May 2026

From the East

William Workman - Worshipful Master

Lessons That Endure

Brethren,

As we welcome the blooming renewal of May, our Lodge continues to be energized with activity and purpose. This month is particularly poignant, as it invites us to reflect on the foundational influences in our lives, most notably, our mothers.

On May 10th, we celebrate Mother’s Day. For many of us, this is a day of joyful celebration; for others, it is a day of quiet remembrance. I fall into the latter camp. In 1999, I lost my mother to cancer, and I have missed her greatly every day since. She was a truly loving mother who wanted nothing but the very best for me, and her influence remains the moral compass I follow today. She instilled in me the value of putting love into every endeavor, especially when it came to cooking.

As a perpetually hungry youngster, I was a constant fixture in the kitchen, eager to see what she was creating. She would inevitably put me to work—stirring sauces and adding ingredients while I snuck samples—all while passing down the family recipes that I still treasure today. Now, certain meals that I prepare serve as a living memory of her. As you spend time with your families, I encourage you to cherish those bonds and honor the women who shaped us into the men we are today.

I’d also like to extend a sincere thank you to Brother Ramey Packer for his hard work in planning our Bowling with Brothers evening. It was a fantastic night of fellowship and healthy competition that truly strengthened our bonds outside the Lodge walls.

On a personal note, I must humbly report that I managed to take home the top score for the evening - though, in the spirit of Brotherly love, I’ll say it was likely just the result of a few lucky strikes!

Looking toward the future of our craft, our upcoming Leadership Retreat in Palm Springs is fast approaching. I cannot overstate the importance of this gathering. This retreat is instrumental in shaping the long-term vision of our Lodge.

It will be attended by me, our Senior Warden Brandon Jenkins, and our Senior Deacon Ramey Packer.

I’m sure to report what we have learned and share with the Lodge upon our return. This is where our future leaders will align their goals and build the synergy necessary to ensure Washington Lodge No. 20 remains a pillar of our community for generations to come. The event is part of a series of regional retreats hosted by the Masons of California.

This year’s summit focuses on the Keystone Initiative, the fraternity's strategic roadmap for building engagement and leadership vitality. If you are in a leadership role, your presence is vital.

Our May dinner will be catered, giving our Chefs of the Cross and Crown the month off after providing extraordinarily delicious dinners for the past 4 months. Our longstanding relationship with the Brother Masons of Vallejo’s will continue with a fiesta of fajitas, enchiladas, and all the sides to celebrate Cinco de Mayo on the 7th of May at 6:00 PM, with our lodge meeting at 7:30 PM.

Join us for a special evening of fellowship and gratitude at Past Masters’ Night on Thursday, May 21st, at 6:00 PM. This dinner will honor the dedicated Past Masters of Washington Lodge No. 20, whose leadership, service, and guidance have helped shape the legacy of our Lodge through the years. We invite all Brothers to attend as we celebrate their contributions, share a meal together, and reflect on the enduring traditions they have helped preserve.

After which, Washington Lodge No. 20 will confer the Third Degree of Masonry upon Brother Anthony Ibarra. In a meaningful tribute to Lodge History, the degree work will be performed by the Past Masters of our Lodge, a rare opportunity to witness some of our most experienced brethren once again assume various stations and places, and I know Brother Ibarra will appreciate full sidelines for this milestone in his Masonic journey.

Finally, as we reach the end of May, our focus shifts to Memorial Day, May 25th, a solemn time of remembrance for the entire nation. It is a day where we pause to honor the heavy price of our liberties and offer our deepest gratitude to God for the brave men and women who laid down their lives in service to the United States. Their ultimate sacrifice is the foundation upon which our freedom stands, and as Masons, we hold a profound respect for such selfless devotion to duty and country.

We are especially mindful of those within our own ranks who have served. We owe a debt of gratitude to the many veteran Brothers of Washington Lodge No. 20, whose dedication to both our country and our fraternity continues to inspire us. Let us keep their families in our prayers and strive to live lives worthy of the peace and liberty they fought and died to secure for us all.

I invite you to join me in this prayer of remembrance:

"Most glorious God, author of all good and giver of all mercy, we thank Thee for the brave souls who have transitioned to the Celestial Lodge Above in defense of our nation. We ask Thy special comforting presence for their surviving family members. Endue us with fortitude and resignation, and help us to always remember that the freedoms we cherish were bought with a price. May we ever walk uprightly, honoring their memory through our actions, until we are all reunited in that spiritual house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Amen."

