Famous Freemasons
Presentation by Bro. Hugh Cole
Monday, July 14 2008
Bro. Hugh Cole is a Past master of Geneva Lodge No. 139. Bro. Cole is also an active York Rite and Scottish Rite Mason having received the honor and distinction of the 33° degree.
He was our guest speaker, on our regular stated meeting, Monday, July 14 and he gave beautiful presentation about famous Freemasons thru the history.
Thank You Brother Cole!
The GROTTO Presentation
Presentation by Bro. Howard Schermerhorn
and Bro. Alan Hubble WM WSL 1136
Monday, August 11 2008
Past Monarch Howard Schermerhorn led a presentation illustrating the history, parade units, social and charitable activities, and humanitarian initiatives of the Grotto. The Grotto is otherwise known as the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm. Of particular note is their participation in the Chicago-based Special Olympics and their work to benefit the dental requirements for special needs children. The Grotto also provides ritual support through their Fellowcraft Degree Team. They are known for the black fezzes which they wear.
Howard was 2001 Illinois Grotto Mason of the Year which recognizes an outstanding prophet who has also continued service to his blue lodge. He served as President of the Illinois State Grotto Association in 1996-7 and as Secretary-Treasurer since 1999. Brother Howard is Past Master of River Forest Austin Lodge No. 850, Grand Lodge Membership Chairman for Chuck Sullins, Grotto Supreme Council Membership Chair for 2 years and currently on the Humanitarian Foundation Enchanted Lantern & Development Committee.
Paul Revere Charge
Presentation by Bro. Jim Brown
Monday, September 8 2008
Jim Brown is well known in area Masonic circles for his dedication to the fraternity and his ritual excellence. Jim has been a Grand Lecturer for quite a few years and is an instructor with the Cook-Lombardi-Duck School of Masonic Instruction; the school meets every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Grove Lodge. Jim is a two time Past Master of Grove Lodge and has been their Secretary for a number of years. We enjoyed Jim's perspective on the Paul Revere Charge, a treatise that sets the bar high for how masters, lodge officers and members of the fraternity should conduct themselves.
The YORK RITE Presentation
Presentation by Bro. Joseph Santisteban
Monday, October 13 2008
Right Excellent Companion Joseph Santisteban was born in 1946 at New York City. He was awarded an AAS degree in Social Services from Merced College in 1976; a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science & Psychology in 1978 and a graduate certificate in Human Resources Management in 1980, both from Chapman University; a Master of Arts in Management in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1990; and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Asian Studies / Martial Sciences from the University of the Philippines. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in October 1963, retiring in February 1994 at the rank of Command Chief Master Sergeant. He is now employed as the human resources director for an international manufacturing company.
He is the Right Excellent Deputy Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Illinois. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Milburn Lodge No. 127 where he now serves as Worshipful Master for the 2007-2008 Masonic year. He is also a charter member of the Spanish-language Amistad (“Friendship”) Lodge No. 81 in Petah Tikva (now in Ramat Gan), Israel; and an honorary member of Batangas Lodge No. 35 in Batangas City, Republic of the Philippines.
Masonic Sites in England and Scotland
Presentation by Bro. Wayne Austin
Monday, November 10 2008
Past Master of : Wilmington Lodge #208 (1970), West Englewood Home Lodge # 1074 (1995), Mizpah Lodge #768 (1998), La Moille Lodge #270 (2001), R.W. Grand Lecturer (1971); Past District Grand Master (1995); Past Grand Lodge Instructor; Past Member Board of Grand Examiners (1995-1999); and presently serving as Treasurer of the Board of Managers of the Childrens Home in La Grange.
A Tribute to Veterans
Presentation by WM Steve Bengtson, Mike Bonnardel, Bob Anselmo, Larry Getsoian and RW Jim Brown
Monday, December 8 2008
WM Steve Bengtson, Mike Bonnardel, Bob Anselmo, Larry Getsoian and RW Jim Brown, all from Grove Lodge No. 824, presented a most moving program as a Tribute to Veterans. Patriotic music accompanied the opening ceremony as they draped the American flag across the altar. The Program began with assembling an honor guard of all veterans in attendance. Their service and the service of family members was recognized and saluted by WM Steve Bengtson, a former Sergeant. The program was concluded with the playing of Taps; a song which was written by Major General Daniel Butterfield (Civil War) a Mason who was a member of Metropolitan Lodge No. 273, New York City.
Lodge was closed with a demonstration and explanation for each of the 12 folds in folding the Flag. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."
The picture is of members of Grove Lodge and Western Springs Lodge who are veterans of the US Armed Forces.
