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Masonry, or Freemasonry, is a
fraternity of like-minded men dedicated to morality and the betterment of mankind.
In California, each lodge is a member of a district and each district is a member of a division. This website represents Division 8, and its support to the Grand Lodge of California's Philanthropic endevours.
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On April 4, 2012, the Barstow Boron Lodge # 682 hosted the Grand Lodge of the State of California for a Cornerstone ceremony for the new Barstow Community Hospital. This was the culmination of two years of hard work and coordination for this auspicious event. Grand Lodge opened at 10:00 AM and allowed the public in at 10:45, where the Grand Master and the Barstow Master provided updates on the happenings of their respective organizations. The Barstow Boron Lodge presented the Grand Master with a gavel and sounding block made out of desert mesquite, which was hand made by Merrill Gracey, Past Master of the lodge. The lodge also presented Jeanie Loui with a beautiful bowl made out of bass wood, which was made by the inspector of the 802nd Masonic District, George Whitmore.
A fabulous lunch followed which was prepared by the ladies of the Barstow Lodge and it did not disappoint, they did a wonderful job preparing the food as well as turning the dining room into a beautiful reception hall. The Jobs Daughters, Bethel #341, who after participating in the March of Dimes walk early in the morning, served lunch to over 110 guests.
Everyone departed the lodge at 12:45 and proceeded to the Cornerstone site, which was held on the grounds of the new hospital. The ceremony proceeded at 1:30 and the Grand Lodge conducted a superb ceremony, which included the reading of the time capsule contents. Thirty-three organizations of the Barstow and surrounding communities provided 102 items to be placed in the Cornerstone time capsule, which is a true testament to the relationship between the Lodge and the community. The Grand Orator gave a moving speech where he tied the legacy of the old hospital to the present and future of the new hospital which came to fruition by years of hard work and determination. After the ceremony, the guests were treated to a tour of the state of the art facility and were able to see the product of over 25 years of planning and coordination.
Darrell Kemp – Master
Barstow Boron Lodge #682
![Picture 015[1]](http://division8masons.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Picture-0151-300x201.jpg "Picture 015[1]")
The Grand Lodge of Masons in California continues to be a primary supporter of a free, public education for all children. Since 1920 in April, Masons throughout California, through a variety of programs, celebrate the accomplishments of those in public education. The evening of April 24, 2012 brethren and guests gathered at Temescal Palms Lodge #314 in Corona to honor the accomplishments of seven exemplary students, four teachers-of-the-year, and six exemplary adult employees of the Corona-Norco Unified School District. One student from each of the seven comprehensive and alternative high schools was presented their awards and $100 to use to further their education, while the adult honorees received awards recognizing their accomplishments as well. Worshipful Master Robert Burger, with the assistance of Public Schools Observance chairman Dennis J. Brandt, Corona Mayor Eugene Montanez, a representative from the offices of Congressman Ken Calvert and County Supervisor John Tavalgione, presented each honoree proclamations citing their efforts on behalf of each child and adult who work tirelessly in their effort to succeed. Among the guests present were Corona City Councilman Jason Scott, CNUSD School Board members Cathy Sciortino and Dr. Jose Lalas, Grand Lodge Assistant Grand Lecturer Worshipful Frank Lee, and Masters and brethren from the 822nd Masonic District. During the program the guests were treated to a video presentation of the Grand Lodge Philanthropy for 2012 which Grand Lodge Division 8 has entitled “Operation Literacy”. This program is an effort to raise awareness of the need to support the improvement of child literacy in Kindergarten classrooms in underperforming areas throughout California. Through the efforts of the Grand Lodge of California, Division 8, and their partner “Raising a Reader”, the goal is to increase childhood literacy and give each child and their parents the tools to be successful. The evening closed with a special award presented to Dr. Kent Bechler, Superintendent of the CNUSD, for his exemplary leadership that has vaulted the Corona-Norco Unified School District to state and national prominence. Dr. Bechler will retire at the end of this school year to pursue other educational opportunities. The evening ended with refreshments and fellowship in the Social Hall.
