Three Masons Working as Death’s Doormen
Meet three Masons with an intimate familiarity with death—and the other side.
IN BENICIA, A HISTORIC MASONIC HALL,
NOW WITH LEDs
THE 18TH-CENTURY MASONIC LODGE IN BENICIA GETS A 21ST-CENTURY MAKEOVER.
By Justin Japitana
After 171 years, the desire for a facelift is understandable. The same is true of the historic 1850 Benicia Masonic Hall, the very first lodge hall built in California.
So in 2021, the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, underwent extensive renovations. That included installing new windows and light fixtures, upgrading bathrooms and kitchen space, and applying a fresh coat of paint and new carpeting to the 50-person lodge room. In addition, the hall includes a small reception area and a museum and library on the first floor.
A Colorful History
The hall was originally home to Benicia № 5. But in 1888, the lodge outgrew the building and moved next door to 106 West J St. From then until 1950, the historic site was used as a union hall and, during World War I, as a rooming house. The Grand Lodge of California, which had purchased it years earlier, took over the hall in 2014, and it has since been available for rent for special degrees and other events. Today the hall is home to two new lodges, Benicia № 877 and Carquinez № 858. And unlike their predecessors, they say they don’t mind the lack of elbow room.
“For us as a newly chartered, small lodge, Benicia Hall fosters a sense of intimacy and history,” says Vance Langford, secretary of Benicia № 877. He says the blend of 19th-century ambiance and modern touches—like dimmable LED lights—makes the hall a perfect space for “magical and memorable” monthly festive boards.
For more information or to rent, visit beniciamasonichall.org
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Show Ready Photos
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The Masons moved out ages ago, but their aura remains at the Masonic Lodge at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.