Illinois Freemasonry Magazine - Winter 2023

Table Of Contents

A Letter From Our Grand Master

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

Moving Forward as the Master Architect of Yourself

By Wayne Spooner

Developing a Vision of What Forward Means in Your Lodge

By Mark Schmidt

Pedaling Towards the Future: First Bike for Books Drawing

By Ryan Scott & Jessica Petty

Transforming the Future of Children: IMCAP and Lodge Outreach

By Gale Kilbury & Jessica Petty

CONTRIBUTORS

Michael E. Jackson, M.W. Grand Master

Wayne Spooner, Membership Chairman

Ryan Scott, W.M. Flora Lodge No. 204

Gale Kilbury, IMCAP Director

Jessica Petty, IMCAP Coordinator

Bryan Musicar, Certified Lecturer

22 23 25

1st Quarter Anniversaries

One More Year

By Bryan Musicar

Masonry Corner

Latest Lodge News

EDITORIAL

EDITOR

Edward Walker, R.W.B.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Mark Schmidt, W.B.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jennifer Woods

Illinois Freemasonry (ISSN 1091-2258, USPS 014656) is published February, May , August and November by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois, 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, IL 62703; main phone (217) 529-8900. Periodical postage paid at Springfield, IL and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ILLINOIS FREEMASONRY, 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, IL 62703. Printed in the U.S.A. Permission to reprint articles appearing in this publication will be granted to recognized Masonic publications. Such permission can be requested by writing to the Grand Secretary, 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, IL 62703: by faxing to 217-529-0242: or by email at GS@ilmason.org

MASTER

Worshipful

Brethren:

A Standard to Uphold and Live By

As I’ve shared before, “Choose the Future” is the theme of my tenure as your Grand Master. It is a mantra to look forward and take the steps to implement the core principles, values and expectations associated with living as upright men and Freemasons. From all corners of our state, we encourage our Brethren to seek out opportunities to make a positive impact on our fraternity, families, workplaces and communities. We accomplish that important work by investing our time, talents and resources to improve ourselves and with that combined strength, serve humanity. Through our Masonic ritual experience, we learn to trust other good men from different backgrounds. When we internalize those teachings, we also embrace the ability to harmoniously work together and build something bigger than any of us can accomplish alone. That is living as a Freemason!

To effectively govern our grand jurisdiction, the Grand Master has the power to address disciplinary situations of varying form including those that result in the expulsion of a member or taking back the charter of a subordinate Lodge to end its existence. Now, I’ve got to address a less motivating topic which can be off-putting for many of the fellow workmen in this quarry of Freemasonry who are doing the work and championing the fraternal experience highlighted above. At times, some of us, including your Grand Master may have days where the “D” word is present. That word is “Discouraged,” and on those days we

can feel a loss of confidence or enthusiasm; basically, being disheartened. Wait, you might be thinking that the Grand Master must always be upbeat and positive, right? Perhaps it is not feeling 100% due to a nagging cough which is dampening my spirits or a number of recent issues that I’ve had to deal with that detract from the Light that our great fraternity has to shine brightly for our Brethren and the world around us. The danger, I have found, with being Grand Master or a key leader of any part of our fraternity is getting to see the bad or very bad which, if not careful and quite diligent, could lead to despair. Rest assured that your Grand Master is not at that point; admittedly, there are days that challenge even my fortitude. That said, I’m bringing up this topic as a reality check for all of us not to accept the bad as normal or dim our internal Light because of these isolated negative situations that can feed disharmony and strife.

With that perspective shared, I offer you the “W” word instead. That word is “Worshipful,” and we see it in so many parts of our fraternity. However, an individual Brother may overlook it or not recognize its full meaning and power. Given the age of our ancient and honorable fraternity, we have to go back, back in time to understand this word’s meaning. “Worshipful” was a term used to highlight a person or group of people who were deserving of high respect, worthy of veneration and honorable. Therefore, when we see that word placed within the title of various Masonic leaders, it should be a reminder to the Brother carrying that title to uphold our standard of honor and respect; said simply, he should consistently live, act and behave in a manner worthy of being called “Worshipful.” That same meaning and expectation is provided to “this Worshipful Lodge”

which we see and hear referenced throughout our Masonic ritual. Yes, a Worshipful Lodge is a group of honorable men who are expected to live and act as such. Therefore, in-fighting amongst clicks in a Lodge and other forms of un-Masonic conduct should not exist if we hold true to being honorable men and Freemasons. Starting today, I challenge every Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason in this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge to reinstall the expected standard of how we should live and work harmoniously together as a family of honorable men who are seeking to positively move our legacy, that has been built for more than 182 years, forward in Illinois.

