From the East, Welcome to 2026. I’m hoping this message finds you well and ready for the new year. The new officer corps has been installed and is ready to get started. We have a few new officers in the line this year and we are grateful to have them onboard. This month our schedual is full. We begin with the stated meeting on the 8 th , then we will be rehearsing the first degree to get ready to welcome an entered apprentice mason into the lodge on the 29 th . We will begin with dinner at 5:30 and confer the degree at 7pm. I hope you can join us in welcoming our newest member. At the installation of officers I began the year with a poem id like to share with you. It was written by Robert Lee Sharpe and its title is “A bag of tools”. “Isn’t it strange That Princes and Kings And clowns that caper In sawdust rings And regular folks Like you and me Are builders of eternity? Each is given a bag of tools A shapeless mass And a book of rules And each must build Before life has flown A stumbling block Or a stepping stone.” We are well on our way to building a pathway of stepping stones. See you at Lodge Bill McBroome Master Humboldt 79
January 2025 – Humboldt Lodge No. 79
Brethren,
Happy New Year to you all.
As your newly debunked Junior Past Master (turns out the gavel doesn’t come with a cape), I want to thank you for a year filled with fellowship, ritual, charity, and brotherhood. It’s been an honor serving alongside each of you—even if I still can’t remember when to stand or sit in the East.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t shine a spotlight on Brother William Lambo, despite his best efforts to avoid it. Brother Lambo continues his many years of dedicated service as our Secretary, keeping our charter in good standing while remaining nearly invisible. Your stealth skills are impressive, Brother Lambo, but we see you, and we deeply appreciate your ongoing commitment to our lodge.
On a less exciting note: if you are a signer on the lodge account, anticipate a call from the bank. Please make arrangements to sign your authorization cards as soon as possible. I promise it’s less painful than a proficiency exam.
Fraternally yours,
Davin Bowerman, Junior Past Master (Emeritus of Confusion)
Humboldt Lodge No. 79
As we approach the end of another month in our Masonic journey, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the officers and members of Humboldt Lodge No. 79. Your steadfast dedication, faithful attendance, and brotherly support continue to strengthen the pillars of our beloved Lodge.
I am profoundly honored to have represented Humboldt Lodge No. 79 at the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. This responsibility speaks to one of our most fundamental principles—the Twelfth Landmark of Masonry: the right of every Mason to be represented in all general meetings of the Craft and to instruct his representatives. While our ancient Brethren once gathered individually at General Assemblies, the Craft evolved in 1717 to representation through Masters and Wardens for practical convenience. Yet the Landmark’s integrity remains uncompromised—the sacred principle of representation endures. As your representative, I carried forward not merely my own voice, but the collective wisdom, concerns, and aspirations of every Brother in our Lodge. We now await with bated breath the results of these important deliberations that will shape the future of our Craft in California.
Voting Requirements: New legislation and Grand Master’s Recommendations require a 5/6 vote (83.3%) to pass on first presentation. Carryover legislation (items that received majority support but did not reach the 5/6 threshold) requires a 2/3 vote (66.7%) to pass. Grand Master’s Decisions require only a simple majority as they are already in effect and voting codifies them into the California Masonic Code.
Grand Master’s Decisions and Recommendations:
GM Decision No. 1: Clarifies the esoteric or secret portion of the Ritual
GM Decision No. 2: Installation of Lodge Officers Not Included in the Ritual
GM Recommendation No. 1: Updates Grand Lodge Committee Membership, Duties, and Tenure
2024 GM Recommendation No. 11: Permits a secretary to serve as master, warden, or secretary of another lodge (2024 Result: 74.14%)
2024 Resolution No. 24-01: Makes third degree proficiency a prerequisite for nomination to the office of master, senior warden, or junior warden (2024 Result: 78.73%)
New Legislation for 2025:
Resolution 25-02: Allows Cicero Research Lodge to Hold a Single Stated Meeting Annually
Resolution 25-04: Changes the Offices of Grand Organist, Assistant Grand Organist, and Organist to Grand Musician, Assistant Grand Musician, and Musician
July has been a month of quiet diligence and meaningful connection. On July 10th, we conferred the Third Degree on Brother Stillinger. His steady progress through the degrees is a reminder of the journey we all share in the Craft. Thank you to all who made the degree a success, especially our newest officer team.
Fellowship this month took on a relaxed form with informal Thursday night dinners. From stuffed pork loin to taco night, the dining hall has been filled with laughter, stories, and brotherhood. If you haven’t joined us lately, you’re missed.
Our charitable work continues through preparation—our school outreach team is organizing fall support for local teachers, and we encourage Brothers to suggest worthy causes that reflect our shared values.
