Masons of California

Personal style speaks volumes about the person you are, and Masons across California have style in spades. In the new issue of #CaliforniaFreemason, feast your eyes on the many ways lodges express their Masonic pride. Some draw from local history, the spirit of their hometown, or even pop culture references. Others reflect shared heritage or the unique backgrounds of the brothers who gather there. Whether it’s Highland tartan, Gold Rush-era attire, blue-collar workwear, leather jackets patched with miles of road, style is a connecting thread that ties individuals to something bigger—our communities, our histories, and the enduring legacy of the Craft itself. This inspired collection of lodge looks prove the square and compasses over our hearts unite us in ways that will always be in style. Read now at: californiafreemason.org #MasonsofCA #NewIssue #MasonicStyle

The Masons of California are proud partners of the Giants Community Fund and the Junior Giants! Through our annual #Masons4Mitts fundraiser, we’re honored to work with organizations like them throughout the state that open doors for all kids to learn, grow, and experience the joy of baseball in a meaningful way. Working alongside our partners reminds us what community is all about: creating spaces where every child feels supported, and empowered. Check out this heartwarming video about how this program truly changed one child's world. It’s a beautiful reminder of why this partnership matters. Give a mitt today: masons4mitts.org #MasonsofCA #JuniorGiants #GiantsCommunityFund

We’re on the verge of a major milestone—help us push #Masons4Mitts past the $3 million mark! Now in its 18th year, our favorite Masonic baseball fundraiser is back, and this season comes with our most ambitious goal yet. The California Masonic Foundation is aiming to raise $325,000, a goal that will officially bring Masons4Mitts to $3 million in support for young players across California. Each year, we team up with the #SanFrancisco Giants, #LosAngeles Angels and Dodgers, and #SanDiego Padres for one of our fraternity’s most impactful philanthropic traditions. Through Masons4Mitts, we provide high‑quality leather baseball mitts to children in community programs supported by our Major League Baseball partners—giving kids in our communities the tools to build teamwork, grow confidence, and enjoy the game in a safe, supportive environment. Last season alone, Masons4Mitts raised $298,000—enough to provide 14,950 mitts to young players. Since 2009, our fundraiser has contributed over $2.675 million, positively impacting more than 100,000 children across California. Now, with your support, we can reach our highest goal yet and celebrate crossing the $3 million threshold. Let's lift up our youth, and show what Masons can accomplish when we rally together! Give a mitt today: masons4mitts.org #MasonsofCA #BiggerThanBaseball #GiveAMitt Giants Community Fund Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation ANGELS RBI LEAGUE PADRES FOUNDATION

A new chapter begins in Anaheim, and with it, a powerful reminder of when members feel deeply connected to our mission. This month, Maharlika Lodge was officially instituted, with Grand Master Garrett Chan presiding over the ceremony and joining brethren and guests in celebrating this milestone. Beyond the formalities, the members of Maharlika Lodge aren’t just forming a new lodge. Their dedication to fellowship, service, and the timeless values of Masonry reflect a growing movement. Members who are truly engaged and mission‑driven are more willing than ever to place the fraternity’s future in their hands. Maharlika Lodge now embarks on a journey of brotherhood, community, and purpose. For those who have helped build new lodges or revitalized existing ones, what advice would you share with leaders taking on this important work? #MasonsofCA

Built from the voices of Masons, prospects, and communities across the state, the #KeystoneInitiative is our shared roadmap to a more vibrant future for California Masonry. As we welcome new members, we’re reminded of the commitment that first inspired each of us to knock. At its core, the Keystone Initiative is about people—our brothers, their families, and the communities we serve. Together, we’ve built a vision centered around three essential pillars: building strong, confident leaders; deepening our Masonic experience; and demonstrating our values in our communities. Whether you're mentoring a new brother, strengthening your lodge, or expanding our charitable reach, our members' efforts are essential to bringing this plan to life. Learn more about the exciting opportunities and new resources that are being planned through the Keystone Initiative today: https://lnkd.in/gKntEn4E #MasonsofCA #Freemasonry

