My Dear Brothers,
What an absolute joy it was at our February Stated to welcome into our noble Craft a new Entered Apprentice, and how fitting this was to occur the very month 180 years ago that Worshipful Brother George C. Thomas gaveled to open St. John’s Lodge No. 11 at Oden Hall for the first time. Mr. Sanchez is now Brother Sanchez, and we will together labor in the quarries to cut those perfect ashlars we strive to be. We will be part of his Masonic journey to be that better man, just as he will be part of ours.
I do want to once again thank all those Brothers who made the EA Degree conferral such a tremendous success. It was all due, Brethren, to your efforts: the practices and study of lines, all the preparation and thought that went into making sure everything was in place as it needed to be, and then your stellar execution. Special thanks to Worshipful Brother Trivedi, for his critical contribution.
We were further honored to be joined by our Grand Treasurer and Grand Lecturer, the Worshipful Master and Senior Warden of Fellowship Lodge No. 26 (MWPHGLDC) and a Brother harking from Orrell Lodge No. 8371 (UGLE). It truly was such a special occasion!
Brethren, glad so many could join us for our candlelit Sweethearts and Admirers dinner at Gadsby’s Tavern as the kick-off to our wider celebration of our 180thAnniversary. We are made better men in part by our better halves, so it was a great opportunity to celebrate together, and recognize them for their support to us and St. John’s. To break bread in the very same spaces where WB Washington and Bro. Monroe did, made it all the more meaningful.
Coming up in March, yours truly will be providing the program, focused on the Irish Masons of the 1798 Rebellion. Inspired by the American and French Revolutions, Masons based in Belfast and Dublin would push for modest political reforms but eventually take up arms for independence from George III, just like their American counterparts.
As you know Brethren, we’ll continue to support L'Haïtienne Lodge No. 925’s food drive benefitting the Capital Area Food Bank. Collection bins will soon be set up at Masonic buildings throughout the district including at the Almas Shrine. Please consider bringing canned goods to our Stated, every month if possible. We’ll work with our L'Haïtienne Brothers as part of a service day later in the year.
Also, as the philanthropic arm of our Grand Lodge, do consider the Masonic Foundation of DC, as part of your charitable giving. For more information about the Foundation, which helps deserving young people in the District through scholarships, visit dcmasonicfoundation.org.
Thanks to those Brothers who stepped up to take advantage of the Grand Lodge’s Masonic Education sessions to be held throughout the year. This will be great training on the degrees which we can then bring back to the Lodge.
Brothers, looking forward to seeing you all at our March Stated Communication. Spring can’t come soon enough! Take care for now and be well.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
WB David J.C. de Hosson
Worshipful Master