SCRL - A Success Story!

One of the most remarkable Masonic success stories of the day is that of the Southern California Research Lodge, chartered in 1952.

The foundation and basis for success were the 30 charter members, all active in the field of Masonic education. This small group wrote a great many of the programs used to this day which are found in the Lodge's set of four volumes. They traveled all over southern California for educational programs. This service is still performed and, as then, at no cost to the Lodges.

Because the basis of the Lodge was an active group, principally Masonic scholars, it remained small in number, not having its 100th application until five years after its beginning, in 1957.

Growth continued to be slow and it was not until 1975 that the 500th member signed the by-laws. Then things began to happen. As the result of a policy started about 1965, news letters and brief articles, many the result of correspondence with jurisdictions literally around the globe, were sent to members. Sample mailings were sent on a regular basis to the Masters and Wardens of the area in an effort to acquaint them with the work of the Lodge.

Publications of other Grand Jurisdictions were contracted for and included in this output. It was found that members enjoyed reading about Freemasonry in other jurisdictions so this was adopted as a regular policy.

As a result of this activity, the Lodge received its 1000th application in 1980, less than five years after the 500th, an average of, for this period, 100 applications per year. This growth expanded, the Lodge receiving its 2000th application in January of 1985, the 3000th in October of 1987, and the 5,000th in January of 1992.

Prior to 1979 only members of Lodges in California could apply for membership. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of California that year legislation was adopted to allow applications from any Master Mason in a jursidiction they recognized. Because of the excellent relationship with other jurisdictions, publicity was given this action resulting in almost 800 applications from every state and twenty foreign countries.

Starting slow, but expected to increase, are applications from Lodges and York Rite and Scottish Rite bodies recognized by the Grand Lodge of California, giving them a wonderful source for educational programs.

The set of four volumes, over 500 pages, is now housed in a 3" post loose-leaf binder making it easy to remove talks and panel discussions for copying or programs. The first three have specialized talks or multi- part panel discussions while the fourth consists of short items for Trestle Boards or two to three minute talks.

Each month members receive a 9 x 12 envelope, no folded papers, containing a one page letter on a particular subject, two (two page)

Fraternal Reviews covering activities and items of Masonic interest in other jurisdictions and one or two feature articles, usually two to six pages each. Included is the Short Talk Bulletin of the Masonic Service Association and, at this time, The Georgia Messenger and the Green Mountain (Vermont) Mason with occasional copies of the Virginia Masonic Herald and Pennsylvania Freemason. Out of jurisdiction members also receive the California Freemason.

The Lodge has a book sales department offering the classics as well as the newly published, nearly all at discounted prices.

The philosophy or reason for this success? All of their materials are designed for the individual Master Mason rather than the Masonic scholar. They believe our Craft is a serious organization in its purpose but also believe this purpose can be communicated in an interesting manner and that Freemasonry can be exciting and it can be fun.

Want to give Southern California Research Lodge a try? The annual dues are $15 and the set of volumes is $30. A recent post office decision no longer allows shipping these at book rates so the price zone 6 is $32.50, zone 7 $34.00, zone 8 $37.50, Canada $41.00 and other foreign $47.00. Your zone would be the same as yours to us. For information and application contact Ralph A. Herbold, Corresponding Secretary, P.O. Box 6587, Buena Park, CA 90622.

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Spreading Further Light In Masonry!