In 1997, I moved to Pleasanton, California to work for a company called ProBusiness. It is there I met and worked with a friend who happened to be a brother of Pleasanton Lodge #321. I hadn’t known of Roger Deming’s affiliation until we had been friends for two years when he mentioned that he had an event to attend on a particular night. That’s when I asked the question, “So, I’ve always wondered what masonry was all about.” This let to my knock on the door of the preparation room November 17, 1999. After my initiation I was beyond intrigued and the one thing that stuck in my head from the beginning was the common phrase, “making good men better”.
I was raised on May 27, 2000 at the historic old west mining town of Columbia, California, lodge #28. It’s an excellent historic park that has remained the same since the gold rush of ’49. Park personnel even dress and act the part which is very fun for everyone. Past Master Bob Werner served as master with my good friend Roger Deming as Senior Warden. It was the most incredible experience, one I will never forget. Even today, I make every attempt to conduct degrees in the same manner in which I received them, to pass on the experience and make them just as meaningful to our newly initiated brother as mine were to me.
After moving to SoCal 8 years later and finally planting new roots in Santa Clarita in 2009, I visited the Old West lodge. I immediately felt at home with new brothers and completed my affiliate transfer in 2012. This is when another Roger (Puckett) brought to my attention the Grotto. This new aspect of masonry intrigued me again, being dubbed the entertaining part of masonry. I didn’t know what to expect, and still don’t as every meeting is different. But the truth remains, they are all entertaining.
Masonry has played a large part in my life since that day in 1999, much of which I’ve incorporated in what I do. I have made many lifelong friends through masonry and take great pride in meeting brother of the craft everywhere I travel. I have also made a conscious decision to become more involved whenever possible, truly believing masonry makes good men better. However, I may need to refrain from talking to any more Roger’s. They seem to have an effect on getting my interest in joining organizations.
Yours in fellowship,
Kevin Kordes
Cinema Grotto 