Grand Master Joseph B. Ferrell Letter

Brethren:

I am honored and humbled to serve you and this great fraternity as the 103rd Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois. I sincerely thank you for this privilege.

I am pleased to report that Illinois Freemasonry is moving forward and building positive momentum. We have a unique and compelling story to tell about our ancient and honorable fraternity here in Illinois. Through focused marketing activities, we are telling that story which is resonating well with our Brothers and men interested in becoming members. The theme for Illinois Freemasonry during my tenure as your Grand Master is “Legacy & Fellowship.” Collectively, our Brethren have been working consistently since April 6, 1840 to advance the priorities and goals of Freemasonry in Illinois. The stories captured in the history books of our towns and cities in Illinois contain the names of many Freemasons who put in the work to deliver impactful service to their communities and put down the foundation so that our fraternity is available to us today. We shout a resounding “thank you” for all of their work, both small and large.

A key success factor to the longevity of our fraternity is the ability to learn and hold firmly to our Masonic tenets (Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth), live by our core values, and provide a unique way to help good men develop into the best version of themselves. We also achieved something that is exceptional. For more than 185 years, we have adapted to the technological advancements, shifts in communications practices and simply, how people live their daily lives. How? By our ability to help good men make progress on their individual journey of self-improvement, build confidence in themselves, feel a deep connection to the Brethren around them, and employ their talents and abilities to chart the course of our fraternity forward. I want us to shine a brighter light on and take deeper pride in the work done together as fellow workmen in our Speculative Craft of Builders. With working tools firmly in hand, it is our time to put in the work to advance our legacy to ensure that Freemasonry in Illinois will thrive in the decades ahead.

As every Entered Apprentice learns, a Lodge consists of the Freemasons listed on the membership list. That same reality exists for our grand jurisdiction; it is made up of all of us. The symbol of the Level reminds us about the internal equality associated with being good men and recognizes the equal opportunity for us to bring our diverse talents, strengths and capabilities forward to advance the work of our Lodges, charities and Illinois Freemasonry. Part of the cement that binds us together as Brothers is our love for and dedication to learning and performing our ritual work. The time spent studying and practicing makes it easier to understand how to live by the valuable lessons contained therein. Across the state, we want to inspire more Brethren to learn and perform our ritual work to support the membership growth in our Lodges and preserve what is special about our Masonic legacy. To the Grand Lecturers who serve and support our Craft, I thank you; I welcome more Brethren to pursue that path of service and excellence for our fraternity.

In years gone by, the leadership, management, planning and teamwork skills learned in the fraternity distinguished Freemasons in the community. In that spirit, the Grand Master’s Award of Excellence Program (GMAE) will continue to be a guiding tool for our Lodges to help Brethren find value and enjoyment in being Freemasons. The Lodges that use the GMAE points opportunities to get the Brethren working and having fun together are active, vibrant and taking positive steps forward. To the Lodge Officers, incorporate GMAE into your planning activities and use the skills of the members to get things done. Keep in mind that many members are waiting to see the Lodge Trestlebaord and for you to specifically ask them about how to help. Don’t keep the Brethren guessing; share that written plan and ask for their assistance; you might be surprised by the positive response received.

Another foundation stone of our fraternity’s success is the simple and powerful act of fellowship — spending quality time together as friends and Brothers. As a fraternity, we are a brotherhood of men. Our love, care and compassion for one another is real. One of our strengths is the variety of backgrounds possessed by our Brethren (e.g. age, work experience, social, ethnic, financial, etc.). In the sanctuary of Freemasonry, the differences that the outer world may amplify to keep us separated are muted by the welcoming and inclusive nature of our fraternity. Here, the banker, mechanic, truck driver and business owner can meet, talk and befriend one another. Also, it does not matter if you are starting your career and family or can count the time since retirement in decades. Fundamentally, the connections that we make and the Brethren who we encounter across the decades of membership can significantly enhance our lives. Whether it is time together grabbing breakfast on the weekend, sitting on the back porch having a discussion with your Masonic mentor, carpooling to a Masonic event, or attending a Ritual School of Instruction to sharpen our work, it is all just fellowship! It comes in a variety of forms so invest the time and enjoy our brotherhood.

I look forward to seeing you in my travels. Let’s put in the work to advance the legacy of Illinois Freemasonry and have fun doing so together as Brothers and friends.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Joseph B. Ferrell

Grand Master

“Legacy & Fellowship”