PHOTO: Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown, Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No. 290, presents a donation check of over $2,000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire Department.
On April 14, 2026, the South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No. 290 formally presented a donation of over $2,000 to the South Pasadena Firefighters Association. The South Pasadenan recently interviewed both organizations to uncover the details of the Mound Avenue chili cook-off that made this charitable contribution possible.
PHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire Department
The Chili Cook-Off Details
A dedicated Lodge committee featuring Jason Wilson, Adrienne Howard, and Phil Donlan organized the event. They coordinated the food, decorations, and live music, and invited South Pasadena Fire Department members to act as chili judges.
During the festivities, firefighters passed around their “fire boot,” successfully collecting well over $1,000 in cash from attendees. During a subsequent meeting, the Lodge voted unanimously to match those donations entirely, bringing the total gift to more than $2,000.
PHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire Department
Where the Funds Go
During their interview with The South Pasadenan, Fire Captain Mike Larkin explained that these donations go directly to the Firefighters Association’s separate account, rather than the city’s general fund. Lodge Master Nathaniel Brown noted he prefers the association decides how to use the money based on the community’s immediate needs.
Captain Larkin confirmed that more than 80% of these funds go directly back into the community. The Association supports various local causes, including:
Providing clothing or gift cards to South Pasadena residents whose homes have burned down.
Sponsoring local youth and supporting the South Pasadena Little League.
Supplying educational funds for staff and purchasing gym equipment for firefighter health.
PHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire Department
A History of Collaboration
The Masons and the local fire department have collaborated for roughly 10 to 15 years. They frequently connect over chili events and the city’s annual Fourth of July celebrations.
Captain Larkin emphasized that in a tight-knit, 3.5-square-mile community like South Pasadena, these charity events naturally cycle back to help everyone. The Lodge has even extended an offer to use their hall as a potential meeting space for the Firefighters Association in the future.
Demystifying the Masons
The South Pasadena Masonic Lodge has been a fixture in the city since 1888. Beyond the fire department, the Lodge supports the police department, volunteers at the Fourth of July parade, and holds an annual event to reward exceptional public school students.
With a current membership of about 200, Master Brown says the Lodge has been working hard to intentionally engage the community. They hope to dispel internet propaganda that frames them as a “super-secret society” by reminding residents that the vast majority of Masonry is entirely open.
How to Get Involved
Residents and organizations looking to connect with these groups have an open invitation to do so.
To support the Firefighters Association: Captain Larkin encourages residents to visit the fire station at 815 Mission Street. You can talk directly with association members to build rapport and discuss community needs.
To connect with the Masonic Lodge: Stop by their Mound Avenue location. The Lodge gladly offers open-house tours and welcomes local organizations seeking support or collaborations to reach out to them directly.
PHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire DepartmentPHOTO Esteban Lopez | The South Pasadenan | Nathaniel Brown Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No 290 presents a donation check of over $2000 to Fire Captain Mike Larkin at the South Pasadena Fire Department
