After a silence spanning several winters—a silence wrought by the shadow of a great pestilence known to men as Covid-19—the brethren of Lodge St. Olaf 1188 gathered once more to pay homage to Scotland’s bard, Brother Robert Burns. On the frosty eve of Thursday, the 26th of January, the Lodge Rooms of Cruden Bay came alive with warmth, camaraderie, and the melodies of tradition as the long-awaited Burns Night was revived.
The occasion drew an eager assembly of twenty souls, their hearts alight with anticipation for a night of feasting, fellowship, and the immortal words of Scotland’s ploughman poet. Led by Right Worshipful Master Trevor Cooke, the evening promised to be one of legend.
The brethren, ever resourceful, took upon themselves the noble task of crafting both the sustenance and the entertainment for the evening. From the haggis and neeps steaming on platters to the songs and stories that echoed through the Lodge, all was a labor of love and brotherhood.
The night’s proceedings, meticulously arranged, unfurled as follows:
First Course: A Warm Welcome
The gathering was called to order by R.W.M. Trevor Cooke, who set the tone for the evening with his heartfelt welcome. He spoke of the resilience of the Lodge in weathering the challenges of recent years and the importance of rekindling the spirit of fraternity.
From there, Gordon Mackay, serving as the evening’s croupier, took charge, infusing the room with his signature wit and charm. His opening comments had the room buzzing with excitement for the feast and festivities to follow.
Second Course: Grace and Gastronomy
Before the first course could be served, Jim Conner delivered the Selkirk Grace with gravitas, calling upon the assembled brethren to reflect on their blessings. The haggis, the centerpiece of the meal, was then brought forth to the stirring drone of the pipes, its grand entrance orchestrated by the talented Corry Sutherland.
As the haggis was laid before the brethren, Gordon Mackay rose to perform the Address to the Haggis, a performance so impassioned that even the inanimate pudding seemed to swell with pride. The meal, a sumptuous serving of haggis, neeps, and tatties with whisky sauce, followed by a choice of pavlova or sticky toffee pudding, was prepared and served by the brethren and their families, showcasing the unity and skill of Lodge St. Olaf.
Third Course: Words, Songs, and Tales
With stomachs satisfied, the Lodge turned to the evening’s entertainment. Gordon Mackay returned to the floor to deliver Tam o’ Shanter, a recital so vivid that one could almost hear the thunder of hoofbeats and the cackling of witches.
Mark Dunn then captivated the audience with his dramatic reading of Stumpy’s Brae, a tale of eerie wonder that left the brethren leaning forward in their chairs.
The Immortal Memory, delivered by Ewan Mackay, was a highlight of the night. Ewan’s eloquence and depth of understanding brought Burns to life in the hearts of all who listened. It was a fitting tribute to the bard, made all the more poignant by Ewan’s youthful passion.
Barrie Harper took up the challenge of the Toast Tae The Lassies, delivering a speech that was equal parts humorous and heartfelt, earning laughter and applause in equal measure.
Final Course: Harmony and Fellowship
As the night deepened, Doug Sheal delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the efforts of all who had contributed to the evening’s success. Finally, the evening concluded with a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne, led by Gordon Mackay, where every voice joined in unison, and arms were clasped in brotherly fellowship.
The brethren of Lodge St. Olaf, with their families and friends, departed into the frosty night, their spirits warmed by the rekindling of tradition and the bonds of fraternity. This Burns Night, with its humor, history, and heartfelt camaraderie, had reclaimed its place among the storied nights of Lodge St. Olaf.
And as the Lodge doors closed behind them, one thing was certain: the legacy of the bard, and the enduring fellowship of the brethren, would echo through the ages.
The End… Until the Next Bard’s Feast.