Every Masonic journey begins with a single step. Mine into the York Rite began out of necessity, but it quickly became something far more meaningful.

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To serve as Worshipful Master of my lodge, I needed to receive a degree conferred through the York Rite. While I could have waited to receive that degree through the district, doing so would have delayed my installation. Instead, I chose to begin the York Rite journey immediately. Once I made that decision, however, I realized I didn't simply want to receive one degree—I wanted to complete the entire York Rite system and experience everything it had to offer.

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I began alongside my Senior Warden and future Worshipful Master during a one-day class where we received several of the degrees together. Soon afterward, the York Rite bodies meeting in my home temple at Hamilton closed, requiring us to continue our journey with the companions and Sir Knights in Middletown.

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Like many worthwhile journeys, this one required persistence. Because two of the York Rite bodies met on the same evening as my Blue Lodge, scheduling became difficult. Yet the brethren of Middletown continually found ways to help me succeed. They arranged opportunities for me to travel to neighboring cities, ensured I could complete the remaining degrees, and welcomed me as one of their own. Along the way, I also had the privilege of serving as an inspection candidate on four different occasions, gaining experiences I never expected when I first began.

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Looking back, I realize the degrees themselves were only part of the journey. What I remember most is the brotherhood. The kindness, encouragement, and generosity shown by so many companions reminded me that Freemasonry is not simply about receiving degrees—it is about walking the journey together.

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Today I am proud to be a member of Middletown Chapter No. 87, Middletown Council No. 136, and Middletown Commandery No. 71—not simply because of the organizations themselves, but because they represent friendships formed, lessons learned, and a journey completed through the support of others.

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In June of 2026 I was elected to serve as the Scribe in the Chapter and as the Conductor of Council in the Council.

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