Last night, a group of Masons met at a local restaurant to hold a "Festive Board" which, to our interpretation, was simply a social outing of family and friends to celebrate and discuss Freemasonry. This was NOT a Lodge sponsored event but simply a gathering of the clan. The event was open to the public and no business or proprietary Masonic work was discussed. We simply wanted to kick back with the Brethren and their families and socialize.
This was our first such outing and I acted as Master of Ceremonies. We opened with a pledge to the flag, an invocation, followed by a toast to our visitors and another to those in sickness and distress. I also gave some brief anecdotes about Freemasonry (including the legendary "Knife and Fork Degree") and reviewed some upcoming events before letting the attendees settle in to their dinners, which they ordered off of the menu. At the end of the meal I introduced our after dinner speaker who was a good friend of mine and a Past Master and Past District Deputy Grand Master who discussed a paper he had written entitled, "Brother against Brother: Freemasonry in the Civil War," which was well received by those in attendance.
The reaction to the Festive Board was very favorable. The Brothers enjoyed having a social outing they could enjoy with their spouses as well as their friends. Many could see this could be a good way to introduce the fraternity to viable candidates.
The Festive Board went over so well that I am worried about space for the next one. We accommodated 36 people for this first meeting, but I think we are on to something and will get many more next time (two Lodges participated). Prior to this event, I was warned not to get my hopes up for its success, but this proved to be wrong. For the next one though, I am going to insist on people making reservations.
Until next time.
All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"
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