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During a business trip to New Orleans, I decided that I will try to visit the Germania Lodge #46. On a previous trip, I attempted to do so but was blocked in a meeting.
Hence, I got ready, contacted the Secretary a couple of days before when I landed in NOLA and was ready to take on the Big Easy.
Germania Lodge was chartered in 1844 and is one of Louisiana’s oldest lodges. The Lodge has many particularities. First of all, it used to be a German speaking lodge. Secondly, it is one of the few lodges (about 10) that works the Scottish Rite degree rituals.
When I came that night, it was the Installation of Officers. Having been informed by the Secretary of such event, I was hoping my brown suit would not be out of place. Well, I learnt that in the Big Easy, meetings in lodge are casual dress.
I was received by the Brethren and pass the visitor examination (barely J). Then one of the Past Masters explained to me a bit more the history of the lodge and that a major renovation of the lodge room was being completed as we speak. The lodge room looked beautiful and this specific Wor. Bro. was actually the one building the Officers stations and the altar. Also, during Katrina, the dining hall was under 4 feet of water and mud. It took some time to clean and rebuilt but the place was pristine. Apparently, all the members of the lodge volunteered countless hours to get back their lodge building. An inspiration for our own lodge?
During the opening of the meeting, the Sr Warden having not informed of my status declared he was not satisfied all brethren were MM. It was funny to see 6 to 7 brethren jump up and said they vouch for me. By that time, they knew I was an District Inspector from California (which I never mentioned prior to the start of the meeting to not influence their judgment during examination).
The rest of the meeting was a breeze and the installation went very well. The ritual was definitely different from the one used in California. I also learnt that some lodges met with all Officers wearing jeans overalls. The candidate also! The most interesting part of the discussion was to learn the existence and History of La Parfaite Union lodge in Louisiana. Being a member of LPU in California and knowing the origin of it came from Louisiana, I promised myself to pursue the acquiring of knowledge about LPU in Louisiana.
And a great thank to Bro. Wilson R. who drove me back in a massive construction pick-up truck to my fancy hotel. The face of the doorman seeing a gentleman in suit and tie jumping out of the truck was priceless J
Submitted by Sebastien Taveau, P.M.
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