Freemasons dinner

As an editor I get invited to all sorts of functions. Saturday night though was the first time I had ever gone to a Freemasons event.

It was a dinner following the installation of a new district grand master. There are four lodges on the Goldfields and I think all of them are under the Scottish constitution.

I didn’t see any of the secret ceremonies, so I think it’s okay for me to describe what happened at the dinner, which was open to wives and guests, as well as the “brethren”.

It was a black-tie affair but some men wore kilts. Basically it was just a lot of toasts. The function began with a loyal toast and a singing of God Save the Queen followed by an unscripted rendition of Flower of Scotland.

The other toasts were to various brethren, always followed by a short song of acclamation and the waving of fingers according to some ritualistic code.

There was a display of Highland dancing and the night ended with Advance Australia Fair and Auld Lang Syne.

There was plenty of whisky flowing but the night didn’t kick on too late. Most of the Masons are older men but there were a few my age and the new grand master is 34.

The Masons have been criticised in the past as a secret society. I sense they are wanting to open up to the community more and show some of their works.