For more than four decades, Right Worshipful Brother Frank Cline, 33° has been a steady and dedicated presence in Illinois Freemasonry. From his early inspiration—his grandfather, a Lodge Tyler whom he never met—to his long-standing service as Grand Secretary, Brother Cline has committed himself to the Craft at every level.

In this conversation, he reflects on his Masonic journey, the responsibilities of lodge and Grand Lodge leadership, and the lessons he’s carried with him, both inside and outside the fraternity.

Thank you for your time today, Brother Cline, 33°. What inspired you to become a Freemason, and what has your journey within the fraternity been like so far?

I was inspired by a grandfather I never got the chance to meet. He passed before I was born, but I always felt a connection to him and hoped that someday I might follow in his footsteps—maybe even become the Tyler of a lodge like he was.

I joined Freemasonry in 1985, so I’ve now been a Mason for 40 years. From my very first meeting at Harmony Lodge No. 3 in Jacksonville, I dove into Freemasonry headfirst. I started learning ritual right away, moving through officer positions and working my way up. I’ve served as Worshipful Master of the lodge three times—in the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s. After that third time, I became Lodge Secretary. Eventually, I moved to Treasurer when someone new took over, but later I returned to the Secretary role. I’ve moved around quite a bit!

Tell us about your current role as Grand Lodge Secretary. How and why did you join the Grand Line?

Years back, I became Secretary of my Scottish Rite Valley in Springfield. Soon after, Past Grand Master Benny Grisham was starting his term at the Grand Lodge and asked me to join the Grand Line as Deputy Grand Secretary.

I started as Deputy Grand Secretary to learn the ropes and held that position for 8 years before stepping up to Grand Secretary. I’ve now been at the Grand Lodge for 22 years and have served as Grand Secretary for 14 of those years.

Serving as Grand Secretary is one of the hardest and least recognized roles. The job touches everything—from membership records to finances to communication. Any project the Grand Lodge takes on tends to land on the Grand Secretary’s desk, so you have eyes on everything happening around you.

What is your favorite part of being Grand Secretary? What have you learned?

I can’t say I have a single favorite part. It’s really the full mix that makes it enjoyable.

As for what I’ve learned, I’ve taken on Lodge Secretary training sessions in recent years. As someone who usually hangs back and takes notes during Masonic Town Halls, those trainings teach me a lot. They are probably my biggest public speaking moments!

Another important lesson I’ve learned is that there’s more than one way to do things. That perspective has been really valuable in both my Masonic and personal life.

How else has serving in Grand Lodge leadership challenged you or helped you grow personally and professionally?

It has definitely helped improve my computer skills. A while back, an 85-year-old Mason who lived across the street from me told me he was taking computer classes, and I remember thinking, “If he can do it, so can I.” So, I signed up and started learning.

Now I live on a computer all day. Our IT team at the Grand Lodge spent a considerable amount of time showing me the ropes, and it has helped me not just in Freemasonry but also in my personal life. Especially with understanding finances, banking, and investments!

A lot of members have told me that if Freemasonry hadn’t pushed them to use a computer, they wouldn’t even know how to pay their bills. It’s part of how we make good men better!

What advice would you offer to new Masons as they begin their journey?

Don’t try to do everything all at once. It’s easy to get overwhelmed or burned out, especially since every lodge is eager for new officers. But taking on too many roles too fast can keep you from doing any of them well, and that can lead to frustration or embarrassment.

Start by learning the ritual. There’s a lot of good advice in our teachings, and the more you understand it, the more it will shape how you engage with other aspects of Freemasonry—and with your everyday life. The skills you learn in lodge really do carry over.

Can you share a memorable lesson or experience from your time as a Mason that has personally impacted you?

If it weren’t for Freemasonry, I never would’ve met my wife.

Brother Frank and his wife Becky from 2003-2004 when he was Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter Masons of Illinois

She was the Rainbow Girls Mother Advisor and was formerly a Rainbow Girl. She had formerly served as Rainbow Girl representative, similar to how DeMolay has a rep at the Grand Lodge level. I saw her around, but at first she wouldn’t give me the time of day.

Later, we ended up working together and really hit it off. I was nervous to ask her out, but we finally went on a few dates. One day, we attended a lodge church event together, and people immediately noticed. Everyone was thrilled!

My Masonic mentor, Tom Chumley, ended up being a groomsman at our wedding. That meant a lot to both of us. My wife had known him even longer than I had. It was a perfect fit.

Brother Cline’s story is a testament to the quiet strength of Masonic leadership. Whether he’s mentoring a new officer, attending a Lodge Secretary training, or simply leading by example, he embodies the values that define our fraternity.

His advice to new Masons is simple but meaningful: take your time, learn the ritual, and carry the lessons into your daily life. After 40 years, his journey is still evolving—and so is his impact on Illinois Freemasonry.

Brother Frank Cline, 33°: A Grand Secretary’s Journey Through 40 Years of Freemasonry