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Dear Grand Master Seward,
I wanted to take a moment to let you know about the incredible members at Jerusalem Temple Lodge 90. The lodge had heard from another local lodge about fundraising efforts that had been planned to help my six-year old daughter, Kyla, who was in need of a wheelchair. Kyla was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at age 4 1/2. Last February we were informed that the wheelchair she needed would cost approximately $27,000.00, of which our insurance would cover about $15,000.00. Needless to say the amount we were left to pay was extraordinary...
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Right Worshipful Brother Herb Lindberg was recognized as the Mason of the Year by Brother Terry L. Seward, Most Worshipful Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Illinois at our Annual Communication Session last October in Springfield. Brother Herb became a member of West Inglewood Home Lodge No. 1074 in 1969 where he was initiated, passed and raised. He served as Worshipful Master of West Englewood Home Lodge in 1976 and 1987. He became a plural member of Hinsdale Lodge No. 934 in 2011...
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January was National Blood Donor Month. In recognition of that event, Libertyville Lodge No. 492 collaborated with LifeSource, a national blood bank organization, to host a Community Days Blood Drive on Saturday, January 5, 2013. The Lodge’s Junior Warden, Jeff Gibson, a paramedic with the Lincolnshire Fire Department coordinated the event.
In conjunction with the blood drive...
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Granite City Triple Lodge No. 835 hosted their 1st Annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday December 22nd 2012. The community enjoyed pancakes and sausage, the Magic of John Apperson of Granite City Lodge No. 877, a coloring contest and pictures with Santa. It was a great event enjoyed by all who attended.
Pictured are Randy Hoge, a member of Triple Lodge No. 835, and daughter Hannah enjoying their visit with Santa.
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Pictured left to right: Bob Weegar (son), Grand Master Terry L. Seward and Dan Weegar (father). Dan is a newly raised brother and now joins his son as a member of Men in Brotherhood Lodge #1178.
Also from Men in Brotherhood Lodge, Peter Pellegrino (father) & Michael Pellegrino (son). Michael became a brother entitled to all the rights and privileges at the Grand Master's Class on December 8th and was one the exemplars
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The reception for Worthy Grand Matron Louise Westergaard on October 6th at Scottish Rite Cathedral in Bloomingdale carried with it a distinctive theme that included a “cyber-unveiling.”
Pictured is one of the Palace Guards protecting the Scottish Rite prior to the reception getting underway. Notice also the props that appear in the picture with Grand Secretary Jeanne Puckett. These same props are in the picture with Worthy Grand Matron who, as part of her opening for the proceedings for her reception, welcomed everyone to Oz.
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After more than a year of planning, Jefferson Masonic Association opened its doors to the public and celebrated 100 years of Jefferson Masonic Temple on the weekends of August 4th, 11th, and 12th . The building was transformed into a living museum with the history of Jefferson Park displayed alongside the history of Freemasonry.
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Grand Master Terry L. Seward, joined by past Grand Master Daniel C. Yandell, along with over 60 Masons and their families, were part of the festivities at the “Richard T. Humphreys“ 4th Western District Scholarship Fundraiser Picnic held at Fairview Park (Ball Diamond) in Fairview on August 26th.
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Right Worshipful Brother Raymond Howard Rickhoff laid down his working tools on Wednesday, September 5, 2011, having been called to that Lodge on high.
Ray was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 26, 1924.
He was elected to receive the degrees in Freemasonry at Loyal Lodge #1007, where, on May 28, 1971; where he was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on June 11,1971, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on August 13,1971 and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on September 24, 1971.
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The Grand Lodge Long Range Planning Committee has been hard at work designing a course to guide Illinois Freemasonry in the years ahead.
In the Executive Summary of their work to date, presented at the March 2012 meeting of the Elected and advancing Grand Lodge Officers, they recommended a Vision and Mission Statement for Illinois Freemasonry.
In the last several months, this Vision and Mission Statement has been presented at the Town Hall Meetings conducted across the State. It has been enthusiastically accepted as a basis on which to grow the Masonic Fraternity in Illinois.
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On Friday August 31st, 2012 at The Medinah Shrine in Addison, Illinois the 10th NE District did it again. The Fourth and Final Meeting of the year was the First Annual Awards Dinner and RW Bro Herbert J. Lindberg smacked a home run!
Over a 100 Brothers showed up to do the following:
Over 10 Brothers from various Lodges received their proficiency certificates.
Each Lodge had their Master and Secretary choose a "Mason of the year" and they were recognized.
Brother Tom Luchessi was given a check for over $1,000 for the tattoo fundraiser.
Western Springs Lodge won the Traveling Gavel Competition for the year and the three top Officers got to throw a pie in the face of their District Deputy Herb Lindberg.
The 10th NE had a great year like many other Districts do.
Please submit a article about your District!
Jeff Henson
Worshipful Master
Western Springs Lodge No. 1136
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Welcome to Masonic News. This section will be updated with Masonic Interests in the State of Illinois. |
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The picture shown is one that may not need a name next to it. For hundreds of brethren, not just in the Northeastern Area, but all over the state, RW Bro. Wallace R. Wilson, better known as Wally Wilson, is immediately recognizable.
The roots of this very capable Grand Lecturer and Lodge Secretary run deep. He grew up in the height of the Great Depression and was the oldest of five children who went to work as a roofer right out of high school. An accident was the key reason for Wally to make a career change in 1966 when he joined Sears Roebuck as an outside salesman in the plumbing and heating department. He remained at Sears until he retired in the 1990’s...
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Masonic Brotherhood for their prayers and gracious thoughtfulness bestowed on me and my family.
