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  I believe it was around March of 2001, I telephoned a Gentleman whom was the 2001 District Deputy Grand Master of the 54th Masonic District, in the Commonwealth Of Virginia. His name is RW Phil Graves. He was extremely helpful in getting me on my way. I forgot the name of the Lodge that RW Graves lead me to, so I looked in the Yellow Pages and found out that there was a Lodge right behind my house. It was around 4:00 P.M. that Thursday afternoon, when my girlfriend (now wife) and I went to the Lodge, so I could seek initiation. It was the Cherrydale #42 Masonic Lodge in Arlington, Virginia. When I arrived, nobody was there! I guess nothing was going on there at that specific time, so we then set off to the only place I knew where I can find Masons... The George Washington Masonic Memorial. One of the gentlemen there telephoned another man named Richard Robinson (Cherrydale JW for 2001), to help me out. In turn Bro. Robinson came right over, to the Memorial, and basically got me started on my Journey. He sat me down and told me some basic information about Freemasonry. He also stated that Cherrydale Lodge #42 AF&AM was having a meeting later that night and to stop by and get an petition. I did just that.
When I arrived there again, Wor. Don Strehle was happy to get me an application. I immediately went home and filled that "bad boy" out. I woke up the next day, took my application and dropped it off at the Lodge. As you may be able to tell, I was kinda excited.
A few weeks later, Wor. Strehle invited me to an open gathering and dinner at the Lodge. I was pleased to have met many Brethren there. I was shown the utmost respect, consideration, as well as generosity. I met some of the finest people there that night; people with character, high morale, and good spirits.
About a week or so later, I received another phone call as well as an e-mail letting me know that everything is going smoothly and my Entered Apprentice (1st) Degree initiation was going to be on June 06, 2001. I guess that meant I "impressed" the committee and was accepted in to the Fraternity. I became extremely happy as well as excited. It seemed like forever for the initiation day to come.
June 6, 2001 was here! I dressed my best and went to the Lodge. The ceremony began at 7:30 P.M. sharp. I wasn't nervous, I was just plain scared! We had an awesome ceremony and when the it was over, I realized that it was a total blast! There was no reason for being "scared". I had a wonderful time and will remember it for the rest of my days. I finally received my EA Degree at 27 years of age. After the ceremony, everyone fellowshipped, conversed, ate, drank (soda), and just had a good time together. I was then appointed a mentor, to help me along my way. My mentor was the same gentleman whom spoke with me at the GW Memorial, Bro. Richard Robinson. He was quite knowledgeable and informative about the Craft.
A couple of weeks later, I was given notice that I am to gain my Fellow Craft (2nd) Degree, on September 18, 2001. This FC Degree initiation is going to be a triple initiation ceremony. I will be looking forward to that, as well...
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