A Great Masonic Lodge, A Great Masonic Guest Speaker Made A Super Masonic Evening

Posted on March 4, 2016June 15, 2017 by Fred Milliken | 1 Comment

On a weekend late in February of 2016, I traveled to Oklahoma for a special Masonic event. It was the Spring Festive Board (untyled) for Lodge Veritas No 556, Grand Lodge of Oklahoma.

(Turn up the volume full for Bro. Flynn’s presentation)

We met at The Greens Country Club in Oklahoma City in full Masonic dress. There we started off the evening with cigars and the adult beverage of choice on the deck outside. As the sun slowly faded behind the horizon and the moon readied to take over, we gathered around a table with a mini fire pit and let the brotherly love flow. Some notable attendees were PGM Richard Massad and 33^rd Bob Davis.

There Was Camaraderie

What seemed like all too soon, we adjourned to the dining room for toasts, prayer, singing and great food.

Lodge Veritas No 556 Masonic Toast

Lodge Veritas No 556 Singing

There Was A Great Gastronomic Experience

The special guest speaker was Masonic artist Ryan Flynn who made an enlightening presentation on art in Freemasonry from the Middle Ages to the present. Flynn showed us how to look for hidden meanings and symbolism and where they were in some of the great works in history.

Masonic Artist Ryan Flynn’s Presentation

There Was Masonic Education And Shared Knowledge

After closing the Festive Board we retired once again to the place from which we had started, the deck outside with the fire pit in the table. This time, it was dark. But that did not dampen the Masonic spirit in the slightest. Stories flowed back and forth and for some, new friendships were cemented for time immemorial.

There Was More Camaraderie

This experience was a lesson in how the practice of Freemasonry needs to be complimented. It is how our Masonic ancestors often gathered in taverns many moons ago. It makes the business of the Lodge the opening of the Masonic heart, the inspiring of the Masonic spirit and the sharing of esoteric knowledge to widen the Masonic mind all in a festive, celebratory setting. More Lodges should hold events like this. It is great for Lodge morale and Masonic bonding.

The Grand Master’s Rooftop Table Lodge

Posted on October 5, 2013June 6, 2015 by Fred Milliken | 1 Comment

R to L: GM Wilbert M. Curtis, DGM Michael T. Anderson, GSW “Big” Bryce Hardin, GL Ivory Johnson

The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas recently held the Grand Master’s Table Lodge on an open air rooftop overlooking a view of downtown Dallas, Texas. The event was hosted by Metropolitan Lodge No. 146, Wor. Jerome D. Lacy presiding.

The Table Lodge is a tyled Entered Apprentice Masons Lodge. It harkens back to the Mother Grand Lodge of 1717 where one of the reasons for its formation was to hold the Annual Feast. Soon the Grand Master of that time directed there be installed into the ceremony the old, regular and peculiar toasts and health’s of Freemasons. Over time a Table Lodge became a prescribed ceremony with a ritual all its own.

Table Lodges in Colonial America were quite common as many Lodges actually met in taverns and a full course meal became part of “going to Lodge.” As the decades passed and a new century began, Table Lodges were continued as a way to promote fellowship, kinship and pride in Masonry.

“The Table Lodge had a most unusual pattern. Its entire meeting was conducted around the table, and the helpings of food and beverage were served in such a way they did not interfere with the other concerns of the Lodge. The arrangement of tables resembled a giant horse-shoe, with the worshipful Master in the East, at the center, and both Wardens in the West, at the opposite ends. The Lodge was opened with an invocation and closed with a song.”
“At first, there was an address, followed by many toasts and songs, but as time went by the lecture was omitted and the number of toasts and songs decreased. The final figure that was set for the toasts was seven, and in some Jurisdictions that number is still retained today.”
Under its skillful formula, the names of objects in the room were changed. The table was the Trestle Board, the cloth – the standard, the food – the materials, the glasses became cannons, the beverage – powder, the bottles – casks, the napkin a flag, forks were pickaxes, knives were swords, and spoons were trowels. To fill the glass was to “charge” it, and to drink it was to ‘fire’”.(1)

Today a Table Lodge has its own set of rituals, with its own particular opening and closing ritual as well as a seven course meal with seven toasts, one after each course.

