California Freemason Winter 2023-24 Common Ground

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I N E VE RY I SSU E The California Masonic Foundation goes back to school for a high-tech update on shop class.

4 E X E C U T I V E M E S S AG E Grand Master Sean Metroka

reflects on his hopes for the year to come.

5 THE MOSAIC

For 77 years, the Chinese Acacia Club has provided a home away from home [page 5]; meet a tattoo artist specializing in Masonic ink [page 8]; why do Masons celebrate two Saints

ACACIA CREEK AD

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2023–24 72 01 2 S N A P S H OT

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Research Research shows shows Research shows

WINTER

John? [page 9]; at an Oakland lodge, Burns Supper is a big date on the fraternal calendar [page 10]; how a new gift is reshaping vocational education in San Diego [page 12]; a new exhibition explains the groundbreaking illustrations in a 300-year-old manuscript

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[page 13]; how a century-old lodge boom is still reverberating today [page 14]; a Masonic trip to Hungary forges connections across borders [page 15]; and more.

33 M AS O N I C ASS I STA N C E Don Goldberg and Santa

acaciacreek.org | (877) 902-7555

The political fights that dominate so much of daily life are conspicuously absent from Masonic lodge rooms. But can the lessons of Freemasonry be replicated in the outside world?

Barbara № 192 have an uncommon commitment to Masonic outreach.

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

How a love of the outdoors inspires one SoCal Mason to give back.

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16

O N TH E COV E R

ILLUSTRATION BY FRANK STOCKTON

2 2 TALKING SHOP Politics, religion, and money: An expert on “manliness” explains how to discuss these tricky topics.

2 4 WHAT’S IN A NAME When a monument to his grandfather came under newfound scrutiny, one Bay Area Mason used the opportunity to shine a light on a lesserknown familial legacy.

34400 34400 Mission Mission Blvd., Blvd., Union Union City, City, CA CA 94587 94587 34400 Mission Blvd., Union City, CA 94587 RCFE RCFE 015601302 015601302 RCFE 015601302

COA COA #246 #246 COA #246

PHOTO BY WINNI WINTERMEYER

2 9 BAND OF BROTHERS How a Native American Masonic degree team forges bonds across cultures—and keeps a heritage alive.

CALIFORNIA MASONIC FOUNDATION PRESIDENT DOUGLAS ISMAIL ANSWERS QUESTIONS FROM STUDENT JOURNALISTS AT MADISON HIGH SCHOOL IN SAN DIEGO DURING AN EVENT ANNOUNCING A NEW THREE-YEAR, $390,000 GIFT TO EXPAND ITS COLLEGE, CAREER, AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMING. PHOTO BY MATHEW SCOTT

S N A P S H O T 1 0/ 09 / 2 02 3 | 1 0: 56 A. M.

Getting Schooled WHEN CALIFORNIA MASONIC FOUNDATION president Douglas Ismail arrived at Madison High School to announce a new $390,000 gift from the Foundation to the San Diego Unified School District to expand its building trades and automotive repair programs, he’d prepped for questions about the nature and mechanics of the grant. He just hadn’t expected them to come from the TikTok generation, as happened when he was interviewed by the school’s broadcast news team. No matter. He and fellow leaders from the fraternity and the school district were happy to explain the transformative potential of the gift, which will help expand the district’s college, career, and technical education programs. “Having access to CCTE programs as a part of a high school curriculum enables students to understand that there is a strong pathway to a stable, living wage outside of a four-year-college program," Ismail said. Read more about the grant on Page 12. —IAN A. STEWART

2

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

3

WHAT REALLY MATTERS Finding common ground in a turbulent time.

EDITORIAL STAFF Emily Limón, Executive Editor

H O E S A I C

Ian A. Stewart, Editorial Director Isabelle Guérin, Managing Editor Pete Ivey, Creative Director J.R. Sheetz, Multimedia Editor Justin Japitana, Assistant Editor

I’m very excited to share

John Dale, Online Editor

my first message as Grand Master.

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

As many of you know, I served

G. Sean Metroka, Grand Master

in the Marines for 32 years,

Russell E. Hennings, Editor-in-Chief and PM, Saddleback Laguna № 672

including in Iraq and Kuwait. In

Allan L. Casalou, Grand Secretary and PM, Acalanes Fellowship № 480

that time, I met people from all around the world—different backgrounds, religions, and beliefs.

Despite our many differences, I found that we all shared some basic similarities. We all want the best for our families. We all want to be safe. We all want happiness.

Over the years, I’ve found many similarities between my military service and Masonry. One of them is that bond of friendship. When I

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

returned from my last deployment in Iraq, I was able to have conversa-

Grand Treasurer: Charles P. Cross, Metropolitan № 352

tions with my lodge brothers that just weren’t possible outside the lodge.

Grand Secretary: Allan L. Casalou, Acalanes Fellowship № 480

As in the military, we’d come there from different walks of life, but that shared sense of trust and respect made the lodge a special space.

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

When we’re in lodge, we know we’re among brothers who want to work

CALIFORNIA FREEMASON

together, improve ourselves, and better our community.

ISSUE 01 • VOLUME 72 • WINTER 2023–24

This issue of California Freemason is dedicated to the common

USPS #083-940 is published quarterly

ground that Masons find in lodge—and how the lodge provides the

Street, San Francisco, CA 94108-2284.

unique context in which our relationships can bloom. When we take

and at additional mailing offices.

things like politics and religion off the table, we find what we really have in common. That’s not to say that politics and religion don’t matter; only that Freemasonry shows us one way of reaching beyond them and seeing what we share with people who may not seem very much like us.

Is that something we can replicate outside the lodge? I like to think so. The principles of Freemasonry shouldn’t be confined to just the lodge room. Finding common ground with people who hold different beliefs is a powerful tool for fostering understanding and building a more harmonious world. It’s how we can build a world in which people coexist peacefully, respecting each other’s differences while working together for the greater good.

I think that’s one of the most important lessons of Masonry, and one I hope we can all spend some time thinking about. Margaret and I wish you and your family a healthy and happy holiday season and a wonderful new year.

by the Masons of California. 1111 California Periodicals Postage Paid at San Francisco, CA

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

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

HISTORY

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.

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.

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

(415) 776-7170

Email: editor@freemason.org

MEMBERS OF THE CHINESE ACACIA CLUB AT A MONTHLY MEETING AT TAI WU RESTAURANT IN MILLBRAE. PHOTO BY WINNI WINTERMEYER

A Legacy Overlooked

FOR 77 YEARS, THE CHINESE ACACIA CLUB HAS CREATED A SPACE FOR MEMBERS OF A HISTORICALLY UNDERREPRESENTED GROUP. BY BRIAN ROBIN One hundred and one years ago, the first

had in 1872), leaders including Grand Master Wil-

FIND US ONLINE

plans were drawn up to form a lodge for Chinese

liam A. Sherman instead proposed a plan to affiliate

» californiafreemason.org

American Masons in California. At the time, there

Chinese members en masse with an existing lodge,

» facebook.com/MasonsofCalifornia

were at least 20 members of Chinese ancestry living

Educator № 554. Once enough Chinese Masons

» twitter.com/MasonsofCA

in the Bay Area, and the idea to band together into

had joined to fill the officers’ ranks, the plan was for

their own lodge was raised at the highest levels of the

the charter members of the group to withdraw from

fraternity. However, rather than form a brand-new

the lodge.

» youtube.com/CaliforniaMasons » instagram.com/MasonsofCA

4

Covering California Freemasonry

Ian E. Laurelin, South Pasadena № 290

“ethnic lodge” (as the French La Parfaite Union № 17

Given the time and place, it was a bold plan.

G. Sean Metroka

had in 1852, the German-speaking Hermann № 127

From their arrival in the mid-19th century, Chinese

Grand Master of Masons in California

had in 1858, and Loggia Speranza Italiana № 219

immigrants in California, and particularly in San

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

▼

EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

5

T H E M O S A I C

“So many of the members when I was younger were like grandparents to me.”

Francisco, experienced profound discrimination. That included

later, the 30 charter members met at the Shanghai Low Café,

Cultural Revolution.

with excellent grades, Chan

Stateside, the number

says recipients are chosen for

where the stated purpose of

of Chinese members has

their community service. “Even

the club was read as part of the

grown in California lodges.

putting aside their scholastic

bylaws: “To promote and foster

(Today, an estimated 9 per-

achievements, they’re volunteer-

a true and sincere Masonic spirit

cent of California members

ing to help needy kids or needy

of good fellowship, of mutual

are of East Asian descent.)

elders. These kids are pouring

helpfulness, of closer relation-

The Chinese Acacia Club

out their souls to help others,

ship among its members and the

has evolved, too. These

and we want to make sure they

maintenance of a degree team to

days, it counts two past

are rewarded for their efforts.”

further exemplify the great ide-

grand masters as current

Service. Purpose. Legacy.

als and precepts of Freemasonry.”

or former members: Leo

Those values still define the

What wasn’t spelled out there—

B. Mark, grand master in

Chinese Acacia Club. While the

but has always been central to the

1987, and Frank Loui, in

group has shrunk from a high

group—was to provide a network

2011. Chan, as a current

of 350 members to today’s ros-

of support for the relatively small

Grand Lodge officer, could

ter of about 50, little else about

cohort of Chinese Masons.

soon be the third. In 1985,

it has changed. Members still meet once a month at the Scot-

As a matter of fact, Califor-

like his father and brother

having their testimony disal-

nia and China do share some

before him, he was raised

tish Rite Valley in San Francisco,

lowed in court, enduring frequent

Masonic DNA. (Although, some-

as a Mason by the club’s

enjoy periodic social events, and

police raids targeting low-paid

what confusingly, members

traveling degree team. “So

pay a princely $12 a year in dues.

laborers, and suffering the exclu-

of the longstanding San Fran-

many of the members

“We haven’t raised that in a

sion act that prohibited almost all

cisco Chinatown club known

when I was younger were

while,” says Loui with a chuckle.

immigration and naturalization

as the Chee Kung Tong are

like grandparents to me,”

for more than 50 years.

often referred to as Chinese

Chan says. “Sometimes

While the meetings remain simple, “The real fun is what happens

The plan for a Chinese lodge,

Masons, although they have no

there were things either in

as it turned out, was perhaps too

connection with the fraternal

business or life that I needed

far ahead of its time. The rules of

order.) Before the 1930s, the few

someone to ask about, and there

Masonry have always stipulated

Masonic lodges to operate in

was always someone there.”

China tended to be organized

They’ve also made a point of

talk to them about anything—if

among American and European

being there for their neighbors.

It began as many social organi-

you need advice, if you need a

expats; in later years, a group of

Since 1982, the club has given

zations do: as a response to not

shoulder to cry on, if you need

six Chinese lodges came under

out yearly college scholarships

into a legacy of service. Says Loui,

having a place of one’s own—a

someone to bounce ideas off.”

