California Freemason Magazine Fall 2024

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2 S N A P S H OT

The Masons hit a home run with the San Francisco Giants Community Fund.

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4 E X E C U T I V E M E S S AG E In his final note as grand

TEOTIHUACAN PYRAMIDS

master, Sean Metroka salutes the Masons and lodges setting an example for the fraternity.

5 THE MOSAIC

For Masons with disabilities,

THE GRAND MASTER’S

MEXICO CITY TRIP M arc h 3–9, 2025

JOIN THE GRAND MASTER as he travels to Mexico City and ceremonially opens the Grand Lodge of California at the historic York Grand Lodge of Mexico building. Stay in five-star luxury while you explore the many sites, sounds and tastes of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

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TEOTIHUACAN PYRAMIDS DAY TRIP GRAND MASTER’S BANQUET

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This is aenture dv Masonicoan’t want you w iss!

Visit freemason.org/MexicoCity2025 for details to m

membership has its challenges— and also its rewards [page 5]; a fraternal gift to Prince Hall Masonry linking two groups together [page 7]; meet a California member doing double duty as grand master of Hawaii [page 8]; at one San Francisco lodge, members are committed to research projects [page 9]; a California Maxson is on a quest to introduce a fraternal license plate [page 10]; and more.

31 M A S O N I C A S S I S TA N C E

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ew ind a n ate’s h e b a er ide ring the st dge p u s e e it’s th team pow arvels of lo , r e h t m stic pes Whe fanta ges, or the ’t wear ca e h t , d n o ty chari -growing l e heroes do s. t n s s o e faste ration, th ar apr e w o t is ey d admin but th

Get to know the ins and outs

of memory care at the Masonic Homes of California.

36 D O N O R P R O F I L E

How one Bay Area Mason’s connection to a brother in the Philippines inspired him to give back.

O N TH E COV E R

ILLUSTRATION

BY TAYLOR CALLERY

1 2 T H E O U T R E AC H RANGERS How a phone-banking effort at Oakland № 61 set the lodge up as Masonic Outreach Services’ best champions.

1 6 T H E S U P E R DA D S The Masonic Youth Support Award recipients demonstrate that when it comes to helping kids, giving back is its own reward.

TAY LO R CALLE RY

20 THE MASTERMIND At just 42, Stephen Doan was elected grand master.

And for the 30 years since, he’s continued to be a source of inspiration, mentorship, and knowledge.

24 THE EXEMPLARS The 2024 Masons of the Year show there’s more than one way to make an impact on the fraternity.

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S N A P S H O T 7 /1 0 /2 0 2 4 | 6 : 3 1 P . M.

A Winning Team

DURING A JULY 10 GAME, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE MASONS OF CALIFORNIA, INCLUDING TERRY QUIGLEY, PRESIDENT OF THE MASONIC HOMES (FIRST ROW, THIRD FROM LEFT); DOUG ISMAIL, PRESIDENT OF THE CALIFORNIA MASONIC FOUNDATION (FRONT ROW, CENTER); AND GRAND MASTER SEAN METROKA, PRESENTED A CEREMONIAL CHECK FOR $650,000 OVER THREE YEARS TO THE GIANTS COMMUNITY FUND.

IF THERE’S ANYONE who understands the local link between baseball and Freemasonry, it’s Larry Baer, the San Francisco Giants’ team president and chief executive.

Speaking at a special pregame celebration on July 10, Baer thanked the California Masonic Foundation for its new three-year pledge to the Giants Community Fund to expand the Masons4Mitts equipment drive for Junior Giants and to support other youth enrichment programs, making it the largestever pledge from a foundation to the Giants Community Fund. He also recalled that his father, Monroe Baer, was a proud member of Pacific-Starr King № 136 for more than 50 years. As such, the younger Baer had a special appreciation for the shared aims of two of the city’s most significant institutions.

“We are inspired by your commitment, and we will continue to work together for the principles that we’re about, which are education and citizenship for our youth,” he said.

“Our longevity as institutions and the principles we’ve developed are very much core to who we are and what we do. Our partnership is now 16 years old, which is a long time.

People change, leadership changes. But those principles don’t change.” For more, see page 12. —IAN A. STEWART P H OTO CO U RT E SY OF SAN F R ANCIS CO G IANTS

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THE BEST OF US What makes California Masonry so special?

That’s easy. It’s the people.

EDITORIAL STAFF

Emily Limón Executive Editor Ian A. Stewart Editorial Director Pete Ivey Creative Director Isabelle Guérin Managing Editor J.R. Sheetz Multimedia Editor Justin Japitana Assistant Editor John Dale Online Editor

What’s the best part of being grand master? I’m asked that often as I crisscross the state visiting as many of our 327 lodges as I can. It’s certainly not the travel, which can be exhausting. I’ve logged more miles on the road and through the air than I ever imagined I would.

The simple answer is that the best part of this job is the people I’ve been blessed to meet on this journey. No matter where I go, I’m always impressed by the commitment of California Masons to one another, to their communities, and to our craft. I get to see brotherly love, relief, and truth put into practice in a million different ways— some big and dramatic, some small and close to home. But in every

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

G. Sean Metroka Grand Master Russell E. Hennings Editor-in-Chief and PM, Saddleback Laguna № 672 Allan L. Casalou Grand Secretary and PM, Acalanes Fellowship № 480 Ian E. Laurelin South Pasadena № 290 Dagoberto Rodriguez PM, South Pasadena № 290 Emanuel A. Rose PM, Humboldt № 79 James L. Tucker PM, Logos № 861 OFFICERS OF THE GRAND LODGE Grand Master: G. Sean Metroka, Nevada Lodge № 13 Deputy Grand Master: Arthur L. Salazar Jr., Irvine Valley Lodge № 671 Senior Grand Warden: Garrett Chan, California № 1

Grand Treasurer: Charles P. Cross, Metropolitan № 352 Grand Secretary: Allan L. Casalou, Acalanes Fellowship № 480

case, I know when I come to a Masonic lodge, I’m going to meet brothers who are taking the values and teachings of Freemasonry and put-

CALIFORNIA FREEMASON

This issue is a celebration of those people, those lodges, and those ideas. It’s through their actions that we make Freemasonry come to life. It’s when we’re interacting with our neighbors, strengthening our community, or helping elderly members get the support they need that we most truly embody the Masonic spirit and push our craft forward.

As I prepare for the end of my term as grand master, I know I’ll miss the feeling of inspiration I get each time I engage with a group of Masons doing extraordinary things to make the world a little bit better. Luckily, I don’t have to go far to see that kind of thing, because it’s happening all around us.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Surveying California Freemasonry

ISSUE 04 • VOLUME 72 • FALL 2024

PHOTO BY MATHEW SCOTT

Grand Master of Masons in California

FOR MASONS WITH DISABILITIES, MEMBERSHIP POSES CHALLENGES— AND OPPORTUNITIES.

BY BRIAN ROBIN

B eing a part o f something bigger than himself. That’s what led Conor Moorman to knock on the door of his lodge the moment he turned 18, despite

was up for the challenge. And 13 years later, Moorman has not only cleared that hurdle, but is among a group of California Masons lighting the way for others who, like him, have had to forge their own paths.

Moorman has for virtually all of his life lived with quadriplegia, the byproduct of post-polio syndrome contracted as

Postmaster: Send address changes to California Freemason, 1111 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108-2284.

an infant. “When Masonry was created, they didn’t have me in mind,” Moorman

Publication dates are the first day of March, June, September, and December.

says. “But I can do this just fine.”

He isn’t the only one demonstrating

Subscriptions: California Freemason is mailed to every member of this Masonic jurisdiction without additional charge. Others are invited to subscribe for $12 a year or $15 outside the United States.

that. People with disabilities, whether physical or mental, can be found in lodges up and down the state. Some, like

Permission to reprint: Permission to reprint original articles in California Freemason is granted to all recognized Masonic publications with credit to the author and this publication.

Moorman, are easy to spot. Others are not. Kelly Ranasinghe, a past master of Imperial Valley № 390, was diagnosed

Phone: (800) 831-8170 or (415) 776-7000

with bipolar type 1, major depressive

(415) 776-7170

Email: editor@freemason.org

G. Sean Metroka

Mind, Body, Connection

encounter along the way. No matter, he CONOR MOORMAN IS A TWO-TIME WINNER OF THE CALIFORNIA RITUAL AWARD.

USPS #083-940 is published quarterly by the Masons of California. 1111 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108-2284. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Francisco, CA and at additional mailing offices.

Fax:

MEMBERSHIP

fully recognizing the difficulties he’d

Junior Grand Warden: Ara Maloyan, Santa Monica-Palisades № 307

Grand Lecturer: Ricky L. Lawler, Elk Grove № 193

ting them into action outside the lodge.

H O E S A I C

disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. In his

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and memory work presented serious

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problems. Both men have been able to

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overcome those obstacles through a com-

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It wasn’t always that way. Historically, one of the requirements for joining the fraternity was that applicants

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PHOTO BY MATHEW SCOTT

▼

EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

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T H E M O S A I C

MOORMAN, MASTER OF CYPRESS MOUNTAIN № 196 IN ATASCADERO, WITH HIS DOG, BARLEY.

be of “sound body and mind,”

and performative standpoint.”

which prevented many disabled

On that front, Ranasinghe had

people from joining.

to get creative. “I used every trick

It wasn’t until the end of World

I could to learn the ritual,” he says.

War I that lodges began making

Simply trying to read and memo-

allowances for members, many of

rize was, for him, “torturous. My

whom had been injured in battle.

brain was bouncing back and

Writing in 1918, the grand master

forth.” Instead, he drew pictures

of Rhode Island stated, “It is ele-

and created PowerPoint slides. He

mentary that the internal rather

wrote poems and created puzzles.

than the external qualifications

He color-coded sections of text. He

are the essential requisites for

set the words to movement, walk-

entrance into the institution. If a

ing around as he recited. “I inter-

man possesses suitable qualities

preted that ritual artistically as

of mind and heart, the physical

many ways as you could,” he says.

qualifications are and should be

“The original ritual artists are

considered as secondary.”

probably rolling in their graves.”

Moorman, of Cypress Moun-

Now, Ranasinghe is proud to

tain № 196 in Atascadero and

serve as an advocate for mental

King David’s № 209 in San Luis

health issues, including with the

Obispo, is certainly a testament

Despite that limited mobility,

ceremony, Moorman pauses to

National Alliance on Mental Illness, and is a vocal advocate for

to that. Since joining in 2011, he

Moorman has become one of the

describe the movements outlined

has served as chair of his lodge’s

preeminent ritualists in the state.

in the degrees.

charity committee, on its execu-

In 2022 and 2023, he won the

tive committee, as ex officio mas-

California Masonic Ritual Award

Ranasinghe’s challenge has come on the other end of that

ter of the Paso Robles Temple

and has earned the division’s top

degree performance. As any

Association, and as a member of

award several other times. “I make

Mason can tell you, few things

the building committee. When

the joke that I enter ritual compe-

people with what he calls “invisible disabilities” throughout the Imperial Valley.

