A National Treasure

by Craig A. Kennedy, 33°, MSA

Brother Wayne C. Temple, 33°, MSA was awarded the Scottish Rite Medal of Honor prior to the Illinois Council of Deliberation in June 2021 by Deputy Greg Clark, Active Emeritus Benny Grisham, and Valley of Springfield Illinois Executive Secretary Craig Kennedy.

Brother Wayne C. Temple, 33˚, MSA Brother Temple and his wife Sandy were very surprised and emotional at this unexpected honor from the Supreme Council. Brother Wayne is 97 years old and just retired three years ago from his State of Illinois Position as Chief Deputy Director for the State Archives. Brother Wayne continues with his life’s passion of writing about Springfield’s favorite son, Abraham Lincoln.

The presentation was held at Brother Temple’s home while his wife Sandy sat next to him and watched. Everyone enjoyed visiting while Wayne talked about his life history, his Masonic journey, his love of research and writing, his friendships, travels, and time serving in World War II.

Brother Temple has a long and rich Masonic history. He is a member of St. Paul’s Lodge No. 500, the Valley of Springfield Scottish Rite, Springfield York Rite, and Ansar Shrine. He served as Thrice Potent Master from 1979 to 1981, was awarded the MSA in 1977, and was honored with the 33° in 1978. He is also a member of the Red Cross of Constantine in York Rite and holds the Honorary DeMolay Legion of Honor.

Dr. Temple, or “Doc” as he’s known around the globe, is the world’s leading researcher and writer on our 16th President Abraham Lincoln. Brother Temple has authored more than 20 books over the last sixty years about the President, his family, and friends. He has written hundreds of articles and was editor of The Lincoln Herald quarterly magazine for more than 20 years.

He was instrumental in the 50th anniversary celebration of Stephen A. Douglas Chapter Order of DeMolay in Springfield. He spoke of his good friend Lloyd Ostendorf of Dayton, Ohio, who painted a portrait of Stephen A. Douglas when he was the Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Illinois in 1840. The portrait hangs today in the Springfield Masonic Center.

Wayne was born in Ohio and attended Ohio State University on a football scholarship. Thereafter, he was called into service during World War II. While in army training, he attended engineering school at the University of Illinois. This would change his life.

He was stationed in Europe and worked setting up communications for General Dwight D. Eisenhower. The General (and later 34th President of the United States) at his request gave Dr. Temple an autographed photo that he still has today. During his service, he earned the Bronze Star for his actions near the Rhine River. After his service, he returned to college at the University of Illinois studying history. He worked under Professor J. G. Randall, the leading writer on Abraham Lincoln at that time. Brother Temple assisted Randall with research and writing of his final four books.

Wayne graduated with a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois and got his first job as a history professor at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. In 1964, he began his career at the State of Illinois Archives where he worked for more than 50 years.

Brother Temple poses with his Medal of Honor. (l to r): Brother Craig Kennedy, Executive Secretary, Valley of Springfield; Brother Wayne Temple, 33°; Brother Greg Clark, 33°, Deputy for Illinois; Brother Benny Grisham, 33°, Active Emeritus