Covering California Freemasonry

Little Treasures

By Justin Japitana

mini lodge

At first, Tim Werkhoven wanted to learn carpentry so he could build himself a house. As with so many hobbies, though, skill and budget forced him to start small. Real small.

More than 35 years later, Werkhoven still hasn’t built that house, but he does have a lifetime’s collection of birdhouses and the like to show for it. And, of course, there’s the scale-model Masonic lodge.

The 1/16-scale mini lodge is now a prized possession of Redlands Lodge No. 300. It includes wooden framing as well as siding and shingles milled from decorative door skins. “It’s basic, it’s simple, and it’s honest,” Werkhoven says. “There’s no drywall to hide sloppy work. What you see is what you get.”

PHOTO CREDIT:

Tim Werkhoven

Share

Related articles

Oscar Arguello finds fellowship through education and service.
Older man in a badge-adorned hat cradles a small furry animal while seated amid decorative plates and display figurines.
For Freemason Jerry Zeldes of Home № 721, clowning around was so much more than just
Close-up of a man's face looking upward, mustache visible, blurred white blossoms and branches filling the background.
An illustrious ancestral connection discovered in the member profile of K.C. Farrell.
Man in dark suit stands with hands in pockets beside a column and blue panel with multicolored star, table foreground.
Meet Darryl Watts, member of Elk Grove No. 173, who helped organize a 3,000-pound donation with
Oversized ceremonial check held by a smiling group at a baseball stadium event.

Give now

Our philanthropic causes are supported entirely by generous contributions from California Masons and our families and friends.

Search

Explore virtual exhibits and collections
Group of men lean on a balcony railing, smiling in matching navy polos; arched stucco wall and flowering plants behind.
Get inspired
CA Freemason Magazine
latest digital issues
Fall 2026: Masonic Los Angeles
Summer 2026: Sacred Ground
Spring 2026: Masonic Style
A Simple Guide to Understanding—and Talking About—Freemasonry