camarillo lodge no. 824 history - channel islands lodge...

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 History

Research for the years prior to the consolidation of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 with

Ventura Poinsettia Ojai Lodge No. 214 was done by Worshipful William Kavanaugh

with the assistance of several Past Masters of Camarillo Lodge No. 824.

From the Author,

It has been an interesting experience researching and re-living the History of Camarillo

Lodge No. 824. I would like to express my thanks to the many Brethren who helped with

this project. My particular thanks go to Worshipful Irvin “Pinky” Meadows, our Second

Master and at the time of this writing our Senior Living Past Master, for all of his help

with the formation and the early days of the Lodge. Therefore, on behalf of the Brothers

of Camarillo Lodge No. 824, I dedicate this History to Pinky in recognition of his many

hours of dedicated work and support for our Lodge.

The early written history of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 came from an extensive collection

of newspaper articles, programs, pictures and minutes from the years of 1964 through

1975 gathered by the original Lodge Historian Clarence “Van” Vanderpoel.

Unfortunately, the written history from 1976 through 1980 and 2001 through 2003 has

been lost. I have been able to recreate some of the missing history by interviewing

Brothers of Camarillo Lodge No. 824.

Where possible I have used the text from the original documents, therefore, the grammar

might not always be correct.

William Kavanaugh, PM

1988

Charter Members of Camarillo Lodge No. 824

Kenneth Amundson * Carl Miller *

William Ballard * Richard Mountain *

Samuel Ballinger * Carl Mumper *

John Beckman * Loyal Myatt *

Earl Bennett * George Newman *

Albert Bishop * T. Dale Pease *

Edward Bowen * Joseph Pray *

Leo Brown * Lloyd Rachel *

Angelo Carbone * Henry Reitz *

Richard Chala * Paul Revels *

Charles Cooley * Max Riave *

Robert Cribb * Wallace Roberson *

William Cummings * Harry Septer *

Charles Curtis Jr. Edwin Sexton *

Manuel del Corral * Gerald Scott *

Robert De Vries * Jack Sherman *

Billy Dodson * Andrew Smith *

Donald Gleghorn * Lawrence Swanson *

George Johnson * Charley Thomas *

Karl Krakenbuhl * Guy Turner *

John Kubik * James Ulmer *

Robert Littell * Johnie Whaley *

Kyle Mccleery * Richard Wood *

Oma Mckee * Michael Yesko *

Meadows, Irvin

* Deceased

Past Masters of Lodge No. 824

Wallace Roberson * 1967 Tony Broucek * 1985

Irwin “Pinky” Meadows 1968 Edmund Heath 1986

Johnie L. Whaley * 1969 Leslie C. Heckman * 1987

T. Dale Pease * 1970 William R. Kavanaugh 1988

William E. Ballard * 1971 Edmund J. Christenson 1989

George E. Newman * 1972 Edwin W. Artico * 1990

Sam W. Ballinger * 1973 George Tatarian * 1991,93

William E. Cummings * 1974 Steven R. Gottschalk 1992

Fred S. Hackett * 1975 Wayne M. Lyngen * 1994

Fredrick “Tiny” Potter 1976,05 W. Andrew Little 1996

John “Jack” Cumalot * 1977 David R. VadBunker 1997,99

Arthur C. Bernard * 1978 Russell Kleber 1998

Victor D. Sanderfer 1979 William Campbell 2000

Garland M. Middleton * 1980 Ralph Moore * 2001

Michael P. Blackmer 1981 John Buchko * 2002

Paul MacQuiddy 1982,95 David W. VadBunker 2003

Alfred E. Smith III * 1983 Robert MacQuiddy 2004

Frank R. Vital * 1984,91

* Deceased

Hiram Award Recipients of Lodge No. 824

Fredrick “Tiny” Potter 1979

Tom McMurtrie * 1981

Sam Aldays * 1984

Sam Perren * 1985

Carl Mumper * 1986

George E. Newman * 1987

Clary Gutzeit * 1988

James L. Ulmer * 1990

Donald R. Palik * 1991

Carl E. Graeber * 1992

Edwin J. Christensen 1993

Donald G. Hauser 1994

Edwin J. Hames * 1995

Cecil J. Robinson * 1996

Ernie Merritt * 1997

Wayne M. Lyngen * 1998

William R. Kavanaugh 1999

David R. VadBunker 2000

W. Andrew Little 2001

William F. Campbell 2002

John Buchko * 2004

* Deceased

CAMARILLO LODGE NO. 824

Fifty Brothers recognized by each other as Master Masons in good standing

assembled at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall on January 30, 1964, at 7:37 o'clock

p.m., to form a Masonic Club, for the purpose of furthering the benefits of Freemasonry,

by the formation of a new Lodge. The group selected Worshipful Wallace Roberson PM

Anacapa #710 as acting chairman and Dale Pease to act as secretary. There was much

heated discussion as to what the name of the Club should be. One of the suggestions was

that we call the club Las Posas, Brother Max Riave (Camarillo Postmaster) suggested we

call it Pleasant Valley and Brother Carl E. Mumper suggested that we call it the

Camarillo Masonic Club. After some discussion, the group voted to temporarily call the

Club the Camarillo Masonic Club. The Brethren voted to hold the next meeting at Neish

Hall and that the regular meeting night would be on Thursdays.

The Second Meeting was held on February 6th, 1964 at 7:40 o’clock p.m. at the

Neish Hall of the Methodist Church with acting Chairman Carl Mumper

presiding. Several Brothers volunteered to donate and install two shades to make the hall

tyleable. Most of the discussion centered around finding a permanent place to meet.

The Third Meeting was held on February 13th, 1964 at 7:45 o’clock p.m. at Neish

Hall with acting Chairman Wallace Roberson presiding. The Chairman reported that the

District Inspector had invited the Club to attend the upcoming School of Instruction at

Anacapa. An Election of Officers was held with the following Officers elected: Wallace

Robinson – President, Carl Mumper – Vice President, Jim Ulmer – Secretary and David

Anderson – Treasurer. It was moved and passed that the Club continue meeting at Neish

Hall.

