WESTLAKE LODGE NO. 392 was formed shortly after the turn of the century. In 1907, the number of Masons residing in the Westlake Park district [now known as MacArthur Park] had reached a total where it seemed advisable to establish a new Masonic lodge in the community. Petitions were circulated and the signers of these petitions held their first meeting on September 25, 1907, in Gaussert’s Hall at the corner of Seventh and Alvarado.
A Dispensation was granted to form Westlake Lodge No. 392 on December 10, 1907, with William A. Hammel as the Master, Henry Hurd as Senior Warden, and Frank Kelly as Junior Warden. Then and the other ten charter members received their Charter from Grand Lodge on October 15, 1908, at the Annual Communication in San Francisco.
The Sheriff in and for the County of Los Angeles, William Hammel, was the first Master of the new Lodge. Westlake Lodge continued to supply the Sheriffs of Los Angeles for many years including the late Eugene Bisscailuz, the genial, well loved Sheriff who served the County for many years.
At one time, Westlake had a membership of over 1,200 and was the second largest lodge in the state. In 1920, under Worshipful Charles Wild, 400 degrees were conferred and 128 members were Raised.