Masons of California

Building on more than 15 years of collaboration, the Masons of California are teaming up with the Giants Community Fund in a new way - with the largest pledge ever given by a foundation to the Giants Community Fund. Over the next three years, the California Masons are committing $650,000 in support of a variety of community programs aimed at championing local youth, including Junior Giants, Junior Giants Schools, and the Giants Community Fund Academy programs. "Giving back to the community is fundamental to Freemasonry,” said Doug Ismail, President of the California Masonic Foundation. “The Giants Community Fund has been a long-time partner of the Masons of California, and we are honored to be able to continue to support their mission while also expanding their programs to bring educational and leadership opportunities to more youth.” Read the press release: https://lnkd.in/gPhe-CPH #MasonsofCA #Masons4Mitts

Thanks to changes in eligibility announced in 2023, for the first time in its 125-year history, the Masonic Homes of California is now open to #PrinceHall Masons, as well as their spouses, parents, and parents-in-law—providing access to Masonic #ReliefServices to more California Masons than ever before. That includes entry into the Masonic Homes’ communities in Union City and Covina. While this partnership between the Masons of California and Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California is an important step in bringing the two fraternal organizations closer together, it’s also serving an immediate need: The average cost of #SeniorHousing rose more than five percent nationwide in 2023, an almost five-fold increase in the historic year-over-year costs. Through the Masonic Homes’ communities, which include #IndependentLiving, #AssistedLiving, #SkilledNursing (including #MemoryCare), Prince Hall Masons and their families now have access to senior living that’s affordable, safe, and, for many, close to home. Read more about this significant development in the latest issue of California Freemason: https://lnkd.in/g9Dai72C #MasonsofCA #MasonicHomes #SeniorLiving #PeaceofMind

In the summer issue of #CaliforniaFreemason magazine, we partner with the #PrinceHall Grand Lodge of California to explore the proud and vibrant history and the current state of #PrinceHallMasonry. For nearly 170 years, our two jurisdictions have progressed along separate and parallel tracks. But in recent years, the organizations have grown closer together, partnering on a range of #philanthropic efforts and, at the local lodge level, joining together for everything from degree conferrals to social events. In this issue, we celebrate that partnership by taking 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. We also examine ways in which neighboring lodges from our two grand lodges have found common ground; we explore the constellation of appendant and concordant bodies within #PrinceHallFreemasonry, tell the history of a short-lived #Filipino lodge boom within Prince Hall, and we profile several extraordinary members pushing the fraternity into the future. There's also a can't-miss interview between Grand Masters G. Sean Metroka and David San Juan, in which they discuss ways their groups can work together and what they see as the future of this historic partnership. All in all, it's a special issue of #California Freemason Magazine and one we hope lives up to its name by highlighting and celebrating the wider world of #Masonry in this state and remind everyone that regardless of race, ethnicity, or background, we are all California Freemasons. Visit: https://lnkd.in/ggDdVrkC Learn more about the issue cover: https://lnkd.in/g-zjAaKc #MasonsofCA #Freemasonry #NewIssue #Magazine

In honor of #Juneteenth, check out our latest video feature, an enlightening and impactful conversation between two distinguished leaders in California Freemasonry: Grand Master G. Sean Metroka and #PrinceHall Grand Master David San Juan. In this special profile, these esteemed grand masters delve into meaningful discussions about the ways in which our jurisdictions can collaborate to foster unity and growth within our community. They also reflect on the profound influence that #Freemasonry has had on their lives, sharing personal stories and insights that highlight the values and principles at the heart of the Craft. As we celebrate Juneteenth, a day of profound historical significance, we recognize and honor the diverse perspectives and contributions within our Masonic family. The dialogue serves as a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to brotherhood, mutual respect, and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. #MasonsofCA #California

