Harmonie Lodge No. 699 : German Table Lodge - July 23, 2014 - Welcoming the Right Worshipful Jeffrey M. Williamson, Deputy Grand Master and the Grand Line

Brothers,
Every year when I report on the German Table Lodge I say "It was the best one yet." It is hard to believe but each year we really do get better and this year is no exception. The bar has been raised and history has been made. Thank you Worshipful Joshua Keim and Worshipful Fredrick G. Clark II. Our Master and Senior Warden built the right team of professionals to give us a meal and event that was simply over the top.

Special thanks need to go to Brother J.J Alfieri and his cook "Red" from Duke's Bohemian Grove Bar. They built the menu, took care of all the cooking, and paired the top shelf German beer with the meal. They did an amazing job, both at the bar and with the meal. This was some of the best German food we have had at a Table Lodge and with a modern take on old German classics was really something special. The fan favorite this year was shockingly the pickled eggs, limburger, and liverwurst plate before dinner. Once you try them you will understand. It might not smell good but I assure you all are delicious.

This year's Table Lodge was special for a lot of reasons. We welcomed the largest gathering we have ever had, around 65 Brothers and friends gathered around the table. In attendance we had Right Worshipful Jeffrey M. Williamson, Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Richard Kessler, Grand Lecturer, Right Worshipful James Kintzel, Deputy Grand Marshall, Right Worshipful Christopher Hough, Junior Grand Deacon, Right Worshipful Michael E. Storck, District Deputy Grand Master - First Erie District, and Right Worshipful Robert Drzewucki, Grand Sword Bearer. Along with many Masters of Lodges some from as far as Canada. None had travel so far as our Brewmaster for the evening Brother Eric Jacisin. Brother "Jace" move back home to Wisconsin a few years back and has not been to his Mother Lodge since then. It was wonderful to have him home and leading the table with many toasts.

With the Deputy Grand Master in attendance the Lodge felt it right to show our appreciation for all of Right Worshipful Willaimson's dedication and efforts for the Masonic fraternity. Few will ever be able to show such a Masonic record of achievement as he has. He is an inspiration for young Masons everywhere. To honor him the Lodge commissioned a oak gavel commemorate his visit. With the Harmonie Lodge Coat of Arms on one side and our word of commemoration on the other. After Worshipful Keim presented the gift the Deputy Grand Master gave a wonderful speak about the history of the old German Lodges of Buffalo and how proud he is to see their legacy continued in the last of the "three sisters" - Harmonie Lodge.

Really making this night something even more special it was the 84th birthday of Worshipful Milton Keim, D.S.A. This year is also his 60th year of service to the Masonic Fraternity. The Lodge sang him happy birthday in German and toasted to his good health and dedication to Harmonie Lodge. Few in our history can say they have given so much and work so hard for the Lodge. He is an inspiration and a solid role model, not just for Masons but men everywhere. He too gave an impressive speech abut where the Lodge has been and where we are now. Much has change in is years of service and his perspective on history as well as our future encourage all young Masons to reach for more.

We took 583 pictures. I am editing them as we speak and I hope to have the best up on the site in the coming weeks. Until then please enjoy these choice shots of the event. If you missed it, I am so sorry and I hope to see you next year!

Very Worshipful Bro. Daniel J. Di Natale