Q&A: Introducing Most Worshipful Brother Joseph B. Ferrell, 33°, 103rd Grand Master of Illinois
Grand Master MW Brother Joseph B. Ferrell, 33°
Illinois Freemasonry proudly welcomes Most Worshipful Brother Joseph B. Ferrell, 33°, as the 103rd Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F. & A.M. In this conversation, MWB Ferrell shares what he’s most looking forward to, why “Legacy & Fellowship” will guide his tenure, and how the Craft’s rituals, friendships, and values shape his vision for the years ahead.
What are you most looking forward to during your time as Grand Master?
Meeting more of the Brothers —getting out there and being with the Brethren. You do a lot of travel in the Grand Line anyway, but this will notch up by about 50%.
How does it feel to step into this role right now?
It’s a little different. A really good friend, Brother, and mentor — Right Worshipful Brother Herbert “Herb” Lindberg — recently passed away. This year’s Annual Communication, which marks the start of my tenure, will be the first without him. He’s really the reason I’m here. He pushed and pushed me to volunteer. I’m excited, but it’s a little sad because I won’t have one of my best friends with me.
Grand Master Ferrell (left) with Brother Herbert Lindberg and a man dressed as Santa Claus at a holiday event
Your theme is “Legacy & Fellowship.” Why that theme, and what does it mean to you?
For fellowship, one of the highlights of being in the Grand Line, and Grand Master specifically, is the ability to have fellowship with people you would never have met otherwise. I’ve made friends in every part of the state because of town halls, rededications, and events.
Brother Herb is a great example. He was 86, a 56-year Mason. In the ‘real world,’ I might never have become friends with him. My father died when I was three; I don’t want to say Herb was like a father, but he was definitely a father figure.
For Illinois Freemasonry’s Legacy, it’s not merely what we leave behind — it’s what we live with purpose. Illinois Freemasonry’s legacy is deep. Some of our oldest Lodges are over 175 years old. We have a responsibility not to let our values and traditions go by the wayside. We value and respect each other and our diverse opinions on a variety of topics — or at least we’re supposed to.
What programs or initiatives will support “Legacy & Fellowship”?
To touch on legacy, we’re going to push for more commissioned Grand Lecturers and Certified Lodge Instructors — the keepers of our timeless ritual experiences. They know it from memory and teach it. If we don’t continue the teachings, floor work, and ritual in this historical way, that legacy dies.
For fellowship, it is a deep feeling of connection and genuine friendship that we want to foster. It should be built into every stated or special meeting along with the other events and activities enjoyed by our Brothers. It doesn’t have to be in a Lodge building — it can be in someone’s backyard around a bonfire, a pizza joint, a sporting event — anywhere. Fellowship is what we make time for together and enjoy with our Brothers.
Grand Master Ferrell (right), with Brother Herb Lindberg and Past Grand Master Richard Swaney
What from your background will you bring into the office of Grand Master?
When you become Grand Master, you’re not just stepping into this role blindly or unprepared. You’ve had about ten years in the progressive Grand Line of leadership roles to understand and guide the corporations, charities, and Grand Lodge operations. When you make it to Grand Master, you’ve already shown you can grasp the nuances of Illinois Freemasonry — we’re a complex business organization and a fraternity, and you have to weigh both into your decision-making.
Professionally, I was a partner in a car dealership in the Chicago area for several years. I then worked in a family-owned heavy-steel manufacturing business — everything from locomotives to parts for aircraft carriers. We sold the business, and now I’m an independent financial trader — and I do Freemasonry. I enjoy it.
How did you first come to Freemasonry?
I was at a buddy’s house and his grandfather — a WWII vet — invited us over to the American Legion for a beer. We got to talking with his friends, and before I left the bar, I had a petition in my hand. I took my first degree on January 23, 2008, and my third degree on March 26, 2008.
Where is your home Lodge, and what makes it special?
Azure LaGrange Lodge No. 770 is my mother lodge. We meet in Riverside, Illinois. We’re laid back. We’re serious when we need to be, but not when we don’t. Lately, we’ve done more family-friendly activities — bowling, axe throwing, and Topgolf. We’re not a huge Lodge, but we’re a fun Lodge and make the best of what we can do.
Grand Master Ferrell skydiving as part of the “I Got High With Herb” IMCF charity initiative
A favorite memory from your Masonic journey?
Back to Brother Herb again. He was raising funds for our Illinois Masonic Charities, and we dubbed the initiative ‘I Got High with Herb’ — not what you think — we went skydiving. We had T-shirts made and sold them to support the cause. The instructors at the skydiving school bought some as well! He even did it again on his 80th birthday. It’s one of my favorite memories to look back on.
What is your long-term vision for Illinois Freemasonry?
Growth of membership through quality, not quantity. That comes back to legacy and ritual — we don’t just want bodies in the door who don’t understand how to live as knowledgeable Freemasons. We want quality and loyal members who will carry our legacy forward into the future.
Anything else you want to acknowledge?
None of this would truly be possible without my family. They make it easy — they’re not mad when I’m gone more nights than I should be, and they show up when needed. Thank you.
Under the banner of Legacy & Fellowship, MWB Joseph B. Ferrell looks ahead to a future defined by quality growth, strong ritual instruction, and genuine brotherhood. Please join us in welcoming him and honoring the memory of Right Worshipful Brother Herbert, whose example continues to inspire service and friendship across Illinois Freemasonry.