Welcome to the rich heritage of Culver City-Foshay Lodge No. 467, Free and Accepted Masons of California. Established over a century ago, our lodge stands as a pillar of brotherhood, moral integrity, and community service in Southern California. Below, we delve into the key milestones that have shaped our journey, from humble beginnings to our enduring legacy today.
Founding of Culver City Lodge No. 467 (1917)
The story of our lodge begins in the early 20th century, coinciding with the rapid growth of Culver City itself, founded by visionary real estate developer Harry Culver in 1913 and incorporated in 1917. On August 3, 1917, a dispensation was issued by the Grand Lodge of California to form Culver City Lodge, allowing a group of 20 dedicated charter members, including Harry Culver as a founding member, to organize. The first meeting took place just days later on August 6, 1917, followed by the inaugural stated meeting on September 4, 1917.
Led by the first Worshipful Master, Charles Emmet Shillito—a Past Master from a New Jersey lodge—the group initially convened at University Lodge in Los Angeles, renting space for $5 per meeting. Other charter members hailed from diverse backgrounds, with affiliations to lodges in New England, Massachusetts, Illinois, and California. The official charter was granted on October 11, 1917, solidifying Culver City Lodge No. 467 as a cornerstone of Freemasonry in the region.
Early meetings were held on Tuesdays, a tradition that continues to this day, with stated meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. In 1918, the lodge relocated to a space at Arlington and Venice in Los Angeles, but the charter specified “Culver City, Los Angeles County,” prompting an order from the Grand Master to move operations to Culver City proper. The first meeting in Culver City occurred on June 5, 1923, in the second story of the post office on Cardiff Avenue—a coincidental nod to Worshipful Master Richard Clarke, born on the same date in 1894.
During the 1919 influenza epidemic, lodge members and their families exemplified Masonic values by providing essential community aid, such as delivering hot soup to quarantined households. This spirit of service has remained a hallmark of our lodge.
Growth and the Lodge Building (1920s)
By the late 1920s, Culver City Lodge had prospered enough to acquire a block of land and begin constructing an ambitious multi-structure complex. The cornerstone for our current building was laid on November 10, 1928. Designed with input from movie industry set designers and builders who were lodge members, the architecture blends neo-classical, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Beaux-Arts styles. Unique features include a colored star above the altar for Eastern Star rituals, exaggerated keystones and a secret chamber for York Rite needs, and a marble checkerboard tile floor inspired by Biblical descriptions of Solomon’s Temple—a rarity among lodges.
However, the Great Depression forced the sale of most of the property, leaving the core building that serves us today.
The James A. Foshay Lodge and Merger (1928–1970s)
In 1928, James A. Foshay Lodge No. 641 was established, named in honor of the esteemed educator and Freemason James A. Foshay (1856–1914), who served as the 34th Grand Master of Masons in California in 1900 and was affiliated with Southern California Lodge No. 278. Foshay was a distinguished public school leader, Grand Orator, and a symbol of Masonic excellence.
The two lodges operated independently until the 1970s, when James A. Foshay Lodge lost its building and merged with Culver City Lodge No. 467. This union created our current entity, Culver City-Foshay Lodge No. 467, combining the strengths and traditions of both groups while retaining the original charter number.
Modern Era and Community Impact
Since the merger, Culver City-Foshay Lodge has continued to thrive, hosting stated meetings on the first Wednesday of each month and engaging in charitable initiatives. We’ve been active in community service since our inception, from flu relief efforts in 1919 to modern programs like Sunday coffee events and fundraisers to preserve our historic building.
Our lodge has also been featured in documentaries highlighting our history and contributions to Freemasonry. Today, we remain committed to the timeless principles of Freemasonry: brotherly love, relief, and truth. Whether through intellectual discussions, philanthropic work, or fostering lifelong bonds, Culver City-Foshay Lodge No. 467 continues to illuminate the path for Masons and the community alike.
If you’d like to learn more or visit our lodge at 9635 Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA, please contact us. We welcome inquiries from those interested in our storied past and vibrant future.
