I HAVE RISEN!!

On Monday - January 28th, 2008 - I became an Entered Apprentice.

On Monday - April 14th, 2008 - I was passed tothe dergee of Fellow Craft.

On Saturday - June 7th, 2008 at HIGH NOON - I was raised to the sublime degree of
MASTER MASON.

I would have to honestly say that there was a time when I flat out proclaimed that I had my fill of "pledging." In my "travels" I "pledged" in Boot Camp for the Air Force; "I pledged" when becoming a Fellowman of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship Inc.®; "I pledged" through the Police Academy. Even though I became a better man at the end of each and every one of those experiences, I just did not have any desire to go through any kind of similar experience.

Over the years, I met many men in different circles who would ask me a then-strange question, "Are you a Traveling Man?" At first I had no idea what kind of question that was. In time I learned that to be a question asked by a Freemason to see if he is in the company of his brethren. At first I would answer, "I don't know what you mean." Then when I learned the significance of the question I would politely answer "No." In either cases, the gentlemen would kindly apologize and carry on about their way and business.

Sometime in 2007, I began to have questions about this ancient fraternity. As it is against the way things are done, Masons do not solicit for members. The actual saying shared by all Mason is "2 Be 1 - Ask 1" and therefore I sought out men who I knew would honestly tell me as much as they possibly could without violating any oaths or vows, and in a short time I knew in my heart that which I wanted to do. What amazed me most was how there were so many who saw the Mason in me before I saw him within myself; however, when he made his presence known to me in my heart and mind I had to take action and follow suit.

Once again ... "I have pledged," and once again I have become yet an even better man. I have so far to travel and so much to learn ... but damn ... DAMN IT FEELS GOOD TO BE A MASON!