The Widow

by Midnight Freemason Emeritus Contributor

Judy Gordon

“You look out there and there are people that, their day is changed because of your contribution to it.” Brad Paisley

July 20th 2019, was a day that will forever stick in my mind. It was a day that took my status as a wife to a widow. It was a day that also took away my title as a caretaker.

A lot of you knew my husband. When we married, he KNEW I was very involved with Job’s Daughters and Eastern Star. Ray was always sitting home alone, and I casually mentioned him joining the local lodge and he said NO. Well, my dad had other plans. So, in 1999, Ray joined his local lodge, York Rite, Scottish Rite, etc…well, you know the rest of the story. Now I was the one that was staying home, and he was on the go. He really enjoyed his time with the Masons and met a lot of Brothers throughout his time as a Mason. Everyone loved him. Since he was a graphic designer, he was asked to design many a pin, or design an ad or two for the York Rite ad book.

As we know, when we get older, our body wears out… his body wore out…

I contacted Dave Crew, MM, Otto’s Monuments for the gravestone. I was told due to COVID-19 it wouldn’t be done until April. Which would give me time to save the money to pay. At the time, I was told, don’t pay anything until the stone comes in. On a Saturday afternoon in December, I received a text stating the stone was in. All I could think was, I will have to beg from Peter to pay Paul.

One of the obligations Masons have is to HELP, AID and ASSIST within the length of our cable-tow, to provide for the necessities of worthy Master Masons, their wives, and children, widows and orphans is the most sacred obligation resting on every Lodge and upon every Master Mason worthy of the title which has been conferred upon him.

The next thing that Dave said to me was, “I want you to listen very carefully.” In other words, Judy shut up and don’t talk, which is very hard for me to do. So, I was informed the stone had been paid for. I found out some of the Brothers paid for the stone. Words cannot express how much I feel from your generosity—and I was speechless. To my Masonic Brothers, if you are reading this and made a contribution, thank you.

My day was changed.

~JG

I Know No Way of Judging...

by Midnight Freemason Emeritus 

Judy Gordon

“I know no way of judging the future, but by the past.”

Patrick Henry

Job’s Daughters have a tradition. At the close of their installation, the Jr Past Honored Queen is escorted to the altar and she signs the Bethel bible. She is now a part of an elite group of ladies…Past Honored Queen. 

I was able to sign my Bethel bible as a Past Honored Queen. Just recently, I was honored to sign the bible again..this time as a Grand Guardian from my Bethel. Many names have come before me and this bible holds a lot of history.

The next time I will sign a bible will be at our Grand Guardian Council installation and I will sign the bible, adding my name to those from the Past. I too, will join an elite group of people…Past Grand Guardians of Illinois.

In Eastern Star, we sign the bible the night we are installed. I am not sure if Masonic Lodges have this tradition. I know in our local lodge, they do not sign the bible. Does your lodge have this tradition? If you do not, why  not?

~JG

The Royal Arch "Widow" Degree

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Judy Gordon

I have a confession. Something I haven’t spoken about. A little over a year ago, I was summoned; not to court, but summoned by King Solomon to appear at Pekin Masonic Temple for Degree work. Degree work?! But I’m not a Mason! As I read the summons, I had to chuckle. Pekin Chapter #25  Royal Arch Masons had summoned a group of Masonic Widows to appear for degree work called “The Royal Arch Widow Degree”. This degree is for women whose husband is out night after night at the Masonic Lodge.

 This degree had not been performed since the mid 60s so Pekin Chapter thought the current widows needed to go through this degree. So, this year they had the degree again and since I went through it last year, I was able to watch it from the sidelines.

 The "widows" are escorted into the lodge room by the royal executioners and are brought in front of grumpy King Solomon. Yes, King Solomon is a grumpy old soul. He asked these poor "widows" to remove their left shoe; this would be evidence of her sincerity and trust in the Order. The shoes are then sterilized in a “decontaminating fluid”. 

The women are escorted around the lodge room by the Grand Master of Ceremonies and are given the “secrets” of the degree. As you know, there are secrets in the lodge room and since I have been through this degree I am not allowed to reveal them. But, as a Royal Arch Widow, King Solomon did reveal a secret. He explained what the letters on the keystone meant. 

