Great journeys often start in the most ordinary ways. For me, the path toward Freemasonry didn’t begin in a library or a formal meeting, but on a sidewalk in downtown Front Royal on April 23, 2022.
The town was buzzing with the Earth Day event, and I was out enjoying the festivities with my Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Teddy. If you know Teddy, you know he is a character who attracts attention wherever he goes. He was the real icebreaker that day.
I crossed paths with a gentleman who stopped to interact with and pet Teddy. He was wearing a shirt that immediately caught my eye: “So Mote It Beef BBQ.” The phrase “So mote it be” was familiar to me from various historical and philosophical readings, but at that moment, I hadn’t yet fully associated it with the traditions of Freemasonry.
History and Fellowship
Our conversation quickly moved from Teddy and the clever shirt to the “vibrant presence” of the fraternity right here in our community. We discussed the craft’s historical figures, including Samuel Adams, and the significant role Freemasonry played in our country’s founding.
Something was compelling about the connection between those ancient principles and the local community I live in today. The conversation felt natural and grounded—much like the Earth Day event surrounding us.
The First Step
That encounter stayed with me long after I headed home. That night, curiosity took over. I began researching the craft’s origins, its values, and its presence in Virginia. The more I read about the emphasis on character, brotherly love, and relief, the more I felt a pull to learn more firsthand.
By the end of the evening, I decided to take the first formal step and reached out to Unity Lodge No. 146 via email.
It’s funny how a chance encounter, a play on words, and a friendly dog can open a door to a whole new world of history and brotherhood. Sometimes, a simple walk downtown is all it takes to start a journey that lasts a lifetime.
