Christmas cookies for our widows

Biscuits for the Ladies

On November 3rd, a team from the Lodge met at Headon's Catering Kitchen to make 1000 self rising biscuits. For the second year, St. Patrick's Church of Rochelle had placed a large order of biscuits for their annual bazaar featuring their famous creamed turkey and biscuits.
SW Eric Da Costa and Treasurer Ken Stoll assisted WBro Lyle Headon in this mass production. Lyle did the mixing (all by hand) of the batter while Ken and Eric cut out the biscuits and placed them in the ovens.
The order was completed just in time and shipped immediately to St. Pat's. Some of the biscuits were still warm.
Total profit from the venture was $152.38 which was donated to the widow's fund.
The members of the Lodge have been very active in raising proceeds for the several functions to provide our Special Ladies the attention they deserve.

Otto's Pig Roast Oct 23rd

Parade!

2010 awards for Horicon Lodge

September Chicken Dinner

We had another wonderful fellowship dinner. Baked chicken and all the trimmings was the fare of the evening. Goodness, there was more to eat than expected. And, there were 45 people in attendance. Stomachs were growling with delight. After the meal, birthday celebrations were to be had. Those celebrating of our special ladies in September were presented their own individual birthday cakes with a single candle. A tremendous chorus of "happy birthday" was sung to the recipients. Those two birthday ladies who were absent could surely hear the tremendous singing, even as far away as Pennsylvania.
The men then adjourned upstairs to lodge room for their meeting while the ladies visited and left on their own accord. The wives again conversed about the possibility of taking a group to Edward's Apple Orchard in late September. Also, an announcement was made that the lodge will be having a whole hog drive through dinner in Octrober to raise monies for our local charities.

In photo:
September Birthdays
WM Bud Norcross representing: Betty Root, Juanita Osborne, PM Harry Gross representing: Erika Woodall.

Please come to celebrate our
October Birthday Lady Ginny Kettleson

Charles Russel Elkin

Rochelle, Illinois
Charles passed away Tuesday evening September 07, 2010 at Swedish American Hospital, peacefully, after a struggle with lung cancer.
Born to Lester and Christina (Haugh) Elkin on June 27, 1929 at Punxsytawney, Pennsylvania. His mother became crippled with polio, and with his father working far away and his sister leaving to get married, it became Charles duty (at the age of 12) to care for his mother, learning to bake and cook.
He graduated from Scott High School in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, in 1948. He worked in the steel mills before serving two years in the US Army, stationed primarily in Japan and Okinawa as a surgical technician.
After getting out of the service, he made his way to California, stopping in DeKalb, Illinois, to visit a cousin and thereafter established himself in the area as a renowned chef. He was the head chef at the Peasant Room at NIU. He and his wife later opened the Redwood Manor Steakhouse. After retiring, (with a total of over 29 years as a professional chef) he returned to NIU in the maintenance department and remained until retiring.
Charles (Bud) married Shirley Pickwell-Haumeser on August 29, 1964.
Charles was very active in the Golden K and the Horicon Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the York Rite Chapter #52, DeKalb, Sycamore Commandry , Rockford Council #30, and recipient of the enviable York Rite Cross of Honor. He was a member of the Creston United Methodist Church.
He was predeceased by his parents and his wife. Survivors include a nephew Lane (Joyce) Pickwell of Shabbona, Illinois, special friend Carmel Klein, and distant relatives, and many friends.
Memorial services will be at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home at 2pm on Sunday, September 26, 2010 with graveside Masonic Farewell Rites at conclusion of the memorial service.
Memorials may be made to the Charles Elkin Memorial Fund. Proceeds of this fund will be used to install a marker as a tribute to all the masons who served their country in times of conflict as well as peace. It will be placed in a garden at the flagpole in front of the Lodge.