We were advised never to divulge them to anyone not entitled to receive them. But on a serious note, this degree has no connection with any Masonic degree, real or imaginary. It’s sole purpose is FUN and to provide entertainment for us women. After the degree work, the widows are presented a lovely wallet sized certificate and a pin.  Oh, I bet you are wondering about the shoes. Well, if you are a Royal Arch Widow, ask your local Royal Arch Chapter to present the degree and find out what happens to your shoes.

~JAG

Judy Gordon is very active in Job's Daughters. She's the Past Honored Queen, and Past Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 55, Pekin (IL). She received the Cryptic Masons Masonic Youth Leadership Award along with her husband, Ray Gordon in July 2007. She's also Past Matron of the Morton Chapter No. 974 (IL) of the Order of the Eastern Star and Historian of the Emblem Club No. 424 of Pekin (IL). Judy is the recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple (2012) and elected to the Grand Line Illinois Job's Daughters (2015-16). Boaz joined the family in September 2013 and grandmother of 3 wonderful grandsons.

Is It Too Late?

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Judy Gordon

"if you want to be successful, it's just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe  what you are doing." Will Rogers

Have you ever been chairman of a project and were afraid that no one would attend or participate?  In 2010 Illinois Job’s Daughters Grand Guardian assigned Ray and I a project. It was not a little project, it was a HUGE project. This project would be the first time that Illinois Job’s Daughters had ever done this project. This project was an AD BOOK for Illinois Job’s Daughters annual grand session.

So I took the bull by the horns and went with it. Now with every project, there are issues. One of the biggest issues I had and still have is DEADLINES. Of course everyone thinks the deadlines do not apply to them. As deadlines approach and pass, the phone calls and emails start. “Is it too late? Can I still have an ad? How much is it for a small ad?” I chuckle, shrug my shoulders and Ray being the “patient” man says, “of course, but I need it ASAP”.

Five Ad books have come and gone. Within the next two years, I will be passing the spreadsheet to another worthy chairman as I will be preparing for my year as Grand Guardian. I will train her well, as she will have to work with the graphic designer (the patient man).

To those of you that have donated to the ad book –thank you! If you haven’t donated, you have missed out on a wonderful opportunity;  and on behalf of Illinois Job’s Daughters, we thank you. Without YOU, the daughters of Illinois would not benefit from your generosity. Stay tuned for next year’s book.

~JAG

Judy Gordon is very active in Job's Daughters. She's the Past Honored Queen, and Past Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 55, Pekin (IL). She received the Cryptic Masons Masonic Youth Leadership Award along with her husband, Ray Gordon in July 2007. She's also Past Matron of the Morton Chapter No. 974 (IL) of the Order of the Eastern Star and Historian of the Emblem Club No. 424 of Pekin (IL). Judy is the recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple (2012) and elected to the Grand Line Illinois Job's Daughters (2015-16). Boaz joined the family in September 2013 and grandmother of 3 wonderful grandsons.

The Living Cross

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Judy Gordon

“Well done is better than well said.” Benjamin Franklin

Job’s Daughters have a closing ceremony. It is quite a moving experience.  If you have not seen it, you are missing out. If you have ever seen the movie “Titanic”, the orchestra plays “Nearer my God to thee” as the boat is sinking. These young ladies are not sinking; these wonderful daughters perform the living cross and sing “Nearer My God to Thee”. There is a special ceremony that coincides with the ceremony, it’s called the Cross Talk.

The International Order of Job's Daughters is an organization created for the purpose of banding together young women who believe in God and the teachings of the Holy Bible. Jobs Daughters was founded on the Book of Job with special emphasis on the 42nd Chapter, 15th Verse where we read, "In all the land were no women found so fair As the daughters of Job, and their Father gave them inheritance among their brethren.”.

 The story of Job, as found in our Ritual, can only be given in a closed meeting. However, one very impressive and important part of the closing ceremony, the forming of the living cross, may be given in an open meeting or by special request.

