The Valley of Lincoln celebrated the annual Robert Burns Dinner, honoring the memory of Scotland’s most famous son - the Ploughman Poet and Freemason Robert Burns, who born on January 25, 1759 and died in 1796.
Robert Burns died 226 years ago at age 37 - the victim of a rheumatic heart condition or, some say, his licentious lifestyle, Burns is still heralded as Scotland’s most famous son. His life is celebrated each year on his birthday the world over with dinner, Scotch, his poems and music, and of course, haggis, the national dish of Scotland. The Valley of Lincoln joined in the celebration of the Ploughman Poet on January 28th with a Burns Celebration!
Nick Furchert, 32° chaired the evening as Knight Master for the Knights of St. Andrew, and served as Master of Ceremonies. He welcomed 60 guests for the evening, which began with cocktails and for many, a wee dram of their favorte Scotch.
Lincoln musician Chris Sayre entertained guests with a variety of Scottish songs, and anecdotes.
Micah Evans, 33° gave the Selkirk Grace and read Ode to the Haggis, and the Knights of St. Andrew marched in procession with the guest of honor - the haggis, which was served with crackers.
Andy Seachord, 32° served a fantastic dinner beginning with salad and Cullen Skink, a hearty soup traditionally made with smoked haddock. The main course was a bacon wrapped pork tenderloin, creamy mashed potatoes, and roasted Brussel sprouts. For dessert, Andy served cranachan, a quintessential Scottish combining the ingredients Scotland is known for: oats, honey, and a healthy splash of whiskey. Andy substituted pears for raspberries, which one guest insisted was the best he had ever had!
The Toast to the Lassies and Reply to the Laddies is often hilarious and endearing and a traditional part of every Burns Dinner. Gary Olsen, 32° gave a wonderful toast, with his wife Jennifer.
Nick closed the evening, thanking guests for attending and playing “The Parting Glass,” which is traditionally played at the end of a gathering of friends. Next year’s Burns Dinner is tentatively scheduled for January 20, 2024.