The ritual of The Ceremony of the Seven Toasts is as follows:

Right hand to arms. (The right hand touches the glass).
Ready. (The glass is raised breast high, aim extended forward).
Aim. (The glass is brought to the lips).
Fire, Good Fire, Fire All. (All drink).
Present Arms. (The glass is brought to the second position in unison with the Worshipful Master, then the glass is brought to the left breast, then to the right breast, then again to the second position so that the movement makes a triangle. This triangle is made three times: then the glass is brought to the table in three moves – it is first carried a little to the left, then to the right and finally forcibly in unison to the table).

The Battery, three times three ( clapping 3X right over left, left over right, right over left). (Done)

ALL Vivat, Vivat, Vivat. (Right arm thrust upward with each Vivat).
Advance swords. (Knife is raised breast high, arms extended forward).

Poise swords. (Knife blade is elevated slightly, about 45°)

Salute with swords. (Knife handle is brought to within a few inches of the chin with the blade elevated about 45°)

Swords at rest. (Knife handles are carried in unison forcibly to the table – preferably in a flat position to prevent table damage).

The Battery, three times three. (Done)

ALL Vivat, Vivat, Vivat. (Right arm thrust upward with each Vivat).(2)

Wor. Jerome D. Lacy led us in all the toasts except the one to himself and other Worshipful Masters. The toasts were as follows: To the –

President of the United States of America
Most Worshipful Grand Master and the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge
The Worshipful Master and all sitting Masters
The Wardens and all sitting Wardens
Past Masters
Other Officers and visiting Brethren
To all Masons where-so-ever spread over the face of the globe

A great meal was had by all. The Table Lodge closed with all Brethren forming the Mystic Chain (arms crossed in front and clasped to the Brother to your right and left) and singing the ancient song written by Scottish Poet Laureate Brother Robert Burns in 1788– Auld Lang Syne.

Should old acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should all acquaintance be forgot
And auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne

: Grand Master’s Rooftop Table Lodge

(1) HISTORY OF THE “TABLE LODGE” – State College Masonic Lodge No. 700 F&AM – http://www.lodge700.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46&Itemid=41

(2) How To Conduct A Table Lodge, Phoenixmasonry – http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/table_lodge_history_ritual.htm

Why saying Happy Holidays is ok.

Posted on December 15, 2011June 28, 2017 by Greg Stewart | 3 Comments

The U.S. Constitution says in the first amendment that

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;

The enactment of this prohibition prevented the Federal government from establishing a national church or religion or to excessively involve itself in religion in general but particularly to the benefit of one religion over another.

The outcome of this prohibition in the 200 plus years since its signing is today a pantheon of religious practice across America and a change in the national practice of faith. In effect, the establishment of religious freedom has allowed for a unique form of national religion to emerge with its own set of practices, rituals, and traditions. It is in effect, an American religion, established in the vacuum of any other religious tradition.

So as to make the point, every year 25 million Christmas trees are sold in the United States, according to the National Christmas Tree Association. Each one of these 30 million trees are placed prominently in the home, business, or Public Square, and then decorated with elaborate representations of riches and finery so as to make this mundane tree of wood and leaf become something of a dramatic representation of splendor. Once decorated, many place equally stunning packages of varying size and decoration beneath it. And lastly, to punctuate the bedazzled tree and packages, many households hold elaborate parties within which many a carol is sung in its presence and special libations of holiday beverages (Eggnog anyone?) poured in commemoration of the trees decoration.

pop culture nativity, Crèche, nativity scene

Dog Nativity Scene Even Jesus Would Love! from bestweekever.tv http://www.bestweekever.tv/2010-12-21/dog-nativity-scene/

Amidst the special tree are a few ancillary affects which include a mysterious pot bellied man in a red suit who spreads cheer and mirth through magical gift giving, to whom many a child is taught to set out offerings of milk and cookies. And, under many of those trees is a small decorative Crèche, often remade with the pop culture cons of the day in representation of its historical significance.

