Follow the path of a Bible, abandoned in the Nevada desert, that found its way to the altar in the Grand Lodge of California.

This is the story of a Bible, a very special edition that adorned the altar of the Grand Lodge, the rule and guide of our faith and the cornerstone of Freemasonry in California Let me take you back in history 150 years.

The origin of this beautiful Bible was lost in the great desert of Nevada. Its original owner, an unknown pioneer, abandoned his Bible along with other books and household goods in a desperate attempt to lighten the load in his wagon. His animals, weakened by lack of water and feed, might survive, and this early settler could continue in his struggle to reach the valleys of California.

Later on another weary traveler observed the discarded items along side the trail. He stepped own from his wagon and for whatever reason was attracted to the forsaken Bible. He picked it up and continued on his journey to California.

After a brief stay in Sacramento the gold-seeker decided to pursue his dream of mining. He gave the Bible to an acquaintance, Dr. R. H. McDonald, who was known to be a Mason. Later in the fall of 1849 a Masonic Relief Association was formed in the City of Sacramento, dedicated to the care of families in need. Dr. McDonald, hearing that the new association needed a Bible, donated what was now known as the "Miner's Bible".

During the early days of the Association, Brother Caleb Fenner presented a charter from Hiram Lodge No. 1, A.F.& A.M., State of Connecticut. In due time, under the authority of that charter, the first Masonic lodge was formed in Sacramento known as Connecticut No. 76.

This lodge was formed in January 1850, and on its altar in all its glory was the Miner's Bible. Later in 1850, the Grand Lodge of California was constituted, and again the Miner's Bible was present. Subsequently, Connecticut Lodge became Tehama No. 3, one of the original California lodges, and among its possessions, then as today, was the Miner's Bible.

Over the years the Bible has been present at many historic occasions. Several of the early California governors chose to take their oaths of office on the Bible. It was on the altar in 1861 at the Cornerstone ceremonies of the State Capitol. It was present again when the State Capitol building was rededicated in 1978. It was at hand when Grand Lodge celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 1950 and later at its 125th Anniversary.

During the Master Mason degree in Tehama Lodge No. 3, every member has rested his hands on the Miner's Bible. Grand Master Anthony "Tony" Wordlow is a member of Tehama Lodge. It was therefore fitting and proper that when he took his obligation as Grand Master of Masons in California in October 1997 that he would do so on the Miner's Bible.

Hands placed on the Bible today link the past with the present and extend into the future.

Bruce Hart, Past Master of Tehama Lodge No. 3, prepared and presented "The Miner's Bible."