Masonic Life Network

On February 29^th   six officers of our Lodge, and our Division’s Assistant Grand Lecturer, Frank Lee, participated in the program "Reading Across America", at Edwin Rhodes Elementary School in Chino. Those from Chino Valley Lodge were, Master-Manny Blanco, PM, Jr  Warden-John Cover Spear, PM, Secretary-Phillip Stekel, Sr Deacon-Jim Duran and Sr. Steward-Stanley Briones.

What a very proud and important day this was for our Lodge. We were very excited to participate in this important community event.  From 9:30 to 11:30 AM, each one of the participants went to their assigned rooms to read. Books were provided, or the "readers" could supply their own.  As we each introduced ourselves, we each, in our own way, described the importance of learning to read, both for the student and their families. We each read a story to the class and I found that the book I chose was the perfect book to read for my particular class. The students were so excited to meet us and have a story read to them.   And, from the look I saw on the teacher's face in the room I was in, she was very pleased as well. The students were well behaved and were very attentive to the story being read. The reaction in each room was one of thanks and happiness!

I believe that there were 20 to 25 “readers” who participated in this important program, and I felt really blessed to have had the opportunity to spend this important time with the children.  You could see the happiness in their faces; feel the goodness that emanated from their hearts, as they listened very intently to the readers. I do believe this inspirational and exciting program positively affected many lives.  The members of Chino Valley Lodge were very grateful to have participated in the “Reading Across America” program at the Edwin Rhodes Elementary School.

Submitted by: John Cover Spear, PM, Chino Valley Lodge, D8 Reporter

Frederick Davis, of Riverside, received his 50 yr membership recognition in Masonry at a ceremony held March 1 at Riverside Lodge.     Brother Davis was raised in Riverside and spent most of his life here.  He served in the Acacia team at Riverside Lodge #635 for almost 20 years.  His pin and certificate were presented by Inspector, John Channon and Master, Lee Whelan.   A special version of the ceremony incorporating a journey from entering the lodge to the altar was particularly appreciated by the honoree and those who attended.

John Channon

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

  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