Amazingly, nowhere is this ritual practice and performance written down or made sacred through any writing or sacred tradition.

Rather, its ideas are passed to the public through the things we buy such as the soft drink Coke, or its harder cousin Budweiser which annually make images of how to celebrate the holiday with their products. Or, in even more rabid devices created to influence your decisions in making purchases of gifts quelling your need to buy and collect for yourself and appealing to your need to appease the wants of those you love.

No, this American Religious tradition is unique and one within which art imitates life which is imitating art. Not many of us pull the candy canes and twinkle lights out in October, yet stores slowly begin to remind us of the coming tree adulating season.

Mind you, they’re not saying here comes the Christ’s Mass, their saying here comes Christmas, here come the holidays, or just simply Happy Holidays.

In case you didn’t make the connection, every December 25th, we celebrate Christmas which, as religious traditions go, is the birth of the Christian Christ Jesus. Yet, in the increasingly secular and religiously diverse America, we’ve kept the name of christmas (note the lowercase c) and created our own national religious holiday season.

But, this American Religion isn’t alone in its incorporation of the holiday and, in case you missed them, other religious holidays happen in December which only help to lend themselves to the greater notion of a Holiday Season so as to recognize everyone’s faith.

Islam celebrated Ashura on the 5th. Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar marking the climax of the Remembrance of Muharram. It is a Shi’a Muslim day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad at the Battle of Karbala on 10 Muharram in the year 61 AH (680 A.D.)

Buddhism, the much admired Eastern tradition, had Bodhi Day on the 8th which is celebrated as the day that the historical Buddha experience enlightenment.

Catholic Christians Celebrate several special days along with the Christian Mass including Saint Nicholas Day on the 6th. Saint Nick is perhaps the origin of the idea of Santa Clause as he is commonly called Nikolaos the Wonderworker for his secret gift giving. Also in December is The Immaculate Conception day on the 8th which celebrates belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And the Feast Day for the Virgin of Guadalupe on the 12th which is to commemorate the vision on the Tepeyac hill by the recently converted Aztec Indian, Juan Diego, of the Nahuatl Virgin Mary.

Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, is celebrated from the 21st through the 28th in remembrance of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt.

Pagan/Wiccan communities celebrate the Solstice with a Yule celebration on the 22nd. Yule is most likely the Germanic source for much of our winter arboreal adulation as it is a winter holiday consisting of feasting and celebration at the changing of the solstice. Today, the burning of a Yule log is a common theme which harkens back to this tradition.

On the 26th, Zoroastrian’s celebrate Zarathosht Diso, the death of Prophet Zarathushtra. The celebration of this holiday, held annually on December 26th is often a private and personal one held within homes and temples without an external manifestation.

Not to forget in Masonic tradition, St. John the Evangelist’s feast day on December 27th, most commonly celebrated on or near the solstice and a day to reconnect with your Masonic brothers after having been away. Often, if celebrated, it is with a Festive Board or Table Lodge.

And, one of my personal favorites is the remembrance of Saturnalia, the Roman era festival held in celebration in honor of the god Saturn, the father of the god Jupiter. In ancient times, this feast took place from December 17 through the 23rd and is thought to of begun around 217 B.C.E. Ironically (or perhaps not) the holiday consisted of celebrations, gift giving, and visiting of friends. The customary greeting for the holiday was “Io, Saturnalia!” Io pronounced “e-o”) which is a Latin interjection such as “ho” as in “Ho, praise to Saturn.”

