14. Table Lodge

Table Lodge is a yearly gathering of Masons for dinner that Lodges put on. Last night, Thomas Talbot put on its Table Lodge, and I was part of the help.

I arrived somewhat after 2:00. March has been an unusually rainy month, and we received more hard rain. The words sump pump have been occurring with frequency in conversation lately.

Terry, who was in charge of the dinner, and John the Worshipful Master, were already at the Lodge. John was setting up the tables. Terry put me to peeling potatoes. Fred, Junior Steward, arrived soon after and peeled carrots.

Others arrived as time went on,  and the kitchen was full of bustle as well as the usual sort of wiseass conversation that men produce. I spent more than two hours peeling and cutting 40 pounds of potatoes. Some 80 people were expected.

After the potatoes, I changed into my serving clothes: white shirt, dark pants, and red bowtie. Been so long since I wore a bowtie that I needed assistance getting it on. I then helped ready the dining room.

There were two columns of tables plus a head table, forming a U. At the far end from the head table was the servers table. The tables had three coloured strips, to identify for servers what people wanted to drink for the toasts. I will explain in a bit.

The Masons would not have a meal like this without a lot of ritual. Each course had its own toast, and there were required speeches throughout. This kept us servers busy.

A commemorative shot glass was set at each place. People placed their glass on the appropriately coloured strip on the table: red for red wine, white for white wine, and purple for grape juice. Servers refilled after each toast.

At the far end away from the head table of each column sat TTL’s two Wardens, Joe (Senior) to the left or North, and Ken, Junior, to the right or South. They and the Master gave the greater part of the ritual speeches. These were not memorized, everyone read their parts.

The toasts had a specific ceremony, which the Master explained at the beginning. Alas, I cannot remember the exact wording, but glasses were called to be charged, then, for the toast, we were told to ready, aim and fire.

After the glass was drained, we each performed a ritual motion with the glass, then the glass was slammed smartly on the table, then we clapped in three groups of three: right into left, left into right, right into left, then we yelled VIVAT (long live) three times. THEN we were ordered to take our dinner knife and use similar martial terminology to raise and salute with it then slam it on the table.

I am sure this ceremony derives from tavern fun in Britain. Seven ounces of wine, if one even chose to drink wine, through the course of a large meal, is not going to inebriate.

The ceremony was fun. It was not a drinking game, although it certainly could have been. I mean if stronger spirits were poured, or greater quantity, things could have devolved quite efficiently. But that was not the point of the dinner.

Still, the mock heroic nature of the toasts offered something to think about. Despite the playfulness, a sense of comradeship remains. We gather as a group, to be together as a group.

Ritual and ceremony continue to have import in our lives. At times, ritual and ceremony can become empty, and one goes through them unthinkingly. “The Star-Spangled Banner” performed at American sporting events tends to be an unthinking ritual,  judging by how cheers and clapping begin well before the song is over. Anticipation for the event itself sometimes overwhelms the ceremony of the anthem.

The speeches and toasts of  the dinner, despite their playfulness, fit the ceremony. Perhaps if there were more alcohol per toast, there would be more anticipation for the effects of the drink rather than the dinner itself. I guess I am overthinking this but I am trying to explain to myself why I enjoyed the dinner. I can be impatient with form lacking substance (or my suspicion of such), but here I felt there was substance to the form that the ritual took.

I did not mention who the servers were. William, the Exemplar for the First Degree, Jeff, and I were recently raised. We joined the veterans Andy (Junior Deacon), Jim (Senior Steward), and Keith (Associate Steward). I do not recall all who were in the bustle of the kitchen while the dinner went on. I know Chris (Senior Deacon) was there.

I was impressed by the efficiency with which the tables were cleared. We have all been in situations where a few people do a great deal and others do a little. I think I left a little after 9:00, with wine and food spatters on my white shirt.

13.Card Night,and More

I have written that I am not much for card games, or games at all, but I went to the latest card night. It was a bit of a bust,  but not unenjoyable.

