This impressive document is called a Dispensation. With its reading and signing by the Grand Master (attested to by the Grand Secretary) gave us the power to form a Masonic Lodge. I have been involved in many things Masonic over the years but this event touched a lot of emotions. It started out with a conversation which Brother Kurt Hoffmann and I had about forming a group of Masons who would get together once in awhile to eat out and enjoy each other's company and discuss things Masonic.Over time it grew to an idea that we could/should start a new Masonic Lodge. The way this is done is that at least 15 Masons get together and petition the Grand Master for the right to form a Lodge. We discussed it with others and brought Brother Timothy Bonney on board with us. It is funny both of them had similar ideas about what kind of things they would like to see happening in Masonry. An attempt, if you will, to restore some of the basic things which Masonry began with: something new, yet old. We call ourselves a 'Restoration Lodge'.
The purpose of Specialis Procer Lodge is to bring solemnity to ritual, understanding of its meaning, education and understanding of the historical, philosophical, moral, and virtuous facets of Masonry; and brotherly love to its members.
Grand Master Mosier signs the Dispensation thus bringing the Lodge into existence. It is attested to byt he Grand Secretary William Crawford.
Following the Institution Ceremony the officers were Installed into their places and stations by the Grand Master assisted by some of his Grand Officers. (I "get" to be Secretary) We were honored to have many of the Grand Family there to witness this ceremony. It is not often that a ceremony of this nature takes place. Probably not more than three times in the last decade.
One interesting note is that we have already received a petition for Affiliation for the Lodge and another Brother came up to me afterwards and asked if he could join the lodge. We are happy to have them petition and I think we will receive a petition for the degrees soon.
One of the traditions of this Lodge is the Festive Board which will follow the meetings and which will take place on the months when we do not have Stated Meetings. We only have Stated Meetings every other month and will have Festive Boards on the other nights. We plan to eat at fine restaurants (tonight it was Djengos) and perhaps have meals catered in. We will listen to papers and have a chance for real Masonic friendship of a deep and lasting nature. Tonight we just had a nice meal and conversation. there were about 19 of us and it was not a formal Festive Board. We still have to work that out. We did have one toast. To Lyssa and Kurt who celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary tomorrow.
What does the name stand for; That is simple
specialis (latin): secret, confidential / intimate or special friend.
procer (latin): chief noble, prince.
Following the Institution Ceremony the officers were Installed into their places and stations by the Grand Master assisted by some of his Grand Officers. (I "get" to be Secretary) We were honored to have many of the Grand Family there to witness this ceremony. It is not often that a ceremony of this nature takes place. Probably not more than three times in the last decade.
One interesting note is that we have already received a petition for Affiliation for the Lodge and another Brother came up to me afterwards and asked if he could join the lodge. We are happy to have them petition and I think we will receive a petition for the degrees soon.
One of the traditions of this Lodge is the Festive Board which will follow the meetings and which will take place on the months when we do not have Stated Meetings. We only have Stated Meetings every other month and will have Festive Boards on the other nights. We plan to eat at fine restaurants (tonight it was Djengos) and perhaps have meals catered in. We will listen to papers and have a chance for real Masonic friendship of a deep and lasting nature. Tonight we just had a nice meal and conversation. there were about 19 of us and it was not a formal Festive Board. We still have to work that out. We did have one toast. To Lyssa and Kurt who celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary tomorrow.What does the name stand for; That is simple
specialis (latin): secret, confidential / intimate or special friend.
procer (latin): chief noble, prince.
We are all learning how to pronounce it but the meaning behind it is what counts.
You know I have done a couple of things I am very proud of in Masonry. Probably the one I am the most proud of was thinking up and originating the T. S. Parvin award which is given out annually at Grand Lodge. This evening I felt many of the same emotions as I heard the Dispensation being read. Pride, love for my Brothers, a renewall of my Masonic commitment and gratitude for those who will be joining us in this new Lodge.
Kurt Hoffmann, Wade Sheeler and Timothy Bonney all have blogs. I know Kurt and Wade have posts up about this event and you can read their "take" on the event by clicking on thier names. I am assuming the Timothy will have one up soon so I linked him also. You can see all of the pictures which Jeremy and I took on my camera by clicking here. (Unfortunately there are a couple of pictures of me in there - I threw away the ugliest one.)
You know I have done a couple of things I am very proud of in Masonry. Probably the one I am the most proud of was thinking up and originating the T. S. Parvin award which is given out annually at Grand Lodge. This evening I felt many of the same emotions as I heard the Dispensation being read. Pride, love for my Brothers, a renewall of my Masonic commitment and gratitude for those who will be joining us in this new Lodge.
Kurt Hoffmann, Wade Sheeler and Timothy Bonney all have blogs. I know Kurt and Wade have posts up about this event and you can read their "take" on the event by clicking on thier names. I am assuming the Timothy will have one up soon so I linked him also. You can see all of the pictures which Jeremy and I took on my camera by clicking here. (Unfortunately there are a couple of pictures of me in there - I threw away the ugliest one.)
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