Please A brief history of Masonry in Illinois
The bicentennial of organized Freemasonry in Illinois was celebrated in 2005 with the observance of the chartering of Western Star Lodge, established in 1805 in the town Kaskaskia in what was then known as the “Indian Territory.” Shadrach Bond, Illinois’ first governor, became a member of this lodge in 1806 and went on to serve as its presiding officer in 1815 and again in 1818, the year in which Illinois achieved statehood.
The first Grand Lodge of Masons of Illinois was formed by a small group of Lodges in 1822 and flourished for several years before ceasing operations in 1827, a period that coincided with the short-lived anti-Masonic national political movement. However, by 1839, Freemasonry was on the rebound and Illinois’ current Grand Lodge was formed in 1840.
Today, the Masonic Fraternity under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Illinois comprises more than 500 Lodges and 70,000 Masons—men of character from every walk of life all working together to build a better world!
Current Masonc Temple & History
345 W. College property purchased in 1922
Capital fund drive to raise $60,000 started 1/1/1930
Capital fund drive closed 2/7/1930 with $80,000.00 pledged
Contract signed for building construction in June 1932
Cornerstone laid October 18, 1932
Lodges & Organizations occupied lower level of building October 1935 (only outer shell was completed)
Remaineder of building completed in 1950's
Membership: 1922 - 633 members
1955 - 825 members
2010 - 308 members
Current Renters: Harmony Lodge No. 3, A.F. & A.M.
Jacksonville Chapter No. 3, R.A.M. (former co-owner)
Jacksonville Council No. 5, C.M.
Hospitaler Commandery No. 31, K.T. (former co-owner)
Zingabad Grotto, M.O.V.P.E.R.
Jacksonville Golden Assembly No. 19, Rainbow for Girls
Former Renters: Jacksonville Lodge No. 570, A.F. & A.M. (former co-owner)
Wilbur Chaper, Order of Eastern Star
White Shrine of Jerusalem
Henry Clampit Chapter, Order of DeMolay
Harry Beastall Chapter, Order of DeMolay
DeMolay Mother's Circle
Rainbow Mother's Circle
Hospitaller Commandery #31, Ladies Auxiliary
Finanacial Information:
Building Expense Annual Average +/- $33,000.00
Rent Income $13,740.00
Donations to Building +/- $300.00
Interest Income +/- $9,000.00
Annual Avg Principal Used +/-$10,000.00
Years of funds remaining in Endowment -9
Current Capital Inprovements needed:
Zoned heating/Air conditioning $80,000 to $100,000.00
Handicapp Accessibility - Restrooms/Ramp/Elevator $150,000.00
Insulated Windows 56 @ $5,000.00 ave $280,000.00+ installation
Interior doors to capture zoned Heat/AC ?