Welcome to THE FAMOUS Hollywood Masonic Lodge No. 355
Our Story
For more than a century, the Famous Hollywood Masonic Lodge has been a staple in the Los Angeles community, initially located on Hollywood Boulevard, surrounded by iconic landmarks including the theater showcased above. This lodge has been home to some of the city's most prominent figures. Today, it is recognized as the El Capitan Entertainment Centre, a distinguished building that continues to stand on Hollywood Boulevard in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, California. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, this architectural gem was constructed in 1921 and is a work of John C. Austin, the renowned architect also responsible for the design of the Griffith Observatory. The Masons managed the temple up until 1982 before selling it and relocating to Tarzana. Following the sale, the 34,000-square-foot edifice was transformed into a theater and nightclub. In 1998, it entered a new chapter under the ownership of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, a division of the Walt Disney Company, and was repurposed for Buena Vista Theatres, Inc.
From the East
Warmest Greetings from the East,
As we usher in this year's theme as the Famous Hollywood Lodge, a beacon of tradition and history that was nestled on the iconic Hollywood Boulevard, we extend a hearty invitation to delve into the legacy that has shaped the very fabric of our esteemed institution. For over a century, this venerable lodge has stood as a testament to the luminaries who have walked its halls - from renowned politicians and celebrated actors to influential business magnates. The Hollywood Lodge, a name synonymous with excellence and prestige, has been the gathering place for individuals whose contributions have left indelible marks on society. This year, we embark on a journey to honor and rekindle the glorious days of this distinguished lodge.
Our calendar brims with over ten degrees already poised for conferral, embodying our commitment to the rich traditions and educational pursuits that define us. With a complete line of officers at the helm, our endeavors this year promise to be both exciting and enriching. Highlighting our schedule is an exclusive event: a guided exploration of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) coordinated by Brother Hal Bookbinder, a crucible of innovation where spacecraft have been crafted to explore the farthest reaches of our solar system and beyond. This visit symbolizes our lodge's dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and adventure.
The recent Pizza Planning Palooza was a resounding success, sparking a wellspring of brilliant ideas that promise to make this year an unforgettable odyssey. Your enthusiasm and creative visions have laid the groundwork for what is poised to be a remarkable chapter in our lodge's history.
Let us all channel the indomitable spirit of Past Master Cedric Williamson as we set forth to rejuvenate and infuse new life into our beloved lodge. This year, we stand on the cusp of a thrilling adventure, one that invites each of us to contribute, learn, and grow together. As we step into this journey, let us remember that it is our collective spirit, our shared passion, and our enduring camaraderie that will elevate our lodge to new heights.
Join us, as we not only pay homage to the storied past of the Famous Hollywood Lodge but also forge new paths of excellence. Together, let's make this year a testament to the enduring legacy and vibrant future of our lodge.
For a detailed look at our upcoming activities, kindly visit our calendar at www.hollywoodmasons.org.
With the highest aspirations and brotherly love,
Guided by the Square,
May God Bless!
Worshipful Master Michael Schneider (2024)
Michael Schneider, PM
Worshipful Master (2024)
From the WEST
Greetings from the West,
As we step into the new Masonic year of 2024, it's important to reflect on the remarkable progress we made last year. Under the guidance of our Past Worshipful Master Cedric Williamson, our esteemed Officer Coach Eric Bertolli, Past Master, along with our current Master of the Lodge, Worshipful Schneider, we achieved great success. The dedication of Brothers Duwayne Wells, Rich Mudge, Mark Abramson, Tigran Arutunyan, Victor Lerma, Past Master, Fred West, Past Master among other dedicated Brothers of the Lodge, were instrumental in our achievements. As your Senior Warden, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your contributions. Let's maintain this momentum in the years ahead, united as Hollywood Lodge 355.
Looking forward to the year ahead, our goal is to replicate last year's success. Even though it's only the beginning of February, we've already raised two brothers to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason and have two Fellowcrafts preparing for February 8, followed by at least six Entered Apprentices. With such a busy schedule, we continue to rely on everyone's support. Please bring along another brother to our meetings. Your support, participation, and presence are vital for our lodge's continued success.
Some ideas from Old West Order of Eastern Star we have for the ladies to participate during our Stated Meetings are:
March: Fancy Bow & Ribbon Lei Making
May: Card Making
July: Candle Making
Sep: Balance Protection & Fall Risk
Nov: Chair Yoga
Dec: Holiday Bells
Lets start bringing our wives, widows (sweethearts) and friends to Stated Meeting Dinners and allow them to enjoy the lodge activities as well.
Thank you for your attention to this message.
May God's love be with you, as is ours.
Guided by the Level,
Your Good Brother Claude Barreau,
Senior Warden
Claude Barreau
Senior Warden (2024)
From the SOUTH
Hello from the South!
Firstly, I'd like to extend my warmest greetings for a Happy New Year to everyone! May this year bring an abundance of blessings from above to all of us.
I also want to offer my congratulations to our incoming officers, and wish you all success in your roles.
