June 2023

From the East

Mauro Lara - Worshipful Master

Hello, Brethren, Family, and Friends.

Hope everyone is continuing to enjoy the good weather before the traditionally high temperatures commence in summer. Now that winter is in our rearview, we can look forward to those lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer.

For the most part, your team of Officers has been working diligently with many activities taking place so far this year. Fortunately, in May we had a little relief, and your Officers were able to take a breather from the numerous events. One event that included your Pillar Officers was the Masters and Wardens Retreat which was held on the first weekend in May.

This was a three-day conference presented by the Grand Lodge that provides training and direction in leadership and support of our Lodge. I can tell you from personal experience that this retreat is well worth attending. Not only do we have an opportunity to interface with Officers from other lodges in and around our area, but we have good and strong fellowship with Grand Officers as well. This is in addition to the training sessions offered.

Our next conference will be the 174th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of California, taking place from the 27th through the 29th of October in San Francisco. Click HERE to register.

EVENTS THIS MONTH

Our Lodge is looking forward to upcoming events. On June 15th, we have our Annual Table Lodge, which is being spearheaded by Worshipful Joseph Dongo (PM). Slated to start at 6:30 PM, it is open to Masons and we hope the Brethren can attend. This is a very traditional event that is very much a lot of fun.

Please RSVP HERE.

On June 22nd, we have a special program that is a presentation entitled “Forget-Me-Not” Symbol of Freemasonry. This lecture will be delivered by Worshipful Narbeh Bagdasarian (PM), Inspector of the 737th Masonic District. The main theme is Nazi Germany’s treatment of Masons and Masonry. It promises to be very informative and well worth attending. Dinner starts at 6:00 PM with the lecture at 7:00 PM.

Please RSVP to https://forms.gle/B8vbP8EfdSQJkp1n6. This is very important so we have enough refreshments for everyone in attendance. This is open to Masons and non-Masons.

NEXT MONTH

Back to Worshipful Joseph Dongo (PM). On July 20th, we are holding a reception in his honor. This is to recognize his service as Grand Standard Bearer this Masonic year. The evening starts with Social Hour at 5:00 PM, Dinner at 6:00 PM, and Ceremony at 7:00 PM in the ballroom on the third floor of the Sacramento Masonic Temple. Please join us in honoring our Grand Officer.

Please RSVP HERE by 07/13/2023.

FUTURE EVENTS

Another event is a Ladies' Luncheon on a date yet to be determined. The exact details of this are coming, however, we know it will be a Bingo and Wine Tasting Event, with pizza on the menu. It is currently scheduled from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Also on the horizon:

Annual Family BBQ Picnic on August 12th
Annual Past Masters' Night on September 21st
Annual Constitutional Observance Night on September 28th

CELEBRATIONS IN JUNE

This month we have two significant celebrations to note:

Flag Day

Flag Day is celebrated on June 14th each year. It commemorates the adoption of the American flag, which occurred on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. This day serves as a reminder of the symbol that represents the ideals and principles upon which the United States was founded.

On Flag Day, Americans proudly display the flag in their homes, schools, and public buildings. It is a time when communities come together to honor the flag's significance and pay tribute to the nation it represents. Many cities and towns organize parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and patriotic events to celebrate the occasion. It is a day when citizens reflect on the values of liberty, unity, and justice that the flag embodies.

Flag Day is also an opportunity for Americans to learn about the history and meaning behind their national flag. Schools often incorporate lessons and activities that educate students about the flag's design, the symbolism of its colors and stars, and the importance of respecting and caring for the flag. It is a chance for individuals, young and old, to deepen their understanding of the flag's role as a unifying symbol and a source of national pride.

Overall, Flag Day in the United States is a time to honor and cherish the flag as a representation of the country's shared heritage, values, and aspirations. It is a day when Americans come together to express their patriotism and gratitude for the freedoms and opportunities that the flag represents.

