September 14, 2024 – September 15, 2024
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 Historic Lodge #190.
September features a second degree weekend, which is unusual to say the least. This is being done for a couple of reasons. First, after 4 years without a cave degree, it seemed that there was significant need for live degrees, and not everyone who wanted to participate could safely do so in a single weekend. Second, the August degree weekend conflicted with the schedule for members attending the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and in order to have their involvement, it seemed desirable to have a September option as well.
The degree weekend actually confers all 4 of the primary Odd Fellows degrees. It will begin with an afternoon meeting of 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 6:30PM 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, for those who have a letter from a legal encampment declaring them elected to membership, Barnes Encampment #77 will confer the Patriarchal degree at the cave on Sunday the 15th. Candidates will depart from Yreka #19 at 1:30PM and the ceremony will begin at 2.
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.