Masonic

Festive Board

Festive Board Pre-Information

Where indicated, each toast is assigned to a proposer. The Master of Ceremonies (MC), will say, Brethren, you will now give your attention to Brother _____________, who will propose the next toast; i.e., To the Worshipful Master. The Brother (proposer) will then stand and say, Brethren, I have the honor of proposing a toast to our Worshipful Master.. ( he then would continue, with whatever he would like to say). Following his comments, he would then say Brethren, please be upstanding at which point everyone would rise except the person(s) the toast is being presented to. (In this case the WM would remain seated). After everyone is standing, the proposer would then state, To the Worshipful Master. At which point all of the Brethren would reply, To the Worshipful Master and then everyone would take a drink, and remaining standing for the Quick Fire. Following the toast the Brethren would perform a Quick Fire, which will be explained later on. The MC will then say, a response will now be given by the Worshipful Master. The Master would arise and say something likeI thank the Brethren for the very fine toast, .continuing with what ever else he would like to say. This is basically the format for all of the toasts. There are some toasts that will not require a reply, such as to the Office of the President of the United States, unless of course the President is in attendance. The toast to Grand Lodge Officers Past and Present - the response would be given by a Grand Lodge Officer (highest rank in attendance) If no line officer is in attendance, a BGP, DDI, Regional Grand Lecturer, or a past GL Officer is suitable. If none are in attendance, then no response will be given.

Some thought should be given to who will propose the toast. To make the evening memorable, it is nice to have a Brother who will give thought to the comments he makes regarding the toast he is assigned. For the toast to the Office of the Presidentit is kind of difficult to give any more comments than to just propose the toast to the Office of the President. I point out, it is to the OFFICE of the President and not the President.
If you know of a visitor coming beforehand, he could be assigned the response to the Visitors Toast. He should be informed that he is making a response on behalf of ALL of the visitors present.

Items required at the Festive Board

Sheet listing the Toasts with the Proposer and the Brother giving the response. Sheet listing the name of the Visiting Brethren with their title, Lodge and Number. Gavel for the Master / MC and for each Warden That the meal should be sit down and served That we will HAVE FUN!!!!!!!

FESTIVE BOARD TOASTS

TOAST 1. The Office of the President of the United States Name of Proposer

2. Grand Master Response> 3. Grand Lodge Officers Past & Present Response> Grand Master

4. Worshipful Master Response>

5. Lodge Officers Response>

6. Visitors Response>

7. Newly Initiated or Raised Mason Response>

8. To our Absent Brethren

9. To All Past Masters Response> 10. Tylers Toast Lodge Tyler

Festive Board Script

Working Tools
Brethren, before I call on the Chaplain for grace, I would like to explain the Working Tools, which are the Fork, Knife and Tumbler. We would also ask that you refrain from smoking, until after the Toast to The Office of the President of the United States following dinner. First of all Brethren, we are not assembled here today as Free and Accepted, but rather as Energetic Masons, and the Working Tools are delivered to us as vehicles of moral instruction, and thus we apply them. The Fork points out to us that as the prongs are all equal, and mutually assist each other, being joined together in one compact structure, so are we all equal when we meet together as Masons. The Fork points out to us, that we should stand together shoulder to shoulder and practice those great qualities which cannot be to strongly recommended, namely: SYMPATHY with the failings of another Brother STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS in all our dealings with one another GOOD TEMPER in all our differences of opinion FIDELITY to the Scared cause with binds us together

The Knife points out to us the value of assiduity and patience. It teaches us not to cut off more than we can chew, but to limit our desires in every sphere of life, that rising to eminence by merit, that we may Live respected and Die Regretted. The Tumbler indicates the necessity of moderation in all things, and as the perfect tumbler rings true, whether it be empty or filled with liquid, so should the Mason ring true after partaking in the labors of the Festive Board, as a cracked tumbler is despised and rejected by all men.

