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147 Years of Masonry in Monterey, CA
A Masonic Lodge is, in a very real sense, people-not a building. Thus, on the celebration of the 141st anniversary of Monterey Lodge, we took the time to look back at the history of the Lodge-and in doing so we look at the men and their times.
The Lodge and its Beginnings
Monterey Lodge is a product of the desire for Masons to have the opportunity to get together as friends and develop fraternal ties-well regulated by the spirit and tenets of Freemasonry. Monterey, in 1871, was a small community centered on its excellent natural harbor-but otherwise somewhat isolated. Compared to the environment in which we live today, most small communities were relatively isolated, since distances we ignore today were much more important in the world of the 1870's, where the horse was the common mode of transportation.
The Early Years
The first thirty years of Monterey Lodge were a period of close fraternal ties amongst the brethren and their families. The Lodge membership slowly grew to approximately 50 members-a membership level that remained stable until just past the turn of the century. As we now look to the rapid approach of the 21st century, it is interesting to look back at a few excerpts from meeting minutes of the Lodge during its first 30 years-especially at the financial and social workings of the Lodge.
Into the 20th Century
The dawn of the 20th century was a time of prominence and growth for Monterey Lodge. Under the able leadership of our first Master, Capt Lambert, -- and with tremendous support from many Masonic and non-Masonic organizations and individuals -- the Sloat Monument was conceived and erected (for more on this, see the foreword to this commemorative booklet). IN the same time period, the membership of Monterey Lodge undertook to at last move from rented quarters and build their own Masonic Hall-which we still occupy and revere today. The Early 1950's saw yet another interesting development, as Monterey Lodge approached its postwar peak in membership-Company Degrees. On several occasions brethren who were all employed by the same company joined to fill the stations of the Lodge and confer degrees on one of their co-workers. Two notable "Company Degree" teams that presented degrees in Monterey Lodge were from Pacific Express, and PG&E. Changing Society and the 1960's
As the Lodge approached its 90th year of existence, change continued to be seen. In 1958, the Lodge appointed a committee to investigate the possibility of purchasing a television for the entertainment of the brethren. The committee spent some time investigating, and in November 1958 the Lodge appropriated the (then) large sum of $220.70 to purchase a television for the Lodge. The time period of the late 1950's and early 1960's saw additional significant changes. An Assembly of Rainbow Girls was sponsored and began to meet regularly at the Lodge. The early 1960's also saw changes both subtle and significant in the Lodge itself-as the title of the guardian at the door of the Lodge changed from "Tyler", to "Tiler"
The Lodge at 100 Years
In June of 1971, the following was entered into the records of the Secretary of the Lodge: "Special Meeting of Grand Lodge F&AM of California Hall of Monterey Lodge #217 F&AM --- ---- June 26, 1971 "The GRAND LODGE, F&AM of CALIFORNIA, assembled in the Monterey Masonic Hall on the date above written at 1:30 p.m., and there were present - The MOST WORSHIPFUL HERBERT A. HEUBNER, GRAND MASTER, and other GRAND OFFICERS, who filled the various offices. "The MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER announced that GRAND LODGE had convened to commemorate the One Hundredth Anniversary of MONTEREY LODGE #217, and to officiate at the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony of the new Del Rey Oaks City Hall. This to be followed by an Anniversary Banquet at 7:00 o'clock P.M."Following the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony, the GRAND LODGE was closed in due form. "The One Hundredth Anniversary Banquet held at the Mark Thomas Hyatt House, was very well attended. The WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER and GRAND LODGE OFFICERS were honored. Also, Brother Howard D. Severance - Worshipful Master of Monterey Lodge for the years 1900, 1910 and 1916. Also honored was Brother Horace W. Wardle who served as Master of the LODGE in 1938. "The first meeting of MONTEREY LODGE, while under dispensation, pending the granting of a Charter, was held on June 28, 1871. The LODGE HALL was at that time located in the McKinley House, a two story building on the Northwest corner of Pacific and Jefferson streets. Worshipful Master Thomas G. Lambert presiding. On October 25, 1871, the GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA Officially granted the Charter"
The Lodge Today...
