Bay Cities Lodge No. 337 » 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. People who lived here started having children and others came from other states for jobs. California population grew from 6.9 Million in 1940 to 10.6 Million in 1950. There was a great demand for houses being built in areas north of Berkeley and Albany and East of Richmond.

Masonic membership grew rate greater than the population, and Many new lodges opened:

Membership in the area served by our 11 lodges grew from just over 1,000 in 1920 to nearly 4,000 in 1950.

 Carquinez Lodge# 337 (Founded 1899) meeting in Crockett
 Pinole Lodge #353 (Founded 1903) Meeting in Pinole
 McKinley Lodge #347 (Founded 1902) meeting in Richmond
 Charter Rock Lodge #410 (Founded 1910) in Berkeley
 Alpha Lodge #431 (Founded 1912) in Richmond
 Thousand Oaks Lodge No.478 (founded 1920) in Berkeley
 Stephens Lodge #451 (Founded 1923) in Berkeley
 Shattuck Lodge # 471 (Founded 1923) in Berkeley
 Harbor Lodge #502 (Founded 1923) in Richmond
 Point Lodge #503 (Founded 1923) in Richmond
 Albany Lodge #686 (Founded 1945) in Albany

Bay Cities Lodge continues to embrace our changing neighborhoods and offer to all qualified men the benefits of freemasonry. Feel free to ask us; we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Our other articles

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?

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.

See All Articles