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 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.
HOW IT WORKS: Conducted at a Stated or Special Meeting, a lodge must work as a team to match 20 question and answer cards (by stapling them together) within a maximum 20-minute time period. Using specially designed software, questions and matching answers on a Masonic-related topic are randomly drawn from a pool of 100 and then shuffled so that each lodge’s set of questions is unique.
- View Some Frequently Asked Questions regarding the competition
SCORING: Five points are awarded for each correctly answered question, and zero points for each incorrect or unanswered question. Maximum score is 100 points (20 x 5), and time is used as a tiebreaker, with days between the date conducted and postmark as a secondary tiebreaker. After materials are mailed in and scored, each lodge receives back an Answer Key along with its used cards.
ROUNDS: In the 1st Round (held Feb. 1 - March 31), top-scoring lodges are designated District Champions, then those lodges compete for Area Champion in the 2nd Round (held May 1 - June 30). The five Area Champion lodges compete in the 3rd Round for State Champion in an open forum at the Grand Lodge Annual Meeting, held in October at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, IL.
DISCLAIMER: Contents of this page are Copyright Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F. & A.M. Usage permission may be granted to recognized Masonic jurisdictions upon request to the game coordinator, the Lodge Education/Programs Committee, preferably via email (info@eurekachallenge.com).
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Materials [top]
NO REGISTRATION OR ENTRY FORM IS REQUIRED. A set of 1st Round materials will be automatically mailed to every Lodge Secretary (based on the address on file with the Grand Secretary's Office) by mid-January. NOTE: 2nd Round materials are only provided to District Champion lodges participating in the 1st Round.
If a lodge fails to receive its 1st or 2nd Round materials or misplaces them, contact the Eureka Challenge Coordinator ASAP as follows (email is preferred) for a replacement set:
info@eurekachallenge.com
Grand Lodge Programs Committee
ATTN: Eureka Challenge
P.O. Box B
Hinsdale, IL 60522
- Download a copy of Participation Form (1st and 2nd Round)
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Past Winners and Current Tournament Info and Scores [top]
Eureka Challenge 3rd Round to be held in Area Champion Lodges
Five lodges each posted perfect 100-point scores and the fastest times in their areas, and will square off in the third round of the Eureka Challenge: Crete No. 763 (NE; 3:24), Cambridge No. 49 (N; 4:36), Morton No. 352 (E; 3:28), Collinsville No. 712 (S; 4:30), and Burnside No. 683 (W; 3:06). To enhance participation and reduce travel expenses, the third round will now be conducted in Area Champion lodges under the same rules governing the first and second rounds, with visitors from other lodges free to observe the competition.
Questions for the third round are being taken from the Master Mason sections of the Intender handbooks. Area Champions must return completed materials postmarked no later than Saturday, September 27, 2008, to allow materials to be received and scored in advance of Grand Lodge. Area and State Champion certificates and the Pythagoras Traveling Trophy will be presented at the awards ceremony currently scheduled for Saturday morning, October 11th, 2008.
Download the latest scores below:
- 2008 Round Two Results for all lodges (Categorized by Area)
- 2008 Round One Results for all lodges (Categorized by Area)
- Eureka Results 2004 - 2007
- Eureka Winners Photos - all
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