Faith, Hope, and Charity: My Masonic Journey
Explination and Details
Freemasonry is often described as a “progressive science,” and the last few years have been a testament to that growth. This page serves as a chronological record of my path through the Craft—from my first steps in the Blue Lodge and the completion of my degrees to my involvement in appendant bodies and my service in the officer line.
For those curious about the path of a Masonic journey, the list below outlines the milestones of my education and service. Each entry represents a new layer of understanding, a new responsibility to the Brethren, and a deeper commitment to the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
While these milestones mark the path, the true essence of Masonry happens between the entries. It is found in the discipline of Ritual School and Officer Training, the governance of Grand Lodge Communications, and the many miles covered as a ‘Traveling Man’ visiting sister lodges. It lives in the quiet service of preparing meals, the fellowship of Master & Warden’s dinners, and the vital duty of reaching out to our sick, homebound members, and widows.
Ultimately, you get out of Masonry exactly what you put into it. While not every Brother is called to the Officer Line or the many community and fellowship events, every contribution is valued. We are taught that Family, Career, and God must always come first; for many, those sacred priorities leave little time for the extras, and that is as it should be. This list is simply my way of documenting how I have chosen to invest my time and labor into the Craft.
Key to Masonic Bodies Mentioned:
Honorary/Fun: Gordian Knot, Hillbillies, Water Buffalo – Celebrating the Joy of the Fraternity
Blue Lodges: Unity No. 146, Spurmont No. 98 – The Foundation of the Craft
The Shrine: Kena & ACCA – Focusing on Philanthropy & Fellowship
York Rite: Royal Arch – Advancement in Masonic History & Ritual
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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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Shriners International: Kena Shrine: Induction
On November 30, 2024, I took my first step into the world of the Shriners. At the Kena Shrine in Manassas, I found a new way to serve—and discovered that finding a Fez for a “well-proportioned” head is a challenge all its own. Read More
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ACCA Shrine: Loyal Order of Water Buffalo: Degree
On December 1, 2024, I traveled back to the Stone Age. Dressed as Fred Flintstone, I joined the Loyal Order of Water Buffalo at the ACCA Shrine Center for a day of family, fellowship, and Fruity Pebbles. 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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Spurmont Lodge No. 98: 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
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Kena Klown Club: Probationary Clown, Leonardo
On December 11, 2024, I fulfilled a longtime dream by joining the Kena Klown Club. From “picking my nose” to learning the secret rules of breaking decorum, I’ve officially started my probationary journey as “Leonardo” the hobo clown. Read More
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Royal Arch: Royal Arch Mason & Select Master (Festival)
On January 4, 2025, I joined 28 other candidates for a historic Royal Arch Degree Festival. From a 21st-century record to a building protected by a Benjamin Franklin original, it was a day of deep history and new beginnings. Read More
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Kena Klown Club: First Dress-Out
On March 1, 2025, I officially stepped into the oversized shoes of a hobo clown. From the chaos of a packed dressing room to dodging the Kena 500 race cars, my first dress-out was a crash course in the art of the antic. Read More
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Kena Klown Club: Second Dress-out
My second dress-out as a clown was nearly derailed by a missing makeup kit. Between a ChatGPT-assisted Walmart run and a record-breaking Virginia heatwave, I learned exactly what it takes to earn the title of a “real” clown. Read More
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Kena Klown Club: Clown, Dr. Leo
On July 9, 2025, I reached two major milestones: I officially graduated to “Permanent Klown” status, and thanks to a bit of academic flair from Abide University, I officially debuted my new persona: Dr. Leo. Read More
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Kena Klown Club: 2-Year Director
On October 9, 2025, I learned a very important lesson about the Kena Klown Club: if you aren’t there to defend yourself, you might just find yourself in the leadership line! Read More
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Kena Shrine: Grand & Glorious Order of the Hillbilly: Degree
On October 17, 2025, after two missed opportunities and a long wait, I finally made it to the “holler.” I’m proud to announce I’ve officially received the Hillbilly Degree with Clan No. 15 at the Kena Shrine! Read More
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Kena Shrine: Apple Valley Shrine Club: Founder
On November 14, 2025, I traded my “Grand Poobah” hat for a seat at the organizational table. Helping found the Apple Valley Shrine Club in Front Royal has been a masterclass in nonprofit building—and a beautiful reminder of how our Masonic circles eventually close. Read More
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Kena Shrine: Apple Valley Shrine Club: Parade Coordinator
When founding a new club, you look for the right tools for the job. For the Apple Valley Shrine Club, that meant reaching back into the history books to bring back a classic office—and I’m honored to be the one stepping into it. 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
Lewis Moten 