Franklin Lodge No. 25 AF&AM

08/29/2026

A new Masonic year is beginning. This is an exciting time to connect with us.

If Freemasonry has ever crossed your mind — if you've wondered what it means to belong to something built on integrity, brotherhood, and service — this is the moment to shape the year ahead.

Learn more and start the conversation. Link in the comments to learn more.

If you’re already a Brother reading this and there's a man in your life who would be a good fit, send him our way.

08/29/2026

In 1990, about a quarter of American men reported having three or fewer close friends. By 2021, that figure had climbed to nearly half.

Right Worshipful Brother Wayne Spooner has spent more than three decades sitting across from men who feel that gap personally. In his new blog, he explains why traditional men's organizations that meet in person, month after month, for generations still matter in 2026.

Read the full post. Link in comments.

08/03/2026

A special thank you to Brother Marc Ellington of Saint Clair Lodge No 24 & Gothic Lodge No 852. To see more of his photography, please go to https://marcellington.smugmug.com/
Group 3 of 3

08/03/2026

A special thank you to Brother Marc Ellington of Saint Clair Lodge No 24 & Gothic Lodge No 852. To see more of his photography, please go to https://marcellington.smugmug.com/
Group 2 of 3

08/03/2026

A special thank you to Brother Marc Ellington of Saint Clair Lodge No 24 & Gothic Lodge No 852. To see more of his photography, please go to https://marcellington.smugmug.com/
Group 1 of 3

08/02/2026

Congratulations to Worshipful Master Austin Huntsman and his officers

Installing Officer - Worshipful Brother Steve Gherardini
Installing Secretary - Worshipful Brother Josh Lee
Installing Chaplain - Worshipful Brother Patrick Hill
Installing Marshall - Worshipful Brother Justin Parmley

I believe we had 39 in attendance

07/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EZEjHxY8T/

Congratulations to Gothic Lodge 852 as we were informed this morning that the Lodge has once again earned the Gold Level of the Grand Masters Award of Excellence. This is done by taking part in activities in the community, attending and supporting events held by the Grand Lodge of Illinois, and being proficient at the ritual work. This award really takes all its members to complete this highest honor and we look forward to being presented this in October by the Grand Master of Illinois.

06/13/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1En4Kma4C7/

Kevin and Alex traveled to Franklin Lodge 25 in Alton this evening to assist in conferring two new fellowcrafts. This lodge has a rich history with being home lodge to Robert Wadlow and features an entire museum dedicated to him!

06/12/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BE9RycYCy/

Do you know the story behind the statue seen at Shriners Chidren's and Shriners International buildings?

The story goes back to a Hadi Shriners picnic 56 years ago in Evansville, Indiana, where a Shriner named Al Hortman picked up little Bobbi Jo Wright, a patient at Shriners Children’s St. Louis, and helped carry her around for the day. Sunday Courier & Press Photographer Randy Dieter captured this act of kindness on one of the last images on his roll of film. This photo would later inspire the creation of the iconic statue.

05/25/2026

Today marks Alton's 159th Memorial Day Parade. Between our float and the Masons of the
Ainad Shriners Official Site Rolling Nobles we had eight lodges represented. Full Moon, Gothic, White Hall, Bethalto Masonic Lodge #406 AF & AM, Bethalto IL., Wood River, Triple Lodge and Jerseyville. Alton Chapter Order of DeMolay was also well represented as well as Tri-Ciry Shrine Club. We had members in the VFW Color Guard and Boy Scout Units.