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 |