After a week of uncommonly heavy rain and extensive flooding, Saturday was a beautiful mild spring day. It was a day that invited barbecues, so it was not surprising that people might have passed on card night.

I arrived right at 6:00. I wondered if anyone was there because there was only one car in the lot and lights were not evident. The door was open, at least.

Inside was Terry, the Lodge Secretary. He was not hopeful about attendance, for the reason noted above. Previous card night had been well attended but the force of a great spring day was too much. Several Brothers eventually showed up, including Jeff, who was raised when I was. The Worshipful Master also came by.

We sat and talked. The rain and flooding presented an obvious topic, and there was various Lodge and Masonic gossip. I enjoy listening to such talk.

Terry wanted to put up the sign adverting the upcoming Open House. Jeff and I went out with Terry to do that. While we were doing that Ken, the Junior Warden (I think I have most of the Officers correctly identified now) arrived.

People brought food, as requested, and at this point it seemed a good time to eat. Ken and John,  the Worshipful Master, were hot to play cribbage. Neither Jeff or I play cribbage, so we watched. Terry kibbitzed like a pro.

It was a pleasant evening despite a low turn out. A number of the Lodge Officers attended what is called The Master’s Way, which possibly kept some from attending card night. The Master’s Way is preparation for becoming a Master. Lodge Officers are in line to become Lodge Masters. I do not know what order is involved in this, though I think Senior Warden moves directly to Master. I will learn more before I write further on this. TTL has a good line set up: a lot of Brothers interested in becoming Officers.

Last Monday was Lodge of Instruction, and I fully intended to go. Unfortunately, 15 minutes before I was to leave, a storm related problem at our apartment meant I had to miss LOI. That was a disappointment.

Today is the state-wide open house of all Lodges. I showed up at 9:00. A number of Officers and Past Masters were there. I was dressed casually but the Officers were in suits, and at least one wore a tux. I was not needed but I stayed for the morning. I helped setup the dvd presentation of Freemasonry from the District, ate doughnuts and hung out. I joined some pre-applications,which is when a prospect is interviewed and  signs up.

Pre-app requires a quorum. I was with John the Worshipful Master and John the Past Master. The Candidate was very eager. I saw several other eager Candidates. I do not know if there were any curiosity seekers, hoping to see something secret.

John the Past Master told how his grandfather was a Mason. John’s father did not understand why John’s grandfather did not invite his son to be a Freemason. At the time, Mason’s were abjured against inviting people to join, a person had to ask. John, as Worshipful Master, got to raise his own father.

The secrets, such as I know and understand, of Freemasonry, seem mostly to do with tradition. I can see the passwords and such coming out of operative masonry (that is, actual stoneworking). And the era of Freemasonry’s birth was one in which one’s identity was not so well protected as now. That’s my speculation, anyway. Tuesday I will help serve at Table Lodge.

12. Master Mason,Third Degree

Last week, I was raised to Master Mason. I did not expect to be as excited by this when I started out with Freemasonry. The rites and ceremony got to me.

I arrived early this time. The place was already jumping. At the door was a Steward, I think, wearing a sash and greeting every arrival.

This was Past Master Night, when Past Masters get to run the Lodge for the night. The Lodge opened on Third Degree, so, again, the Candidates could not be part of that. We waited downstairs while the Lodge was quickly opened then everyone repaired to the dining room.

This time, dinner was served rather than buffet. Meatloaf and baked potatoes. The served meal made the evening even more special.

There were seven candidates. I learned yesterday that more than five at a time requires an Exemplar. An Exemplar was chosen. He had to wear the raggedy outfit, and no shoes.

The Worshipful Master turned the proceedings over to one of the Past Masters (who also has held District Office), and Past Masters took over the duties of Wardens, Deacons, and all the other Offices.

I cannot wait to see the degrees again, this Third Degree especially, because I do not remember the details well. The first part of the ritual was similar to the previous degrees. I think the business meeting fit in between the first part and the second. I will, at any rate, proceed as if that were the case.

