[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 85 (Friday, June 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING ONE HUNDRED FIFTY YEARS OF THE HUMBOLDT MASONIC LODGE NO. 79

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                           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.

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