Freemasons’ Harmony Lodge No. 164 Rededicated

SIERRA CITY — True, last Friday was the 13th; however, it was not at all an “unlucky” day for the one-hundred-plus Masons, community members, Downieville School students, and history enthusiasts who attended the rededication celebration of Harmony Lodge No. 164. The first part of the event began at the Sierra City Community Halland included an interesting video and presentation about the Gold Rush by Past Grand Master John Trauner. Several other Masons continued the discussion with one focusing on on the formation of Lodges in Sierra County and their importance to gold seekers and others. Freemasons cherish their Lodges not just as places of fellowship but as sanctuaries where the highest ideals of humanity are nurtured and reflected. A lodge is where Masons gather by an unbreakable bond of trust and respect, and where they find a shared pursuit of truth and virtue.

On the cold evening of December 21, 1862, a group of Brothers, mostly miners and timbermen, gathered in the newly completed building on Main Street in Sierra City for their first meeting, with the purpose of organizing a Masonic Lodge. Though they could not yet call themselves a “Lodge” they formed the Masonic Hall Association of Sierra City. However, with the help of Mountain Shade Lodge No. 18 of Downieville, the Sierra City hopefuls were granted their Charter on October 14, 1864. For many years, the lower level of the building housed the local school.

At one time, there were 13 masonic Lodges throughout Sierra County; however, as the gold in many areas “played out” and folks moved away, a lodge would either surrender its charter or join with another Lodge. But Harmony Lodge has “stayed the course” and is still active today with 54 members, with none living in Sierra City but wishing to preserve the history of this unique Lodge. In addition, Harmony Lodge No. 164 is one of two “Moonlight Lodges,” a concept originating from the Gold Rush days when members needed light to negotiate the roads and trails back to their homes after a meeting. Meetings are still held following a full moon to continue this tradition.

The second part of the September 13th event took place following a luncheon provided by Harmony Lodge members. Attendees walked the short distance to the Lodge, where tours were conducted, and the rededication ceremony was held outdoors. Sean Metroka, Grand Master of Masons for the State of California, presided over the rededication ceremony along with his Grand Officers, reliving the historic event that played an important role in Sierra County’s history.