In Memory of Bro. Bud Elkin

Wishing our widows a happy birthday

Our Special Ladies Outing

August 19, 2010

This year arrangements were made for our special ladies and wives to visit the paddlewheel boat, the Pride of Oregon, and restaurant on the Rock River at Oregon, Illinois. Our ladies, Cindy Headon and Judy Williams arranged the trip and notified all local Masonic widows of the day out. Fifteen widows and six wives responded for a joyous day.
They left from the Lodge at 10:15 am for the trip to the river and restaurant. But before leaving, several ladies requested that they wanted to wear their nametags. They boarded at 11:00 for a ride up and down the river while enjoying a nice meal of Beef Bordelaise and all the trimmings. There was also a special treat of banjo music as they took the 15-mile river cruise past Lowden State Park and under the watchful eye of Chief Black Hawk, the largest concrete monolith in the country.
After the delightful day out, all of the Masonic Widows expressed their appreciation of the Mason's effort to make this day so very special for them. When asked what they would like to do next time, they all responded that a trip to Edwards Orchards in late October would be fun. And, this trip would be at no cost to the Mason's. They just enjoyed being together. What a kind thought on their part.
Upon returning to the Lodge, an announcement was made that the Masons were going to put up a tent in front of the Lodge for Sunday's parade. They were all welcomed to attend with their families and enjoy the special seating while being protected from the day's sun.

WM Marshall "Bud" Norcross

Photo Danny Williams

Brats on July 4.

Flowers for our Widows

   Again this year, the Horicon Lodge gave all of the local widows a potted geranium purchased from the local FFA group at the high School. There was no hesitancy of members picking out names and flowers to be delivered. Every local widow (32 in all) received one of these geranium plants. One of our members and wife traveled 30 miles to deliver one and ended up sitting and talking for an hour.
   One of our senior members made an announcement that he could not deliver this year because of a pending knee operation, but, he wanted his 3 widows back once he had mended.
   We had three new widows added to our list and I was a little hesitant about one of those that I had picked. Her family had not requested a Masonic Farewell, as it appeared that the fraternity had forgotten about her husband once he went to the nursing home. I called ahead and the widow said that she would be at home and I delivered to her the geranium and explained our (the Lodge) wanting to look out for her as part of our obligation to our brothers in the Lodge. She was very impressed as to what we were doing and said that she would like to come to our next fellowship dinner and the Memorial Service scheduled to follow. She asked me as to whom she should send a thank you to and I told her that her smile was thank you enough, at which time she gave me a kiss on the cheek.
   When I relayed this at the next meeting, several other Masons shared their stories. One geranium was delivered to a resident of a nursing home. She was thankful and asked for a little time to talk about the old days. Another member was invited in for some homemade apple pie. The stories went on. The common thread was the appreciation of the widows for the Lodge remembering them.
   I know that the members at Horicon Lodge have been blessed for their acts of kindness.
Lyle Headon

Installation of Marshall Norcross as Worshipful Master

Scholarship Award

Brother Eric Da Costa, acting Worshipful Master of Horicon Lodge 244, is congratulating Rochelle Township High School graduate Sara Bates, of Lindenwood, for her accomplishment.
Sara is the 2010 Horicon Lodge Scholarship recipient and will be attending Kishwaukee Community College this Fall.

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

Results of our Call-Em-All Alert

Today we triggered our Automatic Phone Alert System for the first time and here are the results. I am interested in your feedback so we can improve this thing.

Our departed Brother

Charles L. Abbott
(October 11, 1914 - April 18, 2010)

Charles L. Abbott, 95, of Malta, Ill. passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at his home. He was born on October 11, 1914 in Malta the son of John and Lola (Bridgewater) Abbott. Charles married Phyllis Turner on September 2, 1938 in DeKalb, Ill.
Charles formerly owned and operated a garage in Malta. He later worked in the building trades until retirement. Charles was an active member of the Malta Congregational Church, U.C.C., Trustee on the Village Board for several years, a member of Creston Masonic Lodge #320, of which he served as master for three terms. The Creston Lodge has now merged with Rochelle Horicon Lodge #244.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; one son, Dennis (Joanne) Abbott; three grandchildren, Michele (Brian) Baker of Rochester, Ill., Robert (Patti) Abbott of Malta and Todd (Jeana) Abbott of Rochelle, Ill.; four great grandchildren, Lauren Patterson, Zackary and Brittany Abbott and Kailey Abbott; three step-great grandchildren, Paige, Ellyn and Abby Baker; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers; and two sisters.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at the Malta Congregational Church, U.C.C. with Rev. Robert Vaughn officiating. Cremation will take place at the Anderson Funeral Home Crematory with interment of cremated remains at a later date at Malta Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Charles L. Abbott Memorial Fund for Malta Congregational Church, U.C.C. in care of the Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, DeKalb, IL 60115. For information, please call 815-756-1022 or visit AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com