To help all of us be more visible to several audiences around the state, tell the amazing story about the life-enhancing value of being an active Freemason, and inspire deeper pride and respect for our great fraternity, your Grand Lodge Officers are innovating and investing to achieve those goals. How? We have determined that it is time to engage a firm to help guide us in the most impactful ways to present Illinois Freemasonry (e.g. who we are and what we do) to the residents of Illinois. For many years, we have relied on volunteer labor from our membership with varying degrees of success. These volunteers have worked very hard and produced great things for us, and we owe them all our sincerest thank you. The main drawbacks for the use of “free labor” are their availability to work and navigating around capacity constraints due to other priorities in their lives. That is not a good way to do business. We have chosen and engaged CerconeBrownCompany (CBC) to help us plan and implement a new course into the future to meet our goals. They are the same firm that worked with the

Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction on the “Not Just A Man. A Mason” program. They are also currently working with the Grand Lodge of Ohio. So, they have the experience and expertise we need.

Your Grand Lodge Officers in collaboration with CBC will help our brotherhood move forward, always forward to reveal the amazing experiences and stories associated with being a valued member and supporter of Illinois Freemasonry. The road ahead is ours to design. Remember, you have an important role to play as well — uphold and live by the expected standard as a Brother of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Michael E. Jackson, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F. & A.M. “Choose the Future” — Advance our Masonic Legacy!

...we should live and work harmoniously together as a family of honorable men...”

The road ahead is ours to design

MovingForward

As The Master Architect Of Yourself

By Wayne Spooner

What is the Goal of Freemasonry? The answer is “to accept a good man, help make him better, better than the man he was six months ago, and ultimately, to help him become the best version of himself.”

In Freemasonry, we talk about “being on the level” which is interpreted by many Brethren as a mantra to treat one another fairly. A further interpretation is an important gift that we, as upright men and Freemasons, provide to each other. That gift is the equal opportunity to share our unique talents, strengths and capabilities to advance the collective work, priorities and success of our ancient and honorable fraternity. Whether you are a banker with deep analytical skills and comfort working with numbers or a carpenter who knows how to fix almost anything with his hands, both of these Brethren are given the opportunity for self-improvement and being useful as fellow workmen in our Speculative

Craft of Builders. Said simply, the Grand Architect of the Universe requires a variety of talents, skills and abilities to execute the designs laid down for the advancement of society. Success is driven by the ability for the various workmen to trust one another and work harmoniously together to simply “do his part and make his contribution” toward executing those designs.

To punctuate that last point, let’s review a powerful quote by Mark Twain (Brother Samuel Clemens) which is “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” Regardless of our economic, social, ethnic, etc. backgrounds, many good men grope around in darkness most of their lives searching for their purpose and true usefulness. They are unaware of the steps and process to take. That quest leads a number of these good men to Freemasonry which is a valued institution to help them learn, develop and grow into

the men who they have the potential to become. In our fraternity, we happily accept good men who share our values like honor, integrity, freedom, equality, tolerance, learning, brotherly love, and service to mankind. A key challenge for these good men is the ability to look beyond “the busy of life or making a living” to focus and significantly make progress in finding their “Why” or purpose. Freemasonry can help these good men move forward on that journey!

A developmental challenge for many good men is the comfort to ask for help or simply to acknowledge to others that he just does not know what he is doing. That vulnerability can feel threatening to one’s selfimage and the broader societal expectations that have been drilled into many males throughout their lives. Said differently, these males are repeatedly on-guard waiting to battle against various people or situations within their environment. Yet, many of them don’t realize the mental baggage holding them back from

making real progress in their lives. In Freemasonry, we provide a Sanctuary, a safe and supportive environment in which good men can remove their figurative fighting armor, ask for assistance, learn how to trust other men, work harmoniously with people from different backgrounds and age groups, and positively contribute to the important work needed. Our unique Masonic Membership Experience helps these good men get unstuck in their personal development and enables them to advance forward.