Father’s Day

Father's Day is an annual celebration observed in many countries worldwide to honor and appreciate fathers and father figures. Typically held on the third Sunday of June, it is a special day dedicated to expressing love, gratitude, and recognition for the important role fathers play in their children's lives.

On Father's Day, families often come together to spend quality time with their fathers. It is a time to show appreciation by giving gifts, preparing special meals, or organizing activities that fathers enjoy. Many people take the opportunity to express their heartfelt sentiments through cards, letters, or verbal expressions of love and gratitude. The day serves as a reminder to acknowledge the sacrifices, guidance, and support that fathers provide throughout their children's lives.

Father's Day is also a time to celebrate and honor the diversity of fatherhood. It recognizes the different roles that fathers play, whether biological, adoptive, stepfathers or father figures. It is a day to appreciate the love, care, and positive influence that these individuals have on their children's development. The celebration of Father's Day promotes stronger family bonds and highlights the importance of fatherhood in creating nurturing and supportive environments for children to thrive.

To close, Father's Day is an annual occasion to honor and celebrate fathers and father figures. It is a day when families come together to express love, gratitude, and appreciation for the pivotal role fathers play in their lives. By recognizing and celebrating the diverse forms of fatherhood, Father's Day reinforces the significance of paternal love, guidance, and support in shaping the lives of children and fostering stronger family connections.

Happy Father’s Day to all the Fathers and Father Figures in our life.

From the West

Matthew Mason - Senior Warden

Masonic education is the study of Masonic values, history, symbols, and myths. It also encompasses lessons in leadership, self-improvement, and community building.

The Grand Lodge's online educational resources help members learn more about Freemasonry and the daily business of leading a lodge.

Masonic education events - View a complete listing of upcoming symposia, conferences, colloquiums, and more.
Videos - Access a variety of original documentary films about the fraternity and its history.
Henry Wilson Coil Library and Museum of Freemasonry - Grand Lodge of California's on-site library and museum offers a wealth of online resources for researchers.

Research lodges and organizations

Research lodges and organizations in California and worldwide hold discussions, gather and preserve Masonic information, maintain libraries, supply papers, and speakers at the request of other lodges, and provide general knowledge in the field of Masonic education.

Research lodges in California include:

El Camino Research Lodge - San Jose
Northern California Research Lodge - San Francisco
Orange County Research Lodge - Anaheim
Southern California Research Lodge - South Pasadena
Golden Compasses Research Lodge - Sacramento

Research organizations around the world include:

The Masonic Society
The Philalethes Society
The Masonic Restoration Foundation
Masonic Library and Museum Association
Association of Masonic Museums, Libraries, and Archives of Europe
UCLA Freemasonry and Civil Society Program
REHMLAC (Historical Studies Program of Freemasonry and Patriotic Societies in Central Scholl of General Studies at the University of Costa Rica)
The Scottish Rite Research Society

From the South

Joseph Wallach - Junior Warden

June is here and there are days to celebrate, some terrestrial and some celestial.

June 8th is World Ocean Day, a moment to appreciate that which makes up approximately 71 percent of the earth’s surface but is only 10 percent mapped worldwide. The ocean provides a home to many aquatic creatures, is a major component of our weather systems, and is a reminder that the celestial and terrestrial are tied together as the moon calls to the ocean tides to ebb and flow.

June 21st marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day to contemplate your place in the universe.

June 24th is St. John the Baptist Day, a day meant to celebrate the life and death of St. John the Baptist. Revered as one of Freemasonry’s Patron Saints, John the Baptist has deep ties to the early beginnings of Freemasonry and has influenced our fraternity for generations.

June 24th, 1717

306 years ago, on that date, four London Lodges, which had existed for some time, came together at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St Paul’s Churchyard, declared themselves a Grand Lodge, and elected Anthony Sayer as their first Grand Master. Soon, St. John the Baptist was acknowledged as a Patron Saint of Freemasonry - together with St. John the Evangelist, who is celebrated on December 27th.

We also have ten brothers who will be celebrating birthdays this month, including our very own Senior Warden, Brother Matt Mason, on Saint John the Baptist Day, 06/24, and Worshipful Dave Cameron (PM) on the day following, 06/25.