With so many holidays and celebrations going on in December, it’s ok to step back and look at the months many celebrations and say Happy Holidays without stepping on your religious toes or secular admonishment of religion. Because Congress shall “make no law respecting an establishment of religion” its up to us to celebrate however we want – be it as one of the 30 million christmas tree buyers or as Buddhist celebrating the day of enlightenment. In either case, it make no difference, by the fact of our communal celebration we together are creating an American Religious Holiday.

Taking Lodge Back to the Table

Posted on August 29, 2010January 4, 2014 by The Euphrates | 3 Comments

Throughout my experience in Freemasonry, I have been able to determine that there is one guaranteed way to increase meeting attendance and activity among the membership: provide excellent food.

It really is no surprise that food is an important part of the Masonic experience. In his book Catching Fire, Harvard-based anthropologist Richard Wrangham suggests that the act of cooking and eating has made humans evolve into social creatures. Food is at the center of virtually every social function that takes place in our society. Humans often get together to have cookouts or go out to eat. So, not surprisingly, having a dinner as part of lodge functions enhances the overall experience.

I have seen different methods of providing a lodge dinner. One way is for the lodge members to cook the meal themselves. Sometimes, this is largely successful. Some lodges have the Brethren get together and cook the meal as a sort of social event with great success. Often, these lodges have members that enjoy the act of cooking and are very good at the art of preparing food. On the other hand, many of the lodges that cook the meals themselves produce bland, sub-par dinners that attract little attention from the members. In these lodges, the task of cooking is thought of as a chore and often the success of the meal is considered to be directly proportional to how cheaply it could be provided.

Another method of providing food is to have a meal catered or take the lodge event to a restaurant. This method requires the Brethren to either pay out of pocket or provide sufficient funds to the lodge to purchase such services. This is personally my favorite way to provide a feast at the lodge. It allows the Brethren to show up and enjoy the meal rather than show up at the lodge to work in the kitchen. Unfortunately, many Masons see this as an unneeded expenditure. They feel that it is too expensive for the Brethren. However, they don’t understand that a lodge can often purchase meals for the members for less than $20 per member per month. I believe that Masonry is worth $20 a month, but that is a subject for another article.

Regardless of how a meal is procured, it’s quality must be top notch. If you eat off of paper plates, the experience feels cheap and unimpressive. It is amazing how the attitude of a lodge will change when a dinner requires real glassware and silverware. Also, it is suggested that attire for a meal be at least a shirt and tie, but again that is a subject for another article.

Now, here is where I am going to suggest a real change. Historically, Masonry took place at the dinner table. The 1734 version of Anderson’s Consitutions contains a list of General Regulations which mention how Masonic feasts should be administered numerous times. In other words, feasting was so important that it was actually included in the earliest Masonic regulations. In America, early lodges were accustomed to meeting in taverns and enjoying food and drink as part of their meetings. I suggest that we must take the lodge back to the table. The lodge room is for degree work and conducting the regular business meetings, but the table is where the real Masonic intercourse can take place. Discussion about Masonry and Masonic education is better digested at the dinner table. The Brethren are more relaxed and less anxious. In the lodge room, the members often become restless and are in a hurry to end the meeting. But at the table, the Brethren are willing to sit and enjoy themselves.

You can hold many different functions at the table. Hold an official table lodge, invite a guest speaker to make some remarks, have a round table discussion, or allow Brothers an open forum to present their views on Masonic teachings. The possibilities are endless. It is guaranteed that good feasts combined with interesting conversation or speakers and a quality atmosphere will lead to a more active lodge.

One of the first changes that we can make to truly improve Freemasonry is to get back to the dinner table. Hold Masonic feasts regularly and often. Make them classy affairs that the Brethren can be excited about and look forward to attending. If the Brethren perceive their time with the lodge as valuable, they will not be afraid to spend a little money in order to enjoy a dinner with their fellow Masons.

