Masonic Life Network

Lewrana and I flew to San Francisco on Wednesday, September 19^th to prepare for this year’s Annual Communications. San Francisco greeted us with lovely blue skies and 70 degree weather, which was a welcome change from the 90 degree weather we had in Riverside. We enjoyed a delightful Italian dinner that evening with the other Assistant Grand Lecturers and their wives. On Thursday we met with the Grand Lodge officers and their wives for a review of the weekend’s activities, which was followed by a ritual practice for the Grand Lodge officers. The members of the Grand Lodge family shared a great evening with lots of laughs and fellowship at the farewell dinner at the Italian restaurant “Original Joe’s” in North Beach.

Friday was a very historic day, for not only did the 163rd Annual Communications of the Grand Lodge of California open but we were able to see the space shuttle Endeavour circle San Francisco. We had just crossed the street from the Fairmont Hotel, where we had breakfast at their coffee café, to the Mark Hopkins Hotel, when we noticed many people pointing to the Golden Gate Bridge. And at that moment the space shuttle flew past the bridge. It was an amazing sight that I was able to record on my IPad. We were able to see it between the buildings as it circled the city. Some members from Palm Springs Lodge and Temescal Palms Lodge were in the “Top of the Mark” restaurant, at our hotel, and have some even more incredible pictures.

The Annual Communications were opened by Most Worshipful Frank Loui the Grand Master, at 1:00P.M. The afternoon proceeded with formal opening and various reports were given. Lewrana and I enjoyed a great Italian meal at the first reunion of Most Worshipful Bill and Linda Bray’s grand family.  We wanted to thank those that had invited us to their own special dinners they had that evening.

Saturday started bright and early with the business session beginning at 8:30 A.M. While the men got down to business upstairs the ladies were downstairs enjoying a box lunch, after which they boarded buses to attend this year ladies event, the play “Beach Blanket Babylon” at Club Fugazi in North Beach. I understand they all enjoyed the play, even though the women say it is a little hard to explain. Their refreshments at the play were sponsored by Acacia Creek.

The afternoon session included voting on legislation and the elections of the 2012-2013 Grand Lodge officers.  26 pieces of new and carried-over resolutions were discussed and voted upon. Many landmark decisions were made that will affect the future of our Lodges. The evening concluded with the grand banquet of the Hilton Union Square hotel. At our dinner table Mike Sekera, from Temecula Lodge, was able to procure an unending supply of rolls from our server and there was some serious discussion over who how to disburse the incredible array of desserts we were to share. It was a great evening that we enjoyed sharing with many members and their wives from our Division.

Sunday concluded with the public ceremonies and the Installation of the 2012-2013 Grand Lodge officers with Most Worshipful John Lowe as Grand Master. Congratulations to all of this year’s new Grand Lodge officers and to the two new Assistant Grand Lectures that have joined our ranks. We said our goodbyes to the many members of our Division and their wives that attended this year. We attended a dinner for the new Grand Family that evening and flew home on Tuesday afternoon.

I look forward to working with the Inspectors, officers and Lodge’s in the Division this new Grand Lodge year.

Frank Lee

Assistant Grand Lecturer Division 8