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Supervisors Recognize Sierra City Masonic Lodge

Sierra County Supervisors honor Sierra City Masonic Lodge’s 160th anniversary and community contributions.

December 5, 2024

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Left to right: Sam White, John Cooper, Mike Galan, Jerry Brzyscz, Gregg Novotny, and Supervisor Lila Heuer

Left to right: Sam White, John Cooper, Mike Galan, Jerry Brzyscz, Gregg Novotny, and Supervisor Lila Heuer

SIERRA CITY — The Sierra County Board of Supervisors adopted a Resolution of Appreciation on Tuesday, acknowledging the members of Harmony Lodge #164 and celebrating its 160th anniversary. The Masonic Lodge was organized by the Free & Accepted Masons of Sierra City on December 21st, 1862, and its charter was granted on October 14th, 1865. Harmony Lodge #164 is the only surviving in Sierra County out of thirteen historical Masonic Lodges.

Members Gregg Novotny, Jerry Brzyscz, Mike Galan, John Cooper, and Sam White accepted the resolution on behalf of the Lodge. Though several members are locals, many of the Lodge’s 54 current members are from out of the area and attend because the location is so unique.

Supervisor Lila Heuer introduced the Freemasons, explaining that the Lodge began as a “moonlight lodge,” where meetings were held during full moons so members would have light to walk home. She explained that although they don’t often do fundraising directly, the Lodge encourages its members to participate in other local groups to benefit the community.

Past Grand Master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of California John Cooper spoke about the popularity of Harmony Lodge, in particular thanking Charles K Smith, a former member who he credits for growing lodge membership through his strong and friendly character and who was described by Supervisor Heuer as a “great example” of what a Mason should be. Cooper is proud that coming to the Lodge is seen as a special occasion for many, in large part due to Smith, and that it has such a rich connection with the larger world.

Gregg Novotny explained that though all but Sierra City’s Lodge have closed in the County, Harmony Lodge #164 itself is doing quite well. Novotny claims two or three new people at every meeting want to affiliate with the Lodge, many coming from as far as the Bay Area. Members have done much to restore the Sierra City lodge, recently giving it a fresh coat of paint and holding a re-dedication ceremony in September. Members of the Lodge are also starting a scholarship fund for the Downieville School and are looking forward to doing more work for the community in the future.

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