Golden Gate Lodge No. 30, F. & A. M.
Established in 1853
Consolidated with:
    Speranza Italiana Lodge No. 219, F. & A.M., July 1, 1966
    Roosevelt No. 500, F. & A.M., July 1, 1975
    Mt. Moriah No. 44, F. & A.M., February 7, 1978
    Far West No. 673, F. & A.M., July 11, 1978
And became
Golden Gate Speranza
No. 30, F. & A. M.

WILLIAM SCHUYLER MOSES
Worshipful Master 1852
FOUNDER OF GOLDEN GATE LODGE #30, F. & A. M.

Brother William Schuyler Moses was born August 8, 1827 in Rochester, New York, Raised in Rochester New York in 1849, and emigrated to San Francisco in 1850.

He was a Royal Arch Mason of San Francisco Chapter No. 1 and Knight Templar of California Commandery No. 1. In the Scottish Rite Bodies he served as Venerable Master in the Lodge of Perfection and Wise Master in California Chapter Rose Croix. He was a Knight Commander Court of Honor and received the Order and Jewel of Knight Grand Cross 32o in 1892 being the first to receive that Honor in California. He was elected a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason but for some unknown reason was never Coroneted.

He was a member of Islam Temple AAONMS in San Francisco.

In 1869, in New York, he was installed Deputy Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star of the Supreme Grand Chapter of the United States. He later instituted Golden Gate Chapter No. 1 and granted the first 10 Chapter Charters in California and instituted the Order in Nevada and Oregon. He and his wife Addie served for two terms as Worthy Matron and Patron of Golden Gate Chapter OES.

THE PURCHASE OF GOLDEN GATE MASONIC TEMPLE

The relief to members and the widows and orphans of masons by Masonic Lodges after World War I and the Stock Market crash of the late 1920 was a great drain on the treasury of all lodges. Social Security and Welfare was not in force as it is today. Golden Gate Lodge was extending relief and remitting the dues of many of its members in need.

In 1940, the officers and members were looking for a way to reduce expenses. The rental at 25 Van Ness was $80.00 per month. Mission Temple was rebuilding its Temple and was adding a new lodge room which was to rent for $50.00 a month. At the October 1940 stated meeting, when Worshipful Master A. Selby Kelly was on vacation and Senior Warden Edward A. Didier was in the East, it was moved and seconded that Golden Gate Lodge move to Mission Temple; and it was to be voted on at the November stated meeting, as per the By-Laws of the Lodge.

Past Master Fred S. Nobmann advised the Lodge that Taraval Temple, located at 14th and Taraval, was for sale and moved that the presiding Worshipful Master Senior Warden Edward A. Didier appoint a committee to investigate the advisability to purchase the same, and make a full report at the November stated meeting. The following committee was appointed: P.M. Charles A. Wegener, chairman, P.M. Fred S. Nobmann, P.M. Nicholas F. Munson, P.M. William P. Caubu and brother Thomas J. Benney.

At the November stated meeting, the committee of five, appointed to investigate the purchasing of Taraval Temple, made a full and favorable report. The chairman made a motion that an offer of $30,000.00 be made for the purchase of the property. It was seconded and upon a voice vote was declared unanimously carried. A motion was made and passed that Past Master Charles A. Wegener be authorized as its representative to consummate all legal transactions in connection with the acquisition of Taraval Temple. The motion to move to Mission Temple was then withdrawn.

The Temple was purchased, and the first meeting in Taraval Temple was the installation of officers for 1941 on Saturday night, December 21st.

Three other Lodges were interested in purchasing Taraval Temple, and it was the foresight and business ability of the Officers and Past Masters of Golden Gate Lodge that the Temple was purchased in such a short time. We of Golden Gate Speranza Lodge are very proud of these dedicated masons.

Since the original acquisition, the Temple interior has been remodeled to provide Handicapped Access, (wheelchair) including elevator facilities to all floors.

Authored by Lee L. Aslanian, P.M., edited by Patrick Burke, Master of Golden Gate Speranza Lodge No.30, F. & A.M.

Complete History of Golden Gate Speranza Lodge No. 30 F. & A. M.  from 1852-2005 compiled by Loyal D. Sutton, P.M.
in PDF format.