Congratulations to all!

Batter Up!

Be a Supporter by Funding a Child’s Mitt

For the 2023 Masons4Mitts Fundraiser

Support the SF Giants Junior Giants Program!

For each $20 donation, a quality baseball glove will be provided to a needy youth in the local Junior Giants program.

This program is more than just baseball and softball. Kids and parents attend programs about leadership, teamwork, health, safety, finances, and good citizenship.

Support your lodge’s participation in this great program!

Go to www.masons4mitts.org

Click SF Giants Logo

Click Sacramento Cyclones

Click Give a Mitt

Click Donate

#WLN20 #Masons4Mitts

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE (Masonic Homes Month)

• 01 Fellowship Dinner (Banquet Room) Thursday 06:00 PM

• 01 Monthly Stated Meeting (LR1) Thursday 07:30 PM

• 08 DARK Thursday

• 15 Annual Table Lodge (Ballroom) Thursday 06:30 PM

• 22 Masonic Education Night - "Forget Me Not" Lecture (Ballroom) Thursday 06:00 PM

• 29 DARK Thursday

Officers' Checklist

JULY (Support Our Veterans Month)

• 05 Monthly Executive Committee Meeting (Zoom) Wednesday 06:30 PM

• 06 Fellowship Dinner (Banquet Room) Thursday 06:00 PM

• 06 Monthly Stated Meeting (LR1) Thursday 07:30 PM

• 13 DARK Thursday

• 20 Grand Standard Bearer Reception (Ballroom) Thursday

• 23 DARK Thursday

• 29 Ladies' Luncheon (Bingo & Wine Tasting) Saturday 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Officers' Checklist

RSVP for 06/15 Table Lodge

RSVP for 06/22 Lecture

RSVP for 07/20 Reception

RSVP for 07/29 Luncheon

Masonic Education Night

“Forget-Me-Not” Symbol of Freemasonry

Nazi Germany’s treatment of Masons and

Masonry before and during World War II

Guest Speaker:

Worshipful Narbeh Bagdasarian
Past Grand Bible Bearer

Past Master of Glendale Lodge No. 368

Master of La France Lodge No. 2056

Inspector of 737th Masonic District

Hitler and his officers’ opinion about Masonry
The three principal enemies of Freemasonry in the Third Reich
Anti-Masonic Propaganda by the Third Reich
Closure of Masonic Lodges
Imprisonment of Freemasons
Lodges operating in the German Concentration Camps
“Forget-Me-Not” flower as the symbol of Masonic Solidarity

Thursday, June 22nd

06:00 PM Dinner

07:00 PM Presentation

Washington Lodge No. 20

1123 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Map

Please RSVP at

https://forms.gle/B8vbP8EfdSQJkp1n6

by Friday, June 16, 2023

Family and non-Masons are welcome!

Special Event

Reception in Honor of

Worshipful Joseph K. Dongo (PM)

Grand Standard Bearer

of the Grand Lodge of Masons in California

Thursday, July 20th

05:00 PM Social Hour

06:00 PM Dinner

07:00 PM Ceremony

RSVP by 07/13/2023

Tri-Tip Steak | Chicken Cordon Bleu | Vegetarian
Catered by Tony’s Delicatessen & Catering

Recommended Donation:
$20.00 per Person

Please indicate your menu choice HERE

Open to Masons and Spouses/Partners
Dress Code: Business Casual

Washington Lodge No. 20
Sacramento Masonic Temple
1123 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Map

JUNE 2023

BIRTHDAYS

01 Brian Schoenborn (Master Mason)
01 Joseph Mayo, IV (Master Mason)
04 James Lenau (Master Mason)
07 Richard Entrican (Master Mason)
10 Nico Montero (Master Mason)
20 David Thomas (Master Mason)
22 Ronald Speno (Master Mason)
24 Matthew Mason (Senior Warden)
25 David Cameron (Past Master)
25 Larry Afzal (Master Mason)

