Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist are two eminent patrons of Freemasonry. There is nothing in our history to explain how or why they were chosen as our patron saints, but there is no argument that they were the perfect choice because of the manner in which they lived and worked.
St. John the Baptist was a man of character and integrity, and someone we would all do well to emulate. In him we have a singular instance of purity, of zeal, simplicity of manners, and an ardent wish to benefit mankind by his example. To him we are indebted for the introduction of that grand tenet of our institution, which it is our glory to support: Peace on earth, good will toward men.
Saint John the Evangelist is considered equal to the Baptist in his zeal for the same qualities, and because of his abilities as a speaker and writer he was enabled to spread the teachings of Saint John the Baptist to a far broader audience.
Together, the two Saints John represent those qualities of character that all good Freemasons are to aspire to.