witness to history
Tonight, i went to the first ever Armenian language first degree ritual in the state of California, and most likely the first ever in the United States. The lodge that put it on is Ararat Lodge No. 848, located in Sierra Madre. The degree ceremony was of such import, and so many Brothers from all over had been invited, that the ritual took place at the San Marino Masonic Temple, which holds more people than the Lodge in Sierra Madre.
The rite was an historic event, and it was a gorgeous ceremony. The Grand Master of the State of California and all sorts of other Masonic dignitaries were there. The evening started off with a nice Armenian meal, then we convened in the Lodge Room for the ceremony. Even though I don't speak the language, I could feel the power and import of what was going on. All I can say about the ceremony is wow.
The Brothers of Ararat Lodge really know their ritual. I think I heard one memory correction the whole evening. All the mudras and movements were perfect. The men of that lodge have so much to be proud of. Ritual done like that is a true art form. It is also a measuring stick as to where each and every one of us should be shooting for in our own rituals--a very humbling measuring sitck. The man who was brought in to the fraternity tonight had a truly remarkable experience.
The rite was an historic event, and it was a gorgeous ceremony. The Grand Master of the State of California and all sorts of other Masonic dignitaries were there. The evening started off with a nice Armenian meal, then we convened in the Lodge Room for the ceremony. Even though I don't speak the language, I could feel the power and import of what was going on. All I can say about the ceremony is wow.
The Brothers of Ararat Lodge really know their ritual. I think I heard one memory correction the whole evening. All the mudras and movements were perfect. The men of that lodge have so much to be proud of. Ritual done like that is a true art form. It is also a measuring stick as to where each and every one of us should be shooting for in our own rituals--a very humbling measuring sitck. The man who was brought in to the fraternity tonight had a truly remarkable experience.