I look forward to seeing you all at the Lodge.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

William "Bill" Workman

Worshipful Master

Washington Lodge No. 20

Congratulations, Brother Ivan Flowers!

Washington Lodge No. 20 proudly celebrates another meaningful milestone in the journey of Brother Ivan Flowers, who was advanced to the Degree of Fellow Craft on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

This Degree represents an important chapter in a Mason’s development; one that encourages growth through education, discipline, and the continued pursuit of wisdom. Brother Flowers has shown admirable commitment throughout his journey thus far, and we are excited to see what lies ahead as he continues his path toward further light in Masonry.

The Fellow Craft Degree serves as a reminder that true progress is achieved not simply through knowledge gained, but through knowledge applied. It challenges each of us to continue building our character, sharpening our minds, and contributing positively to our Lodge and community.

The evening was made even more memorable by the presence of two distinguished visitors from Union-Tehama Lodge No. 3 - Brother Jhason Wint, Senior Warden, and Brother Logan Linares, Junior Deacon (not pictured). Their attendance was a welcomed honor and a wonderful display of fraternal support.

Please join us in congratulating Brother Flowers on this remarkable achievement, and we wish him continued success as he moves forward in his Masonic journey.

From the West

Brandon Jenkins - Senior Warden

A Month of Advancement and Reflection

Brethren,

I greet you warmly as the month of May offers us a meaningful opportunity to reflect
on growth, labor, and renewal - both in nature and within our Craft. As time continues to march
onward, so too do we witness the steady advancement of our Brothers along their Masonic
journey.

This past month, we had the privilege of conferring the Second Degree of Masonry upon Brother
Ivan Flowers. After his excellent proficiency examination, we were all excited to witness his
advancement in our Craft. His passing to the degree of Fellowcraft marks not only a personal
milestone but also a reminder to all of us of the importance of continued learning, discipline,
and the pursuit of knowledge. The Middle Chamber calls each of us to ascend - step by
step - through study and reflection, improving ourselves in Masonry.

May also holds special significance for our Lodge, as we celebrate the 174th Anniversary of our
Charter on May 5th. For nearly two centuries, this Lodge has stood as a place of light, labor, and
brotherhood. Generations of Masons have come before us, each contributing their part to the
spiritual and moral edifice we continue to build today. As I sat in the East for two separate
Second Degrees recently, I was struck with the realization that many great men have also sat in
that very seat for over 100 years that our building has stood. It is both an honor and a
responsibility to carry that legacy forward.

Historically, the first day of May - May Day - has long been associated with the celebration of
labor, renewal, and the dignity of work. From ancient spring festivals to more modern
observances, it reminds us that all meaningful progress comes through effort and dedication.
These ideals resonate deeply with our Masonic teachings, where we are reminded that no man
improves himself by idle wish alone, but through steady and intentional labor.

Later in the month, on May 10th, we observe Mother’s Day, a time set aside to honor those who have
given us life, guidance, and our earliest lessons in virtue. For many of us, the foundational
principles we strive to uphold as Masons - kindness, patience, integrity - were first taught at
home. It is fitting that in a month devoted to growth, we pause to recognize those who nurtured
our beginnings and shaped the men we continue striving to become.

Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the raising of Brother Anthony Ibarra to the Sublime
Degree of Master Mason on May 21st. This is planned to be a “Past Master’s Night,” allowing
our revered Past Masters the opportunity to demonstrate to us the epitome of ritual excellence.
This is among the most profound and meaningful experiences in Masonry, and we encourage all
who can attend and support our Brother as he takes this significant step.

May, in its symbolism, reminds us that our work is never truly finished. Like the builder who
labors from rough ashlar to perfect stone, we are called to constant improvement—intellectually,
morally, and spiritually. Let us take this season as a reminder to recommit ourselves to the work,
to our Lodge, and to each other. Let us not merely admire the light handed down to us, but
actively labor to increase it—for ourselves, for our Lodge, and for those who will one day follow
in our footsteps.

From the South

Nicholas Johnston - Junior Warden

Greetings Brethren,

Within the Quadrivium, which are the four mathematical arts within the seven liberal arts and sciences, my personal favorite is Astronomy.

This month of May 2026 has some pretty neat events with respect to the star-decked heavens above.

