Planning for the Future: Q+A with Most Worshipful Grand Master David Lynch

Freemasonry is a journey defined by self-improvement, camaraderie, and a dedication to Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. For Most Worshipful Brother David P. Lynch, this journey began in an unexpected place: a construction site at the Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

From a chance conversation with a fellow carpenter to becoming Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois A. F. & A. M., GM Lynch’s Masonic journey is a testament to the profound impact of our Brotherhood.

We sat down with Brother Lynch to discuss his life, Masonic journey, and his goal as Grand Master. Read on to learn more!

Tell us a bit about your Masonic journey. What inspired you to become a Freemason?

When I was young, I had a job at the Illinois Masonic Medical Center. I was a union carpenter and was hired at the site for 90 days. Over those three months, the head carpenter on the job asked me if I’d like to be a Mason.

At the time, I knew nothing about Freemasonry. So, I said no! However, once the job was complete, there was a dedication ceremony in which the Shriners bagpipers performed. I knew of their hospitals and asked them how I could get involved. They told me I had to become a Mason.

I was instantly reminded of my first conversation with the head carpenter – I found him and told him I’d changed my mind. I wanted to become a Mason.

I was raised in Crete Lodge No. 763 – the same one I am a member of today. There is a lot of history at that lodge (The first Mayor of the town was the first Grand Master!), so I am honored to be a member.

When did you first decide to join the Grand Lodge of Illinois in a leadership position?

Joining leadership wasn’t necessarily a goal I had in mind, but an opportunity presented to me. Most Worshipful Brother Anthony Cracco, our current Grand Treasurer and Past Grand Master, suggested I apply for Junior Grand Deacon – he had moved up the Grand Line himself and is a mentor of mine. He lives just six miles from me; we spend a lot of time together and are great friends!

GM Lynch and his family

I didn’t go into the leadership experience with any expectations and remain humble. I tell people all the time – “I’m still Dave.”

Tell us about your journey to becoming Grand Master. What is your main goal?

I’m the type of person who dives as deep as I can into any experience offered to me. The more I went up the Grand Line, the more I wanted to get involved.

GM Lynch and his wife, Judy, who he describes as his “very best friend”.

I wanted to see Illinois Freemasonry flourish and grow. The Grand Master before me, Most Worshipful Brother Michael Jackson, set a very successful path and our membership has been growing in recent years. I wanted to carry on that legacy rather than upend it and start something new, that’s why the theme of my term is “Planning for the Future”.

Times change, and while we can’t lose traditions, it’s important to balance them with adaptation to the modern way of life. For example, it used to be required for lodge attendants to wear a suit and tie. Now, many members attend while casually dressed. Things change, and it’s important to take note!

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

Many years ago, my friends and I went to Georgia on a fishing trip. We rented a dock at Jack Windgate’s Lunker Lodge in Bainbridge. The owner, Jack Windgate himself, wore a Masonic ring. At first, I did not say anything to him about our shared Brotherhood.

In the first part of our trip, we weren’t catching anything. We wanted to split the cost of a personal guide, but all were booked. So, I decided to introduce myself to Brother Windgate and see if he could help us.

And help us he did. He brought us out the next morning, bright and early at 5:00 AM on a private tour. We were offered his personal dock, and he showed us the best places for fishing – we caught an 8-pound bass the next day!

GM Lynch with the 8 pound bass he caught on his fishing trip

I will never forget that experience, Brother Windgate could not have taken care of us more. The experience reminded me just how great of an organization I was a part of.

What advice do you have for future Grand Masters?

Enjoy your term as Grand Master, because it goes by fast.

And during your term, make the most of it. You only have this experience once in your life, so take every opportunity to work with others.

You will meet so many people and travel to many places you wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s a wonderful experience.

And always remember – practice what you preach. The Masonic public is now watching you, so always make sure you are living true to our values.

What advice do you have for future Illinois Freemasons?

If you’re considering joining, don’t believe everything you read. The best way to learn is to go to a lodge, meet with members, and just talk to them. Get to know your future Brothers before you join.

Before you take the big leap, take the little steps to learn. You’ll be more than satisfied.

Lastly, make friends. It’s the best part of what Freemasonry has to offer. 

Joining Freemasonry is the greatest thing I’ve ever done. I have good friends I wouldn’t have known without the fraternity. I always recommend that new and existing Brothers spread themselves wide and meet as many people as they can – it’ll be the best time you’ll ever have.