Author archive
for John Dale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The story of Freemasonry is one of death and rebirth. As recent events show, when it comes to California Masonry, what’s old is new again.

For seniors at the Masonic Homes of California, moving in is an opportunity to focus on what matters most.

Meet Greg McKenna, an arborist and California Mason with Mt. Jackson No. 295 with a bird’s-eye view of the fraternity.

At the 11th International Conference on Freemasonry, expert historians train their sights on the lodge attic.

What does ChatGPT have to say about Freemasonry? In the newest issue of California Freemason magazine, we asked the AI for its take.

Grand Master of Masons of California Randall L. Brill explains how now’s the time for Freemasonry to begin again in California.

From Ferndale to Big Bear, California’s small-town Masonic lodges have their own unique character—and offer a model for community involvement.

The Siminoff Temple at the Masonic Homes of California has a history going back over a century.

At Santa Barbara No. 192, restoration of the ornate temple mirrors the revitalization happening inside the Masonic lodge.

For the select group of Masonic father-and-son combos, the Lewis Degree is a special ceremony binding generations of Masons.

Meet Zahid Peoples, a party-starting Bay Area Mason who hypes up crowds from sports games to music festivals.

In Endeavour, the Masterpiece mystery and prequel to Inspector Lewis, the Masonic lodge is given the third degree.

Grand Master Jeffery M. Wilkins reflects on the importance of our Grand Lodge temple—and its wonderful potential.

A San Diego Masonic lodge holds a special second degree ceremony with current masters sitting in every lodge position.

In the past two decades, the number of Freemasons in Brazil has practically exploded. Inside a cultural and fraternal phenomenon.

From Mexico to Argentina, Latin American countries embody a wide range of Masonic rituals, from the familiar to the highly esoteric.

A Latin folk musician and Freemason, Alejandro Laborde goes behind the Masonic meaning of some of his favorite lyrics.

For the small band of Masons who make the annual trek to Black Rock Desert, the echoes between Burning Man and Freemasonry are unmistakable.

How Napa Valley Masonic Lodge No. 93 used its greatest asset—the impressive Ritchie Block building in St. Helena—to pay it forward.

Led by ‘The Pentaverate’ and ‘The Lost Symbol,’ allusions to secret fraternal organizations based on Freemasonry are suddenly everywhere.

150 years after he first proposed the San Francisco Bay Bridge, the legendary eccentric and Freemason Emperor Norton may finally get his due.

Grand Master Jeffery Wilkins on how Freemasonry can help members form bonds with members from other countries, particularly in Latin America.

As the Masonic youth order Rainbow Girls celebrates its centennial, a look back on all that’s changed, and all that hasn’t.

A bridge-building Bay Area Mason reflects on the importance of charity, giving back, and offering Masonic relief.

A psychologist from the Masonic Center for Youth and Families is an expert on near-death experiences—and what they tell us about grief.

To some, collecting Masonic artifacts, rings, aprons, and jewelry isn’t just a hobby. It’s a craze.

In San Diego, get to know a diversity-focused lodge where membership is an international Masonic melting pot.

Masons4Mitts returns for another season with the support of the Masons of California and the California Masonic Foundation.

Get to know California Freemason Eric de Jesus, a Master Mason and master of taekwondo.