My grandfather was a Shriner (32nd degree of Free Masonry). He was also a member of the Consistory (from the 19th to 32nd degree of Free Masonry) and a mason. He was proud of his heritage of being a member and of his father, grandfather, and great grandfather also being members. He was also given to using his membership to an advantage whenever the occasion arose. I remember one time on a family vacation, Grandpa being pulled over for speeding. He rolled down his window and flashed his Consistory Ring in the traffic policeman’s eyes. (Good thing it was a sunny day). He was let off with a warning.

Below is the Michigan Masonic Monitor and Ceremonies book my grandfather received when he completed his 3rd degree (1916) and became a full-fledged Mason. The book was inscribed by his mother’s brother, Llewelyn Lee, who just happened to be the Worshipful Master of the Redford Lodge (this was the family’s Lodge, a lot of members of the Lee family paid dues there).