By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
The Rim of the World Masonic Lodge #711 in Twin Peaks held their 76th installation of officers on Dec. 27, when they also celebrated the Feast of St. John. The lodge room was filled with Masons, visitors and guests.
The Hiram Award is one of the highest honors a Mason can receive, given for actions seen and unseen that make the lodge better. Afterwards they become Masonic ambassadors and are beacons of light for the other members. There were five Hiram Award recipients attending this installation. There were also five Past Masters from this and other lodges attending the ceremony.
The R.O.W. Masonic Lodge recently had their 75th anniversary party along with the Big Bear Lodge, which was celebrating their 100th anniversary. These two lodges on the mountain often work together to do initiations and other ritual work. This installation was formal, filled with ritualistic ceremony and performed with dignity and respect.
Installed as Worshipful Master was Johnny Royal. The other elected officers installed were Senior Warden, Ken Witte P.M.; Junior Warden, Chet Olson P.M.; Treasurer, Doug Highlen; and Secretary, John Price.
The appointed officers for the 2026 year are Chaplain, Mark Rutledge; Junior Deacon, Ralfi Hovhannisyan; Marshall, Sean Devine; Senior Steward, Anthony Smith; Junior Steward, William Martinez; Organist, Jon Olson, P.M.; and Tiler, Johnny Wells, P.M. Alexander Vallejos was not in attendance so he will be installed as Senior Deacon at the January meeting.
New Worshipful Master Johnny Royal describes himself as a storyteller at heart. While living in London, he saw the Grand Lodge of England and became interested in its history and the group’s good works. This encouraged him to learn even more about it; with that knowledge, he joined the Masonic Order in 2008. Since then, it has a been his lifelong journey exploring the Masonic order from many perspectives. He believes Masons bring out the best in mankind. Since he is a filmmaker, he has created a film on the topic of Free Masonry. When Royal moved to the mountains, he joined the Rim of the World Lodge.
The Installing Officer was Robert Doan P.M. Merrick Harmer P.M. served as the Master of Ceremonies and Carroll Runyon as the Chaplain. The Worshipful Master, Richard Pumerantz, will be the district’s Inspector for the California Grand Lodge this next year. The soloist was Travis Frank from the Scottish Rite in Pasadena who sang impressively several verses of “Hallelujah” at several key points throughout the installation. Later in the evening during his remarks, Worshipful Master Royal said the song was inspired by King David in the Bible.
After the installation, the Feast of St John was held downstairs in the dining room at the Lodge. This year the tender beef bourguignon was prepared by Royal; his wife prepared the Neiman Marcus dessert bars. There was also delicious chicken piccata with angel hair pasta, salad and drinks.
The stated meetings of Lodge #711 are on the first Wednesdays of the month at 9 7 p.m.; all Masons are welcome to attend. The lodge hosts a dinner for members and guests before the meeting at 6 p.m.; an RSVP is requested so enough dinner is prepared. The lodge is located at 26012 Highway 189 in Twin Peaks behind the historic logging wagon that was restored by one of their founding members, John Dexter. Inside their lodge is handmade custom log furniture, that is unique among lodges, again built by John Dexter.
Membership is open to men 18 and older who have good character and intention, and who believe in a Supreme Being. Men of all ethnic and religious backgrounds are welcome to join this international fraternity of men. To learn more about the Rim of the World Masonic Lodge, visit their website at https://lodge711.freemason.org/ or email them at rotwmasons711.org.
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