An Enlightening Assembly on the Seventeenth of April, Anno Domini 2024

Upon the seventeenth day of April in the year 2024, the venerable Junction Lodge #48 assisted a momentous occasion as Brother Roger De Anda and Isaac Diaz De La Vega presented themselves, seeking entrance into the esteemed brotherhood of Masons. With solemn rites and earnest vows, the gathered brethren led these novitiates through the sacred ceremonies of Masonic initiation, imparting the first degree of light amidst ancient wisdom and brotherly bonds.

Brother Rodger and Brother Isaac, newly illumined, were embraced by the lodge as embodiments of Masonic virtues—brotherly love, relief, and truth. The event not only marked their personal commencement into Masonry but also reinforced the lodge’s enduring role as a beacon of enlightenment and moral fortitude in the community.

As the candles dimmed, the echoes of this significant day were etched into the annals of Junction Lodge #48, inspiring all present and future brethren to pursue the noble path of wisdom and unity that Masonry so ardently champions.

Elevating Jacob Donlea - 10/14/2023

Verily, on the fortuitous 14th day of October in the year of our Lord 2023, brethren of diverse Masonic lodges assembled in sacred amity within the esteemed bounds of the Acacia Mausoleum, an edifice of profound reverence, solemnly dedicated in the notable year ( MCMXXVII ) 1927. This venerable sanctuary, brimming with the spiritual echoes of many a past solemnity and the noble spirits of brethren afore, cradled a ceremony of profound import and depth.

In this sacrosanct assembly, Mr. Jacob Donlea, a gentleman of the illustrious Junction Masonic Lodge # 48 AF & AM, was to traverse the profound mysteries and esoteric rites of the Masonic Third Degree. The brethren, bound by the eternal cords of fellowship and sublime amity, bestowed upon him not merely the ceremonial rites, but also a deeper, radiant illumination – the emblematic 'more light'.

Mr. Donlea, in the consecrated and storied cradle of the Acacia Mausoleum, was thus embraced by this transcendent light, symbolizing not solely intellectual enlightenment but also a profound moral and spiritual awakening. In the hallowed midst of the mausoleum’s archaic confines, his being was suffused with an ancient wisdom and moral clarity, lighting his path upon the venerable journey wherein many brethren have sojourned before him. Thus, within the immortal and cherished walls of Acacia, his narrative was tenderly woven into the rich, everlasting tapestry of its storied and mystical history, continuing an undying legacy of fraternal bond, enlightenment, and harmonious unity.

““To enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy of the benevolent design of a Masonic institution; and it is most fervently to be wished, that the conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications, that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.” ”

— Brother George Washington.

Golf Outing | Unity 48 | 8/24/2021

Cantigny Golf Outing, sponsored by Unity 48. $1,000.00 Donation to Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Our Mission | Northern Illinois Food Bank (solvehungertoday.org)

Unity 48 Lodge met up with Geneva 139 Lodge after the outing for fellowship.

Gavel Block Presentation RWB Tom Grisham | 9/1/2021

Brother Mike Krog present RWB Tom Grishman with a personalized Gavel Block thanking him for his service to Unity Lodge # 48.

Welcome Members of Amity Lodge # 472

In 1866 Amity Lodge # 472 AF & AM was established in West Chicago, Illinois. 155 years Later on Wednesday July 21st 2021 Amity Lodge # 472 held their last and final meeting following to merged with Unity Lodge # 48.

Amity Lodge #472 (@Amity472) / Twitter

Amity Lodge #472, West Chicago, IL (amity472.org)

The evening was filled with emotions during the last and final statement: “ Accordingly, I declare Amity Lodge Number 472 closed now and forever” - RW Ruben A. Moreno

At the closing after clean up members gathered at: Hawthorne's Backyard ( www.hawthornesbackyard.com ) for the good of brothers.

In Unity, all members are eager to work together growing and strengthening the new foundation at 181 W. Washington, West Chicago, IL, USA on the 1st and 3rd Thursday every month.

Congratulations New Master Masons | 5/30/2019

Congratulations to Felix Adumuah and James Oody who where raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on 05/30/2019.

