Author archive
for John Dale

For Two Grand Masters, an Opportunity to Build Bridges Between Masons

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Prince Hall Grand Master David San Juan and G. Sean Metroka of the Grand Lodge of California on deepening an important Masonic partnership.

How a Filipino Prince Hall Lodge Was Nearly Forgotten

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The forgotten history of Prince Hall Masonry’s brief Filipino lodge boom—and long decline—in California.

Prince Hall: America’s Masonic Father Figure

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Largely overlooked by historians, Prince Hall remains a towering figure of both Masonic history—and American history writ large.

Prince Hall Frequently Asked Questions

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The most frequently asked questions about the historic branch of the fraternity.

The Masonic Homes of California, Now a Home for All California Masons

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For the first time, Prince Hall Masons have access to relief through the Masonic Homes of California.

The Vatican, Freemasonry, and the Long Shadow

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Last fall, the Vatican once a gain reiterated its position on Freemasonry—one that’s caused confusion for 300 years.

The Craft Meets the Carafe for a Coffee-Expert Mason

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A member of multiple Bay Area Masonic lodges shows off his serious coffee skills and explains his connection to the craft.

For the Parents of California Masons, a Profound Relief

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At the Masonic Homes, an expansion in eligibility to Masonic parents and parents-in-law is life-changing news.

Thanks to Mosaic No. 218, a School Gets a Chamber of Quietude

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In Livermore, one East Bay Masonic lodge helps a local school develop a chill zone for those with mental or behavioral needs.

Donor Profile: Reuben Zari

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How a family’s love of Masonry inspired Reuben Zari of Atwater Larchmont Tila Pass No. 614 to give back to the California Masonic Foundation.

A Grand Lodge Archives Project Marks a Masonic Paper Trail

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The archived papers of California’s Masonic leaders yield important historical insight into the growth and development of the fraternity.

The Ins and Outs of Assisted Living

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Assisted living and specialized memory care can be complex and intimidating. Here’s what you need to know.

Grand Master G. Sean Metroka: In With the New

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Grand Master Sean Metroka explains why building new lodges is the key to the future of the fraternity.

In Masonry and Politics, Finding Common Ground

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The political fights of daily life are conspicuously absent from the Masonic lodge. Can those lessons be practiced in the outside world?

His Grandfather Was Canceled. His Grandmother Was a Hero

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When a monument to his grandfather came under newfound scrutiny, Julius Kahn used the opportunity to shine a light on a lesser-known familial legacy: Florence Prag Kahn.

Is It Manly to Talk About Politics, Religion, and Money?

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

At Santa Barbara No. 192, Masonic Relief Comes From the Heart

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Don Goldberg and Santa Barbara No. 192 have an uncommon commitment to Masonic outreach.

New Masonic Philanthropic Gift Is Revving Up Technical Education

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A new gift from the Masons of California is helping San Diego kids go under the hood through high-tech education in growing fields.

Donor Profile: William Lavoie

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A Southern California Mason reflects on his approach to philanthropy, and why giving back can help create the world you want.

Symbolic Gesture: The First Depictions of Masonry

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A new exhibition explains the groundbreaking illustrations in a 300-year-old manuscript.

Grand Master G. Sean Metroka: What Really Matters

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Grand Master G. Sean Metroka reflects on finding common ground in turbulent times, and how Freemasonry can give us a scaffolding for it.

Snapshot

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See fascinating and historic moments in California Freemasonry through our lens in our snapshot archive.

Lodge Profile: Two Masonic Lodges, Just Steps from Home

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At the Masonic Homes’ on-campus lodges, membership is growing outward.

The Conversation Starter: Meet a Masonic Podcast Host

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Meet Michael Quintal, the voice behind the Masonic podcast Keepers of the Word.

At a New Hispanic Research Lodge, They’re More than Study Buddies

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A newly formed Hispanic research lodge is focusing its attention on the history and heritage of Freemasonry in Latin America.

In Senior Living, We’re Better Together

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For seniors in retirement, as in the Masonic lodge, strong social connections are the secret to successful aging.

In Hawaii, an Outpouring of Masonic Relief—and Aloha

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In the wake of the destructive Lahaina wildfire, Freemasons from around the world rallied to deliever Masonic relief to Hawaii.

Donor Profile: Ernest Salcido Jr.

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A driver at the Masonic Homes talks about joining the fraternity and giving back.

Dig Deep Farms Is Unearthing a History of Agriculture at the Masonic Homes

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Thanks to a novel partnership with Dig Deep Farms, the agricultural heritage of the Masonic Homes is being brought back to life.

Grand Master Randall Brill: At the Masonic Homes, the Jewel Keeps Shining

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Grand Master Randall Brill reflects on 125 years of history and progress at the Masonic Homes of California.

In Masonry and Magic, Blending Illusion and Wonder

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For generations, the world’s greatest magicians have found a second home in Masonry. Why have Masonry and magic shared such a close connection?

At Sunset Lodge No. 369, A Masonic Hall as Music Venue

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In Santa Monica, the lodge hall of Sunset No. 369 doubles as a venue for aspiring comedians, artists, and musicians.

The Brotherhood of Famous Mason-Magicians

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Meet the experts of two crafts: Exploring the hallowed roster of famous master Mason-magicians, from Harry Houdini to Lee Grabel.

In San Diego, the Johnny Ritchey Scholarship Honors a Legend

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A new Masonic scholarship in San Diego recognizes Johnny Ritchey, the “Jackie Robinson of the West Coast.”

In Long Beach, a New Bilingual Masonic Lodge

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Pilares del Rey Salomon joins California’s growing ranks of Spanish-English Masonic lodges.

The Mystical Craft

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Grand Master Randall Brill on the connections between Masonry and magic.