Worshipful Brothers and Brothers,
[Yesterday marked] the anniversary, to the day, of the founding of St. John's Lodge No. 11 one-hundred and seventy-five years ago.
The year was 1846, and the day was also Tuesday. The Liberty Bell would crack in three days when being rung to commemorate George Washington's birthday, and the Associated Press would be founded (in New York). The United Grand Lodge of England was only 33 years old, and the beginning of the American Civil War was still a "distant" 15 years away (April 1861). And lastly (for this message anyway) the Smithsonian Institution would be founded roughly six months later.
All of these memorials are to say that St. John's Lodge has been around through the beginnings of innumerable august events. Our Lodge is a direct connection to this legacy, and those of us who have ascended the oriental chair have worked diligently to ensure our legacy remains for future generations of Masons.
As we approach our celebration (June 26th) I hope that each of you will reflect on what St. John's Lodge has meant to you, your predecessors, and what we can do to ensure we remain accessible and strong so that our legacy may serve to inspire future Masons, and share the Great Lights of the Architect for another 175 years and beyond.
Fraternally yours,
WM Jason Lee, PM