Loyalty to My Brothers and Freemasonry: Real Stories from Illinois Brethren
Today, Freemasons across Illinois are celebrating Masonic Membership Visibility Day 2025, a day to proudly show our commitment to the Craft and the Brotherhood that binds us together.
This year’s theme, “Loyalty to My Brothers and Freemasonry,” speaks to the steadfast support, trust, and respect we share within our fraternity. It’s found in the Brother who quietly shows up when you need him most, in the friendships that bridge miles and decades, and in the Lodges that welcome you like family.
In honor of this day, we asked Brethren from across the state to share personal moments when they experienced that loyalty firsthand. The stories below are honest, heartfelt, and powerful reminders of what it means to be part of our ancient and honorable fraternity.
As we celebrate today, may these stories inspire us all to carry the light of loyalty forward in our Masonic journey.
Jim Woodward – Streator Lodge No. 607
In September 2000, my daughter was killed by a drunk driver. I was devastated, lost, and in a dark place. My mentor—my Masonic dad—Brother Donald (Don) Dean Carpenter, saw this and told my wife, “I’m going to keep him busy. He needs that.”
Brother Woodward’s mentor and friend, Brother Donald (Don) Dean Carpenter
From that moment, Don took me everywhere. A past AADGM, he had invitations to Masonic events across the Northern Area. On any given night, he’d call and ask, “What are you doing tonight, Jim?” My answer was always, “Going somewhere with you, right?”
For nine years, that routine kept me sane and alive. Don loved traveling but didn’t like to drive at night, so he’d drive us there, and I’d bring us home, often in his brand-new Cadillacs. When he grew ill with bladder cancer, he never forgot me. When my father passed, he came to the lodge gathering for me.
For nine years, Don Carpenter "kept me busy" as he promised he would. When Don died in 2011, the light he’d kept shining for me went out. He was a friend, a brother, and a mentor—proof that in our darkest moments, a Brother’s hand can guide us back. I miss him every day, and even now, tears flow as I remember what he did for me.
Thank you, Don, for all you did for me. I don't think I would have found my way without you.
Lance Welter – Wayfarers Lodge No. 1001, Charter Member of Jacque DeMolay 1919
Years ago, as director for an environmental engineering firm, I facilitated a tense meeting in New Orleans between the Army Corps of Engineers and Mississippi towboat pilots. The Corps wanted to license them; the pilots—many Cajun—wanted no part of it.
It was explained to me that the meeting would be contentious from the start, and it was. The first morning did not go well for me at all. I was unable to get either group to address the issues. Frustrated, I called a break. As I was trying to figure out a strategy to make this meeting somewhat successful, several pilots approached. I introduced myself, offered my hand, and one noticed my Masonic ring. He showed me his, then the others did the same—we were all Masons.
Needless to say, the rest of the meeting went smoothly. Neither party got what they were looking for, but in the end, they understood each other's point. That evening, my new Cajun Brothers showed me their lodge, local eateries, and gave me a good understanding of the towboat business, which was extremely interesting.
We left as friends and Brothers. Unfortunately, due to Katrina, I lost touch with most of them, but it was a day and night I will always remember.
Allen Bell — Prairie Lodge No. 77
A life member and Past Master of Paris Lodge No. 268, I moved from Illinois to Alaska to follow my adventurous daughter, knowing no one there. Freemasonry opened the door. I was welcomed into lodges in Sitka and Juneau, found fellowship, and was honored with an appointment as District Deputy and the 33rd degree. For this traveling man, Masonry turned strangers into true friends.
Mike Teramani – DC Cregier Lodge No. 81
I’ve been self-employed for years, working with a variety of tradespeople. One of them was Ron Reading, an electrician with a small business of his own. We collaborated on many projects over the years, and I’d often ask him about a ‘certain meeting’ he attended. His response was always the same: “You’re not ready.”
When the 2007–2008 housing crash hit, work dried up. Ron invited me to 417 Harvester Court in Wheeling, where a new Masonic temple was being built. I spoke with several members, and they chose my small company to help build the interior of their new space. As the project progressed, I got to know more of the guys and became curious: What’s this fraternity really about? They offered me a petition, and I joined.
It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made—bringing friendships, values, and purpose that began with nothing more than a job site and a handshake.
Charles Kenneth Simpson – Prairie Lodge No. 77
I wear a powerful hearing aid. I am diabetic, have epilepsy, am a polio survivor with mobility issues, have a pacemaker, and live with benign nerve tumors. Through it all, the Brothers of East Central Illinois have mentored and supported me. I’ve never considered myself handicapped, and neither have they. Thank you, Brethren, for helping me improve myself and be useful to the fraternity.
Adam Babicz – Oriental Lodge Lodge No. 33
Brother Babicz and his Brothers
I was initiated in 2004 while living in Chicago during my legal scholarship (LL.M) at Chicago-Kent College of Law. My Masonic journey began as a personal pursuit of character, structure, and purpose - it quickly evolved into one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. From that moment forward, I was welcomed into a community of Brothers whose values mirrored my own: integrity, harmony, a commitment to self-improvement, and loyalty to one another.
Over the past two decades — through personal milestones, professional challenges, and geographic moves — I have kept in regular contact with several Brothers from those early years. Our conversations, shared travels, and mutual support represent more than fraternal connection; they are a legacy of trust and loyalty that endures time and distance.
Today, in 2025, I look back with gratitude at the consistent presence of friendship and brotherhood brought into my life through Freemasonry. The values I learned in my lodge continue to influence my conduct as a family man and professional, now based in Warsaw, Poland. Despite being thousands of miles from Illinois, I still feel very much a part of that original circle of Masonic influence, and I remain an ambassador of our shared principles abroad.