Every Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason is given the opportunity to put in the important work on himself to build confidence through achieving proficiency and success in the vast world of Freemasonry. Also, critically important is the realization that he does not travel alone. He has at least one Faithful Friend and Guide assisting him on his individual Masonic Journey of Self-Improvement, along with the corresponding acquisition of knowledge.

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

– by Mark Twain

The Three Primary Steps to Acquiring Mastery — Study, Practice and Feedback.”

Reflecting on the insights shared earlier, his intellectual travel partner or guide helps to reinforce the trusting nature of our brotherhood and the critical expectation to keep asking questions which drives ongoing personal learning and development. By asking questions, each Brother welcomes new insights, knowledge and experiences into his life which fuels continuous self-improvement. In Freemasonry, we should never stop asking questions, learning and improving. That literally is what we came here to do!

Moving forward as the Master Architect of Yourself is an important role for you to execute. Through that focus, you can turbo charge your progress toward achieving the Goal of Freemasonry stated above. Don’t forget, you are here for a reason! Utilize the amazing

development and support structure provided by our brotherhood to find and unleash the talents uniquely possessed by you and turn them into usable strengths. How? By repeatedly taking the Three Primary Steps to Acquiring Mastery in any part of your life. The steps are:

1. Study — the purposeful acquisition of knowledge (e.g. reading and asking questions)

2. Practice — get to work — to gain experience and sharpen skills (e.g. volunteer to help out)

3. Feedback — ask for guidance from a true Master (e.g. Masonic Teacher) whom you’ve given permission to evaluate your progress and help you improve.

So, what does your Personal Tresleboard or architectural design look like for your life? What are the priorities that you’ve outlined on your road ahead to help you learn, develop, grow and contribute? Who have you chosen as your faithful Masonic Teachers, mentors and wellinformed guides? How are you incorporating the principles, tenets and teachings of Freemasonry into your daily life? Remember, you are the only person who can change you. The plans for advancing your life are yours to make! As Brothers and friends, we are here to help and “cheer you on” as you make meaningful progress on that faithful journey to become the best version of yourself.

Ultimately, as well-informed and useful Master Masons, we move forward, always forward to advance the legacy of our ancient and honorable fraternity and collectively, to make a positive impact on the world around us. Why? Because that is the work designed for us to do — Be the Master Architect of Yourself!

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

What are the priorities that you’ve outlined on your road ahead to help you learn, develop, grow and contribute?”

So, what does your Personal Tresleboard or architectural design look like for your life?”

of What

Vision Developing a FORWARD

Means in Your Lodge

By Mark Schmidt

As Brethren, we all want our Lodges – and every Lodge – to prosper. We know that the strength of the Fraternity is found in the development of a network of like-minded organizations that can help support and strengthen others in their area, region, state, and nation.

Yet, we also understand that moving forward may look quite different in each lodge. Strong, thriving lodges may already have a well-developed process for charting their way forward. Others may do little more than meet on a regular basis, pay the bills, conduct an infrequent community event or fundraiser, and retire to refreshments.

Realizing that forward motion does not just happen is the first and most crucial step in getting our lodges moving. It might be helpful to think of the process of moving forward in terms of three distinct steps.

Does your Lodge have the INTENT to move forward?

While this might seem like a silly or simplistic question, it is one that should not be assumed or overlooked. It is entirely possible that some Lodges and their members may have become apathetic or deeply rooted in doing the same things that “have always been done” in the Lodge. One likely reason for such attitudes may be the lack of new blood or younger membership. The answers you find to Step One will help you determine what the important first steps must be to determine your way forward.

How does your Lodge define Forward? The old adage is correct: “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.” You and your Brethren must decide on the best future for your Lodge. What makes sense for your community and your membership? For some Lodges, it might be important to begin by recruiting a pool of younger, more active members. Other Lodges might want to dedicate themselves to assisting one or more of the Masonic youth organizations; others to raising money for worthwhile causes such as medical research, scholarships, or to fund a new community facility such as a park or community center. Still others may wish to sponsor teams in a youth sports league, or by supporting Academic Bowl activities. By taking a good look at your community, you should be able to find a number of appropriate ways in which you can help meet community needs while growing your Lodge at the same time.

