Hosting the Grand Lodge of California

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania hosted 110 visitors from the Grand Lodge of California in early July. The two jurisdictions held a joint meeting in the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia’s Corinthian Hall on July 1, with California Masons opening the meeting and Pennsylvania Masons closing it. During the open meeting, R.W. Grand Master Robert D. Brink and M.W. Grand Master of California Garrett Chan spoke briefly and exchanged gifts. Afterward, attendees enjoyed sharing ideas and fellowship during an evening reception
and dinner.

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the California brethren also visited historical sites around Philadelphia, embracing the spirit of brotherhood and patriotism throughout the city. The group stayed in Philadelphia until July 5 and organized a variety of other activities, including a picnic at Franklin Square Park and a rooftop event at the Logan Hotel on Ben Franklin Parkway, in easy view of the Philadelphia Art Museum, where they viewed a concert and a fireworks display.

“I have been traveling around and meeting Grand Lodge officers from many jurisdictions for a while now, and in my opinion, the Grand Lodge of California is one of the best run Grand Lodges in existence, on par with the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania,” said R.W. Grand Master Brink.

“Organizationally, I think we are similar, and both Grand Lodges can benefit from maintaining an active relationship.”

Grand Master Brink said he would like Pennsylvania to embrace some of California’s longer term initiatives related to membership growth, including a strong program to recover members who have been suspended for nonpayment of dues, as well as good strategies for re-engaging members.

Similarly, Grand Master Brink would like to expand “Special Interest” lodges, small lodges focused on Masons who share similar interests. While Pennsylvania has a few Traditional Observance Lodges and the new Spartan Lodge, which focuses on ritual, this concept would help brethren bond over shared hobbies, passions and skill sets. In addition, he hopes to bolster initial efforts in Philadelphia to form “University Lodges” or clubs to introduce Freemasonry to young men during their college years before they begin their careers.