January 2016 Special Communication

"To enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy of the benevolent design of a Masonic institution; and it is most fervently to be wished, that the conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications, that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race."  - George Washington [Letter to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, January 1793]”

Brethren,

Firstly, I want to wish all of you a Happy Holiday season and wonderful New Year! I think that there are a lot of good things in store for 2016, especially in St. John's

I would also like to thank all of you who were present for the Induction at our Stated December meeting. It truly meant a lot to see so many of you with family, loved ones, and even some potential new Brothers.

I thought that starting off 2016, it would be helpful to be reminded of the words of a great man, and Mason, George Washington on his thoughts about the value of the Craft. There is some very dark events happening in the world today, and in many ways can make you doubt the true potential of the human race; but Masonry provides a candle of good light to break into that darkness.

The Craft provides a forum for good men to become better men. 

We hear that line, or something like it often, but stop a moment a think of what it really means. We are one of the front line troops against the bad men and the darkness out there. We cannot give into the fear and anger that can come in times like these, because we know ourselves, our worth, and our purpose. Combine our individual value, with the millions of men in the Craft and you begin to see a large force for good.

But every soldier of good needs his orders right? Yes, but your orders are yours, and yours alone. Look around, do what you can everyday to make the world a slightly better place. Whether that means making someone smile, showing a person the proper respect now often withheld by others, or even providing a sense of calm understanding which can help others through difficult times.

I ask you all to be the very Masons that the world needs right now.

Fraternally, Ryan Nalty

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December 2015 Stated Communication

FROM THE EAST

Brethren,

My Masonic tenure serving in the East is coming to a joyful, yet very reflective end. I once overheard a Brother Mason say "the two greatest days in a man’s Masonic career are the day he is installed in the East as the Master of his home Lodge, and the next is when he watches the next man take his place." Perhaps this statement has great merit. Those are indeed great days in Freemasonry. I believe that each Brother has picked for himself which days are the greatest. For me, it was a Freemason who never gave up his encouragement to get me to become a Mason; the next was when I was raised as a Master Mason; and, my Brothers, knowing each and every one of you have been my greatest days in Masonry.

It has been truly a journey of illumination and of enlightenment of Masonic Brotherhood. Sitting in the East and looking out over the Lodge and seeing that place of Masonic Light has been a very moving and humbling experience. I sincerely hope that I have done my best to serve St John’s Lodge No. 11 and have given to the Craft good and wholesome instruction. It was indeed made easier, and, quite frankly, tremendous to have the confidence of my fellow Brethren to whom I served with this past Masonic year. It is with no reservation in my mind that I will hand over the gavel to a fine man, a proven leader in Worshipful Master Elect, Ryan Nalty, whose energy and foresight will lead us well into the next Masonic year. And, if I was a professional baseball manager, I would be excited to see the heavy Masonic hitters coming up with Brother Nalty as Worshipful Master; filling the position of Senior Warden, Brother Parkhurst; Junior Warden, Brother Sam Chin; Secretary, Worshipful Brother Anand Trivedi, P.M.; Treasurer, Worshipful Brother Karl Gruel, P.M.; Senior Deacon, Brother Sean Parkhurst; Junior Deacon, Brother Jason Lee; and, of course, with all of the Past Masters. For St John’s lodge No. 11, the future never looked brighter.

Of course, at this time of reflection questions arise; “Did I achieve everything this past year that I wanted to?” Well, No. “Did I experience trials and tribulations?” Yes; however, what impressed me the most was the willingness and the enthusiasm of all our Brethren. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t comment on all of our Past Masters, who came to the aid of the Lodge without any criticism, but with outstretched hands of Brotherly Love and Affection for our Brotherhood, and especially for St John’s Lodge No.11. Of special note, my thanks to all of the Past Masters whose Masonic counsel was always given upon my request and sometimes without it.

As Master, I still have a few things I'd like to wrap up. After December’s stated communication and with Brother Nalty installed, I will be taking a short break from labor in the quarry. Not sure exactly what I’ll be doing during that break; maybe a vacation to “Phantom Ranch” or start my preparation for a summer’s journey to Philmont Scout Ranch in North Central New Mexico.