MASTER MASON ANNIVERSARIES

06 Erick Leutholtz (15 Years)
11 Kamyl Assè (Senior Steward) (10 Years)
12 Max Schell (Past Master) (28 Years)
17 George Jamison, Jr. (Past Master) (41 Years)
18 Christian Wheeler (8 Years)
19 John Lowrey (33 Years)
20 William Workman (Senior Deacon) (4 Years)
21 Jeffrey Hardiman (15 Years)
22 Frank Werner (23 Years)
23 Richard Hixson (Past Master) (18 Years)
24 Steven Anders (47 Years)
24 Brian Schoenborn (13 Years)
25 Devin Gray (8 Years)
26 Fred Bloom (31 Years)
27 Jared Dailey (10 Years)
29 Eric Hixson (Treasurer) (Past Master) (23 Years)

Washington Lodge No. 20

Mission Statement

To practice and promote a way of life that binds like-minded men in a worldwide
brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences.

Through Masonic principles and tradition, and by the outward expression of these
through its fellowship and compassion, Washington Lodge No.20 Free & Accepted Masons provides ways in which to serve God, family, country, neighbors, and self in an environment that contributes to the enrichment and betterment of its members, mankind, and its communities.

ESOTERIKA

By Albert Pike

For many years Pike was principally known only as the author/compiler of Morals and Dogma, or as the author of the rituals of the Supreme Council, 33°, Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite in the US. Few knew about his Book of the Words or that he was the editor of the 10-volume Bulletin of the Supreme Council, and fewer still realized that he was the author of literally hundreds of other works, cataloged in Ray Baker Harris’s Bibliography of the Writings of Albert Pike (1957).

Almost 30 years ago, after the scholar Arturo de Hoyos, 33°, Grand Archivist and Grand Historian of the Scottish Rite, obtained Harris’s Bibliography, he became intrigued by its final entry: an unpublished manuscript entitled, “The Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry.” On the manuscript’s spine was the word Esoterika, curiously spelled with a k.

Written in 1888, there were only two manuscript copies in existence: one in the archives of the House of the Temple, and the other was sent by Pike to London.

Two of England’s greatest Masonic scholars, Robert F. Gould and George W. Speth (founding members of Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076 in London, the premiere research lodge) informed Pike that his “Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry” was also the most important work of the kind they had ever studied.

In his introductory remarks, Pike discouraged the distribution of copies by “anyone who is not fit and qualified to teach and instruct his Brethren, and who does not propose to use it as their teacher and instructor.”

This gave Arturo de Hoyos the idea that with proper preparation, an introduction, annotations, notes, and appendices, the book could be made available. After discussing the matter with the Grand Commander, the Scottish Rite Research Society printed the book in 2005.

Esoterika has since become extremely popular among Masonic students, and it is now the textbook for the first component (with accompanying quizzes) of the Supreme Council’s Master Craftsman education courses.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Albert Pike (1809 - 1891) became a Freemason in 1850 and participated in the creation of the Masonic St. Johns’ College in Little Rock that same year. In 1853, he associated with the Scottish Rite and rose rapidly in the organization.

In 1859, he was elected grand commander of the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, the administrative district for all parts of the country except for the fifteen states east of the Mississippi River and north of Ohio, and held that post until his death. After the war, he devoted much of his time to rewriting Masonic Rituals. For years, his Morals and Dogma (1871), still in print, was distributed to members of the Fraternity.

Over his career, he published numerous other works on the order, including Meaning of Masonry, Book of the Words, and The Point Within the Circle. As he aged, he also became interested in spiritualism, particularly Indian thought, and its relationship to Masonry. Late in life, he learned Sanskrit and translated various literary works written in that language. As a result of his work in this area, he published Indo-Aryan Deities and Worship as Contained in the Rig-Veda.

Pike died at the Scottish Rite Temple in Washington DC on April 2, 1891. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery there. On December 29, 1944, the anniversary of his birth, his body was removed from Oak Hill Cemetery and placed in a crypt in the temple.

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