A wonderfully brewed ale, a hearty meal by Brother Alexi Gudishvili and fantastic fellowship were the highlights of last night’s Table Lodge hosted by Parkrose Lodge No. 179 attended by WB Dale Palileo, WB Erik Arneson and Brother Nick Mattos.

In addition to Kenton, the evening was made special by the presence of brothers from Eastgate No. 155, Esoterika No. 227, Tigard-Orenomah No. 207 and Mount Hood No. 32.

Another highlight of the evening was a lecture by WB Erik Arneson about Brother Benjamin Franklin’s storied life.

WB Rich Nowacki, current Master of Parkrose, organized a program that was structured but fluid and flexible enough to make the evening very balanced and very enjoyable.

From WB Nowacki’s closing remarks:

My Brethren,

We greatly appreciate your attendance tonight. It truly is an honor to share a successful Table Lodge with you. We are lucky to have such strong Brotherhood among our various Lodges.

Tonight Alexi Gudishvili was the head chef for our food and the beer was brewed by myself and W.B. Patrick Pierce. You’ll notice a hint of rose hips in the beer, for Park-rose Lodge. Thank you to W.B. Erik Arneson for your insightful and quirky talk.

Now a few words on the tradition of Table Lodge. The tradition of the Table Lodge has long been present in Lodges of Europe since the 1800’s as an activity following the more serious business of a Stated Meeting. Mackey’s Encyclopedia of Freemasonry cites Ragon’s Tuileur General saying that the “toasts of obligation” were to the “seven planets.” In some ways the subjects of our toasts today are like planets in their symbolism and meaning.

In closing Brethren, I am hopeful that you got the most out of our time together. Time is fleeting and the moment is all you have. IT was my goal that this event would crystallize the bonds that go beyond our individual Lodges into memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for helping to make them with me.

Yours in Light,

W.B. Richard S. Nowacki

Below are some of the photos from the event. Enjoy!