From the East
Joseph Wallach - Worshipful Master
Washington Lodge No. 20, the fourth Lodge organized in the City of Sacramento, could be well described as an embodiment of courage and optimism.
It came into existence at anything but a propitious time. Its sister Lodges -- Tehama, Jennings, and Sutter -- were in dire straits. Tehama and Jennings were staggering under a huge relief debt, their load of sick and destitute increasing with every wave of migration into the gold country. Jennings could not stave off the inevitable much longer, and Sutter, which had lost its hall in flames, was already done for.
Then, too, their troubles were by no means alleviated by the periodic overflowings of the Sacramento River. Twice in early 1850 alone the whole town, save for a bot of high ground near Tenth Street, was inundated by floods that caused untold damage and misery. Many a brother knew what it was to see most of his household belongings, and even whole buildings, float off toward San Francisco on swirling muddy waters. And these were nothing compared with the ever-present dread of cholera.
Nevertheless, twenty (20) Master Masons, presided over by Jesse M. Morrill, met in the business office of Joel Ball on February 19, 1852, for the purpose of organizing another Lodge, to be known as Washington Lodge.
They drew up and signed a petition for dispensation, recommended by Tehama Lodge, and presented it to Deputy Grand Master B. D. Hyam, who granted it two days later.
Charles Duncombe was Master; Jesse M. Morrill, Senior Warden; and Jeb L. Thompson, Junior Warden.
On May 5, 1852, they received their charter, as Washington Lodge No. 20.
On May 13, 1852. Nathaniel Greene Curtis was elected the first regular Worshipful Master of Washington Lodge No. 20 under the charter. He was re-elected Worshipful Master of the same in 1853-1854 and 1857.
Thursday, April 10th, 2025 - Country Club Lanes
Bowling with Brothers!
A fun and enriching time was had by all in attendance!
From the West
William Workman - Senior Warden
Brother Curtis also served as Grand Master of Masons of California in 1857-1858-1859-1860. He laid the cornerstone of the State Capitol in Sacramento, and also the one of the Masonic Temple in San Francisco.
This Worshipful Brother remained a member of Washington Lodge No. 20 for a period of 45 years, 4 months, and 21 days, until passing to the Eternal Orient on July 12th, 1897, aged 71 years, 5 months, and 4 days, mourned by his family and the entire State of California.
To learn more about Nathaniel Greene Curtis, click here.
One of the earliest noticeable characteristics of Washington Lodge was the general levelheadedness and solid business methods of its guiding spirits.
As early as the second meeting under dispensation, they concerned themselves not only with obtaining just a meeting place but with obtaining a meeting place of their own. Therefore, they appointed Joel Ball, J.A. Bullard, and Nathaniel Greene Curtis on a committee to confer with the various Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges of the city on purchasing "a suitable lot on which to build a Masons and Odd Fellows Hall." Moreover, they carried this same practicality into their charitable works. The charity box was on the altar at every meeting, "if not for a specific purpose," as Ingram observed, "then for raising funds for general relief." But there was no handing out of relief to every Tom, Dick, or Harry claiming Masonic Affiliation. The brethren of Washington Lodge first made sure he was worthy of it.
In May 1853, when Washington Lodge sent its first returns to Grand Lodge, it had 39 Master Masons on its roll. Thus, it missed by 1 the doubling its original number of members. A year later, it more than doubled its 1853 figure, having 94 Master Masons.
Many additions were by affiliation, among them Governor John Bigler, member of Tehama Lodge No. 3. Most of the 1854 gains were from initiations.
From the South
Brandon Jenkins - Junior Warden
"Being persuaded that a just application of the principles, on which the Masonic Fraternity is founded, must be promotive of private virtue and public prosperity, I shall always be happy to advance the interests of the Society, and to be considered by them as a deserving brother.
”
George Washington – to the Brethren of King David’s Lodge in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1790
Happy May, Brothers!
The month of May is traditionally observed as the gateway to summer, as the days grow longer and the temperatures begin to warm.
Our ancient Brethren celebrated May with festivals celebrating Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, and that tradition has carried over into the modern era with May Day observances. The study of religious evolution demonstrates that many of the holidays we celebrate today have their origins in the “pagan” observances of the ancient world, and May Day is a prime example of this.