Still others may wish to sponsor teams in a youth sports league...”

How can your Lodge put this vision of “Forward” into action? This step is where your Lodge defines the strategies needed to create your vision of the future. This step will not be easy, and it will not be quick. But it will be rewarding. Plan to take the time necessary to answer key strategic questions and bring all your membership into agreement regarding future directions. Among the questions you might want to ask:

• Is there a true need in our Lodge or community that we are trying to address? How can this need be solved? Is it a matter of money? Manpower? Organization? All the above?

• Who are the stakeholders? Are there people outside our Lodge with whom we should be meeting to seek input?

• How do we attract partners? There are some goals that your Lodge may not be able to address on its own. How do you make others aware of your efforts and solicit their active support?

• How do we share the good news of the progress we are making? Often, success builds upon itself. As word gets out about your progress, others will be drawn to the effort, and this, to your Lodge. An active and public social media presence and contacts with newspaper, radio and television reporters can be extremely useful here.

By taking these three steps and answering these important questions, you can help define a way Forward that is as unique as your Lodge and perfectly suited for the community in which you live.

W.B. Mark Schmidt, Associate Editor

the Future Towards Pedaling

First Bikes for Books Drawing

In July 2022, the Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program (IMCAP) launched their new program: Bikes for Books. Since the launch, Illinois Lodges from all over the state have been partnering with their local schools to get the program rolling. December 2022, Flora Lodge No.204 became the first Illinois Lodge to complete the Bikes for Books program and hold a drawing for a bike. Worshipful Master Ryan Scott shared his experience with the program and what started his interest in the Bikes for Books program.

Embracing Reading, Then and Now: Flora Lodge No. 204

Our story begins around 1982 with a small boy who was struggling with learning to read. His mother, who loved to read, helped him practice every night after school and would not let him give up no matter how much he begged her. By the time the boy was in Jr High, he loved reading and was continuously checking out books from the school library. Reading was never his best subject in school, but he enjoyed a delightful book and its ability to take him on a journey to another time and place. His mother eventually owned a bookstore and had in her possession more books than any human should be allowed to own. Fast forward 30ish years and the boy was now a man and a member of the masonic lodge. He attended the grand lodge meeting for the first time and found out about IMCAP and their Books for Bikes program. He started getting excited about implementing the program in his town’s grade school. At his next meeting he asked for and was granted permission by his lodge to contact the school. The principal and librarian were incredibly supportive and looked forward to helping get the program started.

Flora Lodge No. 204 presents the Bikes for Books winner with her new bike. Left to Right: Treasurer Don Fry, Bikes for Books winner Kiara, School Librarian Becky Woods, Worshipful Master Ryan Scott, and Chaplain David Lewis.

Hello, my name is Ryan Scott, Worshipful Master of Flora Lodge No.204. That small boy was me. I want to tell you how our lodge embraced the program and all the support we have gotten along the way. I will start with the people at IMCAP. After submitting our application, IMCAP Director Gale Kilbury contacted me and went over how the program works. She explained that IMCAP would provide us with all the materials we needed. All we had to do was the leg work and purchase a new helmet for the winner. In no time, a huge package arrived full of everything we needed. I contacted the school and scheduled a time to bring the box to them. The principal and librarian were overly

impressed with the quality of the resources they were given and excited about starting it at their school.

We collaborated with the school to decide on a time limit and which grades would be best suited for the contest. It was decided that we wanted to draw the winner before Christmas and allow grades 4 and 5 to join. The school librarian, Becky Wood, is in her first year as a librarian and her love of her job and the children glows out of her. We could not have done this without her help, support, and encouragement of the students. Our 3-5 grade Principal, Leslie Carder, was truly a blessing to work with also. She understands her children’s needs and provides for them, and it shows. Just take a walk through her building, and you will see all the kids have a smile on their face when she appears. She exemplifies the saying that a principal is your “pal.”

