MOOSUP LODGE NO. 113, A.F. & A.M.

125 YEARS OF MAKING GOOD MEN BETTER

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Ye Olde Table Lodge

Moosup Lodge is renown for its theme events, most especially:

The Quarry Rite

and

Ye Olde Table Lodge

Ye Olde Table Lodge, held on or near the Spring equinox, celebrates Masonry through recreations of folklore and historical events, and is considered by many to be the outstanding Table Lodge in all of New England -- and perhaps the entire United States.

Beginning as a simple Table Lodge (an 8 course meal with toasts, following a prescribed Masonic ritual), certain Lodge members suggested that the evening would be more interesting if the event followed a different theme each year. The theme events began in 1992 -- corresponding with Operation Desert Storm -- with a salute to United States war veterans. That evening, in a spontaneous gesture of goodwill, RW Russell Kawa of Ionic No. 28 in Greene, RI passed around items for the brothers to autograph, as a memorial to the enjoyable evening. Ever since that evening, some memento has been provided each year for all the participants to sign, after which it has been deposited in Moosup Lodge's trophy case as a memorial.

In 1993 a massive two-handed broad sword served as the keepsake, with every brother engraving his name in the blade. RW Robert Raymond penned a sililoquy likening the sword and its uses to Masonry -- which 'cuts away the vices and superfluities of life'. With that began another event tradition: a narrative outlining the evening's theme and bringing meaning to the memorial item.

The 1994 Table Lodge was a watershed event, bringing it front-and-center in Connecticut Masonry. For the first time ever, the Moosup Table Lodge was attended by a sitting Grand Master: MW Kenneth B. Hawkins of Ansantawae Lodge. To accommodate the increased demand for tickets, the Table Lodge was moved from the dining hall into the lodgeroom, increasing seating capacity from 64 to 106. Elaborate props transformed the lodgeroom into a medieval castle, replete with suits of armor, shields, swords, and banners, for 'The Feast of the Holy Grail'. This also marked the first year that the theme was exemplified through play-acting, as -- backed by thunder and lightning -- a Merlin-like 'Guide of the Keep' materialized to summon the Holy Grail forth. Floating down from the ceiling, the steaming Grail was captured by the Guide in a receptacle that had been engraved by all the brothers in attendance. Gushed MW Hawkins later, "This is just like Broadway!"

In 1996, an enormous Sphinx dominates the West

While the theme changes each year, the recipe has been the same since 1994: elaborate props, play-acting, theme narratives, and an engraved keepsake. More importantly though, has been the camaraderie and friendship that the brothers have shared each year.

If you are interested in attending Ye Olde Table Lodge, seating is limited, and tickets are sold in advance only. Contact Moosup Lodge at the below address or via e-mail for details and information. Previous years' attendees are given first preference to purchase the same number of tickets for the following year. New requests are placed on a waiting list until previous attendees have had their opportunity. Do not let this deter you though. Every year there are approximately 10 to 12 new brothers attending.

AZZURA!
The "A" for Atlantis serves as a backdrop in the East

Mt. Azzura begins to erupt - Atlantis is doomed!

Themed Table Lodges

YEAR THEME DESCRIPTION / HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE / KEEPSAKE

1992 Our Veterans
A tribute to veterans past and present -- espcially those actively engaged in Operation Desert Storm.

Memorable for spontaneously producing the first autographed keepsakes: a ticket and a placemat.

1993 The Legend of the Sword
The sword becomes symbolic of Masonry's effort to 'cut away the vices and superfluites of life.'

The first theme sililoquy. Two-handed broadsword is etched with each attendee's name.

1994 The Feast of the Holy Grail
The 'Guide of the Keep' summons the Holy Grail to reside with the brothers for the evening.

First Table Lodge in the lodgeroom; first props; first play-acting. Grail receptacle is etched by brothers.

1995

An Oath...

...An Obligation

A tribute to the Masonic presidents.

Table Lodge glass with specially designed Masonic president's emblem put on display at George Washington Masonic Memorial in Washington, DC. Grand Lodge of the State of Texas, holding its first table lodge ever, requests use of the Moosup Lodge program and emblem. Silver serving tray with engraved emblem is etched by attendees.

1996

Freedom!

Set in Ancient Egypt. The ghost of a pharoah is freed by the brothers' work that evening.

Attended by Grand Masters of both Connecticut and Rhode Island. Most extensive prop ever: a golden sphinx so large that the brothers enter the lodge through one of its paws. Acrylic pyramid is inscribed by the brothers.

1997

Carillon

Outside the walls of the French fortress 'Carillon', we experience the first Table Lodge.

Fortress walls, a functioning waterfall, firing cannons, twittering birds, and howling wolves help complete the effect. First narrative presented in two languages (French and English). A replica gunnery cannon of the 1750's is mounted to a plaque that is engraved by the brothers.

1998

The Green Dragon

A recreation of the Boston Tea Party, which may have originated from the famous Boston tavern The Green Dragon, which served as the meeting place for both St. Andrew's Lodge and The Sons of Liberty -- many of whose members were one-in-the same.

