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Our History
VICTORVILLE MASONIC CENTER ASSOCIATION
AND
VICTORVILLE LODGE NO. 634, F & AM
VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA
HISTORICAL DATA
The following data and/or information has been extracted from actual Lodge Records and Members who may have a recollection of events or occurrences which have happened over the years past.
On Wednesday, October 14, 1925 (5925 A. L.) at 8:00 PM, the following named Brethren, recognized by each other as Master Masons in good standing assembled at the American Legion Hall in Victorville, CA, for the purpose of initiating the necessary measures for the organization of a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, viz:-
Bro. John S. Garrison Bro. William R. Garrison Bro. Ray D. Sperry
Bro. Fred W. Lang Bro. Edward H. Williams Bro. James H. Smith
Bor. S. B. Richards Bro W. E. Keatonk Bro. C.E. Trueblood
Bro. Hugh H. Sharon Bro. T. R. Irwin Bro. Clarence S. Crain
Bro. Ross Nellans Bro. Clifford M. Moon Bro. WilliamF. McEwen
Bro. Kenneth L. Taylor Bro. Bert Haruff Bro. Samuel H. Goodman
Bro. Jesse R. Demaree Bro. J. P. Hoffman Bro. Frank Hudelson
Bro. Walter A. Rankin Bro. Melvin M. Black Bro. Frank Romey
Bro. Frank Moline Bro. J. Clay Garrison Bro. Guy A. Marsh
Bro. Walter G. Roberts Bro Claude J. Goodrich Bro. Walker Jones
Bro. C. W. Brusg Bro. R. M. Wilson Bro. L. V. Robinson
Bro. C. J. Goodrich was appointed as the Chairman and Bro. W. F. McEwen was appointed to the Secretary's Chair. After a discussion on procedures to be taken, a committee was appointed to contact the District Inspector for guidance. Donations were received in the amount of $22.80 to defray expenses for the Hall, and the meeting adjourned with sandwiches and coffee.
On Friday, October 23, 1925, a meeting took place at the American Legion Hall for an address by the Worshipful W. B. Howes, District Inspector from San Bernardino. Wor. Howes directed that a name be selected for the Lodge and to draft up a Petition for Dispensation and secure at least Twelve but not more than twenty-five signatures, and to properly elect a Master and Senior and Junior Wardens. It was decided that the name of the Lodge will be Victorville Lodge F & AM, and that the first elected Master was Bro. Edward Henry Williams, Bro. Melvin Merrill Black, the first Senior Warden, and Bro. James Hubert Smith, the first Junior Warden. The Dispensation was drafted and signed and dated this date.
Bro. Edward Henry Williams Phoenix Lodge No. 178, California
Bro. Melvin Merrill Black, Phoenix Lodge No. 178, California
Bro. James Hubert Smith Phoenix Lodge No. 178, California
Bro. Frank White McCorkle Avondale Lodge No. 476, Alabama
Bro. Willard E. Robinson League City No. 1053, Texas
Bro. Ralph Hough Webb Franklin No. 107, Indiana
Bro. Clarence Simmons Crain Ely Lodge No. 29, Nevada
Bro. Guy Alfred Marsh Yuma Lodge No. 17, Arizona
Bro. Rollie William Conrad Zenith Lodge No. 202, South Dakota
Bro. Robert Martin Willison Phoenix Lodge No. 178, California
Bro. Hugh Henry Sharon Phoenix Lodge No. 178, California
Bro. William Franklin McEwen Phoenix Lodge No. 178, California
Bro. Kenneth Leonard Taylor Phoenix Lodge No. 178, California
Bro. Claude John Goodrich Clovis Lodge No. 417, California
Bro. Fred William Lang Keystone Lodge No. 639, Illinois
Bro. William Elzevir Bell Ottley Lodge No. 299, Iowa22
Bro. Raymond Fitzsimmons Foster Willard Lodge No. 47, New Mexico
Bro. Fred Peterson Beach Lodge No. 237, California
Bro. Walter Allen Rankin Phoenix Lodge No. 178, California
Bro. Clifford Marion Moon Phoenix Lodge No. 178, California
Bro, Walter Gustav Robert San Bernardino Lodge No. 348, California
Bro. John Samuel Garrison Kingman Lodge No. 22, Arizona
Bro. Samuel Henry Goodman Phoenix Lodge No. 178, California
Bro. Sam B. Stevens Hoaquin Lodge No. 64, Washington
Bro. James Ross Demaree Phoenix Lodge No. 178, California
All signers of the Petition for Dispensation donated the sum of $10.00 to offset expenses, and that $10.00 would be charged for affiliation. A committee was formed to search for a possible meeting place for the Lodge.
