Boston Commandery #2 Strawberry Festival

 

I had the distinct honor and privilege to attend one of the finest Masonic events and one of the preeminent Knights Templar events that I have ever attended, thanks to my Masonic Brother and Eminent Commander Dan Daily, and the Boston Commandery #2.

The invitation materialized because I was planning a trip to Boston that was a combination of business and pleasure. I was excited for this trip as a chance to renew my relationship with my Masonic Brothers that I had developed when I visited Boston as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota in 2011.

The Boston Commandery#2 Strawberry Festival is one of their premier events of the year. It is a social gathering held each year just before they stop activities for the Summer.

The Boston Commandery has a 221-year history that is deep, rich and unsurpassed. I would be amiss if I didn’t briefly mention their history and to add perspective for all to appreciate it more.

When knowledge of the Order of the Temple came to Boston. America was part of the British Empire, and King George III was its King.

Traveling British Military Lodges played an important role in the spread of Freemasonry across the globe. When on October 1, 1768, several regiments of British soldiers arrived in Boston, among them were several regiments that had military lodges. The 14^th Regiment (Irish) in which Army Lodge #58 was held, and the 29^th Regiment (Irish) in which Army Lodge #322 was held. A month latter the 64^th Regiment (Irish) in which Army Lodge #106 was held was added. It was these Army Lodges which brought to Boston a knowledge of the Order of the Temple.

These troops held regular Masonic relations with the Lodge of St. Andrew in Boston which had received its charter from Scotland. Within a year, a Royal Arch Chapter under the charter of St. Andrews was formed. The recordings of this first meeting were preserved and today we can see that at the meeting ten Brothers were present, of which six were soldiers, and four were members of the Lodge of St. Andrew. The British Soldiers were chosen as the top three officers. This implies that the soldiers knew the work of the Royal Arch. The orders of the Knights Templar were performed under the Royal Arch Charter.

From August 28, 1769, until 1794 the orders of the Knights Templar were worked in the Royal Arch Lodge.

Then from 1794 the Orders were continuously worked without a chartered authority, but the knowledge of the ritual was never lost. 

On March 12, 1802, a group of Masons who were Sir Knights, established Boston Encampment of Knights of the Red Cross. On December 21, 1805, these same Masons formed the Encampment of Knights Templar, and on March 15 of that same year, the Encampment of Knights of the Red Cross dissolved, and later the name was changed to Boston Commandery #2 Knights Templar.

Thomas Jefferson was President when Boston Commandery #2 was formed. –

The venue for the festival was the Daversport Yacht Club, located just thirty minutes north of Boston.   If you have traveled to Boston, you are aware that traffic in and around Boston, can be challenging at all times of the day.

Daversport is tucked away on a nineteen-acre picturesque waterfront peninsula on the Porter River that leads directly to the Atlantic Ocean. The idyllic view is just a classic Massachusetts waterfront view.

The gathering location was a courtyard surrounded by groomed gardens with a large tent pavilion. The weather could not have been more perfect, which given the rainy days leading up to the event, was a bit of a surprise to me.

Inside the tent, the tables were set with white linens for the 98 attendees. Waiters were roaming with trays of appetizers, a bartender was serving refreshments, and just outside the door was a well-proportioned table full of cigars.

The stage was certainly set to facilitate for the magic that occurs when the Masonic Brothers gather and engage in conversation, but we simply call it Brotherly Love. When this group of Masons meet, their conversation is relaxed, open, caring, curious, nonjudgmental and filled with humility. 

It was so good to see familiar faces and re-connect with acquaintances, as was well as meet so many new Brothers. It was the most welcoming of meetings, and as a matter of fact, they were very concerned about my welfare being from the Midwest, so they wanted to help me fit in. My Brothers at the table, as we waited our turn at the buffet line, conducted “how to speak like a Bostonian lesson”.  Yes, I took notes…

I was politely informed that for those natives from Massachusetts or MA, as they refer to the state, only have 25 letters in their alphabet, which does not include the letter R.

We had a lot of fun as they helped me learn the correct Bostonian pronunciation of chowda, lobstah, wotta, or the phrase, I pahk the cah in Havahd yahd.

Now that’s Brotherly Love!  

As we were waiting for the main course to be served, I was asked if I liked lobster. I replied that it is a delicacy in Minnesota, and I enjoyed the sweet tender meat. As I finished speaking the waiter placed a platter containing the biggest lobster, I have ever seen in my life in front of me. I had never seen a lobster that big back at my hometown Red Lobster!!!

It had been a decade since I had eaten a whole lobster and as I looked at that huge lobster, I was trying to recall the process to get to that highly prized succulent meat. I observed that the brothers sitting around be appeared to be true afficionados, so I followed their lead.

