‘…but it’s a good tired’

    

Today was one of those four Saturdays per year when I have a research lodge meeting in the a.m. and an AMD meeting in the p.m. Both are far from home, but I can make it work because they are in some proximity to each other, although it does make for a long day.

At New Jersey Lodge of Masonic Research and Education 1786, we had a full agenda planned, but had to keep our poor Worshipful Master’s much anticipated paper on ice until June because we ran out of time. Much of the meeting was devoted to business, which sounds lame, but it was important stuff, so I’ll call it strategic planning. Among the key items were the lodge’s support of the John Skene Masonic Conference in August and a 2026 event that—if it comes together—will unite three grand jurisdictions in an exploration of early U.S. history during the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.

The one presentation from the lectern for which we did have time was Senior Deacon Glenn’s review of his recent visit to Rosslyn Chapel. He snapped plenty of photos there and augmented his visual delivery with information from authors who have delved into the enchanting site’s past. (I’m afraid my own belief in a Masonic connection to Rosslyn is more like Bro. Lightfoote’s. IYKYK.)

Bro. Glenn shows us Rosslyn Chapel.

David, our new Treasurer, pulled double duty as our Organist. LORE hasn’t heard an Organist during a meeting since the late Tom Thornton was around—but I don’t recall Tom playing Pachelbel!

Do not adjust your monitor. That’s the matzoh ball in Bro. David’s soup!

The lodge has been searching for a post-meeting luncheon spot, and I think we found a winner at a local restaurant. Everyone seemed pretty happy there, and conversation was varied and lasted into the mid afternoon.

Then I had time to kill. Sometimes I am able to go to the movies before the AMD meeting, but it’s hard to find a movie made for adults who prefer coherent stories and human actors. I took a nap in the promising pre-spring sun, having forgotten to bring a pipe and pouch.

Then it was time for J. William Gronning Council 83 of Allied Masonic Degrees. I arrived a little early and got settled; skipped supper thanks to the lunch; and enjoyed the program for the evening: the Ark and Dove Degree. Expertly conferred! Not one ritualist needed a prompt through the whole thing!

A long day. Bedways is rightways now. Time for some spatchka.