Facebook Instagram
❤️DONATE

Throughout over 230 years of heritage and history, our members have come from all walks of life and each with their own unique story to tell for why they became a Prince Hall Mason.

As one of the oldest social and charitable organizations in the world, we have a thriving community of approximately 300,000 members throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Liberia. Freemasons use four key values to help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Charity.

Membership is open to people from all backgrounds and our aim is to empower members to be the best they can be.

Here are just a few reasons to become a Freemason:

IL Grand Lodge Seal

You want to make new friendships

Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life. Finding bonds with people who share common interests and meeting people from all different backgrounds are just some ways Freemasonry can help cultivate lasting friendships.

You want to develop
yourself

Freemasonry is all about building character and supporting members as individuals. It’s these foundations that allow members to develop themselves, from increased self-confidence to transferable skills such as public speaking.

You want to positively contribute to society

Whether taking part in social events or fundraising, charity is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions to deserving causes and it’s because of this we’re recognized as one of the largest charitable givers in the world.

Henry Brown Lodge No. 42, Peoria, Illinois, Comedian/Actor
richard-pryor
Richard PryorComedian/Actor
Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, Founder, Rainbow Coalition and Operation PUSH
Jesse Jackson Sr.
Jesse Jackson Sr.
Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, First Black Mayor, Chicago
Harold Washington
Harold WashingtonMayor
Wisdom Lodge No. 102, Chicago, Illinois, Orchestra leader/composer
William “Count” Basie
William “Count” Basie
Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, First Black Mayor, Chicago
Mayor Harold Washington
Harold Washington
Southern Cross Lodge No. 112, East St. Louis, Illinois, Former NFL player
Marshall Faulk
Marshall Faulk
Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, Publisher, Ebony and Jet magazines
John H. Johnson
John H. Johnson
King David Lodge No. 100, Chicago, Illinois, Olympic gold medalist
Jessie Owens
Jessie Owens
Doric Lodge No. 77, Chicago, Illinois, Retired pastor, Trinity Church
Jeremiah Wright Sr.
Jeremiah Wright Sr.
Fidelity Lodge No. 103, Chicago, Illinois, MLB Hall of Famer
Ernie Banks
Ernie Banks

Famous Illinois Prince Hall Masons

  1. Robert Sengstacke Abbott, Oriental Lodge No. 68, Chicago, Illinois , Founded and publisher The Chicago Defender
  2. Richard Pryor, Henry Brown Lodge No. 42, Peoria, Illinois, Comedian/Actor
  3. John H. Johnson, Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, Publisher, Ebony and Jet magazines
  4. Jesse Jackson Sr., Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, Founder, Rainbow Coalition and Operation PUSH
  5. Jessie Owens, King David Lodge No. 100, Chicago, Illinois, Olympic gold medalist
  6. Jesse Jackson Jr., Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, Founder, Former U.S. Representative, Chicago
  7. Bro. Harold Washington, Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, First Black Mayor, Chicago
  8. Jeremiah Wright Sr., Doric Lodge No. 77, Chicago, Illinois, Retired pastor, Trinity Church
  9. Ernie Banks, Fidelity Lodge No. 103, Chicago, Illinois, MLB Hall of Famer
  10. William “Count” Basie, Wisdom Lodge No. 102, Chicago, Illinois, Orchestra leader/composer
  11. Roland Burris, Eureka Lodge No. 64, Chicago, Illinois, Former U.S. Senator, Illinois
  12. Jerry Butler, North Star Lodge No. 1, Chicago, Illinois, Famous R&B singer
  13. Gene Chandler, King David Lodge No. 100, Chicago, Illinois, Famous R&B singer
  14. David Duerson, Hiram Lodge No. 14, Chicago Illinois, Former Chicago bear football player
  15. Marshall Faulk, Southern Cross Lodge No. 112, East St. Louis, Illinois, Former NFL player
Find a lodge