Rite Over the Road

Brother Michael Seevers Keeps on Truckin’ for More Light

by Joann Williams-Hoxha, Content Manager

Brother Michael Seevers is a long-haul truck driver who says the opportunity to find connection while on the road can be challenging. Still, that challenge did not deter him from connecting with his Scottish Rite Brothers this spring during his six-day stretches on the road.

Brother Michael, of the Valley of Steubenville, joined Scottish Rite earlier this year and is one of 2,000 new members who were able to take advantage of Supreme Council’s “Join the Rite Night” opportunity during the spring season of Thursday Night at the Rite. Join the Rite Nights allow Scottish Rite, NMJ candidates to witness the 4th degree followed by the additional degree exemplification for each event, thereby becoming newly initiated Scottish Rite Brothers. In addition, the new initiates can watch online discussions from Valley representatives to reflect upon the key takeaways of each featured degree.

Brother Michael, who is 40 years old and also a member of York Rite, said he was reluctant to join Scottish Rite at this point in his career because he didn’t want to overcommit and not be able to take part in meetings. A lifelong friend wanted to join Scottish Rite and he encouraged Brother Michael to join with him, so they both petitioned and started their Scottish Rite journeys together.

When asked about witnessing Scottish Rite degrees online, he said he was a bit skeptical at first. However, he gave it a chance, and said he was so glad that he did.

“I love it, I really do. Driving truck, it is difficult for me to participate in Freemasonry. It takes up a lot of my free time,” Brother Michael said.

Deputy’s Representative Edsel Emery, 33°, initially reached out to Brother Michael and let him know about Thursday Night at the Rite. Ill. Brother Emery told him that if he happened to have a break while driving truck, to pull over and check out the latest online offerings. During the March 31st Thursday Night at the Rite,Brother Michael said he was at a Walmart distribution center and tuned in while the freight handlers were unloading his trailer.

When he has a longer chunk of downtime, Brother Michael said he prefers to find a store where he can park to enjoy the degree on his laptop in his sleeper cab area. “I will make an hour, or an hour and a half out of it. I’ll cook my dinner. Then while I eat my dinner, I watch the degree.”

He said it is a blessing to be able to take part in these online events and connect on a deeper level with his Brethren while juggling his busy work schedule.

“I really enjoy it and really appreciate it. It’s a great way out here to connect while being on the road. It really connects the whole Jurisdiction.”

Thus far, Brother Michael said his favorite degree among the six he has witnessed so far is the 4th degree, Builder. “I was worried about Scottish Rite being entirely different from Blue Lodge but quite the contrary. It’s amazing how much they complement one another.”

Brother Michael Seevers with his rig.