October 2017 Stated Communication

Greetings Brethren!

In October, we will be conducting the Master Mason Degree and raising our Brothers to Third Degree. This degree requires a significant amount of memorization and prep- aration for those conferring the degree. I wanted to share with you something I came across while reading some Masonic literature regarding Masonic Retention. In doing so, I hope to draw your attention to the fact that the rituals and ceremonies we conduct are simply tools that we as Masons use to communicate a bigger picture about man, the universe, and our role in it. Please read the excerpt below originally written by Albert Gallatin Mackey 144 years ago.

"One who commits to memory the questions and answers of the catechetical (sic: Relating to or consisting of asking questions and receiving answers by rote rather than by understanding) lectures, and the formulas of the ritual but pays no attention to the history and philosophy of the institution; is commonly called a Parrot Mason, because he is supposed to repeat what he has learned without any conception of its true meaning.

In former times, such superficial Freemasons were held by many in high repute because of the facility with which they passed through the ceremonies of a reception, and they were generally designated as Bright Masons.

But, the progress of Freemasonry as a science now requires something more than a mere knowledge of the lectures to constitute a Masonic scholar."...Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Vol. 2, Page 752, Albert Gallatin Mackey, 33 ̊, published by The Masonic History Company, Revised ed. copyright 1929, Original copyright 1873.

The message that I retained from this excerpt is that Masonry is a life long journey of learning. It takes patience, a willingness to learn, an open mind and an open heart. We learn the rituals and ceremonies as a foundation in which to build upon as we learn more during our journey to become “Bright Masons”.

These representations of the teachings are there to encourage the brethren to find out more and to encourage us to dig deeper not only into the intricacies of Masonry, but in our own lives as well. They encourage us to think critically about our life decisions and they help us navigate our social interactions and life events. A “Parrot Mason” in my opinion, is not a bad thing. To me, it is simply the first step in understanding Free- masonry. Just a child learns a language by repeating the sounds they hear, and then learns the meaning of those sounds, we as Masons learn the language of Freemasonry by first learning the rituals. These are doors we are invited to walk through. Not eve- ryone walks through those doors at the same time, and not everyone will retain the same knowledge or understanding as everyone else. We are all unique, and we are all at different phases in our lives that subject us to different perspectives, even when re- flecting on the same idea, and I think that is okay. Our differing perspectives and knowledge bases provide opportunities for everyone in the lodge to both learn from each other and teach others around us.

I encourage everyone to join us in October and witness the hard work put in by the degree team, and to think critically about the words that are said during the degree. Not in an effort to memorize them, but in effort to understand them.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
James S. Parkhurst
Worshipful Master

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September 2017 Stated Communication

Greetings Brethren!

This month I want all the Brethren to focus on the fact that St. John’s Lodge No. 11 is an entity that we are all equally apart of and are responsible for its health. Everyone’s voice in the Lodge has equal importance and carries the same weight, no matter your position in the Lodge. Whether you sit in the East, the comfy chairs in the North, or on the sidelines, your voice and engagement matters to the Lodge. This is a time in our society where we are constantly being bombarded with stories about inequalities, injustices, and down-right hate, but Freemasonry is a wonderful organization that seeks to advocate for harmony, peace, love, and togetherness. Now, this bulletin entry will not be used to make some sort of political statement about our current societal affairs, but it will be used to remind each one of you that when we meet in Lodge, as Brothers, we are acting out the way in which we believe the world should operate, and that means as a group of dedicated men who are interested in pursuing and living a life based on acceptance and openness. We can’t solve the world’s problems in our Lodge room; but we can carry a message of peace and the willingness to work together out there in the world. Harmony, being the strength of this institution, represents that above all else we care about – being harmonious with each other inside and outside the Lodge room, as well as harmonious with Brothers and non-Masons alike.

Based on those reminders of who and what we represent, I implore you all to engage in your Lodge! This is our Lodge! Based on creating a will to do something, this Lodge can, in fact, do what it wants to do. All it is lacking are the people to carry out its business. We all have different ideas about how we would like our Masonic experience to be, but, unless you are there and engaged, that vision is never brought to fruition.

