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The
National Sojourners is an organization of Master
Masons who are, or have been, commissioned,
warrant or senior noncommissioned officers of
the uniformed forces of the United States.
Honorary membership is extended to very
note-worthy Master Masons who are veterans of
the uniform forces.
Sojourners
are organized into local chapters for the
promotion of all patriotic aims and activities
in Masonry; for developing true patriotism and
Americanism throughout the nation; and for
opposing any influence whatsoever calculated to
weaken the national security. Within this
organization is an auxiliary degree known as the
"Heroes of `76," whose uniform is that of a
Colonial military officer. Our Ladies, known as
"Camp Followers," are an integral part of the
chapter. Their dress is appropriate to and
compliments that of their "Hero." The colonial
uniform is not mandatory for all "Heroes."
There is
within our Heroes' camp a "build the flag" team,
which presents a 45-minute history of the
evolution of our National Emblem. This program
has been presented in classrooms, civic and
church groups, Blue Lodges, Shrine Clubs,
Veteran Posts and senior citizen associations.
Patriotism, Americanism and Masonry is our basic
premise. HAVE FLAG, WILL TRAVEL.
The local
chapter, Tampa #252, currently has 59 members
who meet, along with their Ladies, on the third
Thursday of the month for an evening meal. The
chapter is dark for the months of June, July and
August. Although a great number of the chapter's
members are also Shriners, the Sojourner
Association is not an integral part of Shrinedom.
Tampa
chapter has among it's members the Shrine
Imperial Recorder, several Past Potentates, four
Fast Florida Grand Masters, several Worshipful
or Past Masters, five 33rd degree Masons, a
member of Egypt Divan and several past or
current line officers of Appendant bodies. The
Chapter is especially honored to have as a
member, the personal representative, for the
Valley of Tampa, of the Grand Inspector General
of Florida, a National Sojourner Past President
who is a recipient of the Legion of Honor, and a
National Sojourner Past Commander of Heroes of
`76.
National
Sojourners believe in God as The Supreme
Architect of the Universe.
We hold
that political, economic and social problems are
subsidiary to and ever separate from that
steadfast belief in God.
We maintain
that God must motivate man if present day
problems are to be solved and we urge active
participation in maintaining that Government for
which our forefathers fought and died.
Sojourners,
remember that George Washington once said, “When
we assumed the soldier, we did not lay aside the
citizen. “
Information regarding
details of membership in this unique Masonic
organization, of national stature, may be
obtained from Illustrious Sir Ed Bidoul, Chapter
President (813) 626-3851. |
