Events at Ionic Composite Lodge no. 520
At Ionic Composite Lodge, we strive to provide quality and meaningful events ranging from Fraternal, Educational, Social, and Service-based. We also have certain special and annual events.
To see a Calendar of our Upcoming Events, Click Here
Stated Meetings
Stated Meetings are the monthly business meetings of the Lodge. At the Stated Meetings, minutes of all meetings are read and approved, bills are paid, applications received, and ballots and motions voted upon. Stated Meetings always include a dinner that is open to all – Masons and non-Masons alike. Often, there will also be an open portion of the meeting that is also open to all, wherein we might present awards, honor teachers or first responders, conduct formal Receptions for our District Inspector, and of course our annual Reception of the Grand Master of Masons in California, for which our Lodge is renowned. These meetings are a great opportunity to come and meet the Brethren of the Lodge and get to know us and what we are all about. Our Stated Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month, except when that coincides with a Holiday. In those cases, the Stated Meeting is held the following Monday.
Degree Conferrals
One of the Most important functions of any blue Lodge is the making of new Masons. This is done by leading the candidates through the ritual ceremonies of the three Degrees of Masonry. Men are first initiated as Entered Apprentice Masons when they receive their 1st Degree. They are later passed to the degree of Fellowcraft with their 2nd Degree, and finally raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason when they get their 3rd Degree.
Educational Events
Periodically, we hold guest lectures, discussions, and Q&A nights on topics of Masonic interest. These range from general Masonic Philosophy to the history of the Fraternity (either in general or one specific facet thereof), from Conspiracy theories and pop culture references to Masonry all the way through scholarly data on the ways that Masonry has actually impacted the wider community or world. These events may or may not be on our typical Lodge nights (Mondays), and they may not even be held at Lodge necessarily (though most are). Examples of past Educational nights include presentations on Masonic Symbolism, a discussion of Masonic Trials and Procedures led by our own Wor. Jeff Bear, and an inspiring presentation on the importance of Civility in society and Masonry’s place in promoting it by Past Grand Master Russ Charvonia. Many of these Educational nights are open to anyone, though some are restricted to Masons of specific degrees based on the content of the material being discussed. The Event description will always indicate when events are restricted.
Social Events
Part of the beauty of Masonry is that you don’t just make acquaintances in Lodge, you gain Brother in every sense. That means that the ties that bind us extend outside of the Lodge into the social sphere as well. It is not uncommon or unusual for Masonic Brothers to get together for casual dinners, sports games, theater parties, or just to hang out at a bar and talk about whatever. While some of this happens organically, the Lodge periodically organizes and/or sponsors some of these kinds of events in an effort to keep our Fraternal bonds strong. Nor are only Brothers of our Lodge welcome at these events – on the contrary, social events are great opportunities to get to know the Brethren outside the context of the Lodge.
Service-based Events
From time to time, we offer not only of our funds but of our time to assist worthy causes throughout the community. These can include Masonic causes like the Masonic Homes in Covina, serving meals at the Midnight Mission on Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles, or any number of other volunteer organizations like food banks, public schools, and even community renewal projects. These are scheduled and organized based on the interests and desires of the Brethren of the Lodge. If you have a particular organization you think we could help, feel free to talk to us about it, and it will be given due consideration.
Annual Events
All Lodges in California have an annual Installation of Officers, at which the Officers for the ensuing Masonic year are installed by a representative of the Grand Lodge. These events are always open to the public and include a free dinner to all who come. They are great opportunities to learn about the workings of the Lodge.
One thing that is not common to all Lodges is our Annual Reception of the Grand Master. Each year, a new Grand Master is chosen at Grand Lodge to be the head of all Masons in the state for the year. Our Lodge has, for more than 50 years, been honored with being able to host and formally Receive each new Grand Master on an annual basis. Usually held at either the March or April Stated meeting, this event usually occurs the day after the Los Angeles Masonic Service Bureau’s annual Men’s Breakfast honoring the Grand Master. Our Reception is always well attended, and we have our own unique tradition regarding the way in which we conduct our reception that is unlike any other Lodge.
Special Events
Special events are held to commemorate major milestones of the Lodge or its members. Recently, for example, we held a 100th Anniversary Gala at the Del Rey Yacht Club on November 19, 2022 to celebrate 100 years of our Lodge and its impact on our community. If you wish to see some pictures from that event, Click Here. These Events are infrequent and always highly advertised well in advance.