On September 16, 2016, the fraternity celebrated the institution of Regius University, U.D. in Fresno. This was followed by the institution of Benicia’s Carquinez Lodge, U.D., on September 23, and that of The Downtown Masonic Lodge, U.D. in Los Angeles on September 30. Between 75 and 100 brothers attended each celebration.
It’s the beginning of an unprecedented expansion for the Grand Lodge of California. For the first time since 1958, eight new lodges will be created in a single year. According to Director of Member Services and Lodge Development Jordan T. Yelinek, this change is the beginning of a statewide effort – one that seeks to help members create and enjoy an even more meaningful Masonic experience.
“People are often afraid that if a new lodge forms, existing lodges will lose members. But the reality is that although the average size of a lodge in North America is around 170 members, the attendance is roughly 30 members or less. As lodges expand, it becomes difficult for leaders to provide sufficient ‘meaningful work’ for large groups of members, and it can be difficult for everyone to feel as though they have a true connection with their brothers in the lodge. Most lodges don’t have 100 plus active members.”
This is where, explains Yelinek, new lodges come in. “If a lodge isn’t filling someone’s membership experience, they can, in essence, create their own member experience by developing a new lodge. This doesn’t mean that the original lodge is ‘broken’ – or subpar – but that some people might have different expectations for their membership. We want to create a system whereby lodges can operate separately but lean on each other to share strengths and fellowship opportunities for mutually beneficial events and celebrations.”
Part of this “leaning in,” Yelinek explains, is the ability to share spaces. That’s what’s taking place in Benicia, where the newly instituted Carquinez Lodge, U.D. will share a lodge hall with Benicia Lodge, which is scheduled to be instituted on October 20. Both lodges will meet in the historic Benicia Lodge. Built in 1850, it is the oldest Masonic Hall in California and one of the state’s oldest buildings. In advance of the two institutions, it was completely remodeled with refinished floors, new furniture, display cases with interesting artifacts, and more. “We didn’t build our lodges as mausoleums,” says Yelinek. Combining multiple lodges in one building helps ensure that they are full of life.”
Interested in attending an institution near you? Upcoming ceremonies include:
• Benicia Lodge – Thursday, Oct. 20 in Benicia
• Aquila Lodge – Sunday, Oct. 23, Roseville
• Sempervirens Lodge and Logos Lodge – Monday, Oct. 24 – San Francisco
To learn more about creating a new lodge, contact Jordan Yelinek. Read more about new lodge development throughout California in the August/September issue of California Freemason.
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