Redlands Masonic Lodge Installs New Lodge Master

On Jan. 2, the Redlands Masonic Lodge #300, founded in 1890, recently held its 126th installation of officers. Redlands resident, John Montgomery, was installed as the lodge's 2016 Lodge Master. Montgomery has been involved with the Redlands Masonic Lodge since mid-2006, holding previous officer positions including Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, and Senior Steward. “It is a pretty high honor to be picked by a group of your peers,” Montgomery said, “There is a lot of work and dedication involved. I am humbled that a great organization would allow me to be its leader.” Montgomery hopes to bring more community awareness to the organization in his year as Lodge Master. “We need to stay active in the community so people are aware of the ways in which we can give back and help,” Montgomery said. “As members we are fraternity that holds each other accountable and to a higher standard. Hopefully, we can bring that to the community and to those community members we encounter.” Montgomery has called Redlands his home for seven years and is the owner Grand Tattoo Lodge. He is an active member of the Redlands community, his involvements include working with the PTA and Redlands Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Montgomery is an alternate of the Redlands Plan Steering Committee, where he works representing downtown businesses. “Redlands is a place I settled down to got comfortable. I travel a lot, and when I am home I wanted a sense of community, not just a place to commute from,” Montgomery said. “Redlands has provided me that.” Additional officers installed included: • James Hottinger as Senior Warden • Leonard Franklin as Junior Warden • Craig Flagtwet as Treasurer • Bill Keel as Secretary • Ken Smith as Chaplin • Justin Peck as Senior Deacon • Roy Antonio as Junior Deacon • Edmundo Ramirez as Marshal • Brain Graefe as Senior Steward • Daniel Alldridge as Junior Steward • Charles Foskett as Tiler. “This is my second go around,” commented Keel, “I look forward to continuing to work directly with the brethren and officers this year to see the lodge grow.” The installing officers included Master of Ceremonies Tito Varias, Installing Officer John Walker, and Chaplain Scott McNair. Following the installation was a dinner, prepared and served by Jo Gallina and the Gallina Girls.