From the East

By Paul Rodriguez-Obrien, PM—Master

Brethren and Families,

The month of September brought two very important milestones as we honored individuals who have proven themselves to be true Masonic cornerstones of our Lodge.

On September 3, we had the honor of presenting the Grand Veterans Award to Wor. Kurt Allen, recognizing his 50 years of faithful service to Masonry. Kurt served as Worshipful Master of our Lodge in 1985 and, over the years, has continued his service as both a Candidates’ Coach and Officers’ Coach, helping guide generations of Masons along their journey.

Presiding as Master of Ceremonies for this special occasion was our own Inspector, Wor. Allen Cuenca of the 317th Masonic District, representing the Grand Lodge and helping make this a very enjoyable and memorable evening. The Grand Veterans Award was pinned to Kurt’s lapel by his charming wife, Wynn.

On September 19, we gathered again, this time to present the Hiram Award to Wor. Alan Kenyon in recognition of his tireless support of Masonry and our Lodge. Alan was selected for this honor by our past Hiram Award recipients as truly such a good man as our deserving Brother, one who never turns down a request to stretch forth a helping hand to assist another Brother or his Lodge.

Alan served as Worshipful Master of our Lodge in 1987 and is a man defined by humility, devotion, and service to his country, his family, his Brethren, and his Lodge.

Our Inspector, Wor. Allen Cuenca, himself a Hiram Award recipient, acquainted us with the history and significance of the Hiram Award. The honor of reading Alan’s biography was rightfully given to Wor. William Ferrell, who shared much of the same Masonic journey with Alan as they made their way toward becoming Worshipful Masters of our Lodge. Alan was presented with the Hiram Pin and Medallion by his lovely wife, Karen, and was joined for this special occasion by his daughters and son.

October will bring another important event in the Masonic journeys of two of our Brothers, father and son, Ned and Jacob Herrick, as they are raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.

Their double Third Degree will be held at Pacific Grove Lodge No. 331, near Monterey, on Saturday, October 17, at 1:00 PM. It is an easy and enjoyable 108-mile drive from our Lodge, so if you have the time, and the gas money, I highly recommend attending this momentous Masonic occasion in support of these two fine and well-prepared candidates.

Although we are already beginning to wrap up another Masonic year, we are also looking forward to advancing our Officers and planning next year’s calendar. As always, your thoughts about the activities you would like to attend, the fellowship you would like to see, and the Masonic education you would find meaningful are foremost in our minds.

We want to continue moving our Lodge forward as an enjoyable and welcoming place where Masonry and fellowship can grow. Please always feel free to contact me or any of our Officers with your thoughts and suggestions for the benefit of Masonry in general, and this Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in particular.

I encourage each of you to attend our Stated Meetings, degree work, and social events whenever you are able. Your presence and participation are what keep our Lodge strong, and we look forward to seeing you and your families again very soon.