Fraternal Greetings

On October 21^st the members of Lodge Han Yang No. 1048 gathered to conduct a short business meeting. The only significant item on the agenda was to receive nominations for next year’s office bearers. However, to everyone’s surprise, no less than five visiting brethren showed up, representing lodges in Canada, New Zealand, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and Korea.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the meeting occurred when Very Worshipful Brother Frank Fowlie, Past Grand Flag Bearer of the Grand Lodge of Quebec, presented our Worshipful Senior Warden, Brother Charles Duerden, with a Canadian flag. Brother Duerden, being a fellow Canadian, accepted the flag on behalf of Lodge Han Yang. As part of the flag ceremony, VW Bro. Fowlie gave the following speech:

"I now present our Flag, Our symbol of sovereignty and unity. Between bars of red and on a field of white it blazons forth in all its autumnal glory. The Canadian Maple Leaf, whose points represent the ten provinces and other territories what comprise our great Dominion.

To Free Masons the red represents that dauntless courage of our forefathers, which we emulate; the white, that blameless purity of life and conduct to which we aspire; and the points the eleven knightly virtues, of which patriotism is the greatest and to which we are ever dedicated. And finally it inspires reverence to him to whom we ever fervently pray, God Save the Queen and heaven bless the Maple Leaf forever."

Following the lodge meeting, the Brethren remained in the Cheesman Room to enjoy harmony with the distinguished visitors. After a light meal of pizza, sandwiches and beer, our guests departed with promises to bring fraternal greetings from Lodge Han Yang to each of their respective lodges. We hope the memory of Masonic fellowship in Korea will remain strong in their hearts. This event well illustrates how fortunate we are to be Korean Freemasons. Our members hail from nations in every corner of the earth and our salutations are heard in lodge rooms throughout the world.

Table Lodge

On October 10th, Lodge Harry S. Truman revived a somewhat neglected tradition by hosting a Table Lodge at the Keystone Lounge. Members from all three Scottish lodges in Korea were present, including Worshipful Masters Tim Walley and Jean Lloyd Bradberry from Lodge Harry S. Truman and Lodge Pusan, respectively. A delicious steak and baked potato dinner was served with a selection of wine and beer. W.M. Walley introduced a newly adapted Table Lodge ritual which provided for fines to be levied against members for various infractions, such as Brother Dave Hudson's questionable fashion sense. The $1.00/1000 won fines raised a very decent amount of money which will be used for a good cause. After the meal, Brother Michael Stone presented a short piece of Masonic education which was followed by a lively discussion about Masonic philosophy.

Two other brethren were also singled out, to their surprise, for special honors. Brother Ralph Nelsen received the extraordinary honor of being presented with a Distinguished Service Membership award. This honor is given to a brother who has given long and distinguished service to the lodge. The petition was approved by the Right Worshipful District Grand Master Mason and presented to Brother Nelson by W.M. Tim Walley on behalf of Lodge Harry S. Truman. At this same gathering, Brother Peter A. Dietrich, a member of Lodge Han Yang, was made an Honorary Member of Lodge Harry S. Truman in recognition of the significant work he has preformed for the lodge. Both members were extremely appreciative for these honors.

The Table Lodge proved to be a huge success. Lodge Harry S. Truman did an excellent job with all aspects of the event. All members in attendance left full of steak, wine, new knowledge and fellowship. Plans are underway to organize another Table Lodge early next year. Stay tuned.