'Maritime Festive Board and Beefsteak Banquet’

    

Magpie file photo

At the 2020 Beefsteak Banquet.

It’s been a year since Mariners 67 hosted one of its world famous Beefsteak Banquets, so we’re due. I cannot recommend this occasion strongly enough. I attended one six years ago (photos here), and had a truly incredibly enjoyable experience. This is less than three weeks away, so don’t delay. From the publicity:

Mariners Lodge 67

Maritime Festive Board

and Beefsteak Banquet

Saturday, January 31

Seating at 5 p.m. & gavel at six

Grand Lodge Room, Masonic Hall

This event is part of the International Grand Lecturer’s Convention, and the convention delegates will receive a sizeable allocation of tickets. Purchase now if you don’t want to miss out!

The apron.

Tuxedo (preferred) or Business Formal; everyone gets a Butcher’s Apron. This event is open to Masons and male guests only. Tickets are transferable, but not refundable. We regret that we are unable to provide complimentary tickets. Kindly forward this email to anyone in your Masonic circle who might have an interest in attending.

Five Course Menu

First Course

Iced Shrimp, The Ancient Mariner’s Cured Salmon, House Pickles

Second Course

Pastrami with Rye Toast, Roast Pork with Rolls, Tomato-Braised Lamb Meatballs

Third Course

Memphis-Style Dry-Rubbed Pork Ribs, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

Fourth Course

Strip Steak, Lamb Chops, Potato Medley

Fifth Course

Assorted Dessert Platters

Draft Beer from the legendary Bronx Beer Hall.

The Festive Board is a feature of Masonry that extends back to our beginnings. Operative stonemasons would gather on important occasions around tables laden with food and drink to celebrate in fellowship with the tangible fruits of their labor. Most common were feasts on St. John the Baptist’s Day and St. John the Evangelist’s Day, which were not coincidentally right around the time of the Summer and Winter solstices. These traditions have been part of our Craft ever since. Indeed, one of the reasons given for forming the first Grand Lodge in 1717 was to hold an annual feast.

In the days before Masons had their beautiful purpose-built Masonic Temples and Lodge Rooms, members of the Craft often convened their Lodges in taverns and restaurants. The tables were pushed back and Square and Compasses might be scratched out in the sawdust covering the floor while the Brethren performed their Masonic Work. Before too long, the idea arose of taking advantage of what the tavern had to offer, and a practice was born whereby the Brethren would take food and drink on a Masonic form and while conducting the Work of the Lodge.

Over time, various ritual practices of the Festive Board evolved, especially among military officers, who incorporated various elements from their formal dining traditions. These historic rituals and traditions have been resurrected in the modern day, and the Masonic Festive Board with its multiple courses of food, toasts, responses, and giving of “Masonic Fire” has become one of the most popular special events among Masons.

The Mariners Lodge Maritime Festive Board is a unique form of these table ceremonies, which invokes certain early Masonic legends and incorporates elements of historical naval practice and seafaring tradition. The Mariners Lodge Maritime Festive Board and Beefsteak Banquet incorporates elements from the rich New York tradition of the Beefsteak Banquet—those famous celebrations of gluttony where men gathered to eat massive amounts of aged steak, lamb chops, shrimp cocktail, pork belly and mini-burgers washed down with bottomless schooners of beer. Forks and knives are strictly prohibited in those days, but you will be provided with cutlery as well as a butcher’s apron.

Come for Fellowship! Come for Masonic Tradition! Come for a 19th Century Experience! Come for All You Can Eat!

April 15, 1939 issue.

When promoting these events, I always like to share the magnificent magazine article “All You Can Hold for Five Bucks” by Joseph Mitchell, writing for The New Yorker in 1939. Click here. Enjoy.