[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 153 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E967]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING PACIFIC GROVE MASON LODGE

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                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2022

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pacific 
Grove Masonic Lodge as it celebrates 125 years of service to the people 
of the Central Coast. For over a century, the Lodge has fostered the 
belief that each person has a responsibility to help make the world a 
better place. Through personal development, philanthropy, and community 
service, the fraternity has upheld integral objectives of promoting 
ethics, personal growth, tolerance, education, diversity, philanthropy, 
family, and community.
  Charted by the Grand Lodge of California on February 12, 1897, Grand 
Master of the Masons in California William T. Lucas granted dispersions 
to the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge on April 27, 1897. Becoming the 
331st Masonic Lodge in California, the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge 
supported local Freemasons' efforts to establish community advocacy and 
support. The founders of the Lodge were predominant leaders of Pacific 
Grove business community. Members have included past City Council 
members California state-elected dignitaries. Among these men were Mr. 
Russell Giles, the longest-tenured tax collector in the state's 
history, and Mr. Daniel Turrentine, a local antique dealer and World 
War II pilot, who served as Lodge Master.
  In 1950, the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge, after a period of meeting 
in the building that now houses the Pacific Grove Art Association, 
broke ground on the Masonic Temple of Pacific Grove. The construction 
used salvaged material from the recently decommissioned Pacific Grove 
Station of the Southern Pacific Railroad.
  Over the last 125 years, the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge has 
emphasized the importance of respecting others' opinions and striving 
to grow and develop as human beings. Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge has 
donated over $60,000 to Pacific Grove High School, sponsored Little 
League teams, supported local organizations like First Friday Pacific 
Grove and the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove, and it is also home to 
the new Conservatory of Geometry and Music.
  Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the history, 
dedication, and contributions of the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge to the 
Central Coast. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge for its invaluable place in Pacific Grove's 
history.

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