Shadrach Bond: Illinois' First Governor and First Grand Master

A Pioneer's Journey

Shadrach Bond's story is one of a true pioneer. Born in Maryland, he journeyed to the Illinois territory and quickly established himself as a prominent figure. His Masonic journey in his new home began on December 27, 1806, when he became a member by affiliation of Western Star Lodge in Kaskaskia, the first lodge established in the territory.

His leadership qualities were immediately apparent. He rose through the ranks of the lodge, serving as its presiding officer, or Worshipful Master, in 1815 and again in 1818. That second term as Master was particularly significant, as 1818 was the very year that Illinois was admitted into the Union as the 21st state. At the precise moment the state was being born, one of its key Masonic leaders was also one of its foremost political figures.

Governor Bond

With the advent of statehood, the people of Illinois looked to Bond for leadership, electing him as their first governor. He served from 1818 to 1822, tasked with the immense challenge of organizing a new state government, establishing laws, and charting a course for the future. His administration laid the essential groundwork for the state's development. It is impossible to separate his approach to governance from the principles he would have practiced in the lodge: a belief in order, a commitment to democratic process, and a deep sense of public service.

Grand Master Bond

Bond's dual leadership roles reached their zenith in 1822. As several new Masonic lodges took root in the young state, they came together to form the first Grand Lodge of Masons of Illinois. For the position of their first Grand Master, the man to lead and unify the fraternity across the state, the choice was clear. Worshipful Brother Bond was elected and elevated to the title of Most Worshipful Brother Shadrach Bond, the first Grand Master of Masons in Illinois.

The fact that Illinois's first governor was also its first Grand Master is not a mere historical coincidence. It is a powerful illustration of how deeply intertwined civic and Masonic leadership were in the founding of many American states. The same men who were drafting constitutions and building governments were also chartering lodges and building a fraternal society. They did not see these as separate activities. For them, both were essential efforts in the great project of constructing a virtuous republic. The lodge was a place to cultivate the character of the men who would then go out and build the state. Shadrach Bond's life is the ultimate embodiment of this powerful synthesis.

His legacy is foundational for both the state of Illinois and its Masonic fraternity. He set the enduring precedent for Masons to be active, engaged citizens, to seek out leadership roles, and to apply the principles of the Craft—integrity, service, and brotherhood—to the betterment of the world around them.