Harmonie Lodge No. 699

On Wednesday, July 27, 2106, members of Harmonie lodge no. 699 –O.M.- and guest -good Masons all-

gathered together in order to celebrate part of or of our Lodge’s German heritage by hosting the annual

German Table Lodge (GTL). The GTL is a time for our brethren to feast and toast to the health of our

Lodge, our Brethren, our Fraternity, our Loved ones, and our Country. It is by far a favorite tradition of

many a Mason!

For those of you unfamiliar with the Table Lodge, it is unlike the usual Festive Board, as the Table Lodge

is modeled after early Masonic meetings in Europe and America, which were literally held at the table.

Historically, these types of meetings were standard practice for many of the colonial Masons of early

America, and in fact were common in the homelands of our founding members.

While this type of meeting fell out of fashion around the turn of the 19th century in favor of a more

formal meeting, many continental European lodges maintained this tradition. It is from contacts that

our brethren made in German lodges that this tradition of the Table Lodge has been brought to our

home here in Buffalo, New York.

Now, it is true that several other Lodges throughout Erie County hold similar events, but only Harmonie

Lodge presents an unparalleled feast of traditional German (Bavarian) food, drink, and music. This

year’s magnificent feast was no different and it was expertly prepared and catered by Harmonie’s own,

Bro. J.J. Alfieri and his staff at Duke’s Bohemian Grove Bar (DBGB), which is located on Buffalo’s Allen

Street.

This year’s menu included a variety of taste bud teasing appetizers, such as fresh Rye Breads, Limburger

Cheese, Liverwurst, several different kinds of Pickles, and Pickled Onions. As not to be outdone by the

delightfully delicious apps, the main courses included mouthwatering Bratwurst, Schnitzel, Sauerkraut,

Brussels Sprouts, with a side of sweet Applesauce. It is safe to say that no one left hungry!

On tap for the toasting were Buffalo Kölsch 716 and Rusty Chain, which are two beers both brewed

locally at the iconic Flying Bison Brewery. Now, Buffalo Kölsch 716 is a clear, all-barley pale ale with a

bright, straw-yellow hue similar to a standard German pale lager. Kölsch is a beer brewed in Cologne,

Germany. Rusty Chain is a medium-bodied Vienna style amber beer. It has a soft nutty, malt flavor with

a hint of caramel, with just enough German hops to balance the finish. Not only did these Buffalo

brewed beers fit perfectly well within the theme of the evening, but they also poured perfectly into the

beautifully crafted Harmonie 699 –O.M. - toasting goblets. Of course, if you missed the event and would

still like to purchase your very own Harmonie 699 –O.M. - toasting goblet, please feel free to contact VW

Daniel J. Di Natale.

Prior to the toastings, the meeting was opened by Harmonie’s own Wor. Ben Kaminski. In the true

spirit of the evening, Wor. Kaminski wore his traditional German Lederhosen! Of course, our most

recent Past Master, Wor. Joshua Keim got in on the fun by taking on the ceremonial position of

Harmonie Brewmaster or Braumeister. The special ceremonial position of Harmonie Braumeister

comes with great responsibility and specially designed Braumeister apron.

Helping to hold down the head table was a list of Masonic Who’s Who including Right Worshipful

Michael E. Storck –Proctor, Right Worshipful Richard Morley - Senior Grand Warden, Right Worshipful

John Koller – Grand Sword Bearer, Very Worshipful Donald Williams- AGL, Right Worshipful John

Backhaus- District Deputy Grand Master Cattaraugus, and last but certainly not least is our very own

Right Worshipful Daniel J. Di Natale, District Deputy Grand Master Erie. Of course, there were many

visiting Brother’s on hand to help toast the night away and we are always thankful for their continuing

support of this wonderful Harmonie tradition. Here’s to you Brothers, Prost!

Now, if you missed this Table Lodge and want to get in on all the fun, please follow the link below to info

on the upcoming City of Light Table Lodge!

http://harmonie699.org/members-only/2016- city-of- light-table- lodge/

-Bro. Jonathan M. Korta