Monday, August 16, 2010

 

7:00 P.M.

 

Café de Paris

8808 Centre Park Drive, Columbia, MD 21045, 410-997-3904,

www.cafedepariscolumbia.com – go to website for directions

 

$35 per person for dinner, beverage, and gratuity – cash bar

 

Reservation form with payment must be returned by August 2

 

Presentation

 

Louis F. Bandell, Jr.

Most Excellent Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons in Maryland

 

King Solomon’s Temple

 

M.E. Companion Bandell has been a Mason for 48 years.  He is a Past Master of four Lodges, a Past High Priest of two Royal Arch Chapters, a Past Thrice Illustrious Master of a Council of Royal and Select Masters, a Past Commander of a Commandery of Knights Templar, and a past presiding officer of four Scottish Rite Bodies (in which he is 33rd Degree), among many other areas of service, and honors. 

 

His talk will be an overview of the years of planning and effort that resulted in the completion of the magnificent Edifice that is at the heart of all our Masonic Rituals, as detailed in the Books of Chronicles and Kings and elsewhere.  He will also offer little-known esoteric information, such as the real function of the High Priest’s breastplate.

 

Join MMRS on August 16th, as we return to our Royal Arch roots and welcome M.E. Companion Bandell.

 

President’s Message

 

The Festive Board for the Maryland Masonic Research Society is an annual event that provides us with the opportunity to enjoy the social side of Freemasonry as well as the more formal ritual side. That said, it must be remembered that the Festive Board is also a “formal” affair, with its structure and rules of deportment, although giving plenty of time for us to chat amongst each other and enjoy each others’ company.

 

Little has been written about the origins of the Festive Board as we know it today. If we accept that Masonry has its origins in the Craft Guilds of the Middle Ages and that these Craftsmen not only worked together but also relaxed together at their favorite Inn or Tavern, then it seems to follow that having some form of “festive” relaxation after a Masonic meeting also stemmed from these gatherings.

 

The title “Festive Board” implies eating away from home in a joyous atmosphere. It is important that we not forget to place an accent on the happiness and relaxation that must derive from such a joyous occasion.

 

I am looking forward to seeing you at Café de Paris for the interesting presentation by Louis F. Bandell, Jr., Most Excellent Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons in Maryland, for the great food and pleasant discussions!

 

Inessa Mischenko

President