Destiny Lodge No. 856

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.

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Why is he called “Worshipful Master”?

Masonry began in England in the days when the beautiful old Cathedrals were being built. The craftsmen who designed those magnificent buildings, and those who built them, organized themselves into lodges. Each lodge elected a Master to head the group and other officers to lead it – those ancient lodges were the beginnings of Masonry.

In ancient times, the word “Worshipful” meant “Respected”.

Because one Master Mason was elected by the members to lead them, he was given the title Worshipful Master indicating that he was a respected Master Mason.

In modern Lodges, a new Worshipful Master is elected each year. The Worshipful Master serves as the chief officer of the Lodge, and presides over all its meetings. The Worshipful Master wears a hat during all proceedings of the Lodge. The significance is not that the Master is wearing a hat out of some sort of preeminence, but rather the other members are not wearing hats out of respect.

[Why is he calld “Worshipful Master” was borrowed with permission from the Billie Mosse Masonic Lodge #1152 AF&AM Denison, Texas]

Our Mission and Our Lodge

Destiny 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. We value respect, kindness, tolerance, and our differences – religious, ethnic, cultural, generational, and educational, and strive for harmony in our individual lives, in our lodge, and in the global community.

Destiny #856 meets on the Covina campus of the Masonic Homes of California. Destiny #856 received its charter from the Grand Lodge of California in 2014. The officers of Destiny for 2024 are:

Worshipful Master – John A. Pomroy

Senior Warden – David Gonzalez

Junior Warden – Fr. Steven De Muth

Treasurer – Tom Jones, P.M.

Secretary – (Vacant)

Chaplain – Harold Whitford, P.M.

Senior Deacon – John Feagans

Junior Deacon – Edgar Reynoso

Marshall – Vacant

Senior Steward – Vacant

Junior Steward – Vacant

Tiler – Duane Joslin

Assistant Secretary – Fred Bernhardt, P.M.

Officers’ Coach – Ernie Salcido, P.M.

Inspector – Seb Badoyan, P.M.

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 Destiny Lodge No. 856, 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.

Join Us

Destiny Lodge membership is open to men 18 and older who meet the qualifications and standards of character and intention, and who believe in a Supreme Being. Men of all ethnic and religious backgrounds are welcome. You need not be a resident of the Masonic Home to be a member of Destiny Lodge. In fact, over half of our membership is comprised of men who do not live at the Masonic Home.

One of Freemasonry’s customs is to NOT solicit men to join the fraternity – men must seek membership on their own initiative. Anyone is welcome to request information about the fraternity.

If you are interested in applying for membership to our lodge, now is a good time to start. Please contact us to schedule a visit during an event, or request more information.

Our stated meetings are the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM, in the lodge room of the Masonic Home, which is located at: 1650 E. Old Badillo St., Covina, Ca. 91724.

On those nights, we meet for dinner at 5:30 PM in Solomon’s Square, which is also at the Masonic Home. Since the Masonic Home campus is a closed campus, visitors need to make a reservation to attend stated meetings and/or the stated meeting dinners. To do so, please contact the assistant secretary of our lodge at destiny856sec@gmail.com

Upcoming events

September 5, 2025, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM(ish) – Planning Destiny Lodge’s Destiny, Session #1 – In the Fellowcraft room, Destiny members are invited to attend this first session to work together to identify our Lodge values, mission, and vision, its short-term and long-term goals. PGM Russ Charvonia will facilitate the event, which is different from his Civility Presentation. This session will begin with a light working dinner.

September 6, 2025, 10:00 AM – Master Mason Degree Ceremony for Brother Michael Gutierrez – Destiny Lodge Room at the Masonic Home 1650 E. Old Badillo St. Covina, Ca. 91724. BBQ Lunch to follow. The degree is open to all Master Masons. The BBQ is open for all Masons and their families. An RSVP for the luncheon afterward is necessary. RSVP to destiny856sec@gmail.com

September 6, 2025, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM(ish) – Planning Destiny Lodge’s Destiny, Session #2 – In the Fellowcraft room, Destiny members are invited to attend this second session facilitated by PGM Charvonia. This session will begin right after the BBQ lunch celebrating Brother Michael Gutierrez’s Raising to Master Mason.

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