Felix Adumuah now a Master Mason of Unity Lodge No. 48 A.F. & A.M.

James Oody now a Master Mason of Elgin Lodge No. 117 A.F. & A.M.

A successful and notable event that had over 24 + Master Mason present to aid the degree. Members from 8 different lodges as follows.

·         Hosting Lodge: Unity Lodge No. 48 A.F. & A.M.

·         Elgin Lodge No. 117 A.F. & A.M.

·         Wheaton Lodge No. 269 A.F. & A.M.

·         Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 90 A.F. & A.M.

·         Amity Lodge No. 472 A.F. & A.M.

·         Kendall Lodge No. 471 A.F. & A.M.

·         Blackberry Lodge No. 359 A.F. & A.M.

·         Batavia Masonic Lodge No. 404 A.F. & A.M.

Unity Lodge # 48 thanks everyone very much for their participation!!

A Few Photos of the Dedication Ceremony for Ralph Minard

RWB Tom Grisham of Unity Lodge # 48 helped to donated $1,000 & dedicate a bench in honor of Bro. Ralph Minard. The bench is on display onsite at the St. Charles History Museum. For more information about the Museum click here: Link.

JERRY HOPE'S ANNIVERSARY NETS KCA LARGE CHECK

Master Mason Mike Krog makes ceremonial presentation of check to celebrate Jerry Hope's sixty years as a Mason. Photo courtesy Chuck Peterson

When Jerry Hope makes a commitment, he's in for the long haul. Jerry has been a member of Kane County Audubon for more than 30 years; married to his lovely wife Jean for 59 years; and, been a Mason for 60 years!

In recognition of his years of service to their fraternal organization, Unity Masonic Lodge #48 made a donation in Jerry's name to Kane County Audubon. Jerry made one stipulation to the birding organization - that the money be applied to working with the Kane County Forest Preserves to build Osprey towers in the county. As of this writing, one tower has been approved for Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, with construction scheduled for this winter.

Congratulations, Jerry! And thank you!

More Info about Kane County Audubon see: http://kanecountyaudubon.org/

2018 Officers

Congratulations to the newly installed 2018 officers and appointed chairs.   

Also a big Thank You! To the Installing Officer for helping Unity Lodge # 48. 

Installing Master | RWB Gail Adkins
DC Cregier #81, Wheeling, IL

Installing Officer/Sec | RWB Scott Tipsword
DC Cregier #81, Wheeling, IL

Paul Revere Charge | WB Ruben Moreno
Geneva #139, Geneva, IL

Chaplain | WB Mark Jacobs
Geneva #139, Geneva, IL

Marshall | WB Walter Bamert
Geneva #139, Geneva, IL

Unity Lodge #48 Slate of Officers Elected 2018

At our last stated meeting, the members of Unity Lodge elected the slate of officers for the upcoming Masonic year. They are:

Worshipful Master      Bro. Michael Krog
Senior Warden            Bro. Vern Hagel
Junior Warden            Bro. Michael Swartz
Secretary                     WB. Brad Baker
Treasurer                     Bro. Bruno Gora III
Senior Deacon            Bro. Mark Hilgers
Junior Deacon             Bro. Steve Spoerl Jr.
Chaplain                      Bro. Curt Crosby
Senior Steward           WB Michael Shortall
Junior Steward            WB Eric Gallien
Marshall                      WB. Michael Millette
Tyler                            RWB Frank Barrett

Again, thank you to all of my Brothers at Unity for taking on their respective chairs and responsibilities for the ensuing Masonic Year.

Fraternally yours,

Bro. Michael Krog
WM-Elect
Unity Lodge #48
Geneva, IL

WB Ralph Minard 50 Year Masonic Pin & Certificate Presentation

On Sunday November 6th, WB Ralph Minard was visited in his home by some of the brothers of Unity Lodge to present him with his 50 year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge. WB Minard has dedicated so much of his life to our fraternity and you can feel his fondness for the craft when he speaks. It was a delight to listen to the stories he shared and provided an opportunity to learn some of the history of our lodge first hand. Please reach out to WB Minard and congratulate him on this momentous milestone! Well done Brother!

