April 2025 Stated Communication

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Greetings Brethren,

During our last Stated, we were excited to have guests from Hiram Takoma Lodge No. 10, the Grand Lodge, a Brother from Sweden, and even a prospect. We were able to run our escape room and share something unique with others. This program is one of our multifaceted efforts to engage our Brothers, challenge them, and give non-Masons a tiny peek at some of what can be learned within our walls. Hopefully, our visitors will bring that joy back with them and encourage others to visit us and give the escape room a try. I must mention that the Pillar Officers’ time is still unbeaten, so try your best.

Congratulations to Brother Wes Yugaites for completing his proficiency degree or his Section 83, as many of us know it. It is one third of the requirements to become Master of a lodge, and he is well on his way to becoming the leader of our Lodge. I know our Senior Warden, Brother David de Hosson is working on his as well, and I am excited for the future of our Lodge. We have great men coming up the line, and St. John’s is all the better because of these men.

I attended the Masters and Wardens Association (MWA) meeting where we discussed a 3-year plan to bring the lodges of our jurisdiction closer together, ways to make the MWA more effective in supporting each of the lodges and help in the direction of the jurisdiction as a whole. Its purpose is to help Brothers coming up the line to be better prepared for their time in the East in some respects, build relationships with other lodges so that we can share our trestleboards more effectively, and marry up our efforts in the lodges with some of the Grand Lodge efforts so that we can be more united in our actions. We also will be building a lodge resource group, of sorts, where lodges who need help, be it degree cast, ritual, program planning, etc., can reach the Pillar Officers of the jurisdiction, who are the pulse, and get the support they need from experienced fellows.

This month we will have Springfield Lodge No.214 coming to present a program called Cleopatra’s Needle. I’ve heard it will be a very interesting presentation, and we have made it open to prospects and families so that others can get a taste of what Masonry has to offer. If you are so able, please support your Lodge and bring a friend and/or your family (and R.S.V.P. so we can plan accommodations accordingly).

We are still collecting canned and other non-perishables to increase the impact of La Hatienne Lodge No. 925’s food drive to help the people of DC who may have food insecurity concerns. I will be gathering the items and visiting La Hatienne at one of their next stated communications. Their goal is 5,000 lbs. of food.

Last but not least, we voted and approved lifetime membership for WB Riley. He has served the Lodge justly for close to 50 years. Well-deserved, and we are honored to have him as a Brother of our Lodge. Our heartfelt thanks go out to him. Brethren, the example has been set, and we should each strive to meet and exceed that bar in and outside of Lodge.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
W.B. Sam Chin, P.M.
Worshipful Master

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March 2025 Stated Communication

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Greetings Brethren,

Congrats to Brother de Hosson for successfully running his first meeting while I was absent. It puts me at ease to know that we have the right guys in place to run the Lodge when senior officers need to tend to necessary vocations. And it is a testament to why we will continue to operate for generations to come.

This month’s stated will be brief so that we can enjoy a custom-built Masonic Escape room. The target time is 45 minutes, and the leaderboard will start with our time as the standard that other lodges will attempt to beat over the coming months (or perhaps years). I’m excited for this to finally come to fruition and, hopefully, it will be the start of something bigger for our Lodge as we work to improve attendance (and prospects) for ourselves and from guests while sharing in the Brotherhood that we all enjoy.

Now some bad news, I lost the chili competition held at HTX No.10 to reigning champ W.B. Ed Freeman. About a dozen other chilis entered the ring but there could only be one champion. Congrats to W.B. Freeman and his continued reign. But I will return next year with something better and spicier. If you aren’t aware, many lodges are having wonderful engaging programs like this, and you are highly encouraged to travel if you can. There are degrees, tastings (I know of cigar, scotch and rum events happening this year), Masonic esoteric talks, and some general knowledge presentations as well. The Grand Lodge Weekly email has a lot of what is going on at various lodges. Reach out to others and lets get a group to travel with and enjoy their programs. We will have our own events that other lodges may reciprocate with. This is the best way to get the most out of Masonry, share the journey, expand your network of good/close Brothers and enjoy being amongst Brethren!

Looking forward to being with everyone again and how well our guys do against the Masonic Escape Room: Search for the Lost Sign.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
W.B. Sam Chin, P.M.
Worshipful Master

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February 2025 Stated Communication

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Greetings Brethren,

First, I’d like to share a word of Thanks from Melody and my family for supporting her installation as Honored Queen. It has been a long time coming, and I'm excited about her time in the east. I will keep the Lodge posted on her Bethel’s events in case you can travel and see their good work.

