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Harvest Home Day

Posted in: Articles, From the East by Junior Deacon on October 24, 2011

The plan was to arrive early for Harvest Home Day so I could volunteer a little time; but contrary to the fact there were many Brothers already on the hill when I arrived at 5:50am. Most men already on the hill that early were also looking for a way to contribute some time from parking cars, cooking, handing out the days wages and collecting money.

This being my first Harvest Home Day I really didn’t know what to expect even though I’ve heard a lot of stories from other Brothers who make it a yearly Pilgrimage. In case you have never been able to attend or you’re new to Masonry I’ll tell you a little from what my eyes were able to behold.

There were many tents set up by individual lodges to display their contribution to the fraternity not to mention a way for Brothers from that lodge to have a meeting point. There was a car show which had a flavor for just about every car lover from the historical restorations to new Corvettes and motorcycles. The Boumi band helped add to the festive atmosphere with their music, the air was filled with the aroma of sausage, pancakes and coffee not to mention the feel of Brotherly love thick in the air.

Since this was my first time attending I figured it would be great to commemorate the morning by inviting my father in law to attend as my guest. Although I asked him to go as a guest I had a dilemma of how to handle my prior obligation of volunteering to collect money and my obligation to him as a guest so I prequalified my volunteer obligation with him and informed him that it would only be for one hour and then I would meet back up with him and we could enjoy the festivities together. When I got back from meeting my obligation I asked him what he had been doing during this hour at which time he informed me with overwhelming joy in his voice that he grabbed a chair at the corner of the main entrance and the sausage tent where he was greeted and greeted many of the brothers as they came in. He said “they thought I was one of the Masons and would stop and talk with me as if they had known me forever”. Since becoming a Mason I’ve been proud of my association but at this moment his comment really helped to reinforce that pride.

Just when I was thinking “this morning couldn’t get any better” the call for the corn husking contest came. The entire group of participating Brother gathered as well as the spectator Brothers; the rules for the contest were read, the bell was rung and the Brothers at Mount Moriah shucked corn with lightning speed making our lodge the winner of the first husking contest.

We finished the morning with a quick tour of the Grand lodge and museum, my only regret is there wasn’t enough time to spend at the museum which will require a solo trip in the future but I was able to see George Washington’s desk. Hard to believe after all these years the desk still looks like it was purchased directly from IKEA (just kidding).

Looking forward to next year’s Harvest Home Day I have to thank all who made this year’s event such a memorable one.

-Bro. Michael Bland
Raised May 21, 2011