MWPGM Bailey, I wish I could attend, but my wife & I are in Passau Germany to attend a granddaughter's high school graduation. Were I able to attend your function, I would cook a "Road Kill" meal over an open wood fire. At Marlinton Masonic Lodge in Pocahontas County WV, on of the winners of the "Road Kill Cook-off" was called "Front Ford Fender Stew". The aroma helped it win First Prize (I think it was Deer Meat)?
I suppose that Germany is a bit far to fly from for a Masonic party!
I do love food cooked over an open flame, indeed I find that it is my very favorite way to have venison prepared.
As I don't actually compete, given that I'm the counter of the votes, I have always done a couple different kinds of sausages, and Tri-Tips, Santa Maria BBQ style. My wife does a bunch of sides.
This year I think I'm going to add a chili to my offerings. I've been perfecting a beanless chili that I think it quite excellent.
I do hope to make the trip some year from Ohio. I'm curious about what costumes you use for a FC degree. We only use costumes for the MM Degree, suit and tie for the others.
We would love to have you visit someday! I think you would find our area quite beautiful, and the Olympic Peninsula is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of our State with the rainforest pushing down to the Pacific Ocean.
We use old costumes from the York Rite. I'm quite certain that they aren't period correct for the men who built King Solomon's Temple, but they do lend the Degree an interesting air. Particularly because we do the FC Degree largely in the dark, with just a few lights beyond the Lesser Lights at the Altar, and the Senior Deacon has a lantern fixed to his rod.
We started doing it in the dark like this just on our summer outdoor FC Degrees, but now have taken to doing it in the dark in the Lodge Room as well. This isn't a common practice though, my Lodge does it, and through the years some other Lodges have started doing it, but it is still rare.
We also use the costumes for the MM Degree, but do the FC Degree generally in jacket and tie.
Bearing in mind that the Costumes are only used in the Second Section, which involves the Middle Chamber.
I got the idea rolling back in 2010 when I bandied about the idea with a storied, long-time Mason up in the Seattle area, who thought the idea was intriguing, and gave me some suggestions. I tried them in a subsequent Middle Chamber Lecture, and asked for some feedback from both the new Fellowcraft and the Brethren in attendance over the next week or so. I received NO negative feedback, but I did get some ideas to improve the presentation of the Lecture. From the old-guard, at that! Very encouraging to see. For the next 8-9 years, that is how Centralia Lodge had done their Middle Chamber Lectures, often with the Wardens and the Brother delivering the ‘G’ lecture also in costumes. Their idea, and I thought it was cool how our Lodge adopted the concept.
When we started doing the Torchlight Fellowcraft degrees every other year in the late 2010’s, we ran across a situation where we had 4 Entered Apprentices, two ready for their Fellowcraft degree and two who had just been initiated. We gave the two proficient Brothers their FC degree by Torchlight, but that left the other two knowing that it’d be two years before we did that again, so we came up with a “Lantern Lecture” as a substitute. I wasn’t sure how well that would work, but again, with support of the Brethren of the Lodge, it ended up working much better than expected, and has been very well received by all those Fellowcrafts who received the Lecture in that manner. Still in Costume.
Originally, I was using the “Principal Sojourner” costume of the Royal Arch Degree when I presented the Lecture, in an initial attempt to provide continuity with the Master Mason degree costumes, but that quickly was changed to something more prominent looking for the degree experience, so we scrapped the assigned duties for the costumes and went by popular opinion. Therefore, under the Lantern or Torchlight degrees, I wear our Royal Arch Chapter’s Scribe robe and its hat. Honestly, it’s not my first choice, but the Brethren think it’s the best choice, so I go with it. The Wardens use common robes, and the Brother giving the ‘G’ uses a red robe with a more prominent hat, but not the King’s Crown. That’s reserved for the Master Mason Degree.
As Cameron noted, this method is not common – I know we do it in two of my own Lodges, and I’ve seen it twice in a Lodge in an adjacent District where a Brother two Districts away gives a “lantern method” Middle Chamber Lecture, although not in costume. Nevertheless, he gives an excellent Lecture, and I consider it a notable step forward in enhancing the Degree experience for our new members. The cool thing I see about this is that while I “started it” by brainstorming an idea and testing it just to see how it works, it grew from there to the concept it is today via input and encouragement from increasingly more Brothers, some long-time members, as well as new members who received the degree in this manner. The Torchlight and Lantern degrees developed as true Lodge efforts; we worked together as Brothers to make these things the way they are today, and they will improve, “with time and experience.”
Wish I could be there MW but by then I should be moved out of state (I hope!) House goes on the market on Tuesday. I'm so fed up with last minute stuff, and trying to make the realtor happy I could just strike a match.
It was a great time last year, we met some great people, one couple of which has become dear friends, as well as brother and sister. Wish you all the best on this year's bash.