Next, I congratulate W.B. Trivedi on his installation as Oriental Guide in Almas Shrine. I look forward to his ascension in that appendant body. If you can support the Shrine or are considering joining, contact W.B. Anand for more details.

Our last meeting was designed to take a look at where you are in your journey, where others are, and how we can help and support each other in reaching and uncovering what Masonry has to offer each of us. As one Brother mentioned, that initial goal may change over time, but, as long as you are active in your pursuit, you can never go wrong, and you learn many things about yourself and others along the way. Truly a worthwhile endeavor!

This month will be an early opportunity for the officers to step up into the seats and try out next year’s potential chairs, as I will be “out of the office,” so to speak. R.W.B. Arce will lead a discussion in the same manner as last year which I found to be very rewarding in connecting with our Brethren on some of the deeper meanings found in our Masonic world.

Hopefully, I’ll see everyone soon so we can share the stories and build our Masonic experience together. This will be a very good year indeed!

Here are some other bits of news… we will be having a Masonic escape room later this year! The date is TBD but be ready to challenge yourselves. We are making progress on our International/Cultural Night. I’ve nearly lined up three performances but will need your help in really making it a success. We will need to travel and share the event details with other Lodges so that we can all enjoy and celebrate the diversity of Masonry in Washington, D.C. More to come, so come to Lodge especially to stay the most current on these developments and add your input to them as well.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
W.B. Sam Chin, P.M.
Worshipful Master

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January 2025 Stated Communication

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Greetings Brethren,

Welcome to the New Year! I hope everyone had a restful and joyous holiday season shared with family and friends. It was very enjoyable to see the installations of our fellow lodges and share time at the Grand Lodge Membership Gala with those who could attend. My family was able to travel abroad to visit Japan and see how they spend Christmas and the New Year. Quite a sight to see and experience.

We are grateful to all the Brethren who have placed their trust in our elected line. St. John’s Lodge has a lot to do this year to build on previous years’ stellar efforts. I plan to keep many of the new efforts led by R.W.B. Arce into this year and try some new things out. You don’t want to miss any of our meetings if your cable tow allows, as we have a full trestleboard with Masonic education, some soul searching, escape room testing, cultural performances, and more. I hope to bring all these things to St. John’s Lodge with your help and to share it with our Brethren across the jurisdiction.

As mentioned at the installation, you can bring canned goods and/or nonperishables to the Lodge so that we can gather them and support La’Hacienne Lodge No.925’s year-long food drive. As we visit other lodges and hear more about the charities they are supporting, I will include them in the bulletin. We will make a larger impact in our community when we work together.

Also, if you can attend, my daughter, Melody, will be installed as Honored Queen of her bethel right here in DC! They will meet at Takoma Masonic Center at noon for lunch, followed by a 1 pm installation on Saturday, January 4th. Please R.S.V.P. to me (master@stjohnslodgedc.org) to help plan the evening’s appropriations. Let’s show Maryland how we support our people!

Hopefully, I’ll see everyone soon so we can share the stories and build our Masonic experience together. This will be a very good year indeed!

Sincerely and Fraternally,
W.B. Sam Chin, P.M.
Worshipful Master

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December 2024 Stated Communication

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My Brothers,

As I shared in my remarks during our November Stated Communication, I thank you all for supporting our events, speakers, and new traditions this year at St. John’s Lodge No. 11. For those who have been able to regularly attend meetings, please continue to do so. There is a reason you were Accepted by this Lodge — we value you! To those who live outside our jurisdiction or are unable to join us, know that you are in our thoughts, and we always save a seat for you.

Now, to the business at hand. Join me in congratulating our Master-elect, W.B. Sam Chin, P.M.! I have greatly benefited from Sam’s friendship and wisdom this year. His return to the East is welcomed, and I look forward to his trestleboard events for the ensuing year.

Please be sure to place your R.S.V.P. for our December Stated Communication. Worshipful Master-elect Chin has requested a Thai dinner at 8 p.m. You and your guests are welcome to attend. In order to keep the Installation and Dinner on time, Lodge will open at 6:45 pm — with no business conducted — breaking for recess to re-open at Labor at 7 p.m. sharp. My goal is to invite family and friends in the room ahead of 7:30 for the Public Installation of Officers.

I hope you can attend, support our Officers and celebrate another successful year for St. John’s Lodge No. 11.

Sending Warm Holiday Wishes from my family to yours!