Christmas and Freemasonry

Posted on December 18, 2009December 19, 2023 by Greg Stewart | 8 Comments

winter Solstice, holy Saints John, John the Evangelist

At its surface, the Christmas holiday has no intrinsic connection to the fraternity of Freemasonry. What I mean by that is no where in the degrees does it link itself to any particular holiday in its practice, in particular the Christmas holiday season.

Holy Saints John,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sol_Invictus John the Baptist, John the Evangelist, sol invictus, winter solstice, Freemasonry, holiday — The Holy Saints John

There are, however, certain Christmas celebrations that have become a part of the fraternity which are linked to one of the interesting symbols that resides at the heart of the practice. Without any specific reference, Masons are said to come from a Lodge of the Holy Saints John, the specific why and how of this connection is lost in the sands of metaphorical time, but some connection infers a balance to the celestial equinox (from summer to winter and back again).

Through this link, winter is said to be represented by the Saint John the Evangelist, whose feast day falls on December 27th.

This Holy Saint John has an interesting symbolic significance, in that, as John the Baptist (who represents the other Holy Saint John) was the precursor to the coming Christ, John the Evangelist is said to be the first disciple at the Lake of Genesareth who recognized the Christ and believed that he had risen.

Of the Saint it is also said that he was the only disciple of Christ to not to forsake him in the hour of His Passion at the foot of the cross. John the Evangelist is also called the Apostle of Charity, which may be in part, his connection to Freemasonry in addition to his unwavering resolve and purity of his love of the divine.

In creating the original construct of the two Johns, the conclusion that I came to was that they struck a balance between zeal and knowledge.

The Baptist who was the precursor of the Christ living in his zeal for the coming son of God and the Evangelist as the representation of knowing that the Christ was the son of God. Only in piecing the component of knowing did it become clear to me that it was not about the degree of knowledge gained, but the degree to which the Evangelist trusted his intuition, to know what was before him. An interesting parallel comes in the book of Matthew where this very lesson is communicated to Peter from the Christ who says in Matthew 16:15-17

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.”

This is somewhat out of original context, but illustrative of revealed knowledge based on experience, on learning.

John the Evangelist came to that knowledge by his experience with the Christ.

Another way of looking at this experience is coming from darkness to light, an awakening, and if you take it further, the dawning of awareness. This awareness sits squarely with the idea of Sol Invictus, or the conquering sun which overcomes its captivity of night from the summer solstice and again begins to vanquish the night in its ever increasing minutes of daylight.

Looking at some of the other symbolic connections, the Evangelist is said to relate to the alchemical symbol of the up pointed triangle which represents fire, where again we can see a link to light and knowledge. When we combine the alchemical sign of the Baptist with that of the Evangelist, we create the star of solomon, and the duality of fire and water, further, the duality of light and dark and summer and winter.

Further work attributed to John the Evangelist are the Epistles of John, and the book of Revelation, though his connection to them in later centuries has been contentious, as much of his life from 2000 years ago is lost to time. Within the church his feast day is first mentioned in the Sacramentary of Pope Adrian I near 772 A.D.

The message of the church, and something each of us can take away from John the Evangelist is to “Apply thyself, therefore, to purity of heart, and thou shalt be like Saint John, a beloved disciple of Jesus, and shalt be filled with heavenly wisdom.”

The feast of the Evangelist is little remembered today, except within Masonry where it is celebrated by a few lodges that still practice the Table Lodge ritual where brothers gather together to celebrate it with toasts to those brothers present and absent. in the past, it was considered a feast day of high importance for Freemasonry because of its proximity to the holidays and the presence of lodge members being close to home. Because of this, It gave those brothers a festival to meet under to punctuate the closing of the year. Meeting like this though is something less convenient in this modern day as most with families travels abroad to celebrate the holiday.

A Christmas Santa sitting in the worshipful masters chair of a Masonic lodge.