“We’ve been in existence 77 years

to high school seniors—gifts that have grown to become the club’s

and we’re still going. We’re still

main purpose and legacy. Along

doing our part.”

from the Grand Lodge of Cali-

first Filipino lodge came a year

the history and contributions

on fellow members of Chinese

fornia. In 1943, a group called

after that.) Unsurprisingly, then,

of Chinese and Chinese Ameri-

descent. The group held its first

Fortitude Lodge, made up of

when the 1922 Chinese plan was

can Masons in California, and

meeting at the Universal Café in

American servicemen and Chi-

reviewed by Grand Lodge inspec-

also as a gathering place for

San Francisco on April 12, 1946.

nese nationals, received a dis-

tors, “It met too much criti-

members who remain part of a

It staged a rehearsal after dinner

pensation from California to

cism and had to be abandoned,”

demographic minority within

and, 10 days later, raised Wilbur

organize in Chungking, though

according to John Whitsell’s his-

the fraternity. “It’s an extended

D. Yee to the sublime degree of

it folded just two years later. In

tory of the fraternity.

family,” says Garrett Chan, a

Master Mason at Justice № 547.

1949, the former Philippine

member of California № 1, the

Soon, the club took on a more

lodges reorganized in Shanghai

current senior grand warden of

formal structure. On May 7, 1946,

as the Grand Lodge of China.

California. In its place, though,

the Grand Lodge of California

the club’s officers were elected

That continues to operate today,

another kind of fraternal home

and an active member of the club.

and a constitution was drafted,

although it has experienced

has emerged: the Chinese Acacia

“I can call any one of our brothers

with Dr. Chang Wah Lee chosen

periods of darkness and oper-

Club. Decades after the Educator

to take care of my family. They’re

as its first president. A month

ated underground during the

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

COURTESY OF CHINESE ACACIA CLUB

IT’S A PARTY!

TOTAL REGISTRANTS FOR THE 173RD ANNUAL COMMUNICATION IN 2023. THAT’S THE HIGHEST ATTENDANCE SINCE 1996.

1,757 1,500

1,000

2023

team trained to confer degrees

2022

Club stands as a testament to

2021

1959, almost 40 years later; the

2019

had received its own charter

2018

initially as a special traveling

6

many years ago and has turned

the jurisdiction of the Grand

Today, the Chinese Acacia

A century later, there still isn’t

key to the club’s existence—it’s what unlocked those doors so

Lodge of the Philippines—which

2017

The club was formed in 1946,

2016

chance to build your own house.

California wasn’t formed until

an explicitly Chinese lodge in

Chan says that bonding is the

always there to help and you can

2015

reflected the world around it.

(The first Hispanic lodge in

meal at a Chinese restaurant.

“That’s where the bonding occurs.”

that door, another one opened.

2014

is that the fraternity has always

afterward,” he says—often a group

Lodge matter seemed to close

2013

race or religion, but the reality

MEMBERS OF THE CHINESE ACACIA CLUB OVER THE YEARS. TODAY THE GROUP NUMBERS ABOUT 50 MEMBERS.

2012

that candidates cannot be denied membership on the basis of their

A SCROLL FEATURES THE NAME OF THE CHINESE ACACIA CLUB AND THE PRESIDING GRAND MASTER. IT READS: “WITHIN THE FOUR SEAS, ALL MEN ARE BROTHERS.”

500

7

T H E M O S A I C

CFM: What are the most common Masonic tattoos

expect it to take off, but it did. We probably tat-

you’ve done?

tooed 20 people that day. And since it was open

RC: Square and compass tattoos are the most pop-

to families and friends, we even tattooed some of

ular, but I try to grease it up—add my own design.

the wives.

I’ve also done a few sleeves with allegories from the first, second, and third degrees. I’ve done some Shriner tattoos, some sacred geometry designs.

I’ve also tattooed people with their lodge logos, and I’ve even helped create logos for a few lodges.

I made a design for Martinez № 41. Apparently, it’s the home of the martini, so the design had a martini glass in it.

CFM: Do you see a connection between Masonry and your artwork?

RC: I think tattoos are like a rite of passage. You’re going to be a Mason as long as that tattoo is around.

We see them as a reminder, too—a representation of something greater than us. Also, if you’re a brother and you see someone with an obscure Masonic tattoo, you give them a nod or a look.

CFM: And I’ve heard you’ve even given some tattoos in Masonic lodges, right?

RC: Yes, in September our lodge hosted a Tiki Tat-

CFM: What would you say was the goal of those events?

RC: Besides bringing brothers together for a good time, these events are our way to engage with a younger crowd. By hosting really unique events, we break the stigma that Masons are just stuffy older guys. I even designed

the flyers. When peo“Square ple see a cool event and compass that’s out of the ordinary, or even a tattoos are curious-looking flyer, the most they’re more likely to show up. popular, but I try to grease CFM: What’s it like knowing your designs it up—add my are going to be on own design.” someone’s body permanently?

too social event. We had three tattoo artists, includ-

RC: Tattooing is a very personal interaction, espe-

ing me, from different lodges come out. We created

cially as it’s a profession where you’re allowed to

some Masonic designs in advance, people chose

touch another human. It lowers a person’s walls.

one, and we’d tattoo them on the spot. I didn’t

I get to hear their whole life story, and not just through Masonry. It’s always awesome to tattoo a brother—and yeah, it’s also nerve-racking.

RENE CENICEROS AT WORK IN HIS LOS ANGELES STUDIO.

CFM: How did you first learn about Freemasonry?

RC: I’ve known about the craft since I was a child. I think I was 12 when I first saw that episode of The

MEMBER PROFILE

Rene Ceniceros

Simpsons about the Stonecutters. At my grandfather’s funeral I noticed his Masonic ring, and I asked my uncle about it. He told me to ask him again when I turned 18. So Masonry was always in the back of my head. It turns out my family in

California Freemason: I understand you’re an

Tijuana is actively involved in Masonry, so I plan

expert on Masonic tattoos.

to visit some lodges there when I get the chance.

Rene Ceniceros: I’ve been tattooing for 16 years;

Channel Islands No 214

I’m mostly known for my black and gray and fine-

CFM: What do you most enjoy about being a

line work. During the pandemic, I started my own

Mason?

Member since 2015

clothing line, Sanctum Secretum, with a lot of my

RC: A little bit of everything. The camaraderie, the

Masonic tattoo designs and imagery. One of the

teachings, the esotericism. As a parent raising two

Tattoo artist and clothing designer

reasons I like doing Masonic tattoos for broth-

young men, Masonry has helped teach me patience

ers is that since I’m a Mason, they don’t have to

and understanding. Also, being with like-minded

8

explain these symbols’ meaning to me or give away

people, I’m able to connect with brothers who are

any secrets. I’ve even corrected some Masonic tat-

also parents, and it’s great to share insight with

toos where there’s a missing detail or something’s

them about parenting and ultimately how to raise

pointed the wrong direction.

our kids to be better than us.

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

PHOTOS BY MATHEW REAMER

ABOVE RIGHT: COURTESY OF MUSEO NACIONAL THYSSEN-BORNEMISZA

SYMBOLOGY

Dear Johns

WHY DO MASONS RECOGNIZE THE TWO SAINTS JOHN?

FREEMASONRY HAS MANY unexplained mysteries in its ritual, one of which is the reference to the “Holy Saints John,” whom Masons around the world recognize as their patron saints with feast days on June 24 and December 27. But why St. John?

And why two?

There isn't a single answer. One theory is that in John the Baptist (the “forerunner” of Jesus) and the apostle John (called the “Evangelist” for his authorship of the Gospel of John in the New Testament), the figures embody the dual nature of Masonry: the passion of the baptist and the faith of the apostle. (Underscoring that duality, their feast days align closely with the summer and winter solstice.)

Other people say the custom came from the practice of Masons taking their obligations on a Bible opened to the first chapter of the Gospel of John. The “word of God” referred to in that chapter echoes the “Mason word” referenced in the ritual. In tilers’ registers from the 18th century, some members even referred to themselves as “St. John’s SEE A VIDEO FEATURE ON Masons.” From that, we can assume that the ST. JOHN’S FEAST DAY. connection to the “Holy Saints John” in the Masonic ritual originated with St. John the Evangelist. And we can assume that the reference to St. John the Baptist as the second patron saint of Freemasonry came later. None of this can be proven, of course. But I think it’s as good a guess as any.

—JOHN COOPER, PGM

Watch Online

—Justin Japitana

9

T H E M O S A I C

REFRESHMENT

“Most People Treat It Like a Dare” HARMONY AND HAGGIS AT A MASONIC BURNS NIGHT SUPPER.

PIPING IN THE GUESTS

ADDRESS TO A HAGGIS

Traditionally, attendees

The haggis, the centerpiece

are welcomed into the

of the meal, is marched in as

event with music from

special guest recites the poem

a bagpiper.

“Address to a Haggis.”

culinary end up in his wheelhouse.

For Academia, we’re not one

He takes the food very seriously.

of those lodges where families

For the cock-a-leekie, he puts a sort

are involved all the time. It’s the

of classic, Eastern European Jew-

one big night where our families

ish spin on it. It’s really delicious

come out, so for us it’s special.”

and very much in the spirit of the thing. For people who don’t want

“We do have a piper, but the

“Finding haggis is tricky. For

the haggis, we’ve had venison or

tradition at Academia is that

years, I’d drive up to Dixon to

different things, too. Sometimes

it’s always kind of a disaster,”

the legendary Alex Henderson of

salmon—a good Scottish fish.”

Brookshire says with a laugh.

the Scottish Meat Pie Company,

“He’s always late, or sick, or

before he passed away. He used

something else is wrong. You

to include the ‘full tuck.’ That’s

know how people say, ‘What if

part of the sheep’s lung. Anyway,

it rains?’ Our joke is, ‘What if

that’s my standard. Now I use a

something goes wrong with the

shop in Berkeley. That’s as close

piper? Oh, it will.’”

as I’ve come to Alex’s.”

ENTERTAINMENT Guests recite Burns’s poems and songs, often including “To a Mouse,” “Tam o’Shanter,” and others.

“We usually have someone read ‘Green Grow the Rashes.’ I like ‘A Man’s a Man for a’ That.’ We’ve never had anyone read any of Burns’s Masonic poems, such as ‘A Farewell to the Brethren of St. James Lodge,’ or ‘The Mason’s Apron.’ We should, though.”

TOAST TO THE LASSIES

I t may b e th e sta r of the meal, but even at the yearly Burns

Traditionally, a male guest

Supper at Oakland’s Academia

recognizes the women in

Lodge № 847, where members

attendance with a good-natured

gather to remember the legend-

and humorous speech.

ary poet, Scottish national hero, and proud Freemason Robert

AULD LANG SYNE The event closes with the singing of Burns’s most famous song—a staple of New Year’s and Masonic gatherings around the world.