Sincerely and Fraternally,
W.B. Michael Arce
Worshipful Master

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November 2024 Stated Communication

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My Brothers,

As we prepare for our November Stated Communication and Officer election, I have spent a lot of time this month thinking of the past and looking to the future. People will say they “are busy” this time of year, which is understandable with the Holidays, family gatherings, and end-of-the-year events. Masonically, we will close out 2024 by electing our officers for 2025. I vividly remember my mindset as Senior Warden at this time last year: a mixture of optimism, excitement, and anticipation.

As the soon-to-be outgoing and Immediate Past Master, I share those same feelings but in a different order. I am excited for St. John’s Lodge because of all we have accomplished this year. We Raised Brother Thomas Henderson, performing fantastic degrees and providing him with a solid Masonic education to build the foundation for his Temple. I anticipate that many of the traditions we began this year will continue into next year’s Trestleboard — with events that cover all areas of Freemasonry while our Lodge continues to be a welcomed place for those with an interest in our Ancient and Gentle Craft. And I am optimistic that the future leaders of our Lodge will have the guidance they need to shine the Light of Freemasonry in the Nation’s Capital for generations to come!

With that, I thank you for the honor of serving in the East this year. I look forward to standing with and supporting our new Worshipful Master-elect soon!

Sincerely and Fraternally,
W.B. Michael Arce
Worshipful Master

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October 2024 Stated Communication

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My Brothers,

TikTok seems to know what’s happening in my life these days. For some reason, I keep getting videos in my feed about the planets and their path around the Sun. And, as much as I love the fall season and the holidays to come, I can’t help but feel a sense of sadness as my time in the East passes with every month. Being the Worshipful Master of St. John’s Lodge No. 11 is, hands down, my favorite Masonic leadership role. It has been my privilege to gavel our meetings, connect with each of you outside of Lodge Masonicly, and enjoy your Fellowship at our events this year.

I was recently asked what my plans are for next year. They are pretty simple: I will work hard to support the new Worshipful Master of our Lodge and continue to be a Brother who can be counted on.

As we approach the homestretch of this Masonic year, October will provide some Light and Brotherhood opportunities to enjoy! First, Bro. Jason Short will travel for a third time to visit St. John’s Lodge No. 11 to deliver his Masonic Mnemonics presentation. If you have ever wondered what tricks or tips exist to remember people’s names or commit ritual to memory – this program is for you! Secondly, I invite you to join my wife, Azad, and I for dinner and an October evening ghost tour in Old Town Alexandria on Saturday, October 12. The details are in the Trestleboard section of this bulletin. Due to reservation constraints, I ask that you R.S.V.P. before October 1 if you and your guest can join in the fun.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
W.B. Michael Arce
Worshipful Master

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September 2024 Stated Communication

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Warm Fraternal Greetings, my Brothers!

I’ll admit, my comments this month might have been heavily influenced by the 2024 Summer Olympics. A little…

For the most part, Freemasonry is an individual journey. Sure, we have coaches, mentors, and teammates who push us along our way, but, for the most part, the work that we do in building our symbolic temple or on our ashlar is that effort to make a good man, better.

However, there are some moments when our individual talents are needed to drive a team to greatness. Relay events serve as a prime example – as a team is assembled based on the strengths of the individuals who are measured on the sum of their potential. Speed, power, endurance, and even wisdom are all carefully balanced. This can be seen in our Lodge as well.

I invite you to attend our September Stated Communication on Friday, September 6th, when our Wardens and those interested in pursuing their path to the East, “move up” for the evening. Watch as your Lodge Officers pass the leadership baton and, if you are so inclined, use this opportunity to answer the call in your heart to serve St. John’s Lodge No.11.

On a personal note, many thanks to all who attended, stepped up for the evening, and supported the Lodge for our August meeting. Your dedication was greatly appreciated!

Sincerely and Fraternally,
W.B. Michael Arce
Worshipful Master

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August 2024 Stated Communication

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Fellowcraft Degree Night

My Brethren,

Greetings!

It’s not very often that one is part of history. Sure, we’ve all been a witness to history, be it televised or unfolding right before our eyes, but very rarely do we have a part in it. Especially when it comes to Freemasonry. I’m proud to share two moments in June where such opportunities were presented.

The first was the Universal Brotherhood Celebration, Universal Lodge and Festive Board hosted by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge (MWPHGL) of the District of Columbia. This was a first-of-its-kind event, in that, for the first time in our modern history, both Grand Lodges met and sat together. This was my first time ever visiting a Prince Hall Lodge, much more their Grand Lodge. While I am still learning my way around downtown, any doubt in my mind as to where this historic building is on U Street quickly evaporated as soon as I saw the smiling faces of Brethren all dressed in black suits, white shirts, and black ties.

