On June 26, 2016, thousands of Masonic family members and friends came to the Masonic Home at Covina to take part in the campus’ highly anticipated centennial celebration.
Executive Director of Covina Residential Services Judy Figueroa welcomed guests to the highly anticipated celebration, encouraging them to reflect upon and feel proud of the legacy of Masonic relief in Southern California. A historic rededication ceremony included an invocation and benediction from Grand Chaplain John Hinck; remarks from Masonic Homes Executive Vice President Gary Charland, Grand Master M. David Perry, and Past Grand Master John Lowe, president of the Masonic Homes of California Board of Trustees. A highlight of the program was personal reflections from three former residents of the Covina Children’s Home.
Marking the occasion was the burial of a time capsule, which included original articles from a 1916 time capsule buried on Covina’s campus, as well as photos of the campus today and in the past, 1969 architectural renderings of the campus by A. Quincy Jones, arts and crafts created by current Covina residents, and a copy of the charter of Destiny Lodge No. 856, which operates on the Covina campus.
The Henry Wilson Coil Library and Museum of Freemasonry prepared a special exhibit for Covina’s centennial, which included a variety of artifacts and photographs from the Covina campus’ earliest residents.
In addition to marking the centennial, guests enjoyed an opportunity to socialize with Masonic family members from throughout Southern California. Family-friendly activities included use of the on-campus pool, carnival games, and a delicious lunch. Campus tours were provided, and the Children’s Advocacy Center, Masonic Outreach Services, and Masonic Center for Youth and Families offered open houses.
The Masonic Home at Covina thanks everyone who attended this special fraternal celebration.
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