The business meeting had some surprising fireworks, though I guess I overstate things by saying fireworks. Along with the reading of membership requests and other usual business, there was a vote concerning a Candidate.

Complaints had been made about this Candidate, who was not at the meeting.  The matter had been brought up previously, not when us Candidates were present. The Candidate in question had serious legal problems in the past. He did not mention them when he joined. I am unclear whether he has continued in his criminal activity. He did not answer any requests for more information or to defend himself.

The discussion was as one might think. Some brought up the Masonic ideal of making men better. The opposing argument centered on him being a civil servant who abused the position.

Normally, the vote would be by hands, but a secret voted was requested and assented to. Candidates were not eligible to vote, and I am glad not to have that duty in this case. I get both sides. I said before, I do not like exclusion, nor do I like to cast judgment, but Masonic standards are clearly stated. The vote was 24-14 in favor of ousting him. One Brother declared that this is the first time in 20 years that someone had been voted out of the Lodge. He did not want us Candidates to think this was a common occurrence.

The second part of the ritual was a surprise. As happened previously, the Exemplar was led  around the Lodge Room to different stations. At one point,  someone from the sidelines accosted the Exemplar and his guide (the Marshal, I presume). What followed was a play.

The narrative concerns those involved in the building of Solomon’s Temple. Three interlopers separately accost the Exemplar demanding secrets of the Temple. The guide remonstrates and the Exemplar is killed. The third murder is the final one, and the guilty parties dig a grave and bury the Exemplar. One of the candidates mentioned seeing a Lodge in which they have an actual hole in the floor. At TTL it was all pretend.

The drama reminded me of a Mystery Play, ritualistic and mysterious. There was a point when the scoundrels raced out the door, except that someone was standing behind that door. Yow! The performers were  really into the drama. As I understand, Scottish Rites, which consists of Degrees 4-33 (Degrees 1-3, regular Freemasonry, is also known as Blue Lodge, with no definite explanation for the term), is entirely made up of such dramas, complete with costumes.

The drama ended with the raising of the dead.  The Exemplar spent a lot of time laying on the floor while the drama ensued. Our final act was to sign the by-laws and receive our dues card. I have not been asked for dues yet.

After the Lodge closed, we repaired to the dining hall for dessert, a delicious blueberry cream pie. On a table were Bibles and a large certificate that can be framed.  Both were signed by all the Lodge Officers, and the Bible was signed by guests that evening. I did not mention that the guests, or perhaps some of them, excused themselves from the meeting when the matter of the banished Candidate came up. I do not think it was improper for them to be there, but it is the sort of thing that wants to be kept close to home.

I have a Bible from when I was christened. The new one is large format, with a lot of pages for listing family members and such. It is a Masonic Bible, so it has a lot of information about Freemasonry, including a glossary. It is a King James Bible.

Sunday, just to finish up briefly, Sunday we had Cipher Training. The more you read the cipher, the more you put sense to the code. One makes reasonable guesses, only to learn that it is another word.

Terry, our Secretary, invited me to help at the Table Lodge dinner latter this month. He asked all the Candidates. I will be wearing a red bow tie, and I will be serving the dinner. Also eating some. This is a fancy dinner, meant to be fun. I believe alcoholic beverages will be served. Woo hoo. There is a game night coming up, which I may attend. I’m not much for cards, or games, even, but it may be fun.

11. More Sunday Breakfast

I suppose that the adventure of participating in the monthly breakfast at Thomas Talbot Lodge will diminish in interest, but I think today’s breakfast is worth recounting. My next installment for sure will have matter of interest, since I will receive my 3rd Degree. Until then, today’s breakfast.

I arrived at the Lodge around 5:45. The sky was clear and the sun just starting to light the horizon. Spring is in the air. Just Andy, Junior Deacon, was in the kitchen when I got there, but soon Joe, Senior Warden came. I helped chop potatoes, and drank coffee that Past Master Bob brought.