“Even before that, we always sing ‘Scot’s Wha Hae,’ then we go into ‘Auld Lang Syne.’ Everyone holds hands around the horseshoe table. Ironically, we do the Chain of Union at our lodge meetings

“It’s not exactly Toastmasters,

and at the end of degrees, but not

Burns, master Ben Brookshire

but people show their wit and

at Burns Night. Maybe we will

admits that there are some who

usually live up to the occasion.

this year.”

approach the haggis with a bit of skepticism. “Most people treat it like a dare,” he says of the infamous dish.

Haggis aside, the members of

10

THE SELKIRK GRACE

THE MEAL A traditional Burns Supper

The event host welcomes

includes, along with the haggis,

and introduces guests and

“neeps and tatties” (mashed

reads a short Scots prayer

turnips and potatoes),

to usher in the meal.

“cock-a-leekie” (chicken soup),

Academia № 847 (led by the late

resemblance to a Masonic fes-

Arthur Porter, seen at far right)

tive board. From the ritual pierc-

have wholeheartedly embraced

ing of the haggis to recitations of

Burns Night as a special date on

classic Burns songs and poems

the fraternal calendar. Burns,

like “A Red, Red Rose” and

“Acting as the chairman of the

who was raised in 1781 in St.

“Auld Lang Syne,” the classic

Burns Night is sacred for me.

David’s № 174 in Tarbolton, in

dinner program follows a well-

I’m proud of being master of the

South Ayrshire, Scotland, is

worn itinerary. Here, Brookshire

lodge, of being a 32nd degree,

have a self-described foodie in

recognized by Scots around the

explains how the lodge recog-

but one of the things I’m most

Jonathan Hirshon, who runs a

world on January 25 each year

nizes the poet laureate of the

proud of is being chairman of

blog called the Food Dictator.

with a feast that bears a great

lodge. —Ian A. Stewart

the dinner.”

He’s a true gourmet. So all things

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JONATHAN HIRSHON; ILLUSTRATIONS: ALAMY

and more—with generous helpings of whisky.

“We are blessed at Academia to

MEMBERS OF ACADEMIA № 847 INSIDE THE LODGE ROOM. THE GROUP HOSTS AN ELABORATE ANNUAL BURNS SUPPER EACH JANUARY, HELD IN HONOR OF THE LATE ARTHUR PORTER (ABOVE).

11

T H E M O S A I C ON DISPLAY

GRAND MASTER RANDY BRILL ANNOUNCES A NEW GIFT FROM THE CALIFORNIA MASONIC FOUNDATION TO THE SAN DIEGO SCHOOL DISTRICT.

Symbolic Gesture

A NEW EXHIBITION SHINES A LIGHT ON A HISTORIC MASONIC ARTWORK CHOCK-A-BLOCK WITH FRATERNAL MEANING. I f a p ict ure’s wort h a thousand words, then what’s a never-before-seen glimpse into the symbology of a secret and mystical fraternal order worth? That’s the question at the heart of a new exhibition from the Henry Wilson Coil Library and Museum of Freemasonry, Illustrations of Masonry. The exhibition breaks down the illustrated engravings by artist John Pine that adorn the frontispiece of James Anderson’s 1723 Constitutions of Free-Masonry, the first-ever rulebook for the organization. Before its printing, these symbols had never been seen before.

On the 300th anniversary of its publication, museum director Joe Evans explains these depictions were so groundbreaking.

—IAS THE SUN GOD APOLLO IN CHARIOT “APOLLO IS THE REPRESENTATION OF CLASSICAL LITERATURE AND KNOWLEDGE. YOU COULD ARGUE THAT, AT THAT TIME, THE MASONIC LODGE WAS ONE OF THE ONLY PLACES THAT KNOWLEDGE WAS BEING KEPT. AT THE END OF THE RENAISSANCE, THAT WAS REALLY ATTRACTIVE TO PEOPLE.”

TWO FIGURES AT CENTER JOHN, THE SECOND DUKE OF MONTAGU (GRAND MASTER 1721–22), WITH HIS DEPUTY AND WARDENS HANDING THE CONSTITUTIONS TO HIS SUCCESSOR, PHILLIP, DUKE OF WHARTON (GRAND MASTER 1722–23).

PHILANTHROPY

All Revved Up

A NEW GIFT FROM THE MASONS IS HELPING KIDS GO UNDER THE HOOD. BY IAN A. STEWART

hands-on training in automotive, mechanical, and building trades, including cutting-edge and emerging fields like electric vehicle repair.

And now they’ll be able to bring even more of that career-readiness programming to students throughout the region. The California Masonic

“THIS IS WHERE THE FRATERNITY MOVES INTO THE ARISTOCRATIC REALM, AWAY FROM THE GUILDS AND TRADESPEOPLE. ONCE THE FIRST GRAND LODGE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1717, YOU SAW ELITES COMING IN AND THAT BECAME ATTRACTIVE TO OTHER ELITES; THAT’S HOW YOU GET YOUR PHILOSOPHERS AND PROFESSIONALS INTERESTED. THAT’S WHY SEEING THESE FIGURES IS SO IMPORTANT.”

Foundation in September pledged $390,000 over As Grand Master Randy Brill spoke this Octo-

three years to the district to expand its CCTE pro-

ber to the crowd of teachers, school administra-

gram. That includes launching a five-week Saturday

tors, and students gathered to celebrate a major

program focused on automotive systems, diagnos-

new gift from the Masons of California to the San

tics, and repairs, as well as a five-week summer

Diego Unified School District, all eyes kept turning

course. The grant will also help fund additional

to the giant blue and yellow rocketship parked just

staffing for the program.

behind him.

Well, not a rocketship, exactly. “Little Giant,” as

12

The curriculum is intended to show students that

the vessel is known, is the current electric land-

says California Masonic Foundation president Doug Ismail. “Many people still have the antiquated

a novel automotive technology program at Madi-

view that the only way to have a successful career is

son High School, more than 100 students have been

through a four-year-college program,” Ismail says.

busy rebuilding the behemoth, which is powered by

“Having access to CCTE programs enables students to understand that there is a strong pathway to a

The race car was a fitting visual reminder that

stable, living wage outside of a four-year program.”

this isn’t your grandpa’s shop class. Thanks to the

According to local projections, San Diego County

district’s College, Career, and Technical Educa-

expects 190,000 job openings in the construction

tion program, students at Madison High can get

and automotive trades through 2030.

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

“MASONS WHO’VE GONE THROUGH THEIR INITIATION WILL RECOGNIZE THIS FROM THE LECTURE IN THE SECOND DEGREE. THEY GO IN DESCENDING ORDER: DORIC, IONIC, CORINTHIAN, TUSCAN, COMPOSITE.”

there’s more than one path to a well-paid career,

speed record holder, at 353 mph. Working through

more than 1,100 prismatic lithium-ion batteries.

COLUMNS REPRESENTING THE ORDERS OF ARCHITECTURE

PHOTO BY MATHEW SCOTT

MAN CARRYING APRONS

THE 47TH PROPOSITION OF EUCLID

“THIS BOOK’S PUBLICATION REPRESENTS THE FIRST TIME ANYONE HAS SEEN MASONIC REGALIA DEPICTED LIKE THIS. BUT PEOPLE WOULD RECOGNIZE THAT THIS IS ABOUT RITUAL AND SPECIAL REGALIA. IT’S A BIG DEAL IN THE 17TH AND 18TH CENTURY— IT TELLS PEOPLE YOU BELONG TO A SPECIAL GROUP.”

“THIS IS WHERE THE GEOMETRY PART COMES IN. IT’S ONE OF THE REASONS MASONRY WAS ATTRACTIVE TO PEOPLE DURING THE AGE OF REASON. THE MASONS WERE SOME OF THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO’D MASTERED THESE LIBERAL ARTS. WITHIN A LODGE, MASONS WERE TEACHING APPRENTICES ABOUT GEOMETRY, MATHEMATICS, HOW A PLUMB WORKS—IT WAS LIKE GOING TO SCHOOL. NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE REALIZE THAT’S WHY LODGES WERE SO ATTRACTIVE.”

COURTESY OF THE HENRY WILSON COIL MUSEUM & LIBRARY OF FREEMASONRY

13

T H E M O S A I C

MEMBERS OF CROW CANYON № 551 CELEBRATE THEIR LODGE’S CENTENNIAL IN OCTOBER, INCLUDING OPENING A TIME CAPSULE FROM 1985.

a century ago weren’t so dissimilar from today’s, he says— not the least of which was the recovery from the great influenza epidemic.

Emmanuel Rafisura, master of Crow Canyon № 551, chaired his group’s centennial this fall, for which the lodge also produced a history booklet. (Like many lodges today, Crow Canyon is an amalgamation of eight consolidated East Bay outfits; two of those, Lakeshore № 551 and Chateau Thierry № 569, were chartered in 1923.) He, too, marveled at the ways in which Masons a century apart expressed concerns about similar issues—membership, ritual quality, community relations—while acknowledging that his lodge often meets in the decidedly 21stcentury forum of Zoom.

HISTORY

Centennial Salute A SURGE OF NEW LODGES 100 YEARS AGO CONTINUES TO REVERBERATE TODAY.

Driving that theme home,

40

30

BY IAN A. STEWART

as part of the lodge’s centeninterwar years and a concerted

nial, members of Crow Canyon

effort by the Grand Lodge to pro-

opened a time capsule that had

mote new and smaller lodges.

been placed in the Castro Val-

“The smaller lodge … encourages

ley Masonic Center when that

a greater proportion of atten-

temple was built in 1985. In it,

dance,” wrote Grand Master

they found newspapers, corre-

David Reese in 1924.

spondence from the Masonic

As his term as Grand Master

A century later, the fraternity is

of California came to a close in

still feeling the ripple effect from

the fall of 1923, Arthur Saxe Crites

that eruption of Masonic activ-

detect a note of familiarity there,

tallied up his travels for the year:

ity, in the form of almost non-

as small, intimate lodges have

Looking forward, Rafisura

In all, he’d logged some 38,000

stop centennial celebrations.

come back into vogue. It’s not

says the lodge plans to replace

miles, the result of so many trips

Consider: In October 2023 alone,

the only way in which the echoes

the capsule, with a few mod-

around the state for cornerstone

Pacific Rim № 567, Sunnyside

of time are ringing out, says Bob

ern additions. “We’ll add some

events, officers’ installations—

№ 577, Crow Canyon № 551,

Jackson, secretary of Harding

covid tests,” he says with a

and especially new lodge open-

and Ross Valley № 556 all recog-

San Juan № 579. Over the sum-

chuckle.

ings. That year, Crites granted a

nized 100th anniversaries.

whopping 39 charters to newly

That’s because new lodge

formed lodges. In 1924, his suc-

development in California

cessor would grant another 30.

peaked in the years between 1922

Of those, 54 are either still active

and 1925, the result of an influx

or part of a consolidated lodge.

of new members during the

14

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

20

1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929

10

A CENTURYOLD BOOM New lodge openings peaked in the middle of the 1920s.

