Masonic Traveller

I’M A MASONIC TRAVELER

By Bro Paul Francey

Since I became a master mason it has given me such joy visiting other lodges. In 2014 I set myself a little challenge to visit six lodges in six nights.  I was of on annual leave for a week, so i had a choice to stay in the house and get bored watching the depressing soaps on TV. So I put a call out on the Irish Masonic Network to find out what lodges were meeting from Belfast and Holywood to Lisburn the Maze I went a travelling.

Having my hair shaved off for Teddies For Loving Care

I’ve met many brothers and have made a lot of new friends going around different lodges has opened my eyes to the wonderful world of freemasonry. I would encourage all master masons if you have any free time or at a loose end find out where a lodge is sitting and just go along don’t be shy.  I would encourage especially newer members to take the plunge and visit a lodge that’s not your own.

If you get an invite to a lodge that is having an installation evening then jump at the chance to go to another and join in the celebration. Over the past couple of years I’ve visited a quite a few installations at every lodge I went to I was welcomed with the open hand of friendship as if I was returning home.

Members of Belfast lodge that joined us on our trip to Dublin

One thing I have learnt is that my appearance not only fills me with joy meeting with my fellow brothers, it also fills them with joy knowing I’ve come to support them. There are many lodges that are to put it one way thin on the ground with lowering memberships so when a traveling brother attends and supports their lodge the welcome and you receive is beyond compare.

So if your a brother that is at a loose end don’t be afraid or worried just go along to any lodge and you will be heartily welcomed and do stay for the festive board after because you will enjoy the experience of meeting your fraternal brothers even more.  And you never know you might get a job to do.

So here are some pictures of lodges I’ve visited brothers I’ve met and friendships I’ve made.

Paddy Masters degree what a fun night

Brothers Ian Gregory Ian McMaster and Alan Earl

I was talked into buying a Widows Sons tee shirt for a good cause

Visiting an Installation evening at Ballynahinch 

Myself and brothers from 669 at the Installation of Bro Genesis Nazareth

Wherever I go the hand of friendship is always extended to greet me

I regularly visit Rossetta Masonic Hall Park Road

Myself and a couple of brothers from the McMordie Memorial lodge Park Road I think we rolled out in the wee small hours

Brethren of 669 on our visit to Grand Lodge pre meeting Guinness

So as you can see lots of smiles and laughs. So go on take the plunge and go visit another lodge support each other and reap the benefits of meeting together with your fraternal brothers.

I am a Masonic traveler and I look forward to traveling to your lodge some day wherever you are so to all that read this and wish to do some travelling of their own you will always find a warm welcome at lodge 669 just ask for me and I’ll be happy to look out for you and welcome you home.