The By-Laws were adopted at the March 5th meeting. The dues were set at $12

per year and required that every member would have to contribute $50 toward the

formation of the new Lodge prior to being able to sign the petition to form a new Lodge.

WE DECIDE TO HAVE FAMILY

POT LUCK DINNERS

We voted at the April 1st, 1965 Stated Meeting to hold a Family Pot Luck Dinner

before the Stated Meetings.

WE MOVE TO THE SOMIS THURSDAY CLUB

We moved to the Somis Thursday Club for our June 3rd, 1965 Stated Meeting.

WE PUBLISH OUR FIRST TRESTLEBOARD

Brother Chala produced our first issue of the Trestleboard and brought them to the

July 1st, 1965 Stated Meeting to hand out. Brother Pease took the remaining Trestleboards

and mailed them out.

WE MOVE TO THE SOMIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

We moved to the Somis Elementary School for our August 5th, 1965 Stated

Meeting because of a misunderstanding over rent with the Somis Thursday Club. An

Election of Officers was held and the same Brothers were re-elected.

WE ATTEND OUR FIRST CORNERSTONE LAYING

We attended our first Cornerstone Laying by Grand Lodge as a Masonic Club at

the new El Descanso Elementary School in Camarillo on August 21st, 1965.

WE MOVE BACK TO NEISH HALL

We moved back to Neish Hall for our October 5th, 1965 Stated Meeting.

Worshipful Meadows announced that Methodist Church was interested in selling Neish

Hall. We voted to form a Building Fund to purchase our own building.

WE VOTE TO NAME THE NEW LODGE CAMARILLO

We voted, after much discussion, to name the new Lodge Camarillo Lodge at the

December 2nd, 1965 Stated Meeting.

WE GET A BUILDING OF OUR OWN

Worshipful Pinky Meadows announced at the January 6th, 1966 Stated Meeting,

that the property, 500 Anacapa Drive (Neish Hall), to be used as a potential Lodge

building had cleared escrow. The property was obtained by the efforts (financial and

physical) of Worshipful Pinky and Brother Manual del Corral. The property would be

held in their names until the new Lodge was chartered.

WE HOLD AN ELECTION OF

REGULAR LODGE OFFICERS

We elected the following Officers: Wallace Roberson – Master, Irvin “Pinky”

Meadows – Senior Warden, and John Whaley – Junior Warden at the February 3rd, 1966

Stated Meeting.

WE DETERMINE OUR DUES AND FEES

We determined at the March 3rd, 1966 Stated Meeting that the Dues of the New

lodge would be $20 per year and the Fees for Initiation would be $150. The Lodge voted

to pay Worshipful Pinky Meadows and Brother Manual del Corral $100 per month rent

for the use of the building.

WE DETERMINE OUR RELIEF AMOUNT

We voted at the May 5th, 1966 Stated Meeting that the amount of $25 be placed in

the By-Laws as the amount available to the Master and Wardens for relief.

OUR RENT IS REDUCED

Worshipful Meadows announced at the September 1st, 1966 Stated Meeting that

due to there being other renters in the building the Club’s rent would be reduced to $60

per month. Worshipful Master Robinson reported that all 49 Charter Members had been

cleared by Grand Lodge and the necessary paperwork for being chartered could be sent

in.

WE RECEIVE OUR DISPENSATION

We received our Dispensation to form Camarillo Lodge U.D. on October 31st,

1966.

THE LODGE IS INSTITUTED

Camarillo Lodge U.D was Instituted on January 27th, 1967 by Most Worshipful

Lawrence E. Dayton, Grand Master of Masons in California at the Oxnard Masonic

Temple.

THE FIRST STATED MEETING

Camarillo Lodge U.D. assembled for the First Stated Meeting on February 2nd,

1967 at the Hall of Camarillo Lodge with Worshipful Master Robinson in the East.

WALLACE ROBERSON

Wallace Roberson served as the Charter Master of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 in 1967.

WE SPONSOR OUR FIRST CONERSTONE LAYING

One of the first Community actions of Camarillo Lodge U. D. was to participate

in the Cornerstone Laying Ceremonies at Monte Vista Intermediate School in Camarillo,

Saturday May 13th, 1967, by the Grand Lodge of California.

THE LODGE IS CHARTERED

At the annual convocation of the California Grand Lodge in October 1967, a

Charter was granted to the new Lodge. Camarillo Lodge No. 824 was Constituted on

November 28th, 1967 by Most Worshipful Eugene S. Hopp, Grand Master of Masons in

California at the Oxnard Masonic Temple.

THE LODGE GROWS IN MEMBERSHIP

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 saw its membership grow from the original 49 Charter

Members by 29 Brothers who affiliated and 5 new Members by Degrees in 1967.

WE SPONSOR ANOTHER CORNERSTONE LAYING

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 participated in the Cornerstone Laying Ceremonies at

Los Nogales Elementary School in Camarillo, Saturday January 13th, 1968, by the Grand

Lodge of California.

WE HOLD OUR FIRST INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 held its first Installation of Officers on Saturday

evening, January 27th, 1968 at the Oxnard Masonic Center. Worshipful Irvin “Pinky”

Meadows was installed as Master, John L Whaley as Senior Warden and T. Dale Pease as

Junior Warden.

IRVIN K. MEADOWS

Irvin Meadows, better known as “Pinky”, was the Charter Senior Warden of Camarillo

Lodge No. 824. He was installed as Master on January 27th, 1968.

WE FORM A MASONIC TEMPLE ASSOCIATION

We formed and had incorporated a Masonic Temple Association to manage our Masonic

Temple.

JOHNIE L. WHALEY

Johnie L. Whaley was the Charter Junior Warden of Camarillo Lodge No. 824. He was

installed as Master December 6th, 1968.

