Masonry in the 21st Century serves a different purpose than when it was first formed. Yet our mission and principles are still relevant today and will endure for centuries to come.

Masonry is the world’s first and largest fraternal organization with a history that spans almost 300 years.

In California we have more than 350 lodges and 70,000 brothers. Across the country there are 13,000 lodges and 2 million Masons plus the fraternity accounts 5 million brothers worldwide.

The fraternity is guided by enduring principles— Brotherly love, relief, and truth and its core values are:

• Ethics through leading a life based on honor and integrity
• Tolerance for religious, ethnic, cultural, social, and educational differences
• Personal growth through continuous pursuit of knowledge,
• Philanthropy through charitable giving and community service,
• Family, and Individual Freedom.

We are often asked “What do Masons do?”

Charity is the heart of Masonic activities. We all strive to make a difference in our communities, country, and our world through philanthropy and community service. Each year, California Masons donate millions of dollars and thousands of hours to small and large philanthropic causes. Masonic charities receive no local, state, or federal funding and are supported entirely by member contributions.

In California there are several major statewide Masonic programs.

There is our Public Schools program where we offer a comprehensive workshop at no cost which helps identify at-risk students. More than 4,500 educators have attended our program which as resulted in helping over 40,000 students.

Our four year scholarships of $45,000 and $10,000 each have enables thousands of students pursue a college education.

Our Kids ID program has provided free fingerprinting and photo identification to more than 350,000 California children.

The Masons of California also operates at no cost a Children’s Home in Covina for abandoned, abused and neglected children.

There is more.. To be continued in next month’s September/October issue of the Trestleboard.

This year the Grand Lodge Annual Communications will held September 23rd through September 25th.

Friday Sept 23 Opening Session Masonic Auditorium 1PM to 5PM.

Saturday, Sept 24th Grand Lodge Session 8:30am to 5PM

Ladies Tea Fairmont Hotel 12 Noon

A Fair to Remember Banquet San Francisco Marquis Marriott 6:30 PM No-Host Social 7:30 Dinner

The County Fair Theme continues at the All Member Banquet– an evening of socializing and celebrating with the fraternal community.

Sunday, September 25th

Public Ceremonies

9:30 Public Address outlining the various Masonic accomplishments during the past 12 months.

11:00 AM Installation of Grand Lodge Officers

The 163rd 20/11/2012 Installation of Grand Lodge Officers. The installation is open to all members, family and friends. A final reception is immediately held in the Great Hall.

Grand Lodge Legacy

During the Gold Rush of 1849, thousands of settlers came to California in search of fortune. Those who were Masons brought their rich traditions with them, soon establishing some of California’s first Masonic lodges in the mining towns of the Gold Country. In 1850 — the same year that California became a state — the Grand Lodge of California was established in Sacramento.

Today, the Grand Lodge of California boasts more than 65,000 members and 340 lodges located throughout the state, making it one of the largest Grand Lodges in the world.

Masonic center for Youth and Families is now open.

The center was created to answer the growing need in today’s fraternal family: help for youth who struggle with behavioral or mental health issues.

Children eligible for services are:
Age 4 to 17
Related to a California Mason
Struggling with behavioral, academic, emotional or social difficulties
The Center’s Model of Care:
A team provides analysis and treatment-from experts in all areas of youth psychology-under one roof. They are all committed to thoughtful, integrative care that understands the “Whole Child”.

The center is located in San Francisco, but serves Masonic families throughout the state. It helps Masonic families pay for travel costs as necessary for initial on site-assessment, then identify resources in the home community to carry out the treatment plan.

The center also provides services for non-Masonic youth, but Masonic families are always granted priority.

For more information and support visit mcyaf.org or call
(877)488-6293

Masons4Mitts

We are now heading into the second half of the season for Masons4Mitts. The current standings are:

South Bay Bombers 404
San Francisco Sluggers 264
North Bay Bees 192
East Bay Aces 241
Sacramento Cyclones 15
Delta Dogs 9

There is still time to give. Just $20 buys a mitt for a kid.

Check the count and make your donation online at:
www.Masons4Mitts.org
A Perfect Partnership
Campaign concludes on September 12th with masons Night at AT&T Park.
Lets show them what we can do for our kids.