Being Master of Clovis Lodge during the Bicentennial Year was a very rewarding privilege. It started when through my wife's (Marguerite) efforts, I was presented with a three cornered hat such as was common in the United States in 1776.
On January 1st, Bro. John Rider, Past Master of Clovis Lodge passed away. Kind words spoken were, "Bro. John will be greatly missed by Clovis Lodge as he has been very active since becoming a member. He was a student of Masonic History and gave us the benefit of all of his research."
Clovis Lodge has always had pictures of Presidents who were also Mason's. Brother Whitman obtained a picture and a letter from former President Gerald Ford, and they are still hanging in the Lodge today.
Brother Whitman also presided at several Cornerstone Ceremonies the last of his term was at Clovis West High School on December 6, 1976. It was decided to purchase a Cowboy Hat for the Grand Master as a gift, so this is where that tradition came from!!! hehehe
On March 20, 1976, Clovis Lodge opened Lodge at Colombia State Park for a third degree for Brother Charles Norman Kenwood, at that time it was the largest meeting held in the Temple. 69 people signed the Tyler's register with 47 of those coming from Clovis Lodge.
In April discussions were had about helping the DeMolay Chapter of Clovis Lodge. It was mentioned that donating the membership fees might help but it was decided that loaning the money was a better choice.
In 1976 membership was at or near record numbers for Clovis Lodge and on May 15, 1976 we donated just shy of $3500.00 to the Masonic Homes Endowment Fund
In July after the disappearance of some top hats it was decided to have the locks on the building changed. Bro. Thomas Young announced that there was $40.00 left over from the bicentennial celebration and it was decided to give the money to the California Masonic Homes.
In November it was discussed about the Widow's dinner and it was decided that the Lodge would pay for the dinner. A float for the bicentennial celebration was done in conjunction with other Masonic Districts.
Being the Master of a Masonic Lodge is something a person will never forget....NWW
Brothers who were lost to death in this year were, John Steven Rider PM, Howard Thomas Baranowski, Lynn Buford Ford, John Henry Caldwell, Robert Houston Coker, John Wesley Coghill, John Calvin Pettes, Virgil Ray Stillwell, John Ferdinand Grabner, Walter Paul Reyburn, David Hubbard Redinger, Walter Bryant Mayer, Fred Russell Smith, Glenn Arthur Warren and Leslie Merle Mossman.
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