The 74th Cave Degree Weekend will be held August 17-18, 2024 at Yreka #19 and the Pythian Cave, newly chartered as the Richard Brouse Degree Lodge #190.
Saturday, August 17, holds special significance, as it was the final date chosen by Richard Brouse himself, when he was forecasting ideal cave degree dates based on the moon phases. At 7:22PM, the moon will be nearly full (97%) when it emerges over the horizon, rising from the East-Southeast. About an hour later, just after sunset, the moon will float above Mount Shasta, illuminating the interior of the cave as the diminishing sunlight fades from view in the west. And as the moon shines over our solemn gathering, that is when we will confer our ancient degree, reminding us all of the meaning and importance of brotherly love.
The degree weekend actually confers all 4 of the primary Odd Fellows degrees. It will begin with an afternoon meeting of the Richard Brouse Degree Lodge #190 at Yreka #19, where first the initiatory degree will be conferred, followed by an intermission, and then the first degree. After another break for dinner, we’ll board the bus at 7:50PM and drive down to the cave to confer the second degree on all qualified candidates. The following morning at 10am, we’ll hold the ceremony for the third degree, followed by a delicious brunch for those who can stay and enjoy it.
Additionally, the night before the degree weekend will feature a dedication ceremony for Richard Brouse Degree Lodge #190.
All Lodges are invited to bring their qualified candidates. A letter under the seal of the Lodge, giving the names of the candidates and the degrees for which they are qualified, should be sent to:
Richard Brouse Degree Lodge #190
c/o Mason Wolf
4956 Rue Le Mans,
San Jose, CA 95136
Alternatively, a letter may be hand-delivered by a member of the Lodge before the Degrees are scheduled to be conferred.
There is no charge for the degree work itself, however there is a cost for providing meals and transportation to and from the cave, and tickets for each are available for purchase.
Menu:
Lunch will be hamburgers and hotdogs (the good ones), plus baked beans and chips.
Dinner will be a complete New York steak dinner.
Brunch on Sunday will be waffles, bacon, and eggs.
Registration is now closed. There are still openings for the September degree weekend.