Last month in #Burbank, CA, Masons participated in the second inaugural SCJ Golf Tournament, hosted by the Southern California Jurisdiction of the Order of DeMolay. Thanks to the incredible support from our sponsors, donors, and community members, the tournament successfully raised $5,000 to benefit the youth order and its programs. Supporting local youth programs is incredibly rewarding, as it empowers the next generation and fosters a sense of leadership, community, and development. Congratulations to our raffle and tournament winners, Worshipfuls Sean Mantucca, Russ Hennings, and Mark Pressey, who proudly displayed their award medals at the GLO reception that evening. Together, we are making a meaningful impact and investing in the future of our youth. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful event! #MasonsofCA #DeMolay #Golf #Fundraiser #Benefit

In April, #SanDiego Mason Gloriani Lontoc was installed as the new Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Hawaii, marking a bright milestone for the fraternity. It's always heartwarming and inspiring to see California Freemasons excel to new leadership roles and guide the future of our cherished fraternity. His dedication, passion, and commitment light the way for all of us. Congratulations to Grand Master Lontoc on this tremendous achievement! Wishing you a year filled with success, joy, and continued growth. Here's to a future bright with possibilities and the profound bonds of brotherhood. 🌟🤝🎉 #MasonsofCA #Freemasons #Leadership #Congratulations

Getting the word out about Freemasonry and what it means to real-life members is an important part of carrying our tradition into the future. Our research shows that a vast majority of new members joined the fraternity because someone close to them was already a member. Last year, our annual #ImAMason social media campaign, during which we encouraged members to post messages explaining what Freemasonry means to them with the hashtag #ImAMason, went global. We saw posts from as far away as England and Kuala Lumpur. In total, the hashtag reached more than 6 million people worldwide. That was 3x the reach of last year's campaign—and 3x the impact! This year, we're bringing it back, with hopes of reaching even more people. From May 1–14, we're asking Masons to post a simple message to Facebook or Instagram—or even TikTok (follow our new page @CaliforniaMasons)—with the hashtag #ImAMason explaining why Masonry is such an important part of your life. This can be a written post, a video message, or a selfie. It's entirely up to you. By showing the people around us what Freemasonry means to us, we can help a curious prospect take the first step to knock on the door. #MasonsofCA #CaliforniaFreemason #ImAMason #Freemasonry

Getting the word out about Freemasonry and what it means to real-life members is an important part of carrying our tradition into the future. Our research shows that a vast majority of new members joined the fraternity because someone close to them was already a member. From now until May 14, we're asking Masons to post a simple message to Facebook or Instagram—or even TikTok (follow our new page @CaliforniaMasons)—with the hashtag #ImAMason explaining why Masonry is such an important part of your life. This can be a written post, a video message, or a selfie. By showing the people around us what Freemasonry means to us, we can help a curious prospect take the first step to knock on the door. #MasonsofCA #CaliforniaFreemason  #ImAMason #Freemasonry

Last year, our annual #ImAMason social media campaign, during which we encouraged members to post messages explaining what Freemasonry means to them with the hashtag #ImAMason, went global. We saw posts from as far away as England and Kuala Lumpur. In total, the hashtag reached more than 6 million people worldwide. That was 3x the reach of last year's campaign—and 3x the impact! This year, we're bringing it back, with hopes of reaching even more people. From May 1–14, we're asking Masons to post a simple message to Facebook or Instagram—or even TikTok (follow our new page @CaliforniaMasons)—with the hashtag #ImAMason explaining why Masonry is such an important part of your life. This can be a written post, a video message, or a selfie. It's entirely up to you. Getting the word out about Freemasonry and what it means to real-life members is an important part of carrying this tradition into the future. Our research shows that a vast majority of new members joined the fraternity because someone close to them was already a member. By showing the people around us what Freemasonry means to us, we can help a curious prospect take the first step to knock on the door. #MasonsofCA #CaliforniaFreemason #ImAMason #Freemasonry

Last week at Petco Park, the California Masonic Foundation, along with Reality Changers and the San Diego Padres Foundation, recognized the 2024 recipients of the Johnny Ritchey Scholarship. The scholarship program, named after the “Jackie Robinson of the West Coast,” recognizes high school seniors who have overcome personal adversity in their pursuit of higher education. Congratulations and we look forward to your success in college! #MasonofCA #JohnnyRitchey #Scholarship #ScholarshipRecipient #SanDiego #SanDiegoPadres #Padres