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Masonic Lodge Celebrates 125 Years – Jim Helms Honored
Arcadia Weekly Dec 10, 2009
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The 125th anniversary of the Arcadia Masonic Lodge, Saturday evening, November 21st, was in every way a memorable night. This historical occasion was years in planning.
A delicious dinner was served in the handsomely appointed dining room following a social reception with wine, cheese and fruit.
After dinner, members and guests adjourned to the Lodge room, also looking striking in beautiful shades of teal and mulberry.
The 200 guests were treated to a DVD history of the Lodge, followed by presentations from dignitaries.
Master of the Lodge, Jim Helms, gave the following message:
Master Jim Helms receives plaque from Master-elect Sho Tay from state assemblymen and other dignitaries at 125th anniversary banquet, November 21st.
“My friends and brothers, tonight, as we celebrate 125 years of Free Masonry in Southern California, I would like to reflect upon the fact that Free Masonry is alive and well. The same principles which united our ancient brethren, and which were exemplified by the founding fathers of our nation, bind us today as a fraternity of friends and brothers. We are still guided by the precepts of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Those principles are as relevant in the 21st century as they were hundreds of years ago. The future of Arcadia Lodge is bright. We have many new and dedicated members who will carry on our principles for another 125 years.
“I am sure that when this Lodge was founded 125 years ago, the brothers could not imagine what our world would be like a century and a quarter later. In the same way we, ourselves, cannot foresee 125 years from now. I am confident, however, that Free Masonry, as we know it today, will still be a force to guide and unite good men and true to our principles.”
At the conclusion of the anniversary ceremony, guests returned to the dining room, which had been transformed into a supper club ambiance, with subdued lighting, high stool cocktail tables, and music, where they enjoyed a grand selection of gourmet pastries and cake.
Worshipful Master of Arcadia Masonic Lodge, James Helms, accepts congratulatory plaque from Grand Master Kenneth G. Nagel, honoring their 125th anniversary.
Wayne Tay was recognized for transforming the dining room into a beautiful expanse. The Masonic insignia was outlined in small lights decorating the entire ceiling, columns of balloons, and copious arrangements of flowers everywhere in pale shades of yellow and blue, for-get-me-nots to symbolize a night not to be forgotten.
Guests were asked to visit the new library/museum on the west side of the dining room. It is brand new and is the brain child of several members, most notably their secretary, John Zubrick. In the center of the room is a desk that was presented to the Lodge 125 years ago by its first Junior Warden, Francis T. Woodbury, the founder of Woodbury College. His photograph is on the desk.
The members and officers of Arcadia Masonic Lodge 278 are to be congratulated on the auspicious event and for the outstanding celebration.