Because it is celebrated less does not diminish the importance of the day, nor the symbol itself, as in the modern ritual we are reminded that we come from the Holy Saint John’s in Jerusalem, and as such we should pause and reflect on just what that means. John the Evangelist gives us an important lesson to pursue knowledge and wake from the darkness and renew our commitment to the awakening light of the Victorious Sun. Even taken out the Christian metaphor, we can salute with Sol Invictus, as knowledge is re-awakened from its cold wintry defeat.

Through the lens of symbolism, John the Evangelist gives us a means to find resonance with the holiday of giving and compassion to the fraternity of brotherly love, relief, and truth.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Ceremony of the Seven Toasts

Posted on December 21, 2008March 21, 2014 by Greg Stewart | 1 Comment

For those coming to the show tonight, below is a brief description of the toasts to be proposed.

The format for each of the toasts will be the same. Although there are many other ways to do Toasts in various rituals, please follow the pattern given below for each toast this evening. The wine in your will be recharged once after every toast.

The pattern for toasting is below.

The Host Master will call the toast, this applies to all toasts.

All will acknowledge the toast raising their “Cannon” in front, shoulder high, the arm extended comfortably. The glass is held in this position during the reading of the next on of the Toast and during the response by the brethren.

The proposer will then give the toast, ending with “Brethren…” followed by the response that is to given.

All present will then respond by repeating the last phrase as given by the proposer.

Host Master Only says: “Ready”

On command “Ready,” bring the glass to your lips, ready to drink from it.

Host Master Only says: “DerryDoon”

On the command “DerryDoon,” the brethren drink their wine, then return their glass to arms length, eye level.

The Host Master will then say: “Brethren, The Good Fire, taking your time from me.”

The procedure for “Good Fire” is:

a) The Host Master will recite the following at a smart pace, marking time with his Cannon (Firing Glass), in the air;

b) All present follow the cadence set by the proposer, repeating, with the Host Master, in unison:

Vivat Vivat, Vivat!

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

On first command “Vivat,” move the glass to the left shoulder.

On second command “Vivat,” move the glass across the throat to the right shoulder.

On third command “Vivat,” move the glass back to the starting point, in front, completing a triangle. Repeat this sequence with each set of three “Vivat’s” completing three triangles, ending with the glass in front and at arms length. (“Vivat” is said while the glass is in motion)

On the command “One,” swing your arm to the left. On “Two,” swing your arm back to the right and up.

On the command “Fire,” all, in unison, will strike their Cannons sharply on the Table.

In order to avoid breakage we recommend not getting TOO boisterous, the glass is not a gavel!

The proposer will then say “Together, brethren” for the battery of Three Times Three.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

The Host Master will close the toast.

If the Host Master wishes, he may ask some brother to give a response to the toast. The brother does this, speaking spontaneously about the subject of the toast. The response should be brief’. The brother DOES NOT PROPOSE ANOTHER TOAST!

The next toast will then follow in sequence.

It is worth noting that the Good Fire is a triad of seven times three salutes (21 motions in all). The ‘GOOD FIRE,” or “QUICK FIRE” described above is really a 21gun salute, and in ancient times, especially in the French Rite, the Good Fire was given by an elaborate ritual using heavy “Firing” Glasses or “Cannons” with thick glass bases which could be struck upon the table top in time to the proposer’s cadence. We do a version of this.

Speeches may be interspersed between toasts at the discretion of the Host Masters. Furthermore, they may call for brief remarks from any brother as a response to any of the toasts.

IMPORTANT NOTE

NO BROTHER SHOULD PRESUME TO OFFER A TOAST.

TOASTS ARE RESTRICTED TO THOSE LISTED IN THE PROGRAM,

WITH THEIR ORDER AND PROPOSERS DETERMINED BY THE MASTER.

_____________________________

1. THE FIRST TOAST – Dean to give

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and CANADA

Host Master.: “are all cannons charged in the column of the West?”

Are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?”