Some of you may be seeing the formation of the living cross by our officers for the first time. As you observe this very solemn and beautiful ceremony, you must realize that a great deal of thought and care has gone into the positioning of the officers within the cross.

The Honored Queen is at the foot or base of the cross. You might think that she is there as a place of honor, but I would rather believe she is there in humbleness to her officers and as a sign of her willingness to accept her lot - whatever it may be - and to share with the Daughters over whom she presides in their joy as well as in their sorrow.

 The Chaplain is at the center of the cross. She is there near the place Jesus' heart was as he hung on the cross.

 At the ends of the arms of the cross are the Junior and Senior Princesses representing the hands of our Blessed Savior. The purple of the three capes represents the blood, which flowed from his hands and feet as they were nailed to that cross.

 Standing outside and behind the cross are the two Custodians. They serve not only as custodians over the property of the Bethel, but also as custodians of the living cross.

 (The Daughters sing the Amen. They rise and begin to exit, bowing to the Honored Queen while the following is spoken)

 As the Daughters exit the cross, they approach the Honored Queen, nod and turn to the right or left. The design made on the floor of the Bethel Is that of a large open Holy Bible. "And in all the land were no women found so fair as the Daughters of Job, and their Father gave them inheritance among their brethren.

This completes our ceremony…

Post by Judy Gordon.

~JAG

Judy Gordon is very active in Job's Daughters. She's the Past Honored Queen, and Past Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 55, Pekin (IL). She received the Cryptic Masons Masonic Youth Leadership Award along with her husband, Ray Gordon in July 2007. She's also Past Matron of the Morton Chapter No. 974 (IL) of the Order of the Eastern Star and Historian of the Emblem Club No. 424 of Pekin (IL). Judy is the recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple (2012) and elected to the Grand Line Illinois Job's Daughters (2015-16). Boaz joined the family in September 2013 and grandmother of 3 wonderful grandsons.

H.I.K.E.

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Judy A. Gordon

This is an article by Judy A Gordon originally printed in The Working Tools magazine. 

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

~ Bro. Mark Twain

If you hear me say…”go take a H.I.K.E”.…do not be insulted. In the Job’s Daughters word, H.I.K.E has a new meaning. Here is a brief history of H.I.K.E.;

The HIKE Fund, Inc. (Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment Fund) collects funds to award to children who are in need of hearing aids or other assistive listening devices whose parents or guardians are unable to meet this specific need.

The HIKE Fund, Inc. was created in 1985 by Emma Tedrick and Charles Terrill, the international leaders for Job's Daughters International (JDI). The Fund was developed as the philanthropic project of the JDI, a Masonic youth organization for girls, to give the members of that organization a specific and unique charity to which they were able to devote their energies.

The first years of existence of The HIKE Fund, Inc. was focused on establishment and it’s stability. Articles of Incorporation were filed in the State of Nebraska in 1985, and HIKE was temporarily set up as a 501(c)(3) organization with the Internal Revenue Service of the United States. During the first year of operation, approximately $20,000 had been donated to the fund and awards were granted to seven children in the Philippines. Soon after, a $10,000 base endowment was placed in a certificate of deposit. In 1990, a review of the fund's records brought a final ruling from the IRS for The HIKE Fund, Inc. to be considered a tax-exempt charity.

Since those early years, several things have occurred to increase the reputation and responsibility of the organization.

With increased donations and awards has come increased community awareness. Each year the number of applicants increases dramatically. Fortunately, the revenue of The HIKE Fund has increased such that all worthy applicants are provided funding, although there is a waiting list of up to six months for many applicants.

The price of hearing devices continues to inflate. The HIKE Fund, Inc. awards funds to all children and adolescents from birth to the age of 20 years that have demonstrated both a medical and financial need. Recipients can reapply for an additional award after four years. There is no limit on the number of awards given per family.

As the work of The HIKE Fund, Inc. grew, the organizational structure was modified and the size of the board of directors was increased to better serve the purposes of HIKE. Additional board members have been added and responsibilities have been modified to increase the effectiveness of HIKE.

