January Gauge – 2026 - Looking Back & Moving Forward

goldenrulelodge
2 days ago
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Updated: 2 days ago

📜 Master’s Message

From the East – Oscar Arguello, Master

Brothers,

It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve as Master of Golden Rule Lodge No. 479 for the 2026 Masonic year. Our 106th Installation of Officers was a beautiful reminder of the strength of our Lodge, the commitment of our members, and the love of those that support our members.

This past month also highlighted what Masonry is truly about - growth, mentorship, and brotherhood- through the raising of Brother Simon de la Cruz. Seeing so many Brothers come together to support his journey reaffirmed why this Lodge is so special.

As we move forward into the year ahead, my goal is to continue building a Lodge rooted in fellowship, strong ritual work, meaningful events, and service to one another and our community. I encourage every Brother to stay involved, attend events, and find ways to contribute - because our lodge thrives when we do it together.

Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to a great year ahead.

Fraternally,

Oscar Arguello, Master

🔙 Looking Back – January Highlights

🎖 106th Installation of Officers

This month we proudly celebrated our 106th Installation of Officers, welcoming new leadership and honoring the traditions of our Lodge. It was an evening filled with fellowship, visiting Brothers, and a strong sense of unity as we began a new Masonic year. We had well over 120 brothers, family and friends present.

Thank you to everyone who attended and volunteered to make the evening a tremendous success.

🔨 Third Degree Raising – Simon de la Cruz (January 26th)

Golden Rule Lodge had the pleasure of raising Brother Simon de la Cruz to the sublime degree of Master Mason. The degree was beautifully executed and made memorable by the dedication of our officers and brethren.

Golden Rule Lodge continues a proud and beautiful tradition of father and son connections within Freemasonry, reflecting the strength of our multigenerational Brotherhood. Our Lodge is honored to be home to several families who have carried the light of Masonry forward through generations, including:

Art and his son Kevin
Max Del Hierro and his sons
Daniel Reyes and his son
Mike Smith and his father
Oscar Arguello and his father, Oscar Sr
Brandon Dueñas and his father

And many many others.

These family bonds remind us that Freemasonry is not only about individual growth, but also about legacy, mentorship, and passing timeless values from one generation to the next.

Officers & Participants:

Master: Lee Brooks
Senior Warden: Carl Shrieber
Junior Warden: Oscar Arguello
Senior Deacon: Mike Smith
Junior Deacon: Louie Rabaldi
Senior Steward: Benjamin Shuford
Junior Steward: Daniel Burke
Additional participants Chris Boyse, Max Mora, Eddie Hermano, Frank Fitzgerald, Chuck Frascone
Chaplain: Neal Gossard.

Thank you to all who contributed their time and effort to ensure Simon’s raising was meaningful and impactful.

🔜 Looking Ahead – February Events

🏈 Super Bowl 2026 Party

Date: February 8, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: San Jose Scottish Rite Center

🍕 Pizza provided by the Lodge

🥘 Potluck-style event – bring a dish or snack to share

Family, friends, and guests are welcome. Come enjoy great food, fellowship, and the big game together! For up-to-date event information please visit our website. Click the Calendar and Events tabs.

📚 Masonic Education – A January Figure of Significance

Brother Benjamin Franklin (Born January 17, 1706)

January marks the birthday of one of the most influential Freemasons in history—Benjamin Franklin.

Initiated in 1731 at St. John’s Lodge in Philadelphia, Franklin later became Grand Master of Pennsylvania and was instrumental in spreading Masonic ideals throughout the American colonies.

Among his many contributions:

Printed the first Masonic book in America
Championed education, libraries, and community service
Helped shape the founding principles of the United States

Franklin believed deeply in self-improvement, service, and moral integrity, values that remain at the heart of Freemasonry today.

🤝 In Closing

January set a strong tone for the year ahead celebrating leadership, welcoming a new Master Mason right out of the gate, and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood that make Golden Rule Lodge so special.

We look forward to seeing everyone at upcoming events and continuing this journey together.