My Worthy Brothers,
Bang! And there it was. The Worshipful Master’s siren call indicating that he was about to open a Lodge of Masons. What was ever so slightly different in this instance, for SJ1P’s 3,950th occurrence of the same, was that it was signaled with a very unique and commemorative gavel. To wit.
That rightful and pervasive sound described above was struck with the gavel commissioned to found Semiquincentennial Lodge No. 250 (SQC 250). This commemorative Lodge was established by petition for chartering and received at an Occasional Grand Lodge on May 2, 2026 at Freemasons Hall in East Providence, RI.
It was Constituted as a formal salute to the important role Freemasonry played in the birth of the United States and dedicated to the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence. As WPM Bob O’Brien and I so often comment to each other, it made for another great day in Freemasonry.”
The noted gavel is pictured in this communication and the fact that I, as SJ1P’s Master, was the first to use it (post its commissioning) to conduct his May meeting was an honor I won’t soon forget. BTW, it was the first of many, many SQC 250 events that the gavel and committee will travel to, such as Collegivm Lvminosvm on Sept. 30th, at St. Johns No.1 Providence Colonial Era Table Lodge on Nov. 14th, and a Liberty Tree planting/time capsule at a time, date and location TBD.
Further, as has been eloquently stated at multiple Lodge meetings by our M∴W∴GM Gilbert J. Fontes Jr., Semiquincentennial Lodge No. 250 was founded on the principles of reflecting on the past to honor the Founders and early Freemasons who laid the foundation for American freedom; celebrating the present to reaffirm the Masonic
commitment to Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth; and hope for the future that generations who follow are inspired to uphold the founding principles of
America and Freemasonry.
And, having the approximately 35 Brothers from Euclid Lodge 136, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ travel up from their home state to Freemasons Hall for the SQC 250 commissioning was notable as well. After which, we ventured back to SJ1P’s home base at the Scottish Rite Cathedral to enjoy the remainder of the day, celebrating the 40+ years of
Brotherhood and friendship between our respective Lodges.
Looking ahead to June’s stated communication, SJ1P will conduct our annual Awards Night. Please plan to join us and them that evening (we also welcome their family and friends) to recognize the many Brothers who have achieved significant milestones of service to our Craft.
The June meeting Awards portion will be open to non-Masons as well and that includes dining. Be sure to make the appropriate dinner reservations, please and thank you.
Since this will be my final full meeting to occupy the East, this will also be my final plea to sustain the flow of donations to SJ1P’s My Giving Page, eponymously named “SJ1P for Dana-Farber & The Jimmy Fund.” To date, we are a tick OVER $5K, $5,136.84 to be exact, and I once again (finally??) graciously thank each of you who have donated.
The URL and/or QR code to access this page is: https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/SJ1P
Dinner for the June 17th stated communication will begin @5:30 PM and Lodge will open @ 6:30 PM to conduct our business and commence with the work of the evening.
You know the drill; dinner reservations are required and can be made by calling 401-861-1757 or by email at SJ1prov@gmail.com no later than the Friday preceding the stated meeting. For June, that date is Friday the 12th.
Finally, make no mistake, having served this Lodge will be among my fondest memories and experiences for the remainder of my days. I thank all who supported and counseled me in this endeavor. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Yours in the Craft,
W∴Robert James Larrabee
Robert James Larrabee
Master, St. Johns No. 1 Providence
