Bay Cities Lodge No. 337

For More than 118 years, Improving the Lives of our Members, Families and Friends In and Around Richmond, California

If you are a Bay Cities member or widow with a need, reach out to a brother.  Phone numbers are in the Trestleboard.

What is Masonry?

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.

Just Over 100 Years Ago, Seven Lodges Served Our Region

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:

  • Carquinez No. 337 (Founded 1899), meeting in Crockett
  • Pinole No. 353 (Founded 1903), meeting in Hercules
  • McKinley No. 347 (Founded 1902), meeting in Richmond
  • Alpha No. 431 (Founded 1912), meeting in Richmond
  • Berkeley No. 363 (Founded 1904), meeting in Berkeley
  • Charter Rock No. 410 (Founded 1910), meeting in Berkeley
  • Thousand Oaks No. 478 (Founded 1920), meeting in Berkeley

As the Covid-19 pandemic eases, and we cautiously start attending meetings again, 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 Tuesday of the month for stated meetings at the Richmond Masonic Hall, 5050 El Portal Drive, in Richmond at the edge of El Sobrante.

Rewards of Being a Freemason

Making True Friends

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.

Improving Ourselves

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.

Having an Impact

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.

Maybe you want to be one of us…

Membership in our lodge is open to men 18 and older who meet the qualifications and standards of character and intention, and who believe in a Supreme Being.  We welcome men of all ethnic and religious backgrounds to join our lodge.  One of Freemasonry’s customs is not to solicit members – men must seek membership on their own initiative. Anyone is welcome to request information about the fraternity.

Learn about us by checking our “news” section.  Phone (510) 223-3995, or send an email, to get information.

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Upcoming events

November 22, 2024
  • November 22, 2024

    Past Masters Appreciation Night

    November 22, 2024 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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November 26, 2024
  • November 26, 2024

    Installation Practice

    November 26, 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm

    Practice session for installing team and officers

    Light Meal  5:30 pm
    Practice  6:30 pm

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December 3, 2024
  • December 3, 2024

    Stated Dinner

    December 3, 2024 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Always on the 1st Tuesday, before Stated Meeting

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  • December 3, 2024

    Stated Meeting

    December 3, 2024 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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December 15, 2024
  • December 15, 2024

    Installation of officers

    December 15, 2024 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    Men:  Please wear dark suit

    Officers:  Please wear tuxedo

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December 20, 2024
  • December 20, 2024

    Lodge Christmas Party

    December 20, 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm

    • Tell us names and ages of youngsters attending
    • Families and Friends especially welcome
    • Special guest:  Bearded man in red suit
    • Get more info by phoning Dan Laynes at 510-688-8145

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January 7, 2025
  • January 7, 2025

    Stated Dinner

    January 7, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Always on the 1st Tuesday, before Stated Meeting

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  • January 7, 2025

    Stated Meeting

    January 7, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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February 4, 2025
  • February 4, 2025

    Stated Dinner

    February 4, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Always on the 1st Tuesday, before Stated Meeting

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  • February 4, 2025

    Stated Meeting

    February 4, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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March 4, 2025
  • March 4, 2025

    Stated Dinner

    March 4, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Always on the 1st Tuesday, before Stated Meeting

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  • March 4, 2025

    Stated Meeting

    March 4, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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April 1, 2025
  • April 1, 2025

    Stated Dinner

    April 1, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Always on the 1st Tuesday, before Stated Meeting

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  • April 1, 2025

    Stated Meeting

    April 1, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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May 6, 2025
  • May 6, 2025

    Stated Dinner

    May 6, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Always on the 1st Tuesday, before Stated Meeting

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  • May 6, 2025

    Stated Meeting

    May 6, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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June 3, 2025
  • June 3, 2025

    Stated Dinner

    June 3, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Always on the 1st Tuesday, before Stated Meeting

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  • June 3, 2025

    Stated Meeting

    June 3, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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July 1, 2025
  • July 1, 2025

    Stated Dinner

    July 1, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Always on the 1st Tuesday, before Stated Meeting

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  • July 1, 2025

    Stated Meeting

    July 1, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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August 5, 2025
  • August 5, 2025

    Stated Dinner

    August 5, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Always on the 1st Tuesday, before Stated Meeting

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  • August 5, 2025

    Stated Meeting

    August 5, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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September 2, 2025
  • September 2, 2025

    Stated Dinner

    September 2, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Always on the 1st Tuesday, before Stated Meeting

    Save to your calendar

  • September 2, 2025

    Stated Meeting

    September 2, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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October 7, 2025
  • October 7, 2025

    Stated Dinner

    October 7, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Always on the 1st Tuesday, before Stated Meeting

    Save to your calendar

  • October 7, 2025

    Stated Meeting

    October 7, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

    Save to your calendar

November 4, 2025
  • November 4, 2025

    Stated Dinner

    November 4, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Always on the 1st Tuesday, before Stated Meeting

    Save to your calendar

  • November 4, 2025

    Stated Meeting

    November 4, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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Lodge #337 and California Masonic News

A Conversation with ChatGPT About Freemasonry

What does ChatGPT have to say about Freemasonry? In the newest issue of California Freemason magazine, we asked the AI for its take.

Fall 2024 Issue Out Now: The Heroes of Freemasonry

Whether it’s the super idea behind a new charity, the fantastic team powering the state’s fastest-growing lodges, or the marvels of lodge administration, these heroes don’t wear capes, but they do wear aprons.

A Conversation With Two Grand Masters

Check out our latest video feature, an enlightening conversation between Grand Master G. Sean Metroka and Prince Hall Grand Master David San Juan, two distinguished leaders in California #Freemasonry.

Discovery Masonry on Freemason.org

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.

Summer 2024 Issue Out Now: Prince Hall, Then and Now

Take a deep dive into the history and legacy of Prince Hall the man, as well as the history of the organization that today bears his name.

Download the Simple Guide to Freemasonry

Discuss your Masonic experience with others easily by downloading the simple guide to Freemasonry and brushing up on the basics.

Brick by Brick: Inside a Lodge-Building Boom

In this issue of California Freemason, we’re exploring what it takes to get new lodges off the ground, and how they define themselves within the landscape of Masonry in the state.

How we test our candidates

Six of our degree candidates help in serving our stated dinners.

Join Us and Let Your Network Know #ImAMason!

Between July 10–21, we’re asking all members who are comfortable doing so to post a short message on Facebook or Instagram saying why Freemasonry is important to you. 

California Freemason: The Magic Issue

In the Magic Issue of California Freemason magazine, we’re casting a light on some of those similar connections between magic and Masonry.

Learn About Freemasonry Symbols

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?

California Freemason: In Masonry and Politics, Finding Common Ground

Most people know that there are two things that Masons don’t discuss in the lodge room: politics and religion. Instead, they focus on the things that bind them, not that divide. Could that be a model for a more harmonious world outside the lodge?

Changes? Bring them on!

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.

California Freemason Magazine: The Temple Issue

In this issue of California Freemason Magazine, we’re casting our gaze anew at our fraternal home, the California Masonic Memorial Temple in San Francisco.

Just Over 100 Years Ago, Seven Lodges Served Our Region

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.

Where Can I see the Lodge Calendar?

The Wardens maintain the public lodge calendar as events get scheduled.

For link information, check by clicking on the picture of the calendar.

Prior Bay Cities Trestleboards

View our Prior Trestleboards here. You will need adobe reader to open and print them on your computer.

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