Organization: Freemasonry
Lodge: Unity Lodge No. 146, AF&AM
Jurisdiction: Grand Lodge of Virginia
Period: May 10, 2023 – Present
Highest Degree: Master Mason
Offices Held: Marshall, Senior Deacon, Junior Warden
Roles: Assistant Secretary, Masonic Home Ambassador
We meet monthly to advance community support and personal development. Outreach includes preparing and serving meals at the senior center and winter shelter, and supporting annual community events such as the Warren Coalition cookout. I participate in officer training, district leadership conferences, regular ritual practice, and collaborate on bylaws and financial audits.
Honorary & Invitational Bodies
This section lists honorary and invitational Masonic bodies recognizing fellowship and symbolic tradition rather than ongoing operational duties.
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The Ancient and Heroic Order of the Gordian Knot: Degree
On December 8, 2024, I became a lifetime member of the Ancient and Heroic Order of the Gordian Knot. What started as a trip to the Grand Lodge ended with a fascinating, local initiation into one of Masonry’s most entertaining honorary bodies. Read More
My Masonic Path
This list serves as a chronological record of my path through the Craft—from my first steps in the Blue Lodge, the completion of my degrees, and my service in the officer line.
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The BBQ Shirt That Changed Everything: My Path to Freemasonry
A walk through downtown Front Royal during Earth Day led to an unexpected conversation about history and fraternity. Between a clever BBQ t-shirt and my dog Teddy making a new friend, the door to Freemasonry swung wide open. Read More
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Grand Lodge of Virginia: Interest Form
I began my journey with an online inquiry to the Grand Lodge. The response provided a technical roadmap of membership requirements and introduced the broader “Masonic Family,” confirming that the path toward the Craft is as selective as it is storied. Read More
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Grand Lodge of Virginia: Request Contact
Seeking a way to connect with the local Lodge, I submitted an online inquiry to the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The resulting automated response served as a roadmap, confirming my interest and explaining the patient, volunteer-driven nature of Masonic outreach. Read More
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Unity Lodge No. 146: Formal Petition Received
During a Lodge breakfast, my petition was sponsored by two veteran Brothers. Despite my anxieties over listing “physical defects” like false teeth and a pacemaker, I discovered that Masonry values a man’s internal character over his physical machinery. Read More
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Grand Lodge of Virginia: Background Check
Drawing on my experience with public trust clearances, I authorized a formal background check for the Grand Lodge. I appreciated receiving my own copy of the report and verifying the details of my character before the process moved forward. Read More
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Unity Lodge No. 146: Ballot
The night of my ballot was a personal trial of doubt and nerves. Haunted by past “panel interview” anxieties, I felt a profound moment of relief and belonging when the Worshipful Master called late at night to confirm my unanimous acceptance. Read More
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Grand Lodge of Virginia: Petition Approved
My journey reached a turning point with the news of a unanimous ballot at Unity Lodge. This vote of confidence from the Brethren cleared the way for my first degree, moving me from a petitioner to a candidate for initiation. Read More
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Unity Lodge No. 146: Entered Apprentice Degree
After months of dinners and charity events, the moment of truth arrived. On May 10, 2023, I faced my nerves and stepped into Unity Lodge No. 146 to become an Entered Apprentice, beginning a shared journey I’ll never forget. Read More
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Unity Lodge No. 146: Fellowcraft Degree
On June 21, 2023, the journey continued. Returning to the lodge as a Fellowcraft, I found the experience even more beautiful and intricate—and I was glad to once again have a brother walking the path right beside me. Read More
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Unity Lodge No. 146: Master Mason
On July 19, 2023, I reached the final step of the symbolic journey. Becoming a Master Mason at Unity No. 146 was a long, profound experience that gave me a new perspective on the Craft—and a few lessons on the importance of pacing myself. Read More
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Unity Lodge No. 146: Marshal
On December 6, 2023, I was officially appointed Marshal of Unity No. 146. For most, the Marshal’s duty is simply to carry the flag. For me, given the journey from how I was raised to the man I am today, it was a moment of profound personal significance. Read More
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A History of Unity Lodge No. 146
A private presentation and supporting annual summaries trace Unity Lodge No. 146 from early Masonic roots in Front Royal through its founding, meeting places, officers, members, memorials, public events, and lasting connections to Warren County history. Read More
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Unity Lodge No. 146: Senior Deacon
On December 4, 2024, I officially skipped a chair to become Senior Deacon. I quickly learned that the Deacon’s staff isn’t just for ritual—it’s a tool for managing the heartbeat of the Lodge, from the front door to the flag. Read More
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Unity Lodge No. 146: Junior Warden
On December 3, 2025, I reached a major milestone at Unity No. 146. Being elected as Junior Warden is one of the highest honors a Lodge can bestow—though my journey involved a last-minute sprint that my brothers won’t let me forget anytime soon. Read More
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Unity Lodge No. 146: William N. Wood Award
Recipient of the prestigious William N. Wood Meritorious Achievement Award, conferred by unanimous decision of the Past Masters. Recognized for outstanding contributions to Lodge digitizing initiatives, community outreach, and dedicated service, reflecting the highest standards of Masonic character and leadership. Read More
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Where Lodge, Community, and Life Intersect
A week of courthouse paperwork, lodge leadership training, community service, civic conversations, and unexpected moments of fellowship reveals how Masonry often intersects with everyday life. Most meaningful lessons come not from ceremony, but from simple acts of service and brotherhood. Read More