I am so looking forward to our Stated on Friday, December 4th. We will be opening on the Third Degree, and getting to Business as soon as possible. A new and exciting Masonic Journey awaits .............. See you all in December. 

D.W. Stephenson Worshipful Master

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November 2015 Stated Communication

FROM THE EAST

Brethren,

As I have reflected on our upcoming stated in November, and the Master Masons degree that we are going to confer, I ran across a quote from Albert Einstein that I would like to share with you. “A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depend on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving.” I wrote and researched different aspects of the Mason Masons degree in last month’s bulletin. Once a brother is raised as a Master Mason the lifelong journey begins. Fraternal Brotherhood, Masonic Charity, and Masonic Virtues are now exposed for a lifelong experience and personal growth. Fraternal Brotherhood is much like a university degree, others join the fraternity for both the social aspect of lifelong brotherhood as well as the fellowship enjoyed by its members. Masonic Charity is a vital part that members of our fraternity believe in and actively participate in Masonic charity to various and innumerable worthwhile causes which creates a satisfying feeling of "giving back" to their local communities. The Masonic Virtues of tolerance, prudence, faith, hope, and charity are not simply spoken words, but these, too, are put into practice in the everyday lives of the brotherhood of Freemasons. Participation in your lodge, there are a variety of ways to serve and to benefit,...a period of duty on the one of the committees, waiting on the brothers who have previously waited on you, learning to participate as a sideliner in the degree work until you are comfortable to help in the work; supporting the Lodge simply by regular attendance at Stated and Special Meetings, calling on a brother who is ill; bringing wives, families and friends to social functions, taking up the study of Masonic research, and, of most special importance,... partaking of all the good fellowship which is available to you through your Lodge.

However, the Masonic Third Degree will be a lifelong course of study. Just as college or university degrees prepare students for a lifelong career in their chosen field, financially, your Masonic degree will not enrichen you, monetarily. The enrichment you will find is in the spiritual practice of the tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, each day of your life, as you attempt to help others do so, as well.

We will be having our November stated on Friday the 6th. We will have a busy evening. 

It is VITAL THAT YOU MAKE EVERY POSSIBLE EFFORT WITHIN YOUR CABLE TOW TO BE IN ATTENDANCE. We will be having elections for the next year's Officers. Your attendance is also important as we are having a Master Mason's Degree and by our last count we have 4 Brothers to raise to sublime degree of the Master Mason.

If you have never seen King Solomon performed before or if you have, you have never seen it done as our Grand Secretary, MWPGM Joseph S. Crociata does it. Then to watch and listen as RWB Chip Mahaney, Grand Lecturer provides the lectures with a passion that only he does - We're in for a great treat my brothers!

I look forward to seeing you all in Lodge in November on Friday the 6th. 

Fraternally,

D.W. Stephenson Worshipful Master

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October 2015 Stated Communication

FROM THE EAST

Brethren,

I ran across THE BENEFITS of MASONIC MEMBERSHIP by Brother Alphonse Cerza, and I wanted to share some of it with you. “In a general way, the benefits of Masonic membership are both tangible and intangible. A benefit may be considered as anything that is helpful, profitable, favorable, and advantageous to a person. A benefit may take many forms such as improving a person in some way, promoting his happiness, raising his status socially, increasing his personal contacts with others, or assisting him in any number of other ways. If a Mason finds himself stranded in a strange place and is in need of help, there is always available help not too far away. Clearly, the intangible benefits predominate over the tangible ones. In some instances the benefits defy classification because they are a blend of both general benefits. The first benefit received by a candidate for the degrees is the contacts he makes with those that recommend him and those who investigate his petition. The next benefit is the receiving of the three degrees and the friendships that develop with the poster and others connected with his securing the needed proficiency to advance from one degree to the other. The ceremony of receiving the degrees together with the lectures is a new experience and hopefully the candidate has come to the meetings in the spirit of anticipating an important event with a receptive heart and mind. The impressive presentation is bound to have an important effect on him. He is bound to observe that he is the center of attraction, that the degree is conferred on him alone, and that we are concentrating our attention on him. This should convince him that we are devoted to the importance of each person who joins us in our work. Each member knows that in common with all other members he has taken a solemn obligation to be a good man and true. As a result, when meeting another Mason there is immediately established a close sense of friendship resulting from the unexpressed knowledge that they both have a common philosophy of life which makes them better men and that they can help and trust one another. This is often over-looked is that the Craft teaches its members a philosophy of life. The importance of this benefit should not be overlooked because every person needs a philosophy of life to guide him or her in the journey through life. Each member, if he gives this matter some thought, undoubtedly can recall instances in which his Masonic membership that has proved to be a benefit to him. Above all else, it is well to be prepared to answer the question should the occasion arise, ‘What Benefits do you receive from your Masonic membership?'"

