A Father & Son’s Bond Through Freemasonry
I grew up hearing my Dad (DeWitt) talk about his Uncle Grover, a Mason—a just man, but strong‑willed and outspoken. Dad worked in a factory and had to join the union, something Uncle Grover firmly opposed. Because of that, he withdrew his promise to help Dad attend the General Motors Kettering Institute in Flint. Dad had a young family to support, so he simply kept working and carried on.
Years passed, and Dad often mentioned wanting to become a Mason himself, though he never knew how to join. When I turned twenty‑one, I asked my boss, also a Mason, how one becomes a member. A petition appeared almost immediately, followed by an interview, and soon after, I was accepted. I was so happy to be accepted.
When I completed my Third Degree, Dad noticed the Master Mason ring on my finger. “What are you doing wearing that ring?” he asked, surprised. I showed him my dues card. “Well, son… I’m proud of you.”
Then came the question he had held inside for years: “How do I join?” Ah! The question – finally! I went to my car, retrieved the petition, and handed it to him. After reading it, he looked up and said, “Help me fill this out.”
Tears welled in my eyes. At last, I could give my father something he had longed for. I felt so blessed.
In the 1960s, Lansing Lodge No. 33 was known for its traveling Third Degree team. I was honored to portray King Solomon. We wore full costumes and makeup, traveling across the state to confer the degree with energy, zest, and, yes, a little hambone flair. We were warmly welcomed everywhere we went and always well fed. What memorable times!
One evening in Blue Lodge, Dad’s petition was read. When he was declared “Clear in the East,” he was brought into the lodge, a magnificent building filled with symbolism and purpose. How I do miss it.
Dad passed his first two degrees, and then came the Third, the one I had warned him about. On the drive to the lodge, I told him, “Go with the flow. You’re the star of the show. Just remember in Whom you put your trust.” He nodded, unsure but willing.
The lodge was packed. A son was about to raise his father.
Dad went through the degree beautifully. When the moment came, I took center stage, raised my father, and whispered the Grand Masonic Word in his ear. He repeated it back perfectly.
When his blindfold was removed, he looked at me with astonishment. “Son… is that you?” “I love you, Dad,” I said softly—but the entire silent lodge heard it.
He embraced me. “Son, you have made me so proud.” “Dad,” I replied, “I made you a Master Mason.”
As we held each other, I looked around the room. Not a dry eye in the lodge, including myself.
The applause that followed was thunderous, like a stadium after a winning touchdown. What a night!
After removing our makeup and regalia, we joined everyone in the dining hall for the best southern fried chicken our lovely ladies ever made. The mischievous Chicken Lifters were there too, causing their usual mayhem and giving Dad a hard time. He loved every minute of it.
He told me he never knew what went on inside that magnificent old building. Then he smiled and said, “I’m part of it now.”
This was a magnificent moment in my life—made possible through the Brotherhood and through the One in Whom we all place our trust.
With love to all,
Submitted by: Bro. Gary Wendorf