There are important events coming up in the final half of the year. One of which is the conferral of the Master Mason Degree Ceremony in October. This cannot be done without practice! I repeat it cannot be done without practice! That does not mean those who do not have parts are not involved. Every- one’s engagement enhances the experience, it enhances Lodge harmony, and it breeds fellowship. The more prepared we are as a group demonstrates our Lodge’s ability to work together and produce quality events and ceremonies to newly raised brethren. Ceremonies that these Brothers will remember for the rest of their lives (when we make it special)!

Another important event is the Fall Fellow Craft Brunch scheduled for Saturday, September 23rd. As most of the readers of this are aware, those brunches determine a lot regarding which direction the lodge takes in the next year. If you are feeling disengaged because you don’t like the way things go in our lodge, or perhaps the lodge doesn’t interest you with our activities and meetings, this brunch be- comes your most effective tool for implementing positive changes moving forward. It allows us to have candid conversations about ways we can get our brethren excited about being a member of St. John’s Lodge No. 11 and also being a Freemason in general.

There is no better time than now to get our Lodge’s heart pumping again and get people excited. To do this we must all communicate, talk, debate, engage, plan, attend events, participate in rituals, visit other lodges, visualize positive changes and execute them!

I continue to look forward to growing with you all through Masonry.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
James S. Parkhurst
Worshipful Master

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August 2017 Stated Communication

Greetings Brethren,

I hope everyone has been enjoying their summer so far and have managed to stay cool on these hot days. As we take these summer days to relax with our friends and families and enjoy the beautiful holidays and fun summer parties, we begin to look towards fall and winter and getting back to busi- ness. Our July break marked the half-way point of the year, and, I must admit, it feels like it is flying by. I’ve enjoyed being in the East thus far and have really enjoyed seeing everyone continue to develop and take pride in their Lodge. We still have many important meetings in the second half of the year, and I hope everyone can come out and help us continue to grow, both as a Lodge and as Masons.

I wanted to quickly share about my experience walking in the National Mall Independence Day Parade that took place on the Fourth of July. My son and I met up with Masons from across the jurisdiction and marched under the title of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. We carried a large inflated American Flag balloon that may have gotten away from us once or twice, but, as we know, overcoming struggle brings folks closer together. It was a great bonding experience, and I got to meet many Broth- ers from different lodges. Although it was hot, we were provided plenty of water, and it was fun walk- ing in the parade, being part of the balloon inflation phase, and watching the other balloons being in- flated and correctly oriented. This was a much more rewarding experience as opposed to sitting on the sidelines. I felt proud to be an American and proud to be representing such a patriotic community, Free And Accepted Masons of DC.

Also, during the Fourth weekend, my son and I attended a fireworks show that was held at George Washington’s home, Mt. Vernon. This was a ticketed event which made for a slightly more intimate viewing of the fireworks overlooking the Potomac River. Our Illustrious Brother George Washington and his wife Martha made an appearance and spoke to the group for about 10 minutes prior to the fire- work show from his back patio. They spoke about the Revolutionary War and how they were spending those days in July back in 1774-76. We also took a tour of the Mansion and grounds. If you have not been to Washington’s Mansion and Mt. Vernon, I highly recommend it. Being a Mason, I felt proud and a part of Washington’s legacy. The ideals he fought for are still relevant today, and we, as Masons, are carrying on his legacy every day through the men we are in society and in our homes with our fami- lies.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone in at the St. John’s lodge family picnic and the next stated communication.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
James S. Parkhurst
Worshipful Master

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June 2017 Stated Communication

Greetings Brethren,

May has been a busy Masonic month so far, and luckily (or not so luckily depending on your preference) the warm weather looks like it finally might be here to stay. First and foremost, earlier this month at St. John’s we had our annual Grand Lodge Visitation. Most Worshipful Grand Master Roman Volsky and the officers of the Grand Lodge came and sat in our Lodge to discuss some of the activities and events the Grand Lodge will be conducting this year, as well as hearing my Master’s report about the status and progress of our Lodge for the 2017 Masonic year. I would recommend that each brother visit the Grand Lodge website and fill out the registration forms for the Universal Brotherhood Weekend activities as well as the Fourth of July Parade activities and other events they are offering now. I’ll be marching in the National Mall parade with my son, and I encourage you all to sign up and get out there with your families.