The last week of school before Christmas break, I contacted the school, and we planned a time to draw out the name of a lucky child. On the day of the drawing, me and another member, Phil Wiley S.S., arrived at the school and was greeted with excitement. Our group gathered in the school office as Mrs. Carder turned on the P.A. system. When the name got pulled out of the box, Mrs. Carder decided to draw the tension out a little. She began by narrowing it down to a fifth grader. After waiting a few moments, she announced it was a girl…. more silence. Then narrowed it down to which room the winner was in…. her name starts with a “K” (there just happened to be three “K” girls in that class) …and finally she announced the winner. In no time, the young girl appeared in the office where we got her information for her bicycle and helmet and took some pictures. I am sure that girl had a great rest of the day, dreaming about her new bike.

Our grade school has around two hundred students in the 4th and 5th grade. In the brief time we ran the program (around 6 weeks), the children read over six hundred books. The school and our lodge hope to see this program continue and plan to apply again next year.

As I kept the lodge informed, the members decided that the other schools in our county would benefit as well. So, we decided to approach them and use our own money to buy the new bicycle and helmet. I personally feel this has relit a passion to help our school system and the children in it. I would also like to say I could not have done it without the help of my lodge, the school officials and Gale from IMCAP. Everyone was genuinely great to work with.

If your Lodge would like to learn more about bringing the Bikes for Books program to your local school, visit https://imcap.org/ booksfor-bikes-reading-program for more information.

W.B. Ryan Scott, Worshipful Master Flora Lodge No. 204

Jessica Petty, IMCAP Coordinator Grand Lodge of Illinois

I personally feel this has relit a passion to help our school system and the children in it.”

the Future of Children:

IMCAP and Lodge Outreach

By Jessica Petty & Gale Kilbury

Our Illinois Masonic Lodges are changing the lives of children in their communities by utilizing the Youth Organization Connection micro-grant program offered by Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program (IMCAP). The IMCAP Youth Organization allows lodges to request funds to assist local youth organizations and initiatives carry out our shared mission to better the lives of children. Find out how seven lodges made a difference in a variety of ways. Learn more about how your Lodge can get involved by visiting the IMCAP website at IMCAP.org

Paxton

Lodge No. 416

A shared mission: Bettering the lives of

Children

Often, we do not know the extent of the need in our communities until we talk with those that are on the “front-lines” every day. Paxton Lodge No. 416 learned just how much of a need the youth in the Paxton-Buckley-Loda School has and decided to do something about it. Partnering with the Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program (IMCAP), Paxton Lodge No. 416 was able to provide support to the Paxton-Buckley-Loda School Backpack Program and the Paxton Area Ministerial Association (PAMA) to provide clothing, hygiene products, food, and other financial assistance to low-income families in their communities. Each organization received a microgrant of $5000 through IMCAP’s Youth Organization Connection.

Left to Right Back: Paxton Lodge No. 416 Treasurer Andy Hudson, Rev. Adam Wood, and Rev. Marcus McCollum.

Left to Right Front: Rev. Steven Anderson, Rev. Deb Damier, Paxton Lodge No. 416 Past Master Jim Shearl, and Rev. Pat Allin.

Farmington Lodge No. 192

With the colder months quickly approaching, the Farmington Lodge No. 192 raised $1600 to support the Farmer’s Closet’s efforts in providing winter coats, boots, and Christmas gifts to children in the Farmington School District No. 265. The Farmer’s Closet estimates that they will be providing winter clothing to 50 children in PreK through 12th grade this winter. The Farmington Lodge No. 192 went one step further and applied for the Youth Organization Connection microgrant through IMCAP. Through this program, the Farmer’s Closet was awarded a $5000 microgrant to assist in their cause.

engagement with Boy Scout Troop 242, the Villa Park Lodge No. 1113 has seen first-hand the funds that it takes to run the Troop. Between operating costs, the upkeep of the Troop’s SUV and trailer, and the costs associated with the annual jamboree, the Troop relies on donations from the community. To help provide further assistance to the Troop, Villa Park Lodge No. 1113 applied for the Youth Organization Connection through IMCAP to provide a $2175 microgrant to Boy Scout Troop 242.

Mississippi Lodge No. 385

The cost of living is rising, but the temperature is dropping. During this time, families can struggle for basic necessities, including warm clothing for their children to protect them from the biting cold. The Mississippi Lodge No. 385 saw this need to keep community children warm and provided donations to the Great River Outreach Benevolent Fund and the Savanna Children’s Fund of $50 each. Knowing that they wanted to do more, Mississippi Lodge No. 385 reached out to IMCAP for a microgrant to help these organizations. IMCAP awarded each organization $1500 to help provide warm clothing to children in need in their communities.

