In 1942, after several years as a member of the Anaheim De Molay Chapter, I decided to follow in the footsteps of my Father and enter the Masonic Fraternity. I submitted my request to receive the degrees of Masonry and they were read at the April, 1942 stated meeting. After being read before the lodge and following the investigation, being found worthy and well qualified, my request was favorably looked upon and I was accepted to receive the degrees of Masonry during the May 1942 stated meeting. On June 5, 1942, I received word that I would receive the Entered Apprentice Degree. Just four days prior to hearing of my acceptance into Anaheim Lodge #207, on June 1st, I received notice from the Marine Corps that I was to soon start my Marine Corps career.For the short term my Masonic path of enlightenment would be put on hold. After successfully completing my boot training I was transferred to the signal battalion and, despite my opposition, I was trained as a radio operator. On August 7th, I received a weekend pass stretching from that Friday at noon until midnight the following Sunday. Upon my arrival back home that Friday evening the members of Anaheim 207, anticipating my arrival, were waiting for me, and I, still in my uniform, immediately became an Entered Apprentice Mason that same evening. Knowing I needed to return to San Diego Sunday I was given a letter of introduction which allowed me to receive coaching at the San Diego Temple. For twelve weeks I continued radio school and whenever I received liberty, my time was spent getting coached in my degree.
I graduated from radio school, was transferred from one outfit to another and in December 1942, I ended up at Camp Pendleton as a member of the First Platoon, Third Special Weapons Battalion, Third Marine Division. The command decision was made that those who lived west of the Mississippi were to get an eight day pass and those east would get ten days upon graduating from radio school. My eight day pass started 12 December. I arrived home and told my mother that since it was Friday I was going to the lodge and get some coaching. Without taking the time to change out of my uniform I was off to Lodge. Anaheim 207 was in session and ready to put on the third degree. The Tyler, performing his Masonic duties, asked me what I wanted. I told him I was there to get some coaching. In a few minutes I was approached by and taken into one of the adjoining rooms and was coached and quizzed and was told that I was ready. The Lodge reverted to the second degree, I was examined and received my Fellowcraft degree.
After receiving the Second Degree, it was arranged that I would spend my next few days, at the Anaheim fire station with the chief of the department and my afternoons with Earl Guissee, a retired telephone employee. They were charged with getting me prepared to receive the Master Mason's degree. They did, and on Thursday, 17 December, the Lodge was opened, I was examined, passed and told that I would be raised the next evening.
Donning my uniform I was off to Lodge and much to my surprise the lodge room was filled. I was so surprised that I had so many family members that were Masons and so many friends that wanted to see me get the Third Degree. After the degree and the closing of the lodge, we assembled in the dinning room for refreshments. I was given a seat at the head table with the Master and Senior Warden.
It was then and there that I became the first person ever to have received all three degrees while in military uniform in Anaheim 207. I was asked what my future plans were. Although it was obvious I was a Marine none of us knew that it would be thirty-five months before I would again attend my mother lodge. To be continued.....
Jack Hoag