Host Master.: “Brethren, it is my honor to propose this first toast to the United States of America and Canada! We offer our wishes for its honor and prosperity in peace, and for its continued Sovereignty, Independence, and the Freedom of its citizens. This is a health so dear to us that I invite you to deliver your fire as handsomely as possible. Upstanding, brethren!

ALL: (Rise and hold Cannons out in front, arm’s length at eye level

W.M.: “Brethren, I give you the United States of America and Canada!

ALL PRESENT: “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA!”

H.M.: ONLY: “Ready” On the command “Ready,” ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.

H.M.: ONLY: “DerryDoon” On the command “DerryDoon,” drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm’s length and at eye level.

H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.”

All present follow the cadence set by the Host Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

2. THE SECOND TOAST – Greg to Give

THE ANCIENT AND GENTLE CRAFT AND THE MEMORY OF OUR FOUNDERS

Host Master.: “are all cannons charged in the column of the West?”are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?”

H.M.: “Brethren, the Toast to the Craft and the Memory of our Founders which will be proposed by our Host MASTER:

“To Him who brought the stone and wood,

To him who all things understood,

To him who hapless, shed his blood in the doing of his duty,

To that bright day, To that blest more

wherein these three great men were born,

Our Ancient Science to Adorn With Wisdom, Strength and Beauty.”

“Host Master and brethren, I give you the Ancient and Gentle Craft and The Memory of Our Founders. This second obligatory health, which I have the honor to propose, is to the ties which unite a great Brotherhood, and to a future made great by reason of a greater understanding of the spirit of Freemasonry. This health is so dear to us that I invite you to deliver your fire as handsomely as possible. Upstanding, brethren!

ALL: (Rise and hold Cannons out in front, arm’s length at eye level

W.M.: “Brethren, I give you the THE MEMORY OF OUR FOUNDERS!

ALL PRESENT: ” THE MEMORY OF OUR FOUNDERS!”

H.M.: ONLY: “Ready” On the command “Ready,” ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.

H.M.: ONLY: “DerryDoon” On the command “DerryDoon,” drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm’s length and at eye level.

H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.”

All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

Introductions and Salutations

Round table for all present who wish to speak and make comment to the event and to Masonry in general.

3. THE THIRD TOAST – Dean to give

TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS, PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE AND THE BURDEN THEY BARE AS THE LEADERS OF OUR VENERABLE INSTITUTION.

Host Master.: “are all cannons charged in the column of the West?”

are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?”

H.M.: TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS

H.M.: “Host Master and brethren, I have the honor to propose a toast to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodges of Free and Accepted Masons of North America, the Most Worshipful Grand Masters that preside over them together with all officers and members of their Grand Lodge!”

“To its long and honored past, its steady adherence to our principles, their unfailing answer to the call of distress, and its encouragement to those who seek Further Light in Masonry. To their health, we gladly add our Fraternal wishes for its prosperity that it may direct with Wisdom, decide with Justice, and plan with Vision worthy of the Fraternity it serves, and of the brethren who constitute its Masonic people. Be pleased to join me in delivering this most Masonic and Fraternal Toast and Fire! Upstanding, brethren!

ALL: (Rise and hold Cannons out in front, arm’s length at eye level

W.M.: “Brethren, I give you the TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS! TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS

ALL PRESENT: ” THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS! TO THE GRAND LODGES OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE GRAND MASTERS!”

H.M.: ONLY: “Ready” On the command “Ready,” ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.

H.M.: ONLY: “DerryDoon” On the command “DerryDoon,” drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm’s length and at eye level.

H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.

All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

4. THE FOURTH TOAST – Greg to Give

To Masonic Central, the pod cast for Freemasons by Freemasons

Host Master.: “are all cannons charged in the column of the West?”

are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?”

