The Impact of Illinois Freemasonry Charities

Freemasonry is built on the values of brotherhood, compassion, and service. For Illinois Masons facing unexpected hardships, the Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F. & A.M. charities, including the Illinois Masonic Outreach Services (IMOS), Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program (IMSAP), and the Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program (IMCAP), provide a crucial lifeline. Whether it’s assistance with essential expenses, support for growing families, or relief during difficult times, these programs ensure that no Illinois Mason stands alone in their time of need.

Below, Masons and community members share their personal experiences with the Grand Lodge of Illinois charities. Read on for their stories of resilience, gratitude, and the power of Masonic support.

Brother Robert Townsend, 32°

My wife and I were hit with an $18,900 sewer bill—something we could never afford. I’m 81, and she’ll be 80 soon. We live on Social Security, and while we try to make ends meet with some DoorDash deliveries, that kind of money just wasn’t possible for us.

Desperate for help, I reached out to my local Scottish Rite Valley. They sent us $500 right away. Later, the Grand Lodge of Illinois, A.F. & A.M. got us in touch with IMOS. They asked what money we had saved to go towards the bill – we had $2,040. After a few phone conversations back and forth, they decided to cover the rest of the balance. It felt like something out of a movie, something that doesn’t happen in real life.

I can’t even put into words how grateful we are. Heather and Jennifer, the two ladies from IMOS who helped us, are two of the kindest people I’ve ever spoken to. We’ve never met in person, but if I ever do, I told them I’d give them an air hug. They are beyond amazing. If I could, I’d send them flowers, but usually, I only send those to my wife - we’ve been married for 60 years!

This year marks my 52nd anniversary as a member of the Masonic Lodge. I’ve been a 32° Scottish Rite Mason in Jonesborough for four or five years, and I’m part of the York Rite as well. Freemasonry has always been a big part of my life.

I always wear my 3° ring and 33° rings, and on Sundays, I wear my father’s 32° ring. He and I worked together for 25 years, and he was also a Freemason. If anyone ever asks about my rings, I’m more than happy to talk about them—I could talk about Freemasonry all day.

I never imagined when I joined that I’d still be here 50 years later. What IMOS did for us proves what this fraternity is about—brotherhood, kindness, and support when it matters most. I think about them constantly. They got us out of an impossible situation, and I can’t say enough about what that means to us.

Just the other day, I was at the barbershop and left a Shriners book there. If anyone seemed interested, I told them to call. I want others to know about the kind of people we have in this fraternity. It truly is unbelievable.

Dr. Kelly West

The Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program (IMSAP) has consistently demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the professional development of our districts through its exceptional workshops. These sessions, offered to both certified and non-certified staff as well as administrators, have been invaluable in equipping educators with practical strategies and resources. The presenters, all current practitioners in the education field, bring real-world experience that resonates with participants.

An IMSAP training at Dr. Kelly West’s school

Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire for longer sessions to fully absorb the wealth of knowledge shared. Evaluations often highlight the practical nature of the workshops, noting that the strategies presented are immediately applicable in the classroom. IMSAP’s dedication to providing high-quality, relevant professional development continues to make a profound impact on our educational community.