Throughout, the lodge has had his back. During National Sui-

are as stressful as sitting in front

cide Awareness Month in Sep-

his former lodge, Atascadero

of a roomful of Masons and recit-

tember, he led fundraising efforts

№ 493, consolidated with Thad-

ing a complex ritual written in

at his lodge for several local men-

deus Sherman № 196 in 2021,

cipher. For people with reading

tal health care providers, during

or learning difficulties, that can

which he was “overwhelmed by

be even more daunting.

the wonderful support the broth-

“When Masonry was created, they didn’t Moorman was elected as the first lodge master of the new group— have me in mind. But just as he has been each of the three intervening years. “His I can do this just fine.” energy and passion for our craft

is second to none,” says secretary

tition because I can’t play football

David Coss.

A government attorney who

And while the fraternity has

self-described “knowledge geek,”

come a long way from the days

Ranasinghe was originally drawn

of injured soldiers being turned

and this is what I know how to

to Masonry for its connection to

away from lodge, there’s still

do,” he says. “I’m very competitive,

notable scientists like Edward

work to do to make the fraternity

Moorman, who uses a wheelchair

and I like being able to say I won.”

Jenner and Alexander Fleming,

welcoming to all, he says.

and speaks through a ventilator.

In his case, Moorman is able

the fathers of immunology and

“I can’t imagine how difficult put-

to lean on his team for support.

penicillin, respectively. Initiated

rounding mental illness, even

ting on the degrees for me was,”

During lodge meetings, Moor-

at San Diego № 35, Ranasinghe

today, means there’s a little trepi-

he says. “I wish I could have

man has what he calls “the shad-

later moved to El Centro and

dation in discussing it with other

been in the room when they were

ows,” two fellow Masons who

became active at Imperial Val-

people,” Ranasinghe says. “One

discussing how to give me the

handle the physical duties inher-

ley № 390, where he embraced

of the things that’s important

ent in degree work—everything

the lodge’s commitment to

for Masons to understand is that

good driver, because leading me

from showing the candidate how

community service. Still, he

there is a subset of Masons who

around the room blindfolded in a

to wear the apron to kneeling

says, “Learning the ritual was an

have these disabilities, and it’s

large wheelchair would be hard if

with them during an obligation.

extraordinarily hard challenge

important to recognize their part

I wasn’t.”

At certain points of the ritual

for me from a communication

in all of this.”

PHOTO BY MATHEW SCOTT

A STAINED-GLASS PORTRAIT OF PRINCE HALL TURNS INTO A SYMBOL OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN TWO MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS.

THERE AREN’T ANY IMAGES in existence of Prince Hall, the first master of African Lodge № 1 in Massachusetts, the forerunner to the historically Black fraternity that bears his name, made during his lifetime. So when the Masons of California and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California agreed to work together on a first-ever collaborative issue of California Freemason magazine dedicated to the life and legacy of Prince Hall, they knew they’d have to take some artistic license in how they portrayed him.

The result of that creative brainstorm wasn’t just the inspiration for the magazine’s cover. It’s now a physical reminder of what’s become a powerful partnership between the two groups.

In July, Grand Master G. Sean Metroka presented his counterpart, David San Juan of the Prince Hall Masons of California, with the stained-glass portrait of Prince Hall that had been custom-made to serve as that cover image, at their Annual Communication in Los Angeles.

Made by Nzilani Glass Conservation in Oakland, the piece depicts Hall and several Masonic symbols.

“To be able to work with the Grand Lodge of California on this project and to be able to tell our own story in this way was such a joy,” says Grand Master San Juan. “It’s hard to put into words what it means to have this beautiful and unique piece of art as a reminder of that. I’m extremely thankful.”

Says California Freemason editor-in-chief Russ Hennings, “With this magazine, it’s always rewarding to create something new and inspiring. But to see it come to life and help bond our groups together makes it even more meaningful.”

—IAN A. STEWART

“The nature of the stigma sur-

third degree. They’re lucky I’m a

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From the Page to a Partnership

ers gave me.”

works child welfare cases and is a

Not that it’s come easy for

6

FRATERNITY

P H OTO CO U RT E SY O F R U SS H E NNINGS

7

T H E M O S A I C

GLORIANI LONTOC, A MEMBER OF SEVERAL CALIFORNIA LODGES AND THE CURRENT GRAND MASTER OF HAWAII, STANDS IN FRONT OF A STATUE OF KING KAMEHAMEHA OUTSIDE THE ALI‘IŌLANI HALE SUPREME COURT BUILDING IN HONOLULU.

GL: At the Grand Lodge of Hawaii, our mission was and always is to grow, assist our constituent lodges in their administration and management, ensure the observance of our ancient customs, landmarks, and ritual, and promote Masonic participation in

I would find myself in this position. I am, and always will be, struck by this honor the brethren of Hawaii have given me. Five years ago, the grand master appointed me as grand standard bearer. When I got home, my wife stopped me in the doorway and said, “Alright, what just happened?” I said, “It’s only for one year,” which is a famous Masonic phrase.

the Grand Lodge of Hawaii. The connection dates

engaged. The strength of Freemasonry is the loyalty

back to 1852, when Hawaiian Lodge received its

Masons have to each other.

where are you now involved with?

GL: In San Diego, I’m a life member of South West № 238, Lemon Grove № 736, and East San Diego № 561. I’m also a three-time past master of Chula Vista № 626 and a charter member of MW Manuel L. Quezon Lodge № 874. In Hawaii, I’m a past master of Leeward Lodge and Schofield Lodge and a member of Ko‘olau Lodge. I was first raised at

Grand Master of Hawaii

Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Hawaii. First

South West № 283, MW Manuel Luis Quezon № 874, Lemon Grove № 736, East San Diego № 561, Chula Vista № 626

much Masonry?

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of all, congratulations. How do you have time for so

Gloriani Lontoc: I have been congratulated by many members on how hard I worked to get here, which I respectfully disagree with. I just enjoy being part of the fraternity and have only done what was needed or asked of me to make Freemasonry a better experience for us all. Awards and honors are just decora-

and knowing that we all share some common val-

jurisdictions, it’s the brotherhood that keeps me

CFM: So how many lodges in California and else-

Magdiwang № 238 under the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. I’m also an honorary member of Nilad № 12 in Manila. Being a member of five lodges in California keeps me involved in a lot of local projects and programs in the San Diego area like Masons4Mitts.

CFM: How did you get involved with Freemasonry in California?

GL: I first discovered Freemasonry through the Order of DeMolay in 1977. I was a charter member of the General Emilio Aguinaldo chapter in the Philippines. I moved to Hawaii in 1998, and then in 2010 I got a job offer in San Diego, where I found the Kimball chapter of DeMolay in National City.

South West № 283 was their sponsoring body, so I affiliated to get involved with the chapter.

tions. However, it is overwhelming and humbling to

CFM: What are your goals as grand master for the

say the least. Never in my wildest dreams did I think

coming year?

PHOTO BY OLIVIER KONING

EMANUELE BARIANI’S ENTERED APPRENTICE WORKPIECE PRESENTATION.

meeting men of all countries, sects, and opinions,

ever. Being a member of multiple lodges in multiple

reflects the bonds of Freemasonry across the Pacific.

five California lodges, you were just installed as the

nect some of the dots about this small world by

GL: Yes, the Grand Lodge of California established

established. That history is fascinating and really

California Freemason: In addition to belonging to

GL: Through Freemasonry, I have been able to con-

Hawaii aren’t what you would call strangers.

1989, when the Grand Lodge of Hawaii was officially

Member since 1989

time as a Mason?

ues. A few of those meetings changed my life for-

Hawaiian lodges were part of that jurisdiction until

Gloriani Lontoc

CFM: What do you appreciate the most about your

CFM: Of course, the Grand Lodges of California and

charter from the Grand Lodge of California, and all

MEMBER PROFILE

community activities, especially charitable work.

CFM: What’s your pitch to someone who’s interested in Masonry but doesn’t know much about it?

GL: There are many reasons people become Masons—brotherhood, a sense of structure, or a desire to get involved in the community. Friendships made through Masonry last a lifetime.

CFM: Any final words of wisdom?

GL: Get involved with your lodge! Ask more questions, take time to research and understand the traditions and appreciate why they are important. Enjoy the journey. Freemasonry is local and personal, and there is no way to do it well except at your lodge.

—Justin Japitana

T H E D I P L O M AT S

SEVERAL CALIFORNIA MASONS ARE DOING DOUBLE DUTY AS OFFICERS OF OTHER MASONIC JURISDICTIONS. JEAN-PIERRE ROLLET

JOE C. DARNELL

LA FRANCE № 885 GRAND MASTER, GRAND LOGE NATIONALE FRANÇAISE (FRANCE)

MOUNT OSO № 460 PAST GRAND MASTER, GRAND LODGE OF ALASKA

PHILIPPE MILGROM LA FRANCE № 885 GRAND STANDARD BEARER, NGLF (FRANCE)

DANIEL VELAZQUEZ SAN DIEGO № 35 GRAND CHANCELLOR, GRAND LODGE OCCIDENTAL MEXICANA, JALISCO

ERIC HANAN

DAVID WOREL CHANNEL ISLANDS № 214, PAST GRAND MASTER, GRAND LODGE OF ALASKA

DAVID H. FRYDAY LIBERTY № 99 PAST GRAND MASTER, GRAND LODGE OF OREGON

WILSON CAMAGAN

RAVEN’S ROCK № 870 ASST. GRAND MASTER, GRAND LODGE OF ARMENIA

AMERICAN CANYON № 875, PAST GRAND MASTER, GRAND LODGE OF HAWAII

STELIAN TIPA

MICHAEL P. BAKER

LOS ANGELES № 42 HONORARY GRAND MASTER, GRAND LODGE OF HUNGARY

PLACERVILLE № 26 PAST GRAND MASTER, GRAND LODGE OF HAWAII

MASONIC EDUCATION

They’re Not Purely Academic

AT PROMETHEUS № 851, CANDIDATES BRING MASONIC PHILOSOPHY TO LIFE.

THEY COME WITH titles that might seem a little daunting.

“Allegory Through Allegory: A One Act Play.” “The Geometry of Relationships.”

These aren’t dense works of Masonic research, though.

They’re presentations given by candidates at Prometheus № 851 in San Francisco, which, in addition to being a traditional observance lodge, has also fashioned itself into one of California’s most dedicated boosters of Masonic education.

Such “workpieces” are required of every new initiate. Subjects are picked by the candidates, who are given a forum to expand on any element of the degree they’re working on.

They can write about a particular symbol, a historic event or member (“Brother Benjamin Franklin: Notes on a Masonic Life”), or anything else. Every five years, the workpieces are printed, bound, and stored in the lodge’s library. “We’ve evolved beyond just presenting papers,” says Damien Noorbakhsh, the lodge’s senior warden. Some members’ presentations have included art components or musical performances.