Joe and Andy were speaking about the upcoming degree work then remembered that I was there. It is part of the ritual that one not be schooled beforehand, and I appreciate that. There has been nothing as yet that has been uncomfortable in any way. It is the palpable experience of the symbolism that makes the ritual, at least for me.

They joked about getting the goat ready for the ceremony. I said I had planned to bring my own goat. This I appreciated, as well. I admit I have joked with my wife about Masonic sacrifices, the sort of inflated assumption that rumor invents. If I have not said it previously, I hate conspiracy talk. By that I mean, the sort of wild extrapolation that fills way too many gaps with invention.

Things were in hand in the kitchen so I helped set up the tables. Tony, who I have met before, took charge of the dining room. I learned where things are stored, and how to do things. At 7:45, a couple arrived, hopeful that they would be served because they had to go somewhere at 8:15. Of course they were served.

My wife arrived around 8:30. I took the opportunity to sit with her. It was hard to relax because it was getting busy. After we ate, she left, and I returned to serving.

I had talked up the Sunday breakfast to two of the other Candidates. One, Jeff,  started helping to serve while I was eating, and another, one of the Williams, came with his wife to eat before going to church.

More than 140 people attended the breakfast, which is a record. We emptied the first urn of coffee long before the breakfast was over, and a run to the supermarket for eggs was required.

A large group of weekend bikers fueled up before their ride. It has been just that sort of day when you start thinking of getting outside one way or another. After 10:00, things quieted. We did a clean up. When the dining room was finished, it was 11:00, and I took my leave.

10. Second Lodge of Instruction

I attended my second Lodge of Instruction, again in Lowell. I arrived on time but fewer people were around than last time, at least to begin with. The meal (American chop suey) was slow to start, too. Six candidates from Thomas Talbot were ushered to a table by a Mason, who I think sponsored three of the candidates. The four of them talked a lot about the Moose Lodge.

The Worshipful Master of one of the Lowell Lodges sat at our table. He showed interest in the Moose talk.

Candidates were allowed to participate in the opening of the Lodge because it opened on the First Degree, and we were all Second Degree. It is beginning to make sense to me. This Lodge was Masons only, no outsiders. I do not know how that is determined. I mean, there seems to be a regular calendar of events.

Partway through, Candidates were led away for instruction by degree. Us from TTL were joined by three from a lodge in Tewksbury. Chris, TTL’s Senior Deacon, brought us to a parlor by the front entrance, and gave instruction in Second Degree.

Chris talked about the two ciphers we have been working with, the ritual and symbolism therein. I really like that symbolism. Likening a person’s spiritual growth to how an operative mason—that is, an actual stone mason—begins as an unknowing apprentice and through study and work gains knowledge and understanding: this is rich imagery.

Chris explained other aspects of Freemasonry, as well as his interest in the Templers. I too am fascinated by the Templers, though not in the Dan Brown sense.

The parlor had high ceilings, old furniture, and its  walls were lined with dusty portraits of dour looking men. It felt like another world. In the hall where we ate there was a sign adverting the need for renovation of the roof. The Thomas Talbot Lodge, which is a good 120 years old, seems fresh in comparison. Not to say that I do not enjoy the presence of the building.

In comparison, the Tewksbury Lodge is less than 40 years old. It probably lacks the settled mystery of these older buildings. In addition to the large meeting room, and the Egyptian Room, there is a Grecian Room. I look forward to seeing that!

After instruction, there was a gathering in the lobby, where a lot of people smoked. I do not mind smoking, it is just so verboten nowadays that it is worth noting.

Returned to the meeting, we candidates were given the gist of the talk that we missed while in instruction. It was essentially a sermon, based on a psalm. The person who spoke was a practiced and effective speaker.

As occurred the last time, someone who must be from the Grand Lodge (district headquarters, so to speak) spoke. He wore a jaunty brimmed hat, very British looking. I gather that this hat is a badge of office.

