2020 - 2021
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. & A. M. of the State of Illinois "I ask of each Mason, of each member, of each brother, that he shall remember ever that there is upon him a peculiar obligation to show himself in every respect, a good citizen” Bro. Theodore Rosevelt
I REMEMBER
When I think of these words, many thoughts rush into my mind. Most of all, what comes to me are the many things I have promised to God, my loved ones and my fraternity. What I have promised to God and my loved ones are specific to them, but we, my brethren, we have a common connection: the promises we all made at the Altar.
When I look back on my obligations and all of the promises I made, things I said I would do and things I said I would not do, I feel inspired. I am compelled to aid and assist a worthy distressed brother Master Mason, to whisper good council, to support my brethren in their undertaken, to refrain from causing dissension, to tolerate, to forgive, and to love more.
Remember that our obligations have to be undertaken out of free will and accord. Free will is an essential part of our nature. The certainty of the obligation involves the corresponding certainty of free will. Although the ceremony of obligation immediately concerns the Candidate, it should be clearly understood by all others that we too take on the obligation along with the candidate 'inwardly' so as to remind ourselves of it once again.
Every mason in this room can be a beacon of light for his lodge. Through a positive attitude and the will to lead we have it in us to mentor our new Masons. It is our hope to share our knowledge with our brethren, to resist the temptation to enter into personal picks and quarrels, to remember that we as Masons should not be trying to outdo each other, but rather to strive to be the best version of ourselves. We should always seek to be a better man tomorrow than we were today.
So I invite you to REMEMBER your obligation, not as a burden but as an opportunity, a challenge and a privilege. You have the responsibility to take on this task with joy and with love for the future of Freemasonry. We get to shape the way our young Masons influence and better society; we have the ability to be a voice of wisdom and guidance for those around us.
I encourage you to not shy away from this journey we have embarked on together, but rather, dive deep into new opportunities to continue to grow into the Man you strive to become.
Your Brother,
Stephen F. Oakley Grand Master
!1 ILLINOIS FREEMASONRY PROGRAM & ACTIVITY SUMMARY
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Our Grand Lodge Membership Development Committee will continue to execute initiatives and projects that support our priorities of Membership Retention, Attraction, and Development for Illinois Freemasonry. We want to help deliver a Masonic Membership Experience that is attractive and enjoyable. Part of the attraction to both existing and prospective members is the ability to incorporate the "Timeless Lessons of Masonic Enlightenment" into how each of these good men live. Thus, achieving our motto of "Masons living Masonry in their daily lives."
We continue to learn a significant amount (especially working with the Area and District leaders) regarding the needs of our Lodges and the Brethren. Working with many Masonic leaders and other Brethren around the state, we will continue driving the adoption and usage of valuable tools and information to benefit our members, including:
— The Newly Raised Master Mason Packet — The Junior Warden, Lodge Membership Champion Packet — Masonic Membership Value Exchange - A Conversation Starter — The Short Talk Bulletins Podcasts Recommendation List
We know that Freemasonry is very personal to each Brother. Therefore, we encourage and support the powerful exchange of ideas, brotherly love, and learning that occurs between a Brother and his Intender or Mentor in true "mouth to ear" conversations (e.g., Intender Educational Program). To help each of us progress along our "Masonic Journey of Self- Improvement," we can significantly benefit from a faithful friend and guide. This need and direction will propel us forward to help address several Training and Development needs of our members and Lodge Officers. Overall, we will assist with developing Prospective Members into Experienced, Well-informed, and Confident Master Masons. Also, we will stay connected with the Brethren through preferred electronic communication platforms like email, our Grand Lodge website (www.ilmason.org), Facebook, and YouTube.
We have several ideas planned for the future, and in collaboration with many talented Brothers around the state, we will bring those ideas to life. Our team will be looking for passionate and capable Brothers throughout the state to assist us as Masonic Membership Champions of Illinois Freemasonry. Contact us at [email protected] if you would like to help. Chairman: R.W. Bro. Wayne Spooner
!2 MASONIC EDUCATION
The State Education Officer oversees the Area and District Education Officer programs throughout Illinois. The Education Officers role is to provide guidance and support to the Lodges, Lodge Education Officers, and Brethren by supporting their individual goals. Those goals may include sponsoring symposia, providing reading suggestions, or connecting speakers with lodge audiences.
