My Masonic Journey Thus Far
My masonic journey thus far began a little over a year ago. I was searching for that something in my life that would help me to become more than I was. I started looking into various social clubs around town, but I had always been curious about Freemasonry. A few years before I had done some work at a local lodge downtown and throughout the course of doing the job there I was very intrigued about what I saw through the building. I had no idea what I was seeing, but it got my mind thinking. As time passed over the next couple of years I did a little research via the internet and found that I thought Masonry would be the place for me. I looked up local lodges in Waco found Waco lodge #92. I made initial contact with the secretary and met with him once before the dreaded “lock down” that engulfed the nation. He had a lot to say and that got me even more interested in masonry.
In the midst of the shutdown of all social gatherings I had a pretty major heart attack and quad bypass surgery. During my recovery I found in my heart of hearts that God had kept me here for a reason and I had to figure out what it was. I was not able to get out and visit with folks like I wanted to but masonry was always on my mind. I discussed it first with my wife who was most supportive in my decision to seek out what masonry could do for me. Once I was able to get out and about I contacted Waco 92 once again and met with folks there. I was invited to attend a Thursday night meeting and meet with the members of the lodge. I was welcomed with open arms and made to feel right at home. The gentlemen there were awesome, and are some of my best friends today. I cannot begin to tell you how much I love them today. On one of my first visits to the lodge the guys had to go back and do some practice and one man stayed out to visit with me. He told me his beginnings in masonry and what masonry meant to him. I came home that night prayed about it.
I went through the waiting period to see if the lodge and I would be compatible, if I was the right fit for them and if they were right for me. A very good man then presented me with a petition and the journey had then begun. I was initiated September 16, 2021. That will always be a very memorable night in my life. Over the course of the next few months I began learning my “work” from a great mentor. He was and still is very patient in my method of memorizing things. I have learned so much from the entire brotherhood of the lodge. The EA working tools have had a major impact on how I lead my life now. I have learned to divide my time as I should, to break off those rough edges of my life and lead a more productive one. I was passed to the degree of Fellow craft March 24, 2022 another great day.
I am very proud to call myself a Mason and a Brother. This journey has been one of the greatest I have ever been on. Still so much to learn and teach the younger guys as they venture in and begin their journey. The fraternity of Freemasonry is a great thing. For me it has taught me to be a much better man. I always felt I was a good man but now I feel so much better about myself and what I stand for. There are many more years for me here in life and in Masonry. I am very much looking forward to getting my Master Mason degree and giving back to the lodge and the brotherhood what they have bestowed upon me. This is a journey I would recommend to any man, young or old. It is never too late begin. I look forward every week to seeing my brothers. I am blessed to have a wife that is understanding and really wants me to go every week and spend time at the lodge. -Bro. C.B.F.C.