The ideas aren’t meant to flow just one way. During the lodge’s festive boards, which are held after each workpiece, the emcee picks a topic and asks every member to talk about its impact on their Masonic journey. While some of the concepts can get pretty esoteric, they’re all ultimately grounded in members’ personal journeys. “There is no right or wrong approach,” says master Khalil Sweidy. “We’re trying to give the brothers the opportunity to be creative.”

The result has been a more engaged membership, Noorbakhsh says. “If you make education a part of your lodge culture, it enriches the experience of all members.”

—BRIAN ROBIN

PHOTO COURTESY OF KHALIL SWEIDY

9

That’s not the case elsewhere,

SEVERAL STATES OFFER MASONICTHEMED LICENSE PLATES. NOW A CALIFORNIA MEMBER IS WORKING TO ADD THE GOLDEN STATE TO THAT LIST.

including in Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania (and several others), all of which offer Masonic plates. Sharma, the master of Solomon’s Staircase № 357 in Orange County, is on a mission to add the Golden State to that list.

California special-issue license plates feature alternative designs, and a portion of the fees charged for them are donated to eligible nonprofit organizations. (California’s “whale tail” plates, for instance, support the state coastal commission; the vintage blackand-yellow plates benefit environmental projects.) Other special plates include ones for Snoopy (benefitting state museums), dogs and cats (spay and neuter programs), Lake Tahoe, firefighters, veterans’ organizations, and many more. For Sharma,

REGALIA

Want a Masonic Plate?

You’ll Have to Wait

ONE MEMBER IS ON A MISSION TO INTRODUCE A MASONIC LICENSE PLATE. THE ONLY HOLDUP: CALIFORNIA’S DMV.

“We’re a wellestablished, paraged as being a secret society, Masons tend not to be overly decades-old shy about flaunting their memnonprofit bership. Look no further than institution, so the bustling trade in Masonic it’s safe to say T-shirts, polos, neckties, ball caps, lapel pins, signet rings, and the we have a like for evidence of that impulse. strong case.”

But for Shivam Sharma, there

profit institution, so it’s safe to say we have a strong case,” he says.

Sharma has already brought the matter up at recent master and wardens retreats and with grand lodge officers, and has been “engaging in multiple talks”

frequently if not quite fairly dis-

with the relevant state officials.

“I’m hoping everyone joins hands on this project,” Sharma says.

“I see it now as a matter of working with Grand Lodge to provide paperwork and nonprofit-related documentation to the DMV. Soon enough, you’ll see a square and compass on my Toyota Highlander’s plate.”

remains yet another frontier

adorn even the most personalized

Sharma says he’s hoping to

for the square and compass: his

vanity plates with the fraternal

launch the project by next year.

logo. License plate holders, bum-

But patience may be required.

per stickers, and window decals,

He’s dealing with the California

California does not presently

sure. But the California DMV–

DMV, after all.

offer motorists the opportunity to

issued plate is currently verboten.

Chalk it up to oversight, but

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alongside them. “We’re a wellestablished, decades-old non-

For a grou p th at’s been

license plate.

10

Masonry should have a place

—Justin Japitana

he

f o s e ro

y r n o s a

M

st e t h g i br d n a a. t i s n e r b o lif he t a C g n n i i y at r r n b o e l s a Ce m e e r of F 11

heroes of

Masonry

The Outreach Rangers AT OAKLAND № 61, A PHONE-BANKING EFFORT HELPED ESTABLISH THE LODGE AS ONE OF MASONIC OUTREACH SERVICES’ BEST LOCAL PARTNERS. FOR THAT, IT IS THE 2024 JOE JACKSON AWARD RECIPIENT.

ADD ON’S INCLUDE: ·

CHAPULTEPEC CASTLE TOUR

· MEXICO

NATIONAL PALACE OF

· TOUR

COOKING CLASS OR FOOD

·

LUCHA LIBRE WRESTLING

· PALACIO DE BELLAS ARTES CONCERT · TRIP

FRIDA KAHLO MUSEUM DAY

T

care for her own mother elsewhere. In another, a

HE LIST OF NAMES was daunting: nearly

lodge widow’s air conditioner had malfunctioned

400 active and inactive Masons to reach, plus more

during a heat wave, and she needed cash to have

than a hundred widows of deceased members. But

it repaired. One conversation revealed that a past

as they say, many hands make light work. And so

master had just returned home following surgery

over the course of two weeks last year, a committee

and needed in-home care until he recovered.

of volunteers from Oakland Durant Rockridge № 188 and Live Oak

In each case, the lodge was in a position to

№ 61 set out to make contact with every member and widow asso-

offer help, either directly

ciated with their lodges to inform them of plans to

or by connecting people to

merge the two groups into what is now Oakland

Masonic Outreach Services,

№ 61. For Phil Williams and the rest of the newly

through which professional

“You reorganized lodge, the results were eye-opening— g start seeina lot in more ways than one.

First there was the good news. Together, there’s here. t a h t volunteers were able to make contact with tt of need oluly woke 78 percent of all their targets. And those they spoke to were overwhelmingly in favor of That rea body the merger, with well more than the manevery datory three-quarters agreeing to the move. up.”

case managers are assigned to fraternal family members to help get them the support they need, whether that’s a referral to inhome health care, placement in an assisted living facility, or a one-time cash

The phone-banking also helped the group identify

payment. In recognition of

members who’d died or moved away, and allowed

the lodge’s work with its members, the

them to whittle the combined roster down to a more

Masonic Homes of California conferred

manageable 350 or so. And for the many “rusty

to Oakland № 61 the 2024 Joe Jackson

trowels”—members who hadn’t visited the lodge in years or even

Award, named for the late San Diego–area Mason

decades—the phone call offered a welcome invitation back into the

who helped develop the lodge outreach program.

fold. All of that was positive and, generally, expected.

The outreach effort had effects even beyond

Then there was the other side of the coin.

the assistance the lodge was able to provide to

Reaching out to so many members, “You start seeing that there’s

its members. Lodge leaders say the campaign

a lot of need out there,” says Williams, who is the lodge treasurer and

in Oakland helped the group establish frater-

oversees the group’s outreach committee. “There are so many people

nal support as a bedrock of its identity at a time

who need help. That really woke everybody up.”

when members were thinking very con-

The stories that poured in underscored that. The committee

sciously about how to create a distinct

SEE

P A G E 34

soon realized that the lodge was in a unique position to offer a lifeline to members and their families and to help them tap into a fraternal network of support. Their issues ran the gamut from small inconveniences to much more serious health and housing challenges. In one instance, an elderly member with dementia was living out of state and lacked proper health care, and his wife was helping

12

FA L L 2 0 24

ILLUSTRATIONS BY TAYLOR CALLERY

Watch Online SEE A VIDEO FEATURE ON THE LODGE’S OUTREACH EFFORTS.

13

heroes of

Masonry

Rookies of the Year TJ ELLIOTT • PHOENIX RISING N o 178 DARREL WATSON • CORONADO N o 441 JOSH PRICE • VERITAS N o 855

Steven Yeffa

Impressd, Yeffa upped his donation from

The Footwear Fanatic

25,000 to 125,000 pairs of socks, an in-kind gift

A YEAR AGO, Steven Yeffa listened as Past Grand Master Stu Wright

it,” Yeffa says. “I think it’s important to not only

spoke at the Annual Communication about how the Masonic Ser-

give through Masonic charities, but also work

vice Association Network of America was able to donate 10,000

with our communities, in all aspects of our lives.

pairs of new socks to Veterans Affairs hospitals. Yeffa immediately

That’s really sharing the light

thought of the thousands of socks piled up in boxes in his garage.

of Freemasonry.”

“I was like, I can help with that!” he recalls.

As CEO of Flight Adventure Parks, a national chain of trampoline gymnasiums, Yeffa had access to a lot of socks. (The parks give patrons complimentary hospital-style socks to wear while jumping.)

of half a million dollars. The pledge was made through the Grand Lodge of California and the MSANA to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and over the summer, 275 boxes of socks were shipped to 208 VA hospitals around the country. “It was a wonderful synergistic response to a real need, and we were happy to do

“It was a wonderful synergistic response to a real need.”

14

start. As chairman of the Adventure and Tramp oline Parks Association,

and the current grand marshal, to connect the

with other executives in his

dots. He immediately pledged 25,000 pairs of

field about making similar donations. He also

socks. But after speaking with representatives

has lots of kids’ socks, too, and is now working

from the VA, he says he was blown away by the

with representatives from the Shrine to arrange

opportunity to help fill a critical, if typically over-

an additional $500,000 in-kind donation to

looked, void at the hospitals. “I was just blown

their children’s hospitals. Says Yeffa, “It’s a

away by the need,” he says. “Anything that comes

wonderful way to repay the fraternity that’s

their way is a dollar they can spend elsewhere.”

given me so much.” ◆

FA L L 2 0 24

says. “At the end of the day, it’s all about the kids.” ◆

Ma

itt M 4 s son

s n o i p m a h

s

C e h T

THE MITTS THEMSELVES are striking—black with orange piping and the Masons’ logo embossed on the thumb. And soon there will be a whole lot more of them gracing local fields, thanks to a newly announced $650,000 pledge from the California Masonic Foundation to the San Francisco Giants Community Fund.

But beyond the mitts—of which nearly 60,000 have been donated to Junior Giants players—the gift supports a range of community efforts aimed at helping kids in under-resourced areas. The pledge is the largest ever made by a foundation to the Giants Community Fund. In addition to providing mitts to the noncompetitive, coed Junior Giants baseball and softball leagues, the pledge also includes support for the expansion of Junior Giants Schools, which brings free PE classes to San Francisco schools. The pledge also funds the addition of a

Watch Online

CHECK OUT VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CHECK PRESENTATION.

career and technical education component within the Giants Community Fund Academy’s baseball leagues for middle and high school students. Through the Masons’ pledge, those programs will now feature sessions designed to expose students to careers in the trades.

Douglas Ismail, president

And it’s only the

Yeffa says he’s spoken

It didn’t take long for Yeffa, a member of Pleasanton № 321

IN SPORTS, A TEAM CAPTAIN is relied on to motivate his players, relay direction and strategy, and provide organization. The world of fundraising, it turns out, is pretty similar.

When it comes to Masons4Mitts, much of the boots-on-the-ground rallying comes from team captains, who get the word out, pass the hat, and solicit donations. “But we’re more than that, too,” says Josh Price of Veritas № 855. Price is one of 16 new team captains who volunteered for the 2024 season, injecting a much-needed dose of creativity and enthusiasm into the effort. “We’re ambassadors, too.”

Thanks to captains like Price and his fellow rookies, including Darrel Watson (Coronado № 441) and TJ Elliott (Phoenix Rising № 178), the fundraising drive looks poised to break records set in 2022 and 2023, which helped bring all-time giving to Masons4Mitts to over $2 million.