My Brothers, after reading and reflecting upon the short talk of Brother Alphonse Cerza, It became quite apparent how the supreme architect of the universe has truly blessed St John’s Lodge No. 11. 

In countless ways, the multi-cultural talents amongst our brothers have contributed to make our Lodge great and diverse. We have brothers who are world traveled and well versed, while others are experts in website design and upkeep, while another uses his immense verbal skills over the airways covering politics to now sports. And we have others that fill the lodge with their gift of delightful music. We have brothers whose years of Masonic wisdom and teaching add up to more years than can be respectfully counted. And our Past Masters who make every effort to be at each Lodge Stated Communication to assist the overall advancement and growth of the Lodge by setting the example of being present in Lodge. The importance of this cannot be measured, as they’re past leadership experience and assistance is priceless! The point of all of this is to acknowledge the ongoing Celebration of the Year of Masonic Brotherhood. As we seek further enlightenment in Freemasonry through the talents of each other, may we be so ever humble and thankful for each other and for what each brother brings to our Lodge. Take a moment, if you would my brothers, to reflect upon what each of us brings to help each other become better in the Brotherhood of Freemasonry, as brothers, and as men, who do and can influence the world around us.

Brothers, we will have Lodge on October 2nd. If there is anything you wish to have on the agenda, please get it to me no later than Saturday, September 26th.

I do wish to thank W.B. Anand for filling in for Brother Secretary, W.B. Perkins, W.B. Russell for filling in for Brother Junior Warden, Senior Deacon Sam Chin for filling in for Brother Senior Warden and the rest of the Brothers who stepped up and filled chairs in Lodge during our September stated. It was an educational night, and peace and harmony prevailed.

I look forward to seeing you all in Lodge in October on Friday the 2nd.

Fraternally , D.W. Stephenson Worshipful Master

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September 2015 Stated Communication

FROM THE EAST

Brethren,

It seems that it has been ages since we were all together and had the pleasure of each others company in lodge. This has been a particular long summer and completely different for me. It is the first time that in twenty plus years that I have found myself out of work for most of the summer. The good news is that I am now reemployed. Because of this this gap, It allowed me to spend more quality time with my friends and family.

Because of my travels, I learned that I was a “Traveling Man.” I ran across brother Masons from the East to the West coast. While on a Mission trip in SE Kentucky to help rebuilt houses for the elderly I was introduce to a small bluegrass group that was playing bluegrass music for the group of us who were gathered to help with the rebuilding. I walked over to the back of the small gathering that was listening to the music when I was approached by a man who notice the masonic ring on my hand and asked me if I was a “Traveling Man.” I responded that I was so accepted. His reaction was expected and unexpected. He waved at the two playing music and they finished their set and came over to where we were standing. After we all exchanged greetings with each other, I was bombarded with question after question! Do you need anything Brother, have you had dinner, do you have a place to stay, can you join us in lodge on Thursday, do you need any help with .........

This experience lead me to do some research and I came across an article by by Brother Jeff Godwin titled “TRAVELING MAN IN MASONRY. “In the ancient world of Operative Masonry the masons were often required to move from job to job much as in our modern time. It was further explained that ancient master masons, just as 1st class masons of today of today, were more likely to travel great distances than those of lesser ranks (FC & EA). Due to their experience (and today, usually a membership in the labor union representing the craft) they could move freely from job to job. Those doing so were normally members of a Masonic guild, whose members would, if known, vouch for the qualifications of (or recommend) another 'traveling' mason. In speculative masonry we as Master Masons may freely move from Lodge to Lodge (either visiting or moving membership) and upon proper avouchment or by testing be found worthy to attend another Master Mason Lodge. This is much the same as moving from one job to another or from one ancient Masonic guild to another. Also, a Master Mason is a traveler from west to east, as east is the where the sun comes up, hence the source of light. This is why the master sits in the East. Because it is the source of light. Thus being a traveling man represents our journey from darkness to Masonic light (enlightenment).

