San
Bernardino Valley
- 1956 -
Following World War II Southern California experienced a population
explosion and especially in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. A
group of Scottish Rite Masons who held membership in several different
Valleys but lived in the two counties, met to discuss the possibility of
establishing a Scottish Rite in the area. As a result of
the meeting, Letters Temporary were issued September 8, 1956, for a San
Bernardino Lodge of Perfection and San Bernardino Chapter of Rose Croix.
The first meeting of the Lodge of Perfection was held at the San
Bernardino Masonic Lodge just ten days later. Charters were granted for
the Lodge and Chapter in October, 1957. The first class of graduates of
the Chapter traveled to the east to receive their Council. and
Consistory Degrees at the Pasadena Bodies. They later transferred their
memberships to the San Bernardino Council of Kadosh and the San
Bernardino Consistory both of which were constituted December 18,1959.
The Lodge of Perfection
arranged a two-year lease of the Highland Women's' Club where they met
for several years. The rolls listed 525 members in April, 1958 and 858
on December 31, 1958 -- an increase of more than 60% in just 8 months.
Two years later the Rite numbered 1,187. With the rapid growth in
membership, it was necessary to consider a new Cathedral. (1)
Looking to the future, the
Bodies purchased ten acres in
north San Bernardino. Plans for a new Temple at 4400 North Varsity Way
were drawn up in 1967 and the building project soon got under way.
Ground breaking ceremonies were held January 24, 1970.
The Pasadena Bodies
contributed $2,500 to help furnish the Temple. Stage backdrops were
designed and painted and stage props gathered. An organ was donated for
the auditorium and on June 1, 1972 the building was dedicated. A brother
provided in his will, funds to construct the John Oester Banquet Hall.
The Valley of San Bernardino
provides two $300.00 scholarships to local community colleges on a
rotating basis. Each February the widows of departed brethren are
honored at the February Stated Meeting. To encourage membership a golden
Eagle Award lapel pin is presented to brothers who bring in ten
candidates. A diamond is embedded in the pin for each additional ten
candidates he brings.
The Rite sold 3-1/2 acres of
its property to fund the construction of a Childhood Language Disorders
Clinic on the site of the Temple. The Clinic building has three
treatment rooms, a toy closet, office and kitchen. The Parents room is
equipped with one-way class so the children may be observed during
treatment.
There is a large waiting room at the front entrance with office
space for the secretary. Since its opening in 1982 the Clinic has
treated about 850 children. Two part-time therapists, one of whom is the
Clinic Director, comprise the staff and they treat about 35 children at
a time and have a six month waiting list averaging about 20 children.
In addition to the generosity
of the brethren, an Annual BBQ and Benefit Auction raise funds for the
operation of the Clinic.
For members wishing to join the "365 Club" can pick a day to
support the Clinic with a $135.00 donation. Their names are
displayed on a plaque in the foyer. (2)
Bibliography
Sources
My
thanks to all those, names and nameless,
who helped me amass the materials used in compiling
this history of the Orient of California.
Ill:.
Robert D. Haas 33°