T. DALE PEASE

T. Dale Pease was installed as Master December 5th, 1969.

WE VISIT THE JOB’S DAUGHTERS

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 visited our local Job’s Daughter’s Bethel on March 12th,

1970 where they exemplified their Degree.

WE SPONSOR A DEMOLAY CHAPTER

Camarillo DeMolay Club, sponsored by Camarillo Lodge No. 824, was formed in

Camarillo. Their first fundraising event was a Mother’s Day Steak and Eggs Breakfast.

WE EXPAND THE MASONIC TEMPLE

During our Summer break, we knocked out the East wall of the Lodge Room and

extended it an additional 6 feet which allowed us to add extra seating. We also installed a

new roof.

WE RECEIVE MANY DONATIONS

We were fortunate to receive many donations for the new Lodge Room. Oxnard

Lodge No. 341 donated some of their Lodge chairs and the Methodist Church donated

some tables. Our Job’s Daughters held fundraisers and raised enough money to put a

carpet in the Lodge Room. Worshipful Meadows donated a heater which he dedicated to

Worshipful T. Dale Pease.

WE SPONSOR A MASONIC PLAY

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 sponsored the Masonic Play “Rose On The Altar” at the

Oxnard Masonic Temple on September 26th, 1970. A dinner proceeded the Play.

OUR MASTER RAISES GRAND LODGE

Worshipful T. Dale Pease, Master of Camarillo Lodge No. 824, raised the Grand

Lodge for its morning session on October 13th, 1970, at the Annual Communication.

OUR FIRST POT LUCK DINNER

Our first Pot Luck Dinner was held prior to the June 4th meeting and was attended

by 47 people.

e Grand Lodge of California.

WE HOLD OUR FIRST INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 held its first Installation of Officers on Saturday

evening, January 27, 1968 at the Oxnard Masonic Center. Worshipful Irwin “Pinky”

Meadows was installed as Master, John L Whaley as Senior Warden and T. Dale Pease as

Junior Warden.

WE FORM A MASONIC TEMPLE ASSOCIATION

We formed and had incorporated a Masonic Temple Association to manage our

Masonic Temple.

JOHNIE L. WHALEY

Johnie L. Whaley was installed Master December 6, 1968.

WE SPONSOR ANOTHER CONERSTONE LAYING


Valley Lindo Elementary School in Camarillo, Saturday November 15, 1969, by the

Grand Lodge of California.

T. DALE PEASE

T. Dale Pease was installed Master December 5, 1969.

WE VISIT THE JOB’S DAUGHTERS

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 visited our local Job’s Daughter’s Bethel on March 12th

where they exemplified their Degree.

WE SPONSOR A DEMOLAY CHAPTER

Camarillo Chapter Order of DeMolay, sponsored by Camarillo Lodge No. 824,

was formed in Camarillo. Their first fundraising event was a Mother’s Day Steak and

Eggs Breakfast.

WE EXPAND THE MASONIC TEMPLE

During our Summer break, we knocked out the East wall of the Lodge room and

extended it an additional 6 feet which allowed us to add extra seating. We also installed a

new roof.

WE RECEIVE MANY DONATIONS

We were fortunate to receive many donations for the New Lodge Room. Oxnard

Lodge No 341 donated some of their Lodge Chairs and the Methodist Church donated

some tables. Our Job’s Daughters held fundraisers and raised enough money to put a

carper in the Lodge Room. Worshipful Meadows donated a heater which he dedicated to

Worshipful T. Dale Pease.

WE SPONSOR A MASONIC PLAY

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 sponsored the Masonic Play “Rose On The Altar” at the

Oxnard Masonic Temple on September 26, 1970. A dinner proceeded the Play.

OUR MASTER RAISES GRAND LODGE

Worshipful T. Dale Pease, Master of Camarillo Lodge No. 824, raised the Grand

Lodge for its morning session on October 13, 1970, at the Annual Communication.

WILLIAM E. BALLARD

William E. Ballard was installed Master December 11, 1970.

IRVIN “PINKY” MEADOWS IS MASON OF THE YEAR

Worshipful Irvin “Pinky” Meadows was selected as the Mason Of The Year in

District 512th for 1970.

WE BECOME THE SPONSORING BODY FOR THE CAMARILLO DEMOLAY

CHAPTER

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 is officially recognized as the sponsoring body of

Camarillo Chapter Order of DeMolay on January 2nd, 1971.

WE EXPAND THE MASONIC TEMPLE AGAIN

We poured a new concrete slab to add a coat closet and outside kitchen in March.

WE HAVE A FATHER AND SON SPAGHETTI DINNER

We had a Father and Son Spaghetti Dinner on April 16, 1971. Worshipful Pease

provided a DeMolay to be with any Brother who did not have a “Son”. The California

Research Lodge provided a Guest Speaker who spoke on the Order of DeMolay.

GEORGE E. NEWMAN

George E. Newman was installed Master December 18, 1971.

INTERNATIONAL DEMOLAY WEEK

Our local DeMolay Chapter participated in the International DeMolay Week.

Some of the Young Men of the Chapter “Took Over” the Camarillo City Council and

several other positions within the City of Camarillo Government.

WE SPONSOR A PATRIOTISM WEEK

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 sponsored a Patriotism Week Event on September 22,

1972 at the Methodist Church in Camarillo. The Job’s Daughters and the DeMolay

participated in the ceremonies. A Naval Officer spoke on what Patriotism means to a

career Military Man.

WE HOLD OUR FIRST GO TO CHURCH SUNDAY

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 held its first “Go To Church Sunday” on November 12,

1972 at the Methodist Church in Camarillo, Reverend Brooks, a Master Mason, presided.

Prior to the Church Service the Job’s Daughters and DeMolay served a pancake

breakfast.

SAM W. BALLINGER

Sam W. Ballinger was installed Master December 16, 1972. The Job’s Daughters

assisted with the Guest Book and Programs led by Miss Linda Ballinger, the Incoming

Master’s Daughter.

