Mount Hermon Lodge 160^th Anniversary Celebration

On August 16, 2008 Mount Hermon Lodge #118 invited the public to join with them in celebrating their 160th year of Masonry.  

Tours were given of our historic building, free to the public, while the chamber music of Brother Ron Lambe's group played in the background of the lobby and hors d'oeuvres were served.  Artists Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth played for the event after a wonderful meal from Peter Thomas, owner of Nona Mia’s Restaurant, and Brother Bill Boeheim.  Great door prizes from raffles were given out as well. 

The profits of this event were given to our charities, Oxford and MESH, combining our anniversary with our annual Alm's Day event.  Altogether it was a fine evening for all- filled with fun, music, food, and the best fellowship around. 

Scroll down the page to view some of the highlights and memories of the event.

Great anniversary cakes, one white cake and one chocolate!


Maggie made lovely corsages and boutonnières for members of the lodge and their ladies.




The kitchen volunteers worked hard to make great food!



Menu
Catering and food provided by Peter Thomas events
 
Hors d’Oeuvres
Charred Tuscan sirloin on baguette with chive cream cheese
New potato stuffed with feta, green olives and pinenuts
 Artichoke & grana parmesan toasts
Pesto prociutto brushetta

Dinner
Italian chopped Salad with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, marinated chickpeas, and kalamata olives
finished off with grated pecorino romano cheese and fresh lemon oregano vinaigrette.
Tuscan spice roast pork loin with rosemary Jus
Seared chicken piccata
With lemon caper butter sauce, and fresh herbs
Baked ziti with ricotta and fresh mozzarella
Zucchini and yellow squash and Basil
Sautéed carrot with dill, honey and ginger
Assorted breads and focaccia

Dessert
Celebration cake
Tiramisu

Punch, sodas, coffee and tea


The dining hall looked very spiffy.  Look at the new dining chairs the lodge bought, wow!




Brother Ron Lambe (far right) and his group really added to the ambiance of the evening by playing fabulous chamber music in the lobby!






Tours of the auditorium on the third floor was exceptionally popular with its antique and hand painted back drops.






Worshipful Master of Masonic Blue Lodge 118, Mark Bloomfield with guest  Terry M. Bellamy, Mayor of the City of Asheville






Guests enjoyed themselves listening to music, munching on fabulous hors d'oeuvres, and oohing and ahhing at our lovely old Temple.








Some guests took advantage of a quiet moment in the newly painted library.




Brother Bill Boeheim (all in black, in center) was a very happy food coordinator as he buzzes around to make sure everything is running smoothly.




Tons of guests, long food line, no one seemed to mind.






Once seated, everyone really enjoyed the great food!



Unfortunately, a really bad picture of our Worshipful Master (in hat), Mark Bloomfield and Jill Yarnall who coordinated the event.  Hopefully someone will send us a better picture!



After dinner,  Mark Bloomfield, Master of  Mount Hermon Lodge gave this short speech:

"In the year 1848, one hundred sixty years ago, President James K Polk was named President of the United States, Mexico gives Texas to the US thus ending the war, we also see the first telegraph link sent between New York and Chicago, and France abolishes slavery in all its territories.

A lot has happened to this country and to Masonry in 160 years, we have seen the coming of age of the industrial revolution, we have fought numerous wars including two world wars. We have seen changes in women rights and have as a country tried to be a source of emulation to the world.

Masonry has also changed and grown, and at times has been under fire.  But we as a society of men, have stood by with open hands and hearts at the opportunity of being part of this society as we know today and then, and to receive in its folds good men whom we try to make better.

There for it gives me great pleasure to announce the 160th birthday of Mount Hermon Lodge in Asheville North Carolina.  Originally the lodge was  located on the square in downtown Asheville.   Mount Herman Masonic Lodge moved just a few blocks north to its current location at 80 Broadway in 1915."

Emmanuel Dumigron gave a speech about the history of Masonry at Mount Hermon lodge.
The basic contribution that Mount Hermon made to the city and area during the yellow fever scare
 and the great depression.  What Mount Hermon Lodge members represent to the community.

Mountain Express did a lovely article about the event with many great pictures.  Check it out!