There continue to be no paid solicitors or paid board members. All members of the Board of Directors and all helpers and members of Job's Daughters who collect the funds are unpaid volunteers and the percentage of donations distributed to needy children approaches 95% of all funds collected.

Many challenges, both structural and financial, continue to challenge the work of The HIKE Fund, Inc. Today though, the fund continues to prosper and has reached over $3,000,000.00 in awards to children with hearing loss in the United States and the Philippines.

The structure of The HIKE Fund, Inc. is such that it allows for the organization of 36 states from Alaska to Texas and from Hawaii to Delaware into a cohesive unit, working towards a common goal.

There is also, a H.I.K.E. Fund Canada, Ltd. which serves similar needs in that country In the near future; there may be the establishment of a HIKE Fund Brazil as the JDI organization in that country has been giving serious consideration in establishing their own branch.” (www.thehikefund.org)

This past weekend, I was able to witness a 12 year old young lady become a recipient of the H.I.K.E. Fund. She received an $1800 check for her communication needs.
On September 21, 2013, Illinois and Missouri had a joint event called the Lincoln/Truman H.I.K.E. The two states had a friendly competition as to which state raised the most money for H.I.K.E. They met at Cahokia Mounds; (IL) went on a hike, ate lunch (proceeds of lunch to H.I.K.E) and gave out awards to the top Job’s Daughter for the most funds collected. Donations raised that day were Missouri $2397.43/Illinois $2471.00/Lunch $455-total for the day $5323.43!!! 

In Illinois, we have an Honorary State Honored Queen and her project is the H.I.K.E. fund. She is selling purple can cozies that say “kids helping kids “ on the front and “HIKE” on the back ($5). Also, the chairman of grand representatives project for the year is H.I.K.E. as well; and she is selling ear buds, which are in a case ($10). Both young ladies are working very hard to collect funds. For more information on H.I.K.E., please contact: Kaitlyn S kaitiebugg14@gmail.com Chairman of Grand Representative or Annaliza H glassman93@yahoo.com Honorary State Honored Queen.

If you know of a child that is in need of a communication device, go take a H.I.K.E., you will be amazed at the results.

~JAG

Judy Gordon is very active in Job's Daughters. She's the Past Honored Queen, and Past Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 55, Pekin (IL). She received the Cryptic Masons Masonic Youth Leadership Award along with her husband, Ray Gordon in July 2007. She's also Past Matron of the Morton Chapter No. 974 (IL) of the Order of the Eastern Star and Historian of the Emblem Club No. 424 of Pekin (IL). Judy is the recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple (2012) and elected to the Grand Line Illinois Job's Daughters (2015-16). Boaz joined the family in September 2013 and grandmother of 3 wonderful grandsons.

Brotherly Love

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Judy A. Gordon

“Above all things let us never forget that mankind constitutes one great brotherhood; all born to encounter suffering and sorrow, and therefore bound to sympathize with each other.”

~Bro. Albert Pike

The air is still; the sky is dark green in color. It’s a very warm, humid Sunday morning. Large hail starts to fall, and in the distance there is seen a low-lying rotating cloud. Its path turns dangerous as the sirens go off, indicating to take cover. A roar, similar to a freight train signals a warning to all, an EF5 tornado has arrived. The funnel moves along, destroying almost everything in its path.

On 11/17/13, this powerful tornado traveled quickly through Tazewell County. Pekin, East Peoria, and Washington, Illinois, received the most damage. Over a thousand homes were totally swept away in seconds. True Masons, are taught at the beginning of their values to look after their Masonic Brothers and Widows.

As soon as it was the calm after the storm, the Master of Empire Lodge called his members to see if everyone was safe. We were safe, but a few members of Empire Lodge were not so lucky. The Master of the lodge immediately went to my parent’s home and boarded up a window that was broken, and helped another member just a few houses away. A couple of brothers lost their homes as well.

