Red Wing Masonic Lodge 15th Annual Table Lodge

On May 19, 2023, fifty-eight members and guests gathered at the historic St. James Hotel to celebrate Red Wing Masonic Lodge 15th Annual Table Lodge. 

The evening began with a two-hour social with refreshments as Past Grand Master Rolf Widstrand provided musical entertainment on the grand piano. 

Promptly at 7:00 PM we moved to the dining room and Worshipful Master Jake Facile began the program. 

The food provided by the St. James Hotel was a culinary delight, the conversations at the table were light and festive as we progressed thru the seven toasts. 

The St. James Hotel is beautiful hotel built on top of the rolling bluffs of Red Wing overlooking the Mississippi river. Architect Edward P. Bassford designed the building in the Italianate style. The hotel became a hub of activity serving businessmen and passengers from the steam trains and steamboats. 

The hotel opened in 1875 just 19 years after Red Wing Lodge #8 received its Charter. 

The St. James Hotel continues today to provide old world service, luxurious amenities and excellent food.

For decades Red Wing Lodge has recognized students from the local high schools along with providing selected individuals with scholarships to assist the students in the opportunity to continue their education. 

This year we were able to provide four $1,000 scholarships. Three of selectees and their parents were able to spend the evening festivities. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about them, and their future plans. 

We would like to thank Minnesota Masonic Charities for matching our scholarship funds to help make a deeper and positive impact on our community. 

Our 2023 Scholarship Recipients -Photo by Terrance Schaffer

The Grand Master of Minnesota Masons, Dayton Berg, joined us for the evening. You can see our Grandmaster sharing a moment of humor with Worshipful Master Jake Facile and our newest member.

It was a nice treat to see the Charging Cannon from my year as Grand Master. I filled mine with coffee because I had a long drive home. 

The dinner is a wonderful tradition for Red Wing Lodge and a great night was had by all. 

 

Red Wing Table Lodge

Last evening I had the honor of attending Red Wing Lodge #6 Table Lodge. It was held in one of Minnesota's great hotels, The St. James Hotel. Of course if you knew the Worshipful Master Ethan Seaberg, and the Past Master Gary Thomas, you would know that everything they do is a class act and no detail is overlooked. Last night was no different.

The social hour was a homecoming of sorts for me. For I haven't seen all of the Brothers in one place for some time now. There were several lovely wives I also got to meet as well and reacquainted with others. Ethan had one of the new brothers play the grand piano. Matt played a very impressive selection of pieces: jazz, popular, classical, among others. He played for 90 minutes non stop all from memory! I had a chance to get to know Matt a little. He is a Law Enforcement student at a major Minnesota college. But he earns his money to attend college as a professional bowler. I can see a Masonic bowling team coming up in my future.

I took a break from the wonderful conversation and tried some fablous appetizers. There was a Stilton cheese that deserved a nice glass of red wine. It was a perfect combination that was memorable.

Dinner started with the Master of the Lodge Ethan giving a few toasts. As we started our salad, we could hear the tornado sirens going off in the background. We all looked at one another and ate a little faster... As the sirens grew louder, my table companions said to each other "I don't hear anything -- do you hear anything?"

The hotel staff then required us to evacuate the room and ushered us into the safety of the basement. I was the last person out so I took the photos. The basement was very secure and pleasant. I stood near the stairs in case anyone needed assistance. There was a large mother daughter pajama party going on in the hotel, so I also offered my assistance to them as well (I am a police officer and duty always calls). Now my Brother Shawn Carrick and his beauitful wife Ann informed me that they had the most fun meeting a group of entertaining people in the basement bar!
I never thought of that... next time I'll follow Shawn.

As we waited for only about thirty minutes the all clear was given and we returned to our festive board up stairs.

Worshipful Master Ethan Seaberg of Red Wing Lodge and Master of Ceremonies. He performed an outstanding job and kept us laughing and on time.

The guest Speaker of the evening Grand Inspector General of the Minnesota Scottish Rite. My Brother Jerry is my personal favorite Masonic Speaker. He is the kind of speaker that holds you on the edge of your seat, can tug on your heart strings, and feel very proud to be a Freemason -- all at the same time.

I think Jerry is so good, he could read the Minneapolis phone book aloud and captivate us.Our Inspector General is truly a Big Tent Mason and I am very proud to know him.

Even though I was considering staying in the room and helping myself to the buffet, staffperson Val held firm to her duty to ensure I was safe in the basement. Despite the fact that I offered her half of the apple pie that I had my eye on!

Of course at the end of the night as I was one of the last ones to leave. I thought what a nice night that was filled with caring friendship, good food, and even alitle excitment. The Red Wing Table Lodge will be a wonderful memory for many years to come.