“Today’s tools for the modern Freemason.”
A Masonic themed channel for the intellectually curious. 💡
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Biography
Personal Background: Born in 1989 at Illinois Masonic Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, Brother Justus has cultivated a life enriched
by diverse interests and accomplishments.
A professional musical artist by trade, Justus is also an avid traveler and a discerning collector of various curiosities, focusing on antique books related to Freemasonry, fraternal regalia, and ephemera documents.
Masonic Journey: Brother Justus embarked on his Masonic journey just before his 28th birthday. He was initiated into the fraternity on September 11, 2017, at Barrington Lodge No. 522. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in January 2018. His dedication to the craft quickly became evident as he served as the Lodge Education Officer for three consecutive years (2020-2023). Before this role, he contributed his skills as a freelance photographer, capturing various lodge events in Barrington, Illinois.
In the same year of his initiation, Brother Justus expanded his Masonic involvement by joining the Scottish and York Rite bodies. Since then, he has become a respected voice in Masonic circles, contributing articles to various Masonic publications in Illinois and presenting lectures at numerous Masonic events. His expertise and insights have also been shared on the WCPT 820 AM talk show “Think Theory Radio” in Chicago. He also hosts a Masonic-themed YouTube channel, “Modern Working Tools,” featuring internationally recognized Masonic authors as guests.
Memberships:
- Barrington Lodge No. 522 - Life Member
- Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago
- Fox River Chapter No. 14 - Life Member
- James C. Lovig Sr. Council No. 130 - Life Member
- Aurora Commandery No. 22
- St. Bridget Council No. 23 - Knight Masons - Life Member
- Edward A. Rund No. 571 - Allied Masonic Degrees - Charter Member
- Holy Order of High Priesthood - Illinois - Life Member
- Royal Order of Scotland - Life Member
- Medinah Shrine - Black Horse Troop Unit (Demit)
- High Twelve International - Burning Styx Club
- Sciots - IL. Pyramid No. 1 - Life Member
- Illinois Lodge of Research - Life Member
- Michigan Lodge of Research - Correspondence Member
- Grand College of Rites
- Illinois College - S.R.I.C.F.
- Order of Demolay - (Honorary member)
Positions Held:
- Lodge Education Officer - Barrington Lodge No. 522
- Excellent High Priest - Fox River Chapter No. 14
- Illustrious Deputy Master (I.D.M.) - James C. Lovig Sr. Council No. 130
- Sovereign Master - Edward A. Rund No. 571 - A.M.D.
- Editor - Illinois Lodge of Research
- Assistant Librarian - Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago
- Contributing Writer - The Lyceum, Illinois Freemasonry Magazine, Illinois Lodge of Research
- District Education Officer - 2nd-NE - Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F.& A.M.
- AASR- Valley of Chicago- “Rite Guide Mentor” (2024-2025)
Committees:
- Masonic Education Committee (2022-2024) - Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F.& A.M.
Awards and Recognitions:
- Masonic Education Award (2021) - Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F.& A.M.
- Lodge Builder Award (2022) - Barrington Lodge No. 522
- Royal Arch Masons Education Award (2022) - Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Illinois
- Hauts Grades Academy - Level 3 (2024) - Northern Masonic Jurisdiction - Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite
- Illinois Lodge of Research - Active Award (2023)
- Master Craftsman - Ritual and History Course (2024) - Southern Masonic Jurisdiction Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite
For bookings, contact, or general inquiries:
E-Mail: modernworkingtools@gmail.com
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/@modernworkingtools