Temescal Palms Lodge in Corona held a special First Degree on Friday, Feb. 24 with approximately 50 masons in attendance including the Grand Master (who served as Senior Deacon) and the Sr. Grand Warden , John Cooper. The evening began with some social time and then a roast beef dinner was served by the Jobs Daughters of Bethel #140 . Lodge Master Robert Burger welcomed everyone and introductions followed including numerous Past Masters , 4 Inspectors, 2 Assistant Grand Lecturers, and 5 Grand Officers. Burger also announced the Hiram Award recipient for the year would be Dan Malinowski who has served the lodge as cook, officer, and numerous other duties. After the formal presentation of the Grand Master, the Past Masters of Temescal Palms Lodge and Affiliated Past Masters took their stations for the degree.
Wor. Master – Robert Burger , Senior Warden – Dave Stiles , Junior Warden- Dan Malinowski , Treasurer – Frank Lee , Secretary – Jim Nighswonger , Chaplain – Virgil Mink, Marshal – Tony Apostol, Sr. Deacon – M.W. Frank Loui, Junior Deacon – John Ferringa, Senior Steward – Terry O’Barr, Junior Steward – Bob Barden, Lecturer – Walt McCurry.
There were double lines formed by the brethren in the degree – most moving & impressive to see. What an experience for the candidate, Mr. Martin Durber, to remember. After Lodge closed, presentations were made to the Grand Master including a setting mall and sounding block crafted by Robert Burger and a promise that the proceeds from the dinner would be presented at the Operation Literacy event in June , then photos followed by refreshments complemented with “words of wisdom” from numerous Past Masters and Grand Officers. John Cooper topped it off with a story about George Washington. In all, an experience appreciated by all who attended.
Story submitted by
John Channon, Inspector 822nd District, D8 Today