Most Worshipful Hiram of Tyre Grand Lodge v. Most Worshipful Sons of Light Grand Lodge

actions involving conflicting claims of rival colored Masonic organizations were consolidated for trial. The first was an action for conversion in which a cross-complaint was filed asking damages for fraud. The second action was one brought by the Hiram of Tyre Grand Lodge against the Sons of Light Grand Lodge to enjoin the latter from conducting a grand lodge of colored Freemasonry in California. 1 The trial court found against Light in both actions. Thereupon Light attempted to appeal from both judgments. However, this court heretofore granted a motion to dismiss the appeal in the conversion case on the ground that the judg *28 ment was not final, an accounting being required. (Most Worshipful Sons etc. Lodge v. Sons etc. Lodge, 91 Cal.App.2d 582 [ 205 P.2d 722 ].) The present appeal deals only with the injunction action and the first action will be disregarded.

Facts

In 1910, Tyre was incorporated under California law as a nonprofit fraternal organization. It has operated continuously since that time and has at present 20 subordinate lodges with over 2,000 members. It was formed out of three “Blue” lodges in claimed accordance with Masonic law as set forth in “Masonic…