Freemasonry came to America through Europe, with England and Scotland being two distinguished locations of early Speculative Masonry. Christianity was the main religion in those regions during that time period. St. John the Baptist had long been associated with Freemasonry, extending back to references of St. John's Masons throughout medieval Europe during the time of Operative Masonry.
The Grand Lodge of England was formed on June 24, 1717, on the feast day of St. John the Baptist, very close to the summer solstice. As the longest day of the year, it seems quite fitting that a branch of the light-seeking Freemasons was formed around this holiday. The Masonic celebration of the feast of St. John the Evangelist also began in the 18th century, providing a day of celebration near the winter solstice as well.
Knowing the background of the group that began to associate St. John the Evangelist with Freemasonry gives us some insights on his significance to Freemasonry. St. John the Evangelist was one of Jesus' 12 Apostles. Jesus called St. John and his brother St. James the “sons of thunder” for their zeal, passion, and ambition. Noted in the Gospel about his early days with Jesus, at times St. John acted rashly, recklessly, impetuously, and aggressively. He matured with age and by the time of Jesus' passing, St. John was entrusted with the care of Jesus' mother. This act shows a great deal of trust, and who St. John had become by that time.
This maturing is a natural result of going through the stages of youth, manhood, and age when surrounded by good people when love is felt and shown. Zeal in the absence of love can lead to harshness and judgmentalism. Passion and ambition when untempered by love can lead to pride, smugness, and exclusiveness. Love for those around you can allow you to seek what you desire while not separating yourself. As St. John was reminded of his faults in his early days in that most tender manner by those that loved him, he was able to be reformed from a good man into a better man.
St. John has often been called the apostle of love. It makes him a fitting patron saint of Freemasonry with Brotherly Love being one its tenets. We are taught to regard the whole human species as one family. We are called to aid, support, and protect each other regardless of our differences. The sincerity in our purpose and the truth in our love allows the heart and tongue to join in promoting each other’s welfare, and to to rejoice in each other’s prosperity.
The feast of St. John the Evangelist falls at a fitting time of the year. There are several winter holidays that all occur around the time of the winter solstice. Common imagery across religions and traditions include light and life. Candles being lit, the decoration of trees that persist in growing through the harsh conditions of winter, and the giving of gifts help to remind us of light, fortitude, and relief. We are blessed with modern amenities that protect us from the severe harshness of years past, though there are still those who are less fortunate. As the winter solstice passes, we celebrate that each day brings us more light, that our fortitude has helped us to last through the harshness of winter, and that those around us will come to the relief of those who need it with gifts of aid or joy.
Masonically, we have elected new officers for each Lodge who will endeavor to bring more light to themselves, their brothers, and everyone else they meet, in the capacity that is needed. The inclemencies of the seasons of the past forced everyone together in order to survive. In a digital age, this can often be forgotten. During a busy season of our lives, we find the fortitude to take another night away from our separate families to come together as a band of brothers. We celebrate our common ties, those bonds that make us stronger, and the things that make our fraternity truly special. We take up a collection at this feast to come to the relief of those less fortunate. We have reflected on the values of our craft now, so that throughout the coming months, we find the strength to remain steadfast to our values and better the world around us one brother at a time. It is my pleasure to have come together with all of you for this celebration.
WB Kyle Hodge PM
Glen Park Lodge No. 732
The address was given at the Feast of St John on December 27, 2025
