On Monday, May 11, 1857, the Brethren named in the dispensation met at Whitney's Hall, located on the southwest corner of Main and Market Streets, and opened the first meeting of the Lodge.

A charter was granted by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Illinois on October 7, 1857, in the name of Western Star Lodge No. 240.

The Origin of the Lodge Name

Western Star No. 1, A.F. and A.M., was the first Lodge in Illinois, located on Kaskasia Island (also known as Illinois' first state capital), on the Western frontier. Western Star No. 1 received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on December 14, 1805 and its members went on to form the Grand Lodge of Illinois.

On February 7, 1829, the Mississippi River flooded and destroyed the town of Kaskasia, and Western Star No. 1 was never restablished.

Western Star No. 240 perpetuates the name, and the memory, of this pioneer lodge.

Locations of Western Star No. 240

1857-1865 Whitney's Hall, southwest corner of Main and Market
1866-1869 Gardner's Building, 5 Main St.
1869-1871 Mather Block, 65-67 Market Street
1872-1898 Bailey's Block, 47-49 Neil St.
1899-1913 Masonic Temple, 20-22 Main St.
1914-1970 Masonic Temple, 202-204 W. Hill St.
1974-present Masonic Temple, 14 Bel-Air Ct.

Copies can by obtained from W.B. Godwin.