“My Lodge Intender” — Reflections on Masonic Mentorship
More than four centuries ago, the role of Intender emerged in operative Masonry, long before the first Grand Lodge of England was formed. In the lodges of old Scotland, the Intender was second in importance only to the Master himself. It was common for the retiring Master to take on this role, passing on his knowledge and wisdom to those around him.
Today, Illinois Freemasonry honors that legacy through its Lodge Intender Program. Intenders are more than mentors - they’re trusted guides who offer one-on-one support from the first sparks of interest to full membership and beyond.
On Masonic Mentor Appreciation Day 2025, we’re celebrating the impact of these Brothers whose guidance strengthens the Craft. To mark the occasion, we spoke with five Illinois Masons, both mentors and mentees, about how meaningful Masonic mentorship can be.
Johnnie Lovell – Columbia Lodge No. 474
Brother Johnnie Lovell (right) and Brother Marcus Barnes
For Brother Johnnie Lovell, mentorship has always been a natural extension of his Masonic journey. A two-time Past Master and longtime Area and District Deputy, Brother Lovell first learned about Freemasonry from his stepfather, but didn’t fully grasp what it meant until years later, while stationed in Wisconsin with the Air Force. A fellow serviceman planted the seed, and when Brother Lovell finally asked his stepfather about Freemasonry back home, he replied, “I’ve been waiting for years for you to ask.”
Now, as a Lodge Intender, Brother Lovell believes strongly in the power of mutual effort. “If they put a lot of effort out, I will too,” he says. His mentee, Brother Marcus Barnes, was introduced by his son and met with Brother Lovell weekly for months.
“He’s got Masonry in his heart,” Johnnie shares. “You don’t find that all the time.”
For Brother Lovell, mentorship is a two-way street. “I don’t pretend to know all the answers, but I know how to find them,” he says. “Mentorship builds your Masonic education. The more we put into it, the better we all become.”
His advice? Listen deeply, stay open to building relationships, and never underestimate how much one conversation can mean.
Paul Dennis – Kelvyn Park-Willing Lodge No. 1075
Brother Paul Dennis (left) and Brother Wayne Spooner
When Brother Paul Dennis moved to Chicago from North Dakota in 2021, he didn’t know a single Mason. But after being initiated in July 2024, he found himself quickly supported by Brother Wayne Spooner, his Lodge Intender, who proved to be “an incredible teacher.”
“Wayne has a way of breaking things down that makes them stick,” Brother Dennis explains. “Especially with the language and symbolism in Freemasonry, he helped me find meaning and connection at every step.”
For Brother Dennis, the mentorship didn’t stop there. Brother Spooner helped him learn how to set boundaries, manage commitments, and grow his confidence, especially when speaking publicly.
Now deeply involved with his lodge, Brother Dennis knows that mentorship was the key to staying engaged. “There’s so much to learn, and it can be overwhelming,” he says. “A great Intender helps you focus, connect the dots, and keep showing up.”
His advice to fellow Masons? Be honest about what kind of support you need. For mentors, take time to understand how your mentee learns best.
Mike Jackson – Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 51
PGM Most Worshipful Brother Mike Jackson
Past Grand Master Mike Jackson joined Freemasonry to make his father happy. “At first, I didn’t know anything about it,” he recalls. But a year in, the Worshipful Master invited him to become an officer, and everything changed. “I got hooked. I kept learning.”
As someone who’s held multiple leadership positions, Brother Jackson has mentored countless candidates and Brothers in numerous officer roles throughout the fraternity. But he worries mentorship isn’t as strong as it once was. “Now we have books and websites, but that doesn’t replace the human bond,” he says. “Without it, you don’t feel as much a part of the fraternity.”
His message is clear: “If you’re a member, volunteer to be a mentor. If you’re a candidate, give it time. Mentorship will change everything.”
Craig Kennedy – Springfield Lodge No. 4
Brother Craig Kennedy’s Masonic roots run deep - his grandfather was a Mason, his grandmother an Eastern Star, and his father was a Shriner’s Hospital patient as a child. As a young man, Brother Kennedy joined DeMolay. He was raised in Springfield Lodge No. 4 at just 21 years old, becoming Worshipful Master eight years later.
As a Lodge Intender, Brother Kennedy has helped countless Masons navigate their early degrees. “I’ve mentored friends, DeMolay Brothers, and men I’d just met,” he says. “It’s always rewarding to see someone’s excitement and growth.”
For Brother Kennedy, mentorship is about community. “I enjoy Freemasonry now more than ever. It’s always been fun, but now it’s more fulfilling because of the growing community and opportunity to interact with new members.”
Jeffrey Armour, Jr - Streator Lodge No. 607
Brother Armour Jr. (left) and two Brothers
Brother Jeffrey Armour Jr., a Streator Lodge No. 607 member and an Illinois State University engineering student, became a Mason five years ago. The decision was deeply personal - one of his closest friends, a Mason, passed away before they could explore the Craft together. Seeing his friend’s last rites at the funeral moved Brother Armour profoundly and inspired him to join in his friend’s memory.
Brother Armour recently completed his term as Worshipful Master of his lodge, earning the Grand Master’s Award of Excellence Gold Medal. His success was supported by mentorship from Brother Richard Leach II, and by guidance from Brother Spooner’s “Roadmap to the East” lodge officer development workshop, a tool Brother Armour says helped structure and strengthen his lodge’s leadership.
As Worshipful Master, Brother Armour formalized the Lodge Intender program, shifting it from an informal process to a more intentional and structured system. Rather than simply assigning new Masons to the first available Brother, he prioritized thoughtful pairings that would foster stronger connections. Brother Armour served as Intender to five new members, an effort that supported their growth and helped him shape and refine the program itself.
His advice to mentees? Ask questions. “There are no stupid questions,” he says. “No one will judge you for asking.” As for mentors, be open-minded and patient. “Remember what it was like to be new. Take the time to break down Masonic language and focus on being a true friend.”
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These stories remind us that mentorship is important to Freemasonry and helps transform our members' lives. Being a Lodge Intender or mentor means walking beside someone as they discover what it means to be a Mason. And often, it transforms both men in the process.
This Masonic Mentor Appreciation Day, we honor all those who have taken the time to guide, listen, teach, and inspire. May we continue to pass the Light forward, one Brother at a time.