California Masons today may

TRAVELODGE

Behind the Iron Curtain, a Masonic Brotherhood A MASONIC TOUR TO BUDAPEST SHOWS MASONRY STEPPING OUT OF THE UNDERGROUND.

WHAT BEGAN AS A CHANCE encounter turned into a trip of a lifetime this summer for a traveling team of California Masons.

In September, a Masonic tour group from South Pasadena № 290, Alhambra № 322, Wisdom № 202, and Pasadena № 272 traveled to Budapest, Hungary, to meet with brothers from a world away. For most of the past 100 years, Freemasonry there has existed underground, having only been legalized in 1989. Today the Symbolic Grand Lodge of Hungary comprises 17 lodges and 400 members.

The seed for the trip was planted a year earlier, during a tour to England, during which District № 717 inspector Paul Bazerkanian and others were introduced to the current Grand Master of Hungary, Andor Àkos Szilágyi, who invited them to visit a degree conferral in Budapest.

So this year they did just that, sitting in on a first-degree conferral led by Iván Kamarás of Kazinczy Lodge № 15. (Interestingly, Kamaras was raised as a Mason at South Pasadena № 290.) The California delegation also staged a third-degree exemplification for their Hungarian hosts. The visit concluded with a symposium led by Attila Pók, a Mason and historian at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences; and representatives from the grand lodges of Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Colombia.

Esteban Lopez, a member of the tour group, was impressed by the commitment to Masonry on display. “Even under all current circumstances, people are still willing to come together to practice Masonry,” he says. Bazerkanian says his party forged relationships he expects will last a lifetime. “They’re already talking about going back,” he says.

—JUSTIN JAPITANA FROM LEFT: PAUL BAZERKANIAN, IVÁN KAMARÁS (MASTER OF KAZINCZY LODGE № 15 IN HUNGARY), HUNGARIAN GRAND MASTER ANDOR ÀKOS SZILÁGYI, DENNIS YEN, AND RON LEWIS.

youth orders, and several Susan B. Anthony coins.

mer, his group recognized the 100th anniversary of Warren J. Harding Lodge in Sacramento with a celebration and the publication of a lodge history. Many of the challenges facing Masons

PHOTOS BY WINNI WINTERMEYER

More Online

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

RIGHT: COURTESY OF ESTEBAN LOPEZ

15

The world is an increasingly bitter and divisive place. Can Masonry hold the key to unlocking a new paradigm?

BY TONY GILBERT

ILLUSTRATION BY FRANK STOCKTON

17

RIVING TO LODGE dinner, the

Masonic forefathers had that attitude, we wouldn’t

news playing on the car radio is

have a United States as it’s designed today,” he says.

focused on the conflict in Israel

In Masonry, there’s a perfect scaffolding to help mem-

and Gaza. There are also updates

bers engage in precisely those kinds of challenging

on Ukraine, book bans, and protests on college cam-

conversations. “We as Masons are better equipped

puses. National strikes, gas pipeline development,

than any other organization or society that I can think

housing battles, a debate over rising crime. Then

of, including religious organizations, to do this work.”

“Freemasonry, in its lowest common denominator, is a means of teaching us to treat others with dignity and respect.”

there’s the election, for which the lodge will trans-

Anyway, Masons can hardly claim to exist outside

form into a neighborhood polling place in less than

the reach of politics. Consider: Among the many issues

political platform is available for anyone to read on his

that the Masons of California line up behind is support

campaign website, he tries to leave that behind when

a year’s time.

None of that comes up during the dinner. The

for public schools. And yet public schools today are

sitting in lodge. “As a practice, Masonry is at its best

Masons gathered here shake hands, smile, and

ground zero for many flashpoints in the so-called cul-

when politics are set aside and the hand of friendship

exchange pleasant banter about their kids, an

ture wars, from bathroom bills to critical race theory,

and brotherly love is extended,” he says.

upcoming lodge barbecue, and the football season.

to say nothing of larger debates around charter schools,

At the end of the night, everyone piles back into their

private school vouchers, and historical curricula.

cars to drive home, the airwaves full again of nonstop news coverage.

Or as Maynard Edwards, the host of the Tyler’s Place podcast, puts it, “The minute you’re in the lodge

And of course individual Masons have just as

room, the door’s closed and we have a gentleman’s

deeply held stances on these topics as anyone. So

agreement not to discuss those things that are going

One of the most famous—and famously difficult—

why don’t lodge discussions of Public Schools Month

to divide us. We put those things aside and we show

maxims of Freemasonry is that politics and religion

devolve into riotous sideshows? To Charvonia, it’s

up for the purpose of improving ourselves and our communities.”

shouldn’t be discussed in lodge. The benefits are

because Masonry incorporates elements of reasoned

obvious: preserving a sense of harmony and coopera-

debate into its core lessons. “Freemasonry, in its

That silence has echoes in the Masonic ritual.

tion among people from a wide range of backgrounds

lowest common denominator, is a means of teaching

Before they take their degrees, new initiates are given

and with a diverse set of beliefs. But in a world in

us to treat others with dignity and respect,” he says.

time alone to meditate or ponder, in what Masons in

which nearly everything, from your pronouns to your

“All the tools, the language, how we operate a lodge

some countries still refer to as a chamber of reflec-

vaccine status, has become a political statement of

room, how we respect and transfer authority—it all

tion. The initiate quiets his mind and clears a calm

sorts, the question stands: Can anyone really avoid

boils down to treating others with dignity and respect.”

of England was formed in the early 18th century,

space, far away from the mundanities and noise

Marshall Goodman, of Lakewood № 728 in Long

the English Civil Wars were still a relatively recent

outside the lodge room. The ensuing drama encap-

It’s now taken for granted that politics have

Beach, has seen that firsthand. As mayor of La Palma,

memory. There was clearly an appetite to tamp down

become hyper-partisan, polarized, and, perhaps

he presided over contentious local debates that ran

political rhetoric within the craft.

worst of all, all-encompassing. A simple conversation

the gamut from police funding to ordinances over the

In the United States, an additional reason to limit

today can feel like navigating a minefield, in which

color of city-approved housepaint (really). When he

lodges’ political visibility was the rise of the anti-

erstwhile neutral topics have taken on new dimen-

arrived at lodge, there was no hiding his position on

Masonry movement and the Anti-Masonic Party in

sions of divisive connotation. Given that reality, can

those matters—they were a matter of public record.

the 1820s and 1830s. Many of America’s earliest lead-

politics? Should they?

Masons really live up to their ideal any longer? And

And yet his fellow Masons didn’t try to shout him

ers were Masons, including many of the Founding

if so, is there a secret to Masonic engagement that

down, as can sometime happen at city council meet-

Fathers and framers of the Constitution, but that

might be replicated outside of the lodge?

ings. The lodge existed as a totally separate space—

point of pride for the fraternity eventually soured

and it is. Because there are a different set of rules.

into distrust of the fraternity. For nearly two decades,

For Russ Charvonia, the answer to both is a

The chain of union bonds Masons together.

In the absence of such rituals, can members re-create their lessons outside the lodge?

sulates the profound beauty and poetry that Freemasonry has to offer. In so many words, it marks the boundary between the profane and the sacred. Why then would we allow something so profane as politics to intrude upon our sacred inner temple?

I

F THE INHARMONIOUS topics of politics and religion are verboten in the lodge room,

what about the lodge parking lot? Or on the

S

seem to dominate every other part of our

To contemporary Masons, there’s a simpler reason

Since 2011, he has led civility workshops for more

lives? It isn’t just about preserving the peace; when

to put a lid on such talk: because politics are divisive.

Charvonia is adamant that Masonry’s strength isn’t

than 100 lodges and Masonic organizations, and his

it comes to the prohibition against political talk in

“Politics, like religion, divide rather than unify,” says

in simply making politics taboo. In fact, he encourages

2021 book, The Civility Mosaic, uses the framework

lodge, there’s a particular historical context to it.

Peter Coe Verbica of Mt. Moriah № 292. Verbica has

Masons to have more difficult conversations, not fewer.

“When we get to a point where we bristle at talking

resounding yes. Charvonia, a past grand master and member of Channel Islands № 214, has taken this issue on directly, launching the Civility Project, a series of talks, resources, and conferences aimed at helping people communicate across political divides.

Anti-Masonry was a powerful third political party and

lodge Facebook page? There are clearly practical rea-

membership in many Masonic lodges plummeted. In

sons for keeping distractions to a minimum during

O HOW IS IT that Masonry is able to set

that atmosphere, limiting political chatter wasn’t just

lodge meetings and focusing on the business at hand.

aside the kinds of vicious political fights that

about polite behavior; it was a matter of basic survival.

But Masons interact as much outside the four walls of the lodge as within them.

of Freemasonry—with its working tools symbolizing

The rules around political and religious talk are a

a somewhat unusual perspective on the issue: He’s a

patience, tolerance, and respect—to describe a new

distinctly British Masonic phenomenon. (The United

rancher, financial planner, and published poet, and in

about anything that could be politically interpreted,

paradigm for how we can “have rational and produc-

States and many other jurisdictions are derived from

2022 he was a candidate for the state Board of Equal-

we’re potentially missing out on important conversa-

tive discussions about hard subjects.”

the English tradition, and in fact Masonic lodges

ization. He is currently chair of his party’s county cen-

tions,” he says. By opening ourselves to opinions and

To Charvonia, Masons shouldn’t avoid uncom-

in many other countries take on a much more dis-

tral committee, a state delegate, and part of his state

experiences that are different from our own, we give

fortable topics for the sake of politeness. “If our

tinctly political bent.) When the United Grand Lodge

party’s executive and proxy committees. While his

ourselves the capacity to grow, he says.

