Masonry is the world’s first and largest fraternal organization. It is guided by the enduring belief that each man has a responsibility to make the world a better place. For 300 years, Freemasonry has enhanced and strengthened the character of individual men by providing opportunities for fellowship, charity, and the search for truth – within ourselves and the larger world.
The decade ending in 1920 was a period of much suffering, and lot of change. In 1918, World War One ended, with an American death toll of more than 116 thousand. During 1918 and 1919, over 650 thousand Americans died of the Spanish Flu. The 18th Amendment ended most legal alcohol consumption, and the 19th Amendment finally gave American adult women the right to vote.
In response to these events, freemasonry changed and new masonic organizations were created. In 1919, Frank S. Land and a group of young boys, including some orphans of freemasons, started what later became the first Chapter of DeMolay International. Also created about this time were two organizations for girls: the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and Job’s Daughters.
In California, freemasonry became more popular. The number of California Freemasons quadrupled from 21,579 in 1899, to 85,181 in 1921. American freemasonry was entering its golden age. The number of American freemasons reached over 3 million by 1924. By that time, nearly 6 out of every 100 American males were freemasons.
Lodge membership in our area grew from 25 members from 1 lodge in 1899, to over 2,000 members from 7 lodges by 1921, which included:
The members of Bay Cities Lodge No. 337 are remembering our past and building a better tomorrow. Our members want to have a direct and beneficial impact to our communities, through our charities, and on a personal level. We meet on the first Friday of the month for stated meetings at the Richmond Masonic Hall, 5050 El Portal Drive, in Richmond at the edge of El Sobrante.
Masonry is a community of men and their families who share similar beliefs and values. The fraternity finds it important to connect with other men of honor, compassion, love, trust, and knowledge, regardless of their race, color, religious beliefs, political views, sexual orientation, physical ability, citizenship, or national origin. We are friends and brothers, and are connected through this vital and uplifting organization of moral men.
Our continuing pursuit of truth, knowledge, ethics, and leadership skills makes us better men and brings more meaning to our lives. Learning the tenets of Freemasonry, paired with being an active part of our community, gives us the opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills, and builds self-discipline through commitment and self-confidence.
As a member of the Freemasons, the Grand Lodge of California, and Bay Cities Lodge No. 337, we are a part of a worldwide organization that values tradition, history, and timeless wisdom. The traditions and core values of our fraternity are meaningful today and will endure for centuries to come because of our direct impact in our community, through our charities, and on a personal level.
August 12, 2025
3rd Degree Practice
August 12, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
6:30 Dinner
7:30 Practice 1st Section of 3rd Degree
August 15, 2025
Examination Night
August 15, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
6:30 pm - Dinner
7:30 pm - 2nd Degree Proficiency examination
August 17, 2025
Reception for Jun Jun Gorospe
August 17, 2025 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Past Master Jun Jun Gorospe from Bay Cities is being honored by Job's Daughters for his service last term as the Grand Director of Music. Get in touch with Job's Daughters, Bethel 15 to make reservations.
August 19, 2025
3rd Degree Practice
August 19, 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
We practice on the Second Secton of the 3nd degree. Complementary light meal at 6:30. Practice after 7:70 pm.
August 21, 2025
DOSI - Orinda Lodge
August 21, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
4 area lodges get together for ritual training and to exchange news.
Light dinner at 6:30 pm followed by District School of Instruction.
Topic: 1st Section, 1st Degree
August 22, 2025
3rd Degree Conferral
August 22, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
6:30 pm - Dinner
7:30 pm - Degree Conferral
August 26, 2025
1st Degree Practice
August 26, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
6:30 - Dinner
7:30 - Practice
September 5, 2025
Stated Dinner - Stated Meeting/Scholarship Award Night
September 5, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Always on the 1st Friday, before Stated Meeting. Theme: Student Education Month, Scholarships, Donations to schools.
