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"That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet."
Emily Dickinson c. 1870 C.E.
OFFICERS - 2008
John Sarabia
Worshipful Master
wm@hesperia411.org
Robert Harvey
Senior Warden
sw@hesperia411.org
Marino Palotta
Junior Warden
jw@hesperia411.org
Correspondence
Secr. Ron Ehemann
Hesperia Lodge No. 411 AF&AM
Jefferson Masonic Temple
5418 West Gale Street
Chicago, IL 60630
STAFF - 2008
Officer Proficiency and Certified Lodge Instructor
Rick Taman
rick.taman@e-masons.us
Newsletter Editor
James McDermott
newsletter@hesperia411.org
Webmaster
Shiloh Madsen
webmaster@hesperia411.org
Co-Webmaster
James McDermott
webmaster2@hesperia411.org
Bro. George Washington:
"Let us raise the standard to which the honest and the honorable can repair."
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NEWS - RECENT EVENTS
Is there news of interest to Hesperians in particular and Masonry in general that we have missed here?
Please feel free to email the webmaster(s) with details or suggestions.
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13 Nov 2008: SEVERAL HUNDRED MASONS WERE PRESENT AT THE FUNERAL OF BRO. MOHSEN MODARESSI, Grand Lecturer, 33°
Including the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Daniel C. Yandel, of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, AF&AM, of the State of Illinois
Several hundred Masons were present at the funeral of Bro. Mohsen Modaressi at 8:00 PM today. Bro Modaressi passed from his labors on Earth to eternal
refreshment in the paradise of the Supreme Architect of the Universe at 6:25 pm on November 6th. The funeral was held today at Nelson Funeral Home at
5149 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Daniel C. Yandel, of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, AF&AM, of the State of
Illinois and several members of the Grand family including Right Worshipful Tony Cracco, Senior Grand Deacon, Right Worshipful Cary Willis, Grand Chaplain
were present. Also present were Past Grand Masters Larry Ingles and Charles Sullins.
Also present prior to the service (due to other funeral commitments on the same evening) was the Most Worshipful Bro. Angelo W. Jones, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall
Grand Lodge F&AM of the State of Illinois.
The funeral was conducted by Bro. Eddie Witas III, 33°. Bro. Modaressi is survived by
his daughter, Susan and his son, also a Master Mason, Josh. The Nelson Home was filled with those many men and women who were touched deeply by the warmth
and example Bro. Modaressi shared so freely
not only with his fellow Masons, but also with his fellow veterans and his fellow man in the world at large. May his new life in the Celestial Lodge be a
peaceful and blessed one for one who lived so well as a just and upright Mason.
Hesperia Lodge No. 411 was given special dispensation by MW Grand Master Yandel to forego its stated meeting on Thursday 13
November in favor of the funeral service.
Mohsen, born in 1924, served in the U.S.
Army between 1942 and 1947, stationed in Tehran, Iran.
An audiocassette of an interview
with Mohsen regarding
his service is available at the
Library of Congress. He was several times a
Past Master and recently Master of Evans Lodge
No. 524 in Evanston, Illinois. He
devoted much of the latter decades of
his life to the tireless service of our veterans and
Veterans Hospitals. Mohsen
was awarded the 33rd degree
by the Supreme Council of the
Scottish Rite in 1996 in recognition
of his extraordinary service
to humanity. This ultimate
degree of the Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
is awarded only by the
Supreme Council at the Annual
Meeting of that body and cannot
be applied for. It is given
to those 32° members who
have performed "outstanding
services for the Fraternity," or
"for service to humanity that
brings great credit upon the
Order." Are we not all linked
together by that indissoluble
chain of human life, the final
link of which, as Bro. Francis
Bacon suggests, 'must needs to
be tied to the foot of [ the
Divine ] chair?'
"He has gone to join the choir Eternal whose music is the joy of the world."
A R C H I V E : | H E R E |
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Image: Modified JGM - McKim NE Scotland UK
The Latin, 'SPES MEO IN DEO EST' is translated, 'My trust is in God.'
