Epic is the only way to describe this years Table Lodge. We were so fortunate to welcome close to 60 Brothers this year. This easily was the largest one ever held by our Lodge. We were so honored to welcome four sitting Masters of Lodges,
W:. Clark Stickland - Palmer Lodge No. 372 - Fort Erie, Ontario - Flagship of Niagara B
W:. Harry A. Campbell - Ancient Landmarks Lodge No. 358 - 1st Erie
W:. Eric Kocis - Ken-Ton Lodge No. 1187 - 1st Erie
W:. John Backaus - Enchanted Mountain Lodge No. 252 - Cattaragus Masonic District
V:.W:. (R:.W:.) Steve Joyce - AGL of Cattaragus Masonic District
With each of the Masters came many of their Brethren. Of those attending only about half were members of Harmonie. This is a first time for the Lodge to welcome so many guests to our table. Something the Lodge hopes will continue into the future.
The Table Lodge was even more wonderful, in that it was the first visitation of our Canadian Brothers from Palmer Lodge. Last year it was purposed by R:.W:. Douglas Lauder, Past D.D.G.M Niagara B District and Member of Palmer, that our Lodges should extend the bounds of fellowship further and become sister Lodges. This idea was warmly received by the Lodge and this was the first of many events between our Lodges. In commemoration of the event W:. Di Natale gifted W:. Stickland with a Harmonie Lodge tie (the sold out ones from Bro. Gomez of FraternalTies) and the last of the Ward A. Peterson Commemoration Apron. This new relationship is something that one the Lodge welcomes and cherishes. We hope to see them much in the coming months and years.
The food this year was amazing. Bro. Michael P. Guzak, Bro. Anthony Marchilioli and Bro. Christopher Samul out did it this year. The Lodge went to great length to not only keep it authentic but keep it in Buffalo. The sausages were from Spars, the beer from Pearl Street (their Brew Master has a thing for the old German Breweries in Buffalo) and the spatzel from Scharfs. Each of these places is part of the iconic Buffalo German heritage that so defines Harmonie Lodge in the back drop of Buffalo history. It was wonderful! With 5 types of authentic German sausages and mounds of spatzel the real feel of a German beer hall was definitely felt. Let us not forget the work of our Stewards that keep our glasses full, Bro. Anthony Marchiloi and Bro. Daniel Augustnek.
The event went long into the night, though we did not beat our record of 30 toasts, the merriment and joy found is something that will enter into the legends of Harmonie Lodge. Bro. Nonso Ilogu took over 350 pictures, a few of which are posted here. Many more will follow on the Lodge site and facebook.
For those that missed the event, I am sorry that you did. This was a wonderful event and one of the best Table Lodges we have held. The Lodge deeply looks forward to having many more share in this event next year.
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