The year was one in which new measures were introduced to move the Lodge progressively forward in a manner that would continue to improve upon its suc- cess as an outstanding Lodge, not only in Santa Clara Valley , but also, the Grand Lodge Jurisdiction of California. An " Aid & Assistance" program was established to provide aid and assistance to those in need of it, particularly the membership and their families.

A new approach to the Public Schools Program was initiated. A joint program with Edenvale Elementary School, of San Jose, was established. One that would involve active participation of the Lodge with the school throughout the year , and that would grow in magnitude in future years.

Three new committees were established: l) The Finance/Budget Committee; to oversee the expenditures of the Lodge, project its future expenditures, and cre- ate an annual budget for the ensuing year. 2) The Aid & Assistance Committee; to ~ oversee the Aid & Assistance program. And, 3) The Entertainment Committee; to provide entertainment, including speakers, for Lodge events.

Eleven 1st Degrees, seven 2nd Degrees and seven 3rd Degrees were con- ferred. Three 50 Year Golden Veterans Awards, twelve 25 year Pins and ten Master's Awards were presented. The "Master's Award" being initiated by the Master to give recognition for continual dedicated service to the Lodge, to those members who deserved, but had not received, it.

Lodge membership declined during the year from 499 to 490 members. The officers for the year were installed at an open installation on January lOth. The installing officers were Worshipful Sammy C. Nixon, Host; Worshipful Gene S. Ellsworth, Installing Officer; Worshipful Arthur A. Pasquinelli, Master of Ceremonies; Worshipful Howard J. Coffrnan, Sr., Installing Chaplain and Worshipful Carl F. Miescke, Installing Organist. Two of the installed officers, Howard J. Coffrnan, Jr., Junior Steward and James E. Mackey, Senior Steward, resigned during the year for personal reasons. Eduardo E. "Eddie" Hermano, was appointed Senior Steward in November. Worshipful Marvin Wright, Master in 1967, presented Brothers Robert H. Bisconer, Jr. and Lewis D. Bisconer, who are actual brothers, with their 25 Year Pins at the February Stated Meeting. Both were raised to Master Mason on the ~ same day, January 30, 1967. It was an exceptional evening, as this rarely occurs in a Lodge. A bulletin board, donated by the Master, was placed in the Tiler's room in March, so that important Lodge, and other Masonic, news items could be viewed and read by the membership.

A small replica of a schoolhouse, referred to by the Master as "The Little Red Schoolhouse", was introduced on Public Schools Night, April 13th, to receive donations from the membership for the public schools program with Edenvale Elementary School. It was made by Worshipful Erhard Schaefer, P.M. Worshipful Robert S. Whitlach and Brother Robert C. Whitlach, his son, sat in the East and West respectively at the conferral of the 2nd Degree upon Brother Leroy L. Hayes, Jr. on April 2Oth. This was another exceptional evening for the Lodge, as it is unusual for this to happen in a Lodge.

Entertainment was introduced as a part of the program at the Lodge' s annual picnic which was held June 13th. The Saratoga French Horn Choir performed. A San Jose Masonic Temple "Family Night", sponsored by all the Lodges of the San Jose Masonic Temple, was held on July 2Oth. The event, considered a step toward creating new friendships within the Lodges, was initiated by Golden Rule. The event committee, comprised of the Masters of all the Temple Lodges, was chaired by the Master. A trophy for having the largest percentage of membership in attendance was presented to Golden Rule that evening. Brother Larry A. Townsley was presented the coveted "Hiram Award" the night of August 31 st. Seven of the eleven living past recipients were present.

The Lodge completed its fIrst Public Schools Program project with Edenvale Elementary School at a special assembly held there September 23rd. Decorative pencil boxes were presented to students in the first and second grade classes, on behalf of the Lodge, by the Master, Public Schools Committee Chairman, and Junior Warden. The pencil boxes were purchased with donations from the membership placed in "The Little Red Schoolhouse". Trophies, donated by the Master, were presented at the October 5th Stated Meeting to the runner-up and winning foursomes of the Annual Golf Tournament, held July 18th, by Larry A. Townsley, the tournament committee chairman. The tournament had its largest attendance since its inception; 9 foursomes, or 36 people.

The Lodge received its 9th consecutive Grand Master's Achievement Award, since establishment of the award in 1983, at the Grand Lodge Annual Communication in October. A plaque was presented by the Master, on behalf of the Lodge, to the Past Masters during the Lodge's traditional Past Masters Night which was held on ~ October 19th. The plaque bore the inscription "To the Past Masters of Golden Rule Lodge No.479, F. & A.M. of San lose, California. Our Sincerest Gratitude , in Appreciation of Your Dedication and Devoted Service to the Lodge Throughout the Years. From the Master, Officers & Brethren of Golden Rule". (This plaque was later placed on the wall in the Tiler's room at the request of the Past Masters.) The Past Masters, as usual, did an excellent job of conferring the 3rd Degree. The recipient was Brother Vernon S. Mattocks.

The annual election of officers was held, for the first time in the history of the Lodge, in November, at the Stated Meeting. This was due to the adoption by Grand Lodge, at its October Annual Communication, of Carry-over Resolution 91-33, requiring Lodges to have their annual election of officers at their November Stated Meeting. Brother George E. McCarthy was elected Master.