The Brethren of Dover Lodge #489 met on the evening of December 21, 2023 to join together in the observance of the Feast of St. John the Evangelist. The evening commenced with a shared meal in fraternal conviviality, followed by a private ceremony only shared among members of our Lodge. We concluded the night in further conversation about the bright future within our sacred walls. Each Brother was then invited to arise the next morning to witness the rising sun, and the return of longer hours of pleasing and life-giving daylight.

The yearly observance of the feasts of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist is not meant to imply that Freemasonry endorses any sectarian religion. On the contrary, Freemasonry only requires that its members profess a belief in a Supreme Being, whatever form that may take in their private religious expression. There is a deeper meaning behind the observation of these feast days that has been part of the Masonic tradition for several hundred years (though it was observed under another form in more ancient times). Certain symbols expressed during a Mason’s initiation offer the deeper explanation for those who wish to explore our rich (and often mysterious) heritage.

The feasts are a reminder of our commitment to our Ancient Craft, and serve to reinforce within us of the importance of marking our time. A true Mason is not only a man of action, but also one of contemplation and calculation. In the case of Dover Lodge, our way of observing the feast days is private to our members because we have taken the time and put in the work to know our roots. We believe that any Lodge or any Brother that mistakenly thinks that their only purpose for “making Masons” is so that they can make MORE Masons has entirely missed the point of our Royal Art.

There is something far deeper to be had as a Brother of our Craft. Dover Lodge seeks it actively within our hallowed walls. Membership in Dover Lodge is not for everyone.

Is it for you?