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Massena
Hosts Canadian Brothers
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.
Click to view photos
   
 
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