>>>I'm so fed up with last minute stuff, and trying to make the realtor happy I could just >>>strike a match.
I understand this very well! My wife and I moved about five years ago, and it was a nightmare. Since then I've often assured her that if we ever move again we are just burning the old place down instead of moving our stuff!
Thank you for your kind words, I'm really glad that you enjoyed it so much last year! It was great having you, and getting to talk with you and your wife.
Thank you very much! I'll certainly put you on the Degree team! You did some really wonderful work last year, and I enjoyed getting to spend the time with you.
My favorite contribution to WVU Alumni Pacific Northwest Chapter summer picnics was a huge Crock Pot of baked beans. I had a Coleman Single Propane Burner to keep them hot, and secret additives (very few chopped onions, pickle relish, mustard, steak sauce, and about 12 ounces of beer that wafted off but left a good taste)! My opinion is that my baked beans were the hit of the WVU Alumni PNW Chapter Picnics (and produced gas for a few big eaters)?
It was great and I was with our MW Bailey and WB Reeder watching the grills.....since I can only cook in the microwave and I think that was the same day I had our VWB Clayton follow me to my private national park to visit my cars........and I just watched Bill Shatner on his program with a program about "secret society's" with a guest who was the only one that knows anything Arturo de Hoyos .....and I am just starting to read the 1723-Constitutions of Freemasonry....not that I have that book I see online but I tend to do several things at the same time these days ( 10 computers) https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31W6mi+KTVL._SY445_SX342_.jpg ....BUT my plan is to finally drive my 1970 Cutlass Supreme on that 15 minute drive to the Quilcene- Jefferson Masonic Lodge (I am the current JW) and maybe take Clayton on a quick drive this time....oh and every time I am out in the my property it always reminds me of MW Cameron when I see the "Forget Me Nots" all over the place :-)
Interestingly enough, I got the tour only a couple of months ago -- after the Logger's Degree. It was totally cool to see that behemoth 455 engine under the hood of that classic A-body.
Which reminds me... before I get to see YOUR A-body, I need to get another A-body going this summer. (My mother's 1971 LeMans) It's been too long, and like you note, the weather's going to be dry here soon!
MWPGM Bailey, I wish I could attend, but my wife & I are in Passau Germany to attend a granddaughter's high school graduation. Were I able to attend your function, I would cook a "Road Kill" meal over an open wood fire. At Marlinton Masonic Lodge in Pocahontas County WV, on of the winners of the "Road Kill Cook-off" was called "Front Ford Fender Stew". The aroma helped it win First Prize (I think it was Deer Meat)?
I suppose that Germany is a bit far to fly from for a Masonic party!
I do love food cooked over an open flame, indeed I find that it is my very favorite way to have venison prepared.
As I don't actually compete, given that I'm the counter of the votes, I have always done a couple different kinds of sausages, and Tri-Tips, Santa Maria BBQ style. My wife does a bunch of sides.
This year I think I'm going to add a chili to my offerings. I've been perfecting a beanless chili that I think it quite excellent.
I do hope to make the trip some year from Ohio. I'm curious about what costumes you use for a FC degree. We only use costumes for the MM Degree, suit and tie for the others.
We would love to have you visit someday! I think you would find our area quite beautiful, and the Olympic Peninsula is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of our State with the rainforest pushing down to the Pacific Ocean.
We use old costumes from the York Rite. I'm quite certain that they aren't period correct for the men who built King Solomon's Temple, but they do lend the Degree an interesting air. Particularly because we do the FC Degree largely in the dark, with just a few lights beyond the Lesser Lights at the Altar, and the Senior Deacon has a lantern fixed to his rod.
We started doing it in the dark like this just on our summer outdoor FC Degrees, but now have taken to doing it in the dark in the Lodge Room as well. This isn't a common practice though, my Lodge does it, and through the years some other Lodges have started doing it, but it is still rare.
We also use the costumes for the MM Degree, but do the FC Degree generally in jacket and tie.
Bearing in mind that the Costumes are only used in the Second Section, which involves the Middle Chamber.
I got the idea rolling back in 2010 when I bandied about the idea with a storied, long-time Mason up in the Seattle area, who thought the idea was intriguing, and gave me some suggestions. I tried them in a subsequent Middle Chamber Lecture, and asked for some feedback from both the new Fellowcraft and the Brethren in attendance over the next week or so. I received NO negative feedback, but I did get some ideas to improve the presentation of the Lecture. From the old-guard, at that! Very encouraging to see. For the next 8-9 years, that is how Centralia Lodge had done their Middle Chamber Lectures, often with the Wardens and the Brother delivering the ‘G’ lecture also in costumes. Their idea, and I thought it was cool how our Lodge adopted the concept.
