National Sojourners is first and foremost an organization of Masons
Mission Statement (Paraphrased): The Purposes of National Sojourners shall be to organize Commissioned and Warrant Officers and Senior non-commissioned Officers (past and present) of the uniformed forces of the US, and Honorary Members, all of whom are Master Masons, into chapters, for the promotion of good fellowship among its members, for assisting such as may be overtaken by adversity or affliction, for cultivating Masonic ideals, for supporting all patriotic aims and activities in Masonry, for developing patriotism and Americanism throughout the nation, for bringing together representatives of the uniformed forces of the US in a united effort to further military need or national defense, and for opposing any influence whatsoever calculated to weaken the national security.
History: National Sojourners began in 1901 in the Philippines when Masons from a North Dakota Regiment formed a Masonic "Club". They named it the Sojourners Club, meaning "travelers". That club initiated what later became the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. The Philippines Sojourners Club grew and the membership spread around the world. In 1917 a club was formed in Chicago. During WWI and afterward the clubs spread throughout US armed forces installations. The Ft. McPherson Chapter was formed in 1926. In 1931 the organization became National Sojourners, Incorporated, and the "club" label was dropped.
Relationship to Local Masonic Groups: Wherever regular Masonic Lodges are present, Sojourners are encouraged to affiliate with and support the local activities. We do not aim to be an "outside" Masonic group. The Sojourner Chapters, however, exist to carry on our support of Americanism and Patriotism activities, and of course for Masonic/Military fellowship.
Heroes of '76: Each National Sojourner Chapter has an associated "Heroes of '76 Camp". Ours at the Northern NJ Chapter is the Gen. Hugh Mercer, named after the Revolutionary War hero and physician. The theme of camp activity is the Revolutionary War, and the ladies are known as "camp followers". The initiation for Heroes of '76 is, I think, very dramatic and secret, and the social activities always include good food. Heroes of '76 uniforms include the tricornered hat you may have seen at Masonic patriotic functions.
Visitors since December 9, 2007
Web Site Published, December 9, 2007 ~ UPDATED 103009@2200 HRS
This Site is Maintained by Dan Pushee kych52va@aol.com
and Bill Haynes whhaynes@ptd.net
www.nationalsojourners.org
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"THIS IS MY COUNTRY"