Bob loved the Masonic fraternity, sometimes beyond a normal persons reason. We all know he wanted the best from and for everyone. Therefore Bob always said he didn’t want to have the Masonic funeral preformed for him because nobody would attend. So to the 400 plus “non” friends that attended and many more that sent prayers, cards and moral support to us.
THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!
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RW Bro. Robert Theodore Fischer passed away early Monday morning, July 23rd. The list of Bob's Masonic credentials and contributions to our fraternity are many; member of the Board of Grand Examiners, Past Master of several lodges, current Master of Sunrise Lodge, Secretary of Bensensville Lodge, Education Officer of the 8th NE and mentor and inspiration to so many of us.
Despite all the things that constituted his Masonic calling card and his energetic pursuit of perfection in our ritual and rites, nothing could completely mask Bob’s very human side, his desire to be a friend and helper and even his appreciation of cooking food preparation, an area where he could easily share his proficiency and results as much as he could his knowledge of Masonic ritual and floor work... |
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RW Bro. Robert Theodore Fischer passed away early Monday morning, July 23rd. The list of Bob's Masonic credentials and contributions to our fraternity are many; member of the Board of Grand Examiners, Past Master of several lodges, current Master of Sunrise Lodge, Secretary of Bensensville Lodge, Education Officer of the 8th NE and mentor and inspiration to so many of us.
Despite all the things that constituted his Masonic calling card and his energetic pursuit of perfection in our ritual and rites, nothing could completely mask Bob’s very human side, his desire to be a friend and helper and even his appreciation of cooking food preparation, an area where he could easily share his proficiency and results as much as he could his knowledge of Masonic ritual and floor work... |
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E. Gene Ross
Most Worshipful Grand Master
1983-1985
Born November 5, 1926 in Granite City, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2012 in Granite City, Illinois. Masonic Services were held Sunday, May 6. Burial with Military Honors was in Sunset Hill Memorial Estates located in Granite City.
He married Doris Barr on January 17, 1945 in Venice, Illinois and had two children, Sherry and Larry, ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. The United States Navy veteran proudly served his country during World War II and was a member of the American Legion Post 113...
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The Illinois State High Twelve Club presented Brother Terry L. Seward, Most Worshipful Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois with an honorary membership... |
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Tonight I had the opportunity to see my Second Town Hall Meeting in Westchester, Illinois. It was conducted by Deputy Grand Master Berry Weer and Junior Grand Warden Gregory Clark.
Have you had a chance to catch any of the Town Hall's?
Any thoughts or suggestions to the program?
Jeff Henson
Worshipful Master
Western Springs Lodge #1136
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Saturday night in Bloomington was a great night to honor our Junior Grand Warden Gregory L. Clark. Many attended and several reminded us why Our Grand Lodge has great years of Leadership to come.
Leave your well wishes and remarks here on this blog.........................
Jeff Henson
Western Springs Lodge #1136
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It has been several years since the 10th NE District had their Memorial Service to honor all the Brethren who had passed away. Right Worshipful District Deputy Herbert Lindberg changed all that this year. On Thursday-March 29th, 2012 at Euclid Lodge in Naperville, Illinois the 10th NE District resurrected this Memorial Service. All Ten Lodges were represented by their Worshipful Master or a designated Represenative from the Lodge. Brothers, Family Members and Widows all gave honor to 131 Brethren who had passed in the last two years in the 10th NE. At the end of the night with attendees honoring other Masons who had passed from their Families, a total of 150 roses were placed on the altar. The 10th NE District would like to thank Worshipful Master Tim Ory and Euclid Lodge for sponsoring the event. If your local District does not particpate in this service, your should start thinking about it. As Secretary of the 10th NE I would like to thank our District Deputy Herbert J . Lindberg for bringing back this...
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There is allot going on throughout the State. Tell us what is going on at your Lodge...............
Jeff Henson
Western Springs Lodge #1136
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This past weekend The Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl wrapped up in Springfield at Springfield High School.
The Winners this year were:
A-Peoria Catholic
AA-Latin School of Chicago
Did anyone get to make the Sectionals or Championship this year? What are your thoughts? Any suggestions for improvements?
Jeff Henson
Landmark Lodge #422
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We're using an older version or Word....for now.
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It's a New Year and there is allot of energy in Illinois FreeMasonry right now. What are you excited about?
Illinois Free Masonry is running wild and there is much excitement for the new year. Many new programs and Committees have been formed.
What are you most excited about?
For Example: Rod Officer Competition, Officer Competition, Intender Program, etc.
Jeff Henson
Western Springs Lodge #1136
Landmark Lodge #422
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A look at Masonic meeting venues and times and days of meetings.
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Please feel free to let us know?
Jeff T. Henson
Senior Warden-Western Springs Lodge, 1136
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Give us an example of who your biggest Mentor or inspiration was in masonry?
Jeff Henson
Western Springs Lodge #1136
Landmark Lodge # 422
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RW DDGM Herbert J. Lindberg conducted his First of Four District meetings for the 10th NE District on Tuesday-November 29th, 2011 at The Hinsdale Masonic Lodge. Herb was able to get approximately 112 attendees to this meeting. I'm sure you are asking yourself, how was Herb able to accomplish this? The answer is, that he is listening to the new guys! Some of the stuff that Herb has going on:
District Website
District Facebook Page
District Newsletter
District Auditor
District Assistant
District Ritual Officer
District Secretary
District Traveling Gavel with yearly point system
I encourage all Masons, like Herb, to listen to the new guys!
What suggestions do you have for the District Deputies across the State to help get their District Lodges motivated?
Jeff Henson
Senior Warden-Western Springs Lodge #1136
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