About Us
High Twelve
The purpose of this non-political, non-sectarian organization is to provide Master Masons opportunities to serve civic, patriotic, and humanitarian causes and institutions through fellowship, interesting programs, and projects. High Twelve was founded in Sioux City, Iowa on May 17, 1921
by a very special citizen, a minister, and a Mason, E.C. “Wallie” Wolcott.
Bro. Wolcott passed away in 1975 at the age of 94.
Bro. E. C. Wolcott
FOUNDER
Today, there are over 12,000 members actively having fun, fellowship, and doing good both in their communities and around the world. Although there are international and state-level organizations, the heart of High Twelve is at the local club level. Here, Masons and often their spouses join together either weekly or monthly to have lunch, hear an interesting and informative speaker, take care of some business, and generally just have a enjoyable time.Most clubs have chosen to support one or more local charities, a youth group, or provide service to the community such as providing wheel chairs and hospital beds as needed.
While certainly commendable, weI think one of most exciting charitable endeavors, supported by almost all clubs, is the Wolcott Foundation. At each meeting a club passes around a “Little Red Schoolhouse” to collect a dollar or two from the members.Annually, this money is forwarded to the Foundation to maintain its endowment.
In turn, the Foundation provides Fellowships to graduate students at George Washington University (D.C.) who are taking their degrees in the Elliott School of International Affairs, School of International Business, or School of Public Administration. Depending on endowment earnings in a given year, the Wolcott Foundation provides 10-12 Fellowships, each in the amount of $40,000. This covers the tuition and fees for the recipient’s full Masters Degree. It is not a loan but a grant not to be repaid if the recipient, upon graduation, is employed for the following four years in any level of government service.
As you might imagine, the competition for these Fellowships is fierce and the committee continually faces the challenge of carefully evaluating the many applicants.All Master Masons are invited to attend a High Twelve club meeting and experience what we are all about.
In the news
Elm Hurst High Twelve Club Receives Their Charter
On Tuesday, March 18th, Elm Hurst High Twelve Club received their charter during the lodge meeting of Elm Hurst. Past Presidents Tim Blythe and Mark Nokes presented their charter as well as installed the new officers. Congratulations to the new club!
In Memorium of Past State President David Liesen
Club President Dan Disselhorst of Quincy receives a check from State President John Blondell on behalf of the State Association on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The check for $100 was presented to the club in memory of Past State President David Liesen who passed away in February. Bro. Liesen was a past club president of Quincy High 12 Club and served in many roles in the Masonic Fraternity.
Illinois Mid-Year Meeting
Clubs and officers met in Mattoon on Saturday, March 15th for our Mid-Year meeting. Mattoon High Twelve Club hosted the event at Mattoon Masonic Lodge #260. Many items were discussed at our meeting such as club reports, state officer reports, International High 12 by-law proposed changes and the updcoming annujal meeting for the association in August. Likewise, the upcoming International High 12 annual meeting will be held in Orlando, Florida in June. The state officers want to thank Mattoon High 12 Club for hosting the meeting.
Pictured from Left to Right...Past State Presidents John Peter Curielli (current International General Counsel), Tim Blythe, Stephen Pringle, Mark Nokes (Past International President), current President John Blondell, Secretary Charlie Coffey, Ron Thomason, Dean Lillis and Terry Hills (current International 2nd Vice President).