First, when eating a lobster, one does not utilize a lot of culinary sophistication.  No way around it, I was going to get up close and personal with my meal. I was going to be eating with my fingers, and it was going to be messy. That big lobster bib they handed to me was a suit saver, and I highly recommended that you use it whenever eating lobster, for that bib is all that stands between you and a multitude of lobster juices.   It will be come your best friend, especially if you happen to be wearing a suite and silk tie as I was. What commenced was a lot of cracking, pulling, and twisting with bits of shell and juices flying in all directions.  I used a tremendous number or napkins and wet wipes, and I wished I had thought to bring a roll of paper towels. Eating a lobster isn’t just a meal, but an experience, and a workout as well.

As I was busy cleaning the flying lobster juices from my glasses and getting my fingers caught in the lobster cracker, I found the conversation between the Brothers both uplifting and pleasing for they were discussing what activities they were planning for their Lodges and the York Rite. It was so exciting to hear of the plans for an upcoming installation of a new Worshipful Master and officers of a Lodge and that they were expecting 120 people to attend. The York Rite degree teams had been holding rehearsals and had a few last degrees to perform before the summer season, and they were already throwing out ideas for Fall activities. For me, as a Craft Mason, it was warming to the heart to hear that the state of Freemasonry is alive and in such good caring hands.  

After dinner the R.E. Grand Commander, Sir Knight, Eugene Blake Nichols, of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, held a short ceremony passing out some well-deserved recognition certificates. Afterwards I had the pleasure of chatting with him for a few minutes. What a nice guy.

But I must also include meeting WB Jim Orgettas, the Executive Personal Assistant to the Grand Master. He was so gracious when he refused my offer to pay for the dry cleaning of his suit, as he sat next to me at dinner, and I splashed him many times with lobster juice as I was trying to eat my lobster. For more information on WB Jim, see my blog post of July 21, 2023 “My Visit with the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts”.

After the comments were concluded by the distinguished Brothers, we all gravitated out into the courtyard, where we watched the sun set in the painted sky, with a cup of coffee, dessert, and a cigar. We did what Mason’s do best, had more meaningful conversion.

As the evening waned, we began saying our goodbyes. Every hand that I shook and pair of eyes I looked into, was a wonderful masonic moment, for it was very much a “happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again” moment.

I think the nicest complement I received was when I heard the words, “We hope you make Boston your second home’”.  Upon consideration, I think I will try to do that. 

I especially wish to give many heartfelt thanks to my Masonic Brother who is the Eminent Commander of Boston Commandery, Daniel J.T. Daley, who invited me to attend and transported me to, this wonderful Boston Commandery celebration.

I am going to let the cat out of the bag. It was Dan who was responsible for the organizing of this event. It was with his caring heart, keen eye to detail, style and panache that brought a Strawberry Festival to a whole new level that I had not experienced. As Grandmaster, all we ever had in Minnesota was strawberries.  Let me just say, lobster versus strawberries. There really was not a contest.

My Visit with the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts

 

Grand Master George F. Hamilton and I at the Massachusetts Grand Lodge     

I recently visited Boston on a trip that was a combination of business and pleasure. I was excited for this trip as I was anxious to renew relationships with my Masonic Brothers that I had met when I visited Boson as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota in 2011. Renewing these friendships was the highlight of the trip for me.  I had attempted to return to Boston years before, but those trips did not materialize due to Covid.

I had been invited to the Boston Commandery #2 Strawberry Festival, one of the premier events for their Commandery, and one of their main social events of the year. It was a classy event and one of the most pleasurable Masonic events I have attended, but more to come on that later. There will be another upcoming blog post with photos of this event in the very near future.  It was so good to see so many familiar faces, renew acquaintances, and meet so many new Brothers as well. The words warm and cordial don’t describe the event well enough.

WB Jim Orgettas, whom I met at the event, is the Executive Assistant to the Grand Master of Massachusetts. He told me that the Grand Master had heard I was in town and invited me to come to the Grand Lodge and meet with the Grand Master. I was really stunned by such an honorable and courteous invitation. During the dinner, two Brothers approached me and offered to drive me to the Grand Lodge so I would not get lost.  If you have ever driven in Boston, you know how honorable those offers were. I stated I could walk as my hotel was not far from the Grand Lodge, Boston is a very walkable city, plus I could not inconvenience anyone to drive me 1.2 miles in Boston.  So, on June 21st I walked from my hotel on the Long Wharf to the Grand Lodge. It was a most enjoyable walk.

