What is the Illinois lodge of research?

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The Illinois Lodge of Research was chartered in 1976 by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Illinois as the only Masonic Research Lodge duly chartered in Illinois. It was formed for the purposes of studying, researching, and recording the history and philosophy of Freemasonry. Membership in the Illinois Lodge of Research is open to all Master Masons who are in good standing in a regular Masonic Lodge. Although the Illinois Lodge of Research is a state-wide lodge, it neither confers degrees nor competes with regular Masonic Lodges.

Masons do not have to demit from their regular Masonic Lodge to join the Illinois Lodge of Research. Also eligible to join are regularly constituted Masonic Lodges, libraries, and related bodies. Since its inception, this Lodge has endeavored to nurture a true love of Masonic research and scholarship which has resulted in many important papers having been published in its Annual Transactions. Today, the Illinois Lodge of Research continues to work in reporting current events and historical analysis important to both Illinois Freemasonry and Masonry in general. Meetings of the Illinois Lodge of Research provide a forum for the open discussion of Masonic events, personages, and current events important to Freemasonry.

Since its inception, this Lodge has endeavored to nurture a true love of Masonic research and scholarship which has resulted in many important papers having been published in its Annual Transactions. Today, the Illinois Lodge of Research continues to work in reporting current events and historical analysis important to both Illinois Freemasonry and Masonry in general. Meetings of the Illinois Lodge of Research provide a forum for the open discussion of Masonic events, personages, and current events important to Freemasonry.

The Lodge of Research also supports the Illinois Masonic Library, located at the Normal Masonic Temple. The library is undergoing a transition at the current time but will soon have regular hours as well as a way for members to contact the librarian for special appointments.

Meetings of the Illinois Lodge of Research provide a forum for the open discussion of Masonic events, personages, and current events important to Freemasonry. Our annual meeting is held during Grand Lodge’s Annual Communication every October, in the mid-afternoon of the Friday after the first Grand Lodge session. Members, as well as non-members, are welcome to attend our Annual Meeting, where a brief business meeting is held and a speaker is always featured presenting a fascinating topic on some aspect of Masonic education.