ST. JOHN’S LODGE NO. 11 ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF LEADERSHIP, SERVICE AND FELLOWSHIP IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA David J.C. de Hosson Historian, St. John’s Lodge No. 11
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n October 2, 2021, St. John’s Lodge No. 11 celebrated its 175th Anniversary on board a Potomac River cruise. “It is through fraternal gatherings, such as this celebration, that we are reminded of the benefits of Masonry to each and every one of us. Through the family of Masonry, we can offer relief to those in need. Through the fraternity of Masonry, our efforts are magnified and we can project our individual great lights, and in turn be a beacon of light to our community… Accordingly, we are gathered here to celebrate the support we have all given and received, and to honor those members of this august body who had the foresight to form this Lodge.” - Worshipful Master Jason Lee
The story of our Lodge begins on St. John’s Day, December 27, 1845, when George C. Thomas, Joseph F. Brown, John W. Williams and seven others submitted a signed petition for a charter from the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. This was during a time when anti-Masonic fervor was still strong nationally following the disappearance of Freemason critic William Morgan in New York, and D.C. Lodges were generally dealing with financial difficulties. Yet, men of good will still joined the fraternity in sizable numbers. The petition was accepted by the Grand Lodge by unanimous consent and St. John’s Lodge No. 11, the first newly constituted D.C. Lodge in nearly 20 years, met at Odeon Hall on February 23, 1846. Grand Master of Masons, MWB William B. Magruder, delivered the charter and installed George C. Thomas
RWB Annas F. Kamara, Senior Grand Warden in 2021 discusses the auspiciousness of the milestone achieved by the lodge.
From the left: WB Karl Gruel, Past Master and Fidelity Medal Holder, WB Jason Lee, Master of St. John Lodge No. 11, and MWB Alan L. Gordon, Grand Master in 2021
6 | THE VOICE OF FREEMASONRY ISSUE 1, 2022
