Welcome to the official page for the Eureka Challenge, the Masonic knowledge proficiency competition sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F. & A.M. Here you’ll find information about this enjoyable, exciting game which provides an opportunity for long-time Masons to apply their knowledge of the Craft while also giving newer members the chance to learn more about our Fraternity.

Developed in 2002-2003 by the Lodge Education/Programs Committee, the Eureka Challenge is a unique platform for promoting and recognizing Masonic knowledge. Equally important, this powerful education channel can be used to convey virtually any subject matter the Grand Lodge wishes to convey to Blue Lodge members.

The format for the Eureka Challenge was inspired by the account of Pythagoras noted in our Masonic traditions, which reads: The forty-seventh problem of Euclid was an invention of our ancient friend and brother, the great Pythagoras, who, in his travels through Asia, Africa and Europe, was initiated into several orders of priesthood, and is said to have been raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. This wise philosopher enriched his mind abundantly in a general knowledge of things, more especially in geometry, or Masonry. On this subject he drew out many problems and theorems; and among the most distinguished he erected this, which, in the joy of his heart, he exclaimed Eureka! signifying, in the Grecian language, I have found it; and upon the discovery of which he is said to have sacrificed a hecatomb. It teaches Masons to be general lovers of the arts and sciences.

Eureka Challenge 2011 Awards & 2012 Preview

The five Area Champion lodges squared off in the third round of the Eureka Challenge, now in its ninth year. The third round is conducted in the Area Champion lodges under the same rules governing the first and second rounds. Questions this year were on the theme of Masonic Leadership focusing on the duties of Elected and Appointed Lodge and Grand Lodge Officers.

Results for the five Area Champions competing for State Champion were as follows:

Lodge (Area)                                   Score             Time              Days              Place
Edward Dobbins No. 164 (S)              100                 2:40                  2                    1st
Fraternal No. 58 (E)                             100                4:40                  1                    2nd
Neighbor No. 1169 (NE)                       100                6:52                  1                    3rd
Rushville No. 9 (W)                             100               10:24                  1                    4th
Livingston No. 371 (N)                         90                11:30                  1                    5th

Area Champion plaques were presented at the awards ceremony during the annual meeting of Grand Lodge on Saturday, October 8, and the State Champion plaque and Rabboni Traveling Trophy were also presented for the second year in a row to Dobbins Lodge.

Content for 2012 will be based on the theme “Famous Masons Throughout History” and there will be no specific books to read or purchase. First round materials will be automatically mailed to all lodges which participated this year; other lodges wishing to receive materials should request them through the Grand Secretary’s office no later than Dec. 31, 2011.  A reminder email and/or postcard will be sent out to Lodge Secretaries.

A lodge must return its completed first round materials postmarked no later than March 31, 2012 to be eligible to advance to the second round and qualify for one of the secondary requirements in the Grand Master’s Award of Excellence program. For more information, contact: eurekachallenge@msn.com