Metropolitan Lodge #352 has reached its mark of distinction with its historic events and accomplishments, transcending more than twelve decades. Its conception began in 1902 when Masons envisioned the structure of a new Masonic temple in the Pico Heights district. By February 1903, a request was sent to Grand Master Orrin Henderson for a dispensation, and on March 2, 1903, such dispensation was granted by the Grand Master.
The first stated meeting commenced on March 2nd, 1903 at Kempton Hall located at 2623 W. Pico Boulevard. Silas C. Ozmun served as the 1st Master, with David Sutherland, John Clark as Senior, and Junior Wardens respectively. On October 1903, the Grand Lodge granted a charter to Sunset Lodge, thus establishing Sunset Lodge #352. Golden State Lodge #358 was chartered in 1904, under Worshipful Master J. H. Bean. One of the sponsoring lodges was Sunset Lodge #352. Arlington Lodge #414 was chartered in 1910. The Worshipful Master was J. P. Gilmer. Acacia Lodge #438, was originally chartered in 1913 as Gennania Lodge #198 under Worshipful Master F. Wallenstein. In 1918, due to anti-German sentiments of WWI, this Lodge was changed to Acacia Lodge #438.Albert Pike Lodge #484 was chartered in 1920. It's Worshipful Master then was C. S. Walton. By the year 1929, due to growth in membership,
Worshipful Avery Miller of Sunset Lodge #352 initiated the move for a new temple on Orchard Avenue in Los Angeles. Work was started in late 1994 under WM James W. Bell. The laying of the new cornerstone of the Temple was on March 14, 1925 with Albert A. Lanphear as Master. It was officiated by Past Grand Master Samuel E. Burke, who was a also a Past Master of our Lodge. Henry C. Jensen, a dedicated member of Sunset Lodge donated his time and effort by drafting the architectural plans of the building up to its completion in September 1925.
Benevolence Lodge #631 was chartered in 1926, under WM Otto H. Jaroch. Arlington Lodge # 414 under WM N. D. Stanley merged with Acacia Lodge #438 under WM Emil J. Kramper in 1959. The first Master of Arlington Lodge # 414, after its merger was WM Richard C. Harrell. Golden Stale Lodge #358 under WM Robert R. Strader consolidated with Arlington Lodge #414 under WM N. D. Stanley in 1970. In 1971 the first Master under the consolidated Golden State Lodge #358 was David W. Utsinger: In 1978, Sunset Lodge #352 under Worshipful Master Richard McPeek consolidated with the Albert Pike Lodge # 484, under WM Carl E. Miller. In 1974, the first Worshipful Master under the consolidated Sunset Lodge # 352 was Richard Cooper: In 1976, Golden State Lodge # 358 under WM Ross W. Seton, Jr., consolidated with Benevolence Lodge #631, under WM Robert E. Hutton. The first Master under the consolidated Golden State Benevolence Lodge #358 was Robert E. Hutton. In 1981, Sunset Lodge #352, under WM Kenneth Ferry decided to sell their building on Orchard Avenue and merged with Golden State Benevolence Lodge #631 under WM Carlos J. Muela, thus initiating the birth of Metropolitan Lodge #352. In 1982 the first WM of the dulv consolidated Metropolitan Lodge #352 was Robert M. Hamilton. The temple was located on 933 S. Hoover Street wherein they stayed until 1992 when it was sold to the Salvation Army due to the decline in the neighborhood, as well as other factors. Upon selling its building on Hoover Street, Metropolitan Lodge #352 relocated to Downey Masonic Temple #220 in Downey, and later moved to Greenleaf Lodge in Whittier which was sold in 2015. Thereafter, Metropolitan moved to Rosemead Masonic Building in Rosemead. In a couple of years the brethren decided to move to Monrovia Masonic Lodge in Monrovia which again was sold before the pandemic. Metropolitan Lodge now is situated in Arcadia Masonic Lodge in Arcadia and continues to hold its Stated meetings every second Mondays.
Through the years, members of the consolidated lodges that compose Metropolitan Lodge #352 have distinguished themselves by serving the Grand Lodge of California as Grand Masters. Among those who have received this special honor are Samuel E. Burke, 1922, Rollie W. Miller, 1936 and Burton Meyer, Jr., 1974. Our Past Grand Masters have also served as Inspectors, together with Lloyd C. Campbell, George C. Delevan, Robert Hackert, and others. Ralph Head, Past Master was Editor of the California Freemason until his demise on September 2002. On May 30, 1985 he was given the California Mason of the Year Award for his years of dedication to the craft. On September 18, 2002, the administration building of the California Masonic Homes in Union City was dedicated on his behalf. Presently our very own Past Master Charles P. Cross, is presently the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of California. It is noteworthy to mention that other members of the lodge have also served in various Grand Lodge committees - to name a few - Anton G. Khan, Raymond B. Rosenbaum, and William Klujian.
Presently, Metropolitan Lodge continues to support Grand Lodge Programs geared towards supporting the "Jewel of our Craft - the Masonic Homes. We have supported the Masons for Mitts, Raising a Reader, Distressed Worthy Brother Fund and is among one of the distinguished lodges to have supported Grand Lodge's writing the future campaign. In fact, Metropolitan Lodge #352 has just recently renewed its support for the next 5 years pledging another $100K until 2027.
We have been blessed with dedicated members who continue to pride themselves in continuously supporting the community in which we reside and embrace the lessons we have learned in charity work. We are preparing our Lodge and our members for the 2050 vision of the world being in harmony and are focused on fulfilling our obligations.