Pictured here are the 2025 Orange Grove Lodge Officers. Seated in front is Cesar Bustos; (back row from left) are Karl Sandhoff, Shawn McCuen, Jim Berry, Dennis Rootes, David Shaffer, Paul Overton and David Soliven and in the middle (from left) are Leon Lowe, Jerry Torres, Keith Jones, Don Ancheta, James McCallion and Scott Holland.
- - - -
Orange Grove Lodge #293
Tucked between a jewelry shop and a bagelry in the Plaza stands a doorway you might have passed a hundred times without a second thought. But behind it, one of the world’s oldest fraternities quietly gathers, working to improve themselves as individuals, brothers and members of the community.
The Freemasons are a centuries -old organization rooted in moral philosophy, allegory and symbolism. Through ritual and fellowship, members pursue personal growth, build lasting friendships and give back to the community.
“We’re trying to be better humans every day,” says Ralph Shelton, a member of the Orange Grove Lodge. “We’re in a support group that holds us accountable to that goal.”
Orange Grove Lodge #293, circa 1928
- - - -
A member since he was 21, today Shelton is one of the longstanding pillars of Orange Grove Lodge No. 293 (a chapter of the Grand Lodge of California). Established in 1888 just before the city’s incorporation, the Lodge is actually older than Orange itself.
For more than a century, the Lodge has played a key role in civic life, both symbolically and literally. Masons are known for laying cornerstones in public buildings, and Orange is no exception.
While the group has often been wrapped in mystery, its legacy is hiding in plain sight. Notable members from history include George Washington, Harry S. Truman and Isaac Lea Collins, who was the very first Worshipful Master of the Orange Grove Lodge. As such, his name still graces the major street that cuts through Orange.
Though those names now belong to history books, the Orange Lodge remains active. Its current Worshipful Master, Cesar Bustos, is helping shape the next chapter of Orange Masonry.
“I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Orange,” says Bustos, who discovered the Freemasons while reading David McCullough’s biography of Truman. Inspired by their influence on American ideals and values, he eventually found himself drawn to the Masons. Like the many influential men among their ranks, he too wanted to be a part of something bigger than himself.
“It makes you realize your potential of being a better person,” says Bustos, who started as the Lodge’s organist and has been a member for more than 15 years.
The spirit of self-betterment often finds its way into community action. Many Orange residents have unknowingly benefited from the Lodge’s contributions. When the annual Treats in the Streets event was at risk of cancellation due to lack of funding last October, the Masons of Orange stepped in.
Brandy Romero, co-founder of The Squeeze in Old Towne Orange and one of the event’s organizers, was concerned when she found herself extremely short just a week before last year’s event. In response, she turned to the Orange Lodge for help, and they graciously donated the remaining funds.
“They really came through and saved the day,” says Romero.
Shelton and Bustos say that kind of support isn’t about recognition—it’s about giving back to the community.
“When it comes to charity, we just ask, ‘what needs to be done?’” says Shelton, who credits the Lodge for many of his lifelong friendships. Now, with more than 40 years under his belt, he takes pride in mentoring the next generation.
“I see these guys come in and develop and become leaders, and I get to have a hand in that,” says Shelton. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to be a part of that development.”
The Orange Grove Lodge welcomes men of all backgrounds and professions, so long as they believe in a higher power—defined by each member's own personal faith. This diversity of thought and experience is part of what makes the brotherhood so enduring.
Their doors are open to those who are curious, and as the Freemasons say: 2B1ASK1.
Inquire about joining: 714-538-1443 or info@OrangeGroveLodge.com
