While many lodges across the American Southwest are defined by a friendly, informal culture, Cerrillos Lodge No. 19 in Santa Fe delves into the dignity of 18th-century tradition. Officers assemble in formalwear and white gloves, marking the transition from the mundane to the sacred with a formal entry procession. Incense of piñon and the music of Mozart. Dozens of flickering candles illuminate the room.
Before the final departure, the brothers form the Chain of Union. A final, formal procession carries them back out into the night. By stripping away the casual habits of the present day and focusing on the aesthetic and philosophical rigors of the past, Cerrillos 19 provides a sanctuary for those seeking a Masonry that is solemn and timeless.