Member Quarterly Round Up - Spring/Summer 2026

Brothers, as we approach summer, let’s go out into our communities with energy and commitment to our mission: We are Freemasons investing in self-improvement, building meaningful friendships, and being useful to others. 

We invite you to find some inspiration in the news and stories below. If you’re seeking guidance, check out the Past Grand Master series or collection of Masonic Mentor Appreciation Day vignettes. If you’re looking for something fun, participate in our “Where’s Joe?” Fellowship campaign that’s getting underway. And on a more serious note, we are proud to offer mental health resources for Brothers in the form of a Suicide Prevention page.

Masonic Mentor Appreciation Day 2026

On Saturday, May 2nd, we recognized Masonic Mentor Appreciation Day by featuring real stories from Brothers across the state. This year’s theme was “My Mentor: A Masonic Exemplar.”

A Masonic Exemplar is not a title or a formality, but someone who models the moral and ethical virtues of the fraternity. They show a living commitment; Brother to Brother, and this gets passed down through the generations of Freemasonry. We thank these men for showing up, and encourage you to read their examples. The tradition of mentorship is how we ensure the Craft endures not just in ritual, but in the character of the men who carry it forward.

Past Grand Master Reflections

As we continue to live out this year’s theme of Legacy and Fellowship, we sat down with four Past Grand Masters to hear about their experiences, insights, and advice for current and future Freemasons. We thank Past Grand Masters Dan Yandel, Richard Swaney, Stephen Oakley and Greg Clark for sharing with us.

If we were to offer a takeaway from their stories, it’s that Legacy is not claimed; it is cultivated over time. In the people you mentor, the doors you open, and the friendships that outlast every office held. And Fellowship is not incidental to Masonic life, but it is the very reason the institution endures.

Read more from these impactful men on our two part blog.

Part 1: Oakley & Clark

Part 2: Yandel & Swaney

Suicide Prevention

As Freemasons, we promise to support one another in times of need–whether that be physical, mental or emotional. In that spirit, we know that it can be a challenge for men to effectively address issues impacting the mental and emotional parts of their lives.

Leveraging the strength of our ancient and honorable fraternity, we rise to this challenge and provide the new Suicide Prevention & Mental Health webpage to share credible information and access to resources for any Brother to use.

“Where’s Joe?” Summer of Fellowship Call to Action

Summer is a time for fellowship, fun, and TRAVEL. Grand Master Joseph B. Ferrell will be making his way around the state for several events. We invite Brothers to snap a selfie with MWB Joe in person, or bring a picture of him to any lodge happenings, so that our Grand Master is captured in your pictures as part of the fun and festivities.

We’ve included a link to a downloadable portrait of MWB Joe here. You can send the file to a local print shop and bring the Grand Master anywhere you find Illinois Freemasonry fellowship these next few months!

Keep the Connection Strong

Across Illinois, Freemasonry continues to thrive through fellowship, service, and leadership. This and every quarter, the Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F. & A.M. remains dedicated to preserving our shared traditions while helping every Brother build his own lasting legacy. 

Have additional questions or would like to share a story to include in our next member round-up? Email glccmemb@ilmason.org.