May is also National BBQ Month! As I grow older, the flavor of meat roasted over an open fire has become one of my life’s great pleasures, so I am happy to learn this practice has its own (unofficial) month. I, for one, look forward to many nights this summer spent in front of a grill.
We, as a Lodge, have an exciting charitable opportunity this month! We have partnered with Chicks in Crisis, a favorite charity of our departed brother Randy Brink, to provide a “Day of Service” to their worthy organization. Their facility sits on three acres of land in Elk Grove, and this property is in great need of general upkeep and maintenance. “C.i.C.” is run by three dedicated women who devote most of their time to assisting expectant mothers and children in need, so the labor of managing the physical maintenance of the facility is often put to the wayside.
Brother Bill Workman and I visited their location on Thursday, April 17th, to get a general assessment of what needs to be done, and we found that a group of brothers and their families could easily accomplish the goal in one day. Weeding, digging, and general repairs are all that are needed.
Some flower beds need to be filled in with bark, a greenhouse requires repair, and there are also storage sheds that need sorting. They have a large tortoise that likes to push against his enclosure, so some boards need to be reattached. A small fence blew down in the recent storms, so repairing its posts is also necessary.
As you can see from the included photos, the work generally requires low-skilled labor, which our Lodge can easily accomplish.
Please join us on Saturday, May 31st, at 10:00 AM to help this worthy cause. Bring shovels, weed-eaters (string trimmers), hoes, power tools, etc., to help. Gloves, eye protection, etc., are also highly recommended.
C.i.C. has also allowed us to use their facilities for food and refreshment, so a BBQ will follow immediately after! Bring the family! It’s going to be fun!
Chicks in Crisis is also in need of financial and physical donations. Their primary goal is to assist expectant mothers and families with education and supplies, so hygiene and baby items are always in high demand.
Please consider donating financially by using this link to their PayPal account, as well as donating the needed supplies listed on their Amazon Wishlist.
Please reference Washington Lodge No. 20 when donating so C.i.C. knows where the donations originated.
Thank you for your help with this, Brothers. Your assistance will benefit many deserving families.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MAY
• 01 Stated Meeting Dinner (Banquet Room) Thursday 6:00 PM
• 01 Monthly Stated Meeting (LR1) Thursday 7:30 PM
• 08 Officers' Practice (LR1) Thursday 7:00 PM
• 15 Officers' Practice (LR1) Thursday 7:00 PM
• 21 Officers' School of Instruction (LR3) Wednesday 7:00 PM
Topic: Third Degree - Second Section
Host: WLN20
• 22 DARK Thursday
• 24 Hiram Award - Worshipful Phil Hardiman (PM) Saturday 11:00 AM
• 29 DARK or Degree (LR1) Thursday 7:00 PM
• 31 Charity Drive (Chicks in Crisis) Saturday 10:00 AM (Details)
JUNE
• 03 Executive Committee Meeting (Zoom) Tuesday 7:00 PM
• 05 Stated Meeting Dinner (Banquet Room) Thursday 6:00 PM
• 05 Monthly Stated Meeting (LR1) Thursday 7:30 PM
• 15 Officers' Practice (LR1) Thursday 7:00 PM
• 19 Officers' Practice (LR1) Thursday 7:00 PM
• 26 DARK or Degree (LR1) Thursday 7:00 PM
MAY
BIRTHDAYS
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05 Washington Lodge No. 20 (173 Years)
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05 Jesse Solis-Jacques (Past Master)
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07 Prezell Harris (Master Mason)
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08 Richard Pullen (Past Master)
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11 Douglas Pope (Master Mason)
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12 Walter Santwer (Master Mason)
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15 Richard "Smokey" Stover (Master Mason)
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19 Msuro Lara (Past Master)
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19 Jonathan Brizuela (Master Mason)
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20 Michael Quinn (Master Mason)
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23 Stephen May (Entered Apprentice)
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24 Joshua Valentin (Entered Apprentice)
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25 Colin Quinn (Master Mason)
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26 Paul McNamee (Master Mason)
MASTER MASON ANNIVERSARIES
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01 Prezell Harris (15 Years)
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08 Charles Moore, Jr. (56 Years)
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08 Dallas Calmes (11 Years)
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11 Joseph Mayo, IV (30 Years)
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11 Martin Buff (Tiler) (8 Years)
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12 Ronald Forsberg (48 Years)
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14 Thomas Goodwin (68 Years)
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15 Terry Cooley (11 Years)
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16 Joseph Wallach (Worshipful Master) (12 Years)
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16 Scott Van Wagner (27 Years)
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17 Ko Chang (24 Years)
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18 Robert Brooks (53 Years)
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20 William Dillon (61 Years)
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20 Ernest Owen, Jr. (43 Years)
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21 Phillip Richards (55 Years)
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21 Albert Lazare (12 Years)
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22 George Morrow (67 Years)
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22 Emad Sweidan (15 Years)
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25 Brian Jones (21 Years)
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31 Thomas Weary (13 Years)
Washington Lodge No. 20 F. & A. M.
