2011 Cave Degree Trip

On August 19^th seven Brothers from the Second Masonic District of Ohio jumped into the car just as the sun reached high twelve.  A three hundred mile drive to spend a weekend surrounded by Masonic Brothers from over 115 Lodge representing 13 states!  They were headed to the 40^th annual Cave Degree in Kingston, Tennessee.  The small town just west of Knoxville became the center of Masonic activity over the next three days with Brothers from all walks of life converging upon the small country Lodge overlooking the Clinch River.  It would be a weekend full of memories for the six Brothers from High Point Lodge #773 and the lone representative of Germantown Lodge #257.

Friday night started off with dinner at the Lodge.  The menu for the evening included chili-dogs, potato salad, baked beans and all the snacks that you could imagine.  The Brothers sat with men who had come from many different places united by the mystic tie that binds all Masons.  There was not a stranger to be found among this group of men.  After a short initiation into the Order of the Yellow Dog they found their seats in the Lodge room and the EA degree began.  It was conferred by Pickens Star Lodge #220 from Jasper, Georgia.  The degree had many differences from the Ohio ritual and spurred conversation long into the night as to the different approach to bringing the young man into the Light of Masonry.  Though the path was slightly different, this young man’s destination was the same as all of those who had come before him and at the end of the night they called him Brother.

Saturday morning started with a tour of Eblen’s Cave.  This cave, located about eight miles from the Lodge, had seen the raising of a Master Mason every summer for the last 40 years by Lodges all over the United States and even Canada.  They were amazed as they stepped out of the 90+ degree heat into the 55 degree cave.  The cave was cold, dark and mysterious.  Lit only by a few Coleman lanterns tucked away in the corners, it was set up to in the form of a Lodge and was standing room only as over 200 Brothers waited in anticipation for the Master Mason degree conferred by Pleasanton Lodge #321from Pleasanton, California.  The degree work was done beautifully and again was filled with differences when compared to Ohio ritual.  After the degree, the Brethren made their way back to the Lodge for yet another fine meal of BBQ sandwiches and an assortment of side dishes. Then it was over as quickly as it had begun.  Hands were shaken.  Contact information was exchanged and the Brothers from the Second Masonic District made their way back to the hotel for an evening of even more food and fellowship. 

All in all, it was an amazing weekend for the seven Brothers and for Masonry in general.  Plans are already being made for next year’s trip in the hopes that even more will join them on the trip.  Perhaps those of you that are reading this now will find the time to enjoy such a wonderful experience with your Brothers of the Mystic Tie.  I certainly hope so.