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 Welcome
to the official page for the Eureka Challenge, the Masonic knowledge
proficiency competition sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F.
& A.M. Here you’ll find information about this enjoyable, exciting
game which provides an opportunity for long-time Masons to apply their
knowledge of the Craft while also giving newer members the chance to
learn more about our Fraternity.
Developed in
2002-2003 by the Lodge Education/Programs Committee, the Eureka
Challenge is a unique platform for promoting and recognizing Masonic
knowledge. Equally important, this powerful education channel can be
used to convey virtually any subject matter the Grand Lodge wishes to
convey to Blue Lodge members.
The format for the Eureka Challenge was inspired by the account of
Pythagoras noted in our Masonic traditions, which reads: The
forty-seventh problem of Euclid was an invention of our ancient friend
and brother, the great Pythagoras, who, in his travels through Asia,
Africa and Europe, was initiated into several orders of priesthood, and
is said to have been raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. This
wise philosopher enriched his mind abundantly in a general knowledge of
things, more especially in geometry, or Masonry. On this subject he
drew out many problems and theorems; and among the most distinguished
he erected this, which, in the joy of his heart, he exclaimed Eureka!
signifying, in the Grecian language, I have found it; and upon the
discovery of which he is said to have sacrificed a hecatomb. It teaches
Masons to be general lovers of the arts and sciences.
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EUREKA CHALLENGE 2010 ROUND ONE RESULTS IN
A total of 175 lodges representing 64 of the state’s 70 districts squared off in
the first round of the Eureka Challenge, the masonic knowledge proficiency competition now in its seventh year. To conserve costs,lodges not participating in the previous year must now register no
later than December 31 to receive a packet of first round materials.
This year’s content is taken from the Short
Talk Bulletins, published by the Masonic Service Association since 1923 and
sent to each subscribing Illinois lodge.
Question in the first round were based on: About Individuals, Civic &
Patriotic, Historical and War.
District Champions are highlighted in
boldface in the table of results below by 1) highest score, 2) fastest time, and 3) lowest
number of days between postmark and participation date. Certificates are awarded based on scores as
follows: Hecatomb, 100 points; Corinthian, 90-95 points; Ionic, 80-85 points;
Doric, 70-75 points; Commendation, below 70 points.
While most District Champions posted perfect
100-point scores in an average time of 7:30, the average score for all lodges was
90 in an average time of 9:41. Two
lodges tied in the 10th Southern District: Washington No. 55 and Fairfield
No. 206, each scoring 100 in 9:00, and both advance to the second round.
Second round materials and District Champion
certificates were mailed in late April in a 9”x12” white envelope to the secretary’s
mailing address on file with the Grand Secretary’s office. A District Champion lodge must return completed
materials postmarked no later than June 30 to be eligible to advance to the
third round as one of five Area Champions.
Second round questions are based on Short
Talk Bulletin topics in the categories: Body of the Craft, Entered Apprentice,
Fellowcraft and Master Mason, spanning a wide range of information that most
brethren will be familiar with. Third
round questions will be based on: Literature, Philosophy, Religion and Symbols.
The third round is now conducted in the five
Area Champion lodges between August 1 and September 30, to enable more brethren
to participate and reduce travel expenses.
Area and State Champion certificates and the Pythagoras Traveling Trophy
will be presented at Grand Lodge on Saturday, October 9, 2010, in Springfield.
For more information or if your lodge is a
District Champion and has not yet received its second round materials, contact
Coordinator Paul Scheeler at: eurekachallenge@msn.com
Download the latest scores below:
- 2010 Round One Results for all lodges
- 2009 Round Three Results for all lodges
- 2009 Round Two Results for all lodges (Categorized by Area)
- 2009 Round One Results for all lodges (Categorized by Area)
- 2008 Round Two Results for all lodges (Categorized by Area)
- 2008 Round One Results for all lodges (Categorized by Area)
- Eureka Results 2004 - 2007
- Eureka Winners Photos - all
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