WE GET NEW NAME BADGES

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 Brothers received ne Name Badges at the February

1973 Stated Meeting. Brother Walt Brouner made a fine display case for the Badges.

WE HOLD OUR FIRST LODGE SQUARE DANCE

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 held its first Lodge Square Dance at the Pleasant Valley

School Auditorium on February 17, 1973.

WE GET THE FIRST POSTAL PERMIT IN CAMARILLO

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 started using the Bulk Mail System to mail the

Trestleboard. We were the first to do this and received Bulk Mail Permit Number 1.

WE VISIT POINSETTIA LODGE NO 663

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 traveled to Poinsettia Lodge No. 633 on the evening of

March 15, 1973 for a Fraternal Visit.

WE VISIT GLENDALE LODGE NO 368

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 car pooled to Glendale Lodge No. 368 on the evening

of May 24, 1973 for a Fraternal Visit.

WE GET NEW OFFICERS APRONS

The Camarillo Lodge No. 824 officers wore their new Officer’s Aprons at the

July 1973 Stated Meeting.

WE HOLD OUR FIRST PAST MASTER’S NIGHT

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 held its first Past Master’s Night on September 27,

1973.

WE GET A NEW CARPET FOR THE LODGE ROOM

We were able to purchase a new carpet for the Lodge Room with the help of the

other Masonic Related Organizations.

WE RAISE OUR DUES

We voted to raise the dues of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 to $25 at the November

1st, 1973 Stated Meeting.

WE HOLD OUR FIRST CHARTER MEMBERS NIGHT

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 held a Charter Members Night on November 29th, 1973 with 70

members in attendance of which 26 were Charter Members.

WILLIAM E. CUMMINGS

William E. Cummings was installed Master December 15, 1973.

WE HOST THE “TRAVELING TROWEL” NIGHT

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 hosted the “Traveling Trowel” Night at Oxnard

Masonic Temple on May 23, 1974. Prior to the meeting a delicious Spaghetti Dinner was

served. The Junior Wardens of the visiting Lodges conferred a Second Degree.

FRED S. HACKETT

Fred S. Hackett was installed Master December 14, 1974.

WE MOVE THE FENCE IN THE BACK YARD

Several Brethren of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 joined together to perform some

“Operative” Masonry by moving the block fence in the back yard.

WE TRAVEL TO RESEDA TO RETRIEVE

THE “TRAVELING TROWEL”

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 chartered a bus to travel to Reseda to retrieve the

“Traveling Trowel” on May 29th, 1975.

WE CONFER A DEGREE AT COLUMBIA FOR THE FIRST TIME

Several Brethren and Wives of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 traveled by bus to

Sonora, CA to confer the Sublime Degree of Master Mason at the Masonic Temple in

Columbia on June 28, 1975. Everyone enjoyed a late dinner after the Degree.

WE RECEIVE SOME PRAISE

We receive some praise in the Camarillo Newspaper for our care of a Brother.

WE TRAVEL TO CONEJO LODGE NO. 807

Several Brethren of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 traveled to Conejo Valley Lodge No. 807

to assist in conferring the First Degree of Masonry on July 22nd, 1975.

FREDRICK POTTER

Fredrick “Tiny” Potter was installed Master December 20, 1975.

WE CONFER A DEGREE AT COLUMBIA

Several Brethren and Wives of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 traveled to Columbia,

CA to confer the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on a Candidate at the Masonic

Temple in Columbia. The Brethren and wives stayed at the Sonora Inn.

WE HOLD OUR FIRST ANNUAL

NEW ENGLAND STEAK AND LOBSTER DINNER

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 held its first annual New England Lobster Steak and

Lobster Dinner in September. The event under the direction of Worshipful Master Tiny

Potter was held to raise money for the Lodge Building Fund.

JACK CUMALOT

John “Jack” Cumalot was installed Master in December 1976.

ARTHUR C. BERNARD

Arthur C. Bernard was installed Master in December 1977.

VICTOR D. SANDERFER

Victor D. Sanderfer was installed Master in December 1978.

GARLAND M. MIDDLETON

Garland M. Middleton was installed Master in December 1979.

MICHAEL P. BLACKMER

Michael P. Blackmer was installed Master December 20, 1980.

WE CONFER ANOTHER DEGREE AT COLUMBIA


CA to confer the Sublime Degree of Master Mason at the Masonic Temple in Columbia

on May 23, 1981. Everyone enjoyed a BBQ after the Degree.

OUR SENIOR WARDEN RESIGNS

Our Senior Warden resigned his Office at the July 1981 Stated Meeting.

WE ELECT NEW SENIOR AND JUNIOR WARDENS

We elected new Wardens, Paul MacQuiddy and Al Smith, at the September 3rd,

1981 Stated Meeting.

CAMARILLO CHAPTER OES IS FORMED

Camarillo Chapter Order of the Eastern Star was instituted on September 5, 1981.

PAUL MACQUIDDY

Paul MacQuiddy was installed Master December 19, 1981.

OUR JUNIOR WARDEN RESIGNS

Our Junior Warden resigned his Office at the January 1982 Stated Meeting.

PLEASANT VALLEY ASSEMBLY NO. 265

RAINBOW FOR GIRLS IS INSTITUTED

Camarillo Chapter Order of the Eastern Star sponsored Pleasant Valley Chapter

Assembly No. 265, International Order of Rainbow For Girls.

HOME LODGE VISITS US

Home Lodge No. 721 visited Camarillo Lodge No. 824 on the evening of

February 18, 1982 to Confer the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on one of their

Candidates with the help of the Officers of Camarillo Lodge No. 824.

WE RAISE THREE CANDIDATES WITH THE HELP

OF THE ROYAL ARCH DEGREE TEAM

We Raised three Candidates to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason with the

help of the Royal Arch Degree Team on May 29th, 1982.