On Friday, November 26, 1925, at 8:00 PM, the committee on locating facilities, reported that the Odd Fellows Building was available for Wednesday nights. It was therefore ordered that Wednesday be the regular meeting night of the Lodge. The names of possible members to fill the remaining positions of the Lodge were discussed and appointments were made.
On Wednesday, February 10, 1926 at 7:30 PM, the Brethren met at the Odd Fellows building for the first time. Bro Smith resigned his position as Junior Warden. Bro William F. McEwen was elected as Junior Warden.
On Wednesday, March 17, 1926 at 7:30 PM, the Brethren assembled at the call of the Master Elect, who was pleased to say that the Grand Master of the State of California was pleased and had granted the Dispensation. The Worshipful Walter B. Howes would institute a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons Under Dispensation on Saturday March 20, 1926 at 7:30 PM. Brother C. M. Moon was elected as Secretary and Bro. C. A. Marsh was elected as Treasurer.
On Saturday, March 20, 1926 at 7:30 PM, the Brethren assembled at the Lodge Hall. All signers of the Petition for a Dispensation to form and open a Lodge were present except for Bro. Ralph Hough, who was absent due to the death of his father. The Worshipful Walter B. Howes, Inspector of the 97th Masonic District was present and assumed the East, and instituted the Lodge in conformity to the rites of Masonry, and the charges of our ancient and honorable fraternity. By his direction the Acting Secretary Thomas W. Duckworth, Past Master of San Bernardino Lodge No. 348, read the dispensation granted to Victorville Lodge, U. D., F. & A.M. In accordance with the authority vested in them by the instrument, the Inspector invested the following Brethren with the jewel of their office and they took their respective stations, namely:
Edward Henry Williams Master
Melvin Merrill Black Senior Warden
William Franklin McEwen, Junior Warden
Guy Alfred Marsh Treasurer
Clifford Marion Moon Secretary
Jesse Ross Demaree Senior Deacon
Claude John Goodrich Marshal
Frank White McCorkle Steward
Raymond Fitzsimmons Foster Steward
Sam B. Stevens Tyler
On this same date, Saturday, March 20, 1926 at 9:00 PM the Victorville Lodge, U. D., F & A.M. assembled for its first formal meeting. The Worshipful Master appointed Bro. Robert Martin Willison as Junior Deacon, pro tem and the Lodge was opened on the Third Degree. The first formal action would be the adoption of a uniform code of By-Laws. The By-Laws were adopted and it was established that the fees for the degrees would be the sum of Fifty-five dollars. The dues were established as Nine dollars, payable quarterly in advance. The stated business meeting was designated as the fourth Wednesday of each month. During the ceremonies the fire alarm sounded and the Master excused all members who were interested in the local fire and the Lodge was closed. After the serious fire in the business district was controlled, members and guests returned to the Lodge for dinner served by the Eastern Star ladies of the District.
On Wednesday, March 24, 1926, the Lodge was opened for business. Eight applications for the degrees of Freemasonry were read and referred to investigating committees. Fifteen applications for affiliation were read and referred to investigating committees. These applications were the first to be received by Victorville Lodge, U. D., F. & A. M.
On Wednesday, May 5, 1926, Victorville Lodge U. D., F. & A. M. was opened on the first degree and proceeded to initiate the first two Entered Apprentice Masons of this Lodge.
On Wednesday, June 9, 1926, Victorville Lodge U. D., F. & A. M. was opened on the second degree and proceeded to pass two Brothers to the degree of Fellowcraft Mason. This was made possible by the timely arrival on that day of the two Middle Chamber Pillars. These Pillars were donated by Bro C. C. Merrill.
