Illinois Freemasonry

One month from today, our nation marks 250 years.

For many of us, that milestone hits a little differently. The values that have carried this country through two and a half centuries — duty, courage, integrity, loyalty to something larger than yourself — are the same values that have carried our fraternity for just as long.

It's one of the reasons so many veterans and service members find their way to a Lodge. The structure feels familiar. The brotherhood feels familiar. And the commitment to live a life of honor doesn't end when the uniform comes off.

If you served and you've been looking for that sense of brotherhood again, you might find it here in Illinois Freemasonry.

Learn more:

How to Become a Freemason — Illinois Freemasonry Start your journey to becoming a Freemason, a part of our brotherhood, and the best version of yourself. Join Illinois Freemasonry.

Brothers, did you know that Jack Dempsey, one of the greatest heavyweight champions in boxing history, was a Freemason?

Known as "The Manassa Mauler," Brother Dempsey was as celebrated for his character outside the ring as he was for his ferocity inside it. His life reflected values our fraternity knows well: discipline, resilience, and integrity.

Learn more about Brother Dempsey's Masonic story at the link in the comments.

"Brother Armour has also been there anytime I have a question about something Masonic or anything else, helping me be a better man and a better Mason."

When the call went out for stories to share for Masonic Mentor Appreciation Day this month, Brother Steve Farrare thought of one man: Brother Jeffrey Armour.

From just calling to chat, attending cookouts, and even driving him to the hospital, Brother Armour is one he could count on.

Read his full story at the link in the comments.

Somewhere in Illinois tonight, a newly raised Master Mason is sitting on his couch with a book his mentor handed him after Lodge. He has questions he didn't get to ask and symbols he is still working to understand.

He is not the first Brother to feel that way. Masons have been writing for one another about exactly this experience for more than three hundred years.

On the blog, we share five essential titles that together offer a strong foundation in the Craft. Read them in any order. Read them slowly. And then keep reading.

Find the link in the comments.

On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to something greater than themselves reflect the highest ideals of humanity and the very values at the heart of our fraternity.

Today, we remember them with gratitude and with reverence.