The image on the home page is that of the surface of a lake in Wisconsin known as 'Sacred Lake.'
The wavelets in the waters can be seen. We see the waters
here from far above and at upper left, visible as a white speck, a bird soars from the lake below into the Heavens above. Image: JGM
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26 Oct 2008 at Noon: Second Annual Informal Tour of Graceland Cemetery

Click on the above image to view other images of the day at Graceland.
The second annual informal tour of Graceland Cemetery in Chicago was graced with perfect weather. Its magnificent 19th century monuments, including many Masonic monuments,
were seen by about a dozen participants who gathered to share in the good 'spirit' of the day. In addition to the history and beauty of the monumental
art, dedicated to industrialists and other great men and women of the 19th and early 20th century as well as the many more common men and women who
share most of the joy and sadness of life and do most of the living and dying in this world, the grounds themselves are beautiful, and the color
of the leaves, though less pronounced than last year, was magnificent. Chicago architects Louis Sullivan, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and even the final resting place
of Augustus Dickens, brother of the famous author, were discovered. Also, at least two Hesperians have connections to those whose final resting places are here.
"That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet." Emily Dickinson
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25 SEP 2008: BRO. TOMAS RISBECKER, JURISDICTION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF SWEDEN VISITS HESPERIA
Hesperia enjoyed the fellowship of Bro. Tomas Risbecker, an VIII Degree Mason of Svea Provisial Lodge No. 1
(Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Sweden), Stockholm, Sweden in September.
Following the introductions, Bro. Risbecker rose and was escorted to the East by Bro. Rick Taman, acting Senior Deacon. He brought greetings from his
Worshipful Master
and our brothers in his lodge in Sweden. After expressing his gratitude for Hesperia's hospitality, he presented the Lodge with the gift of a table
banner bearing the seal of Sweden's Lodge No. 1. Bro. SW Robert Harvey, acting as the Worshipful Master, received this gift which will be displayed in
the case located in the lobby of Jefferson Temple, beside the outer door of the lodge. As an exporter of Swedish goods he was in Chicago for a trade
show. Bro. Risbecker was also conducting local research for a biography he is currently writing.
He appears in the adjacent image with RWB Rick Taman, who served as Worshipful Master during the initiation of three new Entered Apprentices,
presenting the banner from his Mother Lodge. [ Tomas Risbecker, NF AA Svea XIII, Stockholm, Sweden ].
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JULY 2008: BRO. WALSON HARRY OF RIVERS LODGE NO. 1663, PORT HARCOUR, NIGERIA, VISITS HESPERIA
Hesperia recently enjoyed the fellowship of Bro. Walson Harry, a Mason of Rivers Lodge No. 1663 in Port Harcour, Nigeria.
(Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Scotland). Bro. Harry indicated that he was enjoying a trip to Chicago in order to visit his children who
reside here. His visit happily coincided with the summer exhibit of Nigerian Court Art at the Art Institute of Chicago.
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25 SEP 2008: THREE MEN WERE MADE MASONS TODAY
Congratulations are in order for three of the men who have joined us for dinner periodically during the last year. Each submitted petitions to
the MW Grand Lodge AF&AM of the State of Illinois and were permitted to advance through the First Degree in Masonry this evening.
25 SEP 2008: A BROTHER FROM GREECE BECOMES A MEMBER OF HESPERIA
We are most honored to welcome a brother from Greece who has successfully petitioned the lodge for plural membership.
25 SEP 2008: SICKNESS & DISTRESS: BRO. MODARESSI
Bro. Modaressi has been transferred to the cancer unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
He is feeling better and welcomes guests, in person or by phone. He hopes to attend Grand Lodge on October 10-12.
Bro. Mohsen Modaressi, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Prentice Building, Room 1598) 250 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611.
His direct dial phone in that room is available through Bro. Secretary Ehemann.
22 SEP 2008: BRO. MODARESSI AT NORTHWESTERN HOSPITAL
Greetings Brethren,
Thanks to everyone who has supported Bro. Modaressi with contributions and prayers.
