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 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.
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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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