Order of Masons Lodge #42, Los Angeles, began in 1853

Masons Lodge of Los Angeles #42

 

Between 1853, when the Masonic Lodge #42 was founded, and 1869, there were a number of Jewish Masters and high officials of the Lodge.

Several members of Mason Lodge #42 were the founders of the modern structure of Los Angeles.

Sam Prager served on the Masonic Board of Relief.

 

Rabbi Abraham Edelman, first rabbi of Congregation B’nai B’rith (today’s Wilshire Boulevard Temple), served as an official for a quarter of a century.

Samuel Meyer, businessman, served as Lodge Treasurer for many years.

 

 

Another officer was Isaias W. Hellman, a dry goods merchant who became president of the Farmers & Merchants Bank, and, eventually, head of Wells Fargo Bank.

 

There was also Harris Newmark, a prominent pioneer businessman and author of Sixty Years in Southern California.

 

 

 

The first business of Masonic Lodge #42 was aiding those in need.

Money was lent to brothers in need, money was given to a Mason’s widow, and aid was given to children of deceased Lodge members.

Masonic Lodge #42 continues on to this day as one of the oldest established fraternal organizations in Los Angeles.