The challenge of asking for money is made easier by the nature of the program, which provides mitts to kids in underserved areas who might otherwise never get a chance to play baseball and softball. “Leading with the story of these great kids makes soliciting money easier, because Masons have big hearts and this program really makes a difference,” Watson says.

Having already made an impression in their debut season, the rookies are already looking ahead to year two. “It’s about setting new, more ambitious goals and learning how we can get better at this,” Elliott

DE L AIN E E ASTON

The Tearjerker

In what was very likely the final public appearance before her death on April 23, former state superintendent of public instruction Delaine Easton brought the house down with a rousing speech to California Masons and their educational partners in Sacramento. Reflecting on her time in office, Easton recalled how Masons had been among her most loyal supporters. “The first people to stand up were the Masons,” she said to applause. “I owe you so much.” ◆

of the Foundation, invoked the Masonic working tools while announcing the pledge.

“The trowel helps us level the playing field for people from all walks of life,” he said.

“With this investment, we’re doing that by ensuring that every kid who wishes to is able to participate in these programs and that they’re able to have a summer to remember.” ◆

15

heroes of

heroes of

Masonry

Masonry

The Super Dads

THE 2024 YOUTH SUPPORT AWARD RECIPIENTS SHOW THAT WHEN IT COMES TO THE MASONIC YOUTH ORDERS, YOU GET MORE THAN YOU GIVE.

A

D e M o l ay N orth e r n C a l i for n i a :

SK ANYONE WHO’S been closely involved in

When Steve Kolden’s youngest daughter was 13

and you’re likely to get a version of this: A first

and a member of Unity Assembly № 65 of the

encounter with a bright but shy kid who’s petrified

Rainbow for Girls, one of her friends asked him

to speak in front of others. Over time and with the

about DeMolay. As a teenager, Kolden had been

support of their peers, the kid begins to grow into themselves. They

an active member of its Castro Valley chapter,

learn to recite and deliver the ritual. They gain confidence. And a

and even after aging out, he’d served as chapter

few years later, standing before hundreds of their peers and their

dad for the group several times in the 1990s.

parents, it all clicks into place as they deliver a well-honed speech.

But by 2016, when the request came in, the

If that’s a story that’s been repeated thousands of times before,

Castro Valley chapter had shuttered. So Kolden

it’s no less meaningful for the adults who’ve watched it play out.

made it his mission to restart the group. “I had two

And for the four recipients of the 2024 Grand Master’s Youth Sup-

petitions in my pocket,” he explains of his motiva-

port Awards, it’s more than sufficient reward for what was often

tion. The newly reformed chapter grew from two

years spent helping to mentor these young people. And while none

members to five and now stands at a stable 13. With

of them do it for the thanks or credit, the fraternity is proud to rec-

Kolden serving as chapter dad, the group navigated

ognize the significant amount they’ve given—in man-hours and

the pandemic shutdowns and continued to meet.

dollars, but also in support and expertise—so the next generation

In 2021, Kolden was named adviser of the year; in

has what it needs to experience its own aha! moment.

2023, the group was named Chapter of the Year.

D e M o l a y, S o u t h e r n C a l i f o r n i a :

EVER MENDOZA

For all he’s meant to the chapter, it’s only one of several Masonic organizations Kolden has supported. He’s also a five-time worthy patron for the

Ever Mendoza’s journey into the world of the Masonic youth orders

San Lorenzo Chapter № 103 of the Order of the

followed that of his first son, Eddie. In 2012, the year Mendoza was

Eastern Star (this year serving alongside his wife,

raised as a Master Mason in Van Nuys № 450, young Eddie joined the

Heidi, who is the worthy matron), a former dad for

newly reconstituted Hollywood chapter of DeMolay, which had just

the Rainbow’s Unity Assembly, and a former lodge

relaunched after a more than 20-year period of dormancy. The elder

marshal for Crow Canyon № 551. “With every

Mendoza volunteered to help as an adviser, quickly becoming the chap-

new member I meet, I make a new friend,” Kolden

ter’s dad, or adult supervisor. Under his leadership, the Hollywood

explains. “So my interest comes from both a teach-

chapter grew into one of the most active groups in Southern California,

er’s point of view and a place of comradeship.”

and in 2018, Eddie was named the Southern California jurisdiction’s master councilor. “When [Eddie] started, he was kind of a wallflower.

So for him to go from that to jurisdiction master councilor, it gave him a voice and helped him find his own two feet,” Mendoza says.

16

STEVE KOLDEN

the Masonic youth orders about a favorite moment

Ra i n bow for G i rls :

ROB MEYER It started with a simple-sounding request. A

Luckily for the Hollywood chapter, just as Eddie graduated out of

board member for the local assembly of the Order

DeMolay, Mendoza’s younger son, Michael, aged in—meaning that

of Rainbow for Girls asked Rob Meyer if he’d be

the family remains a fixture of the chapter. “I don’t see myself retiring

willing to join as a board member with a

anytime soon,” Mendoza says with a laugh.

minimal commitment: “They asked me

FA L L 2 0 24

SEE

P A G E 34

17

heroes of

Masonry

T

The

Campaigners

MARIN No 191 • ROSS VALLEY No 556 MILL VALLEY No 356

WITH A LITTLE HELP from their friends, the three lodges of Marin County have pioneered a new hyperlocal approach to membership drives—and in doing so, demonstrated remarkable intralodge cooperation. This February the three lodges, all of which had been struggling to attract new members and officers, pitched in on a countywide social media awareness campaign. Piggybacking on the Grand Lodge’s statewide drive, the three lodges shared the cost of the $10,000 ad buy, which targeted prospective Masons in the North Bay. With more than a quarter-million impressions, the campaign is helping replenish the membership pipeline for the first time in years. ◆

The

Ambassadors LOS ANGELES No 42

passed. But for Abad, that relatively short stretch was actually

around the time Abad’s father and grandfather

the culmination of a much longer wait, reaching back five gen-

passed away, causing him to reflect on their

erations in his family and including countless hours of imagin-

lives and the place that Freemasonry held in it.

“Symbolism is a pretty universal language.” ◆

ing what is now Kapayapaan at Pagkakaisa UD, San Diego’s

“I realized what I valued most in Masonry was

newest Masonic lodge.

finding peace and harmony among brothers,”

Kapayapaan at Pagkakaisa

The New Kids on the Block From the time he first raised the idea of starting a new lodge to the day this past February that Eugene Abad found himself sitting in the east as master of it, only a few months had

Meaning “peace and harmony” in Tagalog (many of the 27 charter members are Filipino), Kapayapaan at Pagkakaisa

18

The seed of an idea for the lodge was planted

he says. That thought galvanized him to found a lodge modeled on those principles.

aims to live up to its name. Abad says officers seek member

Whether any lodge can live up to such lofty

buy-in at every turn: After a successful breakfast fundraiser,

tenets always remains to be seen. But for Abad,

CALIFORNIA MASONIC FOUNDATION

The Recruitment Agency Asked how his relatively small group, housed in a handsome if unassuming red-brick lodge hall in Los Feliz, has made itself into the buzzing hub of Masonic initiation in California, Elysian № 418 master Frank Barbano gives a shrug. “We don’t do anything special,” he offers. “We just focus on making people feel welcomed.”

T H E R E ’ S A C E R TA I N similarity between gatherings at Los Angeles № 42 and a Model U.N. meeting. That’s because the lodge has become one of the state’s most international groups, with dual members living all around the world and a steady stream of foreign visitors stopping into the lodge from as far away as Italy, Azerbaijan, Moldova, and Armenia. Then there’s the lodge’s monthly Zoom call with William Preston № 327 of Romania—a pandemic-era program that has continued ever since. In fact, this summer the two lodges signed a “sister lodge” resolution recognizing their cross-jurisdictional bond. “We have members present papers or we talk about general Masonic principles,” master Ronald Hopkins says.

ue d l a v I t d wha y was e z i l a e “I r n Masonr mo n y r a i h t d s mo ce an a e p g n findi brothers.” a mo n g

Elysian Nº 418

Whatever they’re doing, it’s working. Elysian currently has more than 30 prospects, plus four pending applicants. Over the past year, the lodge initiated 19 Entered Apprentices, meaning the lodge has grown about 20 percent over the last 12 months. Those new members hail from as far away as Armenia, the Philippines, Japan, Latin America, and all around the United States.

Pressed on their secret sauce, Barbano acknowledges that the lodge has done well to put a strong system in place to handle and guide prospective members. The result is a program in which a current lodge member is assigned to each would-be brother, tasked with answering their questions and welcoming them into the group. “That way, when Grand Lodge forwards us someone, we know we have guys ready to greet him,” Barbano says. “A Masonic lodge should be open to all good men seeking to be better men. That’s what we want our lodge to be like.” ◆

The Friendliest Reminders

how the lodge was doing overall,” Abad says. Those lessons are

that kind of atmosphere. “I think we found

informing how they’ll stage their next event: a fundraising golf

what works for us,” he says. “That’s what mat-

Up and down C alifornia, little blue flowers were sprouting, reminding Masons everywhere of their obligation to others. That was the result of the California Masonic Foundation’s effort to distribute to members seed packs of forget-me-nots, a flower typically associated with love and remembrance and used by German Masons during WWII in place of the square and compass to avoid persecution by the Nazis. (Members of lodges where 100 percent of officers donated to the Foundation received a handsome blue forget-me-not lapel

tournament.

ters most.” ◆

pin, too.) Just be careful: Unlike charity, the flowers may spread farther than you’d like! ◆

for instance, members sat down and had a two-hour long

the secret ingredient to the fraternity’s centu-

debriefing. “That turned into a productive conversation about

ries of success lies in its ability to create just

FA L L 2 0 24

19

heroes of

The

Masonry

Mastermind

IN A CAPSTONE TO A REMARKABLE LIFE AND CAREER IN FREEMASONRY, R. STEPHEN DOAN IS THE 2024 RECIPIENT OF THE GRAND MASTER’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.

if

YOU WANT TO GET a sense for Stephen

California before joining Triangle Lodge (now Sunset № 369) in 1970. By 1975, at 26 years old,

Doan’s impact on the fraternity, look no further

he was elected lodge master and joined his first

than the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Cali-

Grand Lodge committee. (He has served on

fornia for the year 1993. There you’ll find then–

at least 10 other boards and committees since

Grand Master Doan’s remarks, ranging from

then.) He became a Grand Lodge officer in

his thoughts on Masonry in the 21st century to religion, education,

1978 as grand bible bearer under Grand Master

and his recommendations to his successors for the years to come. In

Donald Ingalls.

recent years, such messages have run about six pages. Doan’s entry is nearly 200 pages long.

So began what has been one of the most distinguished careers in California Masonry.