Thus, The Working Tools of the Festive Board, teach us to bear in mind and act accordingly to the cordial wishes of Prudence and Temperance, so that when we are summoned to drink the Tylers Toast after partaking of all good things which a bountiful providence has provided for us, may we rise and depart on our homeward way with the gratifying testimony of a Contented Mind, and Equable Poise, and an Equally Clear Head. Before we apply this lesson of the Working Tools, for this evening Brethren, let us stand and give our attention to our Chaplain, Brother ______________ for the Invocation. Wine During Dinner RAP GAVEL - Brethren, the Worshipful Master wishes to take wine with the Officers of the Lodge for a job well done. RAP GAVEL - Brethren, the Worshipful Master wishes to take wine with the Visiting Brethren, and he sincerely thanks you for joining with us this evening in fellowship. RAP GAVEL - Brethren, the Worshipful Master wishes to take wine with our newly initiated Brother. Rap Gavel - Brethren, the Worshipful Master now wishes to take wine with the Brethren of _______________ Lodge #___.

Following Dinner IF NECESSARY - Brethren, the remainder of the Festive Board is for MASONS ONLY, and now all non-Masons must be excused from the room.

MASONIC TOASTS Brethren before we continue, I would like to share some Festive Board Etiquette with you: When the Proposer says: Brethren please be upstanding;

 EVERYONE (unless the toast is for you) will rise Raise your Cannon shoulder high with your arm extended straight out With the Proposer, repeat in unison, to whom the Toast is for Then take a Drink Return your Cannons to the table Following the taking of wine, Remain Standing for the Quick Fire

The QUICK FIRE Following every Masonic Toast, with the exception of the Tylers Toast, it is customary to finish them off with what is referred to as a Quick Fire. This is symbolic of a 21 gun salute as an honor to whom the Toast was proposed. The Quick Fire is given thusly, taking your time from the proposer; Place your Right Elbow in your Left Hand With your Right Index Finger, I (he) will direct you to

Point - Left - Right Point - Left - Right Point - Left - Right One - Two You will then Clap your hands Rapidly Once, and then Three Times Three or Nine, Thusly: + / +++ / +++ / +++

First Toast STAND & RAP GAVEL - Brother Senior Warden, how do you find the Cannons in the West? Brother Junior Warden, How do you find the Cannons in the South? Brethren the First Toast of the evening is in the very capable hands of Brother ________________________ who will Propose the Toast to The Office of the President of the United States QUICK FIRE Second Toast

STAND & RAP GAVEL - Brother Senior Warden, how do you find the Cannons in the West? Brother Junior Warden, How do you find the Cannons in the South? (The following was an actual Toast to the Grand Master It is included here to give some idea as to the type and length typical toasts should be. Thought should go into the toast so that it is both meaningful and respectful) Brethren, it is my honor and distinct privilege this evening to Propose a toast to a Brother who wears many hats. At times, he must be a politician, mentor, mediator, confidant, visionary, implementer, Leader, friend, and Brother. As CEO of a multimillion dollar corporation, he must posses business savvy, knowledge of finance, budgets, contract and civil laws. This Brothers passion for Freemasonry has guided and led our Fraternity to the doorstep of the 21st Century. His love for the Craft, and foresight of its direction, entered us into Masonic Renewal. A strategic plan and a vision of Michigan Masonry were developed. A vision I would add, that has been copied by several jurisdictions throughout North America.

This Brother has not only been instrumental in guiding Michigan Lodges through the renewal process, but his leadership and personality was soon sought out by the Masonic Renewal Committee of North America, where he currently serves as Vice-Chairman. His service to that committee helped to develop guidebooks and leadership products that are used by Lodges throughout the world. His leadership skills were soon evident to Masonic leaders throughout the Nation.. Last February, this Brother was elected to the Chairmanship of the distinguished Conference of Grand Masters of North America, which will meet this February in Phoenix, AZ. Masons attend from around the world, and Michigan once again will be at the forefront. And now, as we enter into the 21st century, this Brother has lit a Beacon of light, to guide us down the pathway to Masonic rebirth. Brethren, Please be upstandingand join with me in toasting this fine man and Mason To Our Grand Master! QUICK FIRE Brethren, It gives me a great deal of pleasure and it is certainly my honor to once again introduce to you our Most Worshipful Grand Master, ____________________, and ask him to please respond. Note: If the Grand Master is not present, no response is given

Third Toast STAND & RAP GAVEL - Brother Senior Warden, how do you find the Cannons in the West? Brother Junior Warden, How do you find the Cannons in the South? Brethren, the third toast of the evening is to Grand Lodges Officers past and present and is in the capable hands of ___________________________,

QUICK FIRE Brethren, will you give your attention to _________________________, who will Respond to the toast.