WE ELECT A NEW JUNIOR WARDEN

We elected Frank Vital as Junior Warden to fill the vacancy at the June 3rd, 1982

Stated Meeting.

WE TRAVEL TO MAGNOLIA LODGE NO. 242

We traveled to Magnolia Lodge No. 242 in Santa Barbara to confer the Sublime

Degree of Master Mason on one of our Candidates on June 29th, 1982.

WE RAISE OUR DUES

We voted to raise the dues of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 to $35 at the September


WE SPONSOR ANOTHER CORNERSTONE LAYING


Las Colinas Middle School in Camarillo, Saturday October 23rd, 1982, by the Grand

Lodge of California. Following the Cornerstone Laying there was a Dinner and

Reception for the Most Worshipful Robert O. West, Grand Master of Masons in

California.

WE MOVE TO THE VENTURA COUNTY MASONIC MEMORIAL TEMPLE

We moved to the Ventura County Masonic Memorial Temple for our Stated

Meeting in November 1982.

WE SPONSOR ANOTHER CONERSTONE LAYING


Las Colinas Middle School in Camarillo, Saturday October 23, 1982, by the Grand Lodge

of California. Following the Cornerstone Laying there was a Dinner and Reception for

the Most Worshipful Robert O. West, Grand Master of Masons in California.

WE MOVE TO THE VENTURA COUNTY MASONIC

MEMORIAL TEMPLE

We moved to the Ventura County Masonic Memorial Temple for our November

4th, 1982 Stated Meeting.

THE MASTER PRESENTS US WITH A MODEL

OF THE OLD LODGE

Worshipful Paul MacQuiddy presented a scale Model of the Old Lodge at the

November 4th, 1982 Stated Meeting.

WE SPONSOR STILL ANOTHER CONERSTONE LAYING


Santa Rosa School in Camarillo, Saturday November 15, 1982, by the Grand Lodge of

California.

ALFRED E. SMITH III

Alfred E. Smith III was installed Master December 11, 1982.

WE RECEIVE A NEW MASTERE’S PODIUM AND A NEW LETTER “G”

Brethren from Leisure Village presented a new Master’s Podium to the Master.

Brother Frank Vital presented the Lodge a new Stained Glass Letter “G” at the Stated

Meeting in April 1983.

WE CONFER TWO DEGREES AT COLUMBIA


CA to confer the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on two Candidates at the Masonic

Temple in Columbia on May 28, 1983. The Inspector Worshipful Frank Russel Raised

both Candidates who were fellow 3M employees. Everyone enjoyed a BBQ after the

Degree.

WE TRAVEL TO THE FRENCH LODGE

Several Brethren of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 traveled by bus to the French

Lodge to witness the French conferral of the Entered Apprentice Degree. Prior to the

Degree a dinner was served.

WE START A TRADITION

Seven Past Masters of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 rose and went to the East to

congratulate Worshipful Smith and then accepted seats in the East.

OUR RENT INCREASES

We received notice that our rent would increase from $425 to $700 on January 1,

1984 at the September 1983 Stated Meeting.

WE RAISE OUR DUES



WE ARE THE FASTEST GROWING LODGE IN 1983

The Inspector Worshipful Frank Russel reported that Camarillo Lodge No. 824

was the fastest growing Lodge in California and Hawaii in 1983 at the December 1983

Stated Meeting.

FRANK R. VITAL

Frank R. Vital was installed Master December 17, 1983.

WE SPONSOR THREE DEMOLAYS TO LEADERSHIP CAMP

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 along with the Leisure Village High Twelve Club

sponsored the three Top DeMolay Officers to attend their Leadership Camp.

WE HAVE THE LODGE FURNITURE REFINISHED

Brother Jim Prince presented the refinished the Lodge furniture at the February


WE DONATE FUNDS TO HELP REPAIR THE

MASONIC CENTER AIR CONDITIONING

We decide to donate $800 to the Ventura County Masonic Center to enable them

to repair the Air Conditioning at the July 1984 Stated Meeting.

WE SELL THE CAMARILLO MASONIC CENTER BUILDING

Worshipful Master Vital announced that the Camarillo Masonic Center Building

had been sold at the August 1984 Stated Meeting. Henceforth, all meetings and practices

would be held at the Ventura County Masonic Center.

WE CONFER A THIRD DEGREE IN A ROCK QUARRY

We raised Brother Marv Biederman to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in

the rock quarry located by Conejo Mountain Memorial Park on September 22, 1984.

Worshipful Frank Russel, Inspector of the 512th District raised Brother Biederman

assisted by Brothers Artico and Kavanaugh all of who were fellow 3M employees.

TONY BROUCEK

Tony Broucek was installed Master December 8, 1984.

WE CONFER A SECOND DEGREE AT THE OLD MASONIC HALL IN LA

Several Brethren and Wives of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 traveled by bus to Los

Angles to the confer the Degree of Fellowcraft at the old Masonic Hall in Los Angles on

May 25, 1985. During the Degree, the wives enjoyed the local shopping.

WE HOLD AN ESSAY CONTEST

FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 held an Essay Contest for our Masonic Youth Groups.

The topic was “What the Public Schools Mean to Me”. A $100 and a $50 Savings Bond

was given to the 1st and 2nd place winners respectively.

WE CONFER A SECOND DEGREE

AT THE OLD MASONIC HALL IN LA

Several Brethren and Wives of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 traveled by bus to Los Angles

to the confer the Degree of Fellowcraft at the old Masonic Hall in Los Angles on May

25th, 1985. During the Degree, the wives enjoyed the local shopping. After the Degree,

everyone met for lunch.

OUR FIRST GRAND LODGE OFFICER IS ANNOUNCED

Worshipful Frank Vital announced that Brother Maury Ottsen had been selected

to serve Grand Lodge next year as the Grand Chaplain at the August 1st, 1985 Stated

Meeting.

WE HOLD OUR TENTH ANNUAL

NEW ENGLAND STEAK AND LOBSTER DINNER

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 held its Tenth Annual New England Lobster Steak and

Lobster Dinner in September 22, 1985.

