Freemasonry in Illinois
Find a lodge, learn how to join, and explore the Masonic history of the Illinois.
Quick Facts: Freemasonry in Illinois
- Grand Lodge
- Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of the State of Illinois
- Chartered
- 1840 (186 years of organized Freemasonry)
- Headquarters
- Springfield, IL
- Annual Communication
- Annual Communication in October
- Address
- 3731 Wabash Avenue, Springfield, IL 62711
Masonic History in Illinois
Illinois Freemasonry, organized in 1840, was deeply involved in early American politics — Abraham Lincoln applied for membership but withdrew his petition before becoming President. The state hosts the Illinois Masonic Children's Hospital and one of the largest Scottish Rite memberships in the country.
For the full context of how Masonic ideas reached Illinois — including the medieval origins of the Craft, the 1717 founding of organized Freemasonry, and how lodges spread to America — see our complete History of Freemasonry.
The Grand Lodge of Illinois
Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of the State of Illinois
Chartered 1840
How to Join Freemasonry in Illinois
The process for joining a Masonic lodge in Illinois follows the same path as anywhere else in the United States. There are four core requirements:
- 1Be a man of at least 18 years old (some Illinois lodges require 21). Women interested in Masonic-affiliated organizations should look at the Order of the Eastern Star.
- 2Believe in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry is not a religion and does not specify which faith — only that you have one.
- 3Be of good moral character. Lodges run background checks; serious criminal history is usually disqualifying.
- 4Ask of your own free will. Masonry never recruits — you must approach a lodge yourself.
Next step: Use our quick quiz at /can-i-join to confirm you meet the requirements, then find a lodge in Illinois below or in our lodge directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Freemasonry in Illinois.
When was Freemasonry established in Illinois?+
The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of the State of Illinois was chartered in 1840, making organized Freemasonry in Illinois 186 years old. Some individual lodges predate the Grand Lodge by years or decades, operating under charters from older jurisdictions.
How do I join a Masonic lodge in Illinois?+
To join Freemasonry in Illinois, you must be a man of at least 18 (some lodges require 21), believe in a Supreme Being, and be of good moral character. The next step is to contact a lodge near you and ask to meet members — usually over a meal before a stated meeting. After conversation, you submit a petition; if accepted, you are scheduled for initiation. The full process from petition to becoming a Master Mason typically takes 4-12 months.
How many Masonic lodges are there in Illinois?+
Illinois has dozens of active Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of the State of Illinois, headquartered in Springfield. The Grand Lodge maintains an official roster of all active lodges — see the contact information above to request a list, or use our directory to find one near you.
Who governs Freemasonry in Illinois?+
The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of the State of Illinois is the sole governing body for "mainstream" Freemasonry in the state. It operates independently and sovereignly — no worldwide Masonic authority exists. Prince Hall Freemasonry (the historically African American tradition) operates a separate Grand Lodge in many states; both are recognized as regular Freemasonry across the United States.
What is the address of the Grand Lodge of Illinois?+
The Grand Lodge is located at 3731 Wabash Avenue, Springfield, IL 62711. Phone: +1-217-529-8900. Website: https://ilmason.org.
Show Your Illinois Brotherhood
Custom Masonic jackets, jerseys, hoodies, and commemorative coins — designed by Brothers, made for the Craft.