Author: Alfonso Mujica

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From The East – A Melting Potluck of Brothers

Trestleboard: From The East – A Melting Potluck of Brothers

Brethren,

As I enjoy a slice of pumpkin bread baked and prepared by W.B. Jeriel Smith, I am reflecting on our successful stated meeting and preceding dinner, to open the month of August. August, within our lodge, has held the tradition as the time for potluck dinners; and this August held fast to that tradition. Since joining the lodge, I have noticed that potluck dinners are greatly appreciated by the brethren and their families. Perhaps, my mind is presently under the influence of this delicious bread, the fact is that it has helped me to realize a correlation between potluck dinners and the membership of our lodge as a whole. Continue reading “From The East – A Melting Potluck of Brothers”

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From The West – The York Rite Grand Sessions

Trestleboard: From The West – The York Rite Grand Sessions

I recently attended the Grand York Rite Sessions held this year in Bakersfield. This is the annual meeting of the York Rite bodies of freemasonry in California at which representatives from each chapter, council and commandery (the names after which the three bodies, the Royal Arch, the Cryptic Masons, and the Knights Templar are styled) gather to elect officers and consider legislation. Reports are made on finances, membership levels, and charitable work. Service awards are given and higher degrees are conferred. Each organization has one day designated for their meetings and activities.
This year the Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD) met on Saturday and the commandery drill teams competed on Sunday. Continue reading “From The West – The York Rite Grand Sessions”

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From The South – Meet the Masters

Trestleboard: From The South – Meet the Masters

Brethren:
The lodge’s membership program is thriving in comparison with similar programs of most lodges. The growth, to a great extent, has to do with our website and “Meet the Master’s” event. Meet the Master’s is a program that was started informally by Worshipful Brothers Clarence Kussner and Merrick Hamer. Clarence was in charge of renting our building when not in use by the lodge. Merrick began the creation of our extensive library. Often, while they were thus engaged, passersby would wander into the building to inquire about our unique edifice and its purpose. The creation of Meet the Master’s became a place where potential prospects were given an opportunity to find out more about freemasonry and what we do as Masons. The title, “Meet the Masters,” grew out of a desire by Worshipful David Francis Philips, when he served as Master of the lodge, to encourage brethren, already members of the lodge, to engage with the lodge’s leaders. Since this often involved not only the “Master,” but other leaders as well, Worshipful Jonathan Dilley, finally gave the event it present appellation. This prosperous event has brought countless members in our craft and continues to spark interest in worthy potential prospects. This event also allows us to bring a diverse group in applicants.

Benjamin Villanueva,
Junior Warden