On Wednesday, August 4, 1926, Victorville Lodge U. D., F. & A. M., was opened on the third degree of Masonry and proceeded to raise Bro. Noland Robert Garrison to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. This is the first raising of a Brother in this Lodge since its inception.
On Wednesday, August 25, 1926, at the regular stated meeting, a motion was read to amend the By-Laws, to wit: The regular stated meeting shall be the first Wednesday of each month. It was approved. A Motion was made to send the Worshipful Master to the Annual Grand Lodge meeting in San Francisco on October 11th thru 16th inclusive. The Master would carry a petition to the Grand Master requesting he grant a Charter to the Lodge. It was approved and the sum of $100.00 was set aside for the trip. The Brethren of Rialto Lodge offered to pay for the Letter "G" recently purchased by the Lodge. The offer was graciously accepted.
On Wednesday, September 22, 1926, at the regular stated meeting, the motion to amend the By-Laws as stated at the last regular meeting, was reread, and approved.
On Wednesday, October 27, 1926, at 7:30 PM the Lodge was opened on the third degree, for the first time as a regularly constituted Lodge of Freemasonry, with the numerical designation of Victorville Lodge No. 634, F. & A. M., Victorville, CA.
NOTE: Charter members of the Lodge are listed on this document.
On Saturday, October 15, 1927, the Lodge conducted it's first Masonic Funeral Service. Services were for Brother Samuel B. Stevens, a charter member of the Lodge, who was born on March 4, 1884. Brother Stevens was the first Tyler of this Lodge.
On Wednesday, April 6, 1932 the Lodge was presented with a very large picture of George Washington, as Master with Apron. The picture was presented by Congressman Phil Swing. It was moved and approved to have the picture properly framed and posted in the Lodge Hall.
At the Stated Meeting of Wednesday July 6, 1932, the Lodge was informed that the first Worshipful Master of the Lodge had passed to the Lodge on High. Wor. Edward Henry Williams passed away on June 30, 1932 following an extended illness. Wor. Williams was born on October 18, 1883. He was initiated as an Entered Apprentice Mason in Phoenix Lodge No. 178, San Bernardino on August 9, 1915, Passed October 18, 1915 and raised on November 22, 1915. He demitted to form Victorville Lodge on March 11, 1926. He served as Master for the years 1926 and 1927. He was Lodge Treasurer for the years 1930-31-32.
On November 24, 1939, the Lodge was opened at 6:00 PM, with a dinner at 6:30 PM, for the specific purpose of receiving The Most Worshipful William B. Ogden, the Grand Master of the State of California, on his first official visit to this Lodge.
On Wednesday, September 1, 1943, at the Stated Meeting it was announced the Flight Cadet Ralph Peterson was killed in a plane crash on August 11, 1943 during Advanced Flying training at Williams Army Air Field, Chandler, Arizona. Cadet Peterson was the first individual sponsored by Victorville Lodge No. 634 to the Children's Masonic Home in Covina. Cadet Peterson was the son of deceased Brother Fred Peterson a former member of this Lodge.
On Wednesday May 3, 1950, at the Stated Meeting, it was suggested by Wor. Bro. James C. Garrison that the Lodge purchase 50 ea Trowels as per the sample displayed during this meeting. It was approved and carried.
On Wednesday, October 3, 1951, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Lodge was proclaimed and numerous Brethren spoke on some of the past history of the Lodge. A two page briefing was compiled as the first official documentation of the history of the Lodge, and was appended to the minutes of this Stated Meeting.
On Wednesday, October 1, 1952 at the Stated Meeting, the directives as received from the Grand Lodge, reference: Formation of a Lodge Building Association. were read, completed and accepted by the Lodge. The following Brethren were nominated and elected as the first Officers of the Building Association. To wit: Bro. Arthur D. Doran, Bro. Elton Goble, Bro. W. T. Cowan, Bro. William Cameron and Bro. Alfred E. Johnson. NOTE: The Master and Senior Warden are automatically members of the Association.