18

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

PHOTO BY MATTHEW REAMER

19

Masonry provides a useful template for engaging and-blue) framework. By taking the structure and

See the person, not just their politics

with others outside of the black-and-white (or red-

ceremony or golden veteran’s award. Almost a decade later, he can’t recall many of the particulars about those Masonic events, but he remembers the

strictures of Masonry and re-creating them in the

There is humanity behind someone’s politics, a face

beach cleanups, the soup kitchen volunteering, and

outside world, Charvonia says Masons have a unique

behind the mask, an individual within the group, and

the tree plantings. In fact, he still gets messages from

opportunity to usher in a new era of civil dialogue.

a name beyond the label. Politics are actually quite

Masons with photos of some of those trees and a note

“When I talk to Masons about how we deal with each

transitory. Platforms peter out, adjust, and swing all

about how much they’ve grown. “That’s your common

other upon the square or how we use the compass

the time. People change and switch sides. And the

ground,” he says. “That’s working for a greater good.”

to keep our passions within due bounds, they agree

causes that people were willing to die for yesterday

these are concepts that can work for non-Masons,

might be forgotten tomorrow. (Try to pick a fight

too,” he says. “We should share these not in the name

today about “free silver” and you won’t find nearly

of Masonry, but because it’s the right thing to do.”

as many takers as you might have in 1895.) A per-

So how can we re-create the Masonic ideal of

G

son’s politics and worldview will be influenced by

EORGE WASHINGTON may be the most famous Mason in American history, and Masons have gone to great

harmony in the outside world while recognizing that

their surroundings and circumstances. So perhaps

each of us still have our own set of views, values, and

when our first reaction is to disagree with someone’s

lengths to highlight the bond between him and his brotherhood. So perhaps they should look to him

experiences that we feel passionately about? Charvo-

politics, we should at least recognize that what we are

when thinking about how to approach handling poli-

nia lays it out like this.

witnessing is the totality of that person’s experiences

tics in their own lives.

and perceptions, which can change.

First, set ground rules

Washington did not belong to any political party—

“A lack of empathy is typically the culprit for

he’s the only American president not to. In fact,

Charvonia, who works as a mediator outside of Free-

societal and political stalemates, and we seem to

Washington was quite clear about his stance on par-

masonry, often jokes with fellow Masons about how

have many components within our society trading

tisanship in his Farewell Address, published in 1796.

much easier life would be if you could carry a gavel

empathic approaches for self-serving ones,” Good-

around with you and call order to conversations that

man, the ex-mayor, says.

were getting out of hand. But while that’s probably

In Masonry, members presume a level of decency

not going to happen, there are ways to establish rules

in their fellow brothers, Charvonia point out. “For

of decorum regarding emotionally fraught issues.

millennia, people have survived by making judge-

First, he says, suggest that parties agree to certain

ments about people in certain situations. But we

“Politics can get in the way of public service,” he

ground rules in order to maintain productive dia-

need to flip that on its head and assume that people

says. “I think party affiliation should be kept out of

logue. Allow both parties to add more as they see fit.

we’re in contact with are decent people. Occasionally,

local government, because these are nonpartisan

“Most people, if their motives are pure, tend to abide

we’ll be proven wrong. But I want to be proven wrong

positions. There is too much important groundwork

by them,” Charvonia says.

occasionally rather than assume everyone’s a jerk.”

to be done to let any party matters or political strat-

So what are the rules of engagement? Use Masonry

Focus on service

as a model: Listen patiently and don’t interrupt. Avoid framing dialogue as an argument. Allow and welcome counterpoints. Keep your passions within due bounds.

Establish shared goals Verbica, the rancher turned candidate, points out that there’s a wide swath of unclaimed territory between the two political extremes where most people share common ground. In his political life, he says, “Rather than argue with reflexive presumptions, I try to have conversations around economic issues.” That takes the emotional sting out of thorny topics. It also allows people to start from a baseline

Past Grand Master Russ Charvonia hosts a series of civility conferences, including one in 2018 held at the George Washington National Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia.

[T]he spirit of Party [...] serves always to

them. As Charvonia says, “If we’re engaged in the service of others, it’s just harder to be a schmuck.”

Goodman says the world of politics needs to take a cue from Masonry on that score.

egizing get in the way of serving constituents.”

Masonry has much to teach us about servant leader-

Take action

ship, says Frank Udvarhely, a member of Eureka №

Masonry and Masonic lodges provide an opportu-

16 in Auburn. Udvarhely is the district representative

nity for members to take on the problems they see

for an elected member of the Placer County board

in their own community, often without the baggage

Members of Crocker Lodge No. 212 socialize at a recent New Officer Installation ceremony in San Francisco.

distract the Public Councils and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the Community with ill founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot & insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence & corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. [Parties] are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the Power of the People, & to usurp for themselves the reins of Government.”

of supervisors. Before that, he served with numer-

of national politics attached to them. (Whatever you

Curiously, Washington’s fears for the young

ous volunteer groups in his community, including

think about the curriculum of your local schools, we

nation were not necessarily existential threats, but

the Greater Auburn Area Fire Safe Council, Leader-

can usually agree that handing out school supplies

rather internal threats within people’s hearts and

ship Rocklin, Municipal Advisory Council for Placer

to kids is a good thing.) Lodges give us a forum to

souls. He speaks about “jealousies,” “animosity,” and “riot,” which all come about when passions run wild.

County, Rotary Club of South Placer, and Stand Up

do that, locally and statewide through the Califor-

Placer. “It’s about service above self,” he says. “That

nia Masonic Foundation. That kind of public service

means I’m doing something wholeheartedly for the

isn’t partisan.

benefit of somebody else, with no expected gain.”

And, not for nothing, it feels good: “We feel better

Sound familiar? Learning to subdue one’s passions and to seek harmony are precisely Masonic virtues, and the restraint and self-mastery that are

of shared values. For instance, we all want safe and

Within a Masonic lodge, officer’s positions and

about ourselves when we do for others,” Charvonia

extolled in Masonry stand in contrast to the hubris

supportive schools for our children. We may disagree

the elevated titles that come with them, like worship-

says. “Feeling like you’re part of the solution is liberat-

and blustering Washington warned against. Each of

about how to achieve that, but if our North Star is

ful master, aren’t about praise and plaudits. They’re

ing. If you can do some good, taking action matters.”

us individually can choose to subdue with restraint

building toward that shared goal, our conversation is

about an obligation to act in service of the group. Plus,

Charvonia recalls his time as grand master, during

our raw emotions or allow these to smolder into all-

building toward something concrete and not simply

by placing others at the forefront of our thoughts and

which he would organize a day of public service to

consuming flames. Almost 230 years later, that admo-

rehashing partisan points of conflict.

actions, people can transcend the issues that divide

accompany every visit he made for a cornerstone

nition is as relevant as ever. Just ask a Mason.

20

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

PHOTO BY WINNI WINTERMEYER

21

with you civilly. They know the whole context of your life. They can say that even if they disagree with you on a certain issue, they love you anyway. They

IS IT MANLY TO TALK ABOUT

POLITICS

<Religion> sMONEY ?

BY B R E T T McKAY

know that your opinions on certain topics represent just one part of who you are.

With someone new, however, all they know about you is limited to what you’ve said in the last half hour. The little slice of yourself you’ve presented is all they have to go on, and they’ll take it as indicative of your entire life. They don’t have the context to say, “We disagree on X, but we still have enough in common to build a great relationship.” everyone, all of the time, it’s best to move into dicier

HAVE A DISCUSSION RATHER THAN AN ARGUMENT

So while it’s tempting to let it all hang out with stuff gradually—to first build a supportive scaffold-

What’s the difference? A wise writer put it this way:

ing of trust and respect. Yet even though this is gener-

“In discussion you are searching for the truth, and

ally the wisest, and certainly the safest route, taking

in argument you want to prove that you are right. In

it needn’t be a hard and fast rule.

discussion, therefore, you are anxious to know your

For all the above being said, charged topics not

neighbor’s views, and you listen to him. In argu-

only have the greatest potential for division, but

ment, you don’t care anything about his opinions,

also carry the greatest possibility for bonding. And

you want him to hear yours, hence, while he’s talk-

they can in fact be talked about with someone new,

ing you are simply thinking over what you are going

as long as you do so with care, intelligence, and an

to say as soon as you get a chance.”

open mind, following these guidelines:

INTRODUCE A CHARGED TOPIC GENTLY AND GRADUALLY RATHER THAN STRONGLY AND OVERTLY

differ, and the common ground you share.

long believed that religion is the opiate of the masses,” ask, “Are you religious?” or “Do you go to

Questions like, “How can you feel that way?” and

church regularly?”

“Why do you believe that?” make the other person feel attacked and create defensiveness. Instead, pose

than one anticipates), conversations on politics and

that you should never discuss religion,

religion are too interesting and enjoyable to give

FEEL OUT THEIR INTEREST.

money, or politics with people.

up. These are some of the most animating parts of

If you float a controversial topic into conversation

life, after all.

and the other person doesn’t bite, don’t force it.

In terms of discussing these

“charged” topics with good friends you’ve known

But when it comes to avoiding the topics of poli-

a while, this adage is overly cautious. While you

tics, religion, and money with new acquaintances—

should probably proceed with caution when it

folks you’ve just met—there’s a reason this piece of

comes to talking about money (it can produce

advice is so timeworn. The introduction of these

ripple effects and reactions that are more visceral

“controversial” subjects can lead to a conversation

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

arrived at their convictions, where your positions

ASK “WHAT” QUESTIONS RATHER THAN “WHY” OR “HOW” QUESTIONS

O U’VE PROBABLY heard it said

The following article was reprinted with permission from The Art of Manliness. Brett McKay is a member of Lodge Veritas № 556 in Norman, Okla., and an expert on “manliness.”

Read more at artofmanliness.com.

22

Instead of trying to convert someone you’ve just met to your side, aim to understand how they’ve

For example, rather than suddenly asserting, “I’ve

Y

“For all the above being said, charged topics not only have the greatest potential for division, but also carry the greatest possibility for bonding.”

“what” questions that show your interest in understanding their position: “What makes you feel that way?” “What has led you to come to that conclusion?”

Move on to something else.

KEEP CALM At little bit of heat keeps things interesting, but too

getting overly heated, create misunderstandings,

DON’T ASSUME SOMEONE SHARES YOUR CONVICTIONS BEFORE THEY’VE SAID SO

cause people to take offense, and end a relationship

For example, if you want to talk about politics,

ous, change the subject, rather than continuing to

before it’s even begun.

rather than saying, “Trump’s a real clown, eh?” ask,

hit your new acquaintance over the head with your

The difference between discussing charged

“Did you watch Trump’s latest press conference?”

opinions.

topics with old and new friends rests on the fact that

From their answer, you’ll usually be able to assess

Any topic of conversation can be on the table as

among the former, you’ve already built a relation-

their feelings on an issue and decide how to couch

long as you handle it in a tactful way. All you really

ship of trust and respect that allows them to disagree

what you say next.

have to remember is this: stay kind and curious.

much animosity can repel. Avoid inflammatory language and try to keep the conversation friendly and fun. If things are veering toward the acrimoni-

23

When Sandy Kahn’s family’s legacy was questioned amid a bitter historical reckoning, he did something quintessentially Masonic: He changed the conversation and shone a light on an overlooked figure in his family’s story.

Name

BY IAN A . STEWART

WHAT’S IN A

I

While the legacy of his grandfather Julius Kahn has been debated, Sandy Kahn says it’s his grandmother, Florence Prag Kahn, who looms largest in the family's history.

