‘Bunker Hill at Masonic Week’

    

As reported here earlier this year, the Worshipful Master of The American Lodge of Research is interested in seeing that lodge’s brethren revive (or maybe start anew) a local Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill to give The ALR something that combines light ritual work and a little conviviality. Well it looks like the Grand Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill has joined the schedule of Masonic Week offerings, becoming the first event for the Wednesday night.

So, if any ALR Masons plan to attend this annual weekend in February in Virginia, and will be free on February 5 to receive the Order of Bunker Hill, please contact the Master and maybe bring the project closer to fruition.

     

‘Live music: Paris for Christmas’

    

Among the yuletide highlights in New York City is the anticipated concert organized by Bro. Erik Carlson, musical director of my lodge, Publicity 1000. This time, the free festivities will be “Paris for Christmas.” From the publicity:

Thursday, December 19 at 7 p.m.

Church of St. Thomas More

65 East 89th Street

Free admission; reception to follow

This Year, Let’s All Go

to Paris for Christmas!

🎄 Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saens

🎄 Four Christmas Motets by Francis Poulene

🎄 French Organ Music by Alexandre Guilmant and Octave Parisot

🎄 Featuring the St. Thomas More Concert Choir under the direction of Erik E. Carlson with the St. Thomas More Christmas Orchestra of strings, harp, and organ.

Don’t miss it!

Erik E. Carlson will conduct the orchestra as well as play organ and direct the choir. Erik studied piano from an early age that lead to his formal conservatory training where he graduated from the Hartt School of Music with degrees in both keyboard performance and music theory. He has been a professional church musician in New York City for the last twenty years, specializing in sacramental service playing.

Pursuing his interest in the nineteenth century organ music of France, Erik has played throughout the Saône-et-Loire department of Burgundy, including at the parish churches of Paroisse Saint-Louis, Saint-Gengoux-le-National, Saint-Georges, Sercy, and Église Saint-Didier, Joncy.

At St. Thomas More, he continues this level of French organ music and enjoys the Lively-Fulcher organ for its unique sounds and colors.

Talk about publicity, here Bro. Erik shows off the concert announcement on the wall above the Bowery Mural. 

He is an active member of the American Guild of Organists, the Association of Anglican Musicians, and the National Arts Club.

Outside of church music, Erik enjoys time with his family, including his dearly loved beagle, Brogan.

     

‘Civil War researchers to meet’

    

You know it was a rejuvenating weekend when it feels like you vacationed for a month. Be that as it may, the next meeting of Civil War Lodge of Research 1865 is near! The brethren will gather at Federal Point Lodge 753 in North Carolina on Saturday. The itinerary:

Friday, December 6

Supper at 6 p.m.

Carolina Crab House

341 College Road No. 55

Wilmington

Saturday, December 7

Federal Point Lodge 753

417 Harper Avenue

Carolina Beach

9 a.m. coffee & donuts

10 a.m. meeting

11:30 a.m. adjourn

Lunch at noon

Might As Well Bar and Grill

250 Racine Drive, Unit 15, Wilmington

Afternoon:

Fort Fisher Tour

1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. S.

Kure Beach

If interested:

North Carolina Battleship Tour

1 Battleship Road, NE, Wilmington

Dinner 6 p.m.

Carolina Ale House

317 College Road, Wilmington

There are abundant hotels in the area and prices vary widely.

Upcoming Schedule:

April 12: Charleston, South Carolina

July 12: Chattanooga, Tennessee

October 11: Montgomery, Alabama

December 6: Highland Springs, Virginia (Thirtieth Anniversary!)