What does a centuries‑old fraternity have to do with world domination, and how did it become entangled with our fear of the unknown? Why does the word "illuminati" ignite both fascination and unease? These are just a few of the questions experts and historians will explore at the 2026 #InternationalConference on Freemasonry, taking place March 14. Building on last year’s theme, this year’s program delves deeper into the fraternity’s complex relationship with film, politics, and propaganda. Throughout the 20th century, distorted portrayals—sometimes sensationalized, sometimes satirical—captured the public imagination and cemented #Freemasonry’s place in popular culture. From anti‑Masonic exhibitions to the countercultural fiction of The Illuminatus! Trilogy, speakers and experts will trace the origins of some of the most persistent narratives surrounding so‑called “Masonic conspiracies.” Register today: freemason.org/berkeley #MasonsofCA #MasonicEducation

Last week, the California Masonic Foundation joined educators, youth‑serving nonprofits, and community leaders at the #SanFrancisco Community Partners Reception at Oracle Park. Together, we celebrated the power of collaboration and explored new ways to support students, strengthen local schools, and expand opportunities across our communities. Moments like these remind us why partnership matters. When organizations committed to education and community well‑being come together, we can create meaningful impact. #MasonsofCA Giants Community Fund Center for Family Math Raising a Reader

*A Message from Grand Master Garrett Chan* The past year marks a turning point for the Masons of California. For the first time in sixty years, our statewide membership grew— by 647 brothers—proof that our efforts to welcome, support, and retain members are working. This #milestone is the result of intentional change by our members and lodges, reflecting deep dedication to one another and to our shared values. Recognizing that men today seek to invest their time in meaningful relationships and purposeful activities, the #KeystoneInitiative serves as our multi-year roadmap— shaping how we lead, how we gather, and how we serve. Our #FraternityReport tells the story of that roadmap. You will see how we are building stronger leaders through clearer officer roles, mentorship, and tools like #LodgeCraft, which promises to reduce routine business in some lodges from 30 minutes to 10—freeing time for real Masonic conversation and education. You will also read about eight new lodges constituted in 2025, part of the most active period of lodge creation in a century. We are also deepening the #Masonic experience by helping lodges manage the practical realities of their buildings and finances—through new assessments for every hall, a planned insurance captive, simplified accounting, and improved dues collection that has sharply reduced suspensions. You will see #MasonryInAction through service to our communities: Masonic Outreach Services mobilizing after the Los Angeles wildfires; the Masonic Homes expanding eligibility and introducing a more flexible financial model for residents; and the California Masonic Foundation launching innovative partnerships while creating local service opportunities for lodges across the state. Running through all of this is a simple truth: strong lodges, cared-for members, and vibrant communities reinforce one another. When we remove obstacles from lodge life, invest in leadership, and show up for our neighbors, #Freemasonry thrives. As we embark on our 176th year, our Fraternity Report is both a record of what we accomplished in 2025 and a preview of what lies ahead. I invite you to read it closely, share it with your lodge, and see yourself in its pages. #MasonsofCA

The 2026 Leadership Retreats are bigger, bolder, and more accessible than ever before! Held in San Ramon, Palm Springs, and Irvine—and at a NEW lower registration price—there’s never been an easier or more impactful way to invest in your leadership journey. Each retreat features all-new programs, dynamic networking experiences, and practical leadership tools you can put to work immediately in your lodge office. What’s new for 2026? 🏷️ A LOWER registration price, making these retreats more accessible than ever 📈 Gain exclusive insight into the #KeystoneInitiative, our strategic plan for our fraternity's future 💼 Learn about updated officer job descriptions and the expanded role for lodge chaplains 🔨 Attend our #TILED conference session to show you how to run a more streamlined and meaningful stated meeting 🗓️ Review the #LodgeCraft digital planning tool to help plan meetings 🏛️ Hear about the latest Hall Association programs and insurance captive 🤝 More opportunities to network with officers and Masons from across the state Choose the location that works for you: 📍 San Ramon: April 24–26 📍 Palm Springs: May 15–17 📍 Irvine: May 29–31 Register today and invest in your leadership: https://lnkd.in/gdGKHhAm #MasonsofCA

This week, the Masonic Foundation, alongside the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California, proudly joined the California Department of Education to celebrate and honor the 2026 California #TeachersoftheYear. Many thanks to the Department of Education for the opportunity to support such a meaningful event—and congratulations to these outstanding educators whose dedication continues to inspire students and communities across our state. From left: California Prince Hall Deputy Grand Master Aaron Washington; Tristan Brown of Sacramento No. 40; Jonathan Wong, Masonic Foundation; Superintendent for Public Instruction Tony Thurmond; Mark McNee, Masonic Foundation; and Foundation President Doug Ismail. #MasonsofCA #TeacherOfTheYear #TOTY #EducationMatters