By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
After installing their officers for the 2024 year in the 74th anniversary of the event, Rim of the World Masonic Lodge #711 held the traditional Feast of St. John.
The “Toast to the Flag” before the dinner was given by Dan Pedersen, Captain US Navy Retired, who is the founder of the Navy’s Top Gun program. The “Blessings over the Wine and Bread” were given by the outgoing Master, Richard Pumerantz. The abundant and delicious feast was prepared by Paul Mansfield and Master Baker Robert Bronner, PM.
The lodge room was filled with visitors witnessing the installation of officers. The Hiram Award is one of the highest honors a Mason can receive, and there were 12 Hiram Award recipients attending this installation.
Installing officer Russ Charvonia, PGM has handed the gavel of his office to new Worshipful Master Johnny Royal at the recent Masonic installation of officers with the Chaplain Clint Waugh, in the center, looking on.
As each officer was installed, they were informed of their responsibilities by the installing officer, Russ Charvonia, PGM, and presented with the badge of their office by the Master of Ceremonies Arthur Salazar DGM. The formal ceremony was filled with ritual and performed with dignity. The installing chaplain, Robert Bronner PM, is also the district inspector.
Those elected officers installed were Johnny Royal as Worshipful Master, Richard Pumerantz, PM as Senior Warden, Chester Olson, PM as Junior Warden, Dale Newton as Treasurer and Ken Witte, PM as Secretary.
The appointed officers for this next year are Chaplain, Clint Waugh; Senior Deacon, Clifford Beacham; Junior Deacon, Sean Devin; Marshall, Johnny Wells, PM; Senior Steward, Kevin Harrick, PM; Junior Steward, Alexander Vallejos; Organist, Jon Olson; and Tiler, Manuel Martinez.
The newly installed Worshipful Master is Johnny Royal, who has chosen to focus his year as master with the theme of personal self-reflection, examining the ritual and giving back to and supporting the community. He described himself as a storyteller in his heart. While in London, he saw the Grand Lodge of England and became interested in their history and good works. He joined the Masonic Order in 2008; since then it has a been a lifelong journey exploring the Masons, including, since he is a filmmaker, creating a film on the topic of Free Masonry. He believes they bring out the best in mankind. When Royal moved to the mountains, he joined the Rim of the World Lodge several years ago.
He also hopes to grow the fellowship of the lodge by inviting those Masons who belong to other lodges who have moved or retired to the mountain, or have mountain homes they visit often, to affiliate with them and join in their fellowship and activities.
“I feel blessed,” said Royal, “that I am surrounded by those who have helped me become a better man by becoming a Mason and the brothers in this lodge.”
Of course, they are always welcoming to new members or those who would like to know more about the Masonic Order. Membership is open to men 18 and older who meet the qualifications and standards of character and intention, and who believe in a Supreme Being. Men of all ethnic and religious backgrounds are welcome.
For anyone who is interested in learning more about Masonry, any member would be happy to answer questions about becoming a Mason. To become a Mason, you must ask to join; they do not recruit members. Since the lodge provides the location for the Thursday afternoon organic farmers market in Twin Peaks, that is always a good time to go and talk to some of their members about the Masonic Order, suggested Royal. See their website at https://lodge711.freemason.org/ for additional information or call them at (909) 999-7112.
The Rim of the World Masonic Lodge #711 of Free and Accepted Masons gather for their stated meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., preceded by a dinner at 6 p.m. which is open to all interested persons, including Masons of other lodges, friends and visitors at their lodge located at 26012 Highway 189 in Twin Peaks next door to the sheriff’s station. They operate under the authority of the Grand Lodge of California.
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