My Dear Brothers,
What a Summer! I hope you are staying cool, and safe during these record-breaking dog days of Summer. Since we were dark in July, I also do hope you’ve had a chance to rest, recharge, and spend time with friends and family these past many weeks. July was a busy month, and I’m glad a number of us were able to partake in the Grand Lodge’s events celebrating our nation’s 250th Anniversary, including the viewing of the Declaration and Bill of Rights at the National Archives, the private tour of the Capitol, and the procession and multi-faith service on the National Mall. Our Founders, many notable Masons among them as we know, put their lives, fortunes and sacred honor on the line to establish our great Republic, and these were truly perfect ways by our Grand Lodge to remember our forebearers.
Brethren, by now, I do hope you’ve bought your ticket for our Festive Board being held at Old Ebbitt Grill on August 8th! As we enjoy an evening of fellowship, fine dining, and the Festive Board, we’ll be reflecting on our noble Lodge's august history of Brotherhood, tradition, and service to our Country, Community, and Craft. For almost two centuries, St. John’s Lodge No. 11’s Brothers have contributed to the civic life of the District and the greater Capital Region, and we’ll have a chance to honor that storied past and recall all our beloved Brothers who came before us. Not a night to miss, Brothers.
I hope you found our June program as equally enlightening as I did. Tim Talbott’s discussion of the 1864 Civil War battle of New Market Heights was eye-opening and helped to spotlight the many heroes of those September days so long ago. As we learned, sixteen soldiers from the Union's Army of the James who fought at the battle were recipients of the Medal of Honor, with fourteen of these being Black troops from the XVIII Corps' USCT regiments. These men need to be remembered for their sacrifice, and I am hopeful that they will eventually be memorialized through that monument we heard about that they so rightly deserve.
Our program in August, after our Stated Communication, will feature a guided discussion by Brother Stephen de Leon from Hiram-Takoma Lodge No. 10 entitled “Unbroken: Freemasonry, Persecution, and the Return of Light” which explores the suppression of Freemasonry under the Nazi and Communist regimes. As part of his presentation, Bro. de Leon will provide us with a powerful historical reflection on the fall of the Berlin Wall and the restoration of Masonic Light in those lands where it was once extinguished. In September our program features a cappella group The Harmonizers, who will sing a medley of patriotic songs. That performance will be a nice way to continue the celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary.
Brethren, keep an eye out for the final Masonic Education Workshop being offered by the Grand Lodge on September 26th, this time focused on the Master Mason degree. Having participated in the June session centered around the Fellowcraft degree, I can tell you WB D’Amore and the team’s workshop was thought-provoking and informative. It was also a nice opportunity for fellowship with Brothers from across the District. Do consider registering if you’re able to make it.
I appreciated those Brothers who were able to join me for a tour of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial on July 18th! I can tell you this is something I have been meaning to do for years, so I’m glad we were able to do it as a group. We should consider doing this tour again in the future.
Brothers, I hope you’ll join me for another opportunity to help the Brandywine Valley SPCA on August 2nd at their DC Village location. We’ll once again assist with their “Pet Pantry,” from 8-11AM, packing pet food for the District’s needy families. I will also pass on details for a joint service event with our Brethren from L'Haïtienne Lodge No. 925 later this year.
Please continue to bring in canned food items to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank, as we work to support L'Haïtienne’s efforts. We’re getting close to our 100 pound target for donations! Please also bring in any blankets, towels, and bedding you might have on hand to help Brandywine Valley SPCA, as they remain in dire need of these items. And as always, I can’t help but make my monthly pitch for giving to the DC Masonic Foundation, which provides over $250,000 in scholarships to dozens of deserving young people in the District, in addition to other charitable efforts (https://dcmasonicfoundation.org/). Thanks so much, Brothers, for your continued generosity.
Anyhow, Brothers, see you in August! Take care and be well.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
WB David J.C. de Hosson
Worshipful Master