Aurora Storage has a solution for every story – and we mean every story. Few organizations have as many stories as the Freemasons: the brotherhood stretches back centuries.
The Masonic Lodge tells 3 stories of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth. The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry carries 29 additional stories that they use as teaching tools to enrich human progress, liberty of thought, and freedom of conscience, as they build towards equal rights to all people everywhere. But the fellowship had a lot in store for the Chicagoland portion of their 53,000 Illinois members. The Lodge possesses precious artifacts that needed secure, streamlined storage to preserve the lineage for many years to come.
When the Chicago chapter of Scottish Rite moved to their new suburban headquarters, their architect, Leopardo Construction, reached out to Aurora Storage to accomplish their storage needs. There were other contractors up for the job, but it felt like a partnership in the making not only because of shared goals, but shared values.
“Picture two stones, one is perfectly square, the other fresh out of the quarry,” shares Lee Bradley of the Scottish Rite. “You take the stone from the quarry, and refine it – the membership helps you become a better person, and reflection to the world.”
We like to view our own mission the same way. Aurora Storage refines what is already present: we create storage solutions that optimize space and maximize efficiency, with the utmost safety and security, and complete respect for the valuables being stored. At our initial meeting with Scottish Rite, the brotherhood began when our presentation earned us the privilege to work together. There were books to organize, medallions to display, rolling racks of reunion T-shirts to showcase: we were right at home. We proposed our products and our plans for the space, and methods to preserve and display their precious artifacts.
“I was impressed with the ladies’ abilities and knowledge. They made us feel comfortable,” said Lee. “It was a great day: it opened minds to new ideas.”
We have ideas for any storage situation. Our Aurora Divider Units create adjustable compartments to your needs, whether it’s storing sandals, shirts or socks, or ceremonial garments. Shelving is always key: the Masonic wigs are better protected with less chance of damage when stored on shelves for quick retrieval – our shelves are even adjustable on 1.5 increments to facilitate all types of items, making hat and box units a perfect fit. And with Aurora Quik Roll doors, you’re easily able to secure your valuables. Simply open the doors in the morning, and lock them up at night.
We are experts in library shelving, and we got Scottish Rite up to study. Our Quik-Lok made for easy and versatile assembly, and patented WoodTek gave a professional finish. Our designs were flexible enough for additional accoutrements: Imperial Woodworking in Palatine made decorative wooden covers that worked seamlessly with the shelving.
“With Scottish Rite, it all depends on how much time you want to devote to the fraternity. The amount of time you put in is what returns a good job: the more you do, the better you will feel yourself. That’s what Aurora Storage has done for us.”
– Lee Bradley, Scottish Rite
There’s a desire to expand and optimize their storage space, and protect all their unfolding stories: from community betterment like college scholarships college scholarships and carousel pony rides, to mysterious tales of statues that move about at night.
We’ve got a feeling there are many more stories to tell with our brothers at Scottish Rite.