The Education Committee has recently launched the Masonic Education Themes program which selects a monthly theme and provides resources and questions to help spark enlightening lodge discussions. To participate, a Lodge needs to appoint a Lodge Education Officer who will receive a monthly email with the necessary materials. If you or your Lodge are interested in expanding your Masonic education, I encourage you to reach out to your District or Area Education Officers who will be happy to assist you with your goals.
State Education Officer Northern Area
Todd Creason Donald L. Mewes
[email protected] [email protected]
(217) 260-1960 (309) 798-9462
Northeastern Area Eastern Area
Erik Solomon Darin A. Lahners
[email protected] [email protected]
(847) 668-3214 (217) 202-7709
Southern Area Western Area Jordan Kelly Michael Overturf
[email protected] [email protected]
(217) 663-6163 (618) 318-3731
!3 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Our main goal is to inspire and educate leaders who can influence their respective Lodges by stimulating human relations, reinforcing the values of Universal Masonry and Meaningful Leadership.
We aim to tailor a relevant, inspirational, engaging, and impactful content for the Leadership Workshop at our Grand Communication every year and in many other Seminars and workshops. This committee has been scouting talents and mapping key talented people in our state and strategically planning actions towards the development of our Masonic Young Leadership.
The Leadership Development Committee work hand to hand with Membership Development, Masonic Education, and Communications, Marketing and Branding Committee.
Our Leadership Workshop of last year was called “Meaningful Leadership”- The message consisted of seven drivers: Identity, Purpose, Relationships, Lodge Environment, Challenges, Learning Experience and Civility. By applying these lessons we ca n develop abundant Lodges that engage, fulfill the expectations of their members and contribute to the best interests of communities and humanity at large.
Committee Chairman: R. W. Bro Luciano Azevedo [email protected] Members: R. W. Bro. Luciano Azevedo; R.W. Bro. Bo Cook; R.W. Bro. Michael Blasius; W. Bro. Brian Owen.
COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING & BRANDING COMMITTEE
The Communications, Marketing, and Branding Committee is indispensable for the future of Illinois Masonry. Within a short period of time, they have successfully implemented changes that have improved the membership’s experience and allowed our Grand Lodge to operate more effectively and emphatically.
Involvement and engagement comes when members are incentivized by our message and what we stand for. With that, our intent is always to remind our membership of the depth and value of our symbols while spreading the message for which it stands.
All in all, what they've been able to accomplish over the last year and a half has been absolutely monumental, and Grand Lodge have even higher ambitions for the upcoming years.
One of our main objectives, though not obvious, is to revive Freemasonry in Illinois, highlighting our values and traditions by creating a newfound momentum of involvement
!4 from our membership. What we found is that Illinois Masons are long for innovation. In fact, 77.5% responded in our recent survey that they "believe Masons should preserve their values but innovate their activities according to their cultural context." What this tells us is that we have a duty to continually be creating and seeking to improve how we relate to our members, and the C.M.B. committee has been and will continue to be instrumental in pulling us forward. We will always impact more lives and create a greater wave of influence when we pursue innovation while being firmly and deliberately rooted in our values.
Our Illinois Freemasonry Magazine has become a benchmark for other jurisdictions. Our model is being replicated in several other Jurisdiction nationally and internationally. The Communications, Branding, and Marketing committee continues dedicated to always pursuing to do what is best for our fraternity.
Chairman: R.W. Bro. Luciano Azevedo Members: R.W. Bro. Luciano Azevedo, W. Bro. Christopher Garlington, R.W. Bro. Bill Bussiere, R.W. Bro. Tom Herres, R.W. Bro. Gene Smith, Bro. R.J. Budler, Bro. Ozzie Trejo
BLUE LIGHTNING DEGREES At times, lodges are caught with a backlog of work. An approved tool to assist in these instances is through scheduling a Blue Lightning. The complete preparation steps, approval procedures, and reporting requirements for a Blue Lightning are contained in the Blue Lightning Guidelines document under the Forms and Documents link on our website, www.ilmason.org. Additionally, the Blue Lightning Coordinator in your Area is your resource for questions, scheduling, and approval processing. They are listed for your information and referral.
