It was a family affair when degrees were conferred on John Stephen Gardner (second from left) in Porter Lodge No. 284, North Catasauqua. His father, Stephen Gardner (left), P.D.D.G.M., was the conferring Master for the Entered Apprentice and Master Mason's degrees; his uncle, Robert J. Bateman, P.M. (right), Springfield-Hamby Lodge No. 767, Springfield, conferred the Fellow Craft degree; and his cousin, Robert J. Bateman, Jr. (second from right), was the Guide for all three degrees. Center-left is Daniel I. Jamison, IV, W.M., and center-right is Robert W. "Skip" Steckel, D.D.G.M., 10th Masonic District. It is also noteworthy that Bro. John Stephen Gardner was entered in March and, by virtue of a dispensation, was passed and raised in April.

Now, consider the relationships in this family affair. One readily can recognize that John Stephen is Stephen's son. Also, it was noted that Past Master Bateman is Stephen's cousin and therefore, John Stephen's uncle and the younger Bateman is his cousin. In addition, Past Master Bateman also is a brother-in-law to the father, Stephen Gardner, because they married sisters. Got that straight?