Otto's Pig Roast

Spaghetti Benefit Dinner for Rochelle Police K-9 Dog "Don"

Friday, April 9th, 2010
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Rochelle Masonic Lodge
Tickets : $6.00
Children under 5: Donation
ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT ROCHELLE PD K-9 Unit

Rochelle Hosts a Successful Standards Club in March

Rochelle Horicon Lodge #244 of the 5th Northern District had a very successful Standards Club with 42 present. This Standards Club has been very active under the guidance of DDGM Orville Schoemaker, Jr. This evening’s instruction was presented by W.Bro’s Red Prestagaard, Dana Barlow, and Jack Baylor.

Masonic Certificate of Appreciation

Garland Grace accepting his Masonic Certificate of Appreciation for 55 years in Masonry. Brother Grace is 90 years old and was visited by Bros. Lyle Headon and Eric Da Costa at his home. He is confined to a wheel chair and cannot make it to lodge and was very grateful for the visit and the brothers remembering him. This is a concerted effort on the part of Horicon Lodge to remember their aged members and shutins.

Ashton Academic Bowl Award presentation

Soups for our Widows

On January 27th, 2010 the Horicon Masons met for their 2nd annual soup making for the widows. 10 members showed up at 5:30 pm at Headon’s catering to hone their soup making skills. Some of the would be chefs cut small portions of either turkey or pot roast from the bones and chunks of meat. Others removed the cooked turkey bones from the oven and started a pot of water to boil them. The same was done with the beef.

Soon the kitchen was filled with pleasant smells, a lot of conversation, jokes and laughter. While the meat was being processed, others chopped carrots, celery and those dreaded onions. As soon as the meat was coming to a boil, the vegetables were added. Peas and corn were then also added. After a short time, the pots were removed from the stove and placed on wire racks in the cooler to cool until the next day. Again, we did not add any seasonings because of anticipated diet restrictions.

Card Sent With Each: “May these SOUPS keep you warm until SPRING arrives. We hope that you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed making them for you.”

The next day, three members came in and skimmed the grease from the top of the soups and then packaged them all into pint containers and labeled. They were then placed into the walk-in freezer to await their distribution. All together, there were 196 pints of Turkey Soup and 94 of Pot Roast Soup. A couple of the wives purchased bright colored spring bags and 4 pints of soups were packaged for each widow.

They were then handed out at the Past Master’s meeting night so that some of the delivery boys would be different from our regular attendance. Everyone was enthused about taking them. When I asked about one widow who was in a nursing home. The Junior Warden (a Doctor who had taken her a coffee mug and teas) answered that he would be glad to deliver it; she was so very appreciative that we remembered her. The Senior Deacon asked where the soup was for a widow in a home in Dixon (I had mistakenly thought that it might be too far to drive-30 miles). He was given a bag. Two masons said that they were sorry that they missed the preparation night and wanted to be included next year. There was no hesitancy about taking bags for delivery as there were non left over.
An announcement was made that during their visits, if a member noticed a widow in need, then please report back and we would see about taking care of that need. It was also announced that the IMOS had grants to give to those in real need, but it was up to us to determine first of that need. The Secretary announced that we had one member who was willing to help out in any of the widow’s need.

New Calendar

Preparing Soup for our Widows and Elderlies

Name tags for our ladies

Call'Em All Alert System

We now have a phone alert system that gives us the ability to send everyone a recorded message instantly and directly to your home or mobile phone. This will become handy for Masonic funeral calls or Emergency situations involving one of our Brethren or widows.

What to do? Just make sure your phone number is up to date with our Secretary and we will take care of the rest. You can opt out of the Alert list at anytime.

How does it work? if you have an urgent message to spread among all members of our Lodge, just contact me at (815) 561 5745 (SMS welcome) or E-mail me at webmaster@horiconlodge244.org and I will trigger the alert in a matter of minutes.

Also this system gives you the option of receiving the alert as a text message on your mobile phone. If you wish to sign up to the text alert, simply send join ilfreemasons.244 to 292929

Widows' Coffee Mugs - Christmas 2009