Know Thy Brother

Bro. Steven L. Keller

Past Worshipful Master & Past District DeputyLaurel Lodge No. 13

How long have you been a Mason? I was raised 27 years ago in May 1997 in Oakland Lodge No. 16.

Who did you ask for a petition, and why?In 1992, I moved next door to a Master Mason from Roseburg, and it sounded very interesting. My cousin Joe Keller went to Oakland Lodge No. 16. Joe had never given out a petition, and it was a lifelong goal to do so. I decided to join his Lodge. Sadly, he passed away before I was able to sit in Lodge with him and my Brother.

What Lodges and appendant and concordant bodies do you belong to?I have a life membership at Laurel Lodge No. 13. In 2000, I joined Scottish Rite, then six months later, I joined Hillah Shrine. Today, I am the Potentate.

How has Masonry influenced your life?The backbone of Masonry with good men of like belief just helps reaffirm my beliefs in Christianity.

How has Masonry changed?With membership down, Lodges are combining and struggling to find interested and knowledgeable Masons for lectures and Degree work. It can be challenging to find coaches for candidates. In the past, many Brothers were fluent in the work, Degrees; it was really a fun time to sit and listen. Personally, my favorite role is King Solomon, which I’ve done 10-15 times.

Any words of wisdom for today’s Mason?Stick with it, learn the Degree work, and spend time in the Blue Lodge before you move on to the Shrine. The Blue Lodge is the foundation; it’s the building block of all the appendant and concordant bodies. If we don’t build the Blue Lodge, we have nothing to look forward to. Go through the chairs if you are so inclined, and then move on to some of the other groups.