Within days, the Masonic brothers of the great state of Illinois banded together and gathered clothes, water, non perishable food, and supplies, then headed south to Tazewell County. The first stop was Taylor Lodge #98 in Washington, Illinois, the most damaged area. The lodge opened up their doors for the drop off center.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Illinois, Barry Weer came to Taylor Lodge and presented checks to six Masonic families who lost their homes. The semi truck dropped off supplies, which were then distributed. The next day, another semi came and dropped off supplies at Empire Lodge #126 in Pekin, Illinois. Brothers, Sisters, Job’s Daughters, DeMolay, and Rainbow all banded together to help one another.

It will take years before these cities are back to normal, but men of character from every walk of life are all working together to rebuild a better world for those whose lives were shattered on that warm tragic day in November 2013; a day that Tazewell County citizens will never forget.




~JAG

Judy Gordon is very active in Job's Daughters. She's the Past Honored Queen, and Past Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 55, Pekin (IL). She received the Cryptic Masons Masonic Youth Leadership Award along with her husband, Ray Gordon in July 2007. She's also Past Matron of the Morton Chapter No. 974 (IL) of the Order of the Eastern Star and Historian of the Emblem Club No. 424 of Pekin (IL). Judy is the recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple (2012) and elected to the Grand Line Illinois Job's Daughters (2015-16). Boaz joined the family in September 2013 and grandmother of 3 wonderful grandsons.

Thank You For Being A Friend

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Judy Gordon

“I would rather have a million friends than a million dollars."

~ Eddie Rickenbacker

“Thank you for being a friend

Travel down the road and back again

Your heart is true; you’re a pal and a confidant

And if you threw a party invited everyone you knew.

You would see the biggest gift would be from me

And the card attached would say, Thank you for being a friend.”



Now that you have that song stuck in your head, I am sure most of you remember the “Golden
Girls”. They were a group of four older, single women (three widows and one divorcée) sharing a
house in Florida. The owner of the house is a widow named Blanche, who was joined by fellow widow

Rose and divorcée Dorothy after they both responded to a room-for-rent ad on the bulletin board of
a local grocery store. The three were joined by Dorothy's 80 year-old mother, Sophia.
I could compare the Midnight Freemasons to the Golden Girls and give each of you a name, but
…could I? My point is this,  I want to thank The Midnight Freemasons. We met down the road,
had lunch, laughed, joked and said our final goodbyes to one of our own. We have confidential
conversations; they tease me as I am the lone “sister". My “brother” helped us set up a
PayPal account due to his article on Masonic pins and hopefully the Masonic youth pins can be sold.

Also, one Midnight Freemason strongly encouraged me to step outside the box, write articles based
on quotes from a book entitled “A Freemason said That?” and invited me to join an all men’s group
called The Midnight Freemasons. I have learned a lot from these “characters” and I mean that in a
nice way. I look forward to a new year, new stories, and new adventures. Oh, by the way, I did assign
you names. Todd is Blanche; Robert is Rose, Greg is definitely Sophia and last but not least, Michael
is Dorothy.

~JAG

Judy Gordon is very active in Job's Daughters. She's the Past Honored Queen, and Past Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 55, Pekin (IL). She received the Cryptic Masons Masonic Youth Leadership Award along with her husband, Ray Gordon in July 2007. She's also Past Matron of the Morton Chapter No. 974 (IL) of the Order of the Eastern Star and Historian of the Emblem Club No. 424 of Pekin (IL). Judy is the recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple (2012) and elected to the Grand Line Illinois Job's Daughters (2015-16). Boaz joined the family in September 2013 and grandmother of 3 wonderful grandsons.

Just a note...

A Note From The Midnight Freemasons from Robert Johnson on Vimeo.

New Life

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Judy Gordon

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” Will Rogers

Reggie

He was my constant companion, my friend, and listener. He stole food from the table, was a counter surfer, and ate a stick of butter— once. During obedience school, he knew his left from his right…I didn’t. He licked tears off my face and lay in my lap when I was sick. He thought we bought a king size bed just for him. He would visit patients at nursing homes and hospitals and knew when the patient was “failing.” He loved going for walks, to the dog park, the root beer stand, and riding in the jeep. He also loved singing-if you call it that, (in my opinion it was howling). Even up to his dying day, he had to visit grandma in the nursing home. 