On March 11, 1953 at the Stated Meeting, the following members were duly elected as the permanent elected Directors of the Building Association, and will maintain in that position, until the next Annual Election of Officers. They are:
Wor. Bro. Jack Page President
Bro. Elton Goble Director
Bro. Vince Engel Vice President
Bro. Willard Cameron Director
Bro. A. Don Doran Treasurer
Bro. Alfred E. Johnson Director
Bro. W. T. Cowan Secretary
On Wednesday, September 7, 1955, at a Stated Meeting of the Lodge It was moved that a committee be appointed to purchase a Cornerstone for the new California Memorial Temple in San Francisco. The stone would be taken from a local quarry and would cost approximately $200.00. The motion was passed by a unanimous vote of the Lodge. If the stone is accepted by the Grand Lodge, it will be placed on the corner of California and Taylor Streets in San Francisco.
On Wednesday, March 7, 1956, at a Stated Meeting, the concept of the Traveling Jewels was introduced to the Lodge. The five principle officers received the Traveling Jewel Lapel Pin with instructions that the pin be passed on the successor of his chair. The Jewels were donated by the Family of Wor. Bro. Frank Fairbanks.
On Wednesday, March 21, 1956, the Lodge convened for the specific purpose of receiving the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of the State of California, Most Worshipful Edgar V. Stewart, Jr. The formal reception was held at the Apple Valley Inn
On September 19, 1956, the corner stone, donated by Victorville Lodge No. 634 to the Grand Lodge of the State of California, was laid in true Masonic tradition in San Francisco, CA., at the building of the new California Masonic Memorial Temple.
On Wednesday, June 5, 1957, at a Stated Meeting, a report of the Building Association with reference to the land owned by the Lodge became the primary topic. A proposal to sell the land was approved by the Lodge. Wor. Bro. Elton Goble reported that a new plot of land has been donated to the Lodge by the Tatum Construction Company owner.
On June 17, 1957 an agreement was drawn up, approved and signed, between the Building Association and the Architect, a Mr. Robert Hyle Thomas, to design and draft the necessary plans for the construction of the Victorville Masonic Building. This agreement between the Owner and the Architect was signed by Building Assoc. President Bro. Wendell Peabody, Bro. Alfred E. Johnson, Secretary, and the Architect Mr. R. H. Thomas.
On Wednesday, July 2, 1958 at a Stated Meeting it was agreed, with approval of Grand Lodge, that the Lodge authorize the Building Association to contract for a loan for construction of the Victorville Masonic Building.
On Wednesday, July 3, 1963 members of the Lodge could observe the initial earth moving as it was taking place. The cost of grading and leveling the lot was donated by an unnamed Brother. It was not recorded but it was assumed that it was Bro. Robert Campbell, Chief Architect of the new building.
On Thursday, October 3, 1963, the City of Victorville issued the necessary Building Permit, to allow the initiation of work on the new Lodge Building.
On Saturday, November 30, 1963, The Grand Master Of Masons of the State of California, The Most Worshipful Elmer W. Heald, consecrated the Masonic Building in Victorville, by the official laying of the Corner Stone of the Lodge. This four and a half hour ceremony started at the Green Tree Inn where all attended a wonderful ceremonial dinner, then progressed to the Lodge site where the formal dedication services began. There were more than 500 people in attendance during this noteworthy signal occasion. The following is a list of items placed in a capsule in the cornerstone at the time of laying:
List of the current Officers of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, of the State of California.
List of the current Installed Officers of the Victorville Masonic Building Association.
Program of the 37th Annual Installation of Officers of Victorville Lodge No. 634, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California.
Program of the 30th Installation of Officers, Victor Valley Chapter No. 537, Order of the Eastern Star.
Program of the latest Annual Installation of Officers, Joshua Court, Order of the Amaranth.
Copy of the Minutes of the Stated Meetings of Victorville Lodge No. 634, F. & A. M. for July 3, AL 5963., and November 6, AL 5963.
Copy of the Articles of Incorporation of the Victorville Masonic Building Association.
Copy of November Trestleboard, Calendar, and Constitution and By-Laws of Victorville Lodge No. 634, F. & A. M.
Copy of Latest Monitor and Officers Manual and a copy of the Invitation to the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony.
List by Name of San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, 1963, Victorville City Council Members, 1963, and a copy of the Harris Christmas Catalog, 1963.
Mint set of U.S. Coins donated by Victor Valley Numismatic Association.
Latest copy of the Victor Press and the "Corralings".
Various articles from newspapers, reference, the tragic death of President Kennedy in Dallas on November 22, 1963.