Villa Park Lodge No. 1113

Clubs, activities, and organization can all be positive impacts on the lives of youth. Villa Park Lodge No. 1113 has provided support to their local Boy Scout Troop through participation in Troop activities, monetary

Marine Lodge No. 355

donations, and supporting their own children and grandchildren in the Troop. Through their

Some opportunities only come along once in a lifetime. The Without Limits Dance Company Special Olympic Cheer Team were given the incredible opportunity to perform in the Dance the Magic parade at Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida. However, this special time in their lives is not without a cost. Marine Lodge No. 355 was determined to not let the 16 members pass up this once-in-a-lifetime chance. They donated $1000 to get the team to Orlando. But they did not stop there. Marine Lodge No. 355 then

Left to Right: Farmington Lodge No. 192 Chaplin Matt King, Brother Nic Ulm, members of Farmer’s Closet, Brother Paul Waters, Brother Jack Gray, and Farmington Lodge No. 192 Treasurer Richard Springer Jr.

Left to Right: Senior Steward Leonardo Biundo, Worshipful Master Jeremy Harris, Senior Deacon Chris Nygren and sitting in front row Scout Master Greg Black.

Left to Right: Pastor Bob Stark, Mississippi Lodge No. 385 Senior Warden Charles Johnson, Betsy Kinder, Mississippi Lodge No. 385 Secretary Tom Michels, and Great River Outreach Secretary Pastor Gary Panetta

Bettering the lives of children

St. Paul’s Lodge No. 500

partnered with IMCAP to provide a $4000 microgrant to the team. The team was able to perform in the parade and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Kinmundy

It is always exciting when student show interest in a lesson being taught in class. At the South Central High School, 6 students were so interested in welding that a brand new welding class was created. The school was able to purchase 3 welders for the class to develop their skills on. However, it was soon discovered that an additional 3 welders may be more beneficial so that every student has a chance to practice. Kinmundy Lodge No. 390 put their full support behind this new class and partnered with IMCAP to provide a microgrant to purchase 3 more welders that would be delivered to the school. The total cost of the 3 additional welders came to $3008. To go a step further, Kinmundy Lodge No. 390 is planning to provide Vocational Grants for students to pursue a career in the trades after high school.

St. Paul’s Lodge No. 500 found a way to use the funds generated by their Charity Golf Outing to the fullest by donating to 3 organizations in their community; WordUp! Of Central IL, James Project, and Ann T Havey Foundations Bundles of Joy Project. Each organization received a donation from St. Paul’s Lodge No. 500 for $1494 each and a microgrant from IMCAP for $1494 each. The WordUp! Of Central IL provides tools to lowincome families to support language development in babies and toddlers. Through the James Project, foster families in Sangamon County are provided housing, support, and child related needs. Finally, the Ann T Havey Foundations Bundles of Joy Project supports low-income families in Springfield, Illinois through supplies for their newborns to get the family off on the right foot. All three organizations provide needed assistance to their communities.

Left to Right: St. Paul’s Lodge No. 500 Past Master

AJ Mayes, Grand Lodge of Illinois Masonic Charities Committee Matthew Harvey, Executive Director of The James Project Olivia Hayse, Director of WordUp of Central IL Linda Johnson, and Board of Managers member of The Ann T Havey Foundation Timothy Havey.

Gale Kilbury, Director, Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program

Grand Lodge of Illinois, (217) 529-8900 Ext.222

Jessica Petty, IMCAP Coordinator

Grand Lodge of Illinois

Lodge No. 390

Left to Right: Welding Teacher Travis Mulvaney, Anthony Buonaura, Mithcell Brawer, Ethan Dunn, Ethan Watwood, Principal Jamie VanScyon, and Kinmundy Lodge No. 398 Senior Warden Clayton Keen.

One More Year

By Bryan Musicar

So, one more year, one more year of adhering to the Way. It is traditional, at a time like this, to discuss some rather deep topic in an effort to get people properly motivated for the coming year. Let us, therefore, discuss the deepest topic I know: you.

