From the East

By Paul Rodriguez-Obrien, PM—Master

Brethren and Families,

I would like to share highlights of our celebration of the Feast of Saint John (FOSJ), held on Saturday, June 20th, at our Lodge.

This year’s celebration became a joint event and was well attended by 13 Masons from CC-551 and 10 Masons from Mosaic Lodge No. 218 of Livermore. It was a wonderful evening filled with Masonic education, fellowship, toasts, camaraderie, and a fine seven-course meal honoring our brethren, our Craft, and one of our patron saints, Saint John the Baptist.

As a brief refresher, Blue Lodges of Freemasonry traditionally celebrate two patron saints:

• Saint John the Baptist. Celebrated on June 24th. The baptizer of, and likely a relative of, Jesus Christ. He is regarded as the patron saint of medieval stonemasons and is closely associated with Masonic cornerstone-laying ceremonies.

  
  

• Saint John the Evangelist. Celebrated on December 27th. Traditionally recognized as the author of the Gospel of John and identified with the Apostle John. His feast day has long been associated with the installation of Grand Masters in England and Scotland.

Following the social hour, we convened in the Lodge room at 6:00 PM for Masonic education. We were privileged to hear an excellent presentation by Mosaic Lodge’s own Worshipful David Thorn on the Circumpunct. In Masonic symbolism, the two parallel lines representing the Holy Saints John flank and touch the “Point Within a Circle.” His informative lecture was well received, and a lively question-and-answer session followed.

We then retired to the dining room, where we were treated to a truly exemplary seven-course Mediterranean feast. To describe this labor of love, prepared by Wor. Andrew Hawes and his lovely wife, Jamie, as merely “excellent” would be an understatement. Their efforts resulted in a remarkable dining experience worthy of the occasion. The meal was expertly served by our DeMolay members and coordinated by Dad Steve Kolden.

During dinner, we were again fortunate to have Worshipful David Thorn serve as Master of Ceremonies as he led the traditional Feast of Saint John toasts, honoring those whom we remember and celebrate on such occasions.

Following dinner, the evening was still young, and many brethren gathered in the courtyard to continue fellowship and enjoy a selection of fine cigars.

I would like to once again thank the brethren of Mosaic Lodge No. 218 for joining us and helping make this celebration such a success. Special thanks to Wor. David Thorn for his informative lecture and excellent service as Master of Ceremonies; to the Hawes family for providing a truly memorable dinner; and to DeMolay for their assistance with dining room setup, hospitality, service, and cleanup. A great deal of planning and preparation went into this event, and none of it would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the FOSJ Committee.

Thank you all, and may God bless you.

Events like these strengthen the bonds of brotherly love and remind us of the value of fellowship within our Craft. I encourage everyone to attend our stated meetings, degree work, and upcoming social events whenever possible. I look forward to seeing you and your families again soon.