I do not recall if I mentioned it last time, but there is a cup that is awarded to the Lodge with the most members attending Lodge of Instruction. TTL commonly wins the cup but last time we tied with another Lodge. Our Worshipful Master (I have incorrectly been saying just Master) graciously let the other Lodge take the cup home. TTL won it back this month.

The meeting closed on time. When I was outside, a passerby across the street called over to me. He asked if I was lost. Before I could answer, he said, “This is Merrimac Street,” then went on his way, having helped his fellow man.

Sunday will be another breakfast, which I will help with. A week from tomorrow I will get Third Degree. The use of that term in common parlance is explained in that the Third Degree asks the most of a Candidate. At any rate, the upcoming meeting is scheduled to be an hour longer than the usual meeting. All to be written of later.

9. Blood Drive

Sunday was the Red Cross blood drive. At the last business meeting, it was suggested that people come down to help. I decided to do that.

The drive was to begin at 9:00, so I arrived around then. I went into the kitchen where I found Ken, the Junior Warden. He was in charge of the drive. I asked him if I could help.

He was preparing beef stew to feed donors and everyone else. He accepted my offer. I imagine I could have done something else if I met someone else. I did not know what helping out at the blood drive entailed. I just wanted to participate.

I became Ken’s sous-chef. I peeled potatoes, chopped onions, cut and trimmed the beef, and helped sauté the beef. Ken observantly noticed my ability to cook messily. Honest, I will do better. And I will clean up after myself.

The blood drive got off to a bad start because of the furnace. It stopped working sometime overnight. Blood cannot be taken unless ambient temperature reaches 59 degrees. That is a Red Cross rule.

The Red Cross considered moving to the town hall. The logistics of that were impractical, so they waited to see if the furnace could be fixed. A furnace repair man arrived and  got it going, and the temperature eventually reached proper level. No blood was drawn till after 11:00. A handful of prospective donors left, therefore, but a decent group remained through the day.

A handful of Masons attended. Some greeted arriving donors, some I presume donated, and others, I am guessing, just came to hang out. A Boy Scout troop was on hand to help.

My own duties were anything but onerous. The cooking was not stressful like the breakfast is, it was not to order. When the stew was done, we served it to whoever wanted some. Ken made plenty because leftovers could feed attendees to the business meeting that evening.

I did some dishwashing, using the dishwasher. I used an industrial dishwasher years ago, while in high school. I barely remembered how it worked. I did some clean up then left at 2:30, feeling guilty about having left my wife on Valentine’s Day. Things were quiet, but Ken had been there since 6:00.

At 6:00 pm, I returned for Cipher Training. This time, I dressed casually. There were 4 candidates from Thomas Talbot plus 2 from the Lodge in Tewksbury. I do not know why people outside TTL venture here. Well, I understand that there is a lot of interchange and sharing among Lodges.

I really like the enveloping symbolism of Freemasonry. I am reminded of tarot cards, because every detail is meaningful. In saying that, I do not want to equate Freemasonry with tarot.

Cipher training helps explain the ritual through which we went. Andy and Chris and a past Master who is now Marshal led the training. I am getting better at reading the cipher. The cipher is basically a mnemonic to help you recall the  rituals that you have been through.

I attended  the business meeting afterwards. The Masons have a CHPs program, child identification, which I will volunteer for. I will probably also join Thomas Talbot Cooks. Other Lodges hire TTL cooks to prepare meals. Lodges pay for the service and it is, like the breakfast, a way to add to Thomas Talbot’s coffers.

This coming Monday is another Lodge of Instruction.

8. Exemplar for Second Degree

Tuesday was the regular meeting. I wasn’t sure but had a feeling that there would be more degree work. When I arrived, once again late (I guess I should aim for 6:00, not 6:15), the person in charge of floor work was explaining what would happen.