EASTERN AREA Raymond F. Cummings H - (217) 867-2345 [email protected] C - (217) 202-0928
NORTHEASTERN AREA Wally Herr H - (630) 972-0742 [email protected] H - (630) 209-2914
NORTHERN AREA Jack S. Baylor H - (815) 453-7468 [email protected] C - (815) 751-7289
SOUTHERN AREA Gary L. Goetter C - (618) 792-7916 [email protected] WESTERN AREA Jack G. Roberts H - (217) 936-2274 [email protected] C - (217) 653-1907
!5 GRAND LECTURER SCHOOLS
There will be eight Grand Lecturer Schools held throughout the state. The work will be exemplified by Grand Lecturers, and Certified Lodge Instructors and the Board of Grand Examiners will do the instructing.
All lodge officers and members are encouraged to attend these schools and are free to ask questions at any time. This is a great opportunity to see our floor work and ritual exemplified and explained in the proper manner. The schedule is available at page 12.
LODGE OFFICER SCHOOLS OF INSTRUCTION
The schedule for this year's schools under the direction of the Board of Grand Examiners and conducted by the Grand Lodge Instructors in the various Areas are listed at the end of the booklet. This is an excellent opportunity to observe and/or participate with the finest instructors in the state. The various schools provide instruction from the very basic movements and rod work, to the fine points of the Second Section of the Third Degree. Attendance is encouraged and provides credit toward the Award of Excellence.
New this year will be opportunities for further local instruction by Certified Lodge Instructors designed to offer personalized instruction to officers and to encourage these instructors to sharpen their skills by completing their commission.
DISTRICT TOWN HALL MEETINGS
A town hall meeting is an informal arena where any Master Masons can voice his opinion on issues that affect our fraternity at large. The primary purpose of these meetings is to get feedback, whether positive or negative, from concerned Masons. However, the benefits extend beyond mere feedback. Town hall meetings also foster diverse opinions, authentic communication, mutual understanding, and transparency between our Grand Lodge and its membership.
Open and honest discourse between Grand Lodge officers and the membership is a good way to interact and exchange information as well. We will continue to provide our membership with the opportunity and a forum to respectfully express their views and offer their ideas. We encourage all to attend!
!6 MASONIC AWARENESS
The Masonic Awareness Committee promotes Masonry to the public throughout the state. Together with our Communications Marketing & Branding. Committee is also in charge of promoting Masonic Community Day programs. Lodges use a wide variety of events within their community to present a favorable image of our fraternity to the public. All events using the Community Days theme and logo qualify as Community Day activities regardless of when they are held, provided they are registered in advance with the committee.
There will be a selection of materials available to help the lodges participate in the Masonic Community Days. Such items include logos, signs, tee shirts and caps, sample press releases, and a publicity guidelines booklet. Our Grand Lodge office will handle the sale and distribution of all materials.
ILLINOIS MASONIC OUTREACH SERVICES
The Illinois Masonic Outreach Services (IMOS) was established to assist Illinois Master Mason's, their Spouses, and Widows who experience unforeseeable and undue hardship for reasons generally beyond their control. We are taking the lead with an innovative program to bridge the gap between community resources and member needs in order to promote physical, social, financial, and personal enrichment to enhance the quality of life for our membership. We took an obligation to aid and assist all worthy distressed Brother Master Masons, their widows, and orphans. The program has been expanded to include assistance for those affected by natural disasters, such as tornadoes, floods, fires, and other situations. IMOS will also assist a Lodge's charitable efforts to support an Illinois Brother/Spouse/ Widow, through which IMOS will match, dollar for dollar, up to a thousand dollars. Also, IMOS will provide up to 50% of the cost of dues for any member, per fiscal year and up to two years when demonstrated financial difficulty exists. IMOS also offers its own Scholarship to enhance a Brother/Spouse/Widow's education; whether it be college or vocational school. All applications are available on our website.
ILLINOIS MASONIC CHILDREN’S ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program leadership has worked to develop a Children’s Charity that honors and continues the legacy established so many years ago by Illinois Freemasonry of caring for our children in need. With our Mission and Vision as our driving force, we strive to support children and young adults with developmental, social, financial, and educational needs. These four key areas reflect the scope of assistance provided originally through the Illinois Masonic Children’s Home.
