MEMBERS PROFILES

Joined Masonry – 2011

Education: I discovered Chemistry at an early age and went through my schools focussing on the sciences and finally achieved a degree in Chemistry. I worked in a Civil Service Laboratory for 12 years and then moved into Scientific sales, selling analytical equipment. I did this for 37 years and retired in 2021.
My hobbies have always been, reading, stamp collecting, astronomy and ornithology.

I started my Masonic Journey in 2011. A friend had become a mason a couple of years earlier and finally talked me into joining. I knew about Freemasonry because I had 2 uncles who were masons, but I was very young, busy and had a family so joining never occurred to me. On reflection I wish I had joined earlier. When I did join it was because of my friend and curiosity. What I learned very quickly when I joined was the friendship, camaraderie and fun. I have made so many new friends who I would never have known had it not been for Freemasonry. We are brothers and we have fun, challenges and the ability to achieve good through our charitable work.

From the moment I joined I progressed through the offices every year and became Master 6 years later in 2017. I then became Secretary in 2019, which Is still my main Office. I am also Membership Officer and Library and Museum Representative. My role as Secretary is very extensive and requires a lot of time and effort. It means I get involved and have attended many Masonic meetings and events in the East Kent Province and Grand Lodge, too many to mention. I helped organise an Open Day at the Masonic Centre in Gravesend, which was for the public, and was successful I attracting new members. I have also written articles for the Provincial Magazine, researched the Lodges 273 year History and produced 2 Historical books and catalogued the Lodges artifacts and memorabilia.

Masonry is now my main hobby. It’s a very rewarding past time. You meet so many people and some will become close friends and others, acquaintances. I enjoy learning ritual, which isn’t for everyone, and being part of a much larger historical organisation with its many traditions. Also, knowing that many charities and individuals benefit from the money we give and raise through our efforts. The teaching of Freemasonry is to guide the individual through a path of learning and enlightenment and to become a better person. I like to think that I have followed this path.

My message to prospective members is very simple. Freemasonry is a hobby and family, and work come first. However, like most hobbies, the benefit comes from the time and effort that you are prepared to put in, the more involved the bigger the reward.

One of the most interesting aspects of Freemasonry for me is the number of famous people who are or have been Mason’s, such as:

Prince Philip, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.           Arthur Conan Doyle

Sir Alf Ramsey                                                           Sir Alexander Fleming

Sir Ernest Shackleton                                               Rudyard Kipling

William Hogarth                                                         King George VI

Peter Sellers                                                              Winston Churchill

Benjamin Franklin                                                     Buzz Aldrin

Interesting Fact: Through an incredible series of events and whilst investigating the Lodges history, I reconnected with a school classmate who I had not seen or heard from for 50 years. We now meet regularly and enjoy each other’s company and our Freemasonry together.
 

My Masonic journey started in 2008 when I asked my best friend Jez why he was never available for a curry and a pint (or 2) on Thursday’s and he told me that he was a Mason and invited me to meet some other members of the Lodge – I was offered the opportunity to .

Both my Father and Grandfather were both Masons although for some reason, I did not discover this until after they had both passed away and I had joined the Lodge of Freedom. My sister handed me a bag with their regalia and certificates. It turns out my Father was in our daughter Lodge, Libertus Secunda (Freedom the second) and my Grandfather was in Coronation Lodge No 2931 in Tientsin in pre-communist China! I intend to investigate further about my Grandfather’s Masonic career as all that I know is that he was a member in September, 1949. I only discovered that he had one leg after he died! We were not close!!

I passed through the ranks in The Lodge of Freedom and became Master in 2015 and again in 2020 & 2021 (the Covid years). I also became a member of Gravesham Royal Arch Chapter in 2016. I also joined my old school Lodge, Roffensian Lodge in 2016, this has since become The Light Blues Lodge.

One thing that I am particularly pleased and surprised to discover, is that I appear to have the capacity to learn quite long pieces of text, which can be very useful for some of our rituals.

In 2023 I was promoted to the active Provincial rank of Provincial Junior Grand Deacon, which was a great honour and gave me the opportunity to visit many Lodges throughout East Kent.

It has given me great pleasure to re-unite with old school friends and to make so many new friends (brothers). I am a PIG (Permanently Invited Guest) at a number of Lodges that meet in Gravesend and one that meets in London. I have recently taken on the role of Guest Organist at two Lodges, which is quite an achievement for someone without a musical bone in their body.

Writing this profile has given me the opportunity to reflect on what I have done for Freemasonry and what Freemasonry has done for me. I am proud of my achievements and thoroughly enjoy the friendships I have made and of what Freemasonry does for charity with the substantial money that we raise.

