The following is a narration of the historic consecration of Cedars Lodge No 1041 last 29 March. According to Bro Louie Reyes, also the elder blood brother of the author; Bro Gerry, the officers of the new lodge had to sit in the tessalated part of the lodge. According to Bro Louie, the attendance is not fewer that 250 Masons!
Here is Bro Gerry's personal account of the ceremonial part of the consecration:
"Last Saturday the 29th of March 2008 I witnessed an event that most Freemasons witness well into their journey in the craft, being in the craft for only 4 months this was truly an opportunity not to be missed. The event was the consecration of The Cedars Lodge No. 1041.
The afternoon started off rather normally. Brother Roland and I were searching for a parking spot which was a fair distance from the lodge. This was a sign of things to come for I have never seen so many Freemasons in one area outside of Grand Lodge.
Upon entering the lodge we were welcomed warmly by brothers we have never met. As the time came closer for the ceremony I was most surprised when our group (Bro Roland, Bro Manny and Bro Rudy and I) was approached by RT Wor. Bro Dr. Gregory Henry Levenston. He welcomed us and shook our hands and mentioned he was glad to see us there. We had a brief chat about his upcoming grand installation and he said he was looking forward to seeing us there and hoped we could make the event.
The Ceremony was quite spectacular. Witnessing the Grand Lodge Ceremonial team and Officers up close go thru their paces is a sight to see. It inspires newcomers like me to continue my studies and advance in the knowledge of the craft. The Ceremony proper itself was full of symbolisms such as the Corn, Wine, Oil and Salt. These are things you would not normally know or hear about. I feel I got an advance class in Masonic symbolisms. Also of interest was to see the openness of the craft to all races and religions, I say this as I observed our Muslims' brethren listening intently to the Rabbi when he was reading from the Volume of the Sacred Law. Nowhere else in the world will you see this without causing dissent.
It was quite interesting looking around the room catching everyone’s expressions and actions. What I found particularly interesting was the Entered Apprentices' were watching the Fellowcraft Masons and the Fellowcraft Masons were watching the Master Masons on what to do next. It was quite amusing.
I quite enjoyed the fellowship with other Fellowcrafts and Entered Apprentices when we were made to retire and we discussed the brief experiences we have had in the craft. Re-entering the lodge was also a good experience.
Definitely this is one event that will forever be etched in my memory and will be sharing to future members of the craft."
Here is Bro Gerry's personal account of the ceremonial part of the consecration:
"Last Saturday the 29th of March 2008 I witnessed an event that most Freemasons witness well into their journey in the craft, being in the craft for only 4 months this was truly an opportunity not to be missed. The event was the consecration of The Cedars Lodge No. 1041.
The afternoon started off rather normally. Brother Roland and I were searching for a parking spot which was a fair distance from the lodge. This was a sign of things to come for I have never seen so many Freemasons in one area outside of Grand Lodge.
Upon entering the lodge we were welcomed warmly by brothers we have never met. As the time came closer for the ceremony I was most surprised when our group (Bro Roland, Bro Manny and Bro Rudy and I) was approached by RT Wor. Bro Dr. Gregory Henry Levenston. He welcomed us and shook our hands and mentioned he was glad to see us there. We had a brief chat about his upcoming grand installation and he said he was looking forward to seeing us there and hoped we could make the event.
The Ceremony was quite spectacular. Witnessing the Grand Lodge Ceremonial team and Officers up close go thru their paces is a sight to see. It inspires newcomers like me to continue my studies and advance in the knowledge of the craft. The Ceremony proper itself was full of symbolisms such as the Corn, Wine, Oil and Salt. These are things you would not normally know or hear about. I feel I got an advance class in Masonic symbolisms. Also of interest was to see the openness of the craft to all races and religions, I say this as I observed our Muslims' brethren listening intently to the Rabbi when he was reading from the Volume of the Sacred Law. Nowhere else in the world will you see this without causing dissent.
It was quite interesting looking around the room catching everyone’s expressions and actions. What I found particularly interesting was the Entered Apprentices' were watching the Fellowcraft Masons and the Fellowcraft Masons were watching the Master Masons on what to do next. It was quite amusing.
I quite enjoyed the fellowship with other Fellowcrafts and Entered Apprentices when we were made to retire and we discussed the brief experiences we have had in the craft. Re-entering the lodge was also a good experience.
Definitely this is one event that will forever be etched in my memory and will be sharing to future members of the craft."