Constitution Observance Dinner on the evening of September 9, 1964, was served and prepared by the Eastern Star Ladies, Proceeds were donated by the Order of Eastern Star, to the Building Association to be used for furniture of the Lodge. Note: The Turkeys were donated by Jess Ranch.
On Wednesday, September 16, 1964, the Lodge met for the first time in the new Temple.
Saturday, February 27, 1965, the formal dedication service by the Grand Lodge was observed.
The Grand Lodge was opened in due form on the Third Degree of Masonry by the Right Worshipful Myron E. Smith, Acting Grand Master, who was pleased to say that the city of Victorville can be proud to have such a magnificent edifice to add to their cultural growth. After the formal introductions of the many distinguished Officers and their guests, Worshipful Master Royce Avery thanked the Grand Master for the generous comments and ceremony, and the Grand Lodge was closed in due form at 9:45 PM.
On March 1, 1967, it was approved to have a refrigerator type drinking fountain installed in the Lodge lobby. By direction of the Grand Lodge it was established that the official uniform for officers will be a Tuxedo, and shall be worn during official visits of Grand Lodge Officers and will normally be worn during degree work.
On August 2, 1967 the Lodge records indicated that there were currently 308 Members.
On Wednesday, October 6, 1971. Wor. Al Johnson reported on the results of the first Annual Masonic Bar-B-Que. Although it was not a financial success, the efforts put forth indicate that a solid foundation laid for the next or Second Annual Bar-B-Que to be held in September 1972.
December 13, 1971. At a Regular Meeting of the Building Assoc., discussion was held regarding the construction of a permanent type deep pit Bar-B-Que enclosure. It was moved, seconded and approved to build a pit like the one at the Fair Grounds.
February 17, 1972. The Building Assoc., in conjunction with all the Organizations using the Masonic Building, thanked Mrs. Inez Huffman Van Dola, for the desert Joshua tree paintings, placed on the south wall of the dinning facility February 17, 1972. The Building Assoc., in conjunction with all the Organizations using the
January 3, 1973. The Lodge on this date forwarded a Sympathy Card to Lady Bess Truman, on the passing of Ill. Bro. Harry S. Truman 33'.
May 2, 1973. Bro. Vern Leef, Junior Warden recommended the initiation of a program to honor our departed Brethren's Widows. This was the start of the Lodge Annual Widows' night or better yet the start of the Lodge's Sweetheart Dinner Night.
October 17, 1973. The first official Widow's Night was held and considered a big success. The dinner was put on by the Order of Rainbow Girls, guest speaker was Ill, Bro. Dorse K. Fissel 33'.
Membership records for May 1974 indicate that the Lodge currently has 337 Members.
December 2, 1975. The Building Association signed a contract with the Cecil C. Cooley Paving and Grading Co. To repair the Parking. Cost will be $1,153.00.
On March 27, 1976, an afternoon Ceremony commemorating Victorville Lodge's 50th Anniversary, in conjunction with the United States Bi-Centennial celebration was held at the Lodge. The first meeting of the Lodge was held under dispensation from the Grand Lodge of California on March 20th 1926. In order to co-ordinate our Celebration with the presence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master John F. Roberts Jr., a reception was held in the evening at the Green Tree Inn. This followed his attendance at a Cornerstone Laying Ceremony for a new Superior Court Building in Barstow. The evening program included the presentation of a Masonic 50 year Award to Brother Ray Hamersley and a 50 year Award to Charter Member Worshipful Brother Jess Demaree. The Most Worshipful John F. Roberts Jr., presented the Lodge Anniversary Award to Worshipful Master Les Young and Senior Warden Brother L. Ernie Kraft.
On Sunday, June 19, 1977 the First Annual Lodge Family Picnic was held at Timberlane Park in Hesperia, beginning at 11:00 AM. Everyone enjoyed a day of friendship and brotherly love.
On Wednesday, July 5, 1978, at a Stated Meeting a letter from the Grand Lodge was read where-by the Hiram Award Program was instituted. The first recipient for this Lodge would be Wor. Lester Johnson.
It should be noted that the meeting scheduled for the 31st of January, 1979, had to be canceled due to a severe Snow Storm which made all roads impassable in the Victor Valley.
