History
1831
The community of Highland Illinois – Helvetia or New Switzerland is settled by Immigrants from Sursee, Switzerland Dr.Koepfli, his nephew Joseph Suppiger and 13 other immigrant families.
Joseph Suppiger’s nephew Robert Suppiger would later serve as the First Worshipful Master of Highland Masonic Lodge.
1860
Marine Masonic Lodge # 355 is Chartered the election of officers included Curtiss Blakeman, Treasurer. His son Curtis Blakeman Jr. is one of the founders of the Highland Lodge. Marine Lodge celebrated 150 years in 2010.
1867
Illinois Grand Lodge grants “Special Dispensation” for Marine Lodge #355 to form a Lodge in Highland. The Lodge met at the Blaltner residence located at the corner of Broadway and Zschokke.
1868
Highland Masonic Lodge # 583 is chartered October 10, 1868. Officers: Robert Suppiger, WM; H.M. Thorp, SW; Louis Kinnie, JW; Curtis Blakeman, Jr., Tres.; Gallus Rutz, Sec.; Otto Brodebeck, SS; Louis Appel, JS. The Lodge first met in the attic of the Louis Appel building 1013 Broadway - Broadway Tavern.
1872 & 1885
John Wildi came to America in 1872 founding the Highland Embroidery Works. Wildi later joined with Louis Latzer in the formation the Helvetia Milk Company where he served as the secretary / treasurer for 23 years. - Later to become the Pet Milk Company.
1887
The HML moved to the C.K. Kinnie Company - Grocery Building renting it for $150.00 per year.
1898
John and Louisa (Spindler) Wildi purchased three (3) city lots for $2,900.00. formerly the site of John Blattner's New Switzerland Hotel that had served weary Railroad travelers and Silkworm Farm.
Wildi commissioned M. O. Ulrich to build a French revival-style home and carriage house for his family which is now on the Historic Registry in Highland.
1920
After John’s death in 1910, Louisa donated her home for use as a new Masonic Temple in 1920. John was a member of the Lodge and Louisa a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
After receiving the building, the Lodge raised funds, some donated by the Wildi/Montgomery families, to build a three-story meeting room on the back of the house that was dedicated in 1921. The addition was carefully blended with the old to create a beautiful and imposing building. In the early days there were two bowling lanes in the basement and a professional kitchen. The main floor of the addition is a meeting room and the third floor has the Lodge Room. Several of the upstairs bedrooms have been converted to museum rooms that include prominent photographs of John and Louisa Wildi. The former Wildi home has now been home to Masonic Lodge #583 for over a century. The building is named the "John Wildi Masonic Temple" the lodge's fourth location.
1954
For over 65 years, Old Swiss Sausage Supper per year has been a continual fundraiser for the Board of Trustees and Lodge. Serving over 800 each year that’s over 61,200 servings of Sauerkraut Mmm!
1999
The first weekend in December is time for the annual Breakfast with Santa. Kids receive free photos with the Santa himself and the family can enjoy a full breakfast as well as view the Old Switzerland Model Train Clubs displays.
2018
Highland Masonic Lodge #583 celebrated it’s 150th Anniversary.
THANK YOU - to All the Family, Spouses, Children, and Friends who support their MEN in this Ancient and Honorable Fraternity know as Masonry. Your support has not gone unnoticed by us or the Grand Architect of the Universe.
2021
The John Wildi Masonic Temple continues to serve as the home of the Highland Masonic Lodge #583; and the Hannah Shrine #104 Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem.
Previous appendant bodies included - the Highland Chapter #524 of the Order of the Eastern Star; the Royal Arch Masons; Unity Court #21 Order of the Amaranth; Bethel #91 of the Order of the Jobs Daughters; and DeMolay.
2043
Save the date October 10, 2043 the 175th Anniversary. I'm sure we will at least have some Sauerkraut !
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