This fraternity has given me more than I expected. It has given me Brothers I can rely on, memories that reinforce purpose, and a sense of identity deeply anchored in fidelity. That, for me, is the true meaning of loyalty within Freemasonry — a loyalty to ideals, to relationships, and a lifelong commitment to improvement.
Marlee Ware – Oak Forest Lodge No. 832
Brother Ware with his Brothers as part of a St. Patrick’s Day parade
My journey began a year ago when I submitted an inquiry online. I was connected to Oak Forest Lodge and greeted warmly on my first visit. Every question was answered, and I learned the lodge’s rich history. I was given a tour and a rich history of Harvey Lodge, where Oak Forest originated. I met all the Brothers who were present that day—each of them was welcoming, knowledgeable, and kind.
What stood out most to me was the clear and powerful display of brotherhood and fraternity. At that moment, I knew I had found where I belonged. I began attending every Monday, learning and seeking more light.
I demonstrated my commitment by showing up consistently every Monday for nearly a year. During that time, I dedicated myself to learning and seeking more light. Before I knew it, I had reached the sublime degree of Master Mason—and I cannot express how honored and grateful I am to be part of this timeless brotherhood.
Corey Judd — Elmhurst Lodge No. 941
As a devoted Brother of the Craft, I have seen firsthand how loyalty shapes not only our fraternity but also our personal growth. For me, loyalty is the cornerstone upon which Freemasonry stands. It’s deeper than words, honoring both the individual Brother and the collective light we strive to kindle. It is the sacred duty of unwavering support, trust, and respect for those who walk this ancient path beside us.
I experienced this truth during my class for floor work, when I was struggling with specific maneuvers. The frustration and embarrassment were visible, and I felt exposed, not just to my Brothers, but to myself. In that moment, a Brother saw my struggle and shared words that became a guiding light:
“You are not here to impress anyone but yourself. You are here to refine who you are. You are here for you, and then for your Brothers.”
That simple truth ignited a fire within me. It was not about perfection or showmanship. It was about growth, resilience, and commitment to the Craft and the Brotherhood.
That day planted a seed of profound truth within me. From that moment forward, I carried in my heart the mantra that I am here solely for myself. First, to break away the rough, superfluous parts that cloud my spirit and dim my purpose. This sacred process of self-refinement is the very foundation upon which my loyalty stands.
I learned that loyalty is not about external validation or impressing others. It is about committing to a higher standard within myself so that I may stand strong and true for my Brothers. It is a continuous journey of shedding what is unnecessary, cultivating what is essential, and offering the best version of myself to the Craft and the fraternity.
That experience transformed my understanding of loyalty. It is not a burden or mere duty. It is a circle of care and encouragement, where Brothers lift each other through moments of doubt and challenge. Inspired by their support, I now carry that flame forward, ready to stand for others just as they stood for me.
Freemasonry has gifted me structure and focus. Through its teachings and discipline, I have found a foundation that anchors my studies and my purpose. The lessons of the Craft sharpen my mind and steady my spirit, guiding me toward self-improvement and a clearer path in life.
Dale Brandon — Shipman Lodge No. 212
When my grandfather, a fellow Mason, passed, nearly 100 Brethren attended his funeral. Their presence brought comfort in my grief. As the months continued, I found it a struggle to go to Masonic events without my grandfather. One Brother, Kevin Buel, continued to reach out to me. Due to his comforting words and persistence, I started attending again.
Jamiron Price - Ravenswood Lodge No. 777
Brother Price and his Brothers
There are moments in life when the weight of the world feels unbearable—when the path ahead is clouded, and the strength to move forward seems to wane. It was during such a time that I found myself struggling, caught in the storm of life’s challenges. But in that darkness, I discovered the unwavering light of brotherhood—shining brightly from the hearts of my Masonic Brothers at Ravenswood Lodge No. 777.
I will never forget how Brother Joe Maas, with quiet strength and a listening ear, reached out to me, not out of obligation, but out of genuine care. His words were few, but his presence spoke volumes. Worshipful Master Luis Gallegos, a beacon of leadership and compassion, reminded me that true strength lies not in standing alone but in leaning on those who walk beside you. And Brother Edilberto Vazquez, with his warm spirit and steady encouragement, offered me a shoulder to lean on when I needed it most.
These men didn’t just offer support—they embodied the very essence of Faith, Hope, and Charity. They reminded me that Faith is not just belief in a higher power, but trust in the bonds we share. That Hope is not a distant dream, but the strength we give each other to keep moving forward. And that Charity is not just giving—it’s being present, being kind, and being loyal.
As I journeyed from Entered Apprentice to Master Mason, these brothers walked with me every step of the way. They didn’t just teach me the rituals—they lived them. They showed me what it means to be a better man, not through words, but through action. Through their leadership, they cultivated a lodge where no Brother is left behind, where every man is uplifted, and where the ties that bind us are forged in trust, respect, and love.
The Ravenswood Lodge No. 777 is more than a building—it is a sanctuary of growth, a forge of character, and a family bound not by blood, but by purpose. The leadership within our lodge ensures that every brother is seen, heard, and valued. They lead not from above, but from beside us—lifting us when we fall, guiding us when we stray, and celebrating with us when we rise.
Today, I stand with deep gratitude in my heart. Gratitude for the Brothers who stood by me when I couldn’t stand on my own. Gratitude for the lessons, the laughter, the tears, and the triumphs. And above all, gratitude for the loyalty that defines our Brotherhood.
In the sacred light of Masonry, I found not just a path, but companions for the journey. And for that, I am forever loyal.