Please refer to our Blog Page for our Activities and Outreach
The Lodge and its Beginnings
Monterey Lodge is a product of the desire for Masons to have the opportunity to get together as friends and develop fraternal ties-well regulated by the spirit and tenets of Freemasonry. Monterey, in 1871, was a small community centered on its excellent natural harbor-but otherwise somewhat isolated. Compared to the environment in which we live today, most small communities were relatively isolated, since distances we ignore today were much more important in the world of the 1870's, where the horse was the common mode of transportation.
The Early Years
The first thirty years of Monterey Lodge were a period of close fraternal ties amongst the brethren and their families. The Lodge membership slowly grew to approximately 50 members-a membership level that remained stable until just past the turn of the century. As we now look to the rapid approach of the 21st century, it is interesting to look back at a few excerpts from meeting minutes of the Lodge during its first 30 years-especially at the financial and social workings of the Lodge.
Into the 20th Century
The dawn of the 20th century was a time of prominence and growth for Monterey Lodge. Under the able leadership of our first Master, Capt Lambert, -- and with tremendous support from many Masonic and non-Masonic organizations and individuals -- the Sloat Monument was conceived and erected (for more on this, see the foreword to this commemorative booklet). IN the same time period, the membership of Monterey Lodge undertook to at last move from rented quarters and build their own Masonic Hall-which we still occupy and revere today. The Early 1950's saw yet another interesting development, as Monterey Lodge approached its postwar peak in membership-Company Degrees. On several occasions brethren who were all employed by the same company joined to fill the stations of the Lodge and confer degrees on one of their co-workers. Two notable "Company Degree" teams that presented degrees in Monterey Lodge were from Pacific Express, and PG&E. Changing Society and the 1960's
As the Lodge approached its 90th year of existence, change continued to be seen. In 1958, the Lodge appointed a committee to investigate the possibility of purchasing a television for the entertainment of the brethren. The committee spent some time investigating, and in November 1958 the Lodge appropriated the (then) large sum of $220.70 to purchase a television for the Lodge. The time period of the late 1950's and early 1960's saw additional significant changes. An Assembly of Rainbow Girls was sponsored and began to meet regularly at the Lodge. The early 1960's also saw changes both subtle and significant in the Lodge itself-as the title of the guardian at the door of the Lodge changed from "Tyler", to "Tiler"
The Lodge at 100 Years
In June of 1971, the following was entered into the records of the Secretary of the Lodge: "Special Meeting of Grand Lodge F&AM of California Hall of Monterey Lodge #217 F&AM --- ---- June 26, 1971 "The GRAND LODGE, F&AM of CALIFORNIA, assembled in the Monterey Masonic Hall on the date above written at 1:30 p.m., and there were present - The MOST WORSHIPFUL HERBERT A. HEUBNER, GRAND MASTER, and other GRAND OFFICERS, who filled the various offices. "The MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER announced that GRAND LODGE had convened to commemorate the One Hundredth Anniversary of MONTEREY LODGE #217, and to officiate at the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony of the new Del Rey Oaks City Hall. This to be followed by an Anniversary Banquet at 7:00 o'clock P.M."Following the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony, the GRAND LODGE was closed in due form. "The One Hundredth Anniversary Banquet held at the Mark Thomas Hyatt House, was very well attended. The WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER and GRAND LODGE OFFICERS were honored. Also, Brother Howard D. Severance - Worshipful Master of Monterey Lodge for the years 1900, 1910 and 1916. Also honored was Brother Horace W. Wardle who served as Master of the LODGE in 1938. "The first meeting of MONTEREY LODGE, while under dispensation, pending the granting of a Charter, was held on June 28, 1871. The LODGE HALL was at that time located in the McKinley House, a two story building on the Northwest corner of Pacific and Jefferson streets. Worshipful Master Thomas G. Lambert presiding. On October 25, 1871, the GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA Officially granted the Charter"
The Lodge Today...
Please refer to our Blog Page for our Activities and Outreach
History of the Monterey Lodge
IN THE BEGINNING...