At 74, Doan remains a prolific writer, speaker, and thinker

In 1984, Doan was appointed as grand orator.

within the world of Freemasonry. As grand master, he was one of

Around the same time, he joined the

the people most responsible for shaping the Grand Lodge

boards of the Mason-run

into today’s professional enterprise. He authored

homelessness nonprofit

some of the most meaningful decisions of any

Midnight Mission and the

modern head of the fraternity and has mentored generations of leaders behind him. For half a century, he’s also been the organization’s go-to legal mind, one of its most generous donors, and something like the official keeper of institutional knowledge. “I call him the bridge between generations,” says David Ferreria, a member of Santa Monica-Palisades № 307, who has served since 2006 on the Grand Lodge

“I ca llridge eb him tehtween b i o n s. t a r e gen l look up We a lo him.” t

jurisprudence committee with Doan. “We all look up to him.”

This fall, the fraternity to which he has devoted so much of his life will recognize him with the Grand Master’s Life-

Los Angeles Scottish Rite, and in 1989, at age 39, was selected as junior grand warden, making him the second-youngest person ever to hold that office in state history.

That selection was a reflection of Doan’s status as a rising star—in his professional life, he’d been made partner at the law firm of Adams,

time Achievement Award. It’s an opportunity to salute a figure who

Duque & Hazeltine—and his family connection

has, directly or indirectly, touched the lives of thousands of Masons

to an older generation of leaders. It was also

in California and beyond.

A LIFETIME IN MASONRY In many ways, Doan was destined to leave a mark on the world of

the result of tension within the Grand Lodge, which at the time was grappling with a sharp decline in membership, questions about the direction of the Masonic Homes, and concern

Freemasonry. Along with his brother David, Stephen is the prod-

over its financial stability. Between the old

uct of five generations of Masons before him, including his father,

guard and a younger group eager for change,

Robert, a member of Triangle № 548. Stephen grew up in DeMolay,

“I was acceptable to both of the camps,”

eventually becoming the jurisdiction master councilor for Southern

Doan explains. “I’m a consensus builder.”

SEE

P A G E 34

21

heroes of

Masonry

T School Spirits WISDOM N o 202

are somber or formal, Auburn’s—cohosted by Eureka № 16 and

EACH SPRING FOR the past 20 years, students and parents in Glendale are reminded that the local Masons have their back. That’s because Public Schools Night at Wisdom No 202 has grown into one of the most anticipated fundraisers in town.

This year, more than 200 people crammed into the lodge to attend the program, which included a performance by the student choir at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School. The lodge also recognized the school’s principal, teachers, and music department with a donation to fund new keyboards for piano students.

That’s reward enough for lodge members, but the exposure the group gets from hosting the event is a nice bonus. Capitalizing on the large turnout, the program now included tours of the lodge room, informational pamphlets about Freemasonry, and a short talk about the history of the fraternity. “It’s a good way to introduce the fraternity to the community, and of course, gather prospects,” says lodge master Hampo Nazerian. “We love to let them know that nothing

the local York Rite—takes things to 11 by leaning into the theatri-

is stopping them from knocking.” ◆

The Entertainers RICK HODKIN • ERIC CHILSON KEVIN CURTIS • CHRIS BARRY EUREKA NO 16 L ast y e a r’s i naugur a l Auburn Festive Board was a smashing success—so much so that the planning for this year’s event began in earnest just one week later.

That zeal for preparation showed, as the 2024 festive board took the concept of the Masonic dinner-and-lecture event to new heights—quite literally, in the case of the 12-foot-tall decorative angels hoisted in the rafters. Where some Masonic festive boards

cal element. This year’s theme was the holy writings, so organizers transformed their hall into King Solomon’s temple, complete with incense altars, members in costume as high priests, and an Ark of the Covenant. There were lasers, fog machines, an illuminated Bible, and other not-inconsiderable audiovisual components. The seven-course meal was punctuated by short talks on each of the passages from those texts that appear in the Masonic degrees.

“I don’t know how we’re going to top it,” says Rick Hodkin, a past master of Eureka № 16 and one of the event’s organizers. “The grander vision is to make a name for

Th

er i c u e Sa

The ingers Sw rs e k c Ha b s ’ m Hira olf Clu G

ourselves here.” ◆

After being held primarily in the South Bay, the tournament is relocating to the North Bay for its next installment. That’s not the only change in the offing: Organizer Paul Dana says the next edition will incorporate an afterparty at Riverstone Ranch in Healdsburg, in Sonoma County, where previously he held the Hiram’s Haven family picnic. “Our goal in moving the

S l i c e s, h o o k s, d u f f s, a n d b o g eys all feel a bit better

event is to get some new people involved and

JAVIER DE LA TORRE • HOME N o 721

when you know it’s for good cause. At least that’s the idea behind

really tap into some of the vibrant lodges in the

Hiram’s Hackers Golf Club’s annual Grand Master’s Golf Tourna-

North Bay—and ultimately to get people active

The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. For Javier De La Torre, it was also the way to Freemasonry. Nearly two decades ago, he was hired as a maintenance man at the Van Nuys Masonic Temple. Within a few years, he’d taken over as cook, too, manning the grill for the many lodges sharing the hall (including Van Nuys № 450, Reseda № 666, Home № 721, North Hollywood № 542, Clarence F. Smith Daylight № 866, and Beverly Hills № 528). Ten years later, he finally swapped out his chef ’s apron for a lambskin one, joining Home № 721. “Through the years, I saw the wonderful things these men did in the community,” De La Torre says. “I like giving back to my brothers and I’ll keep doing it as long as they like my food.” ◆

ment, which, after taking a pause in 2024 following a change in

during the charity auction,” Dana says.

leadership, is aiming for a grand return in 2025.

That’s not all. Dana says that in the future,

The annual charity golf tournament, which benefits the Cali-

he hopes to expand and replicate the Hiram’s

fornia Masonic Foundation’s fundraising efforts for Masons4Mitts,

Hackers tournament formula so that Mason

the Masonic Homes of California, and the literacy nonprofit Rais-

golfers in other areas have a chance to get in on

ing a Reader, was launched in 2009 to bring Masons together for

the action, as well. He envisions regional tour-

the shotgun-style tournament. In addition to the stroke-play cham-

naments held all over the state, all benefitting

pion, there are prizes given for putting, long drive, and more—as

the Foundation’s programs. “That’s the 10-year

well as “cheater’s kits” available for those needing a little help get-

plan,” he says, before taking a mulligan. “Or

ting to par.

maybe the five-year plan.” ◆

23

heroes of

Masonry

The Exemplars

motorcycle rides as far away as San Diego and Northern California. The lodge has performed degrees for lodges all over the Southland, twice this year hosted the division’s Masonic Outreach Services meetings, and this fall will lead a motorcycle brigade to the Masonic Homes in Covina to deliver a significant lodge gift. On a personal

DENNIS CAOILE AND HENRY DOSDORIAN, THE 2024 MASONS OF THE YEAR, DEMONSTRATE THAT THE COMMON DENOMINATOR OF FREEMASONRY IS SERVICE TO OTHERS.

A

level, Caoile has also become president of his division’s officers’ school of instruction and in 2022 won its ritual competition. Even more crucially, during that time Widows Sons № 869 grew from just 31 members to 75, most of whom were

PERSON’S IMPACT on the fraternity can be felt in an instant or over a lifetime. It can come

leadership with a passion and enthusiasm that’s

gained via word of mouth and by affiliation.

inspiring to all around him; on the other, a long-

For Caoile (pronounced kay-olee), who was

time coach whose reliability and quiet guidance

born in Pangasinan province in the Philippines,

through high-impact philanthropic efforts or slow

has benefitted countless others. What they share

that sort of energetic leadership is second nature.

and steady mentorship. It can be clear to everyone

is a selflessness and commitment to supporting

Having enlisted in the U.S. Marines at 19, he spent 22 years in the service, rising from private

around you, or it can be felt intimately on an indi-

those around them that’s a credit to Freemasonry

vidual level. In short, there’s no one way to make one’s mark, just

everywhere. This year, the Masons of California

to gunnery sergeant and finally to the position of

as there’s no one way to be a Mason. That’s never been more clearly

are proud to recognize two deserving Masons of

chief warrant officer 3 in administration, a role

reflected than in this year’s Masons of the Year award recipients.

the Year who show there’s no single blueprint to

reserved for officers considered experts in their

On the one hand, an energetic upstart who has dived into lodge

leaving a legacy.

field. Based at Camp Pendleton and serving in Japan, the Philippines, and throughout Asia, he led teams of as many as 20 Marines—many of

The Flash

whom were Freemasons. When he retired from active duty in 2018, he decided he finally had the

DENNIS CAOILE • WIDOWS SONS Nº 869

time to join. “Whenever I do something, I want

A couple of years ago, things at Murrieta

to commit 100 percent of myself and my time to

№ 869 were starting to feel stagnant, says Rufi

it,” he says.

Magbuana. He’d been one of the charter mem-

“I knew Dennis from one of my other lodges, and when I met him I

bers of the lodge when it was launched in 2018,

said, ‘Man, he’s going to be great one day.’”

That hasn’t been lost on his colleagues. Says Magbuana of Caoile, “He’s an overachiever. He’s

but by 2022, he says, the group had hardly grown

As it turns out, he was even more right than he could have known.

always going to do the very best he can. When

at all and found that it was having trouble distin-

And less than two years later, not only has his first recruit turned

we went to Dennis and said we’re starting some-

guishing itself among the dozen Masonic outfits

into a key figure in the lodge, but he’s been honored as the Southern

thing different over here and creating a new iden-

in Riverside County.

California Mason of the Year.

tity, he was a big part of that, and now he’s taking

So he and several other members hatched

For Dennis Caoile, it’s the culmination of a whirlwind 18 months

it to an even different level. Everything for him

a plan: They’d essentially reset the lodge, with

during which the leadership skills he accumulated over 20 years in

is for the benefit of the lodge and the fraternity.”

a new name and a new identity. Thus Widows

the military have been redirected into his lodge. “When they called,

Sons № 869 was born, a group that would meet

I remember I said, ‘OK, I’ll help out,’” Caoile says somewhat noncha-

just quarterly, and instead focus primarily on

lantly. “Then I guess the rest is history for me.”

“W h e n I s, met Denn,i he’s I said, ‘Maton be go i n g n e great o day.’”

traveling to perform the

And now it’s history for the fraternity, too. In just three short

ritual for others, embrac-

years since being raised and affiliating with Widows Sons, he’s

The Memorizer

HENRY DOSDORIAN • PHOENIX Nº 144

ing philanthropy as a core

served as that lodge’s senior warden, candidates’ coach, prospect

Raymond D osd orian can remember driv-

tenet, and involving family

manager, assistant secretary, and now master. In that time, he’s

ing with his father, Henry, and looking over

more than ever before.

overseen one of the most ambitious lodge calendars in the state, with

to the passenger seat to see him studying the

Magbuana knew he’d

ritual and social events scheduled just about every week, including a

cipher booklet of the Masonic ritual. “He

need officers to help

first-ever district-wide past masters night (which more than 42 past

knows this thing by heart, but he’s still practic-

carry out the vision—

masters and 100 longtime Masons attended), a charity golf tourna-

ing and memorizing it,” he says. Michael Johns

and he knew exactly

ment (raising more than $10,000 for the Masonic Homes and other

remembers Henry helping him memo-

who his first call would be to.

projects), a blood drive (benefitting the Red Cross), and fundraising

rize the degrees by working on the ritual

SEE

P A G E 35

25

heroes of

T Bookworms

Masonry

CHANNEL ISLANDS N o 214

THE MASONS OF VENTURA County are throwing the book at local students—in a good way. Building on a partnership with the literacy nonprofit Raising a Reader that began in 2017, members of Channel Islands № 214 have turbocharged their educational efforts lately, helping to ensure that local students in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade have access to exciting and relevant reading material.

