The North Carolina Mason

G rand Master Larry B. Thompson Jr.'s Year of Masonic Revival has formally reintroduced a couple of ancient Masonic traditions back into North Carolina – the Harmony and the Table Lodge. Historically, at least in North Carolina in the 18th and early 19th Centuries, lodges typically met quarterly. Since most lodges did not own a lodge building like we do now, "business" was minimal. In fact, the only business lodges really focused on was making new Masons and celebrating old friendships. Masonic meetings were social events, and dinner was a time to introduce guests, visitors, petitioners, and active candidates. Informal lodge gatherings were (and still are) called Harmonies. Typically, the members and guests would sit at large, long tables. The Grand Master or lodge Master and his deputies would introduce guests and toast their health. Camaraderie was built by singing popular songs together, telling stories, and mingling about the room to re-engage old friends. Table Lodges are more formal affairs and typically consist of the members sitting around a U-shaped table. In some jurisdictions, these meetings are governed by strict ritual and are tyled. The lodge officers are posted strategically around the table, in line with their stations in a lodge. The wardens have toasts and call on the deacons or stewards for assistance. Of course, the tyler ensures the wait staff only enter when the lodge can be at ease, and labor is dispensed instantly by a knock at the door and a rap of the gavel. The dinner is more structured, and gavel raps denote who stands and when and for what purpose. Grand Master Thompson's formal district meetings are more in line with Harmonies, and friends, wives, and other non- Masons are encouraged to attend to get a feel for some of our traditions and ritual. The first such meeting this year was held in the Scottish Rite room of the Greensboro Masonic Temple, where the atmosphere was set by the backdrop of a gothic castle, burning tapers, and dramatic lighting. The Harmonies are proving popular, and permit a more relaxed mood where we can celebrate our friendship, champion our charitable endeavors, and have a little fun in the process. Celebrating Masonic Revival with Ancient Traditions By Jonathan Underwood, Grand Secretary • Photos by Mike Harding SUMMER 2 0 2 2 | 9

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