VISTA LODGE UD MINUTES OF INSTITUTION TUESDAY, 6 MARCH 1945

          On this Tuesday March 6, 1945 at 8PM, Masonic Brethren of San Diego County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County gathered at La Granada Hall, Vista California to witness the Instituting of a new Masonic Lodge. The Hall was full to overflowing, many standing. Most Worshipful Claude Howard Morrison, Past Grand Master of Masons in California, representing Grand Master Most Worshipful Gilbert C. DeForest, called the meeting to order. He read the 133 Psalm and paused while Bro. C. A. S. Kemper, Past Grand Pursuivant offered up the Prayer.
          MW Brother Morrison then proceeded to state to the Brethren herein assembled the reason for this gathering, and said he was glad to have been chosen to function at this Institution of Vista Lodge. His address was good and timely, and will long be remembered by those present. He directed Bro. George A. Otis, Inspector of the 112th Masonic District to read the Dispensation. The Officers named lined up west of the Altar facing East. They were as follows: Edward B. Stilgebouer, Master; Sherman H. Freeman, Senior Warden; Wright C. Bissinger, Junior Warden; Leon Bone, Treasurer; Emil J. Kleinsmith, Secretary; Louis A. Castellani, Senior Deacon; Alex McDougall, Junior Deacon; Arden W. Godwin, Chaplain; Griffith H. Griffith, Marshal; Gilbert Hartridge, Senior Steward; Jim Ned Johnson, Junior Steward; Dale E. Wood, Organist; William F. Hanes, Tiler.
          Most Worshipful Brother Morrison installed these Officers in a fine and fitting manner. The Officers proceeded to the north of the altar, received their Jewels and repaired to their respective stations. Bro. Morrison then addressed the Worshipful Master who arose and remained standing while he called up the Wardens and addressed them likewise. Brother Morrision then called up the Lodge and addressed the Brethren, ending by saying, and now in the name and by the authority in me vested by our Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in California, I proclaim the Brethren named in the Dispensation congregated into, and authorized and empowered to open and hold a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons to be known and designated as Vista Lodge UD. He then said: The Lord bless thee and keep thee, the Lord make his face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee, the Lord lift his countenance unto thee and give thee peace. Amen

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 Past Grand Master Morrison then picked up a gavel, looked it over and said: This Gavel was given to me by Governor Earl Warren when he was Grand Master of Masons in California, and now I present it to you, that you may formally open this Lodge in due and ancient form. Worshipful Master Stilgebouer received the Gavel, put on his hat, seated the Brethren and proceeded to open a Lodge of Master Masons in the usual form. Long and loud applause shook the Building, lasting for several moments. The Master then instructed the Secretary to enter upon his record book the minutes of these proceedings, as well as the proceedings of the several preliminary meetings held for the purpose of making arrangements for the establishment of Vista Lodge, with the various official documents therein contained.
         The Secretary then read the By-Laws of the Lodge, which was followed by a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, that they be adopted as read. Several letters were read and ordered filed. The Master inquired if there were any applications. The Secretary arose and proceeded to read Thirty-three (33) applications for the Degrees, and thirteen (13) applications for Affiliation. There was more applause.
         The presentation of the Flag of our Country took place at this time, and Bro. Lewis E. Shaver, Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection of San Diego, presented the Lodge with a very fine silk Flag, a gift from the Scottish Rite Bodies of San Diego. From then on there were showered upon the new Lodge, numbers of felicitations and many gifts were presented with well wishes from the donors. All of these gifts were valuable, and in their presentation it was disclosed that the needs of the new Lodge had been foreseen by friends and well wishers. Besides the Flag mentioned, these gifts included: a handsome altar cloth lettered in gold with the name of the new Lodge from San Diego Lodge #35 the oldest Lodge in the county; Six Officer Jewels from Mrs. Myrtle McDougall in memory of her departed husband; Six Officer Jewels from Mrs. Dale O. Peet; a set of Altar Jewels given by Mrs. E. B. Stilgebouer (all these jewels were of sterling silver and were made by H. K. Lewis of Vista); an Altar from Dr. J. C. Stadden; a beautiful altar Bible from Fred Andeset; furniture for the East & West Stations, and the illuminated letter ôGö from the Masonic Temple Association of San Diego; MasterÆs Gavel from MW Claude H. Morrison; Silver Plated Sword inlaid gold leaf from Bro. Dale O. Peet; three (3) silk hats from Silver Gavel Lodge #296 presented by WM Hubert E. Randolph; the large lecture charts from Bro. Emil J. Kleinsmith, a set of three workerÆs gavels from Bro. Frank Guckes; 75 fine Masonic aprons made by Mrs. Alma Kleinsmith; $150 from Mrs. Clover A. Smith in memory of her husband Clover A. Smith a past president of the Masonic Club; $200 from Mrs. Theresa M. Smith of Vista to be used for the purchase of middle-chamber pillars; $50 from Brother Billy Weber of Oceanside; and a set of working tools from Consuelo Lodge #325 Escondido. Many other gifts and contributions have been received. The total of which is a goodly sum, and places the Vista Lodge on a sound and substantial basis.
          Many visitors were introduced. Among those Brethren, were many friends of Bro. Sherman H. Freeman, PM they having come from Barstow Lodge #682 San Bernardino County, and Perris Lodge #411 Riverside County. These Brethren making 2 car loads came to witness this ceremony and see their co-worker Brother Freeman installed in his office in the new Lodge.
          The Worshipful Master at this time said he would like to make a few acknowledgements, which he did thanking all and specifically Most Worshipful Brother Claude H. Morrison. He asked Brother Morrison for a few words at this time. In responding, Brother Morrison made a brief speech which was a great inspiration to the Brethren. There being no more business to come before the Meeting, the Master announced that refreshments were being served by the wives of the charter members, and it being his will and pleasure that the Lodge be closed. The Lodge was closed with peace and harmony prevailing.

PETITIONS FOR AFFILIATION

PETITIONS FOR DEGREES

Paul S. Briggs Dale O. Peet, PM Lee Colby Ellis Alfred Reitmeier Arden W. Godwin, PM J. H. Schlapbach Dwight M. Green Mark E. Taylor Frank Guckes Joseph A. Williams Jed Van Luven John H. L. Vogt, PM Chauncey L. Merriam

Edward I. Bartlett Lester D. Peitzke Charles A. Bohrer, Jr. William H. Pelley John Paul Casteel Ralph Phillips Don B. Christensen Everett W. Remzburg Edward H. Fuller Zelbert B. Sanders Chase R. Hawkins George F. Sexsmith Arthur G. Hazzard Abraham M. Shelhoup Carl Helmar Johnson Clyde A. Shower Robert T. Killen Owen L. Simpson Alvin L. Lang Vernon D. Steen Harold Keith Lewis Harvey E. Todd Robert C. Lindeman Eugene D. Tye Paul W. Lorentzen Harry S. Walker Samuel T. Marshall Arville G. Williams Osia J. Matheney Omar J. Wilson Robert B. Meloy George W. Drake Ernest B. Pechstein