‘Louisiana lodge meets at last’

    

As reported here a year and a half ago, Louisiana Lodge of Research is reviving. In fact, it just hosted its Spring Banquet last night, described on social media as the lodge’s “first in-person meeting in many years.”

LLR

John D. Honey

I’ll describe the little of it I’ve read to give other research lodges an idea, because many research lodges meet Saturday mornings, which may not be optimal timing, especially for those with young families. (I’m not sure Saturday night is the best time either. Check with the wife well in advance!) But about a dozen of the brethren gathered in a private room at Jubans Restaurant and Bar in Baton Rouge for dinner and a presentation by Bro. John Honey titled “The Role of the Beehive in Masonic Symbolism.”

Honey. Beehive. Beehive. Honey.

And this was not the lodge communication. Their website says there had been a business meeting on April 12 via Zoom, so last night’s affair looks like steaks with Masonic conversation in a great looking restaurant. (i.e., no ritual, no regalia, no business. Perfect.)

Again, just throwing that out there as a possible alternative in the functionality of research lodges.

The brethren dedicated the occasion in honor of MW Chip Borne, who died last Thursday at age 82, posthumously electing him a Fellow of the lodge. Borne served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 2006-07; and as Master of the research lodge from 2011 to 2023. I did not know him, but became acquainted long distance about a decade or so ago when he served as a vice president of the Masonic Society for a while. He certainly seems to have been true to this lodge, as his byline appears very frequently in its books of transactions, right up to last year’s.

Look for the lodge on Substack, where it publishes papers. Click here to join the lodge.

If Louisiana Lodge of Research is meeting and publishing, then it’s getting the job done. They’ll do it again this autumn. Best wishes to the brethren! Maybe I’ll be able to visit one day night.

     

‘Louisiana Lodge of Research is back’

    

As mentioned here in March, Louisiana Lodge of Research was suffering organizational malaise, but its new website announces the lodge’s revival, and two meetings for the coming year are being planned. (I’m proud to see both the Quarry Project and The ALR style guides listed for aspiring writers’ edification.) From the Worshipful Master, dated yesterday:

A Letter from the Worshipful Master

December 27, 2024

Subject: Call for Papers and Introduction

Dear members,

I first wish you all a festive and reflective St. John the Evangelist Day! I hope you take some time to reflect on the meaning of this particular St. John and how his example can guide our lives.

I write to you to announce a call for papers for our 2025 Transactions. We hope to receive papers covering the full spectrum of Freemasonry, its past, future, and philosophy. We also hope to receive papers from our most learned members and those just finding their footing in the Craft. The Louisiana Lodge of Research is for every Louisiana Mason, and I hope our Transactions will be a testament to that fact. Please review the website linked below and submit papers in a Word file format to our secretary by January 31, 2025 here.

Over the past nine months, we have been working in the background to relaunch the Louisiana Lodge of Research. A new lodge emblem was beautifully designed by W∴B∴ Mariano Paniello, Worshipful Master of Cervantes Lodge 5, which proudly conveys several important symbols to Louisiana Freemasons. A full description of the emblem will be included in our 2025 Transactions. A brand new website is live, which includes a new membership application and (future) meeting registration forms. We’ve spent a considerable amount of time dreaming up ways to reinvigorate this organization and serve our membership and will continue our tradition of publishing papers that explore the philosophy, history, symbolism, and future of Freemasonry. We will publish our Transactions electronically and are exploring a print-on-demand option. We will also host gatherings to discuss selected papers over good food, drink, and fellowship amongst brothers.

I express my gratitude to M∴W∴B∴ Chip Borne for entrusting me to succeed him as the Master of the LLR. I can only hope to do his recommendation justice. I am also pleased to share that W∴B∴ Lance Atchison was appointed Secretary of the lodge and that several others have approached us to be a part of the lodge’s renewal.

Our Secretary will soon be in touch with dues notices for 2025, which will include outstanding balances.

I ask for your support in our efforts as we rebuild–not just for ourselves, but for future generations of Louisiana Masons. I may be reached via email here.

Yours Fraternally,

Brandon M. Smith, P∴M∴

Worshipful Master,

Louisiana Lodge of Research

     

‘Remember The Maine Lodge of Research’

    

I close the month of March with some good news from Maine. Concern was expressed on social media earlier this month about The Maine Lodge of Research’s well being, specifically that it had gone dark.

Not true.

Secretary Derek informed me tonight that the March 23 meeting was canceled (due to weather), and it is working through some leadership challenges, but the lodge plans on being back to normal for 2025. I’ll remember to check in and I’ll let you know then.

Bangor Daily News

Worry also was voiced about Louisiana Lodge of Research, but I don’t have any news on that. I’ll be in New Orleans in a couple of months, so maybe I’ll find out something.