Some time ago, I heard the comment made that the problem with Freemasonry in this country was that we had so many Entered Apprentices who fancied themselves as Grand Masters. I was not talking about the 18-year-old self-promoted types; I meant those Masons who had 20 or 30 years of experience, and had attained a very good reputation, but still for some reason had gone into a holding pattern at the Entered

Apprentice knowledge and skill level. Most of the problem is that too many people quit the learning process too soon: It is very hard to have an attentive ear when we are so busy wagging an instructive tongue.

Be that as it may, there are a lot of Brother Masons out there who are the same today as they were twenty years ago. The hair may be a bit grayer, or the tummy a bit more noticeable, but everything else is the same.

Now, back to you. Pause for a moment and think about what you were like a year (or a decade) ago. Same person? If so, something is wrong. Masonry is supposed to change you and, if you have not changed, you are not studying Masonry.

I am not talking about how much ritual you know, how much you have given to charity, or how many Lodge meetings you attended; I am talking about you, that essential element that makes you different from anyone else. Is that the same you

living in there? If so, why?

At midnight on New Year’s Eve, great bells in temples throughout Japan will ring 108 times to symbolize the casting out of 108 evil passions. Why don’t you do the same: cast out 108 desires, or even one...make yourself less than you were, and then see what the Lodge plugs into that void in 2023.

...For your Lodge can never create a new you if you hold too tightly to the you that is.

(Article originally published in December 1993 by Fredrick J. Lovre. Lovret-Sensei was headmaster of three traditions of the Japanese martial arts, namely, kenjutsu (Japanese Swordsmanship), aikijutsu (unarmed combat), and aiki heihō (martial strategy). He was a prolific writer on such topics from the 1970s until his passing in 2015.)

Brother Bryan Musicar Certified Lecturer

James Duane Brooks Kankakee 389

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Kenneth Norman Overturf East 504

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Lawrence Gale Dakof King Oscar 855

Claude Jefferson Bird King Oscar 855

Russell Walter Holmquist Jr King Oscar 855 William Opal Ratliff Jr Argenta 871 David Paul Mc Sparin Marissa 881

Masonry Corner

FORWARD…Always Forward! That is the message every Lodge in our Grand Jurisdiction should have as a goal, a mission statement. Your Lodge will not grow and become more visible in your community if you are not constantly moving forward. When was the last time you voted on a petition for a new member? When was the last time you participated in a community event? Why are some Lodges begging financial woes when they have outstanding past dues? Has your Lodge submitted an article for publication that promotes what your membership is doing in your community? Why not share your ideas and community involvement with other Lodges as a great way to promote your Lodge. Don’t become stagnant - FORWARD…Always Forward!

Just a small reminder that if you change any of your personal information, be sure to let your secretary know of the change. It is very important when doing a Call-emAll or emailing a Brother that the correct information is in the Lodge database. I use the database when I need information on a Brother or a Lodge and notice that not everyone’s information is current.

Today’s smartphones are a modern marvel. Manufacturers are churning out new, stateof-the-art products at a dizzying rate. You may be asking yourself, “Do I really need a smartphone that will shoot a 48-megapixel image?” The short answer is not really.

A typical smartphone usually takes photos at a 12 megapixel size (or larger). This is more than adequate resolution for the Freemasonry publication. Many times the photos submitted are so much smaller than that size. When uploading photos from your smartphone, please make sure you send the actual image size — not a reduced version (i.e. small, medium or large). Often when emailing a photo, your phone will ask what size it should send.

For everyday use, most smartphones will do just fine. My nearly 6-year-old Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone creates a 22.6 megapixel photo. This will translate to a 13” wide by 10” high image which is ideal for printing in the Freemasonry magazine. My husband has an older model iPhone 11 which takes an even larger photo: a 34.9 megapixel image. As far as taking a group shot or a photo of a building’s exterior, I couldn’t ask for a better phone.

Keep in mind that email servers these days can accept a MUCH larger file size than they ever could before. You should have no problem emailing actual size (original resolution) photos.

R.W.B. Ed Walker, Editor

W.B. Mark Schmidt, Associate Editor Jennifer Woods, Graphic Designer

Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team Coming to Illinois

The Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team will perform an entire 3rd Degree in Altamont, Illinois’ grade school gym on Saturday, June 24th at 10:00 a.m. The gym is located at 407 Edwards Street (exit 82 on Interstate 70, 12 miles west of the I-70/I-57 intersection). The air conditioned gym will open at 7:00 a.m.

