Greetings Brethren!
Our last meeting was another great step for St. John's No. 11 – passing our Entered Apprentice brethren to the degree of Fellowcraft. A good job was done by all and well received by our surprise guests, Grand Master Richard Bautista and Deputy Grand Master Charbel Fahed. Congratulate our newly obligated Brothers when you get the chance.
This summer so far has been a busy one. A couple of us made it to the multicultural dinner for the Universal Brotherhood Celebration where there was music, dancing, and, of course, food representing the different cultures that make up our Grand Jurisdiction. I was able to participate in an outdoor Master Mason's Degree which was performed completely by sitting Worshipful Masters of the jurisdiction! My thanks to R.W.B. Chip Mahaney for pulling the whole thing together and allowing me to join in. A number of us celebrated Anacostia Lodge No. 21’s 150th anniversary and ensuing after party at the annex (Shelly's). We had great fellowship that night and received commemorative coins and pins for the occasion. On our Nation's Independence Day, I participated in the Takoma Park parade and handed out flags and smiles to the citizens of our community along with my wife and brethren from a number of other Lodges that meet in Takoma Masonic Center. It was a rewarding experience, one that I hope everyone will share in at future parades. Finally, we had more summertime fun hosted by Washington-Daylight Lodge No. 14 at Past Grand Master Jesse Villareal's home for a crab feast and cookout. It's a great feeling to see such fellowship uniting so many lodges and families. This summer has been filled with so many opportunities to experience Masonry and fellowship and set the example for how our society should be – happy, caring, and full of fun. This is what I believe Masonry is all about!
At our August Stated, expect to finish out the summer with another fun family friendly event. We will be hosting a Paint and Sip night. Uncork'd Art will be sending an artist to guide us through a Masonic themed painting. And due to the event, lodge attire will be casual!
I hope everyone has spent their summer relaxing and recharging and I look forward to seeing everyone for Paint Night!
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Sam W. Chin
Worshipful Master