St John the Baptist was a traveling preacher who lived in the Jordan River Valley in the first century A.D. According to the New Testament John was a Jewish prophet who preached the imminence of God’s Final Judgment and baptized those who repented in self-preparation for it. He is revered in the Christian church as the forerunner of Jesus Christ. After a period of desert solitude, John the Baptist emerged as a prophet in the region of the lower Jordan River valley. He had a circle of disciples, and Jesus was among the recipients of his rite of baptism.
His austere camel’s hair garment was the traditional garb of the prophets, and his diet of locusts and wild honey represented a strict adherence to Jewish purity laws.
Later in his life he as imprisoned by King Herod and was executed by beheading around 28-36 CE.
He is considered a major religious figure by many religions including Christianity, Islam, Baha’i Faith, Druze Faith, Madaeism and Gnosticism.
Freemasons hold St John’s Day in high regard and abstain from conducting Masonic business on these days. It is celebrated on June 24, the Summer Solstice or the longest day of the year. He represents severity and strength of character.
More info:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-John-the-Baptist
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist
https://momason.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2012-December-Masonic-Minutes_-_Meeting-One.pdf