N S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 , as the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Depart-

ment officially unveiled the new name for what’s now Presidio Wall Playground, the event went off with little fanfare. A modest delegation of

representatives from community groups were on hand as a new sign was revealed

by workers in orange reflective vests. They applauded politely and were soon on

their way. No one made any remarks. The ceremony took less than 10 minutes. A century earlier, when the park opened in honor of 12-term congressman Julius

Kahn, it was planned as a major event, with bands, children’s games, and all kinds of festivities. Perhaps ominously, that grand opening was rained out. ¶ Nearly 100 years later, the park was again the focus of the city’s attention, swept up in a larger debate about the ways in which cities honor certain historical figures— especially those whose legacies are being rethought “as part of a nationwide call to stop glorifying slave traders, antisemites, racists, and imperialists,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle. That effort included Congressman Kahn, the park’s namesake, who was the city’s first Jewish representative in Washington in 1899, but who was also responsible for helping pass an extension of the Chinese Expulsion Act, which prevented nearly all Chinese immigrants from gaining citizenship and many basic rights. In 2018, a resolution was brought to the city’s

24

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

PHOTO BY MARTIN KLIMEK

25

That, says the younger Kahn, who worked as an

Julius Kahn, a 12-term congressman from San Francisco, was the city’s first Jewish representative in Washington.

of Prag Kahn in 1984. “She introduced legislation for

estate-planning attorney for nearly 60 years in the

Workers unveil the new sign for Presidio Wall Playground, formerly Julius Kahn Playground.

Bay Area, is also by design—and a reflection of his half-century membership in the fraternity. Rather than remain at loggerheads over an emotionally charged issue, Masonry compels its members to find shared values around which to work. In doing so, Kahn invokes one of the most profound lessons

Island naval shipyard from closure, securing the funding for the Alameda Naval Base and Hamilton

tool of the compass is said to represent the ability

Air Force Base, and helping bring the Golden Gate

to “circumscribe our desires and keep our passions

International Expo of 1939 to Treasure Island. She

within due bounds.” In doing so, one demonstrates

also carried the legislation that led to the construc-

restraint and control, the basis for morality and

tion of the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge.

In his history of Jewish San Francisco, Cosmopoli-

And so, rather than argue on behalf of the man

San Francisco Board of Education, and one of only

who introduced the Selective Service Act, secured

nine women in her graduating class at the University

she represented a relatively conservative district in

the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Expo of San

of California in Berkeley, she proved to be a natural

the northern part of the city, she was, after all, a San

Francisco, and served as ranking chairman of the

for the job. Not only did she fulfill Kahn’s term, but

Francisco politician, prounion and broad-minded on

powerful Military Affairs Committee, Kahn pulls

she was elected five more times after that, in the pro-

social issues.”

out a fading leather binder full of family photos and

cess becoming one of the most powerful women in the country.

Durant Rockridge № 188 and the grandson of Con-

F

“She was such a compelling figure,” Sandy Kahn says of his grandmother, whom he knew well as a

ROM KAHN’S PERSPECTIVE, the good

child. “For as important as she was, at home she was

to come out of the debate over his grandfa-

sweet and loving, just a real family-oriented person.”

ther’s memory is that it’s afforded him an

She was also her own woman. Though she advo-

opportunity to shine a spotlight on another member

cated for expanded military budgets and pushed a

many people, the movement to grapple with the his-

of his family who has been largely overlooked. In fact,

hardline Republican defense

tory of racism in America has presented some tricky

it isn’t Julius Kahn that looms largest in the family

position in Congress, as her

dilemmas and emotionally thorny issues, as once-

history at all. It’s his wife. And in many ways, Flor-

husband had, she carved her

revered figures have come under new scrutiny. Espe-

ence Prag Kahn’s legacy not only rivals that of her

own path on many issues. Like

cially for Masons, this has led to a conundrum. For

better-known husband but it eclipses it.

gressman Kahn, disagrees vehemently with Yee. For

her husband, she was hawk-

250 years, the fraternity has pointed with pride to

While largely unknown today, Florence Prag

ish on military issues—she

its association with the Founding Fathers and other

Kahn stands as one of the most important and influ-

was even named to the same

civic leaders like Kahn (a member of St. Cecile №

ential women in local history. Upon her husband’s

Military Affairs Committee

568 in New York)—in many cases, the very figures

death in 1924, Prag Kahn was tapped in a special

Kahn had once chaired. But

being wrenched from their historic pedestals. For

election to finish his term in office, making her the

she also pushed many progres-

Kahn, it was personal, too.

first Jewish woman in Congress. However, Prag Kahn

sive social reforms, including

But rather than engage in what appeared to be

did more than just fulfill a so-called widow’s term. A

campaigning to repeal the Vol-

an unwinnable fight, Kahn, who lives at the Acacia

former teacher whose own mother had served on the

stead Act prohibiting the sale

Creek Retirement Community in Union City, chose another tack. He remains proud of his connection to one of San Francisco’s most influential politicians, not to mention one of the most important Jewish families on the West Coast. But he is more apt to use his grandfather’s memory as a launching point for a conversation about early San Francisco his-

of alcohol, opposing federal

Masonry compels its members to find shared values around which to work.

censorship laws, and fighting against “blue laws” forcing certain businesses to close on Sundays. “Running through all her legislation is a thread of concern for women’s rights and

tory than for an impassioned defense of his grand-

interests,” writes Alice Went-

father’s character.

zell, who penned a biography

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W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

but to elect women to political office. Among her

summarized in the Masonic degrees, in which the

starts to talk about someone else entirely.

Julius “Sandy” Kahn III, a member of Oakland

as a kind of early feminist leader, Wentzell says, and in later years she encouraged women not only to vote

ing from contemporary political argument. That is

board of supervisors to strip Kahn’s name from the

for today.”

While never recognized as a leading suffragette, Florence Kahn through her actions and words stood

chief accomplishments were protecting the Mare

park. Then-supervisor Norman Yee said, “Julius did not espouse the values that San Francisco stands

children to better their lives.”

of Masonry—and something Kahn believes is miss-

wisdom.

Kahn’s anti-Asian policies during the early 1900s

nurses and supported benefits for wives, widows, and

TOP LEFT: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS; TOP CENTER: COURTESY OF SFRP VIA INSTAGRAM

RIGHT: COURTESY OF THE BANCROFT LIBRARY, UC BERKELEY

tans, historian Fred Rosenbaum writes, “Though

More than that, Florence Kahn was a revered figure in Washington—a quick wit who became an

Florence Prag Kahn served five terms in Congress from 1925 to 1937.

“overnight hit on the congressional stage,” according to Hope Chamberlin in A Minority of Members. Her success, on the heels of her husband’s, “gave many Bay Area Jews a relative sense of security that lasted well into the 1930s, even while other American Jews were feeling more vulnerable than ever,” Rosenbaum writes.

legislation to provide citizenship to immigrant wives of Chineseborn U.S. citizens, and birthright citizenship for the children of Chinese and Japanese families living here. “Her attitude toward the Indigenous and Chinese was very progressive for her time,” Rosenbaum says.

Still, for all that, she is hardly a household name. Despite her immense popularity during her life, she “has been largely forgotten by the press, historians, and even the people,” Wentzell writes.

None of the physical testaments to her work—the Bay Bridge, Moffett Airfield, the Alameda Naval Base—acknowledge her contributions. Her name does not In 1929, Prag Kahn was appointed to the powerful Congressional Appropriations Committee, making her the first woman named to that body. It was there that she helped increase funding for the nascent Federal Bureau of Investigations, which led J. Edgar Hoover to lovingly refer to her as the “mother of the FBI.” Upon her death in 1948, Hoover served as a pallbearer at her funeral.

Sandy Kahn never met his grandfather, but he remembers Florence well. Despite her elevated stand-

appear on any parks, buildings, streets, or public

Sandy Kahn, a longtime Bay Area lawyer, is intent on keeping his family legacy alive—especially that of his grandmother, Florence Prag Kahn.

monuments. “She deserves more attention than she’s gotten,” Rosenbaum says. “I’m not sure why she hasn’t gotten it. She’s worth much more.”

So, while her name was floated for the renamed playground, in the end it wasn’t to be.

A group from the Pacific Heights Residents Association considered a dozen suggested names for the park, which it winnowed down to three. Only one person’s name made the final cut, alongside West

ing—Sandy recalls seeing some of the biggest names

Pacific Playground and Presidio Wall Playground.

in politics, from Hoover to Governor Earl Warren

That was Rhoda Goldman Playground, for the bene-

(the grand master of Masons in California in 1935),

factor who funded the playground’s clubhouse. The

drop by her apartment on Nob Hill in her later years—

group decided against even that.

he says she remained down-to-earth and matronly.

“This is a neighborhood that is devoted to fami-

“It wasn’t until much later on that I became aware of

lies and children, and it became clear to me, watch-

how important the Kahn family was,” he says.

ing what was eliminated and what rose to the top, that

S

because this is a playground for children, it should not get itself involved in large controversies,” Charlie

ANDY KAHN HAD HOPED that in

Ferguson, the head of the neighborhood group, told

the wake of the renaming debate at Julius

the Richmond Review. “A playground should remain

Kahn Playground, city leaders might use

mainly a playground, without controversy associated.

the opportunity to recognize his grandmother. In

And for that reason the names that may sound rather

her, they had an influential San Francisco leader;

blah rose to the top.”

one of the first elected women in Washington (and

For Sandy Kahn, it was a missed opportunity—

perhaps the first to wield significant power); and the

but not the final word. That, he says, will belong to

first Jewish woman to serve in Congress. She also

him and his children, ideally delivered while thumb-

offered a link to the influential Kahn family and to a

ing through the well-worn family scrapbook as they

golden era of Jewish history in San Francisco—with-

describe the good and the bad, the public statements

out the same baggage that attended her husband.

and the private moments, that made up his grandpar-

Rosenbaum points out that Prag Kahn championed

ents’ lives. That legacy, he says, lives on.

28

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

PHOTO BY MARTIN KLIMEK

BAND OF BROTHERS In Oklahoma, an Indian degree team is preserving the legacy of Native American Freemasonry.

29

incorporating elements of Native American dance,

“The Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree team is a representation of all of Oklahoma Masonry.”

songs, and prayer into the Masonic ritual.

