The National Sojourners

In early 1995 (just a few months after this website was opened, I was pleased to receive the following essay about the "National Sojourners."

From: stratmoenl@lbm.com
Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 16:10:04 CST
Subject: RE: NATIONAL SOJOURNERS

National Sojourners is an independent affiliate of Free Masonry.

National Sojourners traces its heritage to the early 1900s in the Philippines. Since there was no local Lodge military officers, who were Masons, formed a "club" to promote fellowship and Masonic ideals. As these original founders were reassigned to other military posts, the "club" disbanded, to appear later in Chicago as the "Sojourner Club". Over time other Sojourner Clubs began to appear across the United States, especially prevalent near military installations. A National Headquarters was established in Alexandria Virginia, on the grounds of George Washington's estate. Eventually the land and surrounding buildings were purchased and a permanent National Headquarters and Museum dedicated to Military Masons was established.

The purposes of National Sojourners, is to organize Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers, past and present of the Uniformed Services of the United States, who are Master Masons, into chapters for the promotion of fellowship, for the cultivation of Masonic ideals, for supporting all patriotic aims and activities in Masonry, and for developing Partiotism and Americanism throughout the Nation.

Active membership is open to Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers, past or present, active or reserve (and National Guard), of the Uniformed Services of the United States or its allies, who are Master Masons in good standing.

Honorary membership may be conferred by a Chapter upon those persons who would not otherwise be eligible for membership due to past or present military service. Honorary members have the same rights and privileges as Active Members.

Sojourners prompte Patriotism and Americanism by sponsoring programs such as: ROTC Cadet awards and recognition, American flag programs and presentations, participating in Armed Forces and Veterans Day activities and programs etc. Additionally Sojourner chapters support and strengthen fraternal relations with other Masonic bodies through "Bridge of Light" programs.

For "Official" additional information or a directory of Chapters contact the National Headquarters.

National Sojourners, Inc.
8301 E. Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA 22308-1399
(703) 765-5000

In January of 2006, Bro. Jack Coffey was kind enough to send me the following update.

Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2006 18:02:03 -0600
From: The Coffey House <jcoffey2@satx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: National Sojourners, Inc

Not only Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers permitted to become members, but Senior Noncommissioned Officers as well. There are specific dates of inclusion for those who were active duty prior to the grades of E-7, E-8 and E-9 being instituted.

I suggest you visit www.nationalsojourners.org for accurate information.

Have a great day.

J. Coffey

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