Unity Lodge #48 Slate of Officers Elected

At our last stated meeting, the members of Unity Lodge elected the slate of officers for the upcoming Masonic year. They are:

Worshipful Master: RWB Frank Barrett
Senior Warden: WB Eric Gallien
Junior Warden: Bro Michael Krog
Secretary: WB Bradley Baker
Treasurer: Bro Bruno Gora
Senior Deacon: Bro Vern Hagel
Junior Deacon: Bro Mike Swartz

Congratulations to our elected officers and thank you for your service to our Fraternity. Be on the look out in the coming weeks for all the appointments made by Worshipful Master Elect, Frank Barrett!

Type 1-2 Grand Lecturers' School

Our first Grand Lecturers' School will be held on the 3rd of December at the Downers Grove Masonic Temple located at 923 Curtiss Street in Downers Grove at 8:30 AM. As this is a Type 1-2 School the work to be exemplified is Opening in Form and the Full Form Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft Degrees with the catechisms therefrom. 

Our host lodge will be making coffee and pastries available in the morning and a lunch in the midst of the school for a nominal donation. Keep in mind that attendance at one of these schools serves as a plank in the Grand Master's Award of Excellence Program. Further, as stated previously, it is through these endeavors that we maintain our devotion to our Gentle Craft and the philosophies and traditions it enjoins. We are ALL, Keepers of the Work. 

First Annual Masonic Bowling Tournament!

Everyone is invited to join us on Sunday, Nov 13th at the 1st Masonic Bowling Cup presented by D.C. Cregier and Zurich Lodges. All are welcome: family, friends, kids. See attached flyer for more information.

The tournament is hosted at the Brunswick Zone in Lake Zurich. Same day registration will begin at 1pm. Bowling will begin at 2 with awards being handed out at 4pm.

Pre-register here so that we can be sure to reserve enough lanes. $20 per bowler (or $76 to register as a team) gets you 3 games, shoes, and the lanes. 

Illinois Masonic Children's Home Closing

Fraternal Greetings,

The Board of Directors of the Illinois Masonic Children’s Homes Corporation has voted to transition away from residential care. This was a difficult decision not made lightly but one that we believe is in the best interests of the Fraternity. 

Some factors that had a significant impact on reaching the decision of transitioning from residential care were exposure to liability, significant increases in recent years of liability insurance, and availability of carriers that would offer liability insurance to our organization.

The litigious society in which we live has led to these concerns and there are examples from other jurisdictions. The Texas home lost a $6,900,000.00 lawsuit and has closed. The California home lost a $12,600,000.00 lawsuit and was closed by the state. The children’s homes in Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi have all closed. There were 10 states with orphanages and now we are 1 of 5 that are left.

Brethren, your fraternity has done good work at these homes for 100 years; it only takes one incident to destroy the good name of the homes and the fraternity.

There are other factors that contributed to this decision. We currently spend approximately $2,400,000 each year to provide residential care to a total of approximately 40 residents with no Masonic affiliation at both locations in Murphysboro and LaGrange Illinois. This equates to around $60,000 per year, per resident. By replacing residential care, we can achieve greater work by providing support and resources to hundreds of children each year through a combination of various programs.

One such program under consideration is a Scholarship Program. Each year, funds would be made available to allow every lodge to select and award a new scholarship to a recipient of their choice. There are currently 469 lodges in Illinois; that makes it possible for up to 469 youth to be assisted. How many lodges have wanted to be able to assist their community by giving scholarships but did not have the funds?

To be transparent, the Board of Directors wished to make this announcement immediately. Additional programs will be developed and considered as the transition proceeds. Of course, the current residents’ needs and welfare will be foremost in consideration as they are transitioned to their families or other residential services.

Rest assured that the primary function of the charity, providing assistance for children, will continue through programs not requiring residential care.

For questions and concerns, please contact one of the members below.

Fraternally and Sincerely,

Board of Directors of the Illinois Masonic Children’s Homes

A Message from the Grand Master of Illinois

A special message from Anthony R. Cracco Most Worshipful Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the state of Illinois