Host .M.: “Brethren, the toast to our beloved Masonic Central. I beg permission to propose a Toast to our own beloved program Masonic Central. To this precious program, so close to the hearts of its participants, and to the brotherhood that has blossomed throughout the past year. Its brothers display an interest and loyalty unshaken by adversity, and unspoiled by prosperity. So may we all, each one of us, ever it reflect its integrity and its stability in our daily lives. Brethren, I give you the Masonic Central Pod Cast! ”

ALL: ” the Masonic Central Pod Cast! ”

H.M.: ONLY: “Ready” On the command “Ready,” ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.

H.M.: ONLY: “DerryDoon” On the command “DerryDoon,” drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm’s length and at eye level.

H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.

All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

9’o’clock toast – to our absent brethren

To our absent brethren

H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.

All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

5. THE FIFTH TOAST Designate TBD to give

To the Masonic Central Hosts

Host Master.: “are all cannons charged in the column of the West?”

are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?”

Designate: “Brethren, I have the honor of proposing a toast to our Host Masters Brother Dean Kennedy and Brother Greg Stewart

Designate.: “Host Masters and brethren, the health which I have the honor to propose is that of the Host Masters, who directs the labors of this Pod Cast, and of all who are near and dear to them. Be pleased to join me in delivering this Toast and the best possible fire in homage to these Brothers who serves us all. Upstanding, brethren!

ALL: ” Host Masters Brother Dean Kennedy and Brother Greg Stewart ”

H.M.: ONLY: “Ready” On the command “Ready,” ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.

H.M.: ONLY: “DerryDoon” On the command “DerryDoon,” drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm’s length and at eye level.

H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.

All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

Education Interlude – Greg

Saint John the Evangelist

6. THE SIXTH TOAST – Dean to give

THE VISITING BRETHREN

Host Master.: “are all cannons charged in the column of the West?”

are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?”

H.M.: “Brethren, this sixth Toast is to those visiting Brethren who honor us with their presence this evening. May this occasion persuade them to share our hospitality whenever their circumstances permit. To this Toast, we earnestly add the health of all Lodges affiliated or corresponding with ours. We hereby proclaim: UNION, CONTENTMENT, and WISDOM. Be pleased to join me in delivering the best possible Fire for this Toast. Please raise your cannons for this Toast.

All: (Hold Cannons out in front, arm’s length at ey level

H.M.: “Brethren of Masonic Central, I give you our visiting brethren!”

All: “Our visiting brethren!”

H.M.: ONLY: “Ready” On the command “Ready,” ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.

H.M.: ONLY: “DerryDoon” On the command “DerryDoon,” drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm’s length and at eye level.

H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.

All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

7. THE SEVENTH TOAST – Greg to give

THE TYLER’S TOAST

Host Master.: “are all cannons charged in the column of the West?”

are all the cannons charged in the column of the South?”

H.M.: ” Brethren, kindly be upstanding for the final Tyler Toast of the evening, Brethren, I propose a toast to all poor and distressed Masons, wheresoever dispersed over the face of the earth or water, a speedy relief to their suffering, and a safe return to their native land if they so desire. Let us with reverence invoke for all the favor of the Great Architect of the Universe that it may please Him to succor the unfortunate, and bring them into safe and good harbors. Brethren, be pleased to unite with me in delivering the most sincere of Toasts and most efficient of Fires to this last health. Upstanding, brethren!”

TYLER: “Worshipful Master and brethren, I give you our poor and distressed brethren!”

All: (Hold Cannons out in front, arm’s length at ey level

H.M.: “Brethren of Masonic Central, I give you our poor and distressed brethren!”

All: ” Our poor and distressed brethren!”

H.M.: ONLY: “Ready” On the command “Ready,” ALL bring the wine to the lips, ready to drink.

H.M.: ONLY: “DerryDoon” On the command “DerryDoon,” drink your wine, then raise your class comfortably at arm’s length and at eye level.

H.M.: “Brethren, the GOOD FIRE, taking your time from the East.

All present follow the cadence set by the Master. He will recite, at a smart pace, marking time with the triangular motions described in the earlier instructions.

Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!

End of table lodge – end of recording.