Fourth Toast STAND & RAP GAVEL - Brother Senior Warden, how do you find the Cannons in the West? Brother Junior Warden, How do you find the Cannons in the South? Brethren, you will now give your attention to ______________________, who will Propose the next toast To the Worshipful Master of ___________ Lodge #_____.

QUICK FIRE Brethren, please give your attention to Worshipful Brother _____________, Worshipful Master for his Response.

Fifth Toast STAND & RAP GAVEL - Brother Senior Warden, how do you find the Cannons in the West? Brother Junior Warden, How do you find the Cannons in the South?

Brethren, our next Toast this evening is To the Officers of _____________ Lodge No. ____, and is in the very capable hands of Wor. Brother ______, QUICK FIRE

Brethren, Please give your attention to Brother __________________, (Office_________) of _________________ Lodge for his Response.

Sixth Toast STAND & RAP GAVEL - Brother Senior Warden, how do you find the Cannons in the West? Brother Junior Warden, How do you find the Cannons in the South?

Brethren, the next toast this evening, is to Our Visitors and is in the very capable hands of _______________________________

QUICK FIRE And now Brethren, please give your attention to ___________________________________ who will Respond to the Toast.

Seventh Toast STAND & RAP GAVEL - Brother Senior Warden, how do you find the Cannons in the West? Brother Junior Warden, How do you find the Cannons in the South?

Brethren, the next toast is also one of a special nature. Would you now give your attention to ________________________________ who will Propose a Toast To the Newly initiated (or Raised) Brother QUICK FIRE Brethren, please give your attention to Brother ________________, for his response.

Eighth Toast STAND & RAP GAVEL - Brother Senior Warden, how do you find the Cannons in the West? Brother Junior Warden, How do you find the Cannons in the South? The next Toast is usually called the 9 O Clock Toast, because it is usually delivered at 9 O Clock. However, it must be 9 O Clock somewhere in the world. Would you please give your attention to our Worshipful Brother ___________________________________ who will propose the Toast To Our Absent Brethren Toast to the Absent Brethren: Brethren, in times past, the custom arose for Freemasons in their Lodges to remember their Absent Brethren, and the terms of what is now the Tylers Toast, were complied to the effect this remembrance so far as Brethren in need are concerned. As the Toast Does Not Include those Brethren who are absent due to other causes, our predecessors maintained a Toast on the subject. We know that at this time, our absent Brethren are thinking of the observance of this custom and are in unison of sprit with us. We wish them all good, and hope the time will shortly come when they can once more be in our company. Brethren, please be upstanding, once everyone is on their feet, holding your glass out, you will say To Our Absent Brethren. All Brethren will respond with To Our Absent Brethren, and then all will take a drink and remain standing for the Quick Fire.

QUICK FIRE Ninth Toast STAND & RAP GAVEL - Brother Senior Warden, how do you find the Cannons in the West? Brother Junior Warden, How do you find the Cannons in the South?

Brethren, our next toast of the evening is in the very capable hands of our ___________________who will Propose the toast To All Past Masters

QUICK FIRE Brethren, please give your attention to Worshipful Brother _____________, Past Master for his response.

