By Noble Charles Bovaird
Even during Covid times, Noble Andrew J. Lee managed to persue the Rookie Noble and Master Noble awards. Here is a little question and answer with him.
Was there anything in particular that motivated you to pursue both the Rookie Noble Award and the Master Noble Award in the same year?
Lee – Honestly it was perfect timing. I didn’t know there was a Master Noble Award. I was pursuing my Rookie Master Award and Noble Eriksen mentored me about the Master Noble Award. I was trying to stay as active as I can during Covid.
What did you enjoy the most about pursuing these awards?
Lee – As with anything, it is the journey and meeting new Nobles along the way of achieving each requirement. Most importantly, I know more about the Shrine and can be a competent ambassador to my Blue Lodge, Good Samaritan Lodge in Reading, MA.
What was the most challenging part of completing the requirements?
Lee – The most challenging part is deciding which units and/or clubs to join. I want to be part of every unit and club. They are all very interesting and fun and for a good cause. I had to set priorities and see where I can be a force multiplier.
More importantly, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without support from Good Samaritan Lodge and Noble Eriksen.
Do you have any advice for Nobles who are thinking about pursuing these awards?
Lee – Every noble should attempt to pursue it, no matter what. Give it an honest effort. To me it’s never really about the award or recognition but the knowledge and experience you gain. When I join an organization, I try my best to be as active as I can and be a valuable member. Awards or recognitions like the Rookie Noble Award and Master Noble Award are very good incentives.
May I ask what drew you to the Shrine in the first place?
Lee – Since I was sixteen, Freemasonry and I have crossed paths many times. In high school I was performing community service when I crossed paths with the Shriners. I didn’t know who these men with Fezzes were, until one of the Nobles informed me they were Freemasons. Curiosity led me to find the facts on how to become a Mason. Timing was the most difficult factor for me. I went to the United States Military Academy, so I never had the devoted time. Upon graduation I petitioned to become a mason at Camp Stone Lodge 377 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, in 2014, but I received orders to be stationed in Korea and was not able to petition. In Korea, I sought out Masonry but there was no formal Lodge. Finally in 2018, I returned back to my home state and petitioned. Unfortunately, after petitioning, I had a very unexpected personal family event that I am still recovering from. But, as a Christian, I knew God had sent freemasonry into my life at a perfect time. I needed the camaraderie and support. And this meant more to me than anything in a time of mental and emotional turbulence. During these turbulent times, I became a Master Mason and have traveled within the length of my cable tow and now a Noble!
Do you have any particular goals now that you are here?
Lee – I still have a lot to learn about the Shrine and our Temple. Personally I want to join the Motorcycle Unit, but I’m a little strapped on time commitment. Organizationally, I would like to be more active for Aleppo and Hospital relations.