Gardena Moneta Lodge 372
Description
Gardena Moneta Lodge No. 372 is the result of the consolidation of several Lodges. The precursor Lodge, Gardena Lodge, was sponsored in the Grand Lodge of California by Brothers from Anchor Lodge in the City of Compton. It was granted a Charter in 1906 by the Grand Lodge of California.
The Lodge currently meets at its own Building located at 1250 W. 155th Street, Gardena, CA 90247. This beautiful Masonic Center was erected through the industry and efforts of good natured and dedicated Masons. The members made all the concrete blocks and utilized the construction skills of its members along with lots of donated labor and the unwavering support of the members spouses’ and their families. The ladies of the Eastern Star, Jobs Daughters and the young men of Demolay likewise provided indispensable support during the construction of this Building.
This Building is a reminder to us to honor the memory and legacy of our predecessor that we can accomplish a lot if we help each other for a common purpose. Masons and Masonry should continue to use this Building as a place to propagate brotherhood, fellowship, and fulfill the principles of Freemasonry by spreading Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
The legacy Lodges of Gardena Moneta No. 372 were Moneta Lodge 405, Ascot Lodge and Vermont Lodge. Ascot Lodge consolidated with Gardena Lodge No. 372 that resulted to the birth of Gardena Ascot Lodge No. 372. Vermont Lodge, on the hand, consolidated with Moneta Lodge 405 and as a consequence a new Lodge was formed but retained the name Moneta Lodge No. 405. Both Moneta Lodge No. 405 and Gardena Ascot Lodge No. 372 operated as separate and independent Lodges until the early part of 2003.
In 2003, Gardena Ascot Lodge 372 and Moneta Lodge No 405 created their respective consolidation committee to study the possibility of consolidating the two Lodges. The two (2) committees worked feverishly for a number of months and before the end of the Masonic year, both Lodges approved the consolidation of Gardena Ascot Lodge No. 372 and Moneta Lodge No. 405. They adopted the name Gardena Moneta Lodge No. 372. Worshipful Cris S. Araula was the first Master of the consolidated Lodge. The Lodge celebrated its centennial celebration in 2005, a blissful existence for more than one hundred years.