W.Bro Stuart Potts – My Journey into Freemasonry

My journey into Freemasonry began in 2010, but the spark was lit years earlier, through the loveliest gentleman named Steve Lemming. Steve worked for me during my time as the Network Manager for Bedfordshire County Council. Over the years, I came to know him as one of the most generous, dependable people I’d ever met in a sense my “Work Dad”.   He was the kind of person who’d give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. 

Steve was always willing to help. Whether it was staying late after hours to get the networking finished or just being there when someone needed support—he never said no. He didn’t do it for recognition, he just lived that way. Quiet, committed, and selfless.

For the longest time, I had no idea Steve was a Freemason. Then one day, after years of working together, I noticed the ring he was wearing, it had the square and compass. I asked him about it, and he simply said, “Yes, I’m a Freemason.” That small moment opened a big door.

I started asking questions, lots of them…and Steve was happy to share. He told me about the values of Freemasonry, the focus on personal integrity, the sense of brotherhood, and the incredible amount of charity work that goes on quietly behind the scenes. And suddenly, it all clicked. The way Steve carried himself, the way he treated others, it all made sense. I saw myself in that ethos too and him too. I’ve always tried to be someone who would do anything for anyone, and Freemasonry felt like a natural extension of that mindset. As such he said to me “ask one to be one”, of course I did. The process was relatively painless, I was invited for an interview in which we all met each other at the Keep in Kempston, they asked be the usual questions of “why do you want to join”, all though slightly intimidating at first it was a relaxed environment and was told afterwards that they would like to welcome me in (subject to a vote in lodge where every member gets to vote) . Following that I was initiated as an “Entered Apprentice”, this is the very first step in craft lodges and the start of my journey. It was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget for as long as I shall live.

 

Around the same time, the Dan Brown books were everywhere, full of secrets, symbols, and ancient brotherhoods. I’ll admit, I was intrigued. Maybe even a bit nosey! I’ve always loved a good mystery and a sense of adventure. Films like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Raiders of the Lost Ark were favorites of mine growing up. When Freemasonry crossed my path, it felt like a real-world adventure waiting to unfold.

What made it even more meaningful was that I had no history of Freemasonry in my family. This wasn’t a tradition passed down; it was something completely new for the Potts family. I was starting a journey of my own and for my family.

What began with curiosity and a few questions became a path of purpose. Freemasonry gave me not just a sense of history and tradition, but a true community, a way to give back, and a set of values I could stand by.

In 2019, I had the honour of becoming Worshipful Master of my lodge Russell 4413, a proud milestone in my Masonic journey. Then, just as I took the Chair, the world changed. COVID-19 hit, and I remained in the role for a second year as we all adapted to strange and challenging times.

During my time as Master, I chose to support two charities that held deep personal meaning: the MS Society and Brain Tumor Research. Steve, who inspired my Masonic path, lived with MS. Supporting that cause felt like the right way to honor his strength and generosity, sadly Steve passed away in December 2023. Brain tumors had also touched my life, my grandfather on my father’s side passed from one, and a fellow brother in the lodge, Steve Harris Jnr, had also faced the same battle. Supporting both charities just felt fitting, it was about giving back to those who’d given so much to me.

Since then, my Masonic journey has continued to grow. I’ve joined several side orders, each offering new insight and a deeper understanding. I’m currently Hagai in the Royal Arch order and due to take on the role of MEZ (Most Excellent Zerubbabel) next year, I’m also a member of Rose Croix, Invicta Chapter No. 10 lodge in London, I’ve joined Mark Masonry, and I’ll soon be taking the next step by joining Royal and Select Masters in the coming months, each order has something different and new to learn and all very unique in their own way.

Whilst in lodge I have taken up the office as the Lodge Almanor, this is a very special position and one that I’m proud to hold, in a sense it’s the “welfare officer” keeping in touch with brethren who cannot make it to lodge to see how they are and also the keeping in touch with the widows of brethren that have passed on, I love to keep in touch with them and hear about their stories as such to keep them updated with what is going on in Russell, where possible we try to keep them involved and meeting up for various lunches throughout the year.

Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people, brothers from all walks of life, each with their own fascinating stories and experiences. The friendships I’ve formed through Freemasonry are unlike anything else, genuine,lasting, and built on shared values. It’s also been a joy to see my own family involved and welcomed. My two boys have grown up around the lodge, meeting other families, and forming their own connections. What started as a personal journey has become something much bigger—something that includes lifelong friends and a sense of belonging that stretches far beyond a single meeting room.

Freemasonry began as a spark of curiosity for me but it’s become one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. It’s a journey of learning, growth, friendship, and purpose, and I’m proud to walk it, with heart and commitment, every step of the way.