They have made a great difference. Here is a forwarded update on his condition from Bro. Bruce Barnes. Bro. Rick Taman:
After more than two weeks of very trying times, we have finally succeeded in
getting Brother Modaressi transferred from Advocate Trinity hospital on the
far southeast side to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in downtown Chicago.
This is a triumph for several reasons, most notably that fact that his
primary cancer and general medicine doctors are at Northwestern, but also
for the fact that Northwestern is simply much better equipped to handle his
situation . . .
CONTINUED: | CLICK HERE (Including previous updates) |
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SEP 2008: MASONIC OBITUARY: Bro. John Merril Kapp
We recently received notice regarding the Passing of Bro. John Merril. Brother John Merril Kapp was born May 20, 1915, in Rochester, New York. He received a BA from Northwestern University and a Masters from
Villanova University. Both were in political science which he used by joining the national Guard 121st cavalry just prior to its being federalized.
He next served 20 years, attaining the rank of Major. After retirement he served his nation in a number of ways, including that of a Boy Scout
Executive Officer, Director of the Philadelphia’s USO, as well as active membership in the Union Club, the American Legion and Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons.
To that end, Bro. Kapp petitioned Hesperia Lodge No. 411 at Chicago, Illinois and was there elected to receive the degrees in masonry on
November 10, 1949. He was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on February 9, 1950, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on July 13, 1950,
and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on August 10, 1950.
On February 12, 2003 he became a 50-Year Member of the fraternity.
Bro. Kapp passed from his labors on Earth and into eternal refreshment in the presence of the Grand Architect on May 21, 2008. Thus ends the record
of a just and upright Master Mason. May his memory remain eternal.
Respectfully submitted:
Ronald J. Ehemann, PM
Secretary
BRO. AL MECHNIG AND WIFE JULIE HAPPY TO SEE VISITORS AT REHAB: 29 AUG 2008
Bro. Al Mechnig continues along the road of post-stroke recovery on Mon., Wed. and Fri., 12:00 - 4:00pm at Ravenswood Hospital
in the company of his wife Julie and her sister Georgie.
Julie and Georgie managed the kitchen and dining room for many years and would love to have company at the hospital:
4600 N. Damen St., Chicago, IL. Parking is available in the parking garage structure to the south.
Hesperia has chosen Gads Hill Center as it's sponsored charity. 10 July 2008
Hesperian's have chosen to sponsor computer tutoring for the children served by the Gads Hill Center on the near
SW side of Chicago.
Hesperia's former sponsored child brings a newborn baby girl into the world. 10 July 2008
Congratulations and best wishes are in order for our former sponsored child, Alma. The lodge voted unanimously on
10 July 2008 to donate funds towards her initial expenses as a new mother.
Independence Day - July 4th 2008
On the occasion of this 232nd anniversary of the foundation of our nation and the blessings of liberty and brotherhood it engenders, we wish all Masons and all Americans a happy and prosperous 4th, and a pleasant summer. 'Solomon's Builders,' a recent book released by Indianapolis Mason and author Christopher Hodapp, informs and captivates readers interested in the degree to which then visionary Masonic tenets were perhaps the most significant inspiration for our treasured Constitution and Bill of Rights. This anniversary is an occasion for reflection on Bro. George Washington's assertion memorialized in the monument at Wacker and Rush streets in Chicago: "The government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that those who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support."
Bro. Mohsen Modaressi's Recovery - July 2008
Bro. Modaressi, 33, having left the care of the good doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and returned home, is now back in action in his numerous capacities as a Mason, Hesperian and Master of Evans Lodge.
Bro. Al Mechnig's Rehab and Recovery - July 2008
Bro. Mechnig continues along the road of post-stroke recovery and is now present each week at Ravenswood Hospital with wife Julie and her sister Georgie. New brethren may
not know that Julie and Georgie managed the kitchen and dining room for many years prior to the advent of Al's stoke. They would love to have visitors during these rehabilitation visits. The hospital is located at 4600 North Damen in Chicago. Al's therapy occurs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from noon until 3pm.
