From time to time, I will attempt to bring you news from the Grand Lodge and from the Masonic homes, as distributed to me in the publication "News from the Quarries." This is a joint publication of the Grand lodge of California and the Masonic Homes of California. I hope you will find this page interesting, and would appreciate any feedback you can give me. Please contact me by email.  Also, the Masonic Homes has recently revamped their web site.  You can read about the latest developments at the Homes, download recent mailings, and learn all about the programs and services they provide.  Please visit the site at www.masonichome.org

My theme this year is Freemasonry: Values that Brighten our Communities — Share the Light!  Our fraternal values are a beacon of light in a society otherwise darkened by the interests of the marketplace.  Have you ever truly imagined how different our social landscape could be if our society lived according to our fraternal values and accepted the responsibilities of being a member or a community?  The light would be dazzling!

Although we describe it in our ritual, very few lodges actually have a "Mosaic Pavement" on the floor of their lodge room. Our ritual refers to the Mosaic Pavement as a reminder of human life, checkered with good and evil. That is a primary meaning and a poignant one, especially in times of great calamity. In this sense, the Mosaic Pavement speaks to us of this uncertainty of human life.

There is, however, a deeper meaning in the Mosaic pavement. Kirk MacNulty, in his book The Way of the Craftsman points out that the "checkered Pavement" is a symbol of unity in human experience. Without understanding the importance of God in our lives, we tend to think of events as random occurrences.

A more global viewpoint–a viewpoint closer to that of deity–is that a systematic arrangement of the parts of life. The symmetry of the design pulls our hearts and minds into the symmetry of God. It is God's plan for our lives that ultimately counts.  It is His symmetry–not ours–which we need to strive to understand.

A single phone call is all it takes to address your questions and need for services.  Call today if you are considering applying for admission to the Masonic Homes or for assistance through our Masonic Outreach Services (MOS) Department.
888-HOME-MHC (888-466-3642)

WAIT TIMES FOR ADMISSION
Plan ahead. There is a 12 – 18 month wait for Independent Living units and a 24 – 26 month wait for Assisted Living units. To ensure that members′ needs are promptly and effectively met, those on the waiting list with immediate needs are referred to the Masonic Outreach Services (MOS) for assistance.

CONTRIBUTE!
All gifts to the Masonic Homes of California are coordinated through the Grand Lodge Office of Philanthropy.
Grand Lodge Office of Philanthropy
1111 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
1-800-831-8170 or 1-415-292-9117,

CHILDREN′S SERVICES
Please contact them at
Masonic Home for Children
1650 old Badillo Street
Covina, CA 91772
1-626-251-2226
mespinoza@mhccov.org