Masonic Life Network

Chino Valley Lodge #427 Confers First Degree For. Mr. Velasquez

Ontario, CA – On August 26, 2015, Chino Valley Masonic Lodge conferred the first degree of Masonry on Mr. Velazquez with every station filled and over twenty five Masons in attendance. The perfectly executed degree was a sight to see! 

The night began around 6:00 p.m. as Chino Valley Lodge #427 officers arrived and greeted each other in the parking lot.  The three visiting brothers from Redlands Lodge and Upland were warmly greeted.  While brothers talked outside, Wor. Van Owen set up his computer and projector inside to ensure the slide show being delivered during the long form lecture was executed perfectly.  While othe lodge was set up, Wor. Kennedy, the sitting master of Chino Valley Lodge, arrived with the food and refreshments for the evening and filled the air with the smell of freshly cooked empanadas and pizza.

The lodge opened at 7:00 p.m. and escorted the candidate shortly after 7:30 p.m.  When you looked around the lodge your saw over twenty five attentive smiling faces in the lodge room.  While free from restraint brothers whispered and moved around the room talking, laughing, and engaging each other.  Wor. Manny Blanco took a seat by the two visiting brothers from Redlands Lodge, one a Master Mason the other an Entered Apprentice, extending the warm unconditional greetings that he is known for.  Wor. Patrick Janitell sat near the visitor from Upland.  Wor. Frank Lee, our recent past AGL, moved about the room and talked to nearly every member.  Wor. Feringa said, “It was nice to witness the brothers forging friendships and building bonds in the lodge again.  It has been a long time coming.”

Two rows of masons were present during the ceremony.  Velasquez received an amazing long form lecture from Wor. Van Owen complete with the slide show.  “This is a very special degree tonigh,” stated Wor, Rick Geyer, “many masons have never seen this this slide show.”  The night was carefully crafted for Velasquez to ensure he received a special initiation into the fraternity.

At the conclusion of the night Wor. Kennedy said, “This special night would not have been possible without the instrumental help received from the members of the other lodges present.  It was nice having a member of Redlands Lodge volunteer to deliver the charge from memory.”

A little history was made at Chino Valley Masonic Lodge # 427 as the first candidate since the lodge charter was suspended three years ago, received his first degree. Mr. Glenn Joseph Kennedy was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason on Tuesday July 16th. There were thirty brethren in attendance representing every lodge in the district plus several other lodges including a visitor from Brazil.

This was made possible due to the efforts of a number of lodge members who worked very hard over the last several years to get the lodge charter restored. Worshipful Master Manny Blanco said "all of the hard work that we as a lodge have put into things, is starting to bear fruit. It's not just a positive step forward….  but a BIG positive step forward.

Judging from the turnout, this is just the beginning.

The Grand Master, Most Worshipful John Lowe & the Executive Committee of the Grand Lodge of California have voted to Reinstate the Charter of Chino Valley Masonic Lodge # 427. A Grand Lodge representative, Worshipful Inspector, Herb Pompey presented the Charter to the Lodge at our Stated Meeting on Monday, April 1st, 2013. The Division VIII, Grand Lecturer, Worshipful Frank Lee was present. Both our Inspector and A.G.L. were very happy, as were the Brethren to be able to return the Charter to Chino Valley Masonic Lodge. Refreshments were served at 6:30pm and we anxiously waited for the Stated Meeting to begin at 7:30pm. Three Grand Masters as did the AGL and our Inspector had faith in Chino Valley and allowed us to meet the benchmarks put before us to once again be a Chartered Lodge.  Many Brethren from many Lodges were on hand to witness and share this special occasion. Brother Richard Bonilla came from as far as Long Beach. It was a special day indeed.  The Return of the Lodge Charter will be dedicated to Masons everywhere and proof that "Time, Patience & Perseverance" can accomplish all things. I must also give so much credit to the members of Chino Valley Masonic Valley and our two Officer's Coaches who never gave up. To this "Band of Brothers" the word fail didn't exist.

Being Worshipful Master, to work with these Brethren and to be part of this historical event was an honor and a privilege.

We are thankful to Grand Lodge and all who have made this possible.

Submitted by: Manny Blanco

Worshipful Master

Chino valley lodge 427