Freemasonry in California: 1950 - 1975

Research and study have shown that the history of California Masonry falls into two distinct categories - the wayfarers and the seafarers. Some of the first Masons to visit this State were seafaring men, and the Charter of California Lodge No. 1 was brought aboard ship from Washington DC, via the Isthmus of Panama, and to San Francisco. The wayfaring members of the fraternity were included in every important overland emigrant party coming from the eastern states to California in the formative years of the mid 1800s. The Charter for Western Star lodge No. 2 was carried from Missouri to California in 1848.

On October 9, 1950 - The Centennial Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of California was officially celebrated during the 101st Annual Communication. The observance actually opened on April 9, 1950, the exact 100th anniversary date with a statewide radio broadcast. On the Sunday morning of the Centennial Week Observance, a tribute was held at the tomb of Freemason Thomas Starr King (1824-64), one of California's most distinguished citizens of years gone by. He was an American Unitarian minister, influential in California politics during the American Civil War. During the Civil War, he spoke zealously in favor of the Union and was credited by Abraham Lincoln with saving California from becoming a separate republic. King was twice appointed Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge. King's church and tomb in San Francisco are designated historical monuments, and two streets in the city (Starr King Way, on which the church is located, and King Street in the Mission Bay neighborhood) are named for him. There is also a statue of him in Golden Gate Park, facing JFK Drive, quite close to the De Young Museum. At the end of the first century of Grand Lodge, there were 605 Lodges and 196,800 Masons.

In 1951 - The membership passed 200,000. To assist Blue Lodges in the dissemination of Masonic information, the Grand Lodge authorized the establishment of 4 research lodges: Northern California, Southern California, El Camino, and Central California. Open to all Master Masons, the lodges can confer no degrees. In 1951 Brother Louis C. Drapeau (1885-1973) a member of Poinsettia Lodge No. 633, Ventura, served as the 86th GM, he attended Georgetown Law School in Washington DC, and as a young lawyer returned to his home in Ventura. Brother Drapeau later became a Superior Court Judge and then a member of the Court of Appeal, the first jurist from Ventura to be appointed.

On January 16, 1953 - An extraordinary event took place in the gymnasium of Alcalanes High School in Contra Costa County. In the presence of 1,140 Master Masons, the GM instituted 3 new lodges: Alcalanes Lodge, St. John's Lodge, and San Ramon Valley Lodge. At the Session GL approved the purchase of Nob Hill property for the purchase price of $740,000, this spurred plans for the Memorial Temple.

In 1953 - The official publication of the GL known as California Freemason was first printed. Initially only 20,000 copies were distributed, however, such was the success that it was soon mailed to every Master Mason of the constituent lodges.

In 1954 - The 89th GM was Henry Christian Clausen (1905-92) a native of San Francisco. He was made a Mason in Ingleside Lodge No. 630 in 1935, Master in 1939, and served as Grand Orator in 1940. From 1931-33 he had served as Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of California. From 1969-85 he was the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council AASR (SJ) USA. Clausen was assigned in 1944 by the U.S. Secretary of War, to conduct one of the many investigations of the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. In Clausen's own book about his Pearl Harbor investigation, Pearl Harbor: Final Judgement, published in 1992, shortly before his death, Clausen mentioned Freemasonry several times.

On September 19, 1956 - The cornerstone of the new temple under construction on Nob Hill was laid in due and ancient form by the GM. This temple was the first to be owned by the GL, in the past it had always been a tenant. Recognizing the longevity of many Masons, the GL adopted a 75 year veteran's button and authorized its presentation.

On September 25, 1957 - A plaque marking the site of the first public school in California was dedicated in ceremonies conducted by the GM. The plaque was placed in Portsmouth Square, San Francisco, on the exact spot where the first school building in California was erected in 1847.
In September 1958 - During the 109th Annual Communication the new California Masonic Memorial Temple was dedicated by the GM and his officers. Among the visiting dignitaries who addressed the GL, of course, was the Earl of Scarbrough, GM of the United GL of England. He presented to the GL of California a silver and crystal ink stand made in 1783, during the reign of King George III, to be used by each of the future GMs of California Masons.

On May 13, 1961 - The GL convened in Sacramento, for the purpose of relaying the cornerstone of the State Capitol. Almost 100 years ago to the day in 1861. A week later a Masonic plaque was dedicated at the Burbank Memorial Gardens at Santa Rosa. Brother Luther Burbank (1849-1926) a member of Santa Rosa Lodge No. 57 had gained worldwide fame as a horticulturist, and on his death, his gardens were established as a memorial.

In 1964 - The California fraternity had a membership of 244,499 Master Masons and 707 lodges. Today some 44 years later in 2008 there are 68,287 members and 348 lodges.

On October 12, 1966 - An important milestone was reached when the GM officiated at the mortgage burning ceremony to mark the retirement of the indebtedness of the GL Temple.

On June 25, 1967 - The Grand Master and Grand Secretary attended the 250th Anniversary celebration of the United Grand Lodge of England in London. At the banquet the GM of California presented the retiring GM of UGLE, the Rt. Hon. 11th Earl of Scarbrough, with a beautiful clock, handmade of redwood burl. On June 27, the new GM of UGLE, HRH Prince Edward The Duke of Kent was installed at a special communication at the Royal Albert Hall in London, when 7,000 Masons attended.

On April 19, 1968 - The cornerstone of Chico High School was laid. It was discovered 5 days later that perhaps for the first time in GL history the stone and capsule had been stolen. A few days later the cornerstone and capsule with a few items missing, were recovered.

On November 17, 1968 - In the Los Angeles Sports Arena, the Inspectors of the Fifth Division hosted a reception for the GM unlike any event held before. They named it 'The First All Masonic Family Reception for the Grand Master' and there were more than 13,000 in attendance.

On June 1, 1969 - The GL was invited to lay the cornerstone of the new addition to the Shriners' Hospital for Crippled Children in San Francisco. The Imperial Potentate and other members of the Divan were present.

On August 18, 1973 - The GL was invited to lay the cornerstone of the new and completed Home for Children in Covina. Brother Ralph H. Head (of Santa Barbara), a Board Member, acted as Master of Ceremonies.

In October, 1973 - The first open installation of a GM along with other Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge was held.

On June 30, 1974 - The total membership of the jurisdiction was 220,337, and that as a result of consolidations there were 32 fewer constituent lodges.

In November, 1974 - California Lodge No. 1 in San Francisco celebrated its 125th anniversary.

On February 21, 1975 - The GM issued a proclamation calling for the observation of the 125th anniversary of Grand Lodge by every constituent lodge. The GM directed that a portion of the address be read at the April 1975 stated meeting of each lodge in this jurisdiction and printed in lodge bulletins where possible.

Freemasonry in California will be determined by what Masons do today, tomorrow and in the years that follow.

*** sent via email by Comp Allan Miller, Secretary.