History of St. Francis Lodge #236 K.S.K.J.

(by the late Edward M. Yerman and Joseph Nanut)

(adaptations and additions by Diana Fir Gremett)

Matt Yerman became a member of St. Joseph’s Lodge #53 in Waukegan, Illinois in 1910.  When the Yerman family came to San Francisco in 1927 Matt was very disappointed that he could not transfer to another K.S.K.J. lodge because there wasn’t one in existence. 

In due time he found out that there were other Slovenian K.S.K.J. members and they all had the same problem.  They needed a fraternal lodge because they wanted fraternalism.  So they decided to come together and signed up the required number of members to create a new local lodge. 

St. Francis Lodge #236 was formed on May 25^th, 1930 and incorporated on June 2^nd 1930 through the initiative and efforts of John Bartol and Anton Grdina from the home office. 

Charter members were John Bartol, George Barich, Martin Govednik, Mary Yerman, and Mary T. Yerman Kump, Mary Kramer Jacob Lausin, Mary Slasek, John Bartol Jr. and Bara Kramer.

The first few meetings were held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Matt Yerman of 500 Utah Street, San Francisco, who offered their home for meetings until the Lodge earned sufficient funds to rent a meeting room on a permanent basis in the Slovenian Hall.

Our first few years were very difficult.  World economic problems caused many new members to drop out because of financial difficulties.  However, with dedication and perseverance this young lodge managed to survive and became very active with its social and fraternal activities.  The membership grew after WWII with new arrivals from Europe who brought with them renewed spirit and enthusiasm.

Past Presidents include:  George Barich, Peter J. Barich, Anton Kump, H. John  Yerman, Franci Pecavar, Peter Pecavar, Joseph Fir, Anton Lukezic, Sonja Gregorin, Josef Zagar and Jozica Plut.

St. Francis #236 has been very active in supporting the welfare of the Church of Nativity, our National Parish Church.  This is a strong factor in keeping the Slovenian people together as an ethnic group.  Many Lodge members are in the Church choir under the direction of member Ales Simenc, Music Director and Organist. 

The lodge has been active in helping those in need.   We are participants in the Matching Funds program and are always open to suggestions and ideas from our members.

We have a yearly bowling event to involve our families in a night of fun and fraternalism.

Yearly we sponsor a Palm Sunday Brunch, an end of summer BBQ and a Santa party for the children.

Throughout all these years the St. Francis Lodge #236 has been fortunate to have hard working dedicated officers and members.  Our members enjoy a great feeling of accomplishment for all the good work done over the years and especially for the fraternalism that exists in our Lodge.  St. Francis Lodge #236 is proud to be part of the great K.S.K.J.  We will continue to strive with great confidence into the future.