From the East

By Paul Rodriguez-Obrien, PM—Master

Brethren and Families,

This past month brought plenty of hot August nights, and things were just as hot around the Lodge. We enjoyed our Annual Lodge Picnic at the Golden Gate Live Steamers in Tilden Park, officer practices for our August 27th Third Degree for Brother Ildjer Baron, the Strawberry Feed at the Masonic Home, and our First Annual OES/Mason BBQ. There certainly has been no shortage of opportunities for fellowship and Masonic activity.

With our Degree Team hard at work preparing for several Third Degrees that we will be conferring over the next couple of months, it became apparent that we would not have an opportunity to confer a Second Degree upon a worthy Brother who has been diligent in his Masonic studies until at least October or November. Fortunately, a solution was found with Pleasanton Lodge graciously allowing us to add our candidate to their scheduled Second Degree on August 22nd.

That made August 22nd an especially busy day for our Lodge officers. We had Brothers and officers participating in the Second Degree in Pleasanton, attending the Strawberry Feed at the Masonic Home, and helping with our OES/Mason BBQ. It was a full day, and CC 551 officers were represented at all three events.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Pleasanton Lodge, Wor. Bill Taylor, and their excellent Degree Team for allowing us to share in their event and welcome our newest Fellowcraft Mason, Brother Dennis Sumague. I wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy the fellowship and meal that followed. However, several of us officers needed to make our way back to CC 551 to help with the BBQ.

As I write this, we are only a few days away from conferring the Third Degree upon Brother Ildjer Baron on August 27th. I will report on the evening in the next installment of the Trestleboard. We are expecting Brothers from several Lodges to join us, and Uncle Roy is planning dinner for approximately 30 Brothers before the Degree. Your Officers and I are looking forward to a great evening as we welcome Brother Baron into the sublime degree of a Master Mason.

September will bring even more opportunities for fellowship. At our Stated Meeting, we will have the honor of presenting a Grand Veterans Award (50 year pin), to Wor. Kurt Allen.

Then, on September 19th, CC 551 will have the honor of presenting the Hiram Award to a Brother who has selflessly supported our Lodge throughout 2026. His dedication and commitment have not gone unnoticed, and it will be our pleasure to recognize him with this very special honor.

But I am going to keep one detail a secret for now. Who will be receiving the Hiram Award?

You'll have to join us on September 19th, or read the next installment of the Trestleboard, to find out. Until then, I'll let the mystery remain.

As always, I encourage each of you to attend our Stated Meetings and dinners, degree work, and social events whenever you are able. We look forward to seeing you and your families again very soon.