I’ve been fortunate to have many brothers that have been guides and have inspired my journey in Freemasonry; however, the story of my first introduction to Masonry, I think, is the most compelling.

I had visited my grandfather’s grave, and I noticed he had a square and compass on his gravestone. He had passed when I was young, so I had never had an opportunity to discuss his involvement, but finding the symbols on his gravestone piqued my curiosity.

At the time, I was in a Facebook group that was mainly veterans, and for some reason, I felt inspired to inquire if any of the members were Masons. I didn’t expect much of a response, but I asked if someone would be willing to help me.

Mind you, this group was filled with people, especially veterans, from all over our nation. Even though I had replies from multiple people, one member was local, and he reached out to me with a personal message.

After a short conversation, we planned to meet to discuss Freemasonry in person. That individual was WB Aaron Taylor. We met at a local cigar bar with a few other members of Porter Lodge, and after that night, I knew I was destined to pursue the light.

My next experience with Freemasonry wasn’t as encouraging. I had been told to come to the lodge to meet the brothers for dinner; however, when I entered the lodge, I was told I had to leave.

They were holding a mentoring session and they had not been informed I’d be coming. Honestly, someone else might have been discouraged, but it really just solidified my determination to find out what this group was about.

Needless to say, I spent several months after that night visiting the lodge to ensure it was where I felt I needed to be with my Masonic journey.

I bring all this up to set the stage. I had met a complete stranger to discuss Masonry because I had found a symbol on my grandfather's gravestone. I had been told to leave the lodge on my first interaction with members. I spent a while visiting the lodge before I applied to make sure I felt I was doing the correct thing for myself.

On the night of my Entered Apprentice degree, WB Aaron told me he wouldn’t be able to attend because of work. I’ll be honest, I was disappointed.

As I sat in the dining room waiting for something to happen, the doors opened, and WB Aaron Taylor entered. He had taken off work to make sure he could be at my first degree. More impressive, he was filling in as Senior Deacon. I cannot express how meaningful his presence was to me and how it has contributed to my journey.

I barely knew him, and he had taken the time not only to inspire me to petition the lodge but also to take time away from his work to be the Senior Deacon of my first degree.

This act has stayed with me throughout my journey and has continued to remind me to try to make every interaction with brothers or possible candidates something special. Our interactions with the men who walk through our doors should be special, regardless if they are members of the fraternity or men seeking light.

WB Aaron made my journey special, and he continues to be an inspiration to my travels. I ask every one of you to try to be an inspiration to another man the way WB Aaron changed my life.

Robert Easton, PM