The Grand Lodge was in existence in the year 1828, as is evident from a paper which we here present:

"KASKASKIA, April 10, 1829.

"Sir:–The Grand Lodge of Illinois having granted a warrant to the members of W. S. Lodge No. 107, formerly held under the Grand Lodge of Illinois, and the new Lodge having been installed on the 21th June last, I herewith enclose you the warrant of Lodge No. 107.

"CLEMENT C. CONWAY,

"Late W. M. W. S. Lodge 107.

"To the R. W. Grand Sec. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania."

From this time, until 1835, all is a blank as regards Freemasonry in Illinois. Fiery persecutions came, brother was arrayed against brother, foul-mouthed slander stalked abroad; enmity was engendered in the hearts of the people, and if those who held firmly to the teachings of the Fraternity held any meetings whatever, it was done so secretly, and in such manner, that the outside world knew nothing of it.

The Grand Lodge went down, and with it, its constitution. The last to doff its armor, was Western Star, the Alpha of Freemasonry in Illinois and Missouri, and for the time the Omega, as far as our own State is concerned.

Had the brethren, with that patience which characterized Masons during those stormy years, held on only three or four years longer, the Lodge which was organized in the year 1805 would to-day rank among the Lodges of not the weak Grand Lodge of 1826, but the strong, healthy, matured giant of 1868, the fourth Grand Lodge on the face of the earth.

But alas !

"The best laid plans of mice and men gang aft aglee."