!7 The Illinois Masonic Children's Assistance Program, also known as IMCAP began accepting applications for the six services housed under the new program on July 1, 2018. Each service has eligibility guidelines, the application process, and a role for Lodges. The applications for each service can be received by emailed upon request or found online. The services offered are:
• Education Grant Partnership: A higher education matching program to bolster scholarships provided by Lodges to young adults who are 25 years old or younger. Lodges may receive matching grants each academic year up to the amount allocated by IMCAP.
• Emergency Relief: Provides financial assistance for Masonic children and young adults experiencing unforeseen hardships expenses, medical care, and one-time special needs. Recipients must be 21 years of age or under to be eligible.
• Hand Up: A service that provides assistance related to developmental and enrichment needs for Masonic youth who are 21 years of age or younger. The service is focused on assisting with lifting our young people to their fullest potential by providing financial support for tutoring, after-school programs, testing, training, or one-time-only funds for specialized technology and adaptive equipment. Most importantly, funding for short- term professional care for speech challenges, hearing issues, counseling, nutritional assessments, and /or learning disabilities.
• Camperships: A matching fund program in partnership with Masonic lodges to assist Masonic youth with the cost of attending summer or special camps related to a particular or general interest.
• Engagement: Offers the opportunity for Masonic youth to participate in recreation, extra-curricular, and leadership activities by providing the financial resources needed.
• Youth Organization Connection: A partnership with Lodges and Illinois youth organizations to benefit youth in the community or Masonic family through funding initiatives or receiving discounted rates for participation.
IMCAP continues to serve the children and young adults from the Illinois Mason Children’s Home in the program called the IMCH Legacy Program. This program is overseeing the children’s transition from the Masonic Homes and providing support for their continued personal growth and development.
To learn more about IMCAP services, go to IMCAP’s website at IMCAP.ORG, send an email to ilmason.org or call (217) 529-8900 ext. 222 to speak with Director Gale Kilbury.
!8 ILLINOIS MASONIC STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
"The future belongs to our children, but unfortunately, many families and vulnerable children cannot access their true potential, due to poverty, violence, and injustice. We believe education provides the pathways to unlock the infinite possibilities for all children.”
We believe in "unlocking the infinite possibilities for all children," and our vision is to see every child and young adult flourish and fulfill their potential through:
- Saving lives by protecting at-risk students and empowering educators (Impacting At-risk youth) - Encouraging excellence in education (Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl) - Protecting & equipping families (IMFID - Former IL-Chip) - Providing economic support for schools and programs (Coins for Children)
The various activities of our charities and assistance programs center around supporting vulnerable children: !9 SAVING LIVES (IMPACTING AT-RISK YOUTH)
This continues to be the premier program to help at-risk youth in Illinois. Through this program, we are able to train administrators, teachers, counselors, nurses, and all school personnel to intervene with students and prevent at-risk behaviors. They learn early intervention strategies and skills to combat issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, depression, suicide, bullying, and more. Through the years, we have trained thousands of school personnel in this program, and research has shown that each educator can impact 5 to 7 at-risk students per year. That is hundreds of thousands of students saved since its inception. We also have our "Youth Unity Day" program which bring students together for a day of school and community building.
These programs are fully funded by the income from the Masonic Foundation Endowment Fund, revenue from the sale of Master Mason license plates, label and card programs along with donations from individuals, wills, trusts, and estates. In order to continue this important service to our youth, all contributions are welcome. The IRS recognizes out entity as a 501(c)3 organization, so all donations are tax-deductible.
ACADEMIC BOWL
What began 36 years ago as a small project in northern Illinois has grown to become one of the largest programs supported by our Grand Lodge of Illinois. The Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl is one of the largest of its kind in our state and one of the best in the nation. With over 330 schools registered to compete from all over Illinois, this high-level academic competition has united thousands of our youth in pursuit of intellectual excellence.