In song, story and legend, the history of Monterey will ever remain in the minds of men. And in this history, Masonry will have played its part. It is therefore fitting that we pay tribute to the worthy brethren, who through the years have helped the community to thrive in peace and harmony, and through Masonic precepts and teachings made it a better place to live.
Cattle, hides, tallow, tan bark and whale oil, was the commerce of Monterey in 1871. Sailing ships came around the Horn to pick up produce. Wild bears browsed on the City's outskirts. Wild geese found refuge on El Estero. Game was abundant in the hills. The horse and saddle was man's best means of transportation.
When the year was but a few days old, the rains came. And, as usual, the fifteen hundred inhabitants of Monterey were kicking about the unusual weather. But more unusual, for a town of its size, then the county seat, there was no Masonic Lodge. Local masons were required to visit distant lodges. As the storms of winter continued, a group of Master Masons, who missed the fraternal communication denied them by the inclemency of wind and rain, and rutted trails, decided to do something about it. Thus, on February 20, 1871, ten members of the craft met in the courthouse to discuss the possibilities of establishing a lodge. On motion of Jonathan Wright, T. G. Lambert was made chairman and W. M. R. Parker was elected Secretary. Discussion followed. Honore Escolle had a building "well adapted for Masonic Lodge purposes." A committee was appointed to secure a lease and make necessary alterations to put the building in condition. The building was leased for $15 a month. It was voted that if a charter could be obtained, the name of the lodge would be "Monterey."
The petition for a charter was sponsored by Confidence Lodge No. 203 of Castroville, and presented to the Grand Lodge. A dispensation was granted pending authorization of the charter. On June 28, 1871, the brethren met for the first time in a Masonic Lodge in Monterey.
The Lodge hall was located in the McKinley house, a two story building located on the northwest corner of Pacific and Jefferson streets. At the 1871 convocation, the Grand Lodge of California granted a charter perpetuating the existence of Monterey Lodge, and on October 25th, the members assembled for the ceremony of constituting Monterey Lodge No. 217 and installing its officers.
In song, story and legend, the history of Monterey will ever remain in the minds of men. And in this history, Masonry will have played its part. It is therefore fitting that we pay tribute to the worthy brethren, who through the years have helped the community to thrive in peace and harmony, and through Masonic precepts and teachings made it a better place to live.
Cattle, hides, tallow, tan bark and whale oil, was the commerce of Monterey in 1871. Sailing ships came around the Horn to pick up produce. Wild bears browsed on the City's outskirts. Wild geese found refuge on El Estero. Game was abundant in the hills. The horse and saddle was man's best means of transportation.
When the year was but a few days old, the rains came. And, as usual, the fifteen hundred inhabitants of Monterey were kicking about the unusual weather. But more unusual, for a town of its size, then the county seat, there was no Masonic Lodge. Local masons were required to visit distant lodges. As the storms of winter continued, a group of Master Masons, who missed the fraternal communication denied them by the inclemency of wind and rain, and rutted trails, decided to do something about it. Thus, on February 20, 1871, ten members of the craft met in the courthouse to discuss the possibilities of establishing a lodge. On motion of Jonathan Wright, T. G. Lambert was made chairman and W. M. R. Parker was elected Secretary. Discussion followed. Honore Escolle had a building "well adapted for Masonic Lodge purposes." A committee was appointed to secure a lease and make necessary alterations to put the building in condition. The building was leased for $15 a month. It was voted that if a charter could be obtained, the name of the lodge would be "Monterey."
The petition for a charter was sponsored by Confidence Lodge No. 203 of Castroville, and presented to the Grand Lodge. A dispensation was granted pending authorization of the charter. On June 28, 1871, the brethren met for the first time in a Masonic Lodge in Monterey.
The Lodge hall was located in the McKinley house, a two story building located on the northwest corner of Pacific and Jefferson streets. At the 1871 convocation, the Grand Lodge of California granted a charter perpetuating the existence of Monterey Lodge, and on October 25th, the members assembled for the ceremony of constituting Monterey Lodge No. 217 and installing its officers.
A more complete history of the Monterey Masonic Lodge can be downloaded as a PDF file by clicking the link below:
History of Monterey Lodge | |
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