Grand Lodge

BC and Yukon

 

		Festive Board
		Freemasonry started out by gathering in taverns over a nice dinner, and masons have spent over 300 years observing the importance of the culinary arts. The feasts are called Festive Boards this from the days when board meant table. Part of the tradition of many of these gatherings is a series of ceremonial toasts. One of the goals of Freemasonry is fellowship; a meal is usually served before or after the meeting, either in the lodge building or at a nearby restaurant. Depending on the traditions, formality and finances of its members, meals can be as simple as pizza or bologna sandwiches, or as sumptuous as a seven-course feast, in old English festive board tradition of a banquet and ceremonial toasting.      Chris Hodapp, 2005 Freemasons For Dummies   Toasts:  Grace, Visitors, Visitors Response, Grande Lodge, Tyler's Toast