Beyond the involvement of coaches and schools, the success of the academic bowl has been largely due to the cooperation between Masonic jurisdictions to do good. Our Universal values, through our joint efforts, have helped students and united Masons from all across the state. More than 250 lodges have given funds to support and sponsor schools or simply for donations. The involvement of these lodges and Brothers throughout the state have impacted many students' lives through our tournaments, which is why every lodge in Illinois is encouraged to sponsor a high school and attend these events in support.
ILLINOIS FAMILY IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM IMFID (Formerly - ILCHIP)
The Masons of Illinois hold and fund the entire cost of the identification workshops for families all around the State. They are called now IMFID events (Formerly IL CHIP). They're sponsored by local Masons and held at neighborhood functions or at community schools. They put together everything parents need to help the authorities find their lost child. It's is free of charge to the parents.
!10 What families get at an IL CHIP event they receive: • COLOR PHOTO that records an image and height and is digitized on a convenient USB drive. • RECORDED INTERVIEW captures the appearance, speech patterns, personal characteristics, and mannerisms for easy media distribution and fast location. No records are retained by the lodge, law enforcement or any individual, only the legal guardians.
This program is being expanded to provide more informational brochures and all aspects of what our Masonic Family Identification needs, including children, young adults and seniors.
Lodges will be able to purchase the IMFID kits needed for an event through the Grand Secretary’s office. Lodges need to prepare for an event by having people trained in the computer operation.
COINS FOR CHILDREN
Lodges are encouraged to fund-raise amongst its members to this community-based program. Although the program refers to "coins," Lodges are incentive to contribute as liberally as they want to the benefit of the children of Illinois. At each Grand Lodge session, a report will be presented, reflecting all funds collected.
All generated funds will be used to match requests that are approved by the Coins for Children Committee. Example of the types of requests consistent with the program’s guidelines include: assistance on medical expenses; special support equipment for schools that are not funded by the school district; playground equipment for parks and schools; children's books for libraries; clothing for a child or children in need, and special needs of underprivileged children. Donations are encouraged, and matching funds for the Coins for Children Program can be up to $1,500 per lodge, per the calendar year.
GRAND MASTER’S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE 2020 - 2021
This program is designed to assist the Lodges of Illinois in expanding their horizons and focussing on the development of programs and activities. This will enhance the spirit of cooperation that will lead to increased participation and satisfaction for lodge members. This blueprint, when properly implemented, will chart the course for Lodge revitalization and renewal. It will help raise the visibility of the Lodge in the community and bring a positive light to the Fraternity.
Every Lodge is requested to fill out the score sheet, even if they do not intend to submit the application. This exercise will provide a quick snapshot of where the lodge stands. It is a superb tool for assessing strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth by identifying those areas where the Lodge excels and those which need attention. !11 GRAND LECTURER’S SCHOOLS 2020 – 2021
All Grand Lecturer’s Schools are scheduled on Saturdays beginning at 8:30 a.m. with a break for lunch during school.
Date Type Lodge
November 14, 2020 3 East Lodge No. 504
December 12, 2020 1-2 Matteson Lodge No. 175
January 9, 2021 3 Normal Lodge No. 673
January 30, 2021 1-2 Springfield Lodge No. 4
February 13, 2021 3 Princeton Lodge No. 587
March 13, 2021 1-2 Morning Star Lodge No. 734
March 27, 2021 1-2 Effingham Lodge No. 149
April 24, 2021 3 Grove Lodge No. 824
EXAM SCHEDULE – 2020 - 2021
Examinations are scheduled on Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. Locations & Dates to follow
November 21, 2020 TBD
May 15, 2021 TBD
!12 DISTRICT TOWN HALL MEETINGS
2021
"TO BE DETERMINED"
!13 LODGE OFFICER SCHOOLS – 2020 - 2021
14 15 Masonic Prayer
"Great architect of the universe, as we meet now in this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue we pray your special blessing upon this great Brotherhood of Man. Let us not forget the duties we have heard so frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended in our teachings. Help us to be diligent, prudent, temperate, and discreet. Let us remember that at this Altar and upon Your volume of Sacred Law, we have promised to befriend and relieve every brother who shall need our assistance. Help us to extend our generous principles even further, for every human being has a claim upon our kind offices. Let us spread the Light of Masonry throughout the world and do our part in the beating of swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. Amen”
!16