Following in His Footsteps: My Grandfather, A Freemason

For many of us, the Masonic journey began well before stepping foot in a lodge. It began with our fathers or grandfathers, whose dedication to Freemasonry inspired our decision to join the fraternity.

Over the past few months, we’ve collected inspiring stories of Masonic legacy to share with the Illinois Masonic community far and wide. We’ve received plentiful submissions from men looking to share their stories – this blog will share only part, with more compilations to come.

Keep reading to hear from Brothers whose Masonic ties have spanned decades and generations.

Brother Bruce Zaccanti

Geneva Lodge No. 139

Brother Bruce Zaccanti

Brother Zaccanti’s great-grandfater’s grave

“My grandfather and great-grandfather both passed when I was very young, 3-4 years old, respectively. They are both buried next to each other. I have been going to visit them since the age of 3. After my mom’s funeral years later, I looked to see the mark of a Master Mason on both my grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s headstones….So the quest began.

The weekend after being at the graves, I was at a wedding with my wife. Her best friend’s husband had on a Masonic tie clip, so I asked him if we could speak. He told me what was required and connected me with my local lodge to explore. Almost 9 months to the day and, ironically, 99 years to the day of my great-grandfather’s rising to Master Mason, I was raised to Master Mason!”

Brother Shain Miller

Blazing Star Lodge No. 458

Brother Shain Miller and Brothers at a lodge meeting

“My father Frank J. Miller is a Mason, and he inspired me to become a Mason. Best move I ever made in life.

I became a Mason because of my dad, and now I have two sons who are Master Masons. We all attend lodge and are all still living. I am currently a Worshipful Master. My father was also a 3-time Past Worshipful Master. Hopefully, one of my sons, or both, follow in the footsteps that have been put out for them.”

Brother Kraig Sullivan Sr

Lincoln Lodge No. 210

A framed photo of Brother Kraig Sullivan’s father

“Clifford ‘Sonny’ Sullivan was my father. I loved him, warts and all. He was not perfect, but none of us are. He helped me in Cub Scouts with my pinewood derby cars. He went hunting and fishing with me, teaching me the ins and outs of it also, along with my grandfather, who my father helped me with my little league games.

My father did the same for many of my friends. My father was a friend to many people, and then I found out that he was a Brother Mason. To be a Brother, you didn’t have to be related, and he showed me that in his actions. I saw him loaning money to some people, and he never expected to see the money back because that’s what Brothers do. At the time, I didn’t understand, but now I do.

God rest his soul. So mote it be.”

Brother Vance Martin

Mahomet Lodge No. 220

Brother Vance Martin with his father

My father joined Mt. Holly Lodge 14 in New Jersey in 1958 - I wasn't born until the early 1970s. As a kid, I loved going on errands with him, and I distinctly remember him going to local businesses in Jacksonville, IL, in the late ‘70s. He was selling ads for his yearly barbershop show. We would go into a business, and the owner was usually gruff and dismissive at first, but my father would shake his hand and lean over, and then the whole situation changed.

After several stops like that, I asked my dad why that was happening. He pointed to his ring and said he was in an organization, and that was their symbol. He also said that if I was ever lost or in trouble and saw a man with that ring, I should go up to him and tell them my dad was in that group, and they would help.

I remembered that and would often look to see if people at church, school, or other places in the community had that ring. As I grew up, I began to learn that many people my Dad associated with were part of this group, Freemasonry, and that you had to be 21 to join.

When I turned 21, I approached one of my Dad's friends, who I knew was in that group – it turned out he was a Master. That quickly led to a committee and setting up a 1st degree. In talking with WB John Hoagland, we decided to keep my joining a secret for 2 degrees. On the night of my 3rd, John called my Dad and said, “Bob, we need an extra guy for a third degree”.

My Dad had no idea until it was announced at the door. I'm sure he was perplexed as the lodge was filled, as everyone else knew. Afterward, he told me he was very proud and that I was continuing a tradition of his father and grandfather, which he'd never told me, and both of whom I'd never known.”

Brother Scott Trammel

Blazing Star Lodge No. 458

Brother Scott Trammel

“My father, Gary Trammel, passed away 2 years ago. He was a Past Master at Blazing Star Lodge No. 458 in Carrier Mills, Illinois. My Father was at my 3rd degree and assisted in raising me to The Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. My Father and I were able to attend Lodge together.

Today, I have been appointed to chairs, elected to Junior Warden, and elected to Senior Warden, currently sitting in the West in my second year. Someday, I may be elected to be the Master of the Lodge.”