My Dear Brothers,
Thankfully, Spring is now upon us! It was wonderful to see so many of you at our March Stated Communication. As always, for those unable to gather with us for one reason or another, you are never far from our thoughts, and with us at Lodge in spirit. We were likewise honored to be joined by Past Grand Master Jesse Villareal, as well as Brethren from the Grand Lodge and Potomac Lodge No. 5.
Brothers, as you know, Right Worshipful Brother Michael Arce moved to New York some weeks ago, and I did want to take a moment to recognize him for all that he has done for the betterment of St. John’s Lodge No. 11. He brought boundless energy and a fresh and truly insightful perspective on the Craft, reinvigorating our community through enriching activities and reengaging us with our Brethren across the District. I am so very grateful for his mentorship these past few years. It’s not like this is a forever goodbye, though, and I look forward to him joining us whenever he is in the area. We wish he and his family the very best as they start this new chapter of their lives!
As Bro. Yurgaites and I learned during the recent meeting of the Masters and Wardens Association, the Grand Lodge has many outstanding events planned for the year, including the Universal Brotherhood Celebration to be held on April 11th at the Washington Masonic Memorial. Many activities focused on celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary are in the works, in coordination with the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Events will take place in Philadelphia, DC, and Mt. Vernon during late July and early August. Details to follow from the Grand Lodge as we get closer. The second annual Friendship Lodge with our Brothers from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of DC is scheduled for November 7th and will feature an emulated Prince Hall Master Mason degree. It’s an exciting year ahead, Brothers!
Brothers, I hope you enjoyed my discussion focused on Irish Masonry, in particular on those Masons who participated in the 1798 Rebellion in Ireland against George III, having been moved by events in America and France. Freemasonry was part of the fabric of Irish society in the 18thcentury, and Masonic ideals certainly inspired many, especially those founders of the United Irishmen, to take up arms for their liberty just like American patriots in 1776.
Our program in April is a discussion by author Kathleen Aldworth Foster of her book Doneraile Court: The Story of the Lady Freemason, which looks at the fascinating story of Elizabeth Aldworth, the only Lady Freemason. It should be really interesting!
Brothers, as you know, our food drive to support L'Haïtienne Lodge No. 925’s effort to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank will continue through the end of the year. Please consider bringing canned food items anytime you come to Lodge. Collection bins will soon be provided, but, in the meantime, I have marked bags set up for our collection. And, Brethren, as part of your charitable giving throughout the year, do think about donating to the Masonic Foundation of DC, which helps so many deserving young people in the District (dcmasonicfoundation.org).
As you know, the Grand Lodge has also planned three rewarding full-day Masonic Education workshops to be held throughout the year, including March’s session focused on the Entered Apprentice degree. Thanks to those Brothers who rallied to support this worthwhile effort. These “train the trainer” classes will provide us with ever more resources to make the degree experience more meaningful and help us better guide new Masons along their paths in the Craft. Please consider attending the June and September sessions on the other degrees, if it’s within your cable-tow.
With that, Brothers, I’ll see you all at our April Stated Communication. Until then, take care and be well!
Sincerely and Fraternally,
WB David J.C. de Hosson
Worshipful Master