In the short nine years that we had Sir Reggie, he brought joy to this family. He was a loving important part of the family and a unique cocker spaniel. It sure was a sad day in the Gordon household when we had to say good bye. I told him we would meet him one day at the Rainbow Bridge, run free and have fun with Heidi, Punky and Jezebel.

It would be eight weeks before another cocker spaniel puppy would join our household. We couldn’t stand the quiet house. Yes, the new puppy is here! The agreement was, I pick the dog and Ray picks his name. Would it be Mason, Solomon, or Tyler? Oh he does have a name and only a Master Mason would understand …Boaz….

Stay tuned for further adventures of Boaz...

Boaz

~JAG

Judy Gordon is very active in Job's Daughters. She's the Past Honored Queen, and Past Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 55, Pekin (IL). She received the Cryptic Masons Masonic Youth Leadership Award along with her husband, Ray Gordon in July 2007. She's also Past Matron of the Morton Chapter No. 974 (IL) of the Order of the Eastern Star and Historian of the Emblem Club No. 424 of Pekin (IL). Judy is the recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple (2012) and elected to the Grand Line Illinois Job's Daughters (2015-16). Boaz joined the family in September 2013 and grandmother of 3 wonderful grandsons.

Enthusiasm!

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Judy Gordon

The real secret of success is enthusiasm. - Walter Chrysler

I have written several stories about my involvement with Job’s Daughters. You see, I have been involved with this great organization since I have been three years old. I was my aunt’s flower girl for her Honored Queen’s installation. In my mind, I was the best flower girl EVER! But if you should talk to her, I am sure she would give you a different story.

Just recently our Bethel (#55 Pekin) had a prospective party (inviting young ladies to learn about our organization). We invited another bethel (#111 Elmwood) to join us and they brought prospective members as well. This was also a Halloween party so a prerequisite was a costume. If not, a donation to H.I.K.E. would be made. The Master of Empire lodge #126 was the judge for the costume party and he was impressed that both Bethel's worked together and were enthused with what they doing.

Of the six prospects that came to the party, two have been initiated already (#55); and one girl that has been initiated has a petition filled out and she hasn’t even been to her first meeting after initiation!!! She was so impressed with our bethel that she asked a friend to join us. Now that is what I call enthusiasm!!!

Enthusiasm comes from the top and works its way down. As I see local bethels grow, the girls notice the enthusiasm from their Bethel Guardian and the council members. If they have enthusiasm, the girls will catch it and you will see the bethel grow.


As you can see these young ladies are so enthusiastic, I wish I could bottle and sell it!!
Get excited, show your enthusiasm, be proud, I am!!!!

~JAG

Judy Gordon is very active in Job's Daughters. She's the Past Honored Queen, and Past Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 55, Pekin (IL). She received the Cryptic Masons Masonic Youth Leadership Award along with her husband, Ray Gordon in July 2007. She's also Past Matron of the Morton Chapter No. 974 (IL) of the Order of the Eastern Star and Historian of the Emblem Club No. 424 of Pekin (IL). Judy is the recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple (2012) and elected to the Grand Line Illinois Job's Daughters (2015-16). Boaz joined the family in September 2013 and grandmother of 3 wonderful grandsons.

Planting A Seed

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Judy Gordon

“ You look out there and there’s people that, their day is changed, because of your contribution to it.” Brad Paisley

Have you ever planted a seed, watered your plant and watched it grow? If you didn’t water that plant, or showed some love, it would die. You must nurture it, place it in the sun and watch it soar…

That’s how it is in the fraternity. Not just Masons, but other fraternities as well. If the groups are not nurtured, taken care of or shown the love; they will not grow. 

How do we “Bloom”?  Job’s Daughters is a lot like Masonry. We bloom through educational activities, proficiency work and co-activities with other organizations. Just a few weeks ago, Empire lodge #126(Pekin) and two Job’s Daughter Bethels (Pekin #55 and Elmwood #111) got together.  We broke bread, had a mock meeting and explained things about our order that I am sure a lot did not know about. The girls performed the living cross and of course there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. 

