Thus our "sister" Lodge, Coronado was just days ahead of Blackmer in filing for dispensation and consequently received Number 441. Both Lodges share the same date of issuance of charters. And thus it has become traditional that these two Lodges continue closely associated in the observance of anniversaries.

"Like the history of a nation, the history of Blackmer Lodge F. & A.M. No. 442, is comprised of the record of the character and achievements of the men who compose it," wrote Warren Libby, out late Past Master. He was indeed one of those great leaders in the achievements of which he wrote. We are indebted to Brother Libby for much of our account of what went on during the early days of Blackmer Lodge.

The first "preliminary" meeting of the Brethren who were to form Blackmer Lodge, was held on Thursday, October 2, 1913 at the Hall of San Diego Lodge No. 35, then located at 5th and Ash Streets downtown. Brother Charles G. Briggs was chairman of this meeting, Brother Randall A. Kinney served as Secretary. Brother Briggs was nominated Worshipful Master. Brother Frank Jay Cody was nominated Senior Warden, and Brother Herbert Hudson Heath was nominated Junior Warden.

Through this and subsequent meetings, all necessary papers were drawn up, recommendations were secured from San Diego and Silvergate Lodges, and certificates of qualification of our Officers was obtained from W. E. Lyon, then Worshipful Master of La Mesa Lodge. John B. Osborn, Past Master of San Diego Lodge and Inspector of the 62nd Masonic District, conveyed the petition package to the Grand Secretary, for consideration by the Grand Master. Dispensation was granted on October 27, 1913, and the first meeting U.D., was held on Thursday, October 30, 1913.

It is of some significance that no less than 74 Brothers signed the original petition, far more than the minimum required. During the planning and organizing meetings, the name Blackmer was selected from among nine names presented. The others were Sun Harbor, Euclid, Seres, Balboa, Cabrillo, Albert Pike, Panama, and Prosperity.

"An interesting and intimate picture of the deliberation and harmony of these meetings is gained from the record of the balloting on these names," wrote Brother Libby. "After three ballots were had, upon which no name received a majority vote, the record reads: 'then a general discussion took place, and information and enlightenment was given those present regarding Colonel (Eli T.) Blackmer, after which a motion that the Secretary cast a unanimous ballot in favor of the name Blackmer, was carried.'"

Thus was the new Lodge named for Eli Tucker Blackmer, Past Master of San Diego Lodge No. 35, prominent educator, concert director, civic and Masonic leader.

While only thirty-one Masons signed the petition for dispensation, the name and the original Officers were chosen by 75, most of who eventually became members of Blackmer Lodge. The thirty-one signers represented nineteen states and jurisdictions, the Master was from Maine and the Sr. Deacon was from Manila. Only 6 were from California and none from the Lodges of the City of San Diego.

At the end of the first year there were eight Charter Members, representing thirty-one different occupations. Brother Libby reminds us that the number thirty-one seems to have been historically significant to Blackmer, for it was also the number of members elected to membership by affiliation during the first year under dispensation.

Eighteen applicants for degrees were raised during that first year and no members were lost that year for any cause. The Most Worshipful Benjamin F. Bledsoe, Grand Master of California Masons, constituted Blackmer Lodge on November 7, 1914. Annual dues were $6.00 and meetings were held on Wednesdays