Masonic Life Network

On Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 12:00 Noon, the Orange County Masonic Officers Association presented their 10^th Annual Orange County Reception for the Grand Master of Masons in California.  This year they combined their reception with a fundraiser for the Grand Master’s project, “Raising A Reader”.   Many of those in attendance traveled their directly from the L.A. Service Bureau’s Breakfast in Los Angeles to the reception at the DeMolay Center in Anaheim.

The reception hall was nicely decorated, in a colorful school theme, using balloons tied to school books on each table.  The program included a silent auction, luncheon and musical entertainment by Clarence Urlich.  Charles Cross gave the acknowledgements with Doug Eichen, AGL of Division X doing the introductions and presenting the Grand Master. The Grand Master was presented with a very unique gavel.  It appears that the gavel floats above a section of the Golden Gate Bridge, which also included small cars crossing the bridge.  The gavel and bridge was designed and crafted by Worshipful Ed Roberts.

For the second time that day, the Jr. Grand Warden was serenaded by the room singing “Happy Birthday”.  All of those in attendance really enjoyed the afternoon.

The Los Angeles Masonic Service Bureau had their annual breakfast at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel on March 4, 2012.  The Masonic Service Bureau was formed for the primary purpose of properly relieving the distress of Masons, who are members of Lodges in other areas of the State or members of Lodges in others states, that may need assistant while residing or visiting in the area of the Service Bureau.  Additionally, they arrange for and conduct funerals for such Masons, visit sick sojourning Masons, operate a clearing house as to applicants for membership in local Lodges, make special investigations for Lodges when requested, and conduct other Masonic service activities that the Grand Lodge may direct in California.

This annual breakfast honored the Grand Master of Masons in California, The Most Worshipful Frank Loui. Congratulations to Michael Bear, A. Sherman Ostrom and, Jack McEnterfer AGL for Division 7 conducted an impressive program. Past Grand Master, R. Stephen Doan presented the Grand Master. There were many other Past Grand Masters also in attendance.  There appeared to be over 500 Masons present, with Temescal-Palms Lodge being well represented, having brought two potential candidates and enough Brothers to fill two tables.

The Grand Master gave an inspiring message about his project for the year, “Raising A Reader”.   We even had a little fun with everyone present singing “Happy Birthday” to the Junior Grand Warden, Russ Charvonia

Frank Lee, D8 Today, AGL Division 8

On Friday, February 24, 2011, Temescal Palms Lodge was honored to have the Most Worshipful Frank Loui, the Grand Master of Masons in California, participate in the conferral of the first degree of our new Brother Martin Durbin.  After the degree, we retired to the dining room for fellowship and refreshments.

After many words of encouragement, from the other Brothers in attendance, we were honored with a few words from the Right Worshipful John Cooper III, Senior Grand Warden. We found them to be timely and inspirational.

We would also like to acknowledge the Brothers that have contributed photos from this event, to our Facebook group page and to our D8 Today section, Scott Bennett, David Chance and Ed Fer.  We thank them for preserving the memories of the evening for all to enjoy.

Please enjoy this video clip of the Right Worshipful John Cooper III to the new candidate.

Frank Lee

Assistant Grand Lecturer- Division 8

D8-Reports

Brother Martin Durbin took his first steps in Masonry on Friday February 24th at Temescal Palms Lodge #314. As Brother Durbin was taking his first steps, Temescal Palms Lodge and Division 8 were taking there first as well. Our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Frank Loui served as the Senior Deacon for the evening. As Brother Durbin entered the lodge room for the first time he was greeted and escorted by Most Worshipful Loui. Just imagine, your first steps in Masonry being conducted along by the Grand Master of Masons in California. This will be an evening that will be marked in the history of Temescal Palms and Division 8 for years to come. The evening was filled with fun, fellowship and true Masonry in action. Most Worshipful Loui and the Past Masters of Temescal Palms did an exemplary job in bringing our newest Mason in to our fold. Also in attendance was our Senior Grand Warden Right Worshipful John Cooper and our Grand Pursuivant Raymond Godeke as well as Division 7 AGL Jack McEnterfer. Division 8 was well represented with Masters from Chino Valley Lodge #427, Riverside Lodge #635, Moreno Valley Lodge #804 and Temecula-Catalina Island Lodge #524 along with many Brethren from the surrounding Lodges and Districts.

Brother Durbin and all experienced true Masonry in action this evening, from the Grand Master of Masons to Entered Apprentices all working together to welcome our newest Mason in to our great fraternity. The degree was exemplified by Temescal Palms Past Masters sitting in all stations, a true site to behold. True Masonry in Action.

Welcome and Congratulations Brother Durbin.

Fraternally:

Walter E. McCurry

  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 822^nd District, D8 Today