Tag archive
for History

The California Masonic Symposium returns to explore Masonry’s spiritual roots.

The 18th century Benicia Masonic Hall, the oldest Masonic lodge in California, gets a 21st century makeover.

Examining the relationship of three literary legends with Freemasonry and its impact on their prolific bodies of work

Discovering the fraternal life of Mark Twain

Sacred geometry has been an important element of sacred architecture for centuries.

Celebrating one of the state’s most architecturally distinctive Masonic temples.

A new series on NBC Peacock, “Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol,” picks up on The Da Vinci Code-author’s Masonic-themed thriller.

In celebration of Independence Day, Grand Lodge of California head archivist Joe Evans shares a blue transferware cup plate dated between 1818 and 1836 that suggests Lady Justice a Freemason.

How one Freemason became a pioneer winemaker for the wine industry and a charter member of Sonoma County’s early Masonic lodge.

Twenty-five years ago, the Grand Lodge of California and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California changed the way we all view Freemasonry.

A historic Masonic temple in Vallejo finds new life as artists’ lofts.

A new exhibition remembers when the Knights Templar came to town.

For decades, Masonry has played a central role in the Filipino immigrant experience. Now a new generation is making its mark on the fraternity.

A hiding-in-plain sight Masonic hall in San Francisco tells a rich history of Filipino Freemasonry in California.

During the Sacramento Cholera Outbreak of 1850, Masons took the reins of a public health emergency.

On the 25th anniversary of the “Stonecutters” episode of The Simpsons, a look back at one of the greatest comic send-ups of Freemasonry ever.

For Past Master Fred Flint-Montero, Penrhyn Masonry is an inherited trait.

Freemasonry’s relationship with women evolved during its long history. How has this relationship changed over time, and why are separate streams of Masonry likely to continue?

At the birth of our country, the Masonic Founding Fathers who signed the U.S. Constitution instilled the values of Freemasonry within our democratic government.

Freemasonry’s material culture holds deep meaning for its members – and the same can be said for organizations throughout the world. Here, we look at examples of material culture within the fraternity and the wider world that convey emotional and experiential significance.

Material objects convey culture and reflect shared experiences that span time and geography. Few organizations have as rich a material culture as Freemasonry. Brothers’ lodge attire, jewelry, Masonic gifts, lodge rooms, and ceremonial tools have a profound effect on the member experience – and they do so by design.

Lodges accumulate a mountain of records over the years, in the form of papers, books, artifacts, and photos. The sheer volume can get overwhelming.

Use these guidelines and tools to get rid of the clutter, and to take proper care of your lodge’s important records.

The archives of the Henry Wilson Coil Library and Museum of Freemasonry in San Francisco contain more than 100 years’ worth of significant Masonic artifacts.

The Masonic rods that deacons and stewards use within the ceremonial lodge are imbued with meaning and symbolism.

One lodge’s near-casualty inspired a renewed interest in preserving Masonic artifacts, and revealed a treasure trove of California history.

The historic namesake of the order of DeMolay carries with it a fascinating history that has long piqued curiosity and study.

The Order of DeMolay supports young men in building character and leadership skills that serve them for a lifetime. Its close friendship and enduring values provide vital support, cultivate deep understanding, and nurture emotional intelligence at a pivotal point in life.

Track DeMolay’s expansion from the United States to Canada, Europe, and beyond.

Written in 1919, the DeMolay ritual is an amalgamation of Masonic traditions and influences.