Mission Statement
To practice and promote a way of life that binds like-minded men in a worldwide
brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences.
Through Masonic principles and tradition, and by the outward expression of these
through its fellowship and compassion, Washington Lodge No.20 Free & Accepted Masons provides ways in which to serve God, family, country, neighbors, and self in an environment that contributes to the enrichment and betterment of its members, mankind, and its communities.
Freemasonry is
Kindness in the home,
Honesty in business,
Courtesy in society,
Fairness in work,
Pity and concern for the unfortunate,
Resistance toward evil,
Help for the weak,
Forgiveness for the penitent,
Love for one another and,
Above all, reverence and love for God.
Freemasonry is many things but
Most of all:
Freemasonry is a way of life.
Masonic Symbolism of the Beehive
by Charles Clyde Hunt
(Book Recommendation by Brother Ramey Packer, Chaplain)
This book explores the symbolic significance of the beehive in the context of Freemasonry. The beehive has long been a symbol of industry, cooperation, and community, and it has been used in various ways throughout history to represent these values.
In this book, Hunt delves into the deeper meanings of the beehive within the Masonic tradition, examining its relevance to the organization's principles and practices. He explores the symbolism of the beehive as a representation of the collective efforts of Masons, as well as its association with wisdom, virtue, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Drawing on historical texts and Masonic teachings, Hunt provides a comprehensive analysis of the beehive's significance within the Masonic tradition, making this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and symbolism of Freemasonry.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Charles Clyde Hunt was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 9, 1866. His Masonic career began in Montezuma, Iowa, by his Initiation, Passing, and Raising in Lafayette Lodge No. 52, AF&AM, in 1900.
He became Master of this lodge and served from 1904 through 1908, and later took the office of Secretary in 1910. He became Grand Secretary and Librarian of the Grand Lodge of Iowa in 1925.
Recognizing his worth as a man and a Mason, his long and notable service, and his high personal character, the Grand Lodge of Iowa, in 1937, by unanimous vote, conferred on him the distinguished and unusual honor of the title of Past Grand Master.
ISBN-10 : 1169194419
ISBN-13 : 978-1169194410
George Washington: Groundbreaking Leadership Style
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Washington Lodge No. 20 F. & A. M.
2025 Officers
Joseph Wallach
Worshipful Master
William Workman
Senior Warden
Brandon Jenkins
Junior Warden
Eric Hixson (PM)
Treasurer
Francisco Marques (PM)
Secretary
Ramey Packer
Chaplain
David Cameron (PM)
Assistant Secretary
Kevin Hall
Senior Deacon
Nicholas Johnston
Junior Deacon
Christopher Hamilton
Marshal
Maury Hicks
Senior Steward
Carlos Brusel-Casals
Senior Steward
James Dimmitt
Organist
Martin Buff
Tiler
Matthew Mason (PM)
Junior Past Master
D. Edward Entrican (PM)
Treasurer Emeritus
Matthew Mason (PM)
Officers' Coach
William Workman
Head Candidates' Coach
David Lagala (PM)
Inspector 414th Masonic District