September 19, 2025
Hyram Award
September 19, 2025 @ 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
3:00 pm: Hors d'oeuvres
4:00 pm: Hiram Award - Awardee to be selected
October 3, 2025
Stated Dinner
October 3, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Always on the 1st Friday, before Stated Meeting
October 24, 2025
California Annual Communication
October 24, 2025 - October 26, 2025 @
November 7, 2025
Stated Dinner
November 7, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Always on the 1st Friday, before Stated Meeting
December 5, 2025
Stated Dinner
December 5, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Always on the 1st Friday, before Stated Meeting
January 2, 2026
Stated Dinner
January 2, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Always on the 1st Friday, before Stated Meeting
February 6, 2026
Stated Dinner
February 6, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Always on the 1st Friday, before Stated Meeting
March 6, 2026
Stated Dinner
March 6, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Always on the 1st Friday, before Stated Meeting
April 3, 2026
Stated Dinner
April 3, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Always on the 1st Friday, before Stated Meeting
May 1, 2026
Stated Dinner
May 1, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Always on the 1st Friday, before Stated Meeting
June 5, 2026
Stated Dinner
June 5, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Always on the 1st Friday, before Stated Meeting
July 3, 2026
Stated Dinner
July 3, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Always on the 1st Friday, before Stated Meeting
August 7, 2026
Stated Dinner
August 7, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Always on the 1st Friday, before Stated Meeting
Members take their promises as Masons on sacred book, often a Masonic Bible. Its rituals have frequent references to God. Their meeting places are often called Masonic temples. So if it isn’t a religion, why is religion such a feature of Freemasonry?
A new program from the California Masonic Foundation is introducing students to careers in green tech through Cal EPIC.
Discuss your Masonic experience with others easily by downloading the simple guide to Freemasonry and brushing up on the basics.
The Masonic Ritual is the heart of Freemasonry. And at the center of the ritual is drama. it’s no wonder Masons go to such lengths to put on an unforgettable show.
We’re taking a deep dive into the many ways that Masonry and performance collide.
Let’s show the world what Masonry looks like in action—because #WeAreMasons, and together, we make a difference.
On April 13, the Job’s Daughters presented “Dinner and a Movie” as a funding event at the Bay Cities Lodge.
Gone after Covid are the days when we mailed paper copies of our monthly Trestleboard.
On Friday, March 21, our members installed two new candidates as Entered Apprentice Masons.
In this issue of California Freemason, we’re celebrating 175 years of incredible Masonic history in this state.
Say hello to a series of brand-new web resources for prospects and new members available on freemason.org, the online home of the Masons of California.
In Sacramento, the California Masonic Foundation is refining an approach to philanthropy that benefits all.
On February 21, we invited the Wives, Widows, and Daughters of our mason members to our Annual Valentines Day Dinner.
Maybe you’ve seen the square and compass logo on buildings around town or wondered about the meaning of emblems like the Masonic trowel. What’s the history behind Masonic symbols, and how do they factor into what happens in a lodge?
Could the simple act of joining a MasonicLodge be the key to rebuilding trust and strengthening democracy?
In this issue of California Freemason Magazine, we’re exploring the ways in which groups like the Masons can help members build social capital—a term first popularized by the sociologist Robert Putnam.
Six of our degree candidates help in serving our stated dinners.
Back in 1947, our country was reeling from many major changes. Word war II brought war to our nation. Over 400 thousand Americans died as a result of war casualties. Furthermore, the cold war was beginning…in June of 1948 the Berlin airlift started.
Meanwhile, California and the Bay Area were growing substantially.
The decade ending in 1920 was a period of a lot of suffering and change. In 1918, World War One ended, with an American death toll of more than 116 thousand. During 1918 and 1919, over 650 thousand Americans died of the Spanish Flu. The 18th Amendment ended most legal alcohol consumption, and the 19th Amendment finally gave American adult women the right to vote. The number of California Freemasons quadrupled from 21,579 in 1899, to 85,181 in 1921.
The Wardens maintain the public lodge calendar as events get scheduled.
For link information, check by clicking on the picture of the calendar.
View our Prior Trestleboards here. You will need adobe reader to open and print them on your computer.