We were not allowed to attend the opening of the Lodge because we are all First Degree and the Lodge was opening on the Second Degree. The previous meeting was opened on the First Degree, but we were yet to reach that level. The next meeting will open on the Third Degree, and we will again be restricted. Once raised to the Third Degree, we are Master Masons, and can attend the opening of every Lodge. That is my best understanding right now. I think I have proven that my best knowledge is not exactly perfect.

There are no higher degrees in Freemasonry, that is in Blue Lodge. Blue Lodge is the first three degrees. I have it reliably that the derivation of Blue Lodge is unclear, and in fact, I have rarely heard the term used. If you want to press on to further degrees, you join Scottish Rites. York Rites is another path that you can take. I am pretty sure my grandfather held high degrees, so he must have been in Scottish Rites.

The Lodge was quickly opened then recessed for dinner. Once again, candidates were not allowed to pay. I welcomed the meal because I missed lunch. Meatballs, bread, salad, and soup made the meal. Andy, who was in charge of the breakfast, and who is Junior Deacon not Junior Warden (I looked it up), sat with us. As the meal was breaking up, he called me over to ask if I would be Exemplar. Shucks yeah!

I had inferred that the previous Exemplar (who was in attendance, maybe I just missed him at the other recent events) had practiced his part but a fellow Candidate sensibly said no. The Officers practice their parts, but the Candidates do not.  That is the point for Candidates, moving from darkness—ignorance—to light. I think the secrecy associated with Masonic ceremony is intended to allow Candidates to feel the essential power of the ceremony freshly.

I went upstairs with Andy, and he quickly explained what I would be doing. It was roughly what the previous Exemplar experienced. I had to change out of my suit into a pajama-like outfit. This outfit resembles a cross between a karate gee (gi?) and a hospital johnny. It featured inscrutable tie strips that I never figured out. When Andy saw what I had managed with the outfit, he performed correction.

Outside the Lodge Room door, a blindfold was put on me and more was explained as to what I would do and experience. A number of people accompanied me. They kept me informed and reassured.

At some point, before I entered the Lodge Room, hands were off of me, and I got the idea that I was supposed to kneel. I think people thought that I panicked. I didn’t, I was just confused. I did not correct the impression that I panicked because I did not want to sound defensive. In addition, I felt it right to be humble, and not let the impression others had (or thought they had) rule me.

I was led in by Andy, Junior Deacon, and handed off to Chris, Senior Deacon. Chris took me to the various stations.  There was a lot of walking, with rectilinear turns.

At the altar the Master had me and the other Candidates recite a very long passage. Besides this, I had to speak only two other times, answering questions.

After the blindfold (or hoodwink) was removed, the Senior Deacon led to me various pictures on the walls. I do not know if these pictures have always been there. Probably so, because they all had lights on them. The Senior Deacon had extensive speeches to recite to me, explaining the pictures. These pictures, I hope I am not revealing too much, concerned the Temple of Jerusalem, and the Masonic symbolism found therein.

At one point, the Senior Deacon spoke of the various types of columns, Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian, plus the two Roman ones, which I cannot recall the name of. I recall being taught about Greek columns in elementary school. I do not know why columns were important to be taught back then, but the lesson stayed with me.

I was led from the floor, and told to get back into my suit. I missed the vote but I was not eligible to vote anyway, as was the case with the other Candidates.  The ceremony finished with us lining up to receive the handshake of the Master, and another cipher book.

The meeting was recessed for ten minutes, then continued with some business. The Chaplain Emeritus was awarded a certificate from the Grand Council for his years of service, a few upcoming events were adverted, and the floor work was praised.

When the meeting closed, I made a point to thank Andy for asking me to be Exemplar. I also complimented the Master and the Senior Deacon, because they both had a lot to memorize. The Senior Deacon said that the reason that I was chosen was my participation in the breakfast. I am glad that I had the opportunity.

This ceremony touched me more than I might have predicted. The sense of being brought into the light was keenly felt.

This Sunday, the Lodge participates in a Red Cross blood drive. I will try to work that. Cipher training is possibly the same day, and the week after, Lodge of Instruction.