Secondly, the Pillar Officers attended the Grand Lodge Semi-Annual Communication to listen to some proposed Grand Lodge legislation, hear committee reports, and vote on some legislation that focused on providing lodges with the flexibility they need to retain and bring back some brothers the Lodge may have lost due to non-payment of dues (NPD). The Grand Lodge has developed a program that allows for members who are delinquent on dues payments an easier path to rejoining the lodge. The information about this program is attached separately. Please read it and inform other Brothers about it. We will also discuss it in the June stated. Additional legislation involved some information technology issues and privacy issues that the Grand Lodge has been working on resolving. The Grand View website (different than the Grand Lodge website) has seemed to resolve most of the privacy concerns on the members. Our Worshipful Brother Anand Trivedi will be conducting a tutorial at the June stated of the Grand View website. Please attend this meeting as we will discuss how this website will really change the way DC Masons communicate and organize.

Thirdly, a couple of us from St. John’s visited Hiram Takoma Lodge No. 10 as they performed a courtesy degree for two of our own Brothers who have now been passed to the degree of Fellowcraft. I hope everyone has an opportunity to congratulate our Brothers Colin Timbers and Jeff Doctor who went through that Fellowcraft degree and help them grow in Masonry and extend their understanding of receiving more light in Masonry. While at the meeting we began discussing some joint meetings and events with Hiram Takoma Lodge, and we look forward to those discussions continuing and getting some events on the schedule. I will inform the Lodge of some concrete ideas as they become available.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in June and updating the brethren on all the new developments happening in our jurisdiction.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
James S. Parkhurst
Worshipful Master

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May 2017 Stated Communication

Greetings Brethren,

I hope this spring weather has brought you and your family joy, and I hope you’ve been able to be outside in the beautiful weather without pollen allergies swiping the fun away. Additionally, I hope those of you that attended the George Washington Masonic Memorial Tour and Family Appreciation Luncheon enjoyed your morning and afternoon. I would like to thank everyone who attended and the invited guests that were there. I would also like to thank Brother Junior Warden for organizing the event. This event is always a great way to introduce interested men and their families to this wonderful organization and was another success.

In my research I came across some writings regarding a symbol brought to our attention as Entered Apprentices. The Cable Tow is a symbol often referenced in Masonic discourse but is rarely defined. I came across many different interpretations of the Cable Tow, most of which were outlined in the informative publication “The Builder”. Below is an excerpt from one of the magazine’s monthly submissions from 1923. In my opinion, the excerpt below succinctly articulates what the cable tow is and how we should think about its meaning.

“...What our brethren had in mind when they gave the Cable Tow a place in our system of symbols is made perfectly clear, it seems to me, by the few words of interpretation which are given in each of the two latter degrees. The Cable Tow is the symbol of all those forces and compulsions which regulate a man's conduct from without; it is not removed until the man is able to control and govern himself from within. As a physical thing it is set over in opposition to that Mystic Tie which isn't a physical thing at all, but inward disposition of the mind and heart. This, if we will consider it a right, is a summons to examine into certain truths which it is of the utmost importance to us that we clearly understand....” “The Builder – November 1923”

The Cable Tow is symbolically removed to represent this control and the ability to govern ourselves. The oath which binds us all helps us to maintain this moral governance. Our Cable Tow represents our individual link to the Fraternity as a whole, and also the Fraternity’s link to each and every Brother. It is what keeps us all connected and there for each other. A wonderfully important symbol and lesson to keep at the forefront of our minds.

Brethren, please take due notice that our Grand Visitation is happening at the May Stated Communication. Please do everything within the length of your cable tow to attend. The Grand Lodge has been noticing our growth over the years and we would like to continue that sentiment. Looking forward to seeing you all in May!

