2003 Year in Review

Masons and Knights of Columbus Meet

David W. Miller, Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois (left) with Michael Ottens, Worshipful Master of Dunlap Lodge #321 of Morrison (right).

“I would like you to work together at the local level toward a common goal,” David W. Miller told the mixed group of Knights of Columbus and Masons who gathered Tuesday, October 21 at the United Methodist Church in Morrison. Miller is the Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois. He told the crowd, “I’ve only held that position for ten days”.

In his talk, “You and Us”, Miller explained what Masonry by saying, “Masonry is a way of life”. Then he showed how the two groups are different but have common goals. They are both fraternities for men that share morals and the brotherhood of man. Both organizations have three main degrees; the lodge has 1st degree, 2nd degree and the 3rd degree, which is Master Mason. The K.C.’s have charity, faith, and hope. Both group work toward raising money for the needy. Last year the Masonic organizations raised $2,000,000 per day. The K.C.’s raise $100,000,000 annually. Scholarships are given by both organizations.

Both believe in life after death. Although the Masons are not a religion, they promote religion. Knights of Columbus are a Catholic organization while Masons can belong to any religion as long as they believe in God. KC’s provide insurance policies and help widows of members while the Masons do not. To be a member of either organization you must be a male at least 18 years of age.

This is the fifth annual meeting of the two groups. The two groups share responsibility for planning and this was the year for the Masons. While the Grand Master was in town he also gave out a 50-year pin to James Gridley of Dixon.

by Barb Benson, theCity1.com
October 22, 2003