Story and image provided by Alexander Edwards, member, Meteor Lodge #283
Chartered on October 6, 1858, by the Grand Lodge of Illinois, Meteor Masonic Lodge #283 A.F. & A.M. has been in continuous existence for 168 years, making it the oldest organization in Sandwich. In fact, the Masonic Lodge was established in town one year before the City of Sandwich was incorporated in 1859.
Around the time of the Lodge’s founding, U.S. Congressman and one-time Chicago Mayor “Long John” Wentworth was given the honor of renaming our city.
Formerly known as Almon (named after founder Almon Gage), and later called Newark Station, Wentworth used his political influence to get the train to stop in our town, which contributed greatly to the area’s growth and prosperity.
The town leaders were so grateful they asked Long John to rename the city, and he chose Sandwich, named after his hometown of Sandwich, New Hampshire. It was in this time and atmosphere of growth that Meteor Masonic Lodge was formed.
At the time of our founding, many of Sandwich’s most prominent citizens were active members, with names such as Castle, Woodward, Linder, Latham, and Marcy on its membership rolls.
In addition to these individuals, and in the spirit of Freemasonry, everyday farmers and businessmen were also proud Lodge members.
Lodge nights were special events, as each member would put on their best suit and finery for the occasion. Farmers who worked in the hot sun and dust all day, would clean up and properly groom themselves for the evening’s Lodge meeting.
On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was shot in Washington, D.C. Back in Sandwich, Meteor Lodge held a stated meeting that night. The minutes are pictured here.
Meteor Lodge meeting minutes, April 14, 1865 — the night of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.
As was customary at the time, each small community surrounding Sandwich had their own Masonic Lodge, including Plano, Earlville, Yorkville, Leland, Somonauk, and Sheridan.
Today, Earlville Lodge no longer exists. Somonauk Lodge was merged into Meteor in the 1980s, and Leland Lodge just merged into our Lodge this year, having been in existence since 1867. In addition to Sandwich, Lodges in Plano and Yorkville are still active.
In addition to providing important fellowship and endless opportunities to members for self development and growth, Meteor Lodge has conducted charity work for the community since its inception. We continue this tradition today by providing scholarships to Sandwich and Somonauk high school students, making donations to local food pantries, performing springtime street clean ups, donating food and gasoline gift cards to the needy, and just last year, assisting in the delivering of food with the Franklin Mall Project.
Meteor Lodge maintains its stated meeting minutes books, dating back to our inception in 1858. The Lodge’s original fabric charter granted by the Grand Lodge of Illinois still hangs on the wall.
While the Lodge’s locations prior to 1928 are still under research, we do know that from 1928 to 1965, Meteor Lodge met above what is today Terpstra’s Floor Center, at 120 East Railroad Street. In October 1965, our Lodge moved into our present location at 301 East Center Street.
Who Are The Freemasons?
It’s impossible to document the history of Sandwich’s Meteor Masonic Lodge without understanding the Fraternity of Freemasonry as a whole.
Masonry in the United States came from England and has had a significant influence and impact on the history of our nation. Many of the founding fathers were Masons, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere.
Eight signers of the Declaration of Independence and thirteen signers of the Constitution were members of the Masonic fraternity. In total, fourteen U.S. presidents, and eighteen vice presidents have been Masons. This does not of course count the many members of Congress and famous men from many professions who had Masonic affiliations.
Two Masons have even walked on the moon: Buzz Aldrin and Edgar Mitchell. Any simple Google search of “Famous American Masons” will reveal an impressive list of members throughout history.
What Do Masons Believe?
If one were to examine the symbols of Freemasonry, they would notice that they are comprised of the actual hand tools of actual masons, including the Square, Compass, Level, Plumb, Ruler, and Trowel. Since the beginning of our nation’s history, Masons have used these tools, not as actual working devices of construction, but rather as symbols of a philosophy of life.
Men who become Masons dedicate themselves to being “square” with their fellow man, conducting themselves “on the level” with all whom they encounter, “plumbing” their lives with the virtues of the timeless principles of hope, faith & charity. The “trowel” is symbolic of our desire to “spread the cement of brotherly love” to all people.
Masonry is not a religion, as men of all faiths are members. However, Masons are required to believe in a “Supreme Being,” or what is known in Masonic circles as “The Architect of the Universe.” Simply put, Masons take a vow to live lives of meaning, purpose, and service to others.
Meteor Lodge Today
Some of our area’s finest and most upstanding men were members of Meteor Lodge 166 years ago, and that tradition continues today. Well known area residents, including James Weekly, Roger Tuttle, Bill Bryson, Chuck Miller, Joe Peterson, and other fine men, are active members. Meteor Lodge continues to attract men of all ages and occupations.
Meteor Lodge in Sandwich is alive and well in 2026, as we continue to look to the physical tools of actual masons as symbols of a philosophical way of life that puts into daily practice the timeless principles of faith, hope and charity.
Research & Sources
- DeKalb County History Center, Cornsilk, Fall 2024, Vol. 43, No. 3
- Meteor Masonic Lodge #283 (submitted history by Alexander Edwards)