Honoring One Hundred Fifty Years of the Humboldt Masonic Lodge No. 79

HONORING ONE HUNDRED FIFTY YEARS OF THE HUMBOLDT MASONIC LODGE NO. 79 -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 18, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. MIKE THOMPSON
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2004

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the formation of Masonic Lodge No. 79 in Humboldt County, California.

On April 25, 1854 the known Masons of Humboldt Bay held a meeting for the purpose of organizing a lodge. Present at the meeting were Elias Harold Howard, James R. Malony, A.H. Shafer, Jacob DeHaven, Robert M. Stokes and A.J. Huestis. These founders were Master Masons from different jurisdictions who took the necessary steps to establish a lodge in Humboldt County and to raise funds to construct a Masonic Hall. Work began on July 15, 1854 in the town of Bucksport and was completed in September of the same year. The lumber used was all first growth redwood from the forests of the surrounding area.

On September 6, 1855, acting Master James R. Malony announced that the Charter had arrived from San Francisco and that the first order of business would be the election of officers. The Charter was dated July 1, 1855 and Humboldt Lodge thereafter progressed and prospered. By 1857 the city of Eureka had become the leading settlement on Humboldt Bay. Eureka was the County Seat of Humboldt County, the center of the lumber industry and home to many members of the Lodge. It was decided that the Masonic Lodge should relocate to Eureka and in 1858 the first meeting in Eureka took place in leased rooms on First Street. In June 1870 Humboldt Lodge purchased a lot on the southwest corner of Second and G Streets where a building was constructed which still stands in that historic part of Eureka.

Membership grew rapidly and other lodges were formed. A new Masonic Temple was needed and the cornerstone for a new building was laid on April 22, 1922 at Fifth and G streets in Eureka.

The Lodge is very proud of its outstanding membership whose devotion to community and country has been a worthy contribution to the betterment of our Nation. Over 1,800 members have been raised to the degree of Master Mason. The Lodge is also very proud of its past Masters who rose to the high office of Grand Master of California.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Humboldt Masonic Lodge No. 79 on the occasion of its 150th anniversary.