May the 1st will bring a full moon, traditionally known as the Flower Moon, named for the abundance of spring blooms. It's a good night for lunar observation, but the abundance of moonlight will wash out fainter deep-sky objects.

After sunset on May 18th, the moon will pass less than three degrees from Venus. Venus will be an impossible-to-miss beacon to the west, while the moon will be a very thin crescent. This amazing view will be best through binoculars.

Lastly, on May 31st, we will have what’s called a Blue Moon, which is a second full moon in the same calendar month. This means that 2026 will feature a total of 13 full moons. While the Moon will not actually appear blue, the term refers to the rare occurrence of two full moons within a single month. This phenomenon is also the origin of the familiar expression, “once in a blue moon.”

Another of my favorite arts within the Quadrivium is Music.

There are a few really wonderful classical pieces that refer to May: One great example is Tchaikovsky's The Seasons Op. 37b, which includes "May: White Nights."

This is a delicate, shimmering piano piece evoking the long twilight evenings of the Russian spring. O Süsser Mai" (O Lovely May), Op. 93a, No. 3, is a tender, unaccompanied four-part choral piece composed by Johannes Brahms in 1883. Set to a text by Achim von Arnim, this charming, pastoral work is renowned for its expression of spring and innocent affection.

As we turn to this month, Washington Lodge No. 20 has several excellent events planned.

We are looking forward to the conferral of the Third Degree upon Brother Anthony Ibarra, along with some Masonic education on the penultimate and ultimate Thursdays, respectively.

Please check out the Calendar of Events below, and mark your own calendars to come join all the Brothers at these great events.

The Music of Numbers and the Order of the Cosmos

Logic

Jonathon Miller - Marshal

IF/THEN

It’s a statement we encounter every day of our lives without ever noticing. From the moment we wake up - if the alarm rings, then we get out of bed - to the complex systems that run our phones, logic quietly structures the world around us.

At its core, logic is the study of reasoning. How we move from one idea to another. The “if-then” structure, a known conditional statement, is one of the simplest and most powerful tools in logic. With it, we make predictions, make decisions, and build arguments. Your phone may use logic in a very modern way, but the concept is ancient.

The formal study of logic began with the ancient Greeks. Aristotle is sometimes referred to as the “Father of Logic”. He developed the first systematic approaches to reasoning. Aristotle’s work focused on syllogisms, or structured arguments. “All humans are mortal. I am human. Therefore, I am mortal.” It may not be written as an if-then statement, but the underlying principle is intact. If certain conditions are true, then certain conclusions must follow.

Aristotle’s ideas of logical thought were the standard for centuries. However, during the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, Aristotle’s ideas were expanded upon. Logic became a central part of education and influenced the studies of philosophy, theology, and law.

Today, logic is everywhere. It shapes the algorithms that recommend what we watch, the systems that guide airplanes, and the code that powers classrooms, workplaces, watches, phones, and even our homes. But it all begins with a simple idea: if something is true, then something else follows.

Understanding logic sharpens our thinking, improves our ability to argue clearly, and helps us make better decisions. So the next time you hear or think “if–then,” take a moment to notice it. You’re participating in a tradition of reasoning that spans from ancient Greece to the digital age.

04/02/2026 STATED

04/16/2026 SPECIAL

MINUTES ARCHIVE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY

(Public Awareness Month)

• 07 Thursday 6:00 PM

Mother's Day Celebration Dinner
Banquet Room at 1123 J Street 95814

• 07 Thursday 7:30 PM

Monthly Stated Meeting
LR1 at 1123 J Street 95814

• 14 Thursday 6:30 PM

Third Degree Practice
LR1 at 1123 J Street 95814

• 20 Wednesday 7:00 PM

OSI (Officers' School of Instruction)
LR3 at 1123 J Street 95814

• 21 Thursday 6:30 PM

Third Degree - Brother Anthony Ibarra
Past Masters' Night
LR1 at 1123 J Street 95814

• 28 Thursday 6:30 PM

Masonic Education Night
Dining Room at 1123 J Street 95814

JUNE

(Masonic Homes Month)