How do we “Lead”?  Each group has the power to elect either a Master of their lodge or an Honored Queen of their bethel. As members of Masonic groups, how has this helped you to become a leader in your life?

How do we “Soar”? We soar via scholarships, (nurses) philanthropy (H.I.K.E.) and community service (parades, food booths, working in a soup kitchen, dog therapy visits in nursing homes, etc)

Job’s Daughters like Masonry, builds a foundation for its members to develop life-skills, personal growth and community service.  They become responsible leaders in today’s society while promoting a balanced lifestyle for God, family, school, and extracurricular activities while having fun – being who they are… and becoming who they want to be! 

 Plant that seed, lead from the front, great things will happen.

~JG

Judy Gordon is very active in Job's Daughters. She's the Past Honored Queen, and Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 55, Pekin (IL). She received the Cryptic Masons Masonic Youth Leadership Award along with her husband, Ray Gordon in July 2007. She's also Past Matron of the Morton Chapter No. 974 (IL) of the Order of the Eastern Star and Historian of the Emblem Club No. 424 of Pekin (IL) Judy is the recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple (2012) and elected as the Grand Marshal for Illinois Job's Daughters (2015-16). Ray and Judy have three grandkids, and a very spoiled dog, Reggie (who incidentally volunteers as a Therapy Dog at local hospitals and nursing homes.)

"Lead From The Front"

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Judy Gordon

 
     It’s the most wonderful time of the year….no it’s not Christmas. It’s Installation time. It’s Jobie Time!!! These young ladies have been elected and/or appointed by the Bethel to serve it for the ensuing term of office, which is six months.

     Job's Daughters has five elected officers: Marshal, Guide, Junior Princess, Senior 
Princess and Honored Queen

Honored Queen - leads meetings, initiations, installations, events, etc. Presides over Third Epoch of initiation.

Senior Princess - assists the Honored Queen in her duties. Presides over Second Epoch of initiation.
Junior Princess - assists the Honored Queen in her duties. Presides over First Epoch of initiation.
Guide - guides pilgrims through initiation.
Marshal - assists the Guide in her duties. In charge of paraphernalia and escorts National Emblem during meetings.

Appointed
Senior Custodian - assists the Marshal with paraphernalia, assists the Senior Princess during initiation, and performs any duties assigned by the Honored Queen.
Junior Custodian - assists the Marshal with paraphernalia, assists the Junior Princess during initiation, and performs any duties assigned by the Honored Queen.
Recorder - record notes during meetings, receive bethel funds, and turn them over to the Treasurer.
Librarian - gives a report on literature, the arts, and/or sciences at each meeting.
Chaplain - leads prayers during meetings.
Treasurer - receive bethel funds, keep an accurate record, and turn them over to the Guardian Treasurer.
First Messenger - assists the Junior Princess during initiation.
Second Messenger - assists the Junior Princess during initiation.
Third Messenger - assists the Senior Princess during initiation.
Fourth Messenger - assists the Senior Princess during initiation.
Fifth Messenger - assists the Honored Queen during initiation.
Inner Guard - responds to Outer Guards warnings from outside and gives the Honored Queen's instructions to the Outer Guard.
Outer Guard - prevents interruptions during meetings.
Musician - leads songs and music, usually plays organ or piano
Bethel Choir

For more information on meeting times, please contact: iljdwebmaster.com
Or check out the website www.illinoisjobsdaughters.org

Bethel #14 Barrington

Meetings: 2nd & 4th Fridays

312 S. Cook Street

Barrington, IL

Bethel #20 Fairview Heights

Meetings: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays

9950 St. Clair Ave.
Fairview Heights, IL

Bethel #24 Belleville
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Thursdays
225 E. "A" Street
Belleville, IL

Bethel #29 Millburn
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays
38710 N. US Hwy 45
Millburn, IL

Bethel #49 Decatur
Meetings: 1st & 3rd Mondays 
224 W. William Street
Decatur, IL

Bethel #52 Ottawa
Meetings: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays
916 Columbus Street
Ottawa, IL

