A New Era Under MW Brother Joseph B. Ferrell

With great reverence for the past and bold clarity for the future, Illinois Freemasonry enters a new chapter under the steady leadership of Most Worshipful Brother Joseph B. Ferrell, Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois.

MWB Ferrell assumes this role with humility, vision, and a heart deeply rooted in the traditions of our Craft. His journey is one marked by quiet strength, tireless service, and a profound understanding of what Freemasonry truly offers: a bond between men and generations, bound by shared values, moral discipline, and brotherly love.

His guiding theme for this term —Legacy and Fellowship—speaks not only to where we've been, but to where we must go.

MWB Joseph B. Ferrell and RWB Angelo Deserio stop by a visitor center in North Dakota on their way back to Chicago; that location was prominently featured in the movie, Fargo

Honoring Our Legacy

Legacy is not just what we inherit—it's what we leave behind, MWB Ferrell said during his inaugural address. "It's the sacred duty of every Mason to preserve and pass on the light we were given, to ensure that it continues to shine long after we are gone."

Under this pillar of Legacy, the Grand Master has called for a renewed emphasis on the core teachings of our ritual, a rededication to the landmarks of the Craft, and the protection of the rich traditions that make Illinois Freemasonry a vibrant and lasting institution.

Legacy requires stewardship. MWB Ferrell has outlined several key initiatives to ensure our history is not only remembered but also actively taught. This includes the support and enhancement of lodge education officers, the development of digital archives, and the encouragement of local lodges to engage with their unique histories.

He has challenged every lodge to submit a written or recorded account of its founding, milestones, and the brothers who shaped it. "These are not just stories,” he said, "they are the DNA of our identity."

Legacy also involves mentorship. Recognizing the importance of generational continuity, MWB Ferrell is reinvigorating mentorship programs to better support new members as they move through the degrees and into leadership. "Our youngest Entered Apprentice may one day wear the white apron of the “Grand East”, he reminded us. "But only if we walk beside him from the very beginning."

Renewing the Spirit of Fellowship

If Legacy grounds us, Fellowship moves us forward. In an age where digital screens often replace handshakes, MWB Ferrell is calling upon the Craft to reclaim the warmth, joy, and strength of true fraternal fellowship. He recognizes that the strength of Freemasonry lies not just in ritual, but in the bonds that form when good men gather with shared purpose.

“Fellowship is the living expression of our obligation—it's where brotherly love becomes real,” he says.

This emphasis on Fellowship includes support for:

·      Inter-lodge visitations, building unity and shared experience

·      Outreach to Brothers in need, both spiritually and materially

·      Family-inclusive activities, reaffirming the value of Masonic support beyond the tiled Lodge room

MWB Ferrell envisions lodges not just as places of formality but centers of joy, growth, and unity. He has encouraged Worshipful Masters to place renewed emphasis on fellowship events—simple meals, game nights, speaker series, or community service projects—anything that deepens bonds and draws Brothers closer.

Additionally, he has proposed the establishment of "Fellowship Ambassadors" in each district—Brothers whose charge is to support struggling lodges, foster inter-lodge connections, and ensure no Brother feels disconnected from the Craft.

MWB Joseph B. Ferrell, Grand Master

The Man Behind the Apron

MWB Joseph B. Ferrell is no stranger to leadership within the Craft. A long-serving and respected figure in Illinois Freemasonry, his steady presence has impacted countless Brethren across the state.

His Masonic resume includes service at every level of the Craft. From his early days as a candidate, through the chairs of his Blue Lodge, and across various Scottish Rite and York Rite bodies, he has led with conviction and care. But those who know him best speak not of titles—but of character.

Known for his thoughtful demeanor, inclusive approach, and unwavering commitment to principle, MWB Ferrell leads by example. Whether offering a word of encouragement to a new Entered Apprentice, working behind the scenes to support a struggling Lodge, or presiding over Grand Lodge proceedings with dignity and grace, he embodies the virtues we are all called to cultivate.

Outside the Lodge, MWB Ferrell is a family man, a dedicated community member, and a professional who brings Masonic values into all areas of his life. His Lady, Ms. Kim Frost, and family are steadfast supporters of his Masonic journey, and he remains committed to making Freemasonry a welcoming space for all families.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward together under his leadership, the Grand Master's message is clear: let us be the generation that remembers, renews, and reconnects.

Let us honor our sacred trust to those who came before us and build a future worthy of those who will follow. Let us do so hand in hand, as Brothers—not in name alone, but in deed, word, and heart.

Legacy and Fellowship is more than a theme— it is a challenge and a promise. A call to reawaken the finest within us, and to pass it forward in the spirit of Masonic brotherhood

Let us rise to that call.

R.W.B. Angelo S. Deserio

Senior Grand Warden