The Scottish Rite Masonic Center played host to the Scottish Society of Nebraska's annual Robert Burns Dinner, celebrating the national poet of Scotland.
The Scottish Rite Ballroom was beautifully decorated with tartan runners and fragrant recycled limbs from Christmas trees with inset tea lights. Mason jars and copper "Moscow Mule" mugs were decorated with beautiful floral displays. Eighty-seven guests enjoyed cocktails in the lounge and hors d'oeuvres before sitting down to dinner. Guests came from as far as Lincoln and Sioux City to enjoy fellowship and a great evening.
Scottish Society Chief Scott Oglesby, 33° welcomed guests and the evening began with the Procession of the Haggis, led by Kyle Beckner, 32° and Alan Boulter, 32°, Chef Gary Unger, 32° KCCH, and Kevin Arnold piping. Dennis Neff's gave a spirited recitation of Burns immortal "Ode to a Haggis," followed by the Selkirk Grace, given by Ken Bunnell, 32° KCCH.
Our chefs were Gary and Becky Unger from the Scottish Rite's Culinary Masters, with Steve Zimmerman, 32°, Daryl Winder, 32°, Don Perry, 33°, and Tom Brummett, 33°. Gary created the menu of roasted cornish game hen, shepherd's pie, roasted winter vegetables, Scottish kale, rolls and butter, freshly perpared haggis (prepared by Christine Cathro), followed by a dessert table of mince and fruit tart cups, Scottish Trifle (prepared by Kate Boulter), Shortbread (made by Jean Granlund) and Tablet (made by Christine Cathro). Dinner was definitely not to be missed!
After the buffet supper, the Scottish Country Dancers performed "Lord Maclay's Reel" and "the Sleeping Warrior." Ken Bunnell recited the immortal story of Robert Burns, followed by several of his poems. Robert and Kathleen Keefer gave the Toast to the Lassies and the Reply, and the Scottish Society hosted a 'walk-off,' featuring the men who attended wearing a kilt. The evening concluded with all guests singing Auld Lang Syne.
There were raffles during the evening, including a Scotch bottle of Kilchoman whiskey. Kyle Beckner offered tours of the Scottish Rite evening, and guests stayed to enjoy cocktails and friendship until late in the evening.
The Scottish Rite is proud to partner with the Scottish Society and looks forward to welcoming them back next year!