Morton, Ill. — With 150 years in the history books, Morton Freemasons are continuing the tradition of helping others. Morton Lodge No. 352 was chartered Oct. 3, 1860, as Groveland Lodge No. 352. The Lodge, along with its 24 members, made the move to Morton in 1901. In 1958, Morton’s Masonic Lodge was built at 700 S. Fourth St., where its 161 members meet today. In the 1980s, or the Lodge’s “heyday,” Worshipful Master Brian Whitaker said there were about 500 members, a number he would like to see the Lodge see again. “We’re increasing,” he said. “The thing is to be very active in the community. We’re seeing positive growth right now, but it’s going to take a while to get from 160 back up to 500 members.” Whitaker said he became a Freemason three years ago when he moved to Morton from Indianapolis. more Morton
