2023 Constitution Day Parade: Masonry in Action!

Constitution Day Parade 2023 in Nevada City, California

This September 17th marked the 56th time Since 1967 that Nevada City has been home to one of the few Constitution Day parades in the nation. As the modern-day torch bearers of freedom, Nevada Masonic Lodge #13 of Free and Accepted Masons are both the founders and hosts of the parade. The event started promptly at 1:30 when brothers of the local lodges, fully dressed in period clothing, replicated the signing of the Constitution. Among them were Worshipful Master John Byron Carlisle IV, Jeff Tynan, Tim Horner, Gabe White, Tim Brown, Dennis Lewis, and Lee Wilbourne. They each played the part of one of the 13 Masons who were among the original signers of our U.S. Constitution.

At 2:00 pm the Banner Mountain VFW Post 2655 led the parade carrying Old Glory. Proceeded only by Paul Haas making his usual ruckus as the “Town Cryer.” Later, Masons gave out pocket Constitutions, while Nevada County Fire, Sheriffs, and Nevada City Police gave out Pencils and Stickers to the kids. The Bear River and Nevada Union bands played a few ditties, and the Freedom Riders shook all the old windows on Broad Street by revving their Harleys. Several other organizations marched such as the local chapter of Wreaths Across America and there were even a few floats including a very elaborate-looking sailing ship by the Nevada County Tea Party. Of course, the self-dubbed World Famous Marching Presidents closed out the parade by chanting “Four more years!” The crowd was small but enthusiastic.

Banner Mountain VFW Post 2655 led the parade carrying Old Glory.

Brother Allen Schafer, in his capacity as a Mason and Shriner, explained to Sierra Thread some of the history behind the parade. “Over several generations, our local parade has become one of the premiere Constitution Day observances in our Nation.”

Colonel Bill Lambert is credited with conceiving the parade and was motivated to do so because “Lambert recognized the U.S. Constitution as the framework of our democratic process,” it was so important to him that he “personally offered financial support for the celebration.” All added proudly that “Nevada Lodge #13 continues to exemplify Masonic ideals and support of the U.S. Constitution.”

Allen tells us that Colonel Lambert held the office of Worshipful Master of Nevada #13 in 1966 and 1972. It is a distinct honor to be a Master of a Masonic lodge and Nevada #13 is a physically small but highly prestigious and historic California Blue Lodge. Predating California as a State, the lodge was established in 1850, but sadly the original lodge burned down with the rest of Nevada City in 1863. The building was rebuilt in 1864 and added a large dining hall, kitchen, and office area which still stand to this day. Two historic Lodges currently meet at the Nevada City Masonic Center: Nevada Lodge No.13 (est.1850) and Mountain Range Lodge No.18 (est.1852). Additionally, Madison Lodge No. 23 (est.1853), named in honor of James Madison “Father of the Constitution”, meets in Grass Valley. 

In 1976 the parade morphed into more than just a Masonic event, “It was from the tireless efforts of Colonel Lambert that Nevada City became one of a few communities west of the Rockies to be recognized by the National Bicentennial Commission,” which Shafer clarifies as the 200th Anniversary of our Country. It was then that the Nevada City Manager Beryl Robinson, City Counsel, and the Chamber of Commerce joined in this patriotic annual observation. For the last 28 years, the Marching Presidents further honored the Colonel by recognizing an outstanding citizen of Nevada City with the Colonel William H. “Bill” Lambert Award. This year it was given to Joanne Hild, a Sierra College Professor.

“There were other strong supporters of the parade such as George Harper and his wife Pat,” Allen recalled, “they were heavily involved and served as the coordinators for almost a decade.” Harper too was a Past Master, and they worked hard each year to recruit participants and entries which expanded the parade momentously.

In the Mason world, this event is also rare and unique and draws top Masons from all around to observe it. As Al put it “This is as close to a Masonic parade as there is anywhere in this country.” He added, “This parade is not just for regular Masons, but many Masonic groups participate in the parade in addition to our local lodges, there is the Eastern Star, the Scottish Rite Masons, Knights Templar, Shriners, and youth groups DeMolays and Job’s Daughters.”

This great tradition has also attracted the attention of some of the higher-ups. The pinnacle of Masonry in California is referred to as Grand Lodge, with the Grand Master being at its apex. The current Grand Master, Randall Brill, was on hand to join in the festivities along with several Grand Lodge Officers.

Allen offers that “since 1990 the Grand Master of Masons in California has traditionally been honored as Grand Marshal of the Parade,” he reflected that “we feel honored that the Constitution Day Parade is now part of the Grand Lodge’s official calendar.” The Grand Lodge and officers have exclaimed that the Nevada #13 observation of Constitution Day is a great example of Masonry in Action.