Sincerely and Fraternally,
James S. Parkhurst
Worshipful Master

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April 2017 Stated Communication

Brethren,

Spring is just around the corner, so hopefully the cold air is behind us, and we can begin to look forward to the trees budding and the warm sun shining down on us. Springtime comes as a relief for me as it’s finally time to clean out all the things I’ve been accumulating over the cold winter months and set myself up for a breath of fresh air; not only my home, but my mind as well. The vernal equinox is an interesting time of the year. To me, it represents a time to “rebalance” or harmonize our earthly priorities. This causes me to apply one of the first working tools we as Masons come in contact with, the 24 inch gauge. This is to teach us about balance and harmony. We are to divide our time into three equal parts, eight hours for the service of God and a distressed worthy Brother, eight for our usual vocations, and eight for refreshment and sleep. The vernal equinox provides us with an opportunity to evaluate how well we are utilizing this important Masonic tool in our efforts to be the best we can be for our families, our friends, our lodge, and our community. We should evaluate whether we are focusing too much time on one thing and not the others, and come up with ways in which we can rebalance our approach for the betterment of our own lives and those around us.

I encourage you all to reflect on the meaning of the 24 inch gauge and how well you are balancing your life. If adjustments are needed, make the adjustments; if improvements can be made, make the improvements; if you think you’re completely balanced and perfect, think again. Life is about continuously improving as we move forward and learn new things about ourselves and the life we live. So as the earth balances itself, and night and day become basically equal in length, think about your own life and use this time of the year to harmonize yourself with the world around you.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
James S. Parkhurst
Worshipful Master

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March 2017 Stated Communication

Brethren,

I would like to first congratulate and welcome our newly passed Fellowcraft brothers. The light in Masonry continues to get brighter as the journey moves forward. So, keep up the good work, there is more to come. I also want to acknowledge and congratulate the degree team and all the Brethren that were present at our February Stated Communication. Everyone did their part plus more, and that’s what it is going to take for us to continue improving our degree work. I thought everyone did a great job, and I look forward to watching everyone improve as we move through this year and the years to come.

The February Stated Communication provided some lessons moving forward – the first being that our Lodge should be prepared to receive any visiting Grand Lodge Officers. The Acting Grand Master of Masons of the District of the Columbia graced us with his presence, and it was up to us to receive him using the proper Masonic protocol. We were not prepared for this. Nonetheless, we put our heads together and after a quick read through of the ritual, we received the Grand Master, in not so perfect form, but we did it! As the Master of St. John’s Lodge No. 11, I take full responsibility for being unprepared to receive the Grand Master and being able to lead the Brethren in conducting the proper reception. R.W.B. Richard J. Bautista, Acting Grand Master at the time, is an understanding and patient man who worked with our ritual team to teach us the correct way the Grand Master is to be received. He was also extremely kind in his words to the Lodge and is a wealth of knowledge of all things Masonic.

The Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia, M.W.B. Roman Volsky, has implemented an initiative to enhance Lodges’ abilities and their mastery of rituals not conducted on a regular basis, such as receiving the Grand Master. He is challenging us to become better Masons by encouraging us to pay close attention to detail and training us to perform in the right way no matter what environmental factors are in play. As Masons, we must be prepared for anything big or small, and we mustn’t act with hesitation. I’m proud of our Lodge for coming together and doing our best. We will learn these rituals as we move forward, and I have no doubt in our Lodge’s ability to execute on short notice. Looking forward to seeing each and every Brother at the next Stated on March 3rd.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
James S. Parkhurst
Worshipful Master

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February 2017 Stated Communication

What a way to start off the 2017 year! We were honored to have many distinguished visitors at the January Stated including: Most Worshipful Brother Julio César Aldana, 33°, Grand Master of Guatemala and Noble Shriner, and his aid, Brother Enrique Molina, Worshipful Brother Alberto Caneto 33°, Past Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge Of Uruguay, Past Master; and Noble Shriner Luis G. Cisneros 32°, Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, Past Master and Past Potentate of Almas Shriners 2015 from the Grand Master of Masons of Guatemala. I was both excited and challenged as the Grand Master’s first language is not English nor do I speak Spanish fluently, but our translator did a great job and the Grand Master’s message was on point and one we all share as Masons. That message being that no matter where you go in the world, a Brother is a Brother is a Brother. Our tenants and beliefs in the Brotherhood are aligned and our desire to be pillars and beacons of light for our fellow man and our community are always at the forefront of our minds.

