Rocky J. Squirrel Presents GEMS+H: The Stories That Bind Us
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My Blue Lodge Journey
Where My Masonic Journey Began
Every Masonic journey starts somewhere.
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For me, it began in Hamilton, Ohio, at Washington Lodge #17.
After connecting with the Worshipful Master of my local Blue Lodge, I petitioned the lodge on Labor Day 2019. What began as a decision to become a Mason quickly became something much larger.
I was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on October 23, advanced to Fellow Craft on December 11, and proudly raised to Master Mason on January 29.
At the time, I could not have known where that first step would lead.
What began in my local lodge would eventually take me into Masonic education, leadership, research, philanthropy, history, and service throughout the fraternity.
But everything that followed began here.
Washington Lodge #17.
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Learning to Lead
My journey through the officer line taught me that leadership in Masonry is learned one responsibility at a time.
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Leadership & Service — Washington Lodge #17
Junior Steward — 2020–2021
Junior Deacon — 2021–2022
Senior Deacon — 2022–2023
Senior Warden — 2023–2024
Worshipful Master — 2024–2025
Trustee — 2025–Present
Lodge Education Officer — 2025–2026
Co-Chaplain — 2025–2026
Each position brought new responsibilities, but more importantly, each challenged me to grow as a leader, deepen my commitment to service, and better understand the principles that Freemasonry seeks to teach.
The officer line wasn't simply a progression of titles.
It was a progression of lessons.
Serving Beyond the Officer Line
Following my year as Worshipful Master, I continued serving Washington Lodge #17 as Lodge Education Officer and Co-Chaplain for 2025–2026.
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These roles allowed me to continue contributing to the lodge while focusing on education, reflection, and the traditions that connect one generation of Masons to the next.
My Masonic journey was beginning to change.
Leadership was no longer simply about learning how to run a lodge.
It was becoming about helping others learn, grow, and find meaning in their own Masonic journeys.
Leadership & Service — Washington Lodge #17
​ • Junior Steward • Junior Deacon • Senior Deacon • Senior Warden • Worshipful Master • Lodge Education Officer • Co-Chaplain
Serving Beyond the Lodge
My Masonic journey has also given me the opportunity to serve beyond the walls of my own lodge.
In November 2025, I was appointed Butler County Representative for the 2nd Masonic District, one of 26 Masonic districts in Ohio.
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In this role, I serve as a liaison between the six lodges of the 2nd Masonic District and the District itself, helping strengthen communication and cooperation among the lodges.
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This next step in my journey has given me a different perspective on Masonic leadership.
While serving in the officer line taught me how to lead within a lodge, serving as a District Representative has challenged me to think more broadly about how lodges can work together, support one another, and strengthen Masonry throughout the community.
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The lesson has been an important one:
Leadership doesn't end when you leave the lodge room.
It simply takes on a larger responsibility.
What Washington Lodge #17 Taught Me
My Blue Lodge journey has taught me that Masonry is not simply about receiving degrees or progressing through an officer line.
It is about what we do with what we learn.
I learned that leadership is measured by service, not position.
I learned that education is a lifelong pursuit.
I learned that the success of a lodge depends upon brothers willing to invest their time, knowledge, and energy in one another.
And perhaps most importantly, I learned that Masonry is a journey we don't make alone.
The brothers who encouraged me, challenged me, taught me, and trusted me with responsibility each became part of my story.
The Journey Continues
My Blue Lodge journey didn't end when I completed the officer line.
In many ways, it was only beginning.
The experiences at Washington Lodge #17 opened doors to the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Masonic research, education, philanthropy, Masonic philately, and the many other organizations and projects that now form my Masonic journey.
But every one of those paths traces back to the same place.
Washington Lodge #17.
That is why the Blue Lodge will always be more than the place where I became a Mason.
It is where my Masonic story began.
And the story is still being written.