‘MLMA day in Trenton & Philly’

    

Most of the gang at the MLMA annual meeting last month at the Trenton Masonic Temple in New Jersey, home state of outgoing President Glenn Visscher, front right.

So I’d better get started recapping the great Masonic weekends I’ve enjoyed recently. I’m going to start in the middle with the annual meeting of the Masonic Library and Museum Association on Saturday, September 6, which spanned two states.

I missed the Friday night dinner, but arrived at the Hilton in Jersey on Saturday morning to find the group in great spirits and ready for a long day of work and play. There are two news items that merit sharing here.

1. The peaceful transfer of power was completed during the meeting, and the MLMA leadership for the next two years is comprised of President Dirk Hughes, of the Michigan Masonic Museum and Library; Vice President Julia Wells, of the Iowa Masonic Library & Museum; Tyler Vanice, from the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, remains as Secretary; and Eric Trosdahl, of St. Paul Lodge Number Three in Minnesota, is setting a record for longevity as our Treasurer.

2. Future annual meetings of the association are scheduled.

2026: Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library and Museum of the Grand Lodge of New York, in New York City.

2027: Masonic Library & Museum of the Grand Lodge of Washington, in Washington State.

2028: Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, in Lexington, Massachusetts.

2029: Saint Paul Lodge Number Three in Minnesota.

Our meeting last month was hosted by the Trenton Masonic Temple in Trenton, New Jersey, home of the Museum of Masonic Culture which has been curated by outgoing MLMA President Glenn Visscher and his family since, I think, the 1990s. Then we rode the Shriners’ “trolley” to the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia for a tour of the building, including its Library & Museum, all arranged by Moises Gomez. Having been to the Philly temple often and recently, I didn’t shoot many photos, so what follows is a selection from the Trenton temple, its museum, and one lodge room.

New President Dirk Hughes, at right, explains some
of the nuances of museum curating.

New Jersey’s research lodge used to meet in this room.

The West of the same room.

The first minutes of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey.

I didn’t realize a few details about the mysterious lodge
at Basking Ridge were at our fingertips.

New Jersey has a Crudeli bust too!
Sorry for the glare.

In the museum room.

It’s not a museum, in my view, without tobacciana,
although I believe this is a match safe, not a snuff box.

I love these menageries fashioned by creative brethren.

Make Masonic material culture great again!

Remember when grand lodge law books could fit
in your jacket pocket? Good times.

The Royal Arch apron of John Scott, MEGHP
of the Grand Chapter of New Jersey in 1826
and the namesake of my chapter, Scott No. 4.

While we were enjoying the Museum of Masonic Culture,
Glenn and Mark recorded a promo for their podcast,
The Rite Stuff, seen on YouTube. Click here.

     

‘Patriots Week almost here’

     

Magpie file photo

The Fifes & Drums of the Old Barracks march into the Trenton Masonic Temple at an appendant body event May 14, 2011.

Patriots Week, the annual celebration of U.S. history and early American culture in Trenton, New Jersey, is just two weeks away, and because a few events involve a Masonic temple, I thought I’d share the info.

Every December, during the closing week of the calendar year, a celebration of colonial life, including victory in the Revolutionary War, is held in this capital city of the state renowned as the Battlefield of the Revolution. The activities of Trenton Patriots Week (click here for the full schedule) are centered around a few places like the Old Barracks, a historical site that originated in 1758 as British military housing during the French and Indian War, and was still in service in 1776 when George Washington and the Continental Army defeated the British and Germans in the Battle of Trenton.

Situated across the street is the Trenton Masonic Temple, which several years ago became the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey Freemasonry.

On Tuesday, December 27—St. John Evangelist Day, if you remember—a program of “Revolutionary Music” will begin at 1 p.m. From the publicity:

This lecture and musical demonstration will discuss the specific tunes performed by the New Jersey Regiments and Philadelphia Batallions of 1775-77 as well as the more entertaining side of music during wartime. Musicians John Lane, Drew Wierzybowski, and Stephen Hudak will perform. Admission: free.


And on Friday the 30th, join the party at the Colonial Ball. From 7 to 10 p.m., the Ball gives you the opportunity to dance with soldiers of the Battle of Trenton and “learn their favorite dance steps!” Advance tickets cost only $17.76 and $20 at the door.

The Trenton Masonic Temple is located at 100 Barrack Street. Parking? Uh, don’t ask me.