ARCHIVED NEWS
A New Child Sponsored by Hesperia Lodge - 26 June 2008
Hesperia was alerted to the fact that two new children at the Illinois Masonic Children's Home in LaGrange, Illinois were in need
of sponsors. Christian, born in August 1992, was suggested by the home as a potential sponsored child for Hesperia and was formally
accepted in Lodge on this 26th day of June 2008 (AL 6008). Please join us whenever possible in supporting our new charge, and where
appropriate, sharing in both word and deed the light of Masonry.
A New Master Mason Joins Hesperia - 26 June 2008
Bro. Robert Harney, a Fellowcraft who was also made a Mason in Hesperia Lodge in February 2008, was raised this past evening
to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Resounding congratulations are in order for another good man dedicated to improving both
himself and society through the fellowship and ancient methods of Free and Accepted Masons. Hesperia was honored this evening by
the kind assistance of several Past Masters and brothers of both the Scottish Rite and York Rite bodies.
The Celebration of the Sts. John of Jerusalem - 24 June 2008
As this is the week we Masons around the world celebrate the Feast of the Sts. John,
let us ever remember in the immortal words of St. John of Jerusalem, that a light does 'shine in the darkness and the darkness
will not overcome it' "Happiness is the efflux of the soul, I think that it lies there in the open air, waiting at all times;
Now it flows unto us and we are rightly charged. Forever alive, forever forward, stately, solemn, sad, withdrawn, mad, baffled,
feeble, turbulent, proud, fond, sick, accepted by men, rejected by men, they go, they go, I know not where they go, but I know
they go toward the best, toward something great." Whitman
Masonic Community Days - Andersonville Summerfest and Friends Night - June 2008
The opportunity for camaraderie, great fun in the sun, and to introduce the community as well as several potential
new Masons and families to our ancient institution was shared by many this June 14-15.
Several petitions were given or submitted at our special Friend's Night event on the following Thursday evening.
Among those guests at our Friend's Night at the lodge was a newborn, a mere 2.5 months of age, going by the name of Solomon;
Solomon, looking wise indeed, was accompanied by his father and mother.




IN MEMORY OF MARGARET GARAGOSIAN
June 10, 2008
Brethren:
I regret to inform you that Margaret Garagosian retired from her labors on earth
into eternal refreshment last evening about 6:30 PM. Margaret is the mother of Mary Johnson.
Many of our older members will remember Margaret for her excellent cooking as she served us
as Hesperia's resident cook for many, many years. Until her passing, Margaret considered
Hesperian's to be "her boys". She delighted in receiving a card or well wishes from the
lodge and anxiously read each newsletter and meeting notice to again feel her connection to us.
Condolences for those of you who can not attend may be sent to Margaret's daughter:
Mary Johnson
3729 N. Seminary
Chicago, IL 60613-3817
Respectfully,
Ronald Ehemann,
Secretary
THE HESPERIAN - NEWSLETTER - 29 AUG 2008 ISSUE
NEWSLETTER: AUG 2008 - 3.1 MB File
THE HESPERIAN - NEWSLETTER - 20 MAR 2008 ISSUE
NEWSLETTER: MAR 2008 - 4.7 MB File
FAMOUS MASONS - DOCUMENT
FAMOUS MASONS - 600 K File
ASTRONOMY - A MASON'S GUIDE - DOCUMENT
ASTRONOMY - A MASON'S GUIDE - 615 K File
A playful rhyme with a little practical primer embedded - questions? email: |
Jim McDermott |
145TH OFFICER INSTALLATION -JANUARY 2008
OFFICER INSTALLATION 2008
MASONIC COMMUNITY DAYS - AUGUST 2007
MASONIC COMMUNITY DAYS 2007
THE . MOST . WORSHIPFUL . GRAND . LODGE . AF&AM . OF . THE .STATE .OF . ILLINOIS
Please visit the official internet presence of the Grand Lodge at:
www.ilmason.org
H I S T O R I C . P U B L I C . I N F O R M A T I O N . C A M P A I G N
All are also invited to examine the web site associated with Illinois Masonry's historic public information campaign launched in the Spring of 2008:
www.askamson.us
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