Illinois Freemasonry

Today is Flag Day.

For Freemasons, the flag has always meant something specific. It stands for the freedoms that allow our fraternity to gather, to speak openly about what we believe, and to live out the values we hold dear — honor, integrity, brotherly love, and service to mankind.

We are grateful for the country that protects those freedoms, and for every Brother who has worn its uniform.

Every Mason takes an oath to come to the aid of a Brother, a widow, or a child in need. The Society of King Solomon is one of the most direct ways to live that oath.

SOKS is a program for Illinois Freemasons that funds the six Illinois Masonic Charities — from IMOS, which steps in when a Brother's family is in crisis, to IMSAP, which puts trained support into schools across the state.

Learn how you can join and make a difference at the link in the comments!

Brothers, mark your calendars!

Masonic Membership Visibility Day 2026 is two months away on August 15, and this year's theme hits close to home: Brotherly Love = Kindness = We Care.

We want to hear your story. When did a Brother show up for you in a way you'll never forget?

Maybe it was a phone call you didn't know you needed. Maybe it was a ride to the hospital. Maybe it was someone quietly handling a problem you were too proud to ask for help with. Whatever it was, we want to share it because stories like yours are the truest picture of what this fraternity means.

Submit your story here: https://ilmason.co/MMVD-2026-Submissions

We'll be featuring Brothers and their stories in the lead-up to the day itself.

MMVD 2026 Please click the link to complete this form.

Eighty-two years ago today, Brother Leonard "Bud" Lomell scaled the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc with the 2nd Ranger Battalion.

When he reached the top and found the German guns had been moved inland, he tracked them down on his own and disabled them with thermite grenades. General Omar Bradley later called it one of the single most important contributions of D-Day.

Today, we remember him and every person who served that day.

Summer is for fellowship, fun, and travel — and Grand Master Joseph B. Ferrell will be on the move across the state for the next few months.

Wherever you find him, snap a selfie. And wherever you don't, bring him with you. We've linked a downloadable portrait of MWB Joe in the comments below. Send it to a local print shop, or print it at home, and the Grand Master can join your Lodge picnics, degree nights, and summer gatherings in spirit!

Tag our page and use the hashtag when you post, and we'll share the best ones.

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, the clock is ticking.

June 30 is the last day to complete activities for the Grand Master's Award of Excellence — the recognition program that honors Illinois Lodges going above and beyond in growing membership, serving their communities, and living out the values of our fraternity.

Think your Lodge qualifies? Talk to your Worshipful Master before the Masonic year closes and learn more at the link in the comments.

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.