JOSEPH L. SHELL DAYLIGHT LODGE NO. 837

      Joseph L. Shell Daylight Lodge was named after the Most Worshipful Joseph Lieb Shell, Past Grand Master of Masons of the State of California (1959-1960).  He was born on February 18, 1892, a few miles from Chapman, Kansas.  Raised to Master Mason on January 24, 1919 in Garfield Lodge No. 41 at La Conner, Washington.  On April 2, 1926, he affiliated with San Diego Lodge No. 35 and served as Master in 1932.

                               In the beginning...

      Fifty trustworthy brother Master Masons who were duly qualified and in good standing from various Lodges in the San Diego area had signed a petition for Dispensation to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California, to form a new regular Lodge to be known and designated as Joseph L. Shell Daylight Lodge.  Dispensation was granted on April 30, 1985 and on October 15, 1985, received its Charter signed by the sitting Grand Master of Masons of the State of California,  the Most Worshipful Roy J. Henville (1984 - 1985), and attested by the Grand Secretary, Very Worshipful Robert A. Klinger.

      Joseph L. Shell Daylight Lodge was instituted under dispensation on May 7, 1985 and Brother George Christian Kern was appointed first Master.

Purpose

      The formation of Joseph L. Shell Daylight Lodge, like other regular Masonic Lodges, was designed for the members to meet and conduct its regular Stated and Special meetings at daytime.  It was also designed for the convenience of members or brothers that work nights, but would like to maintain communication with the Lodge during the day, attend its functions, meet and make new friends, and enjoy the fellowship with other members and guests of the Lodge.  It is also beneficial for safety reasons for senior members that have vision problems and could no longer drive at night.

      Any brethren that fall into the categories mentioned above are invited and welcomed to Joseph L. Shell Daylight Lodge.  Our door is always open to all those who are seeking admission into our Ancient and Honorable Fraternity.