Featuring WB James (Jim) Hieb, PDDGM, Current Junior
Deacon, and Bro. Kyle Hieb, current Senior Steward
of Stonington Lodge No. 503.
Question for Jim: This is the 2nd time through the
officer chairs at Stonington Lodge No. 503, what brought
you back into the line?
I’ve always believed that Past Masters have a responsibility to step back into the line when a vacancy exists. Too often, we see young officers feeling forced to skip officer chairs. That is unfortunate because they miss out on the experience of holding each office. I remember a wise Past Master (he happened to be my father-in-law and Kyle’s grandfather) telling me, “cherish each officer chair, learn from the experience, and don’t skip chairs because it will only cheat you in the long run.”
Of course, learning that our Worshipful Master might be appointing Kyle as a Steward played a large role in the decision to accept the Junior Deacon chair as well.
Question for Kyle: When you got appointed into the line, did you already know that your father would be serving as Junior Deacon?
Yes, I did. I didn’t want to be appointed at the time, but when Dad said that he was going to do it too, that helped change my mind.
Question for Kyle: When you found out your father would be in line with you, did that make you nervous? Is there any added pressure having your dad in the same line as you?
It didn’t make me nervous, but there was added pressure. Sometimes pressure can be a good thing, and this is one of those times because it makes me try to be better. Dad was a deputy; he is well known throughout the district. Living up to his reputation is incredibly difficult, but even trying to do so makes me a better Mason. The Brothers of Stonington have all been understanding and supportive, and I am extremely grateful for that.
Question for Jim: What does going through the line with your son mean to you?
This might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. While serving the Grand Lodge as a District Officer for six years was special, serving with my son in the officer line trumps everything.
Yet it is humbling to admit that Kyle is already showing signs of being a better ritualist than I ever hoped to be. I’m going to cherish every moment and pray the brethren allow us to continue on this journey together over the next few years.
Question for Kyle: What does being an officer with your father mean to you?
I am Senior Steward right now, which means that if everything goes according to plan, in 2027 (I won’t be skipping any chairs), I will be the third generation in my family to be the Worshipful Master of Stonington Lodge, which itself is cool. The fact that I will be Master the year after my dad only adds to that. I know that he’ll leave big shoes to fill, but as long as I remember to be myself and not try to be him, I don’t see it being a problem.
Question for Both: How has your bond as father and son changed since you’ve both been Raised to Master Mason and more so since you’ve been working together?
Jim: Now that Kyle is a college graduate and moved back to the area, being involved in the Fraternity together has given us an opportunity to be together more. I’m not sure if our bond has changed or not, but I’d like to say that I hope he is learning from me. More importantly, I’m also learning from him – he is very good at what he does.
Because I served as a District Officer, it was initially unfair for Kyle when visitors from other lodges attended Stonington meetings. Kyle would introduce himself as “Kyle Hieb,” and the response would be “oh, you are Jim Hieb’s son.” So for a short time, he just introduced himself as “Kyle,” and that provided him the opportunity to be his own man. I think he realized, though, that he is stuck with me, and others are realizing he has all the makings to be a great Mason in spite of me.
But Kyle has something up on me that I will never achieve. I did not grow up with any Masonic connection in my family until I married my wife, Christa. Yet, Kyle can boast of being a 4th generation Mason because of my wife’s father and grandfather. I’m happy that he can say he is a 4th generation Mason.
Kyle: I would say it has made us closer. If Dad wasn’t involved, I probably would’ve been one of those Masons that you never see after they get Raised. However, he prevented that by teaching me the rituals and encouraging me that I could do this job because I had people supporting me, both in my family and at Stonington.
Jim: To all the fathers who have son’s considering becoming a Lodge officer, I can only say, ‘support your son in every way you can and if you can manage it, jump back in the line with them.’ The experience is priceless!
