BLYTHE-NEEDLES LODGE NO. 473
Over 100 Years Of Freemasonry
Chartered April 9, 1919 since then we've been making true friends, improving ourselves, having an impact in our community. Blythe-Needles Lodge’s mission is to promote personal growth and improve the lives of others. We take responsibility for the well-being of our brothers, our families, and the community as a whole.
Latest News | Blythe-Needles Masonic Lodge #473
January 2026 Message from the East
From the East…….
Happy New Year, Brethren!
I hope everyone had a great holiday season. As we fly into 2026, there are some important items that need to be highlighted:
First, there WILL be a stated meeting along with a dinner on Wednesday 1/7. Worshipful Munar will be providing a Filipino fare, which we’ve had at a previous dinner, and which was very good (we ran out!). Please come prepared to give a minimum donation of $10 pp. If you are truly struggling, come anyway and one of us will help you with that. Family and friends are encouraged to attend. Anyone that wants to assist with setting up the dining room, please come by 4 and you can bring your suit if you want to change in the library beforehand. It saves you a trip home to change. 6pm dinner, 7pm meeting (CA time).
Next, we will be having a “Closed” Installation on Saturday, 1/10 at 1pm CA time. This is something we have not done since I’ve been here, but it means that only masons will participate. There won’t be the need to come down hours before to open the lodge since it won’t be a public event. Having said that, it should not last any longer than a regular meeting, so you’ll still have most of your Saturday to do your own thing. We open, we install, and we leave! There WILL be a Master of Ceremonies, a Chaplain, and an Installing Officer per usual. PLEASE COME!
Lastly, we will be announcing a date shortly after the 1st that we will be scheduling a first degree for our newly elected brother to begin his masonic journey. We will need to again start knocking off the rust so that everyone feels confident about their role in the degree. As you know, the more we have at practice, the more productive they are. Dates for those will be in the calendar and/or by texts.The officers for 2026 are listed in this issue in case you aren’t aware of who is slated to be where.
Thanks everyone for stepping up once again!
See you soon,
Jeff Gatchell WM
December 2025 Trestleboard
The December 2025 Trestleboard is available for viewing. Click on the image above to download the trestleboard.
November 2025 Trestleboard
The November 2025 Trestleboard is available for viewing. Click on the image above to download the trestleboard.
Read more exciting news from Blythe-Needles Masonic Lodge #473
WHAT IS MASONRY?
Masonry is the world’s first and largest fraternal organization. It is guided by the enduring belief that each man has a responsibility to make the world a better place. For 300 years, Freemasonry has enhanced and strengthened the character of individual men by providing opportunities for fellowship, charity, and the search for truth – within ourselves and the larger world.
REWARDS OF BEING A FREEMASON
MAKING TRUE FRIENDS
Masonry is a community of men and their families who share similar beliefs and values. The fraternity finds it important to connect with other men of honor, compassion, love, trust, and knowledge, regardless of their race, color, religious beliefs, political views, sexual orientation, physical ability, citizenship, or national origin. We are friends and brothers, and are connected through this vital and uplifting organization of moral men.
IMPROVING OURSELVES
Our continuing pursuit of truth, knowledge, ethics, and leadership skills makes us better men and brings more meaning to our lives. Learning the tenets of Freemasonry, paired with being an active part of our community, gives us the opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills, and builds self-discipline through commitment and self-confidence.
HAVING AN IMPACT
As a member of the Freemasons, the Grand Lodge of California, and Blythe-Needles Lodge No 473, we are a part of a worldwide organization that values tradition, history, and timeless wisdom. The traditions and core values of our fraternity are meaningful today and will endure for centuries to come because of our direct impact in our community, through our charities, and on a personal level.