When is a Man a Mason?
There are many explanations about Freemasonry. What it means to the individual man, its purposes and ideals, and yet often time the individual Mason struggles with explaining the nuances of the craft and its effect on them. It can mean something different to each one of us as we travel life’s road and over time the meaning of our art changes as we age. The inspiration and understanding we derive from Freemasonry evolves over time as we grow in the fraternity.
The film “When is a Man a Mason” was produced for several reasons.
First, for the Man who maybe interested in joining our craft as a Mason, to show them the beautiful and striking effects masonry can have on a good man as he strives to become a better man through our ritual and tenets.
It also displays the diversity of Indiana Freemasonry. The cast representing Masons from across the state of Indiana of different ages, professions, races, religions, and creeds. All different and yet working together, man to man, hand to hand, and heart to heart.
The interested young man asking the question “When is a Man a Mason?” represents all those men who are looking for some type of meaning in their life.
A purpose. A place to grow.
A place to learn and belong, and feel the beauties of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
The Mason sits down with the young man and begins the poem “When is a Man a Mason?”, written by Brother Dr. Joseph Fort Newton. This poem can be found in the Indiana Monitor that is presented to every Master Mason at after his third degree. This film shows a Brother representing the Craft and hoping to inspire the young man to seek Masonic light.
The Masons that recite the rest of the poem represent all Masons in the State of Indiana wishing to grow Indiana Freemasonry.
We’re looking for good men who hear the words in the film to join us. Not to become members on a roster, but to become Brothers! Men who you can count on through thick and thin!
Our Masonic Fraternity is one whose sole purpose is to make the individual man better so that he can be a better husband and father. That man can then take the lessons he’s learned in the lodge out to his community and then to the world at large! One man can do a lot of good in this world! It all starts with you.
We hope that each Lodge, appendant body, and individual Mason will view the film and that it will serve as a spark to re-ignite the flame of Freemasonry in the heart of each of us.
My Brothers and friends, please share this film as often as possible to spread the words and beauty of Freemasonry.
Randy Seipel
Grand Master of Masons of the State of Indiana, 2025-2026
The cast in order of appearance:
Daniel Williams, Worshipful Master of Temple Lodge No. 47 in Greencastle, IN
Randy Seipel, Grand Master of Masons of the Grand Lodge of Indiana 2025-2026
Jerry Matlock, P.M., Grand Steward and Tyler of the Grand Lodge of Indiana 2025-2026
Christopher Bentlage, P.M. Vitruvian No. 767, Indianapolis, IN
Carlo Nepomucemo, Carmel No. 421, Carmel, IN
David Hosler, Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Indiana 2025-2026
Edward Wilson, P.M., Temple Lodge No. 47, Greencastle, IN
Gerald Miller, P.M., Charles F. Frank No. 760, Zionsville, IN
Robh Zuniga, P.M., Circumpunct No. 777, Carmel IN
Tyler Whittaker, Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge of Indiana 2025-2026
John Bridegroom, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Indiana 2025-2026
Ahmed Al-Mohammed Saleh. Porter No. 137, Valparaiso, IN
George D. Davidson, Jr., Mt. Moriah No. 77, Anderson IN
Non- Speaking Brothers
James White PM Temple 47 Greencastle
Luke Reed PM Glen Park 732 Valparaiso
Dan Purkey PM Rochester 70 Rochester
Randy McVay Fellowship 681 Anderson
Ed Witt PM Mt. Moriah 77 Anderson
Clayton Witt PM Mt Moriah 77 Anderson
Logan Witt PM Mt Moriah 77 Anderson
Kerry Williams PM Temple 47 Greencastle
Jes Seipel Temple 47 Greencastle
Tom Handy Temple 47
Shamus Driver PM Pentalpha 564 Indianapolis
Kameron Biggs WM Warsaw 73 Warsaw
Todd Barrow Temple 47
Phil Seitz Reed 316 Evansville IN (Videographer)
Derrick Sternaman PM Englewood 715 Indianapolis
Dedicated in the honor of my Brother, friend, and mentor, Past Grand Master Kenneth Willis, JR., Grand Treasurer.