Horicon Lodge Memorial Night

On June 1, 2010, our special ladies were invited to a short memorial service at the Horicon Lodge.  A special written invitation was sent to every widow in the Lodge, even to those who were a distance away.  A delicious meal was enjoyed by all and conversation and fellowship abounded.  After finishing the evening meal everyone adjourned upstairs to the Lodge Room.
The ladies were impressed in the fact that we had opened the Lodge doors to them.  Acting Master Eric Da Costa led the Pledge of Allegiance and then seated everyone. A very nice welcome was extended from the East to all of those in attendance. The Master then gave three raps of the gavel to call everyone up.  The Senior and Junior Deacons were instructed to drape the alter with the black memorial cloth. This was completed with dignity.
The Master then invited Brother Headon to read the list of names of those departed.  Brother Headon explained that whenever a Mason passed away, the memorial cloth was placed on the alter and a moment of silent prayer was given.  The memorial cloth would remain there on the alter for 30 days in respect for the departed.
After the reading of the names, the Senior Warden was called up with the question if all present were masons.  Our special ladies (widows and wives) were then permitted to leave before the meeting commenced.
All ladies conveyed their heartfelt thank yous and appreciation for what the Lodge had done.ff  There were 16 widows in attendance (exactly one half of those in the area) and wives and children.  There were a total of 43 people attending the supper.

The list of departed brethren is as follows:

Charles Abbott
Phillip May, Jr.
Robert Anderson
Howard McAnly
Clyde Bearrows
Jerry Messer  
Lewis Best                      
Everett Mullins               
Edward Brachle
Howard Oleson                           
Arthur Carlson
John Osborne
James  Paddock
Richard Chisamore
Roy Root
Larry Cline
Calvin Ruthe
Merle Cluts
William Seiple
GeraldCollier
Gardner Smith
Keith Conour
Verlis Tadd
James Copeland
Robert Tolly
Alan Davis
George Walters
Robert Dean
Eugene Wilkinson
Joseph Dearth
Walter Woodall
Wilbur Espe
Delbert Windland
Fred Fromm
Don Gillis
Harold Goelitz
Stanley Gustafson
Cliff Hayden
Arnold Heltness
Ron Hicks
Don Horn
Robert Hultgren
Donald A. Kettleson
Arthur D. Kettleson, Jr
Robert Koechig
Charles Lane
Earl Lang

Three new Master Masons

Four Brothers receive their 50 year pin during Grand Master's visit

From left to right: Don Kennay, William Hackett, Most Worshipful Grand Master Richard Swaney, Marvin Wilkinson and Robert Felker

Charity Brunch

Community Benefit for Don the Police Dog

 April 09, 2010, Rochelle's Horicon Lodge #244 hosted a community benefit Spaghetti Supper to raise monies to support funding for Rochelle Police Department's new Police Dog.  Don (the Police Dog) and his trainer were present for photo ops and make his premier to the Rochelle citizens.
The members of the Lodge conducted this event with the assistance of the Eastern Star (also of this temple).  There were 16 Masons present along with representatives of the Star.  The doors opened at 4pm and there was a continuous line of patrons until 7:30 pm.
There were 277 people fed and approximately $1500.00 profit raised in this effort.
Not only did we receive positive exposure for the lodge, but we also showcased our building.  A Community Days sign and information table were set up.  Tours for interested parties were conducted upstairs to the lodge room.  And, three petitions were handed out along with many assorted Masonic pamphlets.  One petition has since been received.
We feel that this event was a great success and a very positive image for Illinois masonry.

Bud Norcross, WM