With regards to my career outside of Freemasonry, I have been in sales, working for companies such as Brother and Canon selling Typewriters, Fax Machines and Personal Computers before moving back into Insurance, specialising in the hospitality sector. I am now retired, but keep myself busy taxiing SEN children to school and back.

1. *Full Name*  
   * (Optionally include preferred titles or designations within Masonry, e.g., Worshipful Master)  

2.  * Year Joined Masonry  

3. *Personal Background*  
   * Occupation or Field of Work  
   * Hobbies or Interests  

4. *Masonic Journey*  
   * Why you joined Masonry?  
   * How you heard about Masonry?  
   * Why you decided to become a Mason?  
   * Some fears or hesitations before becoming a Mason  
   * What has been the most impactful experience in Masonry so far? E.g I learned that my great grandfather was also a freemason, i reunited with my high school mate trhiugh freemasonry e.t.c 

5. *Masonic Contributions*  
   * Offices held in the Lodge or Masonic body (e.g., Secretary, Treasurer)  
   * Participation in specific events or projects  

6. *Personal Reflections on Masonry*  
   * What does Masonry mean to you?  
   * How has Masonry influenced your life outside of the lodge?  E.g I have become more charitable, I have learned new cultures, I have made new friends e.t.c  (In your own words)

7. *Inspirational Message*  
   * A piece of advice or encouragement for new or prospective members  

8. *Optional: Personal Quotes or Favorite Masonic Quotes*  
   * E.g., "To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men."  

9. *Optional: Fun Facts or Anecdotes*  
   * Share a lighthearted or memorable moment from Masonic activities  e.g i scored 3 goals at a charity football match, e.t.c

My name is Liam Barnard, and I’ve been a Mason since 2016. I joined through the Universities Scheme while pursuing a PhD as a mature student, connected with SOAS, University of London. By profession, I’m a musician and academic, but my main role now is being a full-time carer and single parent to my 10-year-old daughter, who has special needs.

Masonry has been a transformative part of my life. I recently completed my term as Master of my mother lodge in London—a journey that has been nothing short of incredible. Beyond that, I serve as the resident organist for the Lodge of Freedom and several other lodges across London, as well as the East and West Kent provinces. Music has always been a big part of who I am, and being able to combine this with my Masonic work has been deeply rewarding.

As a full-time single parent, Masonry has become my social life, offering me the opportunity to connect with like-minded men. It has opened up a world to me that I might not otherwise have had access to, given my daily responsibilities at home and at the school gate. Masonry has truly become a lifeline, providing community, camaraderie, and inspiration.

I’m also the Membership Secretary of the West Kent Light Blues Club, a group I’d recommend to any brother still wearing a light blue apron. It’s a fantastic way to get involved, meet new people, and find support and encouragement in your Masonic journey.

The Lodge of Freedom is a truly ancient and remarkable lodge. The brethren here are some of the best people I’ve ever had the privilege to meet. If you’re considering joining, I can’t recommend it enough. Take the plunge—you won’t regret it, and it could be one of the best decisions you ever make.

Fun Fact: I once had a top-ten hit in Uganda with my African pop band, Monkfish.

I’m Luke Aram, and I became a Mason in 2024. By trade, I’m a welder and fabricator, and I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and solving problems. Outside of work, my passions include engineering, American football, car modification, and enjoying fine cigars.

My journey into Masonry started with curiosity. A few of my friends were already Masons, and their experiences intrigued me. I decided to join because I wanted to be part of a community that not only helps others through charity but also helps individuals grow into better people. For me, Masonry seemed like the perfect way to make a difference while working on my own self-improvement.

I didn’t have any fears or hesitations before joining, as everything about the fraternity aligned with my values. One of the most meaningful aspects of my journey so far is the realization that I’m likely the first in my family to become a Mason. It’s a point of pride and a personal milestone that I hold dear.

Currently, I serve as a Steward in my lodge. While I haven’t had the chance to participate in specific events or projects yet, I’m eager to contribute more as I continue to grow within the fraternity.

For me, Masonry is about much more than just being part of a brotherhood. It’s an opportunity to help others and to learn important lessons that carry over into everyday life. Since joining, I’ve noticed that I’ve become more tolerant of other people’s actions, which has been a valuable change in how I interact with the world around me.

I live by the belief that “Nothing is a problem unless you allow it to become one.” It’s a simple but powerful reminder to stay grounded and focused. On a lighter note, I also like to remind myself and others, “Don’t sweat the petty things, and don’t pet the sweaty things.”

Joining Masonry has already had a positive impact on my life, and I’m excited to see where this journey will take me in the future.