Born in the city of Gifu Japan – approximately fifty kilometers to the North of Nagoya, Japan - Cherry Blossom Lodge No. 42 has had a very prosperous and eventful 55 years. The history of Cherry Blossom Lodge tells well the story the shifting and changing military presence in Japan. As the strongholds of the American Military Forces changed, so did Cherry Blossom Lodge change its location. The Cha
rter was received September 30, 1959 and the consecra¬tion of the Lodge took place December 18, 1959 at Tachikawa Air Base. In 1961, Cherry Blossom Lodge was relocated to North Camp Drake, a short distance East of Tachikawa. Changing operational requirements resulted in the Lodge being moved back to Tachikawa in 1964. In 1963, Cherry Blossom Lodge united with Eureka Lodge No. 41, Free and Accepted Masonry (F. & A.M.) from Fukuoka, Japan. During the late sixties, the flying mission at Tachikawa ceased and the base was designated a Military Family Housing Area with a token work force stationed on base. Thus, in 1970, the Lodge made its first appearance at Yokota Air Base. Political and Military programs of the early seventies brought about the significant changes under the Kanto Plain Consolidation Plan (KPCP), resulting in two additional moves for the Lodge. Due to heavy construction and building under the KPCP, Cherry Blossom Lodge once again relocated to Tachikawa Housing Area in 1975. As fate would have it, the closure of Tachikawa Housing Area in 1977 resulted in the Lodge being moved back to Yokota Air Base in the summer of that year. Today, Cherry Blossom Lodge has more than 60 Brothers on its active rolls. In addition, Cherry Blossom Lodge can take pride in the fact that two of its Past Masters became Past Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge F. & A.M. (MWPHGL), of the state Washington and Jurisdiction, the Honorable Billy V Morris, and the Honorable Gardner M. Torrence, both are lifetime honorary members of this Lodge and Jurisdiction. Past Master Nolan K. Crim, a Past Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master (District No.6) was the first member of Cherry Blossom Lodge to receive the 33rd Degree, honorary and last degree in Masonry. Past Master Ernest Richardson, Past Master Gregory O. Nicholson, Past Master Authuree Bellenger served as a District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) for District No.6 and our very own Kenneth E. Alston, Jr is now serving in that capacity, DDGM. Those are just a few Brothers of Cherry Blossom Lodge No. 42 who have over the past 55 years, combined talents and energies to mold Cherry Blossom Lodge into the strong and united Fraternity it is today. Cherry Blossom Lodge has been a fervent proponent of charity and benevo-lence. The lodge continues to be a positive force in the community. The Lodge plays an important role in Youth activities, community projects and relief for the needy, by contributing countless man-hours and thousands of dollars to support those endeavors. Cherry Blossom Lodge No. 42 has grown from dispensation in Gifu to distinction in Tokyo. It sits proudly at the head of the Prince Hall Family at Yokota Air Base and through its growth over the past 55 years assures itself of even greater maturation in the future.
