Lincoln Masons honor Charles Anderson for 70 years service

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[August 27, 2015]  LINCOLN - One of the measures of a community is quality of life. There are those who privately or through an organization serve in innumerable ways to support the spiritual, physical and social welfare of our community contributing to quality of life. Members of the Lincoln Masonic Lodge #210 commit to such service.

This past Sunday afternoon fellow Lincoln Masonites honored 'Brother' Charles Anderson in ceremony and with an open house reception. Anderson was pinned for his 70 years service as a Mason.

For a number of years Anderson served in the local Masonic Chapter #210 in the esteemed role of Secretary. Fittingly on Sunday, Gary Reichert, current Secretary for the Lincoln Mason's introduced a special guest of the day, Grand Secretary of the Illinois Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., Frank Cline.

Cline delivered a few of the highlights of Anderson's contributions to our country, our community and to the Mason's.

Cline began by saying that within the Masonic system it is believed that - 'Youth' is for gaining knowledge and experiences - 'Manhood' is for executing duties - and 'Age' is for reflection of a well-spent life. "Longevity is the crowning glory of a man," he said, and now it was a privileged time to reflect on Anderson's life, which was well-spent.

On receiving Anderson's history, Cline first noted a gap in time between events. Anderson had achieved two degrees in 1943 and a third in 1945. What had he been doing in 1944?

As some might expect, in 1944 Anderson was serving his country in the Air Corps in World War II. Furthermore, unknown to many today, Anderson had been shot down. He had aided others in safely parachuting, landing in occupied territory, captured and kept as a prisoner of war.

Charles Anderson received two military purple hearts.
 


The Anderson daughters; Virginia and Susan

Back home from war, Anderson married Mary Jane Gayle of Lincoln, his wife of almost 70 years, until her passing in February. Together they raised two daughters now married, Virginia Gayle (Kenneth) Johnson, residing in Sterling; and Susan Elizabeth (Carl Bennett) Anderson, who resides in Bloomington.

Anderson rose through all the ranks of the Mason's doing many acts of charity and providing leadership in various capacities for the Lincoln community. During his 17 years on the Red Cross Board, chairman for many of those years, the local chapter expanded awareness and protection from chemical and hazardous materials, increased CPR trainings and the blood donor program, himself being a 12 gallon blood donor, and other services.

In the United Methodist Church he served as Superintendent of Sunday Schools, increased the youth fund, and often served as youth lay-pastor.

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Anderson served on Northwest and Lincoln Community High School boards.

He also served on the United Way Board, and helped the 52-year-old aging Evangelical Deaconess Hospital transform into the then modern Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital that opened on Eighth Street in 1954.

Anderson said a few words to the crowd that was gathered in his honor. He was proud of his Mason affiliation and said he felt it was in his blood; he had a great uncle that served at the state level as a Mason.

One of the most significant actions he took as Secretary has ongoing benefits for the community and the organization today. He consulted with Mr. Klink on how to manage a pool of money and set up to build a fund for the future. Klink advised him to set it up as a foundation and State Bank of Lincoln assisted in establishing it. He and Mary Jane began the pot, soon friends and others such as Jim and Ruth Rice who bequeathed $10,000 to the tax deductible foundation. Today, the dividends provide for community service projects and it pays the taxes on the building.

After Anderson was pinned, he was reminded that he could keep working, the Masons have 75, 80 and 85-year pins for him to attain as well.

Referred to most often as 'Charlie,' Anderson now resides in Bloomington where he is closer to family.
 


During the reception time, Jean (Mike) Anderson (not a relative) shared that she came to know the Anderson family in her youth. She had been friends with one of his daughters, and though Jean belonged to another church she was asked to play piano for youth performances. Jean had fond memories of Anderson driving the church performance group all over the area putting on various plays.

Both daughters Elizabeth and Susan, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, all the family who live in Illinois; many friends and his Masonic brethren approximating 75 in total, were present for the ceremony on Sunday.

The Lincoln Masonic Lodge #210 located at 2022 N. Kickapoo Street in Lincoln.

Watch LDN for further information on the activities of Masons in our community.

[Jan Youngquist]

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