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American Blue Lodge Masons (Concerning Alcohol)

Posted By Mathew J. Smith 17/08/2010 08:35:44
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Mathew J. Smith
 Posted 17/08/2010 08:35:44
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It has come up in a meeting of one of the Lodges I regularly attend that the reason we cannot drink in Lodges in the state of Oregon is because the Grand Lodge doesn't want to jump through the hoops it would take to make it possible.

Does anyone know of any reason why it would not be possible to make it possible? A few Brothers from my Lodge and myself were talking about it, and things started out with this being allowed, the Junior Warden is even tasked with keeping things in hand and as long as this is monitored, I think a few drinks could lighten up the pre/post meeting meals and loosen everyone up and make way for some good fellowship.

So, anyone know if there is any kind of restriction banning this?


Mathew J. Smith
Tuality Lodge #6
Hillsboro, OR. USA.
BroPhil
 Posted 17/08/2010 09:38:24
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Although I can't help with this, I have to give my sympathies as having a glass of wine or beer with the festive board is a part of the experience for me :(

(We have no alcohol restrictions in the UK)

S&F


W. Bro. Phil Saunders

IPM, Northolt Lodge No 6565
1st Principal, Thames Mariner Chapter No 8628
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sojourner
 Posted 17/08/2010 10:36:18
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In England, the only ban on drinking that I am aware of (apart from a Temperance Lodge), is a ban on consuming alcohol in the Lodge room itself. That I was told , was because the Lodge room had been consecrated. The social/festive boards were held in another part of the building and it is usual to have a separate bar. Most Masonic Halls in England have several Lodge rooms and are host to a number of Lodges, Chapters, and Degrees.

In Scotland, most Lodges own their own building. Usually smaller than their English counterparts it is common for the Lodge room to be cleared at the end of the meeting and be used as part of the after meeting "Harmony". Having attended several Installations, there also does not seem to be a ban on drinking during the meeting itself!

Thus there is no rule I have come across that would prohibit sensible drinking at Masonic premises. Indeed Masonic Halls in the UK bring in revenue by letting out the premises for birthday celebrations, wedding receptions and other social events, which would be difficult without a bar and an Alcohol Licence.



Roy L.

"SELUME PROFERRE"

Mike Martin
 Posted 17/08/2010 10:41:07
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Firstly I just want to say that you're more likley to get an authoritative response from your own Grand Lodge or even an American Masonic Forum than here.

However, I would hazard a guess that US Masonry picks up traditions as it goes along and this one may have it roots in the Prohibition Act. It seems to me a bit like the way that many of our (English) Grand Officers like to dress up as 1930s bankers and clerks for meetings, without realising why.

Mike
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Mathew J. Smith
 Posted 17/08/2010 10:54:34
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Oh I am planning to ask my Grand Lodge or at least via our Lodge Secretary, the idea has just hit us all and we're dark until next month so I'm searching around in the mean time.

Thanks for the replies.


Mathew J. Smith
Tuality Lodge #6
Hillsboro, OR. USA.
Tom Cherup
 Posted 17/08/2010 19:32:37
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Here in Michigan there only a hand full of lodge that are allowed to have an open bar in the dinning room. My lodge is one of them, because we rent out the dinning room. Like Roy has stated as well as here no alcohol to allowed in the lodge room. We are also not allowed to have any alcohol before or during any meeting, after lodge is closed no problem, as per our GL.

Tom Cherup 32°
Olive Branch Lodge #542
Dearborn, Michigan
Scottish Rite - Valley of Detroit
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drewmc
 Posted 17/08/2010 20:13:59
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We have a bar in our building, and I've never been to a lodge in Canada that hasn't had some beers ready for festive board.

I think that a lot of the hoops you might have to jump through are insurance related, as the US is a very litigious society, and pretty much everything you do needs to be covered by private insurance.


Drew McIntosh
SD, Commercial 81
Edmonton, AB
RoughAshlar
 Posted 25/08/2010 09:43:57
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This makes me love Australian Freemasonry even more. We have tradition and freedom very much on our side.

Wine and beer is de rigeur at dinner as it is very much a part of our culture and heritage. On certain occasions when the GL is present, some generous soul also brings good Scotch Whisky.

We love our work, we love our food and it all goes nicely with a brew after the work and some quality wine for toasts.

Cheers - RoughAshlar.



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