"Cherish the beautiful teachings of our Order, which, falling upon the heart like rays of light, give color to every affection of our nature, and dictate every act of our lives."
On Thursday, February 13th, my new Brothers and Sisters of Barnes Encampment #77 conducted a Patriarchal Degree and welcomed Jon Hart into our Encampment. Unlike the month before, when I joined using a recording from the degree done last September at the cave, this time we acted out the entire degree ourselves.
We were led by Don Lang as Chief Patriarch, Debra LaVergne as High Priest, and Mason Wolf, as Junior Warden. The other members acted out different parts as needed, including Carole Wahrer, Alison Holeman, Katrina Hazen, MaryJane Shabalin, and myself.
The journey was long and we stopped for lessons along the way. To my Brothers and Sisters who have not joined an encampment, I highly recommend it as a way to spend time with Odd Fellows outside of your home lodge and even your District. The future of our beloved Order is strengthened by the connections, encouragements, and conversations amongst the Patriarchs of the Encampment.
–By Debbie Wolf