WB Anand Trivedi and I had the honor of sitting as the Sr. and Jr. Stewards, representing St. John’s, during the opening and closing of the Universal Lodge.During the Lodge meeting, we witnessed the exemplification of the EA Degree by the MWPHGL degree cast. To say they have a commitment to strong ritual and floorwork is an understatement! I could feel their footsteps fall in unison and the words are still firmly in my memory. This event was one of the best attended that I have witnessed during my three years in DC; I hope that more Brothers find time to be a part of next year’s program!

The second historical moment was also meaningful, as St. John’s Lodge Brothers and Job’s Daughter International Sisters and Guardians honored the memory of WB Dad John Regner during a joint Table Lodge of Instruction and celebrated WB Karl Gruel at our Fidelity Medal presentation. As I stated in my remarks that evening, the Fidelity Medal recipient is merely the custodian of the honor. The medal is a testament to character, resilience, devotion, sacrifice, and support. WB Gruel exemplifies the true meaning of fidelity. His unique story, one he has famously stated, that St. John’s Lodge is his family. Tonight, your family is recognizing your dedication, the lasting impact you have made on countless lives, and for that we are eternally grateful.

Finally, my Brothers, if it is within your cable-tow, I invite you to be a part of history at our August Communication as we welcome MWB Jacob M. Bressman, Grand Master of the District of Columbia and MWB Steven Adam Rubin, Grand Master of New York to dinner. MWB Rubin will be traveling with a delegation from the Grand Lodge of New York.

A catered BBQ buffet dinner will be provided – open to all St. John’s Lodge members and guests, beginning at 8 p.m. in the dining room of the Almas Shriner Temple. Please R.S.V.P. to the Worshipful Master by Monday, July 29. No RSVP, no seat, no exceptions.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
W.B. Michael Arce
Worshipful Master

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June 2024 Stated Communication

Warm Fraternal Greetings, my Brothers!

We are halfway through our Masonic year. With that in mind, as you reflect upon your personal trestleboard, inventory and measure your progress toward your Masonic goals, here are a few items to include on your personal calendar this month.

Monday, June 3 – Fellowcraft Degree

St. John’s will be joining Anacostia-Pentalpha Lodge 21 to confer a joint Fellowcraft Degree to Bro. Thomas Henderson at the Odd Fellows Temple, Washington DC.

Friday, June 7 – June Stated Communication

Following our June Stated Communication, WB Ron Seifried, DSA, Area Historian for the Nassau and Suffolk Masonic Districts (GLNY), and author of “Long Island Freemasons,” will lead us through his exciting program on “Theodore Roosevelt: The Man And Mason.” Program begins at 8PM with a complimentary light dinner available for all who have an interest in Freemasonry. THEN… plan to join the Brethren of St. John’s Lodge on Saturday, June 8th, for a walking tour of Theodore Roosevelt Island starting at 10am, as we trek to TR’s memorial. A complimentary light picnic lunch will be provided, and all are welcome to attend. Again, please RSVP for a meal.

Saturday, June 15 – Universal Brotherhood Celebration

St. John’s will be supporting the annual Universal Brotherhood Celebration hosted by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. This event includes a Universal Brotherhood Lodge with Educational Presentation at the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia’s U Street Temple. Open to Master Masons Only. A Festive Board follows the UBC Lodge program. St. John’s Brothers, please present your dinner receipt to the Secretary for reimbursement.

Saturday, June 22 – Celebration of Life for WB John Regner and St. John's Fidelity Medal Award Ceremony for WB Karl Gruel

The Brethren of St. John’s No. 11 invite you to George Washington National Masonic Museum for a Celebration of Life for our late-Brother, WB John Regner followed by the Fidelity Medal presentation to WB Karl Gruel. The event begins with a guided tour of the museum at 3pm, Festive Board with the Job’s Daughters of Delmar at 5pm, followed by the award presentation at 7pm. This event has limited seating! RSVP at https://stjohnslodgedc.org/store/test-event.

Friday, June 28 – Official Visit of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of DC

All elected officers are expected to attend our Official Visit held at the DC Scottish Rite building. All Brethren are encouraged to attend this event! A festive board will follow. I look forward to seeing you this month, in and outside of Lodge!

Sincerely and Fraternally,
W.B. Michael Arce
Worshipful MasterFull Trestleboard available here.