WE MOVE TO THE SOMIS THURSDAY CLUB AGAIN

The Ventura County Masonic Center closed in November, so we moved to the

Somis Thursday Club for our Stated Meeting in December 1985.

EDMUND HEATH

Edmund Heath was installed Master December 6, 1985.

WE SPONSOR THREE DEMOLAYS

TO LEADERSHIP CAMP

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 again sponsored the three Top DeMolay Officers to

attend their Leadership Camp.

WE CONFER TWO DEGREES AT COLUMBIA


CA to confer the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on two Candidates at the Masonic

Temple in Columbia on May 24, 1986. Several of the Brethren stopped to play golf on

the way up to Columbia. Everyone enjoyed a BBQ after the Degree.

WE CO-SPONSOR A RECEPTION FOR THE GRAND MASTER

Camarillo Lodge No. 824, Oxnard Lodge No. 341 and Anacappa Lodge No. 710

co-sponsored a Reception for Most Worshipful John W. Driskell Grand Master of

Masons in California on September 6,1986.

WE DECIDE TO GET A PHONE LINE

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 decided at the September 4th, 1986 Stated Meeting to

get a phone line for the Secretary with an answering machine. This would allow us to

inform Brothers and Visitors of Lodge Events.

WE TRAVEL TO THE FRENCH LODGE

Several Brethren of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 traveled by bus to the French

Lodge to witness the French conferral of the Entered Apprentice Degree on September

24, 1986. Prior to the Degree a dinner was served.

LESLIE C. HECKMAN

Leslie C. Heckman was installed Master December 6, 1986.

WE HELP RENOVATE THE CAMARILLO HIGH SCHOOL BAND ROOM

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 donated $500 to help renovate the Camarillo High

School Band Room as part of our annual Public Schools Month Program.

WE CONFER A THIRD DEGREE AT THE OLD MASONIC HALL IN LA

Several Brethren and Wives of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 traveled by bus to Los

Angles to the confer the Degree of Fellowcraft at the old Masonic Hall in Los Angles on

June 20, 1987. During the Degree, the wives enjoyed the local shopping. After the

Degree, everyone enjoyed a festive lunch.

WE JOIN THE CITY OF CAMARILLO

FOR A CONSTITUTION OBSERVANCE

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 joined with the City of Camarillo for a special Bi-

Centennial Constitution Observance Program.

WE JOIN THE JOB’S DAUGHTERS FOR A

SECRET JOBIE PROJECT

The Officers of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 joined with the Camarillo Job’s

Daughters for a Secret Jobie project where the girls knew who their Mason was, but he

did not know who she was. The revelation occurred at the end of the term.

WE PURCHASE A COMPUTOR

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 voted at the December 1987 Stated to purchase a

computer for the Lodge’s use.

WILLIAM R. KAVANAUGH

William R. Kavanaugh was installed Master December 12, 1987.




Temple in Columbia on May 28, 1988. Several of the Brethren stopped to play golf on

the way up to Columbia. Everyone enjoyed a BBQ after the Degree which was cut short

by rain. We then retired to the City Hotel to be reveled by stories of Hollywood told by

Brother Richard LeGrand.

WE PURCHASE NEW PAST MASTER APRONS

We voted to purchase new Past Master Aprons at the February 4th, 1988 Stated

Meeting.

THE MASTER AND WARDENS TRAVEL TO GRAND LODGE IN A THIRTY

FOOT MOTORHOME

Worshipful Master Kavanaugh and Wardens Christenson and Artico along with

the Master of Oxnard Lodge No. 341 Worshipful Starrett traveled to the Annual

Communication of Grand Lodge in a thirty foot Motorhome. They had an interesting time

navigating the hills of Downtown San Francisco looking for the RV Park. Fortunately,

Worshipful Starrett was a bus driver and had no problems.

EDMUND J. CHRISTENSON

Edmund J. Christenson was installed Master December 10, 1988.


Our Junior Warden resigned his Office at the February 1989 Stated Meeting. The

position of Junior Warden was filled on a pro tem basis for the remainder of the year.

EDWIN W. ARTICO

Edwin W. Artico was installed Master December 9, 1989.




Temple in Columbia on May 28, 1988. Everyone enjoyed a BBQ after the Degree.

FRANK R. VITAL

Frank R. Vital was installed Master December 16, 1990 for the second time.

OUR MASTER PASSES

Worshipful Frank R. Vital, the Worshipful Master of Camarillo Lodge No. 824

passed to that Celestial Lodge Above on March 7, 1991.

WE ELECT AND INSTALL A NEW MASTER

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 elected a new Master at the April 1991 Stated Meeting.

WE AWARD 25 YEAR PINS

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 started awarding 25 Year Pins to the Brethren in March

1991.

GEORGE TATARIAN

Worshipful George Tatarian was installed Master April 4, 1991.

WE PURCHASE A BUILDING TO USE AS A MASONIC CENTER

Brothers Hauser and Awery announced at the June 1991 Stated Meeting, that the

property, 513 Loop Drive to be used as a potential Masonic Center was in escrow.


Our Junior Warden resigned his Office at the June 1991 Stated Meeting due to

health reasons. The position of Junior Warden was filled on a pro tem basis for the

remainder of the year.

STEVEN R. GOTTSCHALK

Steven R. Gottschalk was installed Master December 15, 1991.

WE RECEIVE AN ORGAN

The family of recently passed Worshipful Frank R. Vital donated an Organ to the

Lodge in April 1992.




Temple in Columbia on May 30, 1992. Everyone enjoyed a BBQ after the Degree.

WORSHIPFUL PAUL MACQUIDDY CONFERS ALL THREE DEGREES ON

CHUCK MACQUIDDY

Worshipful Paul MacQuiddy conferred all three Degrees on his Son, Chuck

MacQuiddy, during the year.

