Thank You for Being a Mason

by Senior Midnight Freemason Contributor 
WB Gregory J. Knott 

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in early September, my wife Brooke and I visited downtown Chicago. As we were shopping, we came upon the old Medinah Shriners Temple, which was sold when the Medinah Shrine relocated to the suburbs. This building is now home to a Bloomingdale’s store and is well preserved. On the exterior you can still see the remarkable architecture of the building and numerous elements related to the symbolism of the Shrine.

Being curious as to what the building looked like inside, I went in to look around. The interior is no less impressive than the outside. It must have been obvious that I wasn’t there to shop as a couple of sales people asked how they could help. I told them that I was a Shriner and wanted to see this remarkable building. One of them pointed me to some display cases on the second floor that held lots of memorabilia related to the Medinah Shriners.

As I was looking through the items in the display case, a lady stopped by and we had a conversation about what the Shrine was and the fact that you must first be a Master Mason before becoming a Shriner. She told me her dad, now deceased, was a Mason in Milwaukee and he always held the entire Masonic fraternity in the highest of regards. She then said something to me that I was not expecting, “thank you for being a Mason”.

She went on to state that in her opinion, Freemasonry is exactly what young men today need. The moral values that we stand for, the opportunity for men of one generation to mentor men of the upcoming generations, the amazing Shriners Hospitals, were just some of the reasons. I was really humbled to have this conversation with her. I thanked her for the kind comments and assured her that as a fraternity, we are still here and are working towards exactly what she had pointed out. Obviously, her father left a tremendous impression upon his daughter as to what the fraternity stands for and the high regard for which she holds us.

In the weeks since this conversation, I have thought extensively about the simple words “thank you for being a Mason.” Can I live up to this woman’s expectations of the fraternity? Am I doing enough to bring other worthy candidates into the craft that I can help mentor or be a positive influence on them? Am I encouraging other members of the craft to do the same? My personal challenge to myself is to do more of all these things.

So, in closing if no one has ever said to you “thank you for being a Mason”, I extend to you a heartfelt thank you.

~GJK

WB Gregory J. Knott is the Worshipful Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754 in Ogden (IL) and a plural member of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC.

Down on the Farm

by Senior Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB Gregory J. Knott

A recent trip to West Virginia from Illinois, took me through the heartland of Ohio. As I left the interstate system and drove on local highways, I enjoyed seeing the farms. Many of them still have vintage barns standing that harken back to an earlier era in American agriculture. These farms, in many ways represent a simpler time, yet the hard work from farming in those days was often back breaking.

Mile upon mile passed by when I came upon Rio Grande, Ohio and saw a sign that said Bob Evans Farm. I always enjoy seeing historic sites, so I made the turn and headed to the Bob Evans Farm. You likely know the name Bob Evans for both the restaurant chain and sausage that both bare that name. The Bob Evans restaurants are now a national chain, I always enjoy stopping at them. When I arrived at the Bob Evans farm, I immediately recognized the famous barns sitting eloquently in the pasture. I had seen these barns many times in pictures in Bob Evans restaurants. I was curious to learn more about the story of Bob Evans.

Bob Evans bought this farm in 1953 and it soon became the center for the Bob Evans sausage business. The Bob Evans slogan was “made by a farmer on the farm”. He began advertising on local television and invited people to “come down and visit us”. There were so many visitors to the farm, that Bob Evans soon opened a small restaurant on site, so visitors could sample the sausage and other farm products. This was beginning of the restaurant business for Bob Evans. During my visit, I had dinner at the Bob Evans Restaurant on the farm. The wait staff did a great job of providing service and the food was excellent as always.

Who was Bob Evans? He was born May 30, 1918 in Sugar Ridge, Ohio. He married to Jewell Waters in 1940 and together they had six children. He later served in the US Army during WW II. He was a farmer who had a passion for selling the quality sausage that bared his name. With the support of his family and business partners, the company grew rapidly and expanded throughout the Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions. He was also well known for his support of the local community.

Bob Evans, retired from his company in 1986 and remained very active in the community. He was honored by the National Wildlife Federation, was involved with supporting FFA and 4-H and served as member of the Ohio Board of Regents, which governs higher education institutions in the state of Ohio. He passed away on June 21, 2007 at the age of 89.

Bob Evans was a member of Morning Dawn Lodge No. 7 in Gallipolis, Ohio.

