Cup Of Brotherly Love's Journey Part 1

On Friday I will Travel to Ashville N. C. to present the Cup of Brotherly Love to Mt. Hermon Lodge #118.  This is the first time that the Cup will leave Evanston in quite some time and it is a bit of an undertaking.  The Cup itself must be in the possession of a Master Mason at all times and cannot be in Checked Baggage.  This presents quite the challenge.  For the most part, the cup is in a 50+ year old carrying case.  It is accompanied by its travel book, which is encased in an acrylic box and a very large and heavy photo book which also cannot be x-rayed.   There is a number of other items which need to be brought along as well to make the presentation properly.

I work for United Airlines, so I travel nearly free, I just pay for the taxes.  My trip will cost me $60.00 and that is donated by me to the program.  As Curator of the Cup, I have to make the trip.  I will be accompanied by WM David Lanier of Evans Lodge #524, who will assist me in presenting the Cup.  Basically, there is too much stuff for one person to carry, so I will need the help.  Evans Lodge #524 will be picking up the tab for his ticket since we didn’t want to chance 2 people flying space available, like I do.  We will both fly to Greenville S.C. and will be picked up by a Brother from Mt. Hermon Lodge. 

In talking with him, it seems that he is faced with the typical Masonic Problems, knowing who and how many people will show up to the presentation.  All the proceeds will go to their local Masonic charities.  I had the opportunity to check out their website, it seems that Mt. Hermon Lodge has a long History and I really look forward to meeting and talking with brothers from North Carolina.  There is a possibility that we may be asked to present at a second lodge in the area on Saturday night, so this is a great opportunity! 

The travelling presentation is a new thing, we are asking for a donation from Mt. Hermon to cover the costs of the Cup’s journey.  Basically, a bit to cover travel and a room for the weekend.  I will Chronicle the Cup’s first Journey in a number of years in this blog, I hope you enjoy the story! 

Mt. Hermon Lodge:  http://www.masonic118.com/