Pictured from left is Beverly Chase, Brandon Chase and James L Chase.

Five years ago Brandon Chase was in a dark and lonely place, struggling to find a path forward, following the unexpected death of his best friend.

“When I finally found the strength to emerge from that grief, I looked back at the examples of the men who shaped me, my grandfather, my Godfather, and close family friends,” Chase recollects.

Chase’s grandfather is James L. Chase and he has been a member of the Freemasons for 46 years. Five years ago, his grandson decided he wanted to follow his grandfather’s path and join the Craft himself. He joined his grandfather’s lodge, North Star Lodge 241, located in Starbrick.

When Brandon Chase would ask his grandfather for advice growing up, he would often answer with what he describes as classic Masonic advice, “You’ll get out of it what you put into it.” But his most profound advice wasn’t just his words, they were in his actions. It was the unspoken advice of a life well lived.

The Freemasons are one of the world’s oldest and most well known fraternal organizations. Freemasonry has a long history rooted in craftsmanship, moral philosophy, and brotherhood.

The organization traces its roots to the medieval stonemason guilds of Europe, particularly between the 12th and 16th centuries. These groups were composed of skilled craftsmen who built large cathedrals and castles. Over time, as the demand for such large-scale construction declined, these guilds began admitting non-stonemason members–but those who were interested in their values and traditions.

By the 18th century, they had transformed into more of a symbolic group, rather than one built on strictly the trade. In 1717, the first Grand Lodge was formed in London, forming the customs and rituals that continue today.

The central tenets of Freemasonry are brotherly love, relief (charity and service), and truth. Members strive to improve themselves through self discipline, education, and community involvement. These are the characteristics that Chase saw in his grandfather that he wanted in his own life.

“He doesn’t have to tell me to be a good man. He simply shows me by the way he carries himself everyday. This speaks to the very heart of why Freemasonry is important,” Chase continued.

When a local bottled water collection was forming for residents of Masons Mobile Home Park, one of the very first people to step forward to help was Mitchell Dinger, owner of Blackout Tint and Detail in Warren. He immediately started forming a plan and reaching out to a network of local men that he knew through the Freemasons.

One Saturday soon afterward, a small convoy of trucks was seen driving to Napoli Pizza in North Warren to deliver hundreds of gallons of water that the Freemasons had collected.

When asked what drew him to the Freemasons, Dinger thought about it and said, “I felt a pull toward something more. Something rooted in purpose, service, and connection.

The North Star Lodge celebrated their 175th anniversary last year and Chase is on a mission to open the lodge up more to the community and what they have to offer.

“For centuries, Freemasonry has been clouded by conspiracy theories. By being more open, Mason’s can replace the stigma of “secrecy” with the reality of privacy. Our “secrets” are primarily grips and passwords that help us recognize members locally and around the globe.”

Chase is currently the Worshipful Master at the North Star Lodge. The Worshipful Master is responsible for running meetings, guiding ceremonies, and overseeing the lodge’s activities. The word worshipful can sound religious, but in this context it’s an Old English term meaning “honorable” and “respected.” Freemasonry is not a religion but does require members to believe in a higher power, often referred to as the “Great Architect of the Universe.”

When many people locally think about the Freemasons they immediately think about the Fourth of July Parade. Chase rides with the Farrah Grotto Big Wheelers, who ride on three wheeled drift trikes. To join Farrah Grotto, you must first be a Freemason.

“It is an absolute blast! Unlike our Shriner brothers, who are known for their highly rehearsed, precision timed maneuvers, we mostly wing it. We don’t have a formal practice routine, instead we focus on being spontaneous and high energy,” Chase said. “While we are out there having fun, it all serves to bring visibility to the Grotto and the vital work we do for children’s dental help and those with special needs in the community.”

Throughout American history, many of our most recognized leaders and celebrities have been members of the Freemasons. They include George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, John Wayne, Arnold Palmer, Shaquille O’Neal, and Colonel Sanders. Your name could be added to this list.

Masons like to say “To be one, ask one.” If you know a freemason, talk to them about it. You can also contact your local lodge or the Grand Lodge in Philadelphia.

“My only regret is that I didn’t join sooner. I encourage anyone looking for the same level of purpose to visit their local lodge or reach out to me. Look into starting your own journey. You won’t regret it,” Chase concludes.

On today, May 2, Lodge members will be walking the “Masonic Mile,” which will be a one mile walk around downtown Warren, visiting former lodge locations around town and discussing history of the North Star Lodge and of Warren itself. The public is invited to join the walk, meeting in the Midtown Parking lot at 10:45 am. The walk starts at 11.

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