In 2023, the lodge hosted its first-ever Blue Bag giveaway for kids entering second grade, during which they visited the South Oxnard Library to get their library cards and listened to story time with local Masons. The success of that event led the lodge and Raising a Reader to partner with nearby Port Hueneme School District to invite the book-bag program into 122 more classrooms this fall.

Says Kirt Wilson, a past master who helped lead the effort, “The program gets the kids excited to read, and it becomes a whole family activity. It was surprising to see how impactful this thing is, and it really reinforced my commitment to keep it thriving.” ◆

J USTIN + JA SON BE RRY

The Intergenerational Dynamic Duo The butterflies were fluttering in a flight pattern Jason Berry had rarely experienced. And yet beneath the nerves there was a father’s pride. After all, it’s not every day you get to make family and fraternal history all at once. That’s what happened on May 22, as Berry performed the third degree for his son Justin, raising him as a Master Mason. The seldom-seen father-son degree is known within Masonry as a Lewis Degree, so-named for the ancient tool used to hoist large stones.

It’s not known how many Lewises there are in California, but it’s likely no more than a few. (The degree was introduced here in 2016 by then–Grand Master David Perry, who raised his son.)

For the elder Berry, the occasion was one he won’t soon forget. “We don’t have many family legacies or traditions in our family,” he says.

“So the fact that my son chose to join the fraternity is establishing a legacy for our family—not only now, but for future generations.” ◆

26

The

Brainstormers SACRAMENTO No 40

O N E R E C E N T N I G H T, the members of Sacramento № 40 were gathered around a table and asked to write down 25 things they’d like to accomplish in their lives. The exercise was inspiring, helping each person consider their priorities, where they found joy, and what to do with their limited time on earth. Then they were asked to eliminate 20 of them.

If that sounds heavy for a Tuesday night, well, that’s the point of the so-called SocratiCafé program, a potluck dinner and philosophical debate. Think of it as a modern-day version of 18th century French salons, except the topics are firmly rooted in the 21st century.

That intellectual curiosity has emerged as a hallmark of Sacramento № 40, which in 2020 launched a series of “TED Talks for Zoom,” with speakers including MMA fighter Frank Forza, Robert Johnson from the Masonic podcast Whence Came You, Jared Stanley from the “How to be a Mason” YouTube channel, and Johnny Royal, the director of the Illuminated and 33 and Beyond documentaries (and a California Mason), among others. Members also keep personal journals in the lodge’s chambers where they can write about their philosophical growth.

“It’s a textbook for their life,” says master Blake Green. “When they look back, they can see how

“When they look back, they can see how different ideas impacted their journey.”

different ideas impacted their journey.” ◆

Pa

n a c i r r u H

d r e V los

The

3 8 8 º es N

e g d e Lo

more than just stats. “We wanted to make sure the men coming into our lodge fit in,” he says.

T w e n t y- s i x d e g r e e c o n f e r r a l s in a year would be a lot

For that, they’d have to be committed to not just

for a lodge of any size. But it’s doubly impressive for Palos Verdes

degree work but community work, as well. “Right

№ 883, given that the lodge was only constituted a year ago, and

now, we’re focused on growth. Then we’ll be able

that its initial membership included fewer than 40 Master Masons.

to make a difference around us,” Cailao says. If

“We kept ourselves busy,” admits Charlie Cailao, worshipful master

the number of prospects approaching the lodge

of the lodge. “We made giving degrees a goal, and I think we did

is any indication, that message seems to be reso-

pretty good.”

nating. “I’m guessing we will be busy again next

The numbers don’t lie, though Cailao points out that it’s about

The

year,” Cailao says. ◆

CONNECTORS THE ROUGH ASHLARS, HOME No 721

L a st y e a r, M i c ha e l Dav i d founded a new Masonic club. With any luck, by next year none of the current members will still be enrolled. The club, the Rough Ashlars, is made up entirely of prospects, suspended members, petitioners, and others waiting for a lodge to act on their application. The Rough Ashlars meet every week at Home № 721 and stay in touch over a text thread. They are invited to all the lodge’s social, philanthropic, and non-ritual events, and even hold events of their own, like a volunteer day at the local elementary school. “We did this to prevent people from falling through the cracks and to get them involved in a productive and enjoyable manner,” says David, a past master. “That way when the time comes, they’re ready to be a better Mason.” To date, the Rough Ashlars have had 40 members. Of those, eight have gone on to petition a lodge for membership; four are now Entered Apprentices; one is a Fellow Craft; three are now Master Masons; and two are preparing to become lodge officers. ◆

27

heroes of

Masonry

So s w o Wid

T

y s a E e h

ns

No 869

s r e Rid

equally committed to socializing off the road,

as well. In fact, motorcycling isn’t a requirement to join the lodge; only about half the members actually ride, and—in a confusing

There’s no missing the members of Widows Sons № 869

twist of nomenclature—the motorcycle club

when they pull onto the scene. Unofficially known as Team

they belong to is the Brazen Pillars, a local

Burgundy, members are loud and proud about Freemasonry,

chapter of the statewide Widows Sons Motor-

often arriving to degrees or charity events on their motorcylces

cycle Club.

en masse, wearing their distinctively colored vests, ties, and

With members hailing from all over the state,

hats. “To me, team burgundy represents unity, solidarity, and

lodge events can easily turn into weekend-long

a sense of belonging,” says senior warden Arielito Hipolito. “It

celebrations of Freemasonry. “My favorite part

shows that each member is part of a cohesive group with shared

is the camaraderie not only among the brethren,

values and goals. It’s a sense of pride and identity within the

but also with our families,” says Jack Fernando,

fraternity.”

a charter member of the lodge. “Our lodge

The lodge, which was chartered in 2018 in Murrieta, hasn’t

makes our gatherings worthwhile by combining

taken long to make its mark. The group hosts frequent charity

business with pleasure. To me, that’s just one of

rides to the Masonic Homes in Covina and elsewhere, and has

many reasons our lodge exhibits that strength,

attracted a following among the two-wheeled set, though they’re

uniqueness, and sophistication.” ◆

dy n u g r , Bu “Teamesents unitay sense repr rity, and solidaonging.” of bel

The

Survivors JOSEPH L. SHELL DAYLIGHT N o 837

T H I N G S W E R E G E T T I N G pretty bad for the members of Joseph L. Shell Daylight № 837. The COVID shutdowns had decimated membership and the sale of the San Diego Scottish Rite had turned the group into nomads. “We were very seriously considering turning in our charter,” says four-time master Abel Parra.

Consolidation wasn’t an option: As San Diego’s only daylight lodge (meaning it meets during the day), Shell № 837 serves a membership of primarily older members, many of whom can’t or don’t drive at night. To merge with another group would eliminate that option. So Parra and inspector Dave Vassall put on a full-court press, visiting every lodge and Masonic meeting in the county to give their pitch for preserving daylight Masonry in San Diego. Parra also asked his neighborhing lodges to run an ad in their newsletters promoting the group, with the hope of gaining enough affiliations to stay intact.

So far, the plan seems to be working. After years of losses, the lodge’s numbers have finally stabilized, and this summer it held its first third-degree ceremony in years, with a second-degree event

lined up for later this fall. Parra is optimistic he can increase membership by 15 percent through affiliations by the end of the year.

“I see an enthusiasm I didn’t see before,” he says. Vassal, too, is impressed by the team spirit at the lodge. He recalls how quickly members showed up to help clean up after a flood caused damage to the old Scottish Rite building.

“You have this group of 75- and 80-year olds moving stuff into pods,” he says. “They just keep on trucking.”

For his part, Parra says that’s just part of the job.

“When Masonry calls you, you have to step up.

“When Masonry calls you, you have to step up.

That’s all there is to it.”

That’s all there is to it.” ◆

clothes, “I’m definitely a walking billboard for Masonry.”

What makes Astaneh-asl’s collection of Masonic flair even more incredible is the fact that it was all compiled over a scant 18 months since he was raised as a Master Mason at Acalanes Fellowship № 480.

Besides his love of a good pin—Astaneh-asl has given a talk at his lodge on the history of pins—indulging his habit has brought him closer to the history of the fraternity. Shortly after joining the lodge, Astaneh-asl

The Pin King KAVEH ASTANEH-ASL, ACALANES FELLOWSHIP No 480

“I’ll tell you, I have a conversation every

28

FA L L 2 0 24

posted a message on Facebook asking anyone with extra Masonic gear to ship it to him. In exchange, he’d do research on its connection to the craft. Soon pins began pouring in from all over the country— and he was helping people learn more about their fathers and grandfathers. Now he’s preparing a history of Masonry in the East Bay for the lodge.

Watch Online SEE A VIDEO OF ASTANEH-ASL AND HIS PINS.

day about Masonry,” says Kaveh Astaneh-asl.

But as much as he loves acquiring new or especially old pins,

It’s no wonder: Drawing from a collection of

what Astaneh-asl really enjoys is handing them out. “Someone did

more than 400 Masonic pins, medals, and

that for me once,” he says. “He took his pin right off his lapel and

jewels, plus a wardrobe full of Masonic-themed

gave it to me—and I thought that was so cool.” ◆

29

heroes of

The

Fill-in

Masonry

MERT GAYLOR, COACHELLA No 476 AS HE LOOKS TOWARD next year and the future of Coachella No 476— a future that not long ago seemed very much in doubt—it’s easy to detect a note of satisfaction in Mert Gayler’s voice. “We’re on the right track,” he says. “I think next year I’ll be sitting on the sidelines, like I ought to be.”

If anyone’s earned the rest, it’s Gayler. A past master of the lodge in 1996 and 1997, and a longtime district inspector in the Inland Empire, Gayler was called out of semi-retirement in 2022 after the lodge had its charter suspended. With many of its officers having quit or abandoned the lodge, Gayler was asked to take over as master and help rebuild its leadership line. “I wasn’t about to see that lodge go under, as long as I had any ability to help,” he says. “I just said, ‘This is not going to happen.’”

Along with inspector Stu Ryan and assistant grand lecturer Vic Ropac, Gayler reached out to past masters and to others who hadn’t been to lodge in years. Within months, he’d established a quorum to hold meetings, and soon began growing. From July 2023 to July 2024, the lodge gained 11 new members, and last fall it regained its charter. “Now we’ve got degrees going almost every week,” Gayler says. Now he’s once more in a position to hand the reins to the next generation.