~GJK

WB Gregory J. Knott is the Worshipful Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754 in Ogden (IL) and a plural member of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC.

Anchor Lodge No.980 History Speech at Lodge Dedication July 25, 2015

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Brian L. Pettice, 33˚

*Editors Note* The following speech was originally given by Illustrious Bro. Brian L. Pettice at the lodge dedication for Anchor Lodge No. 980 which occurred on July 25th, 2015. As the reader makes his way through this history, it would serve us to ask ourselves how much of this is familiar to our own lodges? What can we learn? What can we celebrate? Enjoy this wonderful speech!

R.H. Johnson, 

Editor

One Hundred years ago the city of Danville was in the midst of a long term population explosion as it experienced its greatest quarter century growth in its history. Spurred by coal mining, the clay products industry, and the railroads Danville had become a major industrial city. People flocked to the city for the jobs its industries provided. The city, founded in 1827, recorded an official population of 503 in 1840. The city would more than double its turn of the century population of 16,354 souls in 1900 to 33,776 by 1920. The city added over 11,000 people between 1900 and 1910 alone.

It was against this backdrop of economic and population growth that Freemasonry in Danville was also expanding. Olive Branch Lodge No. 38, chartered in 1846, had served the city for nearly 70 years. The city had also enjoyed the addition of the appendant bodies of both the York and Scottish Rites.

According to correspondence retrieved at the lodge, several Brethren would begin meeting late in 1913 for the purpose of petitioning for a new lodge in Danville. You might find this surprising Grand Master, but the process seemed to be plagued by miscommunication and a lack of knowledge of or adherence to procedure. The problems mostly involved the qualifications and dues status of the brethren signing the original petition and the propriety of the recommendation votes and forms submitted by the three area lodges that recommended the petition Olive Branch Lodge No. 38, Catlin Lodge No. 285 and Free Will Lodge No. 872.

The issues were eventually resolved and Anchor Lodge was issued a dispensation on August 10, 1914 by Bro. Henry T. Burnap, Grand Master. The lodge was instituted on August 14, 1914 by Bro. Clinton L. Sandusky, D.D.G.M. for the Twenty-seventh District. The lodge received its warrant at the annual communication of the Grand Lodge on October 13, 1915 and was constituted Anchor Lodge No. 980 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois on November 10, 1915, again, by Bro. Sandusky. There were 42 charter members of the lodge. 28 Master Masons named in the petition on demit and 14 Master Masons raised by the lodge while under dispensation.

The Lodge met in the “quarters of Olive Branch Lodge” at the Temple Building on the Northwest corner of Vermilion and North Streets until 1916 when it moved to the “New” Masonic Temple at 109 W. North Street. The lodge voted in July of 2014 to move to this site and held its first stated meeting here on October 28, 2014 and its first work, a first degree, on November 25, 2014.

The first Master of Anchor Lodge was Bro. Henry Peter Blose. Brother Blose was obviously an active mason, as presiding over a lodge under dispensation at that time was no small task. He was commissioned a Grand Lecturer by the Grand Lodge. He was a member of all of the Danville York Rite Bodies and presided over all of the Danville Scottish Rite Bodies. He was coroneted a 33° Mason. Brother Blose was married to the former Minnie Elizabeth Fisher. They had a daughter Josephine.

All of the information given here about Brother Blose was found in the records of the organizations to which he belonged and a cursory internet search of his personal history. What was not found about the Brother, whose picture used to hang directly above the Senior Warden’s chair in the West for all Masters of Anchor Lodge to look at as they presided in the East, were any personal anecdotes- anything about him that might have been passed down through the years, brother to brother, mouth to ear that might have given a brief glimpse into what kind of a man he was.

So, given the opportunity to speak on the history of the lodge, I thought it would be nice to relate some of the personal things that I remember or have been told about a few of the Brethren of this lodge. Most of what will be shared will not be long stories, but brief snippets that might be remembered and passed down. Hopefully, these snippets will give a small glimpse into the lives of some of these men who have impacted this lodge, its members, and in many cases this community.

There is another brother whose picture hangs on the wall here as it has hung on the wall of Anchor‘s lodge room for over 40 years. Brother John Ross Elliott. Brother Elliott was secretary of Anchor lodge for 42 years from 1930 until his death in 1972. That is a remarkable feat- Secretary for nearly half of the lodge’s existence. Brother Gene Quick once said that, in addition to handling the administration of the lodge, Brother Elliott was very good at ritual because he took a lengthy walk every evening and would recite lodge ritual to himself during the entire walk. What dedication to Freemasonry and this lodge that brother had.

