10/15/2026
๐๐ง ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ ๐, ๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐
๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฌ!
What a wonderful evening of Masonry at Saint John's Lodge No. 3 AF&AM! Tonightโs Stated Communication was a reminder that the true strength of our Lodge lies not simply in its remarkable history, but in the Brothers who continue to build its future.
As renovations to our historic Lowthrop Hall continue, we enjoyed the rare pleasure of gathering for dinner in our beautiful Ballroom, something we havenโt done in many years! Making the evening even more memorable, our outstanding Stewards fired up our pizza ovens for the first time in nearly two decades!
And what a feast they prepared! Homemade pizzas, including a fantastic Chicago-style creation, wings, chicken Caesar salad, breadsticks, and homemade lemon bars. One thing is certain: nobody leaves St. Johnโs hungry! Our Stewards continue to outdo themselves, and we are incredibly grateful for the time, effort, and pride they put into every meal. And we truly cherish our Sisters from Craven Chapter No. 129 - Order of the Eastern Star for their support to prepare, serve and help clean up the meals.
With 25 members and two visiting Brothers in attendance, along with three Entered Apprentices and a prospective member joining us for dinner, the evening was filled with fellowship, meaningful conversation, and a very productive meeting.
But perhaps the most gratifying part of the evening was seeing the extraordinary spirit of generosity and commitment that continues to flourish within our Lodge.
Brothers are stepping forward to volunteer their time, share their talents, contribute resources, and support the ongoing restoration and improvement of our historic building. These efforts are about more than preserving bricks, mortar, and woodwork. They are about honoring the Brothers who came before us while ensuring that those who follow inherit something worthy of their pride.
That same generosity was evident in two thoughtful gifts. One Brother donated a beautiful original watercolor of the former Sudan Temple, while another handcrafted and donated a handsome plaque recognizing our 35 endowed members. Both are meaningful additions to our Lodge and wonderful expressions of brotherly devotion.
Another proud moment came as we officially received our Lion and Pillar Platinum Award plaque. We gathered for a commemorative photograph with the Brothers whose dedication helped make this achievement possible. It was a fitting reminder that great things are accomplished when good men work together toward a common purpose.
Our Masonic education was equally rewarding. Brother Anson delivered an exceptional presentation exploring how our ancestors measured and understood the world long before modern mathematical terminology and precision instruments, and how those methods relate to our understanding of historical truth. Thought provoking, informative, and a fine example of the importance of continuing Masonic education.
And, as tradition would have it, the evening concluded with more fellowship at the stated place and time!
As Master of this historic Lodge, I find myself increasingly grateful for the Brothers who make evenings like this possible. The meals, the education, the improvements, the generosity, and the fellowship donโt happen by accident. They happen because men care enough to give of themselves for something greater than themselves.
Our building has stood for more than two centuries, but it is the dedication, character, and friendship of the Brothers within its walls that give it life.
We are not simply preserving our history. We are adding another chapter worthy of those who will come after us.
And judging by tonight, that chapter is going to be a good one.
