Page 12 - Sojourner Newsletter-Summer 2025 _V2

12 THE SOJOURNER

FROM THE WEBMASTER

The results of ANC 2025 are in the books. Congratulations to all the new officers and
committee chairs and members. It would be easy to say “enjoy the brief respite of summer”
before you need to start working again … but we all know that’s a fairy tale. We have the
upcoming session at Valley Forge (I’m sorry, I just can’t really seem to drop “Freedom’s
Foundation” from my vocabulary yet). My chapter is sending four young students and a
special chaperone. Our chaperone this year is a Marine GySgt who started a NJROTC unit
up 2 years ago in Henderson CO. He happens to be a grandson of one of the WWII Navajo
code talkers! But, more importantly, he cares for these kids – and has taken them to a national drill team
competition – finishing SECOND in only their second year! I’m looking forward to working with him
again, and hopefully he will become an ambassador to the kids in that school for our leadership program.
Who knows? Maybe we’ll even get him to consider becoming a Mason himself?

I’d like to diverge from my normal “webmaster” commentaries and focus on something that is an issue
pretty much all over the Masonic pavement in this country. In Scotland (my mother lodge country) you are
forbidden from offering a petition to a newly made Master Mason for ONE YEAR! This is to allow the new
Mason an opportunity to get to know his Brothers, his lodge, and the craft before embarking on another
journey. I personally think that’s a good policy. WHY? Because I see, all too often, newly made Master
Masons being encouraged to join Scottish Rite, York Rite, Amaranth, Eastern Star, Shrine, Youth Groups,
and yes … Sojourners. All this JUST after becoming a member of the oldest fraternity in the world. He
hasn’t even really had the time to digest everything that has happened to him yet. And, I’m not decrying any
of the virtues of these organizations, just that we try to push him into them too quickly before he really
understands what he has just taken on.

If he’s married, he has to integrate his Masonic journey with his wife and children, if they have them.
These are non-trivial activities. We do NOT need any more Masonic Widows and Masonic Orphans out
there. Our children are the next generation of Masons – if we don’t tend to them, there won’t be another
generation of Masons to carry on the traditions. And, we can’t afford to wait a few years for these
youngsters, because before we turn around, they’re teens, then they’re off to college, the military, and
careers of their own … all the while not really understanding what Masonry is all about.

My father became a Mason in the 1930’s – during the Great Depression. That entire generation simply did
NOT talk about their Masonry with anyone – including their own children. I can count on one hand the
number of times I remember my dad going out at night in a suit SOMEWHERE, I know not where, for
something, I know not what.

So, Brothers, enjoy YOUR Masonry, but do NOT forget about your families – they come first. And,
encourage (but do not demand) your children to engage with our youth groups. When you do that, do not
forget that our youth groups, like ALL youth groups out there, need ADULTS to help, guide, and mentor
this next generation. It’s an experience like you have never had before and you probably only get one or
maybe two opportunities to enjoy those years with your kids.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Bill Hickey
Former NSI Webmaster