As your Junior Warden, part of my duty is to ensure the welfare of our members, and in doing so, I encourage every one of you to share any suggestions, comments, or concerns you might have. Your input is invaluable in helping us grow and improve.
Stated Meeting Dinners planned so far are:
February: Filipino Food
March: Irish Food prepared in-house
April: Italian Food prepared in-house
May: Mexican Food prepared by Jobs Daughters
Guided by the Plumb,
Brother Raul Tolentino,
Junior Warden
Raul Tolentino
Junior Warden (2024)
STATED MEETING & DINNER
February 1, 2024 - House of Grill - Authentic Filipino Food
Stated Dinner:
Our Stated Dinner will be from House of Grill - Authentic Filipino Food and may include Mouth-watering tamarind infused Sinigang, meaty all-time favorite, Kare-Kare, a stew with a rich thick peanut sauce and selection of grilled meats - all cooked to perfection and much more.
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6:00 p.m. Social, 6:30 p.m. Dinner (all welcome, $20 donation requested)
7:30 p.m. assemble in the Lodge for Stated Meeting (Masons Only)
*** First Stated Meeting of 2024 Officers ***
Upcoming Events
February - Masonic Widows (Sweethearts) Month
27 - Jan Thu - Double 3rd Degree Brothers Anar Babazade & Mike Mohammadi
1 - Feb 2024 Thu - Social 6pm, Dinner 6:30pm & Stated Meeting 7:30pm
8 - Feb 2024 Thu Double 2nd Degree Brothers Peter Marshal & Chatura deSilva
11 Feb Sun SUPERBOWL
14 Feb Wed VALENTINES DAY
15 - Feb Thu - Double 1st Degree
22 - Feb Thu - Double 1st Degree
28 - Feb Wed - Canoga Park Masonic Building Association 7pm
29 - Feb Thu - Double 1st degree
Upcoming
1 Mar Fri - JPL Tour - Contact Brother Hal Bookbinder
7 Mar Thu - Social 6pm, Dinner 6:30pm & Stated Meeting 7:30pm
8 Mar Fri - Spirit of Hiram - Pasadena Scottish Rite (3rd degree on stage)
13 Mar Wed - Officer School of Instruction - Simi Valley
PIZZA PLANNING PALOOZA RESULTS
Your input has made an impact!
The feedback from our engaging Pizza Planning Palooza session is now showcased right next to this message for everyone to see. The Officers are thrilled to announce that we have a variety of innovative and exciting plans in the pipeline for the Famous Hollywood Lodge for the upcoming year.
This is where you come in: we invite you to review these ideas and identify the one that resonates with you the most—the one you feel passionate about leading.
Once you've made your selection, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Master at your earliest convenience. It's important to act swiftly, as our calendar is quickly filling up, and we want to ensure your preferred project has a reserved spot.
To support you in this endeavor, suitable assistance will be furnished you to bring your chosen event to life successfully.
In demonstrating the spirit of initiative and leadership, Brother Hall Bookbinder has already taken the lead by organizing the JPL tour scheduled for early March. This serves as a fantastic example of the kind of impactful activities we're looking to implement, with your help, throughout the year.
Let the adventure begin!
Double 3rd Degree
Two New Master Masons to start the 2024 Year
Brother Amir "Mike" Mohammadi seated left and Brother Anar Babazade seated right were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on January 25th.
Jobs Daughters
Jobs Daughters Tarzana Bethel 289
Dear Members and Friends of Hollywood Lodge #355 F&AM,
December and January have been slow months with our Bethel with all the Holidays. We hope everyone had a good Holiday and a Happy New Year.
First, we would like to Congratulate all the newly Installed officers. Just like the Lodge January begins the new Term. We are getting our calendar together for this term, so nothing exciting is happening in the month of January.
February 24th at 7 p.m. the girls will be assisting the Bethel 89 in Ventura for our Dual member Sophia Campbell’s Grand Fifth Messenger reception. This will be taking place at the Ventura Lodge. All are welcome to come to the reception.
The last thing that I am reporting on is that the rule for attendance to our meetings has changed. Before there was a rule that only Master Masons could attend our meetings if anyone was not a parent/guardian of a girl. This rule has changed. The Rule now states that any Mason be it an Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft or Master Mason can attend our meetings. This is good news for us to pass on.
We at Bethel 289 Tarzana wish everyone to continue to be Healthy and Safe. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays every month at 7 p.m.
Fraternally,
Mr. John Schnepp
Associate Bethel Guardian
Bethel 289 Tarzana
Cell Phone # 661-312-7398
Email@ johnabgbethel289@gmail.com
demolay
Hollywood DeMolay
Hollywood DeMolay is Hosting a
Superbowl Viewing Party
Starting at 3pm, Feb 11
Food Will Be Provided
19626 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, CA 91356
Sunshine Committee
Call or email for any major event in your immediate family.
Help is always a phone call away.
Tell us about your vacation.
Bro. Spyros Pappas - Chairman
818-894-5690
Social Hall Rental
The social hall is available for parties, weddings, receptions, bar mitzvahs, quinciñeras, bbq's etc.
Contact:
Illi Property Management
818-501-2212