Jim Orgettas-Executive Assistant to the Grand Master

(When the above sign is lite-The Grand Master is in)

When I arrived at the Grand Lodge, I was greeted and escorted by Jim Orgettas to the Grand Master’s suite of offices. Standing in the doorway was Grand Master George F. Hamilton. He greeted me warmly and we had the most delightful, informative, and uplifting conversation.

In Massachusetts, the Grand Master serves a three-year term with Grand Master Hamilton’s term running from 2023-2025. The three-year term ensures continuity and ensures deliverable programs.

In the 288 years the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has existed, they have chartered a number of Lodges overseas, so the Grand Master does a lot of foreign travel. He is also responsible for developing programs to serve the 20,000 Masons in the state. It was exciting to hear about the new programs and efforts that Grand Master Hamilton is initiating. 

As I was about to depart, Grand Master Hamilton offered the services of his Grand Lodge to me. I asked to speak with the Grand Lodge Historian Walter Hunt. I had some questions that I knew he could help me with on upcoming articles that I was writing. Unfortunately, he was unavailable at that time, but arrangements were made for me to contact him later. 

I stated that I had been to this beautiful building before, but I wanted a few photographs for my blog. Before I knew it, the senior tour director appeared and took me thru the Grand Lodge. 

The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is located at 186 Tremont Street overlooking the Boston Common. 

The current building is the third Grand Lodge erected on this site. The current building was designed by the architectural firm Loring and Phillips. It was made of concord granite and completed in 1898. It has nine floors above the street level, and two below. 

The interior of the building houses six very large lodge rooms with six fully functioning pipe organs, the Samuel Crocker Lawrence Library, which contains one of the largest and most important masonic collections in the world, administrative offices, and enough meeting space for All the Masonic bodies. 

The mosaic of the coat of arms for the Grand Lodge is on the exterior of the building and was placed there in 1966. 

The Grand Lodge is truly filled with treasures that are steeped in history. I don't have enough time in this one article to cover a lot of them. Here is two items I dont think you will find in other Masonic places that are of interest. 

This beautiful hand-crafted chair was a gift to Grand Master John T. Heard (1857-1859)

from the Brothers of the Craft to ensure the comfort of the Grand Master.

Please notice the eight legs supporting the chair...It was said that Grand Master was a big man and the Brothers didn't wish to see him embarrassed by crashing onto the floor. Now that's Brotherly Love!

The next three photos are "A Room of Reflection." We would call it A Chamber of Reflection, but we don't talk about that in Minnesota...ha.

The photos do not do this room justice. It truly is a work of fine art, and can only be fully appreciated by seeing it in person. 

Boston is my favorite place to visit.

Honor and Remembrance 2023

Poster thanks to the US Air Force

 

Service and Fellowship: A Spring-Cleaning Celebration at St. Paul #3

 

St. Paul #3 gathered for a service and fellowship night, bringing together the Brothers to accomplish some clean up on the exterior of the Triune Lodge building at the same time enjoying each other's company. Its events like this that serve as an opportunity for the members to work together, bond together, and create a more welcoming environment for the lodge and neighborhood. 

In between shoveling dirt and rubble, making trips to the dumpster with heavy buckets, the Brothers took advantage of sharing stories, experiences, and making the evening a truly meaningful and enjoyable event.

Sometimes you have to do more than just pay your dues...

Red Wing Masonic Lodge 15th Annual Table Lodge

On May 19, 2023, fifty-eight members and guests gathered at the historic St. James Hotel to celebrate Red Wing Masonic Lodge 15th Annual Table Lodge. 

The evening began with a two-hour social with refreshments as Past Grand Master Rolf Widstrand provided musical entertainment on the grand piano. 

Promptly at 7:00 PM we moved to the dining room and Worshipful Master Jake Facile began the program. 

The food provided by the St. James Hotel was a culinary delight, the conversations at the table were light and festive as we progressed thru the seven toasts. 

The St. James Hotel is beautiful hotel built on top of the rolling bluffs of Red Wing overlooking the Mississippi river. Architect Edward P. Bassford designed the building in the Italianate style. The hotel became a hub of activity serving businessmen and passengers from the steam trains and steamboats. 

The hotel opened in 1875 just 19 years after Red Wing Lodge #8 received its Charter. 

The St. James Hotel continues today to provide old world service, luxurious amenities and excellent food.

For decades Red Wing Lodge has recognized students from the local high schools along with providing selected individuals with scholarships to assist the students in the opportunity to continue their education. 

This year we were able to provide four $1,000 scholarships. Three of selectees and their parents were able to spend the evening festivities. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about them, and their future plans. 

We would like to thank Minnesota Masonic Charities for matching our scholarship funds to help make a deeper and positive impact on our community. 

