ILLINOIS. The reliable history of Freemasonry, and of its early in troduction into Illinois, is yet to be written, and it is hoped that the sub ject is of sufficient interest to the cause to induce some enlightened brother, and well versed in the knowledge thereto, to favor the Fra ternity with a truthful account of Masonry in this once far western territory. In 1805, six years before the organization of the territorial dove]. nment, a Lodge was organized sit Kaskaskia, the oldest settlement west of the Alleghanies. Other lodges followed, and in those early days, the Lcsige-room was the resort of men anxious to profit by the mystic teachings, and enjoy the secret communion of the inner chamber of Masonry. A Grand Lodge, in due time, was formed, which flourished for a time, but succumbed before the anti-Masonic tempest of 1827. From that time forward, until 1840, gloom and ob scurity rest upon Masonic records in Illinois. Time, patience, and perseverance, will exhume them. January 20, 1840, a convention of Masons, composed of delegates from several of the subordinate lodges in the State, was held in the town of Jackson, when a resolution was unanimously adopted declaring it expedient to establish a Grand Lodge. The convention adjourned
to, and did meet again, April 6 of the same year. The object of the meet ing having been fully considered, it was unanimously "Resolved, That the several subordinate lodges of Ancient Freemasonry in the State of Illinois here assembled, represented by delegates properly authorized, consider it as a matter of right, and as conducive to the general benefit of Masonry, that a Grand Lodge be established in the State of Illinois, and that they now proceed to estab lish, organize, and to locate the same accordingly, to be known and designated by the name of the Grand Lodge of Illinois." Abraham Jonas was elected the first Grand Master.
The GRAND CHAPTER was organ ized April 9, 1850. Wm. B. Warren was elected first Grand High-Priest.
The GRAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized in 1853. Jas. H. Hibbard was elected the first Grand Master.
The GRAND COMMANDERY,Knights Templar, was organized Oct. 27, 1857. Jas. V. Z. Blaney was elected the first Grand Commander.