California Freemason spoke with David Dill, the current secretary of the degree team and a member of Coweta № 251, about preserving that cultural history through Masonry. —Ian A. Stewart CFM: There’s a long history of Native American Masonry in Oklahoma. Is that something you’re

those with native prayer songs. Two of them are Ponca,

trying to consciously acknowledge through the

one is Kiowa. Then the second section—which is usu-

Indian Degree Team?

ally why people come to see us, when we put on our

David Dill: Yes, we are, and yes there’s a very long history of Indian Masonry in Oklahoma. Many of the most famous tribal leaders were all Masons, including the famous Cherokee leader and the founder John Ross, who belonged to Federal Lodge № 1. He also started Cherokee Lodge № 10 in Tahlequah. If you go there, they have pictures of all the past masters going back to the mid-1800s, and most of them were Native. I’m sure at some point in the past, Cher-

A member of the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team at a degree ceremony in Grapevine, Texas, with the Grand Master of Texas in 2022.

native regalia—that’s the main draw. I can’t get into too much detail, but if you know the third degree, we never do it the same way twice. We’re allowed to ad-lib a little bit based on the crowd, so we put our own spin on it. That’s the best way to describe it.

CFM: And you have a dance performance, too?

DD: That’s not part of the degree, but yes, we usually have a dance program prepared that we put on,

okee was the main language spoken at that lodge.

CFM: And the degree team represents many different tribes, is that right?

DD: The Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree team is a representation of all of Oklahoma Masonry—and there are a lot of Native Masons here. All of our members belong to lodges in Northeast Oklahoma, mostly

N SUMMARIZING the role of Masonry in Native American history, there’s a tendency to simplify. In her book Native American Freemasonry: Associationism and Performance in America, Joy Porter points to the seemingly endless supply of stories from the American frontier in which a white soldier is saved from imminent death by flashing a Masonic sign to a Native American attacker. Citing the Masonic writer

Members of the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team performed the third degree at St. Albans No.56 in Baldwin, New York, this fall.

history, particularly in places like Oklahoma,

in the Tulsa area. I am Muscogee Creek, and I live in

where Masonic lodges have played an instrumen-

the Muscogee Creek jurisdictional boundary. There’s

tal role within Native communities for more than

also Ottawa, Pawnee, Apache, Seminole, Choctaw.

150 years. (In 1909, the grand lodges of the Indian

There are probably seven or eight tribes represented,

Territories and the State of Oklahoma merged into

all from the northeast part of the state. At the same

one.) Many of the most influential Native leaders

time, it’s hard to recruit members. They need to have

there belonged to local lodges, and through those

the regalia—the dance clothes—all of which is hand-

lodges helped establish colleges, charities, and other

made. It’s not like you can go to a store and buy it. So

enduring civic institutions. Writes Porter, “Exam-

you have to find members who can make the outfits

William Denslow, she writes, “Such stories were so

ining Indian-Masonic fraternal relationships tends

and who are free to travel and take time off work, and

plentiful that… If you had not crossed the western

to paint a picture of, if not rosy cooperation, then

they also need to know the ritual work. So finding

plains without being assaulted by Indians, giving a

at least genuine and mutually enabling interaction.

brothers who can do all three can be a challenge. But

Masonic distress sign, and finally saved, you were

Reading Masonic records, we get a positive picture

we keep it going.

an exception to the rule.” In repeating these “mytho-

of interethnic brotherhood providing a basis for

historic facts,” Masonic historians have presented

growth in the west.”

CFM: What can you tell me about the performance

Masonry as a crucial instrument in smoothing rela-

These days, Native influence on Masonic life

itself ?

tions between white and Native Americans in the

in the region is practically ubiquitous, as many

19th century, not to mention between warring fac-

lodges retain names associated with tribes and

the Oklahoma ritual. And we add a little bit to that,

tions in the Indian Territories.

feature significant Native American membership.

which our Grand Lodge allows us to. All the language

DD: We do the Master Mason degree according to

While it’s true that Masonry’s particular role in

Nowhere is that more in evidence than through the

is there—everything that’s required to be raised as a

Indian-Anglo relations has perhaps been romanti-

Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team, an inter-

Master Mason is there. But we add some words here

cized in certain retellings, it’s also true that Native

lodge club formed in the 1960s that stages degree

and there. For example, in the Oklahoma ritual, at sev-

American Masonry has a long and distinguished

exemplifications while dressed in tribal regalia and

eral points there is music or a song, and we’ve replaced

30

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID DILL

31

end of the degree, we give the candidate a chance to speak, and it’s not uncommon to see them cry—to just be overcome with emotion. A lot of times, they’re not really able to say how they feel—they’re left speechless. The crowds are just as receptive. In New York, they gave us a standing ovation that seemed to go on and on. Of course, when we’re done and the lodge is closed, people come and shake our hands and tell us what it meant. So yeah, it does have an emotional impact on people. It’s fun to be a part of that and to share our outfits and our songs with people who’ve never gotten to experience that.

CFM: To experience a that blend of Native American culture and mainstream Masonry, you mean?

DD: Absolutely, that’s what makes it fun. I think that’s part of the appeal and why people want us to come. It’s Masonry, but it’s an Oklahoma Native spin which is also a chance for members’ families and kids to see us as well. It’s more like an educational program and demonstration of dances you’d see at an Oklahoma powwow. The outfits we wear are the same ones we’d wear to a powwow. They’re real eagle feathers, real buckskin leggings, real beadwork.

on it, if you will.

The degree team after a recent performance.

CFM: Is there any other place you’re able to tap into that particular subculture? Are there lodges on Native reservations?

DD: Well, all of them are, technically. Just recently, according to the McGirt Supreme Court ruling, all of

CFM: Are most of the degrees you perform for Native

the old tribal reservations still stand, so most people

American candidates?

in this part of Oklahoma live within a tribal jurisdic-

DD: It kind of depends. Sometimes we’ll get a candi-

tion. The city of Tulsa, for instance, has three res-

date who’s full-blood native and the lodge will request

ervations that intersect here: the Creek, Osage, and

it. We also perform at lots of other big events where

Cherokee. But even before that, most of the lodges

the lodge will ask us to come. We do a lot of 100th

here are named after tribes. There’s Muscogee №

anniversaries and big outdoor degrees. At this point,

28, there’s Creek № 226, also Cherokee № 10.

most people in Oklahoma have seen us; they’re kind of

Pawnee № 82. Just about all of them.

MASONIC ASSISTANCE

From the Heart

FOR DON GOLDBERG AND SANTA BARBARA № 192, OUTREACH ISN’T JUST AN OBLIGATION—IT’S AN IMPERATIVE. BY IAN A. STEWART

used to it now. But when we have an out-of-state event, we can draw a pretty big crowd.

Sometimes, when Don G oldberg calls up

“He’d reached a point where it was unsafe for him to

CFM: But they aren’t specifically Native lodges.

members of Santa Barbara № 192 to check and see

remain alone at home,” Goldberg remembers. So he

DD: In Oklahoma, it seems like anyone whose family

how they’re doing, the call leads to nothing. Maybe

spent time with him, making a point to call once a

a little chat, an invitation to come to a lodge dinner.

week. Then more. Soon he was stopping by three or

Sometimes, it’s an offer to come over and help out

four times a week. He arranged to bring in two hired

with some chores or a ride to the doctor’s. But some-

caregivers. Before long, he’d agreed to exercise power

CFM: What’s a big crowd?

goes back at least a few generations, they’re a little bit

DD: In 2022, we were in Delaware and had 800

Native. But no, those aren’t Native lodges. I remem-

people at a degree.

ber, when we were in New York, they have an Italian lodge there that speaks Italian. We don’t have a

CFM: Wow. Where else have you performed?

lodge like that in Oklahoma, where it’s all-Cherokee

DD: I mean just recently, in October, we were in

or anything. But on the degree team, we do use our

Long Island, and then in Anchorage, Alaska back to

own Native languages, especially with prayer songs.

back weeks—opposite ends of the country. In the last

Sometimes we’ll pray in Native language and then

couple of years, we’ve been to Denver, Maine, Penn-

translate it for people.

sylvania, Illinois, and all the states around here— Texas, Arkansas, Kansas. We’ve been all over.

CFM: Do you have any plans to bring the team to

SANTA BARBARA № 192 HAS DEMONSTRATED A UNIQUE COMMITMENT TO MASONIC OUTREACH—FROM HOSTING WIDOWS AT LODGE BARBECUES TO HELPING LAUNCH THE MASONIC EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM. LEFT: MATHEW SCOTT; RIGHT: COURTESY OF DON GOLDBERG

times it leads to more. John Logan

of attorney over Logan’s finances,

was one of those cases.

helping him balance his accounts

Goldberg is the head of Santa

and establish a will. A year or so later,

Barbara № 192’s visitation com-

he found an assisted living facility

mittee, through which he's been the

for Logan to move in to. “It turned

lodge outreach point man for more

out to be wonderful,” Goldberg says.

than a decade. Every week, he combs through the

he recorded a series of interviews with Logan about

lodge’s roster of seniors, widows, and others who

his life and military experience. And when the time

California?

haven’t been accounted for to check on their well-

came two years later, Goldberg arranged Logan’s

CFM: What’s the response like from Masons who see

DD: I sure hope so. We’d love to come out and share

being. When he first met Logan, he was in his 90s.

funeral, inviting members of the lodge to recognize

your performances?

this part of our heritage, both as Native Americans

His wife had died several years earlier, and he had

someone who’d nearly become a forgotten brother.

DD: People can get really emotional. Usually at the

and Masons, with our California brothers.

no other family and seemingly no friends in his life.

For some, Masonic outreach is an obligation. For

32

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

33

see that kind of hands-on participation with DON GOLDBERG OF SANTA BARBARA № 192 HAS TAKEN THE LEAD ON REACHING OUT TO ELDERLY MEMBERS OF THE LODGE.

many lodges. They not only connect people with resources, they are the resource themselves.”

Hoye recalls several dramatic examples of Goldberg and other Masons from the lodge help-

W E ’R E HERE TO HELP

ing seniors in crisis. One, a former prisoner of war in Vietnam, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and had become an intense

[Masons of CA Logo]

hoarder. “Don and the Masons went in with

[Job’s Daughters Logo]

their masks and gloves and garbage bags, and

THE M AS O N IC H O ME S IS N OW [Rainbow Assembly for Girls Logo] S ERVI NG PA R E N TS A N D IN -L AWS [DeMolay Intl Logo] O F M AS ON S AT ITS CA MPUS ES. CA LL FOR M O R E IN FOR MAT IO N .

