Yeomen of York-Minnesota Preceptory #16

 

On November 20, 2023, I had the privilege to attend my Yeomen of York meeting. We met at Mancini’s Char House in St. Paul. It’s a meeting I didn’t want to miss, for if you never have been to Mancini’s, it’s a family owned fourth generation old school steak house that is in the retro style of a Las Vegas lounge with the tunes of Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennet playing in the background.

If you’re not familiar with the Yeomen of York. It’s an invitation only appendant body of the York Rite. To recognize those who have demonstrated exceptional service to the Blue Lodge, and to the bodies of the York Rite. (Chapter, Council, Commandery), and to promote the Blue Lodge and York Rite Masonry.

Qualifications to be invited is that you must have presided in all four York Rite Bodies. To be an Officer you must have received your Knight of York Rite Cross of Honor.

I enjoy the style of Minnesota Preceptory # 16 meetings. There are monthly Zoom meetings with quarterly dinner meetings that you may bring your wife or date.

The recipe for these successful meetings is that we meet in a private room in a classy place, generous time to socialize with appetizers, with your favorite beverage, dinner choice of steak, chicken or fish, a short meeting, cake for dessert.

The Yeomen of York wear a black military style beret, with a crest attached that is two laurel branches with the symbols of the Blue Lodge, Royal Arch, Cryptic Council, Commandery in the center. But don’t be disappointed, we have other masonic bling in the form of a handsome name tag, and a polo shirt with the logo embordered that you can wear every day.

In case you’re wondering according to Websters dictionary the word Preceptory means a community of Knights Templar. The word Yeoman has various uses over the periods of time, so I'll use the Oxford dictionary definition that I believe is a good fit. Yeoman is a middle rank of servant in English royal or noble household.

Now I may get some flak for saying this. The big reason I enjoy the Yeomen of York it is one masonic organization where I do not have to do ritual work, nor prepare thought provoking lodge education pieces, nor organize a fund raiser. It’s a Masonic evening of just enjoying an evening of Brotherly love.