The Masonic Lodge at the corner of San Benito and Fourth streets
in downtown Hollister was re-dedicated in a ceremony held April 16.
The ceremony capped years of interior and exterior renovations on
the building, which was built for $21,000 after the 1906 earthquake
using plans drawn up by noted Central Coast architect William
Weeks.
The Masonic Lodge at the corner of San Benito and Fourth streets in downtown Hollister was re-dedicated in a ceremony held April 16.
The ceremony capped years of interior and exterior renovations on the building, which was built for $21,000 after the 1906 earthquake using plans drawn up by noted Central Coast architect William Weeks.
San Benito Lodge 211 has been the home for the local lodge – which was formed in 1871 – ever since.
The renovations to the building have included a complete resurfacing of its exterior brickwork along with a fresh coat of paint. The original knob and tube wiring was replaced along with the old tubing used to pump gas to the old gaslight fixtures inside the structure.
Other improvements included new hardwood floors and carpeting along with a restoration of the ladies’ parlor room.
The Hollister Redevelopment Agency provided some of the funding for the restoration, which has included a repair of the clock tower that is featured on the city’s logo.
The project added a new roof and decades of damage from bats was addressed. All retail space on the first floor of the building was also renovated.
The Masonic California Grand Master William J. Bray IIII presided over the rededication, which included a continental breakfast, grand opening to guests and the rededication ceremony, followed by lunch.
The building was rededicated using the same ceremony that George Washington used on the Capitol Building. More than 90 people attended the event, including local judges Steve Sanders and Harry Tobias, and county Supervisor Margie Barrios.
The oration given by Loyal Stark included a history of the city and the lodge and Joseph Felice, a Masonic brother, presented lodge master Francis Bishop Jr. a copy of a book about the lodge’s history. The book and accompanying CD will be available for sale online at www.SanBenitoLodge.com.