• 04 Thursday 6:00 PM

Masonic Homes Celebration Dinner
Banquet Room at 1123 J Street 95814

• 04 Thursday 7:30 PM

Monthly Stated Meeting
LR1 at 1123 J Street 95814

• 11 Thursday

DARK

• 13 Saturday 10:00 AM

Annual Family BBQ Picnic
Location TBD

• 18 Thursday

DARK

• 25 Thursday

DARK

• 27 Saturday 10:00 AM

Historic Masonic Cemetery Tour
2700 Riverside Blvd 95818

MAY

BIRTHDAYS

05 Jesse Solis-Jacques (Past Master)
07 Prezell Harris (Master Mason)
08 Richard Pullen (Past Master)
11 Douglas Pope (Master Mason)
12 Walter Santwer (Master Mason)
15 Richard "Smokey" Stover (Master Mason)
19 Mauro Lara (Past Master)
19 Jonathan Brizuela (Master Mason)
20 Michael Quinn (Master Mason)
23 Stephen May (Entered Apprentice)
25 David Kitts (Master Mason)
25 Colin Quinn (Master Mason)
26 Paul McNamee (Master Mason)

MASTER MASON ANNIVERSARIES

01 Prezell Harris (16 Years)
08 Dallas Calmes (12 Years)
08 Charles Moore, Jr. (57 Years)
11 Marty Buff (Tiler) (9 Years)
11 Joseph Mayo, IV (31 Years)
12 Ronald Forsberg (49 Years)
15 Terry Cooley (12 Years)
16 Joseph Wallach (Past Master) (Assistant Secretary) (13 Years)
16 Scott Van Wagner (28 Years)
17 Ko Chang (25 Years)
18 Robert Brooks (54 Years)
20 William Dillon (62 Years)
20 Ernest Owen, Jr. (44 Years)
21 Albert Lazare (13 Years)
21 Phillip Richards (56 Years)
22 George Morrow (68 Years)
25 Brian Jones (22 Years)
31 Thomas L. Weary (14 Years)

Washington Lodge No. 20 F. & A. M.

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.

Freemasonry is

Kindness in the home,

Honesty in business,

Courtesy in society,

Fairness in work,

Pity and concern for the unfortunate,

Resistance toward evil,

Help for the weak,

Forgiveness for the penitent,

Love for one another and,

Above all, reverence and love for God.

Freemasonry is many things but

Most of all:

Freemasonry is a way of life.

Introduction to Freemasonry: Master Mason

by Carl Harry Claudy

This volume is a thoughtful and illuminating work that guides the reader through the profound meaning of the Third Degree, often referred to as the “Sublime Degree.” Written by Carl H. Claudy, one of the most respected voices in Masonic literature, the book serves both as an introduction and a lifelong companion for reflection.

Claudy brings a unique blend of clarity and reverence to the subject. Drawing upon his extensive experience in the Craft, he presents the Master Mason Degree not merely as a ceremonial milestone, but as a deeply symbolic journey - one that calls the Mason to contemplate themes of mortality, fidelity, and the enduring nature of truth.

At its core, the book explores the allegorical lessons of the degree, emphasizing that Freemasonry is not a static achievement, but a continuous path of personal growth. The teachings of the Third Degree are presented as something to be revisited over time, revealing deeper meaning with each reflection - an idea consistent with the broader Masonic journey through the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason.

Claudy’s writing is both accessible and profound. He avoids unnecessary complexity while still preserving the solemnity of the subject, making the book especially valuable for newly raised Master Masons, while still offering insight to seasoned brethren. His work reminds us that the true reward of Masonry lies not in titles or ceremonies, but in the internal transformation of the individual.

In summary, The Master Mason is more than a book, it is an invitation. It invites the reader to reflect, to study, and to live out the principles of the Craft. For any Brother seeking to deepen his understanding of the Third Degree, this work remains an essential and timeless resource.

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 163182984X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1631829840

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carl Harry Claudy (1879–1957) was a prominent American Masonic author, journalist, and lecturer whose writings have become foundational in Masonic education. A professional writer by trade, Claudy served as the editor of The Master Mason magazine and contributed extensively to Masonic publications throughout his career.

He is best known for his Introduction to Freemasonry series, covering the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason degrees, which has guided generations of Freemasons in understanding the symbolism and philosophy of the Craft. His writing is valued for its clarity, accessibility, and ability to convey deep Masonic truths in a thoughtful and engaging manner.

Claudy was also an active Mason, serving in various capacities within the fraternity, and was widely respected for his dedication to Masonic education. His legacy endures as one of the most influential interpreters of Freemasonry in the 20th century.

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Five Essential Books for Freemasons