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It has been one of the greatest prides in my life to have discovered and been a part of The Patriot Lodge No. 1957 while being an undergrad at George Mason University. I got the opportunity to be acquainted with many friends and mentors. I am appreciative and grateful for being received into the Craft and having strangers turned brothers aid me in chiseling away at some of my imperfections. For me, The Patriot Lodge has been filled by an excellent atmosphere and band of individuals who have participated in shaping the man that I have become. Although it is a small lodge, compared to the vast history and tradition of Masonry in Virginia and the world at large, it has produced a significant impression on my life.

The Patriot Lodge has a great ambition of bringing light to a youthful generation. Although this undertaking can at times be challenging, with the zealous brothers, they continue to accomplish the Lodge’s aim of bringing about wonderful things to the community we committed ourselves to, that being George Mason University, and to our Masonic locality. I do not believe there is any way to fully express my gratitude to the Lodge and its members for everything it has done for me personally and masonicly;, however, I try by continuously being the embodiment of the great principles I was entrusted to receive.   

JP Benitez joined the Patriot Lodge and soon rose to be Master of the Lodge. He went on to study at Brooklyn Law School in New York City.

“Intellect is to the people and the people’s Force, what the slender needle of the compass is to the ship – its soul, always counselling the huge mass of wood and iron, and always pointing to the north.”

Albert Pike

When I think about who I surround myself with, I imagine being on a ship in the middle of sea. Everyone one on the ship must be caring, reliable, trust worthy, and understanding; like a brother. They must be willing to step up and take care of the ship, everyone else, and, at times, me.

Being a member of The Patriot Lodge has filled my ship with true brothers. Each one of us has a task and we all stand together. I strive to be a better man when I am with them, and I know they do the same. To me this is what the Lodge is, it is surrounding myself with good men that help me navigate the deep blue sea.

Guy Barnes affiliated with The Patriot Lodge after he enrolled at GMU, having served as a combat infantryman in Iraq. He went on to study international relations with a specialty in the Middle East and a sub-specialty in tribal relations at the University of Saint Andrews in Scotland.

Freemasonry has fundamentally changed the way I approach the world. I didn’t know much about it before joining, beyond that a significant number of prominent people throughout history have been Masons, but I had been involved in Greek life as well as numerous clubs and organizations. After joining, I immediately found a place to belong within the craft.

Freemasonry has provided two features that have been crucial to my development as a man. First, I have found a unique camaraderie within the four walls of the lodge. Not only am I surrounded by individuals more experienced and wiser than myself that I can learn from, but I have also made some of the best friendships of my life through Freemasonry.

The Patriot Lodge was interviewed in this week’s Broadside, the GMU student newspaper.  Check it out online!

Congratulations to the Patriot Lodge for receiving their first candidate ever on May 4th, 2011! An excellent degree was conferred and a good time was had by all.

The March 2011 trestleboard is now uploaded.  Click here to view.

District #4′s very own Acacia Lodge #16 was mentioned on Wor. Hodapp’s Freemason for Dummies blog.  Congrats on the mention and a greater congratulations on returning home!