The Masonic symbol on the granite entry is the only hint of a fraternal presence in the contemporary, brick and glass building overlooking downtown Orinda. Few locals know that the Masonic Lodge is even there, much less open for public gatherings and events.
Members of Orinda's Lodge 122 gather the first Thursday of every month, and the venue is an active center for formal meetings of Freemasons and their associated organizations. Regular open houses are scheduled to dispel some of the many misperceptions about Freemasonry and its practices, and prospective members are encouraged to contact the lodge through its Web site or one of its members.
Along with its fraternal function, the Masonic Lodge is also open for weddings, conferences, business meetings, seminars, birthday celebrations, anniversaries and other events. It is available most weekdays and evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. The site manager says that guests may use their own caterers for events and that DJ's and amplified music are permitted.