At a meeting of the Building Assoc. On March 6, 1979, Bro. Steven G. Basura reported that the Surveyor, Mr. Weaver, who was surveying the parking lot for a permit for surfacing, found that the property line between the Lodge and the Desert Knolls Convalescent Home was wrong. It was evident that the Convalescent Home was intruding on the Lodge property, for a distance of approximately six (6) feet at the curb and about twelve (12) feet along the rear property line.
On Wednesday, September 5, 1979, at a Stated Meeting Wor. Al Johnson brought it to the Lodge's attention that there is currently a Claim against the Convalescent Home. The Home has constructed their fence on our property, thus a claim of encroachment has been activated.
At a meeting on April 1, 1980, Worshipful Master Neal and Bro. Basura recommended that the money donated to the Building Assoc. by the Apple Valley Masonic Club, be used to modify the building front entrance. Artificial stone would be placed around the glass doors in place of the existing large glass panels. This action will improve the Temple security. The action was moved, seconded and approved.
On Wednesday, April 1, 1981, at a Stated Meeting, the Hiram Award was Posthumously presented to Worshipful Brother Vern Albin Leef for his dedicated service to the Lodge and the Fraternity as a whole. Minutes for the Building Association, during the year of 1982 could not be found among the files or records.
On Wednesday, February 5, 1986, at a Stated Meeting it was moved by Bro Jim Brown, seconded by Bro Morey West and approved by the Lodge to name the Dinning Room, the "Andy Fox Fellowship Hall".
On May 6, 1986 at a Stated Meeting, Bro. Steven G. Basura made a presentation to the Lodge of a large electrified letter "G" super-imposed on a "Sun Burst Star", to be displayed in the "East", directly above and behind the Masters Station. The Worshipful Master thanked Bro Basura on behalf of the members of the Lodge and stated that, "This special donation will be recognized for generations to come, by Lodge members as an example of a Brothers devotion to his Lodge".
On July 1, 1987 at a Stated Meeting, it was announced by way of a Grand Lodge Communication, that all Lodge's would change the Building Association's current title to that of, "Victorville Masonic Temple Association", and that new By-Laws would be re-submitted to the Grand Lodge for approval.
On October 5, 1988, at a Stated Meeting, it was recommended by Bro. Edward Holloway that the station implements, consisting of a Gavel and 2 Setting Mauls along with the Sounding Blocks, donated to this Lodge by Brother Tom Mix, be put on permanent display in the Front Lobby of the Lodge
On September 5, 1990 at a Stated Meeting, it was reported by the Victorville Masonic Temple Association, that the property dispute between the Desert Knolls Convalescent Hospital and the Temple Association has been resolved. The Temple Association has received a settlement. of $1,500.00, plus $250.00 for legal expenses for the use by the Hospital of the property easement This agreement is for an unspecified period of time..
NOTE: A change of ownership of the Hospital will void this agreement.
On October 1, 1992, the V.M.T.A. held the first of a series of so called "General Meetings". These meetings include all current building tenants, and the specific purpose of these meetings will be to improve communication between the tenants, and accept input information, so as to improve the facilities operation and functions.
On June 2, 1993, at a Stated Meeting, it was approved to renovate the storage facilities. This was a high priority project which was badly needed to accommodate all tenants. Wor. Larry L. Wrayand Bro. Raymond A. Latham volunteered to do the primary construction according to a plan submitted by Wor. Horace J. Larkin.
On August 19, 1993, Bro. Robert Casmer submitted a plan for the complete renovation of the front area of the Lodge property. The plan calls for a sidewalk, small planter, retaining walls, parking area, etc. This project would not cost the Lodge or the V.M.T.A. any expense and was being built in the memory of Lady Rose Calmer. The project was approved without question.
On March 20, 1994, at 1:00 PM the Formal Dedication of the renovated front area of the Lodge to include a Flag Pole and Commemorative Plaque was held with Lodge Officers in "Tux" with "Jewels and Aprons". Representatives of the City of Victorville were present as well as Newspaper reporters.