Waiters dress as colonists might have at the Tea Party, including head dress and war paint. A dragon figurine is mounted to a plaque engraved by brothers in the columns of the north and the south.

1999

The Sarsen Circle

Inside a Stonehenge replica, we conjecture that this ancient edifice may have been a Masonic temple. A lodge of the 'Builders Society' is opened and, by the light of sunrise on summer solstice, a new builder is initiated.

Attendees sign a replica trilithon -- the two uprights and joining lintel -- for which Stonehenge is renown.

2000

The Learner

The Entered Apprentice's -- or Learner's -- symbol is explained. Black marble columns topped with greenery abound, providing a simple setting befitting the EA's role in Masonry. An EA pin is presented to each attendee along with a challenge to pin an initiate with it by next year's Table Lodge.

Attendees sign a brass representation of the Learner's symbol.

2001

Azzura

A visit to Atlantis during its final days.

Ignoring the workmen's calculations and warnings dooms the utopian society, as a volcano belches fire and smoke while earthquakes topple quarried rock columns about the lodge.

Brass plates are signed, then folded into the event's signature "A" symbol.

2002

Hope

Remembering the World Trade Center.

From the bowels of the devastated building emerges a tattered but unbowed U.S. flag, and legions of heroes.

A sculpture depicting rescue workers at the site is signed by all in attendance.

2003

The Standard Gauge

Moosup Lodge's founding.

Recounting the tale of local brothers who, while traveling together on the railroad to and from Moriah Lodge, decide to establish a lodge of their own.

A model train on tracks is mounted to a plaque signed by all present.

2004

Light

The Lighthouse at Alexandria.

A central Masonic theme is explored through lighthouses, both ancient and current. Sostrates, architect of the Lighthouse at Alexandria, is visited at his 40 story lighthouse by Euclid, who observes the lessons replete in the structure.

An operative lighthouse dominates a plaque signed by the craft.

2005

Friend

The Battle of Gettysburg

Events leading to the meeting between Captain Henry Bingham and his wounded brother General Lewis Armistead on the Gettysburg battlefield -- later memorialized in the 'Friend to Friend' monument -- are portrayed. Hancock finishes the evening by lamenting what terrible forces pit man against man, and brother against brother.

Union and Confederate swords are engraved by the columns of the north and south, respectively.

2006

Remember

The Siege of the Alamo

Legend comes to life as Mexican General Santa Anna, reputed by some to have been a Mason, enters the Alamo mission under a flag of truce offering safe passage to the Masons there. Bowie does not recognize him, and the brothers reject his offer, only to die in the final charge.

A mission bell is signed by the brothers present, and rung throughout the night in lieu of the Master's gavel.

2007

The Eye of Providence

New England Whalers

In a New England whaling village a ship rests in the East. Brothers are exhorted to join Captain Morse's crew onboard 'The Eye of Providence'. The captain takes only brother Masons as his crew, and they must prove themselves to board his ship. At night's end, a storm sinks the remainder of the whaling fleet, and the Eye of Providence rescues a dissenter from another crew who had branded the Eye 'a devil-ship.'

An antiqued ship's log is signed by all, and displayed on the lobster-pot altar through the course of the night.

