on a monthly basis since 1923. More recently, they have been producing professional audio recordings (podcasts) of older bulletins to make those timeless lessons of Masonic Enlightenment available to a new generation of Freemasons. These podcasts are available at no cost from The Short Talk Bulletin (STB) Podcast website, https://shorttalkbulletin.com.

In this magazine issue, we encourage you to listen to the podcast entitled, “Tell the Applicant.” It was written in 1954 and delivers an outstanding message to any good man seeking to learn about membership in our ancient and honorable fraternity. Also, it provides the Brethren with a reminder of the unique Masonic Membership Experience available to all active and engaged members of our Brotherhood. This 16 minute message is transformative and can be listened to directly on the website at https://shorttalkbulletin.com/tell-the-applicant-v32n8-2/. Also, you can access the STB Podcasts via Apple Podcasts, Android, Google Podcasts, etc.; these digital apps, platforms and methods make it even easier to enjoy this valuable information at your convenience.

Important Note: If a man expresses an interest in learning about Freemasonry, then share the “Tell the Applicant” STB Podcast link, encourage him to listen to it, and then invite him to discuss his observations with you. That approach can help the potential Membership Prospect launch his Masonic journey with greater awareness, credibility and confidence about the impact that Freemasonry can have on his life.

Enjoy the exploration, learning and Masonic Enlightenment contained within the timeless wisdom and instruction provided by these Short Talk Bulletin Podcasts.

“Tell the Applicant”

Cradles to Crayons

By Jack Recinto

On a crisp winter morning, Saturday February 12th, 2022, the members of Chicago’s 5th Northeast District came together to focus on charitable work. It was an excellent group of Brothers representing all the Lodges of the 5th NE and their family members who all volunteered two hours of their weekend morning to provide for children in need. Pulling up into the parking lot, we saw a large factory with several loading dock bay doors closed. Not really the place you would expect a charity for children to be in, but there it was. Walking in we were greeted with a cheerful “Good morning!” by several employees of the organization who proceeded to take our names and showed us to a waiting area with chairs. It was an excellent time for several of us Brothers to get together and catch up as well as meet and speak with some of the brothers we have not met or known very well. The perfect demonstration of how there are no strangers among the craftsmen, only Brothers that we have not yet met. Once we had all arrived, we were con-

ducted to the place we would do our work. The four rows of tables in the center of the “Giving Factory” were loaded up with neatly lined up tubs of shirts, pants, sweaters, and sweatshirts all separated by size and type. Our group divided itself along the rows and took the various stations. Our lead was a nice young woman in a Cradles to Crayons apron who explained our goal. The job was simple. Go through each piece of clothing in the tubs, carefully examine the donated clothes for any tears, holes, or stains. If it was a quality article of clothing, we were to check if it

had any sports team’s logos, school names or religious references or holidays. The clothes that did not pass inspection, we were to place them in a container to be recycled or donated in some other capacity. If they were quality, we placed twenty-five of the same type and size of clothing into a bag with a label having the count of, size and type of clothing and if they were for boys or girls. It was explained to us that the key is quality and nothing that could make the child feel uncomfortable, like the logo of a sports team they may not like, or a religion they do not practice or a

school they do not go to. At that point, other volunteers collected the bags and deposited them on shelves to be distributed later to children in need. As our Brethren and their families would empty the tubs, volunteers would bring more and set them in the neatly lined rows.

Our group worked quickly sorting, bagging, and packaging the clothes, all while talking, joking, and enjoying each other’s company. The two hours went by very quickly. With our work being completed, the Brethren of the 5th Northeast District emptied seventy-seven tubs of clothes for a total of 1375 articles of pants, shirts, sweatshirts, and sweaters for children from 0 to 12 years old. We all gathered at the entrance where we were thanked for our service and told a story of how the work we completed makes an impact. Cradles to Crayons was contacted by the counselor of a grade school on the Southside of Chicago. A 12-year-old boy was going to school in his grandmother’s winter coat. His grandmother was taking care of him, and they did not have the money for winter clothes for him, so he had to wear

hers. Though he knew he had to wear it, he was so embarrassed that he would take it off a block away from school to avoid being teased. When leaving school, he would walk away two blocks, no hat, no coat, no gloves, take out his grandmother’s coat and wear it on the walk home hoping that no one would see him. The school counselor asked if there was anything Cradles to Crayons could do, and thanks to the volunteers and generous donations, they could. Cradles to Crayons sent the counselor a winter kit of a quality winter coat, hat, gloves, and boots. The counselor reported back that when the child had received the

clothes and was told that they were his, he had the biggest smile she had ever seen on him and that he was proud to wear them every day. It is not just the gift of clothing that the child received that day. It was also the gift of dignity and what better gifts to give a child than that of comfort and dignity. And on that cold Saturday morning in February, our Brethren helped to create gifts that will give hundreds of needy children comfort and dignity at a time when they may not have much of anything else.

W.B. Jack Recinto Oriental Lodge No. 33

Griggsville/Perry Lodge No. 45 Presents Awards

Worshipful Master Douglas Buskirk and Secretary Hamer Tate of Griggsville/ Perry Lodge No. 45 presented Brother Ralf Tucker with a certificate and pin in honor of 50 years of service in our fraternity. Also in attendance was 102 year old Brother Elmer Bradbury who is a 75 year member of Griggsville/Perry Lodge No. 45. Ralph Tucker also spent 30 years serving our country in the United States Marine Corps.

Clinton Lodge No. 19 Honors 75-Year Member

Andy has been a member of Clinton Lodge and the Masonic Fraternity for 75 years. He was raised a Master Mason on April 10, 1947, after returning home from his service to our country in the 1st Infantry Division, also known as the “Big Red One.” We are indeed fortunate and grateful that Brother Anderson survived the landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day to become a good and faithful Brother among us.

On hand to present Brother Anderson his 75-year pin and certificate was Brother Michael E. Jackson, Most Worshipful Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois.

Brother Gerald M. (Andy) Anderson was honored by members of Clinton Lodge No. 19, Petersburg, with a reception for family, friends and Brothers on Sunday, April 10, 2022.

Pictured is Bro. Anderson (r) with Bro. Jackson, MWGM.