Together, we are building something greater than ourselves—one evening, one handshake, and one good work at a time.
Fraternally,
Davin Bowerman, WM
Humboldt Lodge No. 79
Humboldt Lodge No. 79 – June 2025
Brethren,
As we meet upon the level and part upon the square, let us remember our core mission: to make Masons, provide charity, and enjoy true fellowship. Each of these pillars strengthens not only our Lodge but our greater Masonic family.
This month, we are honored to welcome Worshipful Brother Bill McBroom as our Officer’s Coach. His guidance and experience will help us rise to the challenge set forth by our Grand Lodge Inspector—to elevate our degree conferral work. Let us answer that call with the same zeal that has defined our Lodge for generations.
June is filled with opportunities to gather and celebrate our shared work. On Saturday, June 7th, we’ll support the Job’s Daughters during their installation ceremony. On June 14th at 2 PM, we will present the Hiram Award to Brother Allen Nielsen in recognition of his outstanding service. And on June 21st at 9 AM, join us for the annual Masonic Trap Shoot—a great time to bond and share in brotherly competition.
These events remind us why we labor—to uplift one another, to celebrate excellence, and to strengthen the bonds that unite us.
Fraternally,
Davin Bowerman
WM, Humboldt 79
Masons for Mitts
Humboldt Lodge No. 79 – May 2025
Greetings Brethren,
We’ve had a full and rewarding few weeks, and there’s even more on the horizon. Here’s what’s been going on and what we’re looking forward to as spring unfolds.
Remembrance & Renewal in Fortuna
After our lodge’s degree practice on March 17th, several of us traveled to Fortuna at the kind invitation of our Scottish Rite Brethren. We attended their annual Remembrance and Renewal Ceremony, a tradition that honors the memory of our recently departed Brothers. The ceremony not only pays tribute to their lives but also reminds us of our duty to carry the light of Masonry forward in the world with purpose and integrity.
Charity in Action: Scholarships
Tomorrow night, our scholarship committee will be meeting between 5:00 and 7:00 PM to review over twenty scholarship applications from local students. If you’re able, please stop by and lend a hand—even if you arrive late, your presence and input are welcome and appreciated. This is one of the key ways we support and give back to our community, and your participation truly matters.
Fellowship with Job’s Daughters
On March 31st, our fellowship extended to the youth of Job’s Daughters as we shared a lively potluck dinner followed by a friendly cornhole competition. There was no shortage of laughs—or surprises. A special word of warning for future games: don’t underestimate Betsy. She might lull you into a false sense of security with a couple of wild throws, only to follow up with a streak of perfect shots. A stealth champion!
Quiet Acts of Leadership
I also wanted to take a moment to recognize the quiet but powerful leadership shown by our Stewards. After many of us have gone home, they remain behind, rolling up their sleeves to clean and maintain the dining hall. It’s a humble, often unseen part of lodge life—but one that exemplifies the very heart of Masonic service. Thank you, Brothers, for your tireless work.
Looking Ahead: A Week Full of Fellowship and Celebration
We’ve got a special evening coming up on Thursday, April 24th, as we confer the First Degree of Masonry on Mr. Shamus Kistner, the nephew of Brother Doug Brown. It will be a particularly meaningful night, with Bro. Doug sitting in the East for the degree. We invite all local Masons to join us for dinner at 5:30 PM, with the ceremony to follow. Let’s give Shamus a warm and memorable welcome to the Craft.
The next evening, Friday, April 25th at 5:30 PM, we’ll descend upon the Elk’s Club for a casual “Cook Your Own Steak Night.” Bring your appetite and enjoy good food and fellowship in a relaxed setting—these are the moments where bonds are built and strengthened.
And finally, on Saturday, April 26th at 1:30 PM, we’ll gather to honor Worshipful Brother William Lambo as he celebrates an extraordinary milestone: 50 years in both the Shrine and Scottish Rite. It’s a rare and inspiring achievement, and we hope to see many of you there to share in the celebration.
As always, thank you for all that you do—seen and unseen—in upholding the principles and spirit of Masonry. See you at lodge.
Fraternally,
Davin Bowerman, WM
Humboldt Lodge No. 79
Humboldt Lodge No. 79 – April 2025
Dear Brethren,
As Masons, our Lodge has embodied the principles of Charity, Fellowship, and Masonic Development in meaningful and impactful ways, and we are proud to share some of our efforts with you.
Charity is the cornerstone of our Masonic work, and we continue to support our community. A testament to this is our humble donation to the sponsor the Senior Moments Softball Team, which will help ensure that the members of this local group can enjoy their game and foster camaraderie. We are spreading the light of charity, one pitch at a time.