Says Ryan, “I give Mert all the credit. He takes the time and really puts his heart and soul into Masonry.” ◆

Culver City Foshay Nº 467

THE SOCIALITES

“IF IT DIDN’T HAPPEN on social, it didn’t happen at all,” explains Jason Berry. That’s not a worry at Culver City Foshay № 467. Berry, the

MASONIC ASSISTANCE

For Dementia, the Best Medicine Is Engagement

lodge master and the voice behind the group’s social media channels, runs one of the best Masonic accounts in California by showcasing as much of lodge life as possible, from degree conferrals and prospect portraits to out-there psychedelic AI-generated Masonic memes.

Balancing reverent or esoteric Masonic

STUDIES SHOW THAT PERSONAL CONNECTIONS AND ACTIVITY CAN SLOW MEMORY LOSS. BY IAN A. STEWART

images with more lighthearted fare is a conscious attempt to lower the barrier for outsiders to engage with the lodge. Says Berry, “Having a presence on social media allows people to see the

D e a n n e R e h b e r g a n d h e r team of memory-

many diverse faces associated with our building.

Otherwise, they might just pass by us while they’re walking to yoga.” ◆ instagram.com/ccmasons

TEX T BY JUSTIN JAPITANA, TONY PIERUCCI, BRIAN ROBIN, AND IAN A. STEWART ILLUSTRATIONS BY TAYLOR CALLERY

30

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MEMBERS OF THE RED HAT CLUB GATHER TO SOCIALIZE AND TALK ABOUT THEIR MEMORIES, PART OF THE TRADITIONS PROGRAM AT THE MASONIC HOMES.

For Rehberg, that’s become one of the keys to

care specialists were there for support, but the

a holistic approach to memory care adopted by

group of seniors with dementia who’d gathered for a

the Masonic Homes of California. Rehberg, as the

Red Hat Club meeting were the ones in charge. And

newly appointed director of memory care, oversees

that meant that the conversation was wide-ranging,

with her staff the Traditions program, which serves

free-flowing, and, at times, quite emotional. One

seniors dealing with memory loss, from the afflic-

resident, not a big talker, was moved to share pic-

tion’s earliest stages to its most advanced forms.

tures from a family photo album. Another recalled

Engagement is at the beating heart of the program.

the grief of losing a child. The other members of

“What happens with people with dementia is

the club were there to hear them out and share their

that people start taking things away from them,”

own memories. “That’s the importance of these

she says. “But one of the essential things you can do

groups,” Rehberg says. “People need an outlet to

to slow the disease and maintain cognitive levels is

talk about their feelings.”

to keep up social connections—things like going out

31

with peers, giving back to the community, doing service projects.”

Those kinds of social activities, along with regular exercise and brain-boosting games, have been shown to slow the progression of memory loss by as much as 60 percent for people with an early diagnosis, Rehberg says. “As long as there’s support in place, there’s nothing that should be holding seniors back.”

Rehberg, who has spent more than 20 years in senior care and memory care, says that’s the driving force behind Traditions, which includes several important components.

“As long as there’s support in place, there’s nothing that should be holding seniors back.”

with friends, attending a ceramics class, or attend-

can actually help stave off memory loss and keep

ing a music performance, dementia-care residents

The Next Generation of Masonic Leaders Needs

seniors sharp. Team trivia, card games, and the

are invited to all Masonic Homes events, both on

YOU! The Next Generation

like also help strengthen memory and bring people

campus and off. Through Traditions, they are

together.

able to attend while ensuring that there’s trained staff on hand to support them, no matter where

GROUP OUTINGS

Exploring other parts of the campus, including the

Says Rehberg, “Everything is geared around

Masonic Homes’ library, museum, ice cream parlor,

making sure residents have their independence

and clothing shop, is a key element of the program.

and choice, and that they’re not being isolated. It’s

As are off-campus group trips, whether for a lunch

all about preserving their dignity and respect.”

30-minutes in the afternoon.

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EXERCISE

a wide range of group activities, including “artist’s corner,” a gardening group, cooking and baking

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cal senior game-night fare, but group activities

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Keeping physically fit benefits not only the body

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The TheNext NextGeneration Generation The Next Generation ofofMasonic MasonicLeaders Leaders of Masonic Leaders Needs Needs Needs The The Next Next Generation Generation The Next Generation Generation The Next Generation The The Next Generation of Masonic of Masonic Leaders of Masonic Leaders of Masonic Leaders As part of the Masonic family, the young people of Masonic Leaders As part of the Masonic family, the young people in your life deserve benefits of being a Job’s in your life deserve the the benefits of being a Job’s of Masonic LeadersDaughter, Needs Needs Needs Daughter, Rainbow or DeMolay.

Needs Rainbow Girl,Girl, or DeMolay.

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Learn about family support Learn about waysways you you and and youryour family can can support Needs The Next Generation The Next ourGeneration The Next Generation our Masonic Masonic youth youth orders orders today. today.

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WINTER 2020-21

cajdi.org FOR ALL SHASTA COUNTY FOR MASONIC ALL SHASTA FAMILY COUNTY AND FOR FRIENDS MASONIC ALL SHASTA FAMILY COUNTY AND FRIENDS MASONIC cajdi.org FOR ALL SHASTA COUNTY MASONIC FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR ALL SHASTA COUNTY MASONIC FAMILY AND FRIENDS 33 norcaldemolay.com cajdi.org

RETURN TO R RETURN TO REDDING

MEMBERS OF OAKLAND № 61 TAKE PART IN A MASONIC OUTREACH SERVICES TRAINING SESSION IN AUGUST. THROUGH MOS, LODGE MEMBERS LEARN THE BASICS OF OUTREACH AND SOCIAL WORK.

encouraging members to more freely discuss Freemasonry with nonmembers and allowing candidates to use holy writings other than the Bible during degrees. But most significantly, he issued the directive that allowed for mutual recognition with the Prince Hall

EXEMPLARS FROM PAGE 25

Grand Lodge of California. “It was about, What are the essentials Sacramento, has evolved into something like a calling. He’s served

that make us Masons, and what are the things that are not essen-

several times as chairman of the assembly’s board, helps with the

tial?” Doan explains.

San Francisco Masons, there’s a similar memory associated with Dosdorian of patiently practicing the memorization of the ritual,

group’s summer Rainbow Camp, and in 2022 was appointed the

Past Grand Master Larry Adamson, who has known Doan

state Rainbow dad, mentoring, guiding, and chaperoning the 28

since they were both DeMolays at Triangle Chapter, says, “Steve

youth leaders of the group.

made major changes to improve the craft. He and I share a belief

That makes sense, since Henry Dosdorian has spent a life-

that if you’re going to make progress, you have to have the infra-

time mastering those two crafts. First initiated all the way back

structure in place or it’s meaningless.”

in 1957 at Paul Revere № 462, Dosdorian has perhaps as much

For Meyer, who’s also the lodge secretary for Drytown № 174

OUTREACH

together while they were fixing up his car. For generations of

in El Dorado, it’s been worth the commitment. “I just enjoy watching the girls grow and learn,” he says.

FROM PAGE 13

was a meaningful community partner—which it accomplishes

Job’s Daughters: R O B E R T PAW N E S H I N G

by issuing scholarships for local students and Masonic youth

culture for Oakland № 61. That included ensuring the lodge

often inside of or underneath the hood of a car.

Ferreria says Doan certainly accomplished that. “He essen-

institutional knowledge of Freemasonry as anyone in the state.

tially rewrote the California Masonic Code,” he says. “He put it

He’s served as lodge master nine times across three different

all together in a way that made sense.”

lodges, first in 1970 and most recently in 2023. He’s formally been

The result was a more financially stable organization staffed

an officers’ coach for Golden Gate Speranza № 30 and Phoenix

Most of the time, you become a Mason first, then get involved in

by a team of full-time professionals. And thanks to his ruling on

№ 144 since 2012, and informally a local source of knowledge on

order members, as well as by fundraising to benefit nearby Cla-

the youth orders. That wasn’t the case for Robert Pawneshing.

Prince Hall, the fraternity was opened to more people than ever

all things pertaining to the ritual for much longer. He was also

remont Middle School.

Instead, it was his wife and children’s involvement with Bethel №

before. “He has an incredible lens that draws on not only the cur-

instrumental in the 2001 merger of Paul Revere and Oriental №

“We now have what I’d call an eight- or nine-prong approach”

161 of Job’s Daughters that spurred him to learn about Masonry

rent state of [Masonic] law but also the historic traditions of grand

144. In addition to that, he’s been lodge treasurer at both Golden

to outreach, Williams explains, only slightly exaggerating. Since

and join Lakewood № 728. More than 25 years later, he’s become

lodges in the past,” Ferreria says.

Gate Speranza and Pacific-Starr King № 136, and a reliable fill-

merging, the lodge now devotes more space to MOS updates in

integral to both groups.

its monthly Trestleboard, which it sends both physically and via

Pawneshing first served as treasurer for Bethel № 161, where

email—a move requested by several elderly members. The group

he made a point of involving the young members in the finances

That ability to thread the needle between change and tradition has remained a hallmark of Doan’s ever since.

in officer in any role, whenever and wherever he’s needed. “He’s always been the go-to guy when someone has a question about the ritual,” says Rey Harrold, the current inspector of San Francisco’s

also voted to fund a lodge Lyft account, which any member can use

of their organization. Later he spent a year as a grand officer for

A CAREER OF MENTORSHIP

in order to get a free ride to and from lodge meetings. “For elderly

the state organization and was recruited by his youngest daughter,

Today, relatively few members are old enough to remember

With almost 70 years in the fraternity, Dosdorian has seen—

guys who can’t drive at night or have problems, this way they’re able

Hannah, who’d since grown up and become Culver City Bethel №

Doan’s term as grand master. But over the past three decades, he’s

and mentored—countless of his fellow Masons as they pre-

to get to lodge, no big deal,” Williams says, adding that the lodge is

2 guardian, to take over as treasurer. But he remains simply “an

done anything but fade into retirement. In addition to his work as

pared for the degrees. Outside of lodge, he was also the man

considering expanding that program to include widows, members of

extra set of hands” for any of the groups in the area needing help.

chair of the jurisprudence committee, he has also made a point of

to see for anyone with automotive trouble, having worked with

the Eastern Star, and other Masonic groups. “In the end, if it’s $200 a

That often means popping into meetings at other bethels in San

mentoring Masonic leaders as they climb the ranks.

cars his whole life, including 30 years as a mechanic for the

month, that’s nothing to get people in the door and feel that they’re a

Pedro, Norwalk, and Bellflower.

District 143.

