A Connection With the Past

Cover Photo: Craig’s grandpa, Ill. Robert A. Nadler, 33°, receives his 50-year certificate from Past Grand Master Dean Massey in 1992.

by Craig Froelich, 33°, MSA, Valley of Madison

I’m a third-generation Scottish Rite Mason. I had the privilege of joining the Valley of Madison in the class honoring my grandfather, Ill. Robert A. Nadler 33°, MSA, in 1998. He was there a year or so later as I stumbled through my first speaking role in the 16th degree, and the last meeting he ever attended was when I was installed as Sovereign Prince. Shortly after he passed in 2006, I was asked to join the Rose Croix line where my grandfather was a Past Most Wise Master. I still do the part of the Story of the Cross in the 18th degree, which he had done for years.

One of the things I cherish about the Scottish Rite is that there are men who were friends with my grandpa who became my friends and Brothers as well. Men I admire and respect found in him a mentor whom they admired and respected. I remember sitting at dinner with a Brother who talked for 10 minutes about what a great ritualist my grandpa was and how much he had learned from Grandpa. I never got to see him do any ritual. He wasn’t able by the time I got active, so it was great hearing those stories. To feel that connection through the generations is one of those things that makes the Scottish Rite so special to me.

My grandfather was a kind and generous man who lived his life according to our tenets. I couldn’t have hoped for a better example.

There was never any doubt in my mind that I would become a Mason. We were a Masonic family, and it’s what everyone did. All of the ladies were in Eastern Star, and all the men were Masons. Even as a kid, Grandpa told me stories of what Masonry meant to him. I had no idea what I was really getting into when, more than 22 years ago, he handed me a petition for Blue Lodge and simply said, “It’s time.” That first step set me on a path that has affected my life more than anything else. I’ve met some of the greatest men in the world and made friendships that are worth more than gold. I’ve learned—more in Masonry than anywhere else—about friendship, brotherhood, leadership, compassion, and, most importantly, about myself. I never needed to be sold on Masonry. My grandfather was a kind and generous man who lived his life according to our tenets. I couldn’t have hoped for a better example.