Fellowship is the bond that unites us, and our Lodge has been a place of great joy and celebration. This month, we surprised two of our own with heartwarming gatherings: one to celebrate the wedding anniversary of Bill & Sandy Lambo, and another for Brother Barry’s birthday. These surprise parties were not only a moment of fun and laughter but a reminder that fellowship is about more than just meetings—it’s about the relationships we build and the memories we create together.
Masonic Development is an essential part of our journey, and we are pleased to welcome Brother Vance, who was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on March 7th. His initiation marks the continuation of our shared Masonic journey.
These actions speak volumes about who we are as a Lodge. Through charity, fellowship, and development, we strive to embody the very best of Freemasonry. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our shared work. Fraternally, Davin Bowerman, WM Humboldt Lodge No 79
Humboldt Lodge No. 79 – March 2025
Brethren,
Masonic Development, Fellowship, & Charity. It’s what we do.
Our stated meeting on Feb 6th was quite busy. Masonic Development is going well, as we balloted favorably on Mr John Vance & on Mr Travis McBroom. Their initiations are scheduled for March. We know fellowship is strong when we see our brothers choose to spend Super Bowl Sunday together. We were delighted to spend time dining with our ladies at the Sweethearts Night at the Sea Grill. At February’s stated meeting we heard from our Inspector representing Most Worshipful Salazar who invites us to celebrate our commitment to charity by participating in a statewide day of service March 17th followed by a Grand Lodge Festive Board on the 19th. Housekeeping – check.
Have you ever wondered what ‘Our Ancient Landmarks you are carefully to preserve’ means? I did a bit of poking around, and as with our craft there is a literal (operative) and a metaphorical (speculative) meaning. Reference to ‘landmarks’ goes back to Old Testament bible and refers to what today we would call surveyors’ markings. In a modern context, the landmarks can be interpreted as a warning against disregarding the boundaries set by previous generations. In 1856, Bro. Albert Mackey wrote what he believed were 25 Ancient Landmarks. My favorite is 22, restated thus:
The Equality of all Masons is another Land-mark of the Order. This equality has no reference to any subversion of those gradations of rank which have been instituted by the usages of society. The monarch, the nobleman or the gentleman is entitled to all the influence, and receives all the respect which rightly belong to his exalted position. But the doctrine of Masonic equality implies that, as children of one great Father, we meet in the Lodge upon the level — that on that level we are all traveling to one predestined goal — that in the Lodge genuine merit shall receive more respect than boundless wealth, and that virtue and knowledge alone should be the basis of all Masonic honors, and be rewarded with preferment. When the labors of the Lodge are over, and the brethren have retired from their peaceful retreat, to mingle once more with the world, each will then again resume that social position, and exercise the privileges of that rank, to which the customs of society entitle him.
In the last century, several American Grand Lodges attempted to enumerate the landmarks, ranging from West Virginia (7) and New Jersey (10) to Nevada (39) and Kentucky (54). While brothers may disagree on the speculative meaning of Landmarks I contend, nevertheless, that reading them and contemplating them ourselves is a worthwhile reflection. For those reading this on the website, here is a link to Mackey’s Landmarks.
Davin Bowerman,
2025 Worshipful Master, Humboldt 79
Humboldt Lodge No. 79 – January 2024
Brethren,
Masonic Development, Fellowship, & Charity. It’s what we do. On January 9th our officers and coach Bill Lambo, PM, discussed our expectations of each other for ritual practice and development, which is always a good conversation to start the year. If you cannot be at a practice, notify Bill. If you need a substitute for a degree, ask a Past Master at least a week ahead of the night. We are scheduled to confer Bro. Sheyenne “Shiny” Stillinger a 2nd degree on Thursday January 30th. Fellowcrafts and Master masons are welcome to join us for dinner at 5:30pm and Lodge Opening at 6:30pm.
Thank you brothers who brought 6+ prospects to our Thursday night practice yesterday! It’s our earnest desire to make every Thursday at 5:30pm a Lodge night. We’d like every brother to come grab a bite, enjoy fellowship, and if inclined and eligible watch our officers practice their ritual.
We hope you’re looking forward to the return of Sushi Night on Saturday, January 18th. Bro Reed has taken steps to ensure that the flaws of last year don’t repeat, this will be a fantastic fellowship event to start the new year. Thank you Josh for your tireless successful efforts. There will be Taiko drummers and Karaoke to round out the sushi feed. Humboldt 79’s Ladies’ Luncheon is scheduled for 26 January at 12pm.
Charity- The brethren elected to donate $x to the local Special Olympics to soften the blow of the theft of their sports equipment storage.