• Information and referrals • Senior communities in Covina and Union City, including assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing • Statewide Masonic Outreach Services for members of all ages and their families • Transitions short-term rehabilitation (Union City)

for two days they cleaned up this man’s house,” she recalls. In another case, a couple with severe health issues were living in squalid conditions but refused help. Undeterred, Goldberg regularly

Goldberg and members of his lodge, it’s become

met with them for more than 14 months until

a calling. In recognition of that, this fall, he and

they allowed MOS to intervene.

members of Santa Barbara № 192 were honored

situation was so unsafe, she had to call 911 and

the Masonic Homes of California to the lodge

have both members hospitalized. The husband

that best exemplifies the spirit of outreach cham-

died shortly thereafter, but his wife recovered

pioned by the late Jackson, who helped establish

and was able to move into an assisted-living

the Lodge Outreach Program in 2011. “Santa Bar-

home. Today she credits MOS and the lodge with

bara № 192 and particularly Don Goldberg have

saving her life. “It’s sensitive,” Hoye says. “You

consistently gone above and beyond to connect

can’t force someone to receive help, and Don

with their members and put their Masonic ideals

knew that. But he was just determined to stay

• Mental health services for youth, their families, and seniors at the Masonic Center for Youth and Families

into practice,” says Sabrina Montes, the execu-

true to the brotherhood and to gently keep inves-

tive director of Masonic Outreach Services.

tigating and letting them know we’re here until

• Shared housing for seniors in Covina

charge. Says Nicholas Luizzi, the current lodge

That kind of dogged persistence has defined

master, “We are very proud of our Masonic out-

Goldberg’s approach to outreach. It’s not glam-

reach, whereby we take care of not just Masons

orous, and it’s sometimes ugly. But by simply

Within the lodge, Goldberg has led that

they were finally ready.”

but anyone in need of support and relief. And

calling—over and over and over, for weeks and

Don is absolutely instrumental in finding that

months on end—he’s helping the lodge fulfill

masonichome.org

pathway.” Says the senior warden, Alex Black,

its obligation to be there for its members at the

“There’s nobody in our lodge who embodies ser-

worst times. Goldberg says he hopes more lodges

(888) 466-3642

vice and the tenets of Masonry like brotherly love,

and members can take up the call and pitch in.

relief, and truth like Brother Goldberg. He is the

“If you’re going to be a Mason, you should be able

mcyaf.org

embodiment of all those things.”

to make at least one call a month to someone

CO NTACT US TODAY TO ACCE SS YO UR M EMBER BE NE FITS AND SE RVIC ES:

(877) 488-6293 (San Francisco) (626) 251-2300 (Covina)

By his own count, Goldberg has kept visi-

who is hurting in some way or who’s just too old

tation files on nearly 40 elderly members or

to come to the lodge,” he says. “That should be

widows. Of those, 13 have been officially referred

something all lodges should incorporate.”

to Masonic Assistance, while many others receive help directly through the lodge. He has also organized 21 Masonic funerals.

Masonic Value Network:

34

When Hoye finally arrived at their house, the

with the Joe Jackson Award, given each year by

“From day one, Don and I clicked,” says Kai Hoye, the MOS care manager responsible

Goldberg demurs. “It’s really an act of love,” he says. “You have to have passion for it; otherwise it can be a burden. But, you know, it doesn’t have to be that way.”

for Division V, which covers central California. “When it comes to older brothers, a lot of

Care Resources + Prescription Discounts

Don, Santa Barbara Lodge really does make it

masonichome.org/ValueNetwork

you need? A ride? Help reading emails? You don’t

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

Reflecting on his own exceptional service,

More Online

lodges don’t see them, and that’s that. But led by a priority to check in on them and say, What do

PHOTO BY JR SHEETZ

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JOE JACKSON AWARD WINNERS.

The Next Generation of Masonic Leaders Needs

YOU!

As part of the Masonic family, the young people in your life deserve the benefits of being a Job’s Daughter, Rainbow Girl, or DeMolay.

Learn about ways you and your family can support our Masonic youth orders today. Opportunities are open for youth and adults. Strengthening our Masonic youth orders today ensures a vibrant future for Freemasonry tomorrow—and provides valuable life skills for the children and teens.

Visit Masons4Youth.org today.

FOR ALL SHASTA COUNTY MASON

FOR ALL SHASTA COUNTY MASONIC FAMILY AND FRIENDS

cajdi.org

RETURN TO R

MASO MASONIC EDUCAT EDUCATION: MASO gocarainbow.org

RETURN TO REDDING norcaldemolay.com

scjdemolay.org

32

WINTER 2020-21

35

DONOR PROFILE

William Lavoie

State Parks, Feeding America, the International Bird Rescue, Marine Mammal Center. And several Masonic charities: We gave to the Shriners Hospital in L.A., and to the Masonic

MEMBER SINCE 2003 • BEACH CITIES No 753

FORMER CHAIRMAN OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AT LOS ANGELES VALLEY COLLEGE

Foundation during the fires in Northern California.

CFM: It seems like you have a soft spot for environmental and conservation efforts.

California Freemason: I understand you give back to

WL: I’ve always loved the outdoors. My mother and father

several organizations. What inspired you to get directly

used to take us camping in a little Pullman 15-foot trailer.

involved with these groups?

Welcome Home!

Big Sur, Big Basin, the Redwoods, Yosemite.

William Lavoie: After I retired, I just decided it was time to give back. My wife and I have been very lucky, and we wanted to give back to the community and issues we care about.

TO D O N AT E Please visit masonicfoundation.org

I love to hike with the Sierra Club, so I donate

Just everywhere. I remember we visited the International Bird Rescue to release a pelican and some seals. We named her Poly the Pelican. I stuck my head down next to the entrance to the cage, opened it up, and said,

my time to that. I’m involved with Interconnection Outdoors, which takes young people on hikes to introduce them to the outdoors, so we give to that. We set up a family foundation because we wanted to give back and that’s a good way to do it; it forces you to give your money away.

Because it can be easy to not do it.

You can go now! She didn’t want to come out.

CFM: What advice would you give someone who wants to give back but doesn’t know where to start?

WL: I’d tell them the best thing in the world is to give from the heart. To give to something they care about, whatever it is. Donate your time, whether it’s to the Res-

CFM: What other organization have you been involved with?

WL: There are probably around 50. Things like Heal the Bay,

cue Mission of L.A. or the children’s hospital or the Shri-

World Central Kitchen, Save the Redwood League, the Semper

wouldn’t be what it is if it weren’t for people who get out

Virens Fund. Doctors

there and help.

Without Borders, California

ners Hospital or rescuing birds and cats. This country —Ian A. Stewart

WILLIAM LAVOIE SHOWS OFF HIS SPECIAL RIDE: A SHRINERS CLOWN CAR.

The Masonic Homes Is Now Serving Parents, In-Laws, and Masons of All Degree Levels For 125 years , the Masonic Homes of California have cared for Masons and their families. Now, we’re proud to announce expanded eligibility for admission to live at its Union City and Covina campuses.

We now welcome California Masons of all levels age 60 and up, as well as Masonic parents and parents-in-law. Additionally, entrance fees have been removed to help serve even more Masons and their families.

Visit masonichomes.org or call Masonic Assistance at (888) 466-3642.

36

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 – 24

PHOTO BY SYE WILLIAMS

Levels of living at the Masonic Homes include: • Independent living • Assisted living • Memory care • Skilled nursing

GRAND LODGE F & AM OF CALIFORNIA

PERIODICALS POSTAGE

1111 CALIFORNIA STREET SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94108

PAID AT SAN FRANCISCO CA AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES

KEEP YOUR INFORMATION CURRENT To receive special member email and other important information, please keep your contact information current. Log in and update it today at member.freemason.org!

KEEP YOUR INFORMATION CURRENT To receive special member email and other important information, please keep your contact information current. Log in and update it today at freemason.org!

2023–24 Grand Lodge Officers

M ASONS 4

2020-2021 M ITTS S EASON O PEN Grand LodgeISOfficers

SECON D ROW, L TO R:

TH IRD ROW, L TO R:

Wil Smith GR AN D PUR SUIVANT

Mike Edwards A SST. GR AN D LEC TURER, DIV II

!

Jonathan Chan SEN IOR GR AN D DE ACON

Alberto L. Casanova, Jr. A SST. GR AN D LEC TURER DIV VII

Robert L. Lavy GR AN D B IB LE B E ARER

Scotty J. Christian, A SST. GR AN D TILER

Christian G. Marano GR AN D STAN DARD B E ARER

Jr. Ma ster Arthur Harold WeissJairo J.GGomez, r and

Matthew S. Vander Horck A SST. GR AN D LEC TURER, DIV VI

A SST. GR AN D LEC TURER, DIV IV

LEC TURER DIV VIII Jeffery Michael Wilkins Victor D ep uM.t Ropac, y G r aJr.n dA SST. MGR a sANtDer Russell A SST. GR AN D LEC TURER DIV I X Randall Louis Brill S en i o r E.GHennings r a n d Wa r d en Gary R. Quintrell A SST. GR AN D LEC TURER DIV I Steven L. Yeffa GR AN D MAR SHAL G. Sean Metroka J u n i o r G r a n d Wa r d en Antonio G. Cimarra, Jr. A SST. GR AN D LEC TURER DIV III Alan G S. r Rellaford D C HAPL Arthur Lupe Salazar, Jr. a n d TrGRe AN a su r erAIN Vinz O. Tolentino GR AN D TILER Josh M. Le Vesque JUN IOR GR AN D STE WARD Allan Lesley Casalou G r a n d S ec r e ta ry Narbeh Bagdasarian GR AN D O R ATO R Ricky Lee LawlerGabriel G r G. a nMariscal d L ec tSEN u rIORerGR AN D STE WARD Chay A. Wright JUN IOR GR AN D DE ACON Mark James McNee G r a n d C h a p l aBi EnARER Daniel S. Yeffa GR AN D SWORD Tigran Agadzhanyan A SST. GR AN D ORGAN IST Gary Richard Quintrell A s s t G r a n d L ec u r er D i v I Jordan T. Yelinek A SST. GR AN D SEC RE TARY Stephen R. Miller GR AN D ORGANtIST 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 Michael David Thibodeaux G 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 Mark Edson Pressey G r a n d M a r s h a l students’ lives, kids need our help now more than ever before. G r a n d Sta n da r d B e a r er Paul Boghes Bazerkanian Alberto Luke Casanova, Jr. G r a n d Swo r d B e a r er That’s why this year, in addition to our classic leather baseball Frank Rickey Young G r a n d B i b l e B e a r er mitts, Masons4Mitts will provide children in need with a Mark Alexander Nielsen S en i o r G r a n d D e aco n 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 Michealand Anthony with expertly vetted and age-appropriate reading mathPadilla S en i o r G r a n d St e wa r d 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

Robert G. Beeson, III. A SST. GR AN D LEC TURER, DIV V

This summer, let’s rally together for California youth!

G IVE T ODAY AT M ASONS4M ITTS.ORG

Ricky L. Lawler

Charles P. Cross

Garrett Chan

G. Sean Metroka

Arthur L. Salazar Jr.

Ara Maloyan

Allan L. Casalou

GRAND LECTURER

GRAND TREASURER

SENIOR GRAND WARDEN

GRAND MASTER

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER

JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN

GRAND SECRETARY

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M AY | J U N E 2 0 2 0