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

German Table Lodge 2016

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 mouth watering 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 Right Wor. 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 Willamis- 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 

Brothers and Battle - Artifact display - Wed Jul 13, 2016

W:. Dan Liptak of Livingstone #255 gave a brief and very informative presentation on the history of Freemasons in the military - including the likes of Von Steuben, "Hap" Arnold, Audie Murphy and many other notables.

Some of the artifacts he brought with him were an indian katar, a WW1 US medical jacket, a Japanese rising sun flag, a model 1832 foot artillery sword, WW1 trench art and a number of other items.

There was also a brief discussion about military masons and buffalo history.  A great time was had by all, and Harmonie was very pleased to welcome her visitors.

Beer vs Wine - Wed May 18'th, 2016

For those members in attendance this night - it was a GREAT program. After our meeting, we met downstairs for fellowcraft and a friendly competition between two brothers of Harmonie Lodge. Bro. Neil Kratzer representing The Wine Room and Bro. Ryan Bonnett of Consumers Beverages decided to go head to head in a pairing of Beer vs Wine for three rounds.

Food was prepared by the staff DBGB's/Gypsy Parlor under Bro. JJ Alfieri's eye, and consisted of bratwusrt and sauerkraut, Pierogi with caramelized onions and roasted brussel sprouts.  The spread was just short of Harmonie's legendary German Table Lodge.

There were 3 rounds of competition - one to pair with the sausages, one for the pierogi and lastly one for dessert.  The wine's represented were:

1. Molino a Vento - Rosato dry rose from scily
2. Paul Anhuser Blanc de Noir - white Pinot noir.
3. And Rosato sweet Italy red.   

The beers were:

1. Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold. 
2. Brooklyn East India Pale Ale.
3. Ballast Point Calm Before the Storm.

After 3 rounds Beer just edged out wine with a score of 2 to 1. Although - honestly, that night EVERYONE won. Hopefully these two will be up for a rematch next year.

Fortune Lodge 788 Visit - Wed Apr 27, 2016

It was an exciting night for the Brethren of Harmonie Lodge as 14 members of Fortune Lodge 788 came all the way in from North Collins to pick up the traveling gavel - and boy did they pick a night.
The Brethren of Harmonie were running some of their newly raised brothers through an education program, including the 3'rd degree historical lecture and question and answers.  There was also a lodge walk around and masonic etiquette lesson.

We were very exited to welcome our Brothers from Fortune and look forward to visiting them in turn.  Remember - they meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month.  It was a tradition of Concordia Lodge to grab the gavel back every time it traveled away.  Lets renew this tradition.

Members of Fortune Lodge 788 taking the Traveling Gavel.

3rd Degree of Masonry - Apr 16, 2016

This past Saturday, the Brethren of Harmonie Lodge 699 had the pleasure and honor of putting on a 3rd Degree for 5 worthy brothers. Of particular interest is the familial connection for some of the newly raised master masons who were raised with the assistance of fathers or grandfathers.

Members of Harmonie 699 and the newly raised Master Masons

Bro. Boyer raised with assistance of his Grandfather.

Bro Clark raised with assistance of his father.

Master's Work Presentation - 4/14/2016

A Harmonie Lodge tradition is to not only have our candidates demonstrate suitable proficiency in their labors, but to also present a Master's Work - which is a personal work in an area that interests the candidate that pertains to The Craft and their lives - some Fellowcrafts work predominately with their hands, some with their minds - but all with their hearts.

Wine with Neil - Sun Apr 3, 2016

The Lodge welcomed about 10 brothers and their partners to another "Wine with Neil" - at The Wine Room, owned and operated by Brother Neil Kratzer.

A good time was had by all - This was not your average wine tasting.  Bro. Neil went over the different types of wines in flights and helped attendees discern their personal tastes - what to pair wines with and how to find others that they might enjoy.

Niagara Distillery Tour - RJK Fellowcraft Club year end event - Mar 23, 2016

March 23rd - the Brethren of Harmonie 699 held their end of year event for the Ronald J Keel Fellowcraft club at the Niagara Distilling Company.  There they had a great night of Fellowcraft and education from Brother Eric Heuser on the distilling process, how 1812 Vodka and Gin are made and what is in the pipeline for the Niagara Distilling Company.  Also accompanying the brothers is the Traveling Gavel of Erie District.

Brother Eric Heuser explaining the distilling process to the brethren.

The Brothers of Harmonie 699 and the traveling gavel.

The Traveling Gavel with 1812 Vodka and 1812 Gin

Grand Master's Visitation and 2nd Degree - January 27, 2016

Our Price Hall Brethren from Ionic Lodge No. 88, P.H.A

The Grand Master - Deputy Grand Master and Officers

Wor. Oswaldo Mestre Jr Presents Wor. Joshua Keim a Gavel

Our Fellowcrafts with our Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master

In lieu of a typical Ronald J Keel Fellowcraft meeting on Wed Jan 27th – Harmonie 699 held a very Special Communication unlike any other in it’s 146 year history. On this day, Harmonie Lodge presented a 2nd Degree for 6 worthy Entered Apprentices in front of Right Wor. Jeffrey M. Williamson and Most Wor. William J. Thomas, Grand Master. We also welcomed our Brothers from Ionic Lodge No. 88 , P.H.A. The evening opened with a wonderful dinner prepared by Harmonie’s Bro. J.J Alfieri and service provided by our local DeMolay Chapter, Ridge Council. Wor. Oswaldo Mestre Jr. and our Brethren at Ironic Lodge No. 88 presented Wor. Joshua Keim and the Brothers of Harmonie Lodge No. 699 a gavel in commemoration of the evening. A wonderful surprise and a very special gift indeed. We also welcomed a delegation from our Sister Lodge in Fort Erie, Palmer Lodge No. 372.

After dinner Harmonie conferred the 2nd Degree with a full Lodge Room with some 125 Masons from across the State in attendance. Following the Degree Most Wor. William J Thomas and Right Wor. Jeffrey Williamson presented awards to Right Wor. Gary Sadowski and Bro. Ken Stuczynski recognizing their hard work and dedication to the Craft. it was a historic night with far too many guests to list. The Lodge's thanks go out to all that helped make this night so special. More pictures can be found on our Facebook group and page.

November 24, 2015 - Masonic Ritual History By Very Wor. Daniel J. Di Natale

On Nov 25th at Harmonie's annual "Day before Thanksgiving" communication  Very Or. Daniel DiNatale once again gave his presentation of Freemasonry in New York State for the benefit of the new brethren and some of the older who may have missed the original presentation. This program was originally used a part of the Masonic Development Course done by Harmonie a few years back. If you are interested there are three sections one for each of the Catechisms for the Degrees. 

November 11th - Veterans Day Service

November 11’th. Originally Armistice Day – and still considered Remembrance Day marks the end of hostilities of WW1 going into effect at the 11’th hour of the 11’th day of the 11’th month of 1918. Renamed “Veterans day” in 1954 to honor all the service personnel of the US Armed Forces. Harmonie had a special program to remember all veterans, as well as honor those who served who are brothers of Harmonie. Veterans in attendance were Worshipful Milton Keim, DSA and Bro. Vincent Zaleski who were escorted to the east for Grand Honors. Along with a prayer for our Veterans – past and present - W:. Joshua Keim then preformed a reading of John McCrae’s “Flanders Field”

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place: and in the sky The larks still bravely singing fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead: Short days ago, We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved: and now we lie In Flanders fields!

Take up our quarrel with the foe To you, from failing hands, we throw The torch: be yours to hold it high If ye break faith with us who die, We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields