Masonic Life Network

The Grand Master just returned from an extraordinary trip with many California Masons to the Holy Land.  Please check the Grand Master’s remarks on the following “On The Level” link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smTddUEQfpM).

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

Saturday, September 15th, Brothers John Brooks, Kevin Currier, Rob McGill and I loaded into the car in the early morning hours and made the drive to the beautiful town of Prescott, Arizona. Our final destination was the Fain Ranch, Home of the Prescott Outdoor Degree. Brother Brooks and I made this trip two years ago and had a good idea of what to expect. For Brothers Currier and McGill this was a new adventure. Upon arrival we proceeded through the front gate, signed in, and went down to the guest room by the pond for coffee and a doughnuts.

When Lodge opened, Kevin and Rob were surprised to see the slight differences in the degree work as presented in Arizona, but were very impressed how beautiful it was. The candidate was brought into the Lodge and made a Master Mason. Lodge was called to rest and we enjoyed a good barbeque lunch and lots of great fellowship.

Returning to the Lodge, nestled among cottonwoods and willows with a gorgeous blue sky overhead, we witnessed a truly amazing sight. The second section was delivered by all of the Arizona Grand Lodge Officers. What a sight to behold, as the Grand Senior Warden sat as King Solomon, and the Grand Senior Deacon conducted the candidate. The Deputy Grand Master gave an outstanding lecture.

Before closing introductions were made of the Grand Lodge Officers, the Officers of Aztlan Lodge #1, our host, and the Grand Master. The Grand Master, seated immediately in front of us took a moment, looked at us and asked the Master to have us introduce ourselves. The Grand Master was particularly pleased that Brother McGill had traveled seven hours from the San Diego area to attend the degree.

This was again a wonderful trip. Having time to meet newly found Brothers, enjoy their fellowship, and discussing things concerning our lives in Freemasonry. I strongly recommend that anyone having the day free attend this wonderful degree. It will be held again around September of next year. Let’s see if we can get enough to charter a bus.

Joe Van Dyke Jr., PM
Inspector 834th Masonic District

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