From the Worshipful Master

We are known as travelers. As Masons, we have been given the right to travel to other lodges and to visit brothers from other places. We at Wayfarers have already made efforts to visit more lodges as a delegation and have already done so, with our recent visitation to Chandler-Thunderbird #15. But it isn’t just about our lodge visiting others, all brothers should give themselves the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and see other places, and other Masons.

Oh, not just in Arizona, but everywhere regular Masons are accepted and are to be found. I would like to offer some tips when deciding to visit another lodge, as it can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will have as a Mason.

1. Make sure you have your dues card.
2. Be sure we are recognized by the other lodge.
3. Make sure that we recognize the other lodge (there is a book in the lodge available upon request for reference).
4. Remember to bring your dues card.
5. Study up on the ritual in case you are examined, most notably our modes of recognition.
6. Ask to see their charter before you allow yourself to be examined (remember what our ritual teaches us about being out in the world).

And finally, don’t forget to make friends, have fun, and enjoy the experience. Every lodge in every jurisdiction has an opportunity to teach us something, and we are given the opportunity to spread our own Light as well.

So get out there. If you’re on a vacation or a business trip and you have the time, visit a lodge. If you have the time on a Tuesday night and we are dark, go see another lodge. And finally, make it a point to shake hands, make friends, and understand that being a Mason is an amazing experience. So share it with others!

Jason Michlowitz
Worshipful Master

From the Senior Warden

Certain sources tell us that this was once a right, but the realities of the modern world–and the realities that there are unscrupulous non-Masons who would lie about their status–has changed visitation from right to privilege.

Nonetheless, visiting is a privilege that all Masons should take advantage of, when they can. Some Masons visit simply to collect the pins that lodges give to visitors, a sort of way to mark their Masonic travels. But visiting lodges provides far more to the Mason.

It is a chance to meet new Masons, brothers who are, by nature of their membership, men who have something in common with you. It is a chance to see how things are done in other lodges–all should follow the ritual set down by their Grand Lodge, but there may still be subtle and interesting differences. It is also an opportunity, simply, to see others perform the ritual, and to show your support for Masonry in general, and not just your lodge, in particular.

In short, visiting lodges is a chance to expand your Masonic world, and introduce yourself to like-minded men in other lodges and jurisdictions.

Bryan Bullock
Senior Warden

From the Junior Warden

Visiting and sitting in every regular lodge is one of the oldest Masonic customs. The habit of Freemasons to travel and to visit other lodges, or even affiliate with them, is one of the oldest and most widely practiced customs of the Craft. It is therefore reasonable to deduce that the tendency of Masons to visit other lodges is very old custom indeed. Many of the oldest extant Masonic manuscripts contain charges associated with visiting, and the reception of visitors.

Visiting is a privilege, it is one of the greatest privileges of joining a Lodge. It must be said that a Mason has no absolute, customary right to visit a lodge wherein he is not a member. However, with that fact stated, it must be recognized that visiting as a privilege is most definitely encouraged and welcomed in all regular Masonic jurisdictions. A Freemason in good standing will always encounter Masonic hospitality in his travels.

Finally, Traveling is fun! Brothers love to meet new Brothers and and getting to know them. So, get out there and travel some and have some fun. You’ll be surprised at this wonderful adventure you will have and the friends that you will make!

Ben Kruse
Junior Warden