Dennis Brandt
PSAC Committee Member
On April 27, 2012 Edwin Rhodes Elementary School in Chino, held its’ annual school fair. In a true show of Brotherly love and unity, Chino Valley Lodge was joined with Brothers from Ontario and Upland/Mt. Baldy Lodges to man a Child I.D. booth. This program provides a document with a picture of the child, a thumbprint and space for the parent to fill in valuable information, which can be used in case of abduction.
During the event, we had over 130 children receive an I.D. document. Spearheading the program for the second straight year was Chino Valley Lodge's Senior Deacon Brother Jim Duran; who has two of his children attending the school.
Members from the Zula Grotto also had a booth, where they provided free toothbrushes to the children for their “Toothbrush Day”, in order to promote good dental care for all children. They also support the Supreme Council of North America’s humanitarian foundation that provides free dental care to children with developmental disabilities.
This event was a great success, not only for our Lodges but also for the elementary school.
Respectfully submitted and reporting for Division 8………
Brother Philip Stekel
Secretary
Chino Valley Lodge #427
On Tuesday, April 24th, the Moreno Valley Chapter of DeMolay had a “Fun Night” at the Moreno Valley Lodge. Generally on the 4th Tuesday of the month, unless there is a degree, the Chapter puts aside ritual and business for light amusement and to just have fun. Everyone present enjoyed the evening with board games, computer games and pizza. They also played lawn games in the park area behind the Lodge.
The Chapter had many members in attendance including the Master Counselor, Cody Gonzales. Also present were the Chapter Sweetheart, Sarah Elizabeth Baker, advisors Chapter Dad, Allan Solis, J.W. of Artesia Sunrise Lodge # 377, Michael Strader, Moreno Valley Lodge # 804, Ruth Blanco, Star of the Valley # 648 and Manny Blanco, W.M. of Chino Masonic Lodge # 427.
While the Chapter ended the month of April with a Fun Night, May will be an exceptionally busy. Two of the events will include a presentation of the "Flower Talk " given by Richard Baker at the Installation of Officers of the DeMolay Chapter at Artesia Sunrise Lodge # 377 on Saturday, May 19th and a degree on Tuesday, May 29th. Please join us and support Masonic Youth.
DeMolay International is a youth group for young men, between the ages of 12 and 21. DeMolay offers character building, leadership training and life skills development. Please contact Dad Blanco at masontruth.com for more information. You can also get more information about this worthwhile organization at www.SCJDeMolay.org or www.DeMolay.org
Manny Blanco
Worshipful Master
Chino Valley Lodge #427
Dear Worshipful Sir and Brothers all:
“No great or important undertaking … .” Prayer undergirds all we do in Masonry. Every meeting opens and closes with an address to the Throne of Grace.
So it will be on June 20th when Division 8 presents “Operation Raising a Reader,” Grand Master Louie’s project to enhance the reading skills of disadvantaged children.
Your Lodge is invited to write an opening and closing prayer for this important event. All the Lodges in the division are encouraged to participate and two will be selected from the submissions.
If a prayer is chosen from your Lodge, you or a designee will have the honor of giving it at the June 20th event.
All submissions must be in the hands of the “Raising a Reader” committee by May 15th.
You may e-mail your entry to Floyd Orr – frorr@aol.com, Jim Ridley –bbcakessr@aol.com, or Greg Covel – gcovel8@gmail.com
You will be notified by June 1st, if a prayer from your Lodge is to be used.
Thank you for your consideration! Public education is a bulwark of a free society. “Operation Raising a Reader” is testimony that all masons in Division 8 support this fundamental ideal of democracy.
Fraternally and sincerely,
Floyd Orr
Committee Member “Raising a Reader