When Past Grand Master Jeff Wilkins first met Doan, he says,

city of San Francisco’s auto pool. “I just enjoy it,” Dosdorian

Having already seen his kids matriculate through the order,

“Our relationship wasn’t like a teacher and pupil. He was a true

says of his role in the lodge. “I enjoy seeing people who want

But the biggest result to come out of the effort was to instill a sense

he’s now got another milestone on the horizon that’s keeping him

mentor: He’s asking how he can help me develop into the best

to advance, I enjoy coaching people, and I’m still learning

among members that Oakland № 61 can and should be a resource

close to the group. “My granddaughters are 5 and 8 now,” he says—

me I can be.” Now, Wilkins says he considers the Doan family,

things.”

for its members, their families, and the community around it.

almost ready to keep the family legacy going. ◆

including wife Donna and their children, Robert and Stephanie,

Johns has known Dosdorian his whole life—he recalls Dos-

as well as her husband, Brian Bezner, to be part of his extended

dorian picking his father up to take him to lodge each week. Years

family.

later, it was Dosdorian who encouraged Johns to join them at

part of this lodge,” he says. “That’s what we’re excited about.”

Says lodge master Cal Gilbert, “We look at those obligations we take as we pass through each of the degrees and we take them very seriously. So for us, this kind of outreach is, certainly, part of how we are able to walk the walk.” ◆

MASTERMIND FROM PAGE 21

SUPER DADS FROM PAGE 16

Making CHANGE

In that way, Adamson says, Doan has also rewritten what it means to be a past grand master.

“As I left office, Steve told me, ‘Our greatest contribution isn’t what we did as grand master, but what we do to build the future of this craft,’” Adamson says.

Phoenix № 144. “He’s kind of like my second father,” Johns says.

“He’s one of the kindest, most genuine people I know. He’s probably the reason I ended up in the car business.” (Johns is now a manager at two auto dealerships.)

For as devoted as Dosdorian has been for so long to Freema-

Doan didn’t waste time in effecting the change he sought at the

As a true polymath, with an interest in the arts, philosophy,

sonry, he never pursued any of the concordant bodies of Masonry,

Grand Lodge. That included clearing a $200,000 debt and estab-

and symbolism, Doan in many ways represents the quintessence

like the Scottish Rite or Shrine. “I never had enough time for it,”

lishing an endowment to guard against future deficits; creating

of the search for Masonic knowledge.

he offers.

to come to one meeting a year,” Meyer remembers. Twenty-four

guidelines for the establishment of each year’s budget; and updat-

“Steve Doan is one of those unique human beings and unequiv-

As for what advice Dosdorian has gleaned from almost seven

years later, “I’m still not sure which meeting that was,” he says.

ing fraternal rules on fundraising that had threatened to bankrupt

ocally one of the smartest people I’ve ever met,” Adamson says.

decades of coaching and mentorship within the lodge, the now-

“Because I’ve been to all of them.”

the Shrine.

“He’s not driven simply by knowledge but by understanding. He

90-year-old offers a simple admonition: pay attention. “It’s easy

always asks why? and that’s why Freemasonry absolutely fits him

to listen, and you learn an awful lot,” he says. “By talking you

so well.” ◆

miss a lot.” ◆

Rather than a strictly part-time gig, Meyer’s involvement

Other of his decisions were geared toward opening the fra-

in Rainbow, beginning with Camellia Assembly № 108 in

ternity to the wider world. Doan issued grand master’s decisions

34

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35

Freemasonry is the world’s first and largest fraternal organization. It is guided by the enduring belief that everyone has a responsibility to make the world a better place.

Freemasonry is the world’s first andand largest fraternal organization.

It isItguided by the enduring belief that everyone hashas a responsibility to make the the world a better place.

Freemasonry is the world’s first largest fraternal organization. is guided by the enduring belief that everyone a responsibility to make world a better place.

DONOR PROFILE

Allan Nubla MEMBER SINCE 2007 MASTER, SAN LEANDRO No 113 INSPECTOR, DISTRICT No 141

California Freemason: You’ve been a very generous donor to the California Masonic Foundation. What inspires you to give back?

welcome to THE welcome toto THE welcome THE CORNERSTONE CORNERSTONE CORNERSTONE SOCIETY SOCIETY SOCIETY There comes a time when a Mason reflects on his life There comes a time when a Mason reflects onhad hishis life There comes a time when aand Mason reflects on and contemplates the value impact he’s on life and contemplates thethe value and impact he’s had on on contemplates value and impact he’s had hisand family and community. hishis family and community. family and community.

Masons know that a bequest through your estate plan can be Masons know that a bequest through estate plan can be be Masons know that a bequest through your estate plan can one of the most meaningful things youyour can do to cement your one of of the most meaningful things you can dodo to to cement your one most meaningful things you can cement your legacy tothe the fraternity you love.

This commitment has been legacy to thethe fraternity you love.

This commitment has been legacy to fraternity you love. commitment has been handed down through generations of This Masons. handed down through generations of of Masons. handed down through generations Masons.

Allan Nubla: It’s a great feeling when you give from the heart. I didn’t have a lot when I first came to the United States. After becoming a father, I wanted to devote myself to not just my children, but the next generation, too. We need to ensure our youth are ready for the future ahead. So besides being a Grand Master Circle donor, I also give to St. Jude, the children’s research hospital. And my lodge, San Leandro № 113, is also involved in Masons4Mitts.

CFM: How did you get involved in Freemasonry?

AN: My late brother, who lived in the Philippines, introduced me. About 10 years after I immigrated to the U.S., I visited my brother, who was an Entered Apprentice at the time. He shared a lot with me about the craft and what Masons do. In 2006, I was introduced to San Leandro № 113 and was raised a year later. I remember showing a picture to my brother and he was so proud.

Unfortunately, he passed before he could become a Master Mason himself, and so I dedicate and owe my whole Masonic journey to him, in his honor. It’s changed my world and has indeed made me a better man.

The process is simple. Have your estate planner add TheThe process simple.

Have your estate planner add process is simple.

Have your estate planner add language to is your existing estate plan that includes a language to to your estate plan that includes aThen language your existing estate plan that includes a simple bequest to existing the California Masonic Foundation. simple bequest towelcomed thethe California Masonic Foundation.

Then simple bequest to California Masonic Foundation.

Then notify us and be into the Cornerstone Society. notify us us and be be welcomed into thethe Cornerstone Society. notify and welcomed into Cornerstone Society.

CFM: Can you tell me more about your career?

AN: I was a longshoreman for 40 years at the Port of Oakland. Similar to how Masonry taught me to be a better man, my work on the waterfront taught me to be more responsible, especially to others. It’s a dangerous job operating heavy machinery—cranes lifting tons overhead—all while ensuring everyone is safe. There’s this saying, “Everything that falls on your head is silent.”

TO D O N AT E Please visit masonicfoundation.org

CFM: You must have seen a lot of ships and people come and go. Did you ever come across other Masons?

AN: There was one night shift.

I was with my foreman, who is a Prince Hall Mason, and we looked up at a ship and saw someone making the grand hailing sign of a Master Mason. We ran up on the ship and asked if he was OK. He told us he needed help and that he heard a lot of Masons worked at the waterfront. It worked, all right! I was just amazed.

—Justin Japitana

36

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PHOTOGRAPH BY CAYCE CLIFFORD

© 2024 Masons of California. All right reserved. © 2024 Masons of California.

All right reserved. © 2024 Masons of California.

All right reserved. © 2024 Masons of California. All right reserved © 2024 Masons of California.

All right © 2024 Masons of California.

All reserved right reserved

The Cornerstone Society drives our fraternity’s impact on our TheThe Cornerstone Society our fraternity’s impact on on our Cornerstone Society drives our fraternity’s impact our communities.

Masons whodrives make a bequest demonstrate communities.

Masons who make a bequest communities.

Masons who make a bequest demonstrate leadership and generosity, establishing a demonstrate legacy that will be leadership and generosity, establishing a legacy that will be be leadership and generosity, establishing a legacy that will felt for generations. felt for generations. felt for generations.

“THE GREATEST OF THESE IS CHARITY”

“THE GREATEST OFOF THESE IS CHARITY” “THE GREATEST THESE IS CHARITY”

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M ASONS 4

2020-2021 M ITTS S EASON O PEN Grand LodgeISOfficers Arthur Harold Weiss G r and Ma ster

!

Jeffery Michael Wilkins D ep u t y G r a n d M a s t er Randall Louis Brill S en i o r G r a n d Wa r d en G. Sean Metroka J u n i o r G r a n d Wa r d en Arthur Lupe Salazar, Jr. G r a n d Tr e a su r er Allan Lesley Casalou G r a n d S ec r e ta ry Ricky Lee Lawler G r a n d L ec t u r er Mark James McNee G r a n d C h a p l a i n Gary Richard Quintrell A s s t G r a n d L ec t u r er D i v I David Mickel Edwards A s s t G r a n d L ec t u r er D i v I I Antonio G. Cimarra, Jr. A s s t G r a nQdTY:L5 ec t u r er D i v I I I 00 Jairo Jesus Gomez, Jr. A s s t G r a n dQTLY: ec 500 t u r er D i v I V QTY : 50 0 t u r er D i v V Robert Glenn Beeson, III A s s t G r a n d QTL ec Y: 50 0 Charles P. Cross A s s t G r a n d L ec t u r er D i v V I Elvan Dale Moen A s s t G r a n d L ec t u r er D i v V I I Victor Michael Ropac, Jr. A s s t G r a n d L ec t u r er D i v V I I I John Hays Crago, III A s s t G r a n d L ec t u r er D i v I X COME TOGETHER FOR A WEEKENDMichael FULLDavid OF Thibodeaux MASONICGEVENTS r a n d O r ato r Jordan Tyler Yelinek A s s i s ta n t G r a n d S ec r e ta ry With the pandemic disrupting schools and all aspects of Pressey Grand Marshal GRAND SP OUSE SMark AN Edson D P LUS students’ lives, kids need our help before. r a n d Sta n da r d B e a r er M ASTER’ S now more PPaul ARthan TBoghes N E Rever S Bazerkanian BusinessGsessions, vendors’ hall, Alberto Casanova, Jr. G r a n d Swo r dfrBeeeam r er GALA to our classic LUN C HLuke baseball ason.o That’s why this year, in addition leather Grand Master’s Frank Rickey Young G r a n d B i b l e B e a r er A “Sparkling, Food tour of AnnComm rg/ installation, mitts, Masons4Mitts will provide children in+Alexander need a and more!

24 Celestial Night” with San Francisco cabaretwith Mark Nielsen S en i o r G r a n d D e aco n friends and brothers. show at Club Fugazi David Andrew J u n i o r G r a n d D e aco n bag fiForsyth lled Super Summer Book Bag : A one-stop goodie Micheal Anthony Padilla S en i o r G r a n d St e wa r d with expertly vetted and age-appropriate reading and math Thomas Lester Pryor, Jr. J u n i o r G r a n d St e wa r d material, compiled by the literacy experts at Raising Reader.

AndrewALeroy Rieland G r a n d P u r su i va n t Stephen Richard Miller G r a n d O rg a n i s t Vinz Olivar Tolentino G r a n d Ti l er Jonathan Shane Davis A s s i s ta n t G r a n d O rg a n i s t Scotty Joe Christian A s s i s ta n t G r a n d Ti l er

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