Tylers Oath Brethren, Then on to our final Toast tonight, our glasses freely drain. Happy to meet, Sorry to part, Happy to meet again. The Masons social Brotherhood, around the Festive Board Reveals a Truth more precious far, Than the Misers Hoard. We freely share the bounteous gifts, That generous hearts contain, Happy to meet, Sorry to part, Happy to meet again. We meet as Masons Free and True, and when our work is done, The merry song and social glass is not unduly won. And only at our farewell pledge, is pleasure mixed with pain, Happy to meet, Sorry to part, Happy to meet again. Amidst our mirth we drink, to all poor Masons Oer the earth, On every shore our flag of love, is gloriously unfurled. We prize each Brother fair or dark, who bears no Moral Stain, Happy to meet, Sorry to part, Happy to meet again. We Masons prize that noble truth, the Scottish peasant told, That rank is but a guinea stamp, the man himself the gold. We meet the rich and poor alike, the equal rights maintain, Happy to meet, Sorry to part, Happy to meet again.

Dear Brethren of the Mystic Tie, the night is wanning fast, Our work is done, our feast is Oer, this Toast must be our last. Goodnight to all, once more goodnight, again that farewell strain, Happy to meet, Sorry to part, Happy to meet again.. Brethren, the last Toast of every Festive Board is that of the Tylers, and is both a Toast and a Supplication, and is delivered as such, leaving a due interval between the last words and the drinking of the Toast, for the real meaning to be impressed upon those present. The Tylers office bears a symbolic meaning as does his sword which teaches us to set a watch at the entrance of our thoughts, place a guard at the door of our lips, and post a sentinel at the avenue of our actions. Our Brother Tylers remind us of our duties as a Freemason when we are about to enter the Lodge, and, before we part at night, his Toast reminds us of our scared task to be mindful of the needs of others. STAND & RAP GAVEL - Brother Senior Warden, how do you find the Cannons in the West? Brother Junior Warden, How do you find the Cannons in the South? Brethren, it gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce to you the Tyler of ________________ Lodge who will propose the last and most important Toast of the evening. Please be upstanding and give your attention to Worshipful Brother ______________________. The Tyler then says, Brethren, by command of the Worshipful Master, I give you The Tylers Toast. Holding His glass out, he then says: To all poor and distressed Masons, where so ever dispersed over the face of earth and water, wishing them a speedy relief from all their sufferings and a safe return to their native country should they so desire it. After a slight pause, the Tyler then says, To All Poor and Distressed Masons Which the Brethren will then respond, To All Poor and Distresses Masons. Everyone will then drink and be seated.

There is no Quick Fire following the Tylers Toast.

Brethren, that concludes this evenings Festive Board. On behalf of Worshipful Brother _________________Master, The officers and Brethren of ________________ Lodge No. ____ and last but certainly not least, Brother (who was initiated or Raised), I thank you for attending, and I bid you a safe journey home.

Toast to the Absent Brethren: Brethren, in times past, the custom arose for Freemasons in their Lodges to remember their Absent Brethren, and the terms of what is now the Tylers Toast, were complied to the effect this remembrance so far as Brethren in need are concerned. As the Toast Does Not Include those Brethren who are absent due to other causes, our predecessors maintained a Toast on the subject. We know that at this time, our absent Brethren are thinking of the observance of this custom and are in unison of sprit with us. We wish them all good, and hope the time will shortly come when they can once more be in our company. Brethren, please be upstanding, once everyone is on their feet, holding your glass out, you will say To Our Absent Brethren. All Brethren will respond with To Our Absent Brethren, and then all will take a drink and remain standing for the Quick Fire.

The Tylers Toast: The MC will say; Brethren, it gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce to you the Lodge Tyler, who will propose the last and most important Toast of the evening. Please be upstanding and give your attention to Worshipful Brother __________________.

The Tyler then says, Brethren, by command of the Worshipful Master, I give you The Tylers Toast. Holding His glass out, he then says: To all poor and distressed Masons, where so ever dispersed over the face of earth and water, wishing them a speedy relief from all their sufferings and a safe return to their native country should they so desire it. After a slight pause, the Tyler then says, To All Poor and Distressed Masons Which the Brethren will then respond, To All Poor and Distresses Masons. Everyone will then drink and be seated. There is no Quick Fire following the Tylers Toast.