Fund for University Partnerships

These are exciting times to be a Mason in California. This year has been profoundly meaningful for me, and in its course, I have discovered a new depth of commitment to our venerable fraternity.

I have had the opportunity to meet many of you throughout this beautiful state. You have impressed upon me how vital our fraternity remains, and how proudly we cling to our ancient roots. I have met brothers both young and old, and all have something in common: a loyalty to and passionate curiosity for our great past.  I believe that much of our membership growth over the past several years is due to this curiosity. Yet, many brothers expressed that they long to better understand our past, and what it means today.

I am honored to share momentous news with you. Our Grand Lodge has commenced an important and transformational partnership. In the name of Freemasonry and our noble heritage, we are sealing an alliance with one of the most respected academic establishments in the world. By doing so, we break new ground in California.

A Partnership to Advance the Study and Understanding of Freemasonry

The 2008-2009 Grand Master’s project funds a scholarly partnership between the Masonic Grand Lodge of California and the University of California, Los Angeles.

The research and study supported by the Grand Master’s project will align with the most serious scholarship on Freemasonry in the world today, dispelling myths about our fraternity and revealing our proud heritage in factual, research-based terms.

Dr. Margaret C. Jacob, Distinguished Professor of History and one of the world’s foremost Masonic scholars, will play a leading role. Dr. Jacob’s work provides important insight into the early development of Freemasonry, demonstrating how Masonic values and tenets shaped countries and civil societies around the world, and helped develop the constitutional democracy that forms the very foundation of the United States.

In my travels this past year, it has become clear that this project addresses one of our fraternity’s most urgent and compelling needs. There is a vast discrepancy today in the world’s perception of Freemasonry and the reality of our history and our significance. I truly believe that this project will help bridge that gap. Rather than passively allowing others to define us in their own – often, misguided – terms, we will honor our legacy by actively defining Freemasonry to the world.

We must support dedicated academic research that lifts the “veil of secrecy” from our fraternity and reveals the influential role we have played – and continue to play – in the history of countries around the globe.

We have raised more than $500,000 thus far, but for this project to accomplish all that it can, we still have a long way to go. Many of you have asked me how you can lend your support to this critical project. This is your opportunity.

For many of us, explaining what Freemasonry has contributed to the world is a complex and personally significant topic. Please join Lynn and me in helping all of us – our own brotherhood, and the world at large – better understand the depth and breadth of our fraternity’s contributions. Your gift can help make this happen.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and support..

Larry L. Adamson
Past Grand Master

For questions, please contact the Office of Philanthropy at 415/292-9117.