In addition to our wonderful guests, we also finished up committee appointments. I hope that each Brother appointed will take on this task with the devotion and effort they would wish another Brother to have in their place. It’s our goal to be active and engaging. This requires cooperation and effort from all committee members and the Brethren. Things will not just happen, it requires work from all of us so please take your appointments seriously and be creative, be brave, be bold, present your ideas, ask questions, and always seek to improve our community and our Lodge.

At the February Stated we will confer a Fellowcraft Degree. I hope every Brother can be there for this wonderful event. It is a special night for our Entered Apprentices, and the more support we have the greater their experience will be. As there are many opportunities for practice, I hope that this degree will be an improvement from our previous ones, and, I know, as we move forward,, our degree teams will continue to get stronger, right along with our Lodge as a whole.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the February meeting! 

Sincerely and Fraternally,
James S. Parkhurst
Worshipful Master 

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January 2017 Stated Communication

Season’s Greetings Brethren!

I would first like to wish everyone a happy holiday season and a happy New Year! I am very excited for 2017, as I am sure many of you are. This is generally the time of year that people begin setting goals for the New Year and coming up with their New Year Resolutions, only to forget about them a couple of weeks in. Luckily for us, the goals and objectives for our Lodge will not be forgotten and pushed off to another day or year. We are lucky to have so many capable, willing, and accountable Brethren that I know can ensure that our goals for 2017 are met with pride.

Our goals this year are focused around providing high quality degree rituals, bringing in candidates we know will benefit from the Craft and who are excited about receiving more light from Masonry, and also giving back and making our presence more known in our local communities.

That being said, we will be conferring a Fellowcraft Degree on Friday, February 3rd. This should pro- vide ample time for each Brother to practice for the degree. It is my hope to coordinate two in person degree team practices before the evening of February 3rd. I encourage each Brother to do their best to perform their place’s or station’s role in the degree work. We have been inching closer and closer over the years toward performing quality degree work, and have significantly reduced our dependence on outside assistance. It is my hope we can continue that progression and continue to grow in our knowledge, understanding, and application of the lessons we teach in each of the degrees. The applica- tions of the lessons are truly the important parts, and we have to do our best to communicate those lessons clearly and effectively.

This month, Worshipful Brother Ron Perkins, P.M., ascended to meet the Great Architect. He was an active member of our Lodge since before my initiation and was always a beacon of positivity and light for all Masons alike. Lodge won’t be the same without W.B. Perkins around, but we can rest assured knowing he is no longer sick or suffering and has moved onto a better place. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please keep the Perkins family in your prayers.

Again, Happy Holiday and Happy New Year! Those that are traveling, please travel safely and remem- ber to practice patience out there amongst the crowds! See you all in 2017!

Sincerely and Fraternally,

James S. Parkhurst Worshipful Master

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December 2016 Stated Communication

Greetings Brethren,

I welcome you all to the beginning of a new Masonic year! I thank you for your confidence in me and your assistance in operating this Lodge moving forward. It is my desire that each and every Brother feels like they are not only a part of this Lodge, but a part of something even larger than that, the entire Masonic family. It is also my desire that we all work together to ensure that our events are well coordinated and planned, that our community beyond the Lodge’s walls is aware we are here and that we are having a positive impact on the community we live in.

I want each Brother to know that I am approachable on any subject and that my interests are aligned with the interest of the Lodge as a whole. To continue WB Nalty's legacy theme; we are about to embark on yet another new chapter in our Lodge’s long book. How we as a lodge will make it unique will be up to us. Working together I know we will have a great year, raise many great men, and continue to accomplish our goals as a Lodge and as a Brotherhood.

This year’s Officer Installation Ceremony is open to family, friends, Masons, and non-Mason alike. I encourage you all to please invite your families and others so they can continue to be engaged with the Lodge.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
James S. Parkhurst
Senior Warden, Worshipful Master-elect

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