​Travel and Discovery: Marching Ahead

 

Brethren,

 

As we prepare for our Stated Meeting on Thursday, March 5th at 6:00 PM, I want to take a moment to reflect on one of our most poignant traditions: the Masonic Roll Call.

 

In the daily world, a roll call is a simple matter of logistics - a way to ensure everyone is present. But in a Masonic Lodge, the Roll Call serves a much deeper, more spiritual purpose. It is a moment where we bridge the gap between the visible and the invisible, reaffirming the bond of brotherly love that death itself cannot sever.

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Why We Call the Roll

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When a Brother’s name is called, and the silence of the room is the only response, it serves as a powerful "Memento Mori" - a reminder of the brevity of life and the importance of the work we do while the sun is still high. We do not call these names to dwell on sadness, but to celebrate the permanent vacancy they leave in our earthly labors and their new residence in that Celestial Lodge Above.

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On March 5th, we will stand in silence to honor three of our own who have laid down their working tools this past year:

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In Memoriam: The Celestial Roll

 

Worshipful Juan Carmelo Faranda, PM

Born on March 30, 1938

Passed to the Celestial Lodge on July 20, 2025

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Brother Thomas Edgar Goodwin

Born on Oct 15, 1925

Passed to the Celestial Lodge on March 6, 2025

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Brother Stephen Michalski

Born on Dec 25, 1950

Passed to the Celestial Lodge on February 22, 2025

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"Alas, my Brother! We cherish their memory here, and commend their spirits to God who gave them."

           

These Brothers represented decades of service, wisdom, and fellowship within Washington Lodge No. 20.

 

From the long, storied lives of Brothers Goodwin and Michalski to the leadership and guidance of Worshipful Faranda, their absence is felt deeply.

 

Looking Forward

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I encourage every member to join us for this special evening. Let us gather not just to conduct the business of the Lodge, but to ensure that the names of our departed Brothers are spoken aloud once more, keeping their memory green in our hearts.

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Meeting Details:

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• Date: Thursday, March 5th

• Time: 6:00 PM

• Location: Washington Lodge No. 20

           

As the bitter, desolate silence of winter finally breaks, the earth erupts in a vibrant, joyous symphony of blooming color and warmth, signaling that the cold, sad nights have surrendered to a bright new beginning.

 

This shift from despair to hope is often described as nature's way of celebrating life. Most of us are very lucky to have had forefathers such as George Washington to imagine a country as great as ours.  Most of us wake up in warm beds, use a bathroom within a few steps, get food from a well-stocked refrigerator, and venture out about our days under the protection of our constitution. 

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As we look toward the 250th anniversary of our great nation, it is fitting to reflect on the crucible that shaped it. Imagine the Spring of 1778. The Continental Army had just endured the harrowing winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Disease, starvation, and desperation had decimated the ranks. Many predicted the revolution would die before the spring thaw. 

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Yet, General George Washington - a Brother raised in Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 - did not buckle. 

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Washington’s leadership during that pivotal spring was not just military strategy; it was a masterclass in Masonic fortitude. He understood that to win the fight for independence, he had to keep his men alive and united. He did not lead merely from a distance; he walked among them, ensuring "relief" to his suffering brothers-in-arms, often sharing their meager rations. 

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Brother Washington utilized the spring to train his army, transforming a collection of regional militias into a unified, disciplined force. His perseverance stemmed from a deep-seated faith in the cause of liberty - a dedication to truth and the good of mankind. He believed in the fraternity of his men, encouraging the forming of Masonic lodges within army regiments to foster brotherly love during the darkest times. 

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As we celebrate 250 years, let us remember that the nation was not built on battles alone, but on the character of men like Washington who, when faced with overwhelming odds, looked to the East for light, acted on the square, and held firm to their obligations.

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Let us, as Freemasons, emulate Brother Washington's resilience in our own lives, ensuring that the legacy of freedom lasts for another 250 years. 

 

A Call to the Pillars: Double Fellowcraft Degree

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Brethren, it is with great pleasure and fraternal anticipation that we announce a special evening dedicated to the advancement of our craft. On Thursday, March 26th, we will assemble to conduct a Double Fellowcraft Degree for two of our worthy Entered Apprentices, Brother Ivan Flowers and Brother Isai Jaimes. As these brothers prepare to pass from the outer porch to the middle chamber, your presence is requested to witness their progress and support them as they seek further light in Masonry.

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The ceremony will commence promptly at 6:30 PM. This is a vital moment in a Mason’s journey—a time to reflect on the transition from youth to manhood and the cultivation of the mind through the liberal arts and sciences. Let us gather in strength to provide Brother Flowers and Brother Jaimes with the warm fellowship and solemnity this milestone deserves. Whether you are a Fellowcraft yourself or a Master Mason, your participation at the altar of our labors strengthens the bonds of our Lodge.

 

Event Details at a Glance

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• Date: Thursday, March 26th

• Time: 6:30 PM

• Degree: Fellowcraft (Second Degree)

• Candidates: Bro. Ivan Flowers & Bro. Isai Jaimes

• Attire: Standard Lodge Dress, Officers Tuxedo with Black or Dark bow tie

•  I look forward to seeing you all on the level.

 

Sincerely and Fraternally,

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William Workman

Worshipful Master

Washington Lodge No. 20