Brother Quick is another Brother that has served and impacted this lodge. He is twice a Past Master of the lodge and for many years served as Tyler. Brother Quick is, as many men of his generation are, a no non-sense kind of guy. But what many may not know is the dedication he had to visiting sick and shut-in brethren. He reported at every meeting on his visits to our distressed brethren.

Brother Bob Jones, Past Master in 1977, businessman, mayor of Danville for 16 years, the City Hall in town is named for him. He was the leader of the group that made the Children’s Dyslexia Center here in town a reality. Involved in community events for what seems like forever. For one brother though Bob will be remembered for the meals the lodge enjoyed when Bob was Junior Warden of the lodge and chef and owner of his own restaurant. The brother said the lodge never ate so well, as when Bob was making the meals.

Brother Sam Page, Marine Corps veteran, Past Master, for many years lodge secretary, another no non-sense guy. Brother S. Brent Morris, noted Masonic historian and author, once joked on a history channel presentation that all of the conspiracy theories regarding Freemasons taking over the world were false because Masons could not even agree on what pie to serve after their meetings. Brother Morris was mistaken, at least in this assertion, because when Brother Sam Page was Secretary, Anchor lodge agreed that Banana Cream pie would be served after the meetings.

Brother Bob Pickett, Past Master of Anchor Lodge, still serves as Junior Deacon, sometimes referred to by lodge members as Grandpa. Now that he has his hearing aids, he rarely needs prompting anymore. You may not know that if you travel to Star Lodge in Hoopeston, you will find his picture hanging on their wall as one of the last Masters of Rossville Lodge No. 527.

Brother William”Bunkey” Wright- Past Master of Anchor Lodge. Bunkey got active in Olive Branch Lodge in the 1990’s and served that lodge as Master. He was active in degree work throughout the district at that time. He made it a personal goal to be the first Brother to preside over all three Danville lodges as Master. He served Anchor as Master in 2002-2003, but passed before being able to pursue his goal with Further Light Lodge.

Brother Charlie Luton- Past Master of Anchor Lodge, WWII era Navy veteran. Charlie was more soft spoken and circumspect than some of the other lodge brethren of his generation. Charlie enjoyed wood working and created the three lesser lights used by the Lodge today. He also authored a poem dedicated to Past Master Dale Potter entitled, “There stood Dale” that hung in the anteroom of the lodge for many years. The things I remember about Charlie are his kindness and his recognition that all Brothers are worthy of consideration and respect.

There are many brethren of this lodge of whom I have fond memories and I could go on a lot longer than the time allotted me here, but I truly must mention another brother before I close.

Brother Carl L. Pettice Past Master of this Lodge and Potomac Lodge No. 782, Secretary of Anchor in 2002-2003. Without this Brother, I would not be standing before you today. A little over 19 years ago, I thought I was doing this brother a favor when I petitioned to join Masonry. He was still of the generation that did not talk much about what went on at the lodge and I had no idea what I was joining, but I thought that it would make him happy and that would be my gift to him. I had no idea the gift he had given to me- the gift that Freemasonry would and continues to give to me. It was because of the lodge that I began to work on improving myself, working on my own rough ashlar. It was because of the lodge that I got to know my father as a brother. It was because of the lodge that we spent time as equals. It was because of the lodge that we got to remake our relationship into one of two friends who enjoyed each other’s company.

So I thank Freemasonry and Anchor Lodge for these gifts and for the lives and actions of these and all our brethren and I thank Brother Jack Land, Past Master of Anchor Lodge, for giving me the opportunity to share with all of you today.

~BLP

Brian L. Pettice, 33° is a Past Master of Anchor Lodge No. 980 and plural member of Olive Branch Lodge No. 38 in Danville, IL and an Honorary Member of a couple of others. He is also an active member of both the York and Scottish Rites.He cherishes the Brothers that have become Friends over the years and is thankful for the opportunities Freemasonry gives and has given him to examine and improve himself, to meet people he might not otherwise have had chance to meet, and to do things he might not otherwise have had chance to do. He is employed as an electrician at the University of Illinois and lives near Alvin, IL with his wife Janet and their son Aidan. He looks forward to sharing the joy the fraternity brings him with others.His email address is aasrmason@gmail.com.

