LODGE HISTORY
Washington Lodge No. 20 stands as a testament to courage and optimism, established as Sacramento’s fourth lodge during a time of profound hardship. Its sister lodges faced severe challenges: Tehama and Jennings were burdened by overwhelming debt incurred while caring for the sick and destitute, and Sutter Lodge had been destroyed by fire.
These difficulties were compounded by the devastating floods of early 1850, which inundated the town, sweeping away belongings and even entire buildings. At the same time, the persistent threat of cholera cast a shadow of fear over the community.
Despite these trials, twenty Master Masons, led by Jesse M. Morrill, met on February 19, 1852, with the determination to form a new lodge. They submitted a petition for dispensation, recommended by Tehama Lodge and approved just two days later by Deputy Grand Master B. D. Hyam.
The lodge’s first officers under dispensation were Charles Duncombe as Master, Jesse M. Morrill as Senior Warden, and Jeb L. Thompson as Junior Warden.
On May 5, 1852, the lodge received its charter as Washington Lodge No. 20. Shortly thereafter, on May 13, Nathaniel Greene Curtis was elected as its first Worshipful Master under the Charter. He would be re-elected in 1853, 1854, and 1857, reflecting the confidence and respect of his Brethren.
Brother Curtis went on to serve as Grand Master of Masons of California from 1857 to 1860. During his tenure, he played a significant role in laying the cornerstones of both the California State Capitol in Sacramento and the Masonic Temple in San Francisco. A devoted member of Washington Lodge No. 20 for more than 45 years, he passed away on July 12, 1897, at the age of 71.
From its earliest days, Washington Lodge was distinguished by the prudence and sound judgment of its leadership. The brethren prioritized stability and long-term planning, including efforts to secure a permanent meeting place. A committee consisting of Joel Ball, J. A. Bullard, and Nathaniel Greene Curtis was appointed to explore acquiring a hall in cooperation with other Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges.
Charity was also a cornerstone of the lodge’s mission. A relief fund was maintained to assist those in need, with careful consideration given to ensure aid was distributed responsibly.
The lodge experienced steady and impressive growth during its early years. By May 1853, membership had reached 39 Master Masons, and within a year, it more than doubled to 94. Among those who joined through affiliation was Governor John Bigler, further underscoring the lodge’s prominence and appeal in the community.
THE GOLD RUSH AND FREEMASONRY IN SACRAMENTO
The California Gold Rush, initiated by James Wilson Marshall's discovery in January 1848, led to a massive influx of people into the state, with Sacramento becoming a key destination for those heading to the northern gold mines. The city's population exploded from approximately 150 in April 1849 to 11,000 within two years.
During this period, Masons sought to establish fraternal associations. In September 1849, about 100 Masons met in Sacramento and attempted to form a relief association.
However, they soon discovered that Caleb Fenner held a charter for Connecticut Lodge No. 75 from the Grand Lodge of Connecticut. The lodge was officially organized on January 8, 1850, and elected John A. Tutt as its first Worshipful Master.
In April 1850, representatives from several lodges met in Sacramento and successfully organized the Grand Lodge of the State of California, which was established before California became a state. The first officers were elected, with Jonathan D. Stevenson as Grand Master.
The text also highlights the early challenges and philanthropy of the Masons. Many early lodges, known as "Moon Lodges," held meetings on or near a full moon due to transportation difficulties. During a cholera outbreak in 1849 and 1850, Masons like Dr. Morse, J.D.B. Stillman, and Albert Maver Winn provided significant relief, with Winn personally spending a large sum of money on aid that the state legislature later refused to reimburse. Governor Peter H. Burnett also engaged in relief work.
THE OTHER MOTHER OF LODGES
Frequently, in a burst of enthusiasm, many a Secretary will refer to his own Lodge as a Mother of Lodges. No Secretary had any more right to do so than that of Washington Lodge No. 20.
A casual survey of Washington Lodge's minutes will show it recommending dispensation for no less than nine Lodges in and around Sacramento from 1852 to 1864, and one in Virginia City, NV.
The recommendation for the Virginia City Lodge was probably the cause of the old-time rumor that an early Sacramento Lodge assumed the prerogative of Grand Lodge and issued a dispensation to a lodge in Nevada. It was dated January 1, 1863.
In 1930, Charles Ingram, making a digest of our Lodges minutes for Grand Lodge History Committee, observed: This Lodge was the Mother Lodge of perhaps a score (20), of Lodges in all directions from Sacramento. In 1872, we refused to recommend several unaffiliated brothers of Sacramento who wished to open a lodge to be known as Industrial Lodge.
Our minutes have little to say about the Civil War aside from an allusion or two to the public enemy. There were some strong feelings one way or another, and it is known that one of the most distinguished of Masons was denied a high state appointment, as late as 1883, for alleged pro-Southern sentiment during the war. The only time the Lodge itself officially went on record was May 4, 1865, when it passed a long, rhetoric-filled resolution condemning the assassination of Lincoln. It was perhaps the strongest resolution of its kind passed by any Lodge in the State.
Another thing noticeably absent from the records of Washington Lodge No. 20 in the early years is the naive humor found in the minutes of other less erudite Lodges of mining and agricultural districts. The word "erudite" means "deeply learned, polished, or taught." Its use is probably affirmed by a large number of the brethren at the time being in law and other Learned professions."
Selections by the Social Media Committee from
50 Years of Masonry In California and One Hundred Years of Freemasonry in California
published by Grand Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons of California
and The First 100 Years of Sacramento Lodge No. 40 by Walter E. Stoddard, PM
