125th Year Observance, part 8: Growth of Freemasonry in Chico

Chico Masonic Cemetery Memorial - then

Chico Lodge No. 111 has added another twenty-five years to the history which precedes this.  We are looking to our anniversary of 125 years, via a Charter that was issued on December 31st and a first lodge meeting that was held on January 10th, at the end of this year and the beginning of the next.  It has been an exciting time of outstanding leaders and of the highest membership and of the establishment of a new lodge in Chico which caused Masonry to continue to grow.  And, pointedly, we are survivors... perhaps the sixty-fifth oldest lodge in the State of California.  This lodge continues as witness to the meaning of Freemasonry, and Masonic history is the bond that ties us all together.

Cornerstone ceremonies are important to Masons because of their symbolism.  In the past twenty-five years, Chico Lodge No.111 has participated with the Grand Lodge of California in the laying of four cornerstones.  Chico Lodge No. 111 acted as host on September 19, 1964, in the laying of the cornerstone at Pleasant Valley High School by Grand Master Elmer Heald, and many past Masters of Chico Lodge assisted in the ceremony.  On April 19, 1968, the Grand Lodge was opened in Chico Lodge No. 111 by Deputy Grand Master Robert A. Crigler who presided over the laying of a cornerstone for the new administration building of Chico Senior High School.  On September 7th of the same year Grand Master Eugene S. Hopp laid the cornerstone of the new Durham High School.  Finally, while Grand Lodge was opened in Paradise for the laying of the Butte College cornerstone on September 10, 1974, many past Masters of Chico Lodge No. 111 participated. 

Chico Masonic Cemetery Memorial - now

The dedication of the Chico Masonic Cemetery Marker was an important event to local Masons.  It is a symbol of our concern and care and is a place of beautiful, quiet dignity.  This Masonic burying ground is contained within the north-west boundary of Chico Cemetery; Chico Lodge No. 111 endowed the permanent care of this section through Chico Cemetery Association on December 8, 1964.  The brick monument was designed by Bro. Loren Ward and was dedicated on May 12, 1962, with Deputy Grand Master Ira W. Coburn presiding.