On July 6, 1994 at a Stated Meeting it was M/S/A to allow the V.M.T.A. to initiate a complete renovation of the "PA" system. This will aid those Brethren who have a hearing problem. War. Larry L. Way presented the Lodge with a Resolution declaring Brother Bruce Wayne Schoffstall as a "Past Master" of this Lodge. Also a Resolution to the Trustees of the Masonic Homes of California was read, requesting admission of Worshipful Ludwig Ernest Kraft and his Lady Florence Muriel Kraft to be accepted for admission into the Masonic Home at Union City, CA.
On August 18, 1994 the Secretary of the V.M.T.A. was directed by the Assoc. President, Wor. Larry L. Wray, to prepare a Letter of Gratitude to Bro. Elliotte Fajardo, for the very generous donation to the Lodge of the "Rough and Perfect Ashlars".
February 4, 1997. An agreement between the V.M.T.A. and the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons was reached whereby, the Oasis Council U.D. was granted Tenant status and thereby will rent the V.M.T.A. facilities on a regular scheduled basis.
May 9, 1998. Wor. Horace J. Larkin reported that the Alarm System has been installed and that special instructions will be forth-coming, indicating methods of arming and dis-arming, and the use of individual codes.
October 1, 1998. The Lodge was saddened by the loss of our Brother Edward Holloway. Bro. Edward was the Lodge Chaplin for over 15 years, a dedicated Mason for 53 years, He assembled and donated the Plaque of Hiram Award Recipients, located in the Tilers room.
November 4, 1998. Wor. Charles E. Brown represented the Lodge at a special Ceremony of the local chapter of the NAACP. A Plaque was presented to Victorville Lodge No. 634 in recognition of its performance in conjunction with High Desert Lodge No 107, Prince Hall Affiliate, for their teamwork and support of the Del Rey Elementary School Bar-B-Que.
On April 5, 1999. Work began on the major renovation of the Lodge facilities. Rest rooms will be upgraded to include: New vanity cabinets with sinks, new mirrors , new toilets and ceramic tile floors and 1/3 walls. Replace plumbing as needed and complete painting.
At the Stated Meeting of April 7, 1999, Wor John Bennett reported that the Lodge Web page is up and running in accordance with Grand Lodge specifications.
A new ship in the form of a wire strung model was donated to the Lodge and placed over the preparation room door.
On June 14, 1999. It was M/S/A that effective September 1, 1999, the entire Building will be designated as a "NO SMOKING AREA".
On June 16, 1999, the Lodge welcomed The Most Worshipful Grand Master of the State of California, Melville H. Nahin at a reception in his honor.
On July 1, 1999, Wor. John M. Hardy dispatched a letter to Barstow Lodge No. 682 and Fox-Coats Daylight Lodge No. 842, thanking them for their support and participation during the Grand Masters Visit to this Lodge.
On July 7, 1999 at the Stated Meeting, Wor. John Bennett requested someone to compile a brief on special data of a historical nature. Wor. Horace J. Larkin responded by offering his service as a non-appointed Lodge Historian, and that he would start a search of the records of the Lodge and the Temple Association to compile such a document.
On July 9, 1999, the Order of Eastern Star, Chapter No. 537 have through the efforts of Bro. Larry Pedretti and his Lady Mary, donated a Wheel Chair to the Lodge for Members use. Bro Arthur J. Laing took care of the coordination and delivery.
On July 14, 1999, the actual renovation of the Kitchen facility got under way. A ceramic tile floor will be installed, plus stainless steel sinks with disposal unit, replacement parts of the Cabinet of the Coffee area,and a complete rework of all plumbing. The Large Stove/Oven and Grill was completely rebuilt and refinished.
On August 4,1999 at the Stated Meeting, it was M/S/A that the name of the dinning room shall be known as the "Steven G. Basura Memorial Hall".
At the Stated Meeting of November 3, 1999, It was M/S/A to appoint Brother Eugene Graham to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Lodge. His primary duty will be that of handling all aspects of the records of Membership Dues. This action is the first time such an appointment has been made during the entire history of the Lodge.
This completes the Condensed version of the Lodge Historical Data through December 31, 1999. This represents information determined by the Lodge Historian, to be of significant value for publishing.
Date of Completion: April 8, 2000.
Lodge Historian: Horace J. Larkin, PM
Lodge Web Master: John Bennett, PM
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