There is a significant shift when you move from an appointed officer to an elected one. On December 3, 2025, I was to be nominated for election as the Junior Warden of Unity No. 146.

Unlike my previous roles, this wasn’t a choice made by the Worshipful Master alone; it required a vote from the entire breathren. Even though I felt confident in the work I’d put in over the last two years, I still felt those familiar nerves. In Masonry, as in life, I try never to take anything for granted until the gavel falls.

Leonardo Makes an Appearance

I pulled out my suit pants only to find a massive rip. Then it hit me: these were the pants I had set aside for my hobo-clown persona, “Dr. Leo.” In the world of the Shrine Klowns, a good rip is a badge of honor; in a Blue Lodge installation, it’s a disaster.

I was standing there in the bathroom stall, halfway between a Senior Deacon and a Hobo, realizing I couldn’t exactly work the floor looking like I had just hopped off a freight train

The High-Speed Dash

I had to make a record-breaking dash back home to find a pair of pants that were “profane” (non-clown) and intact. While I was at the house, I got a message from the Lodge asking if I was still coming.

My reply: “Yes! I’m coming! I just forgot my pants!”

I made it back to the Lodge just minutes before the meeting was called to order. I was slightly out of breath, but I was finally dressed for the right century and the right organization.

Elected and Installed

Despite the chaotic start, the night was a beautiful success. I was both elected and installed as the Junior Warden for the ensuing Masonic year. Sitting in a new chair, I have new responsibilities and, more importantly, the supervision of the Craft along with two assistants.

I also remained in my role as Assistant Secretary. I’ve found that I really enjoy the “behind the scenes” administrative work of the Lodge, and keeping that position allows me to stay deeply involved in the day-to-day operations while I learn the responsibilities of the Warden’s chair.

Looking Toward the Future

Moving into one of the “Three Principal Officers” positions is a humbling experience. It’s a far cry from my upbringing—where public office and leadership were discouraged—to now being an elected leader in a fraternity I love.

As the Junior Warden, I am ready to shine a light on our Lodge’s hospitality and community efforts in the coming year. I’ve learned “most” of my ritual; I’ve served my time in the “legs” of the Lodge as Deacon; and, most importantly, I may have learned to double-check my clothes before leaving the house.