The Cornerstones of Crystal Lake Freemasonry

Public perceptions of Freemasonry as a secretive society stand in stark contrast to the everyday reality of a Masonic journey. The activities of Crystal Lake’s Nunda Lodge #169 are open, visible, and well-documented. The lodge regularly engages in community support initiatives, youth mentorship programs, and charitable outreach. Each year, Nunda Lodge awards several thousand dollars in scholarships to local students pursuing college or trade school. In addition, proceeds from its annual, and immensely popular, car show help fund a wide range of charitable causes.

From the moment they received their charter from the Grand Lodge of Illinois in 1855, Crystal Lake Freemasons have been active role models in McHenry County. James R. Mack, who was instrumental in founding two Masonic Lodges in McHenry County; and names such as McCollum, Pingray, Palmer and Oehmke are but a few of the prominent community leaders associated with Nunda Lodge.

Currently occupying the former site of St. Paul’s United Church since 1960, the members of Nunda Lodge are passionate in their efforts to maintain and support the grand traditions of Masonic relief and friendship. The cornerstone of St. Paul’s at the cross section of Ellsworth and Sherman, is still visible today and dates from 1910. The historical value of the building is not lost upon the Masons. Their history, long cojoined with the first parishioners, is deeply tied to the community that surrounds them.

As it was then, so it is now. The cornerstone of a building itself symbolizes strength and unity while commemorating the effort of those who constructed the dwelling. Upon his initiation into a Masonic Lodge, a Freemason begins to construct his own dwelling, one that is intrinsically linked to the Great Architect and his Lodge. This symbolic dwelling will henceforth define every aspect of his life.

The strength of a cornerstone lies in Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. To commence through life with an understanding and appreciation for his Fellow Man coupled by a willingness to practice charity both for an individual and all of his community, the Freemason demonstrates the principals of Truth as a high moral standard.

The cornerstone of a Freemasons heart, if you will, symbolizes all of those tenets that have maintained the goodwill and efforts of Freemasons since the earliest days of the Knights Templar. We hear about these tenets often, and Freemasons hold dear their moral importance. Faith, Hope and Charity are not mere words spoken during meetings. They are the driving force of a Freemason’s life.

A man’s word is his bond and a man’s actions are the truth of his character. When the winds blow cold and harsh, a Freemason strives to forge onward; when the dark heart of midnight offers only despair, the Freemason finds ways to overcome that darkness and seek the light; when the cruel ravages of Time wither us and push us down, the Freemason pulls himself up and finds ways to contribute to life. The force that pulses through a Freemason’s heart is unbreakable; he will not falter.

The Freemasons of Crystal lake’s Nunda Lodge # 169 have consistently remained strong and unified during war, pestilence, economic depression, and the ever-constant changes brought by Time. As an example, the Nunda Lodge record from March 10, 1883 notes that a “committee was appointed to collect contributions for needy brethren, victims of recent floods.”

Today as well, you will see them helping stock food pantries for the needy; and supporting scholarship programs for High School students. Freemasons support nurses, educators and veterans. There is no corner of society that has not in some way benefited by the presence of Freemasons.

Ongoing now for 170 years, Nunda Lodge Freemasons have remained diligent in their desire to support their community. As a part of District 3-North, they are joined in this effort by Cary-Grove Masonic Lodge # 1157, Dundee Lodge # 190, Genoa Lodge # 288, Marengo Lodge # 138, McHenry Lodge # 158, Oneida Lodge # 337 and St. Marks Lodge # 63.

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You can learn more about Illinois Freemasonry by visiting the Grand Lodge website

at ilmason.org

And visit the Nunda Lodge Facebook page by clicking here:

https://www.facebook.com/NundaLodge169/