We "traveled" symbolically when we were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Remember the words, "It will be necessary for you to travel"? and the condition of the road we would have to travel? In Masonry we are told to seek the light. Light in Masonry is knowledge and from that knowledge comes information and understanding.”

With each passing day the Light of Masonic Brotherhood has continued to shine bright with examples of other brothers along my journey who were shining beacons of our fraternity. As my travels continued across this great country the influence of Freemasonry was everywhere along my path. Even though the journey only took me through 16 states and in total 7200 miles, the spirit of freemasonry was strong.

Brothers, We will have Lodge on September 4th and will open on the FC Degree. If there is anything you wish to be on the agenda please get it to me no later than Saturday, August 29th.

Please be aware however that several of our brothers will be unable to be with us at our next stated. Please keep them in your prayers for safe journeys and safe returns to us in October. I do wish again to thank WB Anand, SW Ryan & JW James, RWB Chip Mahaney and the rest of the degree team for the FC Degree in August.

Our Brother Jonathan Boksan is getting married on September 12th. If you haven’t had the chance to reach out to Brother Boksan and congratulate him upon his upcoming wedding, please take a moment and do so and let us welcome Brother Jonathan’s bride into our Masonic family!

I look forward to seeing you all in Lodge in September on Friday the 4th.

Fraternally ,

D.W. Stephenson, Worshipful Master

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August 2015 Stated Communication

FROM THE EAST

Brethren,

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We have been blessed in many ways this summer season with new opportunities for the Brotherhood and new blessed additions to several of our Brothers’ families. Each of us, in our own way, has started the season of summer which is associated with new life, new births and rebirths of careers. It is well known that plant and animal life goes into a state of rest/hibernation during the cold months of winter. The summer gives the joy of life around us. Plants blossom, and we happily resume activity that helps us feel ‘alive’ again. This remains one of the most celebrated aspects of our four seasons, the summer time. The season of summer brings back lots of outdoor social activities almost impossible to have in the freezing cold of old man winter. Some of us have picnics, go to the beach, and others visit our great National Parks to relax and unwind under clear skies. The summer is a great time to take advantage of the fine weather, mostly with clear skies. The summer has been known to host very bright moons that add to the warmed relaxing experiences.

I am saddened, my Brothers, that I will not be with you at our August stated. I have a family commitment that I must take care of starting on Monday, July 27th, and I will return on Wednesday, August 12th. I have been asked to assist my niece in her move to the Los Angeles area to go to school, so she can fulfill her dream working with endangered animals. This will require a trip across the country by car with her and her belongings.

Please remember all of the Brothers that cannot be in Lodge this upcoming stated.

Brother Senior Warden Ryan Nalty will be in charge of the Lodge if any needs arise in my absence. If he is not available, please contact Brother Junior Warden James Parkhurst. In my absence at the August stated, I have asked W.B. Anand Trivedi, P.M., to sit in the East and for the Fellowcraft Degree. To W.B. Anand, my sincere thanks. I will be thinking of each of you that evening, my Brothers, and the Fellowcraft Degree while I am on the West Coast.

It has also come to my attention that our Brother Jonathan Boksan is getting married on September 12th. Please reach out to Brother Boksan and congratulate him upon his upcoming wedding and let us welcome Brother Jonathan’s bride into our Masonic family!

Brothers: I still believe that W.B. George Washington had it correct when he said “I am much obliged by your good wishes and reciprocating them with sincerity, assuring the Fraternity of my esteem, I request them to believe that I shall always be ambitious of being considered a deserving Brother.” I look forward to seeing you all in Lodge in September on Friday the 4th.

Fraternally,

D.W. Stephenson, Worshipful Master

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