Sycamore Lodge Re-Chartered

Sycamore Lodge #129 is back in town!  In April 2010, the Hayward Odd Fellows Lodge was re-established, continuing a history that dates back to 1866 in Hayward.  

Sycamore Lodge had been lying vacant for at least 2 years.  The previous incarnation of Odd Fellows had disbanded, and the building was on the verge of being sold, when local historian and attorney Frank Goulart and his counselor wife Julie Machado, along with Odd Fellow Dan Honniball hatched a plan to re-establish the Lodge.  At Thanksgiving dinner 2009, an idea was born to pursue the Hayward Lodge’s re-opening.

Because of Frank and Julie’s connections with the local art and music communities, the concept was put forward to meld traditional Odd Fellows good works with bettering the community through an additional focus on the Arts and Music.  There is some thinking in the Odd Fellows organization today that Lodges have a better chance at flourishing when members are united in common interests, so this seemed a viable marriage.  

Two Open Houses allowed people to see the beautiful historic building, built in 1868-9.  Meetings were had with Grand Lodge, the owner of the building, to determine the possibility of re-establishing the Hayward Lodge.  A membership drive was held to see if there was interest in the community.   

An amazing 64 people stepped forward wishing to become new Charter members of the re-Chartered Lodge! Through strong support from Grand Master Gene Breeland, Grand Lodge decided to take the Hayward building off the market and allow the community to re-organize Sycamore Lodge #129.

Frank worked on getting the corporate status re-instituted. Jay and Nancy Johnson of the Fremont Mission Peak Lodge #114 and Rick Boyles of the Oakland-Encinal Lodge #3 in Alameda were also invaluable in supporting the re-establishment of Sycamore Lodge. On April 17, 2010, 40 new Members were Initiated, along with 6 Associate Members. Another 23 Pledges became Members in May.

We are excited to forward the causes of Friendship, Love and Truth, to assist the sick, teach orphans, bury the dead, and better our community through the support of art and music and other good works!