According to information published in Freemasonry, the team has origins dating to 1948. This has been corroborated by David Dill, Secretary of the Team. The Team consists of Master Masons who are also Native Americans and includes two past Grand Masters of Oklahoma. The members of the

Thompsonville Lodge Donates Coats for Kids

By Theodore Essex

Akin Lodge No.749, Thompsonville, recently donated to a coat drive for Thompsonville and Akin grade schools. The drive was organized to provide warm winter coats for children in need within the community.

The Lodge members recognized the importance of keeping children warm during the frigid winter months and were happy to contribute to the cause. The donated coats will be distributed

team come from many different lodges and Native American Nations and are the only known Indian Degree Team in existence. It is estimated that they have raised over 900 Master Masons.

The Team travels all over the United States and Europe performing the 3rd Degree with dispensation from the Oklahoma Grand Lodge to perform the 2nd section of the Degree in their Native dress. Dill states that the Team performs approximately 20 Degrees a year and the last time they were in Illinois was 2002.

The Team does not charge to perform the Degree, nor do they perform mock Degrees but asks

to students at the schools who may not have access to a warm winter coat.

The Thompsonville and Akin grade schools expressed their gratitude for the generous donation from the Lodge. They praised the Lodge members for their commitment to serving the community and helping to ensure that all children have access to warm winter clothing. The school officials also mentioned that this donation will help to ease the burden on families who may be struggling financially.

that their travel expenses of gas, meals and lodging be covered when they travel from their base of Tulsa, Oklahoma. To ensure that these expenses are covered, pre-registration is encouraged. The $40 fee covers team expenses, lunch served the day of the degree and a commemorative coin. Plans will be based on the number of pre-registrations and there will be a very limited number of openings available June 24, get your registration in early to ensure your spot and help us in our planning. Reservations are being accepted at Venmo@Gregory-Sidwell or by Pay Pal at ilsid2000@mac.com. For questions contact Greg Sidwell at (618) 562-9471.

The coat drive was a success thanks to the support of the community, including the generous donation from Akin Lodge #749. The school officials are encouraged by the outpouring of support and plan to continue the drive in the future to help more children in need.

W.B. Theodore Essex Secretary, Akin Lodge No.749

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, 2023 to the Grand Lodge Office: 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, Illinois 62703. The letter of interest can also be emailed to grandmaster@ilmason.org.

On Tuesday December 27, 2022, Olive Branch Lodge No. 38 presented checks, totaling $5500, from the Lodge and the Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program or IMCAP, to Fair Hope Children’s Ministry to help the Ministry provide winter clothing, boots, and accessories to the children it serves.

Fair Hope Children’s Ministry provides clothing for children, newborn to 18 years of age, who are referred to them by pastors, case workers, nurses, doctors, and school social workers. Since last year, the Ministry learned that an organization that had been a major donor of children’s winter coats for several years would no longer be able to donate. In November, Olive Branch Lodge No. 38 learned of the situation and also learned that IMCAP, an Illinois Freemasonry Charity which partners with local lodges to serve children and young adults in their communities, had challenged all lodges in Illinois to partner with a youth organization to help provide clothing, coats, boots, food, gifts, or anything else needed to make this a happy holiday season and then to apply

for funding from its Youth Organization Connection micro-grant program. The Lodge voted to work with the Ministry to apply for a Grant. It also voted to donate $500 from its own funds.

In mid-December, the Lodge learned that a grant of $5000 had been approved by IMCAP’s Board. Members of the Lodge were pleased to be able be part of helping Fair Hope overcome this year’s challenges and accomplish their mission of providing for children this winter. A member of the Lodge commented that the community is blessed to have an organization that does what Fair Hope does and that partnering with them helped the Lodge to get the most good from the generosity of Illinois Masons and to keep more Vermilion County children warm this winter.

Pictured Left to Right, Fair Hope Children’s Ministry Volunteers: Jim Williams who is also a member of Olive Branch Lodge 38, Debbie Krilcich, Roberta Williams, and Karel Volpert and Olive Branch Lodge 38 members: Bill Lucas, Ron VadeBonCoeur, Bob Gill, Brian Pettice, and James Peplow.

Masons Donate to Fair Hope Children’s Ministry