Lombard Lodge No. 1098 A.F. & A.M.  

  

 Chartered in 1923, We are a young, racially and ethnically diverse Masonic Lodge and we welcome regular Masonic visitors and men interested in learning more about the Fraternity. If you would like more information on becoming a Freemason, please visit our FAQ page or click on any of the links throughout the site. 

Welcome!

FIAT LUX ET LUX FIT

Our Lodge


   It all started when an informal meeting was held at the residence of Dr. T. F. James on the evening of January 23rd, 1922. This meeting was held to discuss the formation of a Masonic Club with the ultimate intention of forming a Lodge of Masons in Lombard, Illinois. The Lombard Masonic Club was officially formed on February 15, 1922, its By-Laws were adopted and its Officers elected:

  • President: Dr. T. F. James
  • Vice President: Harry B. Davies
  • Secretary: Harold P. Flint
  • Treasurer: F. W. Robinson

   The Masonic Club Origanlly met in the Lombard Parish House of the First Congregational Church, but apparently problems were encountered. The records and correspondence at this time indicate that some Parish members were anxious to have the Clun vacate their premises and the Club began seeking ways to obtain other quarters.

   In November of 1922, the Club borrowed $800.00 from the Bank of Lombard to pay for the renovation of O'Connor Hall and accepted the lease for the 3rd floor of the O'Connor Building. The first meeting in these new quarters was held on December 11th, 1922. The Lombard Masonic Club and ultimately what became the Lombard Lodge met at this location through the month and year of February 1926. At this point it was decided to move to 9 North Main Street in Lombard, Illinois. O'Connor Hall was a renovated attic with a low ceiling and  was noted as the hottest place on Earth during the summer and coldest in winter. Much of the business meeting time back then was taken up with plans for ventilation or heating the hall; as well as the installation of a fire escape.

   Early in 1923, fifty-two members of the Masonic Club signed a petition to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of the State of Illinois for dispensation to form a Lodge of Masons in Lombard. On June 4th, 1923, C. W. Norris, Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master of the 29th District of the State of Illinois, by authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of  A. F. & A. M. of the State of Illinois instituted Lombard Lodge U. D. and installed William J. Smarden as Worshipful Master. At this meeting, Lombard Lodge U. D. adopted its new By-Laws and recieved seven petitions for Degrees. In the period of June 1923 through August 27th, 1923, Lombard Lodge U. D. was very busy with Degree work; conferring nine Entered Apprentices; eight Fellow-Craft Degrees and eight Master Mason Degrees. Albert Nathan Curlee was the first candidate Initiated, Passed and Raised by Lombard Lodge U. D. 

   At the October 11th, 1923 session of the Eighty Fourth Annual Meeting of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of the State of Illinois, Lombard Lodge No. 1098 A. F. & A. M. was granted its charter and was signed by Elmer E. Beach, Grand Master. There were fifty-nine members listed as charter members and William J. Smardon was designated Worshipful Master. On Friday, October 19th, 1923, Lombard Lodge No. 1098 was instituted with the Right Worshipful Brother William Tinsley as proxy for Albert E. Woods, Grand Master. This institution meeting was held at the First Congregational Church and it was at this meeting that Lombard Chapter No. 918, Order of the Eastern Star presented Lombard Lodge No. 1098 A. F. & A. M. its Bible.

Check back often as more about our history will be revealed soon!