For the second time this year WB Kent Smith opened Friendship Masonic Lodge on the Entered Apprentice Degree this last Wednesday
As this article’s title alludes – there was quite an agenda laid out for us. But I’m not going to be coy – no one did the Macarena. But it really was a brilliant night.
As pledged at the January Brunch, February was our first try at a novelty in our lodge. Instead of a more formal dinner we enjoyed a robust selection appetizers. Brother Pease prepared his signature meatballs in red sauce, with vegetarian and vegan options, accompanied by curried pinwheels, fresh fruit, and veggies with dipping sauce.
The goal had been that this would encourage a more casual environment, where friends and Brothers were more comfortable making casual conversation instead of always watching the clock, worried about being on time.
The experiment was a stellar success.
Everyone was able to really relax and enjoy this time without worry or distraction. Even the Worshipful Master was able to have a more equal experience than our usual suppers would permit. We were joined for supper by two men just starting their inquiries into Freemasonry, both of whom stayed until after our meeting, to participate in our customary public philosophy discussion.
Once the meeting began several visitors were introduced:
As befitting a sitting Master, WB Ian Cawley was the first visitor introduced. He was treated to a full formal reception; being invited to sit with WB Smith in the East and was introduced to us by our Worshipful Master who led us in giving WB Cawley the public grand honors of Masonry.
Several points of internal business were dispatched with precision by the Brethren. By unanimous votes Friendship Lodge decided a range of things regarding our finances, supporting the annual Safety Patrol Picnic, and accepting Bro. Bronson’s application for affiliation. After WB Lee gave a report on the formation of a new Lodge Communications Officer role, the Master tabled all further discussion and called the lodge to ease so that we could enjoy WB Tate’s lecture on The Morgan Affair.
Murder Most Foul(?)
WB Tate regaled us with the background details of the infamous murder/disappearance of William Morgan in 1826 and how this added fuel to the fire of the U.S. Anti-Masonic Party. As WB Tate revealed layer upon layer of the story, the disappearance became suspicious in new ways. Morgan had signed a lucrative contract for a book revealing the secrets of Freemasonry, under a $500,000 penal bond. WB Tate explained that there was an abundance of these exposés in popular circulation at the time, which lead us all to ponder why bother? Maybe Morgan didn’t die – maybe it was just a stellar publicity stunt – following his disappearance book sales skyrocketed.
All of this inspired our Worshipful Master to meet WB Tate on the floor and present him with our challenge coin and give him a warm embrace in gratitude for his time and insights.
All of our guests remained after closing to enjoy some light refreshments as we engaged in a roundtable discussion of the idea of anti-Masonic sentiment. What have been the historical circumstances? Why does this sentiment exist today? How can we as open Freemasons counter it?
In all it was a wonderful conversation that touched upon history, culture, psychology, and even personal experiences of many of the brothers there. One of our non-Mason visitors even expressed how impressed he was with how open we all were and how earnestly he was included in our conversations.
Some hours after the meeting had closed, we cleaned up, locked up, and made our goodbyes; knowing we would all meet again on Saturday for the Memorial for RWB Robert Hopkins. This was perhaps the preeminent item on everyone’s mind, and properly marks the end of the week.
Really good post of a really good event …thank you