About Hilton Masonic Lodge No. 1143
The History of HILTON LODGE No. 1143, A.F. & A.M. , East Peoria, IL
Founded in October 1926, for one hundred years Hilton Lodge No. 1143 in East Peoria IL, has been making good men better and supporting a thriving community of neighbors through service and charity work. Hilton Masonic Lodge and it’s Brothers provide support to the community through, Dolly Parton’s Imagination library, Books for Bikes, The Back Pack Program, Shriners Hospital, Scholarships, food drives and much more.
The Beginning: The formation of a Masonic Lodge in East Peoria, Illinois, had its beginnings with a group of area masons gathering and meeting together as The Square and Compass Club of East Peoria, Illinois. The purpose of these gatherings was to elect officers and form committees in preparation of applying to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois for a Charter to operate and conduct business as a regular lodge. The first meeting of this “Club” was held on February 24, 1925, and the proceedings are recorded in an early book of meeting minutes kept in the lodge archives.
Community Served
Area Served
Year Founded
Charitable Giving
Culture
The last quarter of the twentieth century for the lodge ws filled with many progrm and events as well as the usual masonic business. East Peoria instituted several civic programs for citizens to enjoy and be participants — the Summerfest, patriotic and Veteran’s Day Parades, the annual Festival of Lights, etc. Hilton Lodge members were given Grand Lodge Dispensations to participate in many of these civic programs and parades, dressed in masonic attire and often carrying the American Flag and the Lodge Banner. The lodge strives to be a valued member of the East Peoria community and still endeavors to achieve its goal of “making good men better men.” The words “Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth” and “Faith, Hope and Charity” are not just words used in the masonic rituals and ceremonies. They are the principles and standards which all Masons should do their utmost to emulate and practice in their daily lives and actions. With continued member effort and a measure of Divine Guidance, Hilton Lodge will remain a cherished member of the East Peoria Community
So May It Ever Be!
Written by RWB Perry Foltz
May 2016
brethren
Take a look
Lodge dining room
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