ANACAPA LODGE NO. 710

HELPS US WITH A THIRD DEGREE

Several Brethren from Anacapa Lodge No. 710 visited Camarillo Lodge No. 824 to help

us confer the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on our Candidate on November 19th,

1992.

GEORGE TATARIAN

George Tatarian was installed Master December 10, 1992 for the second time.

WE HAVE A GARAGE SALE

We held a garage sale to clear out the property on West Loop and raised $701.15

in funds for the Lodge on July 10, 1993.

WE RAISE OUR DUES



WAYNE M. LYNGEN

Wayne M. Lyngen was installed Master December 12, 1993.

WE HAVE ANOTHER GARAGE SALE

We held another garage sale to clear out the property on West Loop and raised

$478 in funds for the Lodge.

WE VISIT MARIPOSA LODGE NO 24 TO CONFER A THIRD DEGREE

Several Brethren of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 traveled to Mariposa CA to the

Raise one of our Candidate to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on June 4, 1994.

WE HAVE OUR FIRST GOLF TOURNAMENT

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 held its first Annual Golf Tournament.

PAUL MACQUIDDY

Paul MacQuiddy was installed Master January 14, 1995 for the second time.

WE SELL THE PROPOSED CAMARILLO MASONIC CENTER BUILDING

The Temple Association announced that the Proposed Camarillo Masonic Center

Building had been sold.

WE ELECT A BOARD OF TRUSTEES

We elected a Board of Trustees to manage the Lodge’s Investments at the April


WE PRESENT A JUBILEE CERTIFICATE

Worshipful Master Paul MacQuiddy presented a Jubilee Certificate, accompanied

by two Bag Pipers, from the Grand Lodge of Scotland to Brother Scotty Oldsburg, who

was a 77 Year Member at the May 4th, 1995 Stated Meeting.

WE HAVE A VISITOR FROM TAIWAN

First Time Visitor Worshipful S. T. Chiang from Amity Lodge No. 1 Taipei,

Taiwan was introduced at the July 11th, 1995 Stated Meeting.

OUR SENIOR WARDEN RESIGNS

Our Senior Warden resigned his Office at the September 7th, 1995 Stated Meeting

because of work related commitments. An election was held and we elected Andy Little

as Senior Warden and David R. VadBunker as Junior Warden.

W. ANDREW LITTLE

W. Andrew Little was installed Master January 13, 1996 and welcomed the new

Masonic Year with Oriental Lion Dancers.

WORSHIPFUL MACQUIDDY PRESENTS THE

“EATS BROTHERS” WITH A TROPHY

Worshipful Paul MacQuiddy, Junior Past Master, presented the “Eats Brothers”

Russ Kleber and Ty Kuinke a trophy for their work in the kitchen preparing refreshments

for the Brethren at the February 1st, 1996 Stated Meeting. Brothers Kleber and Kuinke

presented Worshipful MacQuiddy with an Aid to help reduce the results of their good

work in the previous year.

WE BUY A SHED FOR THE SOMIS SCHOOL

We purchased a storage shed for the Somis School as part of our Public Schools

Month activities.

WE ATTEND THE MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES

Worshipful Garland Middleton was the Master of Ceremonies for the 25th

Anniversary Veterans Avenue of Flags Memorial Day Services.

WORSHIPFUL TINY POTTER RETIRES FROM THE

NEW ENGLAND STEAK AND LOBSTER DINNER AFTER 20 YEARS

Worshipful Tiny Potter retires from the New England Steak and Lobster Dinner

after 20 years as the Chairman.

WE RAISE OUR DUES



WE HAVE A FLOAT IN THE CHRISTMAS PARADE

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 entered a Float for the first time in the Annual

Camarillo Christmas Parade.

DAVID R. VADBUNKER

David R. VadBunker was installed Master January 11, 1997.

WE PAINT A HUGE MAP OF THE UNITED STATES

ON THE SOMIS SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 painted a huge map of the United States on the

playground of the Somis School as part of our Public Schools Observance.

WE START A WEB SITE

Worshipful Kavanaugh announced to the Brethren that Camarillo Lodge No. 824

had a New Web Site at the April 3rd, 1997 Stated Meeting.

RUSSELL KLEBER

Russell Kleber was installed Master January 17, 1998.

WE HAVE ANOTHER GARAGE SALE

We held another garage sale and raised $1100 in funds for the Lodge.

WE MOVE TO A NEW BUILDING IN CAMARILLO

We moved to a building off Central Ave. in Camarillo in March 1998.

WE HAVE AN ALL DEMOLAY DEGREE CONFERAL

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 conferred the First Degree of Masonry on Timothy

Kavanaugh, a Senior DeMolay on June 11th, 1998. The members of the Degree Team

were all Senior DeMolays, including Worshipful William Kavanaugh, his Father, who

conferred the Degree. Worshipful Frank Russell, Inspector of the 512th Masonic District

opened the Lodge Bible to the Chapter of “Timothy” and put the Bible Marker there so it

would be opened to Timothy during the Degree.


Our Junior Warden resigned his Office at the July 2nd, 1998 Stated Meeting

because of work related commitments. The position of Junior Warden was filled on a pro

tem basis for the remainder of the year.

WE HAVE THREE FATHER - SON SETS OF DEGREES

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 had three Father – Son sets of Degrees during 1998.The

first was Worshipful William Kavanaugh Conferred, Passed and Raised his Son Timothy,

the second was Worshipful David R. VadBunker Conferred, Passed and Raised his Son

David W. VadBunker and Worshipful Paul McQuiddy Conferred and Passed his Son

Robert.

DAVID R. VADBUNKER

David R. VadBunker was installed Master January 17, 1999 for the second time.

WE ATTEND THE SPIRIT OF HIRAM PLAY

Several of the Brethren traveled to Pasadena to attend the Scottish Rite play “The

Spirit of Hiram” on March 12th, 1999.

WE ADOPT THE NEW BYLAWS AND ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 adopted the New Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation,

issued by Grand Lodge at the June 1999 Stated Meeting.

