My Worthy Brothers,
At the time of penning this creation, 2025’s joyous Holiday season is officially in full swing. By the time you receive it, where will your psyche be? Whew, it’s over or boy do I miss it? Either way, it is the season of giving.
Make no mistake, SJ1P’s theme of Charity for December (and beyond) was a rousing success. At our Dec 17th stated communication, just under $500.00 was raised c/o online donations to the SJ1P My Giving Page. Could it have been influenced by the WM’s tutorial showcasing the ease of use to navigate and donate to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) web page? Nah, it was the moral fiber of the assembled Masons. Well, that and a helpful assist by Worshipful Brother Tony Khoury.
Because of the acquaintance between R∴W∴ DDGM Mazen Alsabe and W∴ Brother Khoury, the stated meeting featured Mr. Khoury, President of Khoury Industries, a worldwide leader in thermal test equipment for device characterization. Tony emphasized that “cancer does not know and does not care who you are, cancer touches all of our lives,” and I believe he does not want anyone to have to face that alone. Tony had many heartfelt tales of the treatment and successes, and his support over the years for DFCI and he stressed those points expertly.
Literally preceding and succeeding that notable Dec 17th discussion, SJ1P conducted several other charitable events. First, the annual 2025 Holiday Food Basket event on Dec 13th – OK, so we used bags not boxes to assemble the food, that’s just semantics. As per usual, seventy-five (75) Food Bags made their way to those in need of some Holiday good will. Second, at our 2025 annual Holiday Party on Dec 20th – aside from the musical prowess of SJ1P’s WPM, R∴W∴ Tim Culhane and the Vegas Lords who entertained us for hours, Charity would not play second fiddle to them. Not even close.
Between the combination of a 50/50 raffle and the Penny Social raffle items, donated by many local merchants, an impressive amount of $1,651.00 was raised and the WM directed those funds to the My Giving Page.
Lady Jane and I have many to thank for their supportive efforts to facilitate the raffles but leading the way both monetarily and promotionally were Brother Joseph Giorno and his Lady Colleen Cahir. Gratitude to them, WPM and JW Scott Miller and his Lady Michele and several others, but most especially to our gracious 50/50 winner, Brother Dave K, who without hesitation channeled his winnings right back to DFCI. Thank you, Brother Dave, for displaying that selfless Masonic quality.
To date, the collective fundraising efforts have set our DFCI ‘PROGRESS TO GOAL’ meter at $2,811.54 and the donors are listed on the page scroll. Please join them if you have not already and thank you to all who have donated to date.
Your donation, however big or small, makes a tangible difference. My Giving Page is accessible here: https://danafarber.jimmyfund. org/goto/SJ1P (Continue to the site, it is https secure.)
You will also see via the scroll, that WPM Tony donated in lieu of the stipend that SJ1P was prepared to compensate him with for his December presentation. Thank you, Worshipful Tony, more Masonic selflessness. You made my night.
Dinner for the January 21st stated communication will begin @ 5:30 PM. Lodge will open @ 6:30 PM to commence with the work of the evening not the least of which is to confer the Fellowcraft degree.
Per the usual protocol, dinner reservations are required and can be made by calling 401-861-1757 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than the Friday preceding the stated communication. For January 2026 (subtle reminder), that date is Friday the 16th.
As always, objective, and constructive feedback is welcomed.
Yours in the Craft,
W∴Robert James Larrabee
Robert James Larrabee
Master, St. Johns No. 1 Providence