National Scout Jamboree

by Senior Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB Gregory J. Knott

This past week in West Virginia, the Boy Scouts of America held the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. I have attended this once every four-year event three times, in 1981 as a Scout, in 2010 as an adult leader and staff member, and in 2013 in visiting with my son Hayden.

This scouting event is unlike anything else the Boy Scouts put on.  45,000 scouts from around the United States and the world gather together to celebrate the world-wide brotherhood of Scouting.  Held at the Summit, which is the BSA’s new high adventure base, scouts can participate in an almost limitless number of activities such as fishing, zip lines, boating, swimming, learning a new skill such as movie making merit badge or engineering merit badge.

The scouts are organized into Troops of 36 scouts and four adult leaders.  Within the troop many of the scouts will have a leadership role such as Patrol Leader, Quarter Master, Chaplains Aide, etc.  These troops are made up of scouts from a large geographic area or Council.  The scouts will be with other scouts they may not know well, but will by the end of this two-week trip.

The troops must prepare their own meals, keep their campsite in an acceptable condition, and be active in the daily planning of the activities the troop will participate in.  The scouts are learning and applying leadership skills daily.  The transformation that you see in these young scouts in this short of time is nothing but remarkable.  

I often think of scouting in parallel with Freemasonry.  Both organizations share similar values, provide leadership opportunities, allow for individual skill development, encourage the growth of the individual character, and ultimately improve your ability to serve your god, your country, your neighbor and yourself.

There is a song that the scouts often sing at a campfire to end the day, the Scout Vesper sung to the tune of “O Tannenbaum”.  The first verse is as follows:

Softly falls the light of day, 

While our campfire fades away. 

Silently each Scout should ask 

Have I done my daily task? 

Have I kept my honor bright? 

Can I guiltless sleep tonight? 

Have I done and have I dared 

Everything to be prepared?

Whether it be scouting or freemasonry this simple but powerful message applies. Are you doing everything you can in your lodge to be prepared?

~GJK

WB Gregory J. Knott is the Past Master of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 in St. Joseph (IL) and a plural member of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC.  

A Scout is…A Mason is?

By Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB Gregory J. Knott

As a Boy Scout, one of the first things I had to learn was the 12 points of the Scout Law.   I still say them often.  The Boy Scout Handbook¹ provides a brief description of what the 12 points mean to a Scout.  I wondered what they might read like if we applied them to Freemasonry.

A Scout is Trustworthy.

A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.

A Mason is a true and trusty brother, his bond is his word, and his brothers can count on him.

A Scout is Loyal.

A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.

A Mason has a duty to God, his country, family, friends, neighbors and himself.

A Scout is Helpful.

A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.

A Mason practices faith, hope and charity.

A Scout is Friendly.

A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.

A Mason is always ready to extend his hand in friendship to a fellow Mason.

A Scout is Courteous.

A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.

A Mason exemplifies a demeanor of respect towards his brothers.

A Scout is Kind.

A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.

A Mason shows brotherly love to his brothers and may gently correct their errant ways. 

A Scout is Obedient.

A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them.

A Mason is loyal to his country, respects the rule of law and squares his actions by the square of virtue.

A Scout is Cheerful.

A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

A Mason greets a fellow brother with a smile, a firm handshake and a greeting.

A Scout is Thrifty.

A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

A Mason thrives to preserve the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity.

A Scout is Brave.

A Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.

A Mason understands that wisdom, strength and beauty are the pillars of a well governed lodge.

A Scout is Clean.

A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean.

A Mason is pure in thought, words and deeds.  

A Scout is Reverent.

A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

A Mason has a belief in God, living his life by that great book and seeks the blessing of deity.  

¹ Excerpted from page 47-54, Boy Scout Handbook, 11th Edition,
(#33105), copyright 1998 by BSA, ISBN 0-8395-3105-2

~GJK

WB Gregory J. Knott is the Past Master of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 in St. Joseph (IL) and a plural member of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC.  He’s a member of the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, Eastern Star and is the Charter Secretary of the Illini High Twelve Club No. 768 in Champaign-Urbana.  He is also a member of ANSAR Shrine (IL) and the Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees.  Greg serves on the Board of Directors of The Masonic Society and is a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society and The Philathes Society.  Greg is very involved in Boy Scouts—an Eagle Scout himself, he is a member of the National Association of Masonic Scouters.