The Massena Masons recently hosted their Canadian Brothers to a dinner and a night of international fellowship at their Lodge on Main Street.  Each year for the past seven, Massena Masonic Lodge 513 and St. Johns Lodge 21A of Van Kleek Hill, Ont., have exchanged visits.  This year, Massena had the unique opportunity to host not only St. Johns’ Lodge, but also the next Grand Master of Canadian Masons in the Province of Ontario, the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master Raymond S.J. Daniels.  Members from Lodges as far away as Ottawa made the trip, and members of many Lodges throughout St. Lawrence County were in attendance.  The Master of each Lodge in the District was in attendance, as well as our District Deputy Grand Master R:.W:. Randy Ball,  the Assistant Grand Lecturer V:.W:. Tom Jenison, and Grand Sword Bearer R:. W:. George Caswell.

   The evening began with a roast pork dinner, which included scalloped potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, mixed vegetables, applesauce and pineapple upside-down cake for dessert, all prepared by Bro. James Boyce and his crew.  There were several toasts offered during dinner by the hosts as well as the guests.  After dinner, members and guests repaired to the Lodge room and opened the meeting in due and ancient form.  There are differences and some similarities in ceremonies between Canadian and New York Masonic ritual, so it becomes a unique experience to share this international exchange.

     The meeting consisted of a presentation by R:.W:. Raymond Daniels, who spoke very eloquently about the past bonds of brotherhood between Canadian and American Masons during historical border skirmishes, and the present renaissance of interest in our Craft, and the bright future of Masonry.  Very Worshipful Tom Jenison spoke of the varied history of Masonry in St. Lawrence County.  R:.W:. Glen Latimer gave a masterful presentation of the “Middle Chamber Lecture,” a difficult portion of Masonic ritual which is not included in that of Ontario. 

     All the Brothers had an enjoyable evening sharing their pride in Masonry, and discussing the many things that Masons do in their individual Lodges.  Common among them is the desire to contribute service to their communities with activities such as the Masonic Safety ID Program, blood drives, and fundraising for many various community services.