For many new Freemasons, the first time we walk into a Lodge room – the first few times, for that matter – can be overwhelming. There is so much history and tradition to learn and discover, and so many new faces to meet. The journey of a Freemason is one of continuous learning and personal growth. This should be cherished, of course. But it’s the unwavering brotherhood and the lifelong friendships that keep us coming back, year after year.

Finding your footing in Lodge can take time. But rest assured that those brethren who have been members of the fraternity for a long time remember what it was like when they first joined. Right Worshipful Brother Angelo Deserio, Senior Grand Deacon for the Grand Lodge of Illinois A. F. & A. M. certainly remembers.

His Masonic journey began in 2004 and has blossomed into an inspiring 20-year journey. He has belonged to several lodges in Illinois and served and served the grand jurisdiction at the District level and as a Grand Lodge officer. His passion for Freemasonry has led him to become a distinguished leader in our fraternity, and he is characteristically eager to share his advice for new Freemasons as they embark on this noble path.

For those new Brothers curious about what lies ahead, Brother Deserio’s tenure can shed some light on what opportunities and experiences await them as an Illinois Freemason. He draws from his deep understanding of Masonic principles to provide insights to guide our new members as they begin their own Masonic journey.

Thank you for your time today, Brother Deserio. What inspired you to become a Freemason, and what has your journey within the fraternity been like so far?

I joined Freemasonry on May 1, 2004, as the result of a serendipitous conversation with a friend during a party. He was wearing a Masonic ring, and while I had heard about Freemasonry before, I didn’t know much about it. I was intrigued, was looking for something to do, and so I asked him about it. He gave me an application and now 20 years later, here I am!

Initially, I joined Landmark Lodge No. 422 but currently belong to but currently belong to Matteson Lodge No. 175, Green Dragon Lodge No. 821, and Jacques DeMolay Lodge No. 1919. My first real appointment as a Freemason was in 2008 when I was made a Grand Representative to Bosnia and Herzegovina. A year later I first got involved in the Grand Lodge when I was appointed a District Deputy Grand Master. Ever since, I’ve been involved in the Grand Lodge and our committees, and I’ve never looked back.

For new Masons just starting their journey, what advice would you offer them as they navigate through their early experiences in Freemasonry?

If you’re thinking about joining, stop thinking about it, and just do it. The journey that you are about to experience, the worldwide, lifelong friendships you will be a part of can be matched by nothing and no one. Having the ability to reach out and get a hold of somebody and get any support that you need, even if it’s just a phone call, is something you will never get from any other organization. The experience in Freemasonry is unmatched.

To men who have already joined, I want to say congratulations and encourage you to enjoy every step of the journey. Take it all in, understand what you are a part of, and come back and support what we do at Lodge, in your communities, and through our charities.

Lastly, you have to enjoy every step. If you aren’t enjoying it, there is no sense in joining anything. If you find yourself losing that joy, just sit back and think about how you can bring that feeling back. Maybe you can become an officer in the Lodge or help with one of the charities. There was a reason why you joined in the first place. Try to go back and see how you can recapture that joy.

Could you share a memorable lesson or experience from your time as a Mason that significantly impacted you personally?

I tell this story to anyone who will listen:

I joined Freemasonry through a Grand Master’s festival, so I received all three degrees in one day. I had a young family at the time, so when the opportunity arose to take all the degrees at once, I took it. Six days later, I went to my very first lodge meeting where I was seated at a table near several senior members of the fraternity. They quickly became great mentors, friends, and Brothers who I will love forever, but at the time, they remarked that members who join through a Grand Master’s festival never come back and take time to contribute to the fraternity.  

At that moment, I made a promise to myself that I would make them all proud, I would learn the work and what it takes to be a Mason - and I think I’ve done pretty well. Brother Glen Snyder, Brother Jay Fairmark, and Past Grand Master Anthony Cracco were great friends and mentors. While members seated at the table that night have all passed, unfortunately, I’m eternally grateful for everything they’ve done for me. For their undying support and kind words of encouragement, I cannot thank them enough.

Freemasonry places importance on personal growth and development. How have you seen this aspect manifest in your own life since becoming a member?

In my early days as a Freemason, my mentors provided a lot of instruction about how to act in the non-Masonic world. Before I retired, I was a concrete materials inspector supervisor. My mentors gave me a lot of advice on how to interact with bosses and leaders, business owners, agencies, and multiple inspecting companies. Freemasonry taught me how to temper myself, to think twice before speaking once, how to better interact with people and become a better man.

In your opinion, what are some of the most valuable contributions Freemasonry can offer to both its members and society as a whole, especially for those who are just beginning their Masonic journey?

I’ve always said and always will say that in Illinois our charities are second to none. They can’t be matched anywhere you go or in any other organization you can belong to.

With that being said, the fellowship with the great Brothers across this state is right up there with the charities. I have made friends who are, hopefully, lifelong friends who I can support, and they can support me in any endeavors in our lives. To me, fellowship is the best part of being a Freemason. I love being with my Brothers, spending time with them and their families, and enjoying each other’s company as much as possible.

Is there anything else you would like to say to our new members?

Just that they should know we are always thinking of them. We truly want them to have the best experience they can have so they can participate, and bring their friends to join and be part of this journey.