Bethel #55 Pekin
Meetings: 1st & 3rd Mondays
338 Elizabeth Street
Pekin, IL

Bethel #57 Love's Park
Meetings: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
6780 N. 2nd Street
Love's Park, IL

Bethel #63 Western Springs
Meetings: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays
1215 Chestnut Street
Western Springs, IL

Bethel #65 Columbia
Meetings: 1st & 3rd Mondays
1207 N. Main Street
Columbia, IL

Bethel #66 DeKalb
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Mondays
(Intersection) 
S. 4th Street and Fairview
Dekalb, IL

Bethel #67 O'Fallon
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Mondays
122 E. State Street
O'Fallon, IL

Bethel #82 Quincy
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays
428 Jersey Street
Quincy, IL

Bethel #98 Crystal Lake
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Thursdays
200 Ellsworth Street
Crystal Lake, IL

Bethel #111 Elmwood
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Thursdays
3819 N. Prospect Rd.
Peoria Heights, IL

These young ladies love to have company and would welcome any Master Mason to their meeting. I challenge YOU to lead from the front. 

"Lead from the front" ~Audie Murphy, The most decorated soldier to ever serve the USA.

~JG

Judy Gordon is very active in Job's Daughters. She's the Past Honored Queen, and Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 55, Pekin (IL). She received the Cryptic Masons Masonic Youth Leadership Award along with her husband, Ray Gordon in July 2007. She's also Past Matron of the Morton Chapter No. 974 (IL) of the Order of the Eastern Star and Historian of the Emblem Club No. 424 of Pekin (IL) Judy is the recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple (2012) and elected as the Grand Marshal for Illinois Job's Daughters (2015-16). Ray and Judy have three grandkids, and a very spoiled dog, Reggie (who incidentally volunteers as a Therapy Dog at local hospitals and nursing homes.)

Freemason Wisdom: Eddie Rickenbacker On Courage

by Midnight Freemasons Contributor

Judy Gordon  

“Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you are scared.”

~Eddie Rickenbacker
Kilwinning Lodge No. 297, Michigan

Courage is what it takes to stand in front of three judges and recite your ritual work that you have been memorizing for competition.

Just recently, Illinois Job’s Daughters had their Ritual Competition. There’s no way I could stand there in the room in front of 3 judges and recite the ritual…my brain would be mush. I commend those young ladies for doing that…Some are nervous, fidget, get a sore throat and then some of these young ladies just recite that Ritual and tell the story of Job with such passion. It’s amazing…

So for the past six weeks or so, our bethel has been practicing every Tuesday for the big day. We even went through a mock competition. I am very proud of not just my bethel but every young lady that competed.

Oh the results…our bethel came home with a 1st place in Novice (she had to know the Proficiency work and secret work), 2nd place for Sr Princess (she sits in the East) 2nd place for 5th Messenger and 3rd place for team(they told the story of Job). We have members that have never been to competition, so this was an experience for them and I hope they continue to compete. I am proud of them no matter how they placed.

And special thanks to Jerry Starks- Excellent Grand Royal Arch Captain of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Illinois. He came to one of our practices and gave the girls pointers on diction and delivery. The girls and the adults enjoyed it very much. Matter of fact, Empire lodge was practicing as well, and they thought he was there for their practice. He said, "No, I am here for the girls."

I am offering a challenge to each of you Masons, please come to a Job’s Daughter’s meeting near you and see their beautiful ritual work. You would be amazed.

~JG

Judy Gordon is very active in Job's Daughters. She's the Past Honored Queen, and Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 55, Pekin (IL). She received the Cryptic Masons Masonic Youth Leadership Award along with her husband, Ray Gordon in July 2007. She's also Past Matron of the Morton Chapter No. 974 (IL) of the Order of the Eastern Star and Historian of the Emblem Club No. 424 of Pekin (IL) Judy is the recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple (2012) and elected as the Grand Marshal for Illinois Job's Daughters (2015-16). Ray and Judy have three grandkids, and a very spoiled dog, Reggie (who incidentally volunteers as a Therapy Dog at local hospitals and nursing homes.)