by Christopher Hodapp
I'm a total sucker for Masonic degrees performed in unusual settings, and outdoor degrees can be found all over the Masonic world. But for this old veteran of railroad museums from back in my teenaged years (I became a steam locomotive fireman and engineer at 15, before I could legally drive a car) you can't beat Ionic Lodge 31's "Railroad Degree" near New Castle, Delaware.
Beginning in 2016, Ionic Lodge began this unique degree conferral in conjunction with the historic Wilmington & Western Railroad. Following a scenic train ride deep into the woods, the degree is held in the Red Clay Creek/Brandywine Valley of northern Delaware, in a quiet clearing beside the flowing stream.
According to the lodge website, the Railroad Degree was the brainchild of Past Master Bill Held Jr. and he first approached the railroad's management with the idea in 2016. Brethren board the train at the Greenbank station for a scenic ride 10 miles deep into the woods of the Brandywine Valley. The Masons disembark at a secluded spot next to Red Clay Creek that's been specially prepared for an outdoor Master Mason degree conferral.
The site was consecrated in accordance with grand lodge regulations. Ornate wooden chairs and an altar were fabricated by Past Grand Master Dale Irwin, unique decorations and lodge tools and accessories were created from railroad lanterns, spikes and knockers, and the event was advertised by word of mouth and social media. Folding chairs were brought on the train and set up for the side-liners.
Naturally, it wouldn't be a proper Masonic hootenanny without a commemorative lapel pin, so Brother Fred Palmer designed a specialty Masonic pin and golf shirt for the event.
Like so much else that was fun, the Covid pandemic put the kibosh on this regular event for several years, but the Railroad Degree is back this year. It will take place on Saturday, May 3rd., beginning at 8i:00AM. Price is a paltry $40 and includes lunch, the round-trip train ride, and the Master Mason Degree. The day ends at approximately 4:00PM.
For more information and to sign up for this unique experience, visit the website HERE.
And, yes, I'm totally serious when I say everything I needed to know about life I learned on the railroad as a teenager.
That's me on the left in the hat...
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