Our Story

Since its founding in the late 1800s, Kankakee Masonic Lodge No. 389 has stood as a beacon of fellowship, integrity, and service in the heart of Kankakee, Illinois.

What began as a small gathering of men seeking Light and brotherhood has grown into a lasting tradition of community involvement and moral leadership.

Our earliest members helped lay the foundations of this city—men of diverse backgrounds united by a shared belief that they could build a better world by first improving themselves.

They met regularly to study moral truths, strengthen friendships, and support one another in both good times and hardship. That spirit continues to guide us today.

Who We Are

Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity, built on the timeless principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

As Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, we believe that every man has the potential to grow in character, purpose, and wisdom when surrounded by good men who challenge and inspire him.

At Lodge 389, you’ll find members who are fathers, sons, veterans, educators, first responders, and community leaders—ordinary men working to live extraordinary lives through fellowship and moral growth.

We are part of a centuries-old lineage that values:

Brotherhood: Building lifelong friendships rooted in respect and equality.

Relief: Offering charity, support, and compassion to those in need.

Truth: Seeking knowledge and moral strength through self-improvement.

We meet upon the level, act by the plumb, and part upon the square.

Our Mission

To inspire good men to become better men.

To serve the Kankakee community with compassion and integrity.

To preserve the rich traditions of Freemasonry while embracing the needs of today’s world.

Through education, mentorship, and service, our lodge provides a place where men can grow in confidence and character while contributing meaningfully to their families, their faith, and their community.

Our Legacy in Kankakee

For over a century, Lodge 389 has quietly shaped the civic and charitable life of Kankakee County.

Our members have helped establish scholarships, support youth programs, partner with local charities, and honor our veterans.

Many of Kankakee’s early civic leaders and public servants were members of our lodge.

Their dedication to fairness, education, and community improvement continues to inspire our work today.

The tools and symbols of our Craft—square, compasses, level, and plumb—remind us that the lessons of good character never go out of style.

They are as relevant to modern life as they were to our founders more than a century ago.

Our Connection to the Grand Lodge of Illinois

Kankakee Masonic Lodge No. 389 operates under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois.

This connection unites us with more than 400 lodges and 60,000 Masons statewide, all working toward the same mission: to make good men better and to strengthen our communities through moral example and service.

The Grand Lodge provides education, guidance, and charitable initiatives that help Illinois Masons carry forward our shared commitment to brotherhood and benevolence.

Learn more about Illinois Freemasonry at ILMason.org

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Looking Forward

Freemasonry has endured for centuries because its teachings remain timeless.

In an age of disconnection, we offer real friendship.

In an age of confusion, we offer moral clarity.

In an age of division, we offer unity through brotherhood.

Our lodge continues to grow, welcoming men of all faiths, professions, and backgrounds who seek to live with purpose and integrity.

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to the same ideals that shaped our founders: self-improvement, service, and brotherhood.

-Not just a man. A Mason.