Hello, my Brothers!
A colleague at work brought his new 16-inch MacBook Pro to the office last week and I was so excited to see it. As a former Apple Retail Store employee and Apple fan, I have long admired the look and feel of these amazing machines. I
asked my friend if he was planning on using his new Mac for editing photos, creating videos, or graphic design. His answer absolutely floored me. “I bought it to surf the net.” He spent over $4,000 on the top-of-the-line MacBook to do the same thing he could do on an entry-level PC. Why? Because he wanted the best computer money could buy. Again, I couldn’t believe it.
My Brothers, we all come to Freemasonry because it is born in our hearts. For some, the journey to become a Mason starts as a young adult, for others much later. But the reason we seek to join is generally the same: to become a better version of ourselves. When we talk about “value” in our membership, the conversation tends to lead to what we get out of Freemasonry. The benefits of being a Traveling Man, the Brotherhood, the Fellowship… the list goes on. What we fail to mention in the “value” conversation is what we invest in Freemasonry. Our time building our Temple, doing the meaningful work of the Craft, and serving our Lodge.
I shared the story of my work friend who spent a small fortune on “the best computer money could buy,” to ask this question: are you getting the most of your membership at St. John’s Lodge No. 11? And, if not, how can I, as Master of the Lodge, help you obtain value?
As the summer approaches, our minds shift to the end of the school year, holidays, family gatherings, and (my favorite part) vacation. Please note (in bold) an update to our excused absence policy. First, if you are unable to attend an upcoming Communication due to schedule conflicts with family, business, or personal obligations - continue to send an email to the Worshipful Master and Secretary of the Lodge to be excused from that meeting. Second, all elected and appointed officers are now responsible for finding a qualified Brother to fill your Chair. For those needing assistance with this task, the sooner you can communicate your conflict, the sooner we can find a qualified Brother for that evening. Thank you in advance.
Two important upcoming event notes from our April Stated Communication:
St. John’s Lodge will be participating at the Flowers of Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday, May 26. This is a free event where attendees have the opportunity to lay a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We will be meeting in the patio area, after you pass through the Visitor Center, at 9:30am to make our way to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There will be guided tours led by area historians from 10am-2pm. After our tour, feel free to join me as I take the blue line to King Street (Alexandria) for lunch at one of the many tasty restaurants in Old Town. I’d like to thank the Brethren of St. John’s for the Lodge’s donation of $100 to the organizers of this Memorial Day event.
Our Fidelity Medal/Celebration of Life for WB John Regner Event will take place on Saturday, June 22. WB Sam Chin has planned an excellent event beginning with a guided tour of the George Washington National Masonic Museum at 3pm. A joint Table Lodge with the Job’s Daughters Bethel at 5pm. Followed by the Fidelity Medal Ceremony for WB Karl Gruel at 7pm. Get event details and make your RSVP now on the St. John’s Lodge website via the store.
Finally, I’m looking forward to Bro. David de Hosson’s presentation on “The History of St. John’s Lodge No. 11” as the program for our May Communication. For those who were not able to attend St. John’s Lodge 175th Anniversary event in 2021, you’ll enjoy this deep dive into the key figures, events, and Masons who shaped our Lodge!
Sincerely and Fraternally,
W.B. Michael Arce
Worshipful MasterFull Trestleboard available here.