When we started doing the Torchlight Fellowcraft degrees every other year in the late 2010’s, we ran across a situation where we had 4 Entered Apprentices, two ready for their Fellowcraft degree and two who had just been initiated. We gave the two proficient Brothers their FC degree by Torchlight, but that left the other two knowing that it’d be two years before we did that again, so we came up with a “Lantern Lecture” as a substitute. I wasn’t sure how well that would work, but again, with support of the Brethren of the Lodge, it ended up working much better than expected, and has been very well received by all those Fellowcrafts who received the Lecture in that manner. Still in Costume.
Originally, I was using the “Principal Sojourner” costume of the Royal Arch Degree when I presented the Lecture, in an initial attempt to provide continuity with the Master Mason degree costumes, but that quickly was changed to something more prominent looking for the degree experience, so we scrapped the assigned duties for the costumes and went by popular opinion. Therefore, under the Lantern or Torchlight degrees, I wear our Royal Arch Chapter’s Scribe robe and its hat. Honestly, it’s not my first choice, but the Brethren think it’s the best choice, so I go with it. The Wardens use common robes, and the Brother giving the ‘G’ uses a red robe with a more prominent hat, but not the King’s Crown. That’s reserved for the Master Mason Degree.
As Cameron noted, this method is not common – I know we do it in two of my own Lodges, and I’ve seen it twice in a Lodge in an adjacent District where a Brother two Districts away gives a “lantern method” Middle Chamber Lecture, although not in costume. Nevertheless, he gives an excellent Lecture, and I consider it a notable step forward in enhancing the Degree experience for our new members. The cool thing I see about this is that while I “started it” by brainstorming an idea and testing it just to see how it works, it grew from there to the concept it is today via input and encouragement from increasingly more Brothers, some long-time members, as well as new members who received the degree in this manner. The Torchlight and Lantern degrees developed as true Lodge efforts; we worked together as Brothers to make these things the way they are today, and they will improve, “with time and experience.”
Thank you for adding this detail! I appreciate it.
Wish I could be there MW but by then I should be moved out of state (I hope!) House goes on the market on Tuesday. I'm so fed up with last minute stuff, and trying to make the realtor happy I could just strike a match.
It was a great time last year, we met some great people, one couple of which has become dear friends, as well as brother and sister. Wish you all the best on this year's bash.
>>>I'm so fed up with last minute stuff, and trying to make the realtor happy I could just >>>strike a match.
I understand this very well! My wife and I moved about five years ago, and it was a nightmare. Since then I've often assured her that if we ever move again we are just burning the old place down instead of moving our stuff!
Thank you for your kind words, I'm really glad that you enjoyed it so much last year! It was great having you, and getting to talk with you and your wife.
Will be more than happy to assist in the degree. Had a great time last year, looking forward to attending it again!
Thank you very much! I'll certainly put you on the Degree team! You did some really wonderful work last year, and I enjoyed getting to spend the time with you.
Oh, yeah. I might want to get penned in for the Lecture, before someone else runs off with it!
You got it!
My favorite contribution to WVU Alumni Pacific Northwest Chapter summer picnics was a huge Crock Pot of baked beans. I had a Coleman Single Propane Burner to keep them hot, and secret additives (very few chopped onions, pickle relish, mustard, steak sauce, and about 12 ounces of beer that wafted off but left a good taste)! My opinion is that my baked beans were the hit of the WVU Alumni PNW Chapter Picnics (and produced gas for a few big eaters)?
My wife does some pretty good beans. She hasn't done the beer thing though, might have to talk her into experimenting with that!
It was great and I was with our MW Bailey and WB Reeder watching the grills.....since I can only cook in the microwave and I think that was the same day I had our VWB Clayton follow me to my private national park to visit my cars........and I just watched Bill Shatner on his program with a program about "secret society's" with a guest who was the only one that knows anything Arturo de Hoyos .....and I am just starting to read the 1723-Constitutions of Freemasonry....not that I have that book I see online but I tend to do several things at the same time these days ( 10 computers) https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31W6mi+KTVL._SY445_SX342_.jpg ....BUT my plan is to finally drive my 1970 Cutlass Supreme on that 15 minute drive to the Quilcene- Jefferson Masonic Lodge (I am the current JW) and maybe take Clayton on a quick drive this time....oh and every time I am out in the my property it always reminds me of MW Cameron when I see the "Forget Me Nots" all over the place :-)
We are going to have a great time again this year my Brother, and I'm looking forward to seeing you again!
And to seeing all that is being done to remodel the Lodge building!
It is amazing what has been done to the Lodge building the last few months inside and outside.
That's what I hear! I can't wait to see it.
Interestingly enough, I got the tour only a couple of months ago -- after the Logger's Degree. It was totally cool to see that behemoth 455 engine under the hood of that classic A-body.
Which reminds me... before I get to see YOUR A-body, I need to get another A-body going this summer. (My mother's 1971 LeMans) It's been too long, and like you note, the weather's going to be dry here soon!
I pray every one has a blessed day!!!
Thank you Brother!