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.
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.
OUR VALUES Our Mission is guided by the enduring and relevant tenets of our fraternity–Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth– and our core values, which include: Ethics Our lives are based on honor and integrity, and we believe that honesty, compassion, trust, and knowledge are important. Tolerance The fraternity values religious, ethnic, cultural, social, and educational differences. We respect the opinions of others and strive to improve and develop as human beings. Personal Growth Our continuous pursuit of knowledge, ethics, spirituality, and leadership brings more meaning to our lives. Philanthropy We make a difference in our communities through charitable giving, community service, and volunteerism. Family We strive to be better spouses, parents, and family members and are committed to protecting the well being of members and their families, especially when they are in need. Freedom Masons value the liberties outlined in the U.S. Constitution and continually promote freedom of speech and expression, freedom to worship a Supreme Being in an individual way, and other important liberties. We believe it is our duty to vote in public elections and to exercise all of our liberties within due and proper bounds.
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 Wisdom Lodge No. 202, 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.
Wisdom is new but the number 202 represents the second oldest lodge in Los Angeles. Wisdom Lodge No. 202 was formed by the consolidation of Pentalpha No. 202, Westlake No. 392, South Park No. 563, Henry Knox No. 662, & William D. Stephens No. 698.
Wisdom Lodge membership is open to men 18 and older who meet the qualifications and standards of character and intention, and who believe in a Supreme Being. Men of all ethnic and religious backgrounds are welcome. 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. If you are interested in applying for membership to our lodge, now is a good time to start. Please contact us to schedule a visit during an event, or request more information.
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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.
Discuss your Masonic experience with others easily by downloading the simple guide to Freemasonry and brushing up on the basics.
Explore some stunning examples of this fraternal craftwork through the ages in From the Hands of Fellowship, a new virtual exhibition from the Henry Wilson Coil Library and Museum of Freemasonry.
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?
In this special issue of California Freemason, we take a Masonic road trip south of the border to learn about the long history of Freemasonry in Latin America.
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.
These Masons working with death have an intimate familiarity with the other side.
A tiny, sandy cove, San Francisco’s Aquatic Park is one of the most reliably sunny spots in town. Yet clues of the city’s distant past are still there.
Beginning in 1852, Masonic cemeteries have provided a final resting place for some of the most important figures in California’s history. From Shasta to San Diego, they’ve brought Masons together to celebrate, mourn, and pay homage.
The Masonic funeral ceremony is often the first encounter of the craft for outsiders—which is fitting, because the concepts of death, rebirth, and legacy are important elements to Freemasonry.
In the newest issue of CaliforniaFreemason, we celebrate life by examining the Masonic customs and traditions related to mortality, death, and whatever comes next.
Thirty years after helping launch Sublime, Marshall goodman is still well-qualified to represent the LBC.
Wisdom Lodge #202 Pictures
Wisdom Lodge #202 Current & Archived Beehives
