St. Pauls Lodge #500 - AF&AM

06/12/2026

What can a teenager's handwritten notebook teach us about leadership?

Most people know George Washington as a general, statesman, and president. Few know that as a teenager he carefully copied 110 Rules of Civility into a notebook. At first glance, they seem like rules of etiquette. Look closer, and they're really lessons in self-control, humility, discipline, and conscience.

The final rule reads, "Labor to keep alive in your Breast that little Spark of Celestial fire called Conscience."

Years later, Washington would demonstrate those lessons by repeatedly surrendering power when he could have kept it.

We explore the history of the Rules, their connection to character formation, and why their lessons remain relevant in Freemasonry today.

Discover how George Washington's Rules of Civility shaped character, conscience, and leadership and why their lessons remain relevant in Freemasonry today.

05/25/2026

We'd like to thank everyone who has come out to support us at the pork chop sandwich cookout the past few Wednesdays. They've been huge successes, and we couldn't be happier to continue our partnership with the Ansar Shrine!

We do want to apologize for the delays that some folks experienced this past Wednesday. We had not one, but TWO grills fail us as we cooked, which caused a bit of a backlog during our busiest period. We are currently working to replace those grills with new and better gear, to ensure that doesn't happen again.

Our next cookout is Wednesday, June 3rd. Look forward to seeing everyone then!

05/21/2026

Our very own W.B. Kyle Koestner is featured in
Next Gen Spotlight | Ansar Shriners.

Next Gen Spotlight: Kyle Koestner | Ansar Shriners

Initiated at St. Pauls Lodge #500 - AF&AM in 2013, Kyle Koestner has served as Worshipful Master, currently serves as Treasurer, and was appointed District Deputy of the 16th Western District. A dedicated Lodge Mentor, he is passionate about helping new brothers feel welcomed and confident as they begin their Masonic journey.

Kyle’s leadership extends beyond the Blue Lodge through active service in the Scottish Rite, Ansar Shriners, advisory work with Rainbow Girls, and being knighted in the Royal Order of Scotland.

When inviting Master Masons to become Shriners, Kyle leads with honesty and enthusiasm, encouraging questions, sharing authentic experiences, and ensuring brothers feel genuinely wanted. He also credits Masonry and Shrine with pushing him beyond his comfort zone and strengthening the confidence and communication skills that support his professional success.

“What I enjoy most about Shrine is feeling like part of one giant family,” Kyle shares, especially the fellowship, family-friendly environment, and lifelong friendships built along the way.

05/19/2026

There is still time for your Lodge to earn recognition before June 30!

The Grand Master's Award of Excellence celebrates Lodges across Illinois that are going above and beyond by growing membership, giving back to their communities, and living out the values of our fraternity. Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels are available.

Talk to your Worshipful Master about where your Lodge stands and what it takes to qualify. Find the link in the comments to learn more.

05/18/2026

On Thursday evening, Brothers of St. Paul’s Lodge No. 500 had the honor of recognizing and celebrating the New Berlin High School Academic Bowl Team during a special dinner held before our stated meeting.

After an incredible season that saw New Berlin capture both the Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl Class 1A State Championship and the NAQT Small School National Championship, it was only fitting to pause and celebrate the students, coaches, and families behind this remarkable accomplishment.

St. Paul’s Lodge No. 500 was proud to sponsor this outstanding team throughout their journey, and seeing these young scholars achieve greatness has been inspiring for all of us.

Congratulations once again to the New Berlin Academic Bowl Team, Illinois State Champions and National Champions. Your hard work has made your community proud, and your future is incredibly bright.

05/16/2026

W.B. Brian Giddings had the honor and privilege of presenting W.B. Steve Zoelzer and Bro. Brad Dobson with their Society of King Solomon ribbons.

The Society of King Solomon ribbon represents a Brother’s cumulative charitable giving to the Illinois Masonic Charities Fund through the Society of King Solomon program. The ribbon color attached to the jewel signifies the level of financial support and commitment a Mason has made toward Illinois Masonic charities and philanthropic work throughout Illinois Freemasonry.

These honors reflect not only generosity, but also a deep commitment to supporting the charitable mission of our fraternity and helping ensure that Freemasonry continues to make a positive impact in the lives of Brothers, families, and communities across Illinois.

Congratulations to both Brothers on this well-earned recognition. St. Paul’s Lodge No. 500 is proud to call you Brothers.

05/16/2026

Brotherhood is more than the bonds we share inside the Lodge. It's the commitment we carry into our communities every single day.

From supporting families in need to funding scholarships and charitable programs across the state, the Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F. & A.M. is proud to do good work - because that's what good men do.

Learn more about our charitable efforts at the link in the comments.

05/16/2026

When our lodge is called “St Paul’s,” many assume it honours the Apostle Paul. In truth, the name points to St Paul’s Cathedral in London, the great domed church rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666. In that blaze, the old cathedral’s lead roof melted and poured into the streets , prompting a complete reconstruction. The young Sir Christopher Wren a mathematician and founding member of the Royal Society was appointed to oversee the work .

Under his direction, hundreds of operative masons gathered in St Paul’s churchyard, and at the nearby Goose and Gridiron tavern they formed what became the Lodge of Antiquity. On St John the Baptist’s Day in 1717, representatives from four such lodges met there to constitute the first Grand Lodge of England . Wren himself served as Deputy Grand Master, bridging the world of operative masonry and speculative philosophy . This video explores how the rebuilding of St Paul’s not only transformed London’s skyline but also gave birth to modern Freemasonry and why our lodge still proudly bears the cathedral’s name.