Rocky J. Squirrel Presents GEMS+H: The Stories That Bind Us
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Where Masonry and Philately Meet
One of the most unexpected discoveries in my Masonic journey began with a simple question: Could Masonry be explored through stamps?
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That question led me into the fascinating world of Masonic philately, where I discovered that stamps preserve far more than postal history—they preserve the people, events, symbols, and stories of Freemasonry itself.
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That discovery eventually led me to the George Washington Masonic Stamp Club, where I was unexpectedly elected president during my very first visit in 2022.
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What began as a "fun" degree soon became another chapter in my journey—connecting my interests in Masonry, history, and philately through research, exhibits, presentations, and fellowship.
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Through the club, I have had the opportunity to create exhibits, promote Masonic stamp collecting, develop a commemorative cachet honoring Dr. Joseph Warren, strengthen the club's membership records, and help preserve a unique corner of Masonic history.
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To me, this is exactly what GEMS+H represents: beginning with curiosity, following unexpected connections, and discovering the stories that bind us.
George Washington Masonic Stamp Club
The Masonic Philatelic Club
Two Brazilian Masonic Stamp Clubs
Masonic study Unit of the American Topical Association
George Washington Masonic Stamp Club---
Preserving Masonic History One Stamp at a Time
One of the greatest surprises of my Masonic journey came when I discovered that Freemasonry could be explored through philately. I had always enjoyed collecting stamps, but I never imagined there was an entire world devoted to preserving Masonic history through postage stamps, cachets, and postal history.
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That discovery led me to the George Washington Masonic Stamp Club—the last active Masonic stamp club in the United States. In February 2022, I traveled to Alexandria, Virginia, to receive the club's "fun" degree. I expected to enjoy a unique experience and meet fellow collectors.
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Instead, I unexpectedly found myself elected president that very same day.
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Serving as president has allowed me to help preserve and promote one of Freemasonry's most unusual hobbies while introducing others to the stories hidden within Masonic philately. Along the way, I discovered that a single stamp can open the door to remarkable stories about people, places, events, and the history of our fraternity.
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My work with the club has included organizing membership records, expanding educational outreach, creating Masonic stamp exhibits, presenting programs on Masonic philately, producing a commemorative cachet for the dedication of the Dr. Joseph Warren statue in Lebanon, Ohio, and helping establish online meetings that make educational programs accessible to members across the country.
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Looking back, I realize that serving as president was never simply about leading a stamp club. It became another opportunity to connect history with education, research with storytelling, and fellowship with discovery.
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For me, the George Washington Masonic Stamp Club perfectly reflects the mission of GEMS+H: beginning with curiosity, uncovering unexpected connections, and preserving The Stories That Bind Us.
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Leadership Through Philately
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George Washington Masonic Stamp Club
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President (2022–Present)
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Preserving Masonic History
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Creator of Masonic stamp exhibits
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Educational presentations on Masonic philately
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Dr. Joseph Warren commemorative cachet (2025)
Serving the Club
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Membership records modernization
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Online educational programming
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National promotion of Masonic philately
The Masonic Philatelic Club (MPC)---
Discovering a Worldwide Brotherhood Through Stamps
As my interest in Masonic philately continued to grow, I discovered that it extended far beyond the United States. That discovery led me to the Masonic Philatelic Club in England, one of the world's premier organizations dedicated to preserving and studying Masonic philately.
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Joining the club opened an entirely new perspective. Through its publications, exhibits, and members, I began to see how Freemasonry has been celebrated through stamps across continents, cultures, and generations. Although our postal systems differ, the stories preserved through philately reveal the same enduring values of brotherhood, service, leadership, and charity.
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One of the milestones in that journey came in February 2023, when I earned the club's Master in Masonic Philately award after completing its educational requirements. Receiving the award during my lodge's annual inspection, presented by our District Education Officer, Alf Butler, made the accomplishment especially meaningful because it connected my international philatelic interests with my local Masonic home.
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Today, membership in the Masonic Philatelic Club continues to broaden my understanding of both Masonry and philately. It reminds me that while stamps may be small, they often preserve remarkable stories that cross borders, connect cultures, and strengthen the worldwide bonds of our fraternity.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Scholarship & Recognition
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Masonic Philatelic Club (England)
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International member
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Master in Masonic Philately recipient (2023)
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Student of worldwide Masonic philately
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Continuing research into international Masonic history
ABFM & CFMB---A Bridge Back to Brazil
Long before I became involved in Masonic philately, I spent a month in northeastern Brazil working alongside a missionary while I was in college. During that time, I developed a deep appreciation for the people, the culture, and the country itself. It was an experience I never forgot.
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Years later, while exploring the world of Masonic philately, I discovered two Brazilian organizations dedicated to preserving Masonic history through stamps: the Association of Masonic Brazilian Philately (ABFM) and the Masonic Philatelic Club of Brazil (CFMB). Joining them in 2023 felt like reconnecting with a place that had already become an important part of my story.
These organizations have given me the opportunity to combine several of my passions—Freemasonry, history, philately, and my longstanding connection to Brazil. As my research and exhibit work continue to grow, I hope to develop a specialized exhibit devoted entirely to the Masonic stamps of Brazil, sharing another chapter of the worldwide story of Freemasonry.
For me, these organizations represent more than international memberships. They remind me that the stories we discover often bring us back to places and experiences that helped shape who we are. Through Masonry and philately, I have found a bridge that continues to connect me with Brazil.​​​​​​​​​​​​
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International Connections
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ABFM & CFMB
Member since 2023
Continuing Interests
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Brazilian Masonic philately
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International Masonic history
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Development of a Brazil-focused stamp exhibit
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Promoting worldwide Masonic connections
Masonic Study Unit of the American Topical Association
My interest in Masonic philately also led me to become a member of the Masonic Study Unit of the American Topical Association, an organization dedicated to the study and promotion of Masonic philately worldwide. The Study Unit has a long history of bringing collectors together and sharing research through its publications, including The Philatelic Freemason.
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In 2026, the Study Unit faced an uncertain future after becoming inactive and being delisted by the American Topical Association. The George Washington Masonic Stamp Club stepped forward to help revive the organization, and with the approval of the ATA, assumed stewardship of the Study Unit and its continuing mission.
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As part of that effort, the George Washington Masonic Stamp Club is working to reestablish the Study Unit as an active resource for Masonic philatelists. We are currently preparing a new electronic publication that will continue the Study Unit's tradition of sharing research, discoveries, and stories connecting Freemasonry and philately.
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For me, this represents something larger than simply belonging to another philatelic organization. It is an opportunity to help preserve the history of Masonic philately while creating something new for the collectors and researchers who will carry the hobby forward.