Folsom Masonic Lodge continues longstanding legacy extending charity

When many people hear or speak of Free & Accepted Masons (F&AM) commonly referred to as Freemasonry, the whispering of the "secrets" and "conspiracies" of "The Craft," as many Masons call it, can make entertaining conversations anywhere, especially in taverns when patrons can't "mind their pints and quarts." These topics can center around the shroud of secrecy found in Masonry trying to make sense of something foreign to so many who just do not know of the fraternity, or to make light jokes about the unknown with conjecture to keep the conversation fun. Or, it can be simple ignorance by not knowing filling in the blanks because of the cloud of puzzling rumors surrounding a mysterious group that is seen worldwide having an overwhelming sense of intrigue for those who are not willing to be "hoodwinked" into initiation to discover the "secrets" for themselves or of what it means to be a Freemason. The shadows of interest surrounding Masonry dismiss the positive and constructive nature and works of what the fraternity is truly known to be through its global philanthropy. Beyond these surface-level thoughts of grand-schemed ideas of Masons running a "New World Order," what is commonly missed are what Masons are truly known for based on their Tenets, coupled with their long, traditional fraternal history involving rituals where they care for one another that is extended beyond community involvement. It is no secret the Masons are behind creating the Shriners Hospitals, Scottish Rite Children's Hospitals and RiteCare Language Center. F&AM Natoma Lodge #64, chartered in 1864, is the oldest fraternal organization in Folsom. Well before Natoma Lodge, Freemasons established Lakeside Memorial Lawn Cemetery in 1855. Secure recordkeeping details their community involvement, found in their meeting minutes giving a summary history of indecisions of next month's dinner menu and what involvement they had in the community. In the 21st century, local Masons have kept their tradition going on their Second Tenet of Relief, firmly anchored in their efforts to improve the community that surrounds their lodge by supporting Folsom events, individuals and groups to keep strong connections growing by building a community relationship. The lodge has a city footprint as a member of the Folsom Chamber of Commerce dating back decades. You will get to see the lodge, along with the Shriners, in the Historic Folsom Hometown Parade and Cattle Drive on July 1. Natoma Lodge #64 continues to support the California Grand Lodge of Freemasonry "Raising a Reader Program" by donating books and money to low-income local families who have children attending Folsom primary schools. According to Natoma Past Master Stuart Stackhouse and Lodge Ambassador to the Chamber of Commerce, the lodge makes an effort to support as many community outreach programs as possible with member servitude and generous donations being the key focus. Stackhouse spoke of current and past contributions. The lodge has supported the ALS Walk for 10 years with the Masons donating as a bronze-level donor to the Folsom Parks and Recreation Department every year, having a presence at the Folsom Festival of Eggs before Easter observance. For 68 years, the lodge has provided a student scholarship program, which has grown to giving $1,000 to 15 high school students every year. This year's recipients are Savannah Judson, Aubree Myrick, Leonardo Rosello, Kennadee Warney-Krause, Alexandria Willingham, Sophia Richins, Isaac Nam, Tania Thomas, Mason Pearcy, Scott Nardinelli, Virginia Anderson, Hana Huynh, Lydia Chechourka-Price, Isabella Del Rio and Lillian Gonzales. Starting in the late 2000s, Natoma Lodge has headed raising funds for youth groups, including the Folsom Middle School Jazz Band, Scout Troop 94G and Hooked on Fishing, Not Violence out of Rancho Cordova. Because of the past successes of fundraising, the efforts turned into a successful nonprofit. Founded in 2017, Funds Just for Kids is organized by community members and Masons with their last event raising $35,000. Not a lodge activity but supported by Masons is the Biennial "Evening of the Senses" at Natoma Lodge, which introduces many types of food, wine, beer and later an auction. This event's primary objective is to raise money through the auction; however, donations are welcome. Stackhouse also spoke about the monthly all-you-can-eat community breakfast on the first Saturday of each month claiming "the best breakfast West of Reno," where the public is welcome for an encouraged donation of $5 per person at the Folsom Masonic Center on 1000 Duchow Way. The Masons also have a "Sweethearts Luncheon" every February to support the widows of past members "who have entered into that undiscovered country no Bourne traveler returns." Visit https://www.natomalodge64.com for more information about Natoma Lodge #64 events.