Our 2023 Scholarship Recipients -Photo by Terrance Schaffer

The Grand Master of Minnesota Masons, Dayton Berg, joined us for the evening. You can see our Grandmaster sharing a moment of humor with Worshipful Master Jake Facile and our newest member.

It was a nice treat to see the Charging Cannon from my year as Grand Master. I filled mine with coffee because I had a long drive home. 

The dinner is a wonderful tradition for Red Wing Lodge and a great night was had by all. 

 

It was a Special Night at St. Paul Lodge #3

 On May 16, 2023, St. Paul Lodge #3 held its regular Stated Meeting, but it was a special night filled with special guests, with a special program in a special building. 

The evening began with the gathering of Masonic Brothers in the Triune Masonic Lodge which is located in the Merriam Park Neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota.  Our building was designed and built exclusively for the single use as a Masonic Blue Lodge over one hundred years ago by Henry C. Stuchen in the Neo-Classical Revival Style. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Our special guests for the evening were the Worshipful Master and Brothers from Ancient Landmark Lodge #5 of St. Paul. 

The evening began in the Lodge Room opening on the First Degree in the traditional observance style. Strickley using the Minnesota work, but has customary periods of silence for self-introspection, and musical selections. 

A Emulation of the pre-1990 First Degree was performed which included the "Stevenson Lecture" which is a narration or commentary explaining many of the elements to the degree. 

The Stevenson Lecture was written by our late Masonic Scholar and Past Master James Stevenson. A man I dearly miss. 

This degree has not been performed in over five years, so it was a special treat. There were a number of the Lodges Entered Apprentices attending, so it was very educational for them, and a wonderful reminder for the rest of us. 

After we retired to the library for a traditional Festive Board. Which was a wonderful three course meal followed by a series of toasts with sparkling apple juice. 

After the social isolation that we all experienced during the pandemic. It is certainly a joyous occasion to get back to into Lodge again, and celebrate our Masonic traditions. 

Masonic Cancer Center Annual Dinner-Forging the Future of Cancer Research and Care

 The Masonic Cancer Center annual dinner was held at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center on April 28, 2023. This year's theme was Forging the Future of Cancer Research and Care. 

194 attended the dinner which include donors, researchers and many whose lives have been touched by cancer.  Those gathered received updates on the progress at the Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center. 

The attendees were a most honorable and distinguished group as you could ever find. There were past and present Grand Lodge of Minnesota leadership, the CEO of Masonic Charities and its various board members, , the Directors of the Masonic Cancer Center, as well as staff, scientists, researchers, and medical professionals as well as donors and those interested in the current research. But probably the most important guests were any cancer survivors as they represent the progress that has been made in treating and curing cancer.   

During the social gathering before the program and dinner there were five interactive exhibits where everyone could speak with an expert in the represented field. I spent some time with the Coding for a Cure booth and learned about how the process to reprogram the DNA of the immune cell to help them fight cancer, and the Aging and Cancer Connections. I also had a photo opportunity with the Mascot of the University of Minnesota Goldy the Gopher. 

This year the program was held in the Ives Theater where we would be more comfortable. Sitting on our chairs was just the right size bag of popcorn. I needed a little snack before dinner. 

Executive Director Aaron Schilz began the program with opening comments and introduced the evening speaker Karen Bohn. Her heart rendering story of being diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) and her 43 days stay in the hospital, and the eight months of Chemotherapy in her battle with this rare form of cancer. She found her stay and treatment at the Masonic Cancer Center based on cutting edge science and technology and filled with caring support. She found strength in their support as she lived with hope while coping with the uncertainty of the disease. I found her story filled with optimism and inspiration.

The seating arrangement for dinner was carefully crafted to ensure that staff from the Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center were seated at each table along with a variety of individuals to ensure meaningful dialogue as well as learn more about each other. 

Director Dr. Douglas Yee gave a wonderful recap after dinner. I was happy to hear about the update to the Masonic Discovery Lab which was started in March 2020. The university has brought together researchers under one roof to find the next breakthrough in cancer research. He stated that the program has become so successful with new discoveries, and additional researchers working on viable projects that they are now in the need for more space. 

For myself this annual dinner puts a human face to this wonderful charity that we support and reaffirms the reason why I support it so strongly. Having the opportunity to spend an evening with dedicated individuals who all share one common goal. To find a cure for cancer is deeply inspiring, and to treat and deliver great care for those who suffer from it in the meantime. 

I am proud to be a Minnesota Mason to be able to take part in this 65-year-old tradition, and to be able to see how our Masonic Cancer Center is making a great contribution to the lives of many people and creating a brighter future for all people affected by cancer here in Minnesota, and far beyond our borders.