**Themed Table Lodges**
YEAR	THEME	DESCRIPTION / HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE / KEEPSAKE
1992	Our Veterans	A tribute to veterans past and present -- espcially those actively engaged in Operation Desert Storm. Memorable for spontaneously producing the first autographed keepsakes: a ticket and a placemat.
1993	The Legend of the Sword	The sword becomes symbolic of Masonry's effort to 'cut away the vices and superfluites of life.' The first theme sililoquy. Two-handed broadsword is etched with each attendee's name.
1994	The Feast of the Holy Grail	The 'Guide of the Keep' summons the Holy Grail to reside with the brothers for the evening. First Table Lodge in the lodgeroom; first props; first play-acting. Grail receptacle is etched by brothers.
1995	An Oath... ...An Obligation	A tribute to the Masonic presidents. Table Lodge glass with specially designed Masonic president's emblem put on display at George Washington Masonic Memorial in Washington, DC. Grand Lodge of the State of Texas, holding its first table lodge ever, requests use of the Moosup Lodge program and emblem. Silver serving tray with engraved emblem is etched by attendees.
1996	Freedom!	Set in Ancient Egypt. The ghost of a pharoah is freed by the brothers' work that evening. Attended by Grand Masters of both Connecticut *and* Rhode Island. Most extensive prop ever: a golden sphinx so large that the brothers enter the lodge through *one* of its paws. Acrylic pyramid is inscribed by the brothers.
1997	Carillon	Outside the walls of the French fortress 'Carillon', we experience the first Table Lodge. Fortress walls, a functioning waterfall, firing cannons, twittering birds, and howling wolves help complete the effect. First narrative presented in two languages (French and English). A replica gunnery cannon of the 1750's is mounted to a plaque that is engraved by the brothers.
1998	The Green Dragon	A recreation of the Boston Tea Party, which may have originated from the famous Boston tavern The Green Dragon, which served as the meeting place for both St. Andrew's Lodge and The Sons of Liberty -- many of whose members were one-in-the same. Waiters dress as colonists might have at the Tea Party, including head dress and war paint. A dragon figurine is mounted to a plaque engraved by brothers in the columns of the north and the south.
1999	The Sarsen Circle	Inside a Stonehenge replica, we conjecture that this ancient edifice may have been a Masonic temple. A lodge of the 'Builders Society' is opened and, by the light of sunrise on summer solstice, a new builder is initiated. Attendees sign a replica trilithon -- the two uprights and joining lintel -- for which Stonehenge is renown.
2000	The Learner	The Entered Apprentice's -- or Learner's -- symbol is explained. Black marble columns topped with greenery abound, providing a simple setting befitting the EA's role in Masonry. An EA pin is presented to each attendee along with a challenge to pin an initiate with it by next year's Table Lodge. Attendees sign a brass representation of the Learner's symbol.
2001	Azzura	A visit to Atlantis during its final days. Ignoring the workmen's calculations and warnings dooms the utopian society, as a volcano belches fire and smoke while earthquakes topple quarried rock columns about the lodge. Brass plates are signed, then folded into the event's signature "A" symbol.
2002	Hope	Remembering the World Trade Center. From the bowels of the devastated building emerges a tattered but unbowed U.S. flag, and legions of heroes. A sculpture depicting rescue workers at the site is signed by all in attendance.
2003	The Standard Gauge	Moosup Lodge's founding. Recounting the tale of local brothers who, while traveling together on the railroad to and from Moriah Lodge, decide to establish a lodge of their own. A model train on tracks is mounted to a plaque signed by all present.
2004	Light	The Lighthouse at Alexandria. A central Masonic theme is explored through lighthouses, both ancient and current. Sostrates, architect of the Lighthouse at Alexandria, is visited at his 40 story lighthouse by Euclid, who observes the lessons replete in the structure. An operative lighthouse dominates a plaque signed by the craft.
2005	Friend	The Battle of Gettysburg Events leading to the meeting between Captain Henry Bingham and his wounded brother General Lewis Armistead on the Gettysburg battlefield -- later memorialized in the 'Friend to Friend' monument -- are portrayed. Hancock finishes the evening by lamenting what terrible forces pit man against man, and brother against brother. Union and Confederate swords are engraved by the columns of the north and south, respectively.
2006	Remember	The Siege of the Alamo Legend comes to life as Mexican General Santa Anna, reputed by some to have been a Mason, enters the Alamo mission under a flag of truce offering safe passage to the Masons there. Bowie does not recognize him, and the brothers reject his offer, only to die in the final charge. A mission bell is signed by the brothers present, and rung throughout the night in lieu of the Master's gavel.
2007	The Eye of Providence	New England Whalers In a New England whaling village a ship rests in the East. Brothers are exhorted to join Captain Morse's crew onboard 'The Eye of Providence'. The captain takes only brother Masons as his crew, and they must prove themselves to board his ship. At night's end, a storm sinks the remainder of the whaling fleet, and the Eye of Providence rescues a dissenter from another crew who had branded the Eye 'a devil-ship.' An antiqued ship's log is signed by all, and displayed on the lobster-pot altar through the course of the night.

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You may contact Moosup No. 113 by e-mail,

or by writing to:

P.O. Box 53

Oneco, CT 06373

	The 1994 Table Lodge was a watershed event, bringing it front-and-center in Connecticut Masonry. For the first time ever, the Moosup Table Lodge was attended by a sitting Grand Master: MW Kenneth B. Hawkins of Ansantawae Lodge. To accommodate the increased demand for tickets, the Table Lodge was moved from the dining hall into the lodgeroom, increasing seating capacity from 64 to 106. Elaborate props transformed the lodgeroom into a medieval castle, replete with suits of armor, shields, swords, and banners, for 'The Feast of the Holy Grail'. This also marked the first year that the theme was exemplified through play-acting, as -- backed by thunder and lightning -- a Merlin-like 'Guide of the Keep' materialized to summon the Holy Grail forth. Floating down from the ceiling, the steaming Grail was captured by the Guide in a receptacle that had been engraved by all the brothers in attendance. Gushed MW Hawkins later, "This is just like Broadway!"
In 1996, an enormous Sphinx dominates the West

If you are interested in attending Ye Olde Table Lodge, seating is limited, and tickets are sold in advance only. Contact Moosup Lodge at the below address or via e-mail for details and information. Previous years' attendees are given first preference to purchase the same number of tickets for the following year. New requests are placed on a waiting list until previous attendees have had their opportunity. Do not let this deter you though. Every year there are approximately 10 to 12 new brothers attending.

	AZZURA! The "A" for Atlantis serves as a backdrop in the East
Mt. Azzura begins to erupt - Atlantis is doomed!