ROCHELLE — The Horicon Lodge, a combined lodge of Masons from Rochelle, Ashton, Steward, Creston, and Malta, resolved in 2009 to improve its service to their departed brethren’s wives. In the fall of 2008, several members had traveled to the Dixon Lodge to hear a speaker explain a program designed by the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois to recognize the need of those in their golden years. With the support of their wives, these local Masons put their full effort into making the widows of the Horicon Lodge feel special and remembered.

On Dec. 1, Rochelle Masonic Lodge was presented the prestigious Illinois Masonic Outreach Award (IMOS) for its leadership in attending to the needs and fellowship of its widows, and aged Masons of the lodge.

“Horicon Lodge No. 244 has set themselves out among the rest as leaders in the quest to insure that our aging membership was recognized, celebrated and remembered,” said Karla K. Carwile, Director of Masonic Outreach Program of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. “The enthusiasm that is found within this lodge is something that should inspire all members in the State of Illinois. While they indicate that they owe the credit to their wives for being supportive, they too should realize the lives they have touched and the enormity of their actions.”

The Masons wasted little time at the start of the new year to begin their quest. On Jan. 29, several members gathered at Headon’s Catering kitchen to make homemade soup. On Feb. 3, 28 Masonic widows received three pints of frozen soup in special gift baskets for a meal on a cold winter day. Several non-Masonic widows also received the extra baskets that were made.

Ione McAnly’s thank you card for the soup read: “What a nice surprise I got on a cold morning from a Mr. Mulholland on behalf of the Rochelle Masonic Temple for us gals. What a nice gesture. The soups were so attractive in a nice box and ribbons – and good. My best wishes and thanks for all of you.”



For the complete article see the 12-31-2009 issue.

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