WE HAVE A FOOD BOOTH AT THE STREET FAIR

We had a Food Both at the City of Camarillo Street Fair on the 4th of July to help

make our presence know.

WE ADOPT A LIFE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 adopted a resolution creating a Life Membership

Program at the December 1999 Stated Meeting.

WILLIAM CAMPBELL

William Campbell was installed Master December 18, 1999.

VALENTINE’S DAY FOR OUR MASONIC WIDOWS

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 held the Annual Valentine’s Day Sweethearts Dinner

for our Masonic Widows on February 17th, 2000.

WE PARTICIPATE IN THE FLIGHT 261 MASONIC MEMORIAL

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 along with other local Masonic Lodges held a Masonic

Memorial for the Victims of the Alaska Airline Flight 261 crash.

RALPH MOORE

Ralph Moore was installed Master December 18, 2000. Brother Moore was

escorted by the Pacific Coast Highland Pipers.

WE JOIN WITH THE OTHER LOCAL LODGES FOR

THE MASONIC CARE BEAR PROGRAM

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 joined with the other local Lodges and the Ventura

County Fire Department for the Masonic Care Bear Project.

WE VISIT THE LOCAL PRINCE HALL LODGE

Several of the Brethren of Camarillo Lodge No. 824 made a Fraternal Visit to the

Prince Hall Lodge in Oxnard in September 2001.

WE HOLD OUR LAST GOLF TOURNAMENT

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 held its last Annual Golf Tournament at the Charming

Charlie’s Golf Course.

JOHN BUCHKO

John Buchko was installed Master December 2001.




Temple in Columbia. Everyone enjoyed a BBQ after the Degree.

DAVID W. VADBUNKER

David W. VadBunker was installed Master December 2002.

WE HAVE THREE GENERATIONS IN A DEGREE

Worshipful Master David W. VadBunker and Worshipful David R. Vadbunker

initiated Darle “Butch” Hafstrom, Granddad and Dad of the two Davids.

WE RECEIVE A SIZABLE DONATION

Brother Andy Anderson, who passed to that Supreme Lodge Above, left a bequest

of $165,000 to the Lodge.

ROBERT MACQUIDDY

Robert MacQuiddy was installed Master December 11, 2003.

WE MOVE TO CONEJO VALLEY MASONIC CENTER

Our rent increased for the building we were using as our Meeting Place, so we

moved to the Conejo Valley Masonic Center.

WE ALTERNATE MEETING PLACES

We were unable to hold all of our meetings and practices at the Conejo Valley Masonic

Center, so we had to meet there and the Ventura Masonic Center starting after the

January 7th, 2004 Stated Meeting.

WE MOVE TO THE VENTURA MASONIC CENTER

We voted to move to the Ventura Masonic Center at the November 2004 stated

Meeting.

FREDRICK POTTER

Fredrick “Tiny” Potter was installed Master for the second time at the December

2, 2004 Stated Meeting.

WE PARTICIPATE IN THE

DOS CAMINOS SCHOOL RE-DEDICATION

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 participated in the Dos Caminos School Re-dedication

and presented the School with a check for $1000. We received a Thank You from Dos

Caminos School indicating that they would be using the money donated to buy books for

their Library.

WE SEND CONSOLIDATION

LETTERS TO FOUR LODGES

Worshipful Campbell reported that letters had been sent to Conejo Valley Lodge

No. 807, Anacapa Lodge No. 710, Oxnard Lodge No. 341 and Ventura-Poinsettia-Ojai

Lodge No. 214 asking them to consider consolidation at the May 5th, 2005 Stated

Meeting.

WE BEGIN CONSOLIDATION TALKS

WITH TWO LODGES

We voted to begin consolidation talks with Conejo Valley Lodge No. 807 and

Ventura-Poinsettia-Ojai Lodge No. 214 at the June 2nd, 2005 Stated Meeting.

WE PROCEED WITH CONSOLIDATION WITH

VENTURA-POINSETTIA-OJAI LODGE NO. 214

We voted to proceed with the consolidation with Ventura-Poinsettia-Ojai Lodge

No. 214 at the August 4th, 2005 Stated Meeting.

WE DONATE TO THE RELIEF OF THE

VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA

We voted to send $2000 to the relief of the Victims of Hurricane Katrina at the

September 1st, 2005 Stated Meeting.

WE JOIN VENTURA-POINSETTIA-OJAI LODGE NO. 214

TO CONFER TWO FELLOWCRAFT DEGREES

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 joined with Ventura-Poinsettia-Ojai Lodge No. 214 to

confer the Fellowcraft Degree on a Candidate from each of the Lodges.

WE HOLD OUR LAST NEW ENGLAND STEAK AND LOBSTER DINNER

We held our last New England Steak and Lobster Dinner on September 25, 2006.

The proceeds from the Dinner were donated the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.

WE VOTE TO CONSOLIDATE WITH LODGE 214

We voted to approve to consolidate with Ventura-Poinsettia-Ojai Lodge No. 214

at the October 2005 Stated Meeting.

WE HOLD OUR LAST ELECTION

We held our last election of Officers at the November 2005 Stated Meeting. Those

Officers who would be serving in the new consolidate Lodge were elected.

WE HOLD OUR LAST DEGREE

Camarillo Lodge No. 824 was opened for the final time by Worshipful Tiny Potter

for the purpose of conferring the Third Degree of Masonry on Brother Adam Alavi on

December 29th, 2005. Worshipful Potter conferred the Degree and Worshipful Kavanaugh

presided over the Second Section and Raising. Worshipful Little gave the Lecture and

Worshipful VadBunker gave the Charge.

WE CONSOLIDATE

Ventura Poinsettia Ojai Lodge No. 214 and Camarillo Lodge No. 824

consolidated in December and held the first meeting of Channel Islands Lodge No. 214

January 5th, 2006.

camarillo lodge no. 824 history - channel islands lodge...

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