A Masonic Toast to my Readers

Masonic Toasting "Gavels" (cannons)




Last night I went to the Royal Mile Pub for a Table "Lodge" which is a Masonic tradition extending back to when the Lodges met in Ale Houses and Taverns. The pictures are of two Masonic Toasting Gavels which I have in my collection. They are both modern reproductions but I am glad to have them.

One time when I was visiting the Grand Lodge Library in Cedar Rapids my friend "Red" Dale pointed one out to me. It had been given to the Grand Lodge by Sadie Cole of Ames, Iowa. She was an antique dealer and Past Matron of Eastern Star and when someone brought her a box of old dishes she recognized this for what it was. Her father was a past master of Arcadia Lodge in Ames and her husband was a Mason. She donated it to the Grand Lodge and it was fun to discover it there. It is more ornate than these.

The Table Lodge got me to thinking about the subject of toasts. There were also toasts at the wedding so I decided to investigate just what a toast was. An interesting history of toasting can be found here. It seems that in ancient Greece the toast was taken by the host first who sipped his glass of wine and then raised it in the air to show that it wasn't poisoned. The Romans put a piece of burnt toast into their wine to improve the wine by reducing the acidity. The practice evolved from there.

Wikipedia says that the toast is to "honor" someone.

Many Grand Lodges frown upon the use of liquor. Kind of funny for a group that started meeting in taverns but as my friend Jerry Marsingill used to say the WCTU got involved during the anti-masonic times and the rest is history. Today Lodges may hold Table Lodges but if held in the Temple the "powder" (what you put in the "cannon" (toasting gavel) is non-alcoholic. In fact, we can't even rent our premises to a group that will serve alcohol.

The Masonic Table Lodge is a strictly regulated system of toasting at the festive board. This was not the case at the Scottish Rite Table Lodge. Toasts were more informal and the structure was a lot looser. They did, however perform the ritual toasting associated with the toast.

Gentlemen please be upstanding is a web site that gives you some of the Masonic Toasts.
They say:

"After most lodge meetings in this jurisdiction are ended, the officers and brethren will retire to the banquet room for what is often referred to as the Festive Board. This gathering is opened with a prayer, conducted with certain toasts, and closed with the Tyler’s Toast. The following are a small selection of appropriate remarks. Brethren are advised to consult with the Director of Ceremonies regarding the proper salutations and titles for the occasion, as these may be an individual lodge decision."

There is a form for giving the toast which is loosly this:

Brethren before we continue, I would like to share some Festive Board Etiquette with you:

When the Proposer says: Brethren please be upstanding;
EVERYONE—(unless the toast is for you) will rise
Raise your Cannon shoulder high with your arm extended straight out
With the Proposer, repeat in unison, to whom the Toast is for

Then take a Drink

Return your Cannons to the table

Following the taking of wine, Remain Standing for the "Quick Fire"

The "QUICK FIRE"—

Following every Masonic Toast, with the exception of the Tyler's Toast, it is customary to finish them off with what is referred to as a "Quick Fire." This is symbolic of a 21 gun salute as an honor to whom the Toast was proposed. The Quick Fire is given thusly, taking your time from the proposer;

Place your Right Elbow in your Left Hand

With your Right Index Finger, I (he) will direct you to

Point—Left—Right
Point—Left—Right
Point—Left—Right
One—Two

You will then Clap your hands Rapidly Once, and then Three Times Three or Nine, Thusly:

+ / +++ / +++ / +++

The form we used last evening did not involve being upstanding and the directions were somewhat different. The Toastmaster had us "charge our cannons (gavels) He would then say "Ready" and we would take hold of our glass "Aim" and we would bring it to the lips. Then we would repeat for whom the toast was for. He would say "fire" and we would take a sip. Then raising our glass out in front of us we would move it in a triangular motion three times - slam it to the table with a loud bang (see the need for the thick bottom on the glass) and give the battery of "three times three" All would then shout "Vivat, vivat, vivat" and the toast would be over.

Somewhat different but really very enjoyable. The evening also included singing and education.

Arcadia Lodge will have a Table Lodge on July 20 and it will be at the Basil restaurant. Last night we had traditional British Pub fare.(I had Guinness pie) On the 20th I believe it is Pork Loin. The cost is $30 and includes a souvenir shot glass. Our Table Lodge will have a speaker and the Toastmaster usually tells some awful jokes. We also have a response to each toast. All in all it is a lot of fun and a great time is usually had by all. We also use the occasion to levy fines on brothers for various reasons. No tie. Toasting cannon in the wrong spot on the table. (Yes that is very regulated) A lot of teasing and ribbing - good natured fun and the Charity fund grows richer. I have tickets if you are interested. Of course it goes without saying you have to be a Mason. Cannons may be charged with several kinds of "powder" Usually wine, beer or soda. (Off premises and privately sponosored)


Remember you are loved. Hugs help. jcs