The Team gathered at the Marriott Fairfield in Vicksburg at 5 PM on Friday, May 31 where Bro. Freddie Rush lead them to the Hyland-Jarmon Lodge for dinner.

Following an excellent dinner of catfish, chicken and other delicacies, which were prepared by the ladies of the O.E.S. chapter, everyone retired to the Lodge room. Following introductions, the entertainment began.

Much to the surprise and chagrin of one of our Team members, he was selected to be initiated into the Royal Order of the Muckee Mucks. The Grand Master of Mississippi, Bro. was sweating it out, as he was sure that he was in for that honor. A large grin came over his face when he saw that someone else had been selected. However, this was a ruse to lull him into a false sense of security. Moments later, the Deacon returned to the Lodge to inform the Grand Master that he would also share in the honor.

While in the preparing room, our team member protested vigorously, saying "I can't put that dress and wig on! You don't know this group I travel with - it would be horrendous." To which the lady Deacon gently replied "I could care less! Put it on! They were then clothed in dresses and wig, and returned to the Lodge and the fun began. The Degree lasted about an hour and the Lodge room rocked with laughter.

See the next several pages for pictures of the event and see if you can figure out who the young? lady? in the green hair is.

On Saturday morning we again met at the Lodge and were served coffee and doughnuts. Then promptly at 8:30 AM, Mississippi opened Lodge, called it off and turned the Lodge room over to Texas. Texas opened their Lodge and conferred the MM° on their Worshipful Master's son.

Following Texas' closing their Lodge, the Free State Shield and Square Club Degree Team opened a Maryland lodge and conferred the MM° on the Texas candidate. Bro. Lewis may well be the only Mason in the world to have had two Grand Jurisdictions confer their MM° on him in the same day. He was a great sport and enjoyed the day.

When the Maryland Lodge was closed, Mississippi called on and conferred their MM° on a worthy candidate.

Excellent work was done by each team and the sideliners seemed to thoroughly enjoy the performances.

Following close of Lodge, all three Degree Teams retired to the "Isle of Capri" Casino on the banks of the Mississippi where they enjoyed a sumptuos buffet compliments of the Casino.

Many new friends were made and a good time was had by all. Rumor has it that the Shield & Square Club will soon be getting an invitation to Texas.

Pictures of the event