Making true friends,
improving ourselves, having an impact
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.
The Sons of the Desert Lodge’s mission is to impart and uphold the masonic tenets of brotherly love, relief, and truth. Along with the tenets, we teach and champion the masonic virtues of temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice. Taken together, the masonic tenets and virtues are motivating factors for our brothers to be positive social change agents in society at-large and within the local communities.
We meet the third Wednesday of each month at 1925 Elkhorn Court, San Mateo, CA 94403. We look forward to meeting you and invite you to participate in our social and charitable events.
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.
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.
As a member of the Freemasons, the Grand Lodge of California, and Sons of the Desert, 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.
Sons of the Desert 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.
One of Freemasonry’s customs is not to solicit members – 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.
Contact us
Whether it’s the super idea behind a new charity, the fantastic team powering the state’s fastest-growing lodges, or the marvels of lodge administration, these heroes don’t wear capes, but they do wear aprons.
Check out our latest video feature, an enlightening conversation between Grand Master G. Sean Metroka and Prince Hall Grand Master David San Juan, two distinguished leaders in California #Freemasonry.
Say hello to a series of brand-new web resources for prospects and new members available on freemason.org, the online home of the Masons of California.
Take a deep dive into the history and legacy of Prince Hall the man, as well as the history of the organization that today bears his name.
Discuss your Masonic experience with others easily by downloading the simple guide to Freemasonry and brushing up on the basics.
In this issue of California Freemason, we’re exploring what it takes to get new lodges off the ground, and how they define themselves within the landscape of Masonry in the state.
Between July 10–21, we’re asking all members who are comfortable doing so to post a short message on Facebook or Instagram saying why Freemasonry is important to you.
In the Magic Issue of California Freemason magazine, we’re casting a light on some of those similar connections between magic and Masonry.
Maybe you’ve seen the square and compass logo on buildings around town or wondered about the meaning of emblems like the Masonic trowel. What’s the history behind Masonic symbols, and how do they factor into what happens in a lodge?
Most people know that there are two things that Masons don’t discuss in the lodge room: politics and religion. Instead, they focus on the things that bind them, not that divide. Could that be a model for a more harmonious world outside the lodge?
In this issue of California Freemason Magazine, we’re casting our gaze anew at our fraternal home, the California Masonic Memorial Temple in San Francisco.
Explore some stunning examples of this fraternal craftwork through the ages in From the Hands of Fellowship, a new virtual exhibition from the Henry Wilson Coil Library and Museum of Freemasonry.
