Masonic Life Network

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

February 29, 2012

Brethren of Chino Valley Lodge today as part of a “Reading Across America” campaign to interest and promote reading to elementary school students visited Edwin Rhodes Elementary School. Edwin Rhodes was the founder of Chino Valley Lodge.

Senior Deacon Brother Jim Duran spearheaded the project and was able to gather the following Brethren in reading to various classes at the school:

Master of the Lodge Worshipful Manny Blanco, PM, Junior Warden Worshipful John Cover Spear PM, Senior Deacon Brother Jim Duran, Junior Steward Brother Stanley Briones, Secretary Brother Philip Stekel and the Assistant Grand Lecturer of Division 8 Worshipful Frank Lee who took time from his busy schedule to participate.

Principal of the school; Mr. Adam Bailey was highly enthusiastic and supportive of the volunteers from the Lodge. "We have developed a close and building relationship with Chino Valley Lodge. A garden was recently planted and now with the great show of support today by the Lodge members, we feel confident that the relationship with continue to flourish".

Reactions from the Brethren who participated were also enthusiastic. "It's not everyday that you get a chance to get involved on this level. It was a truly rewarding experience".

The "Reading Across America Project" is similar to the "Raising A Reader and Project Literacy" programs currently being endorsed by Grand Lodge of California, Division 8 and Chino Valley Lodge #427.

Brother Philip Stekel

Secretary

Chino Valley Lodge #427

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

As everyone knows our project this year is Operation Literacy. I am VERY honored to be the chairman of Division 8 Operation Literacy program this year. When I first undertook this endeavor I did not realize the importance and urgency regarding illiteracy rate in the state of California. One of the great things that has happened is the fact that Division 8 can work hand in hand with the Grand Lodge Public Schools Advisory Council. Using both teams resources insures success of our project.

California ranks close to the bottom of all 50 states regarding literacy. That itself is scary enough, but with the economy being what it is and the State is still cutting school budgets, the kids need us Masons more than ever. We are partnering with a national group called "Raising-A-Reader". They have helped over 800,000 children through out the country and have a very good reputation for their system working well. The money we raise will go towards buying books to be circulated in kindergartners home every week. Also included in their "book bag" will include a DVD aimed at the parents or caregivers to teach the children how to read these books.

We will be announcing our program "Kick-off" soon. So please keep checking the web-site. And our big fund raising event is scheduled for June 20th. Stay tuned for more info on this exciting program.

Anyone that wants to help, either physically or financially,feel free  to contact me,

Jim Ridley

Chairman, Division 8 Operation Literacy

(951) 329-8854

bbcakessr@aol.com