June 2025 Stated Communication

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Greetings Brethren,

We had a great meeting last month. We had three interested men visit the lodge and we held an open discussion about why we became Masons and what piqued their interest in Masonry. A good discussion and hopefully the beginning of their Masonic journey to follow. I was able to visit a couple lodges and see and or participate in their EA degrees. As I continue to say, traveling is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Mason. You can see the similarities in our Craft and appreciate the differences in practice all while enjoying the camaraderie that goes along with it.

Once again our Victories and Vices portion allowed us to celebrate the good things we are experiencing in our lives and provide an outlet for some of the things that are troubling us. We are here for each other to support in times of need and lend an ear or helping hand.

Coming up we have WB Wes Latchford who will present on Protocol and Etiquette. This will be slightly different from previous presentations because he's visiting from Virginia and will bring knowledge from a different perspective than what we are accustomed to.

Stay tuned to your emails for information about our upcoming family events - June's Crawfish Boil at Brother Patin’s home (tentatively June 28th), August's Paint and Sip afternoon (tentatively August 30th), and September's Cultural event.

September's Cultural event in particular, set for Saturday, September 13th, will be exciting because we are teaming up with a number of lodges to bring food from around the world and have live performances from a Bavarian dance group as well as the Washington CYC (Chinese Youth Club) Lion Dancers.

Summer is upon us, let's get out and enjoy the sun and the Light of our Craft.

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

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May 2025 Stated Communication

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Greetings Brethren,

Last month's presentation from Springfield Lodge No.217 on Cleopatra's Needle was very cool and great fellowship was in full effect. It's amazing to see what the past has left for future generations to find and learn from. Certainly New York’s original needle is on my list to see the next time I visit the Big Apple. I hope those that attended gained new knowledge and appreciation for our symbols and the plain sight and hidden places they can be found. Thanks again to Springfield Lodge for sharing such a treasure with us.

I delivered the 1st quarter food donations to La Haitienne Lodge No.925. They were appreciative of our support in their food drive and look forward to our continued donations. I do have to mention that my daughter's Bethel No.36 of Towson MD out paced us in donations so we need to do better next quarter. They provided nearly 100 lbs of canned and non-perishable goods, that’s about 6-7 grocery bags of food by 6 girls under 15 years old. It's good to see that our Masonic family is working together to help others in a concerted effort for those in need. Hunger is an everyday battle for some, not just a winter holiday.

This month our program will continue the theme of symbols with a challenge to the Brethren by drawing matching symbols from a hat. They will confer on the symbol for a bit then present their understanding and application of it. This will give the opportunity to practice speaking in front of others as well as share their combined light on a symbol. A goal many Brethren had from our "What came ye here to do" meeting in January. Spring has sprung and St. John's has many open family oriented events coming up. While we have received a fair amount of education so far this year, it's time for us to share more with our families as well. As such we have a crawfish boil planned for June, a Paint Night planned for August, and a Cultural Night highlighted by a food fair in September. All open to family and prospects with little to no charge at that.

Lastly I want to reiterate and encourage our Brethren to travel. Other lodges also have great programming this year and for those out of town I encourage you to visit a lodge and let us know how it went. We'll include it in the next meeting and bulletin. Learning about and sharing Masonry is at the core of what we do so get out there and experience it!

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

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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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