FALCONER — The Thule Lodge is the Swedish organization formed 114 years ago in the Jamestown area.

The main purpose of the lodge was to help the Swedish immigrants settle in the United States with housing, employment and schooling. Many of the Swedish people settled in the Jamestown area and worked at the many furniture factories which existed then.

Today the Thule Lodge serves to preserve the Swedish heritage through events and activities. One activity is the annual Christmas time meal known as the Dopp I Gryta. The Swedish phrase means the dipping of the breads.

This year, the 3C’s catering served the meal by buffet style. All those attending had to wear masks when entering the Falcon’s Nest in Falconer, and when going through the serving line. This year’s meal included Swedish meatballs, korv, rotmos, rice pudding, beets, cucumber salad, ham, pickled herring, limpa bread, and many kinds of cookies. Immediate past chairman brought some of his homemade pickled herring for all to enjoy as well.

Cultural leader MaryAnn Eva Ingrao said a blessing prior to the meal in the Swedish language. Thanks to treasurer Loretta Smith and membership chairman Bernice Veights for arranging for the meal, and to Gene Smith for taking care of reservations.

Following the meal, there was a brief business meeting. Chairman of the lodge Tom Eckberg welcomed all, and lodge historian John Sipos led all in the pledge of allegiance to the American Flag. The minutes of the previous meeting and the treasurer’s report were dispensed for this meeting. During the meeting, new member Vicki Ann Aiken was given the oath of membership by Immediate Past Chairman Tim Miller and vice chairman of the lodge Susan W. Sipos. New members are always welcome.

Historian Sipos reported of the Thule Lodge article in the international Swedish magazine called the VASA Star. Secretary Sipos read the list of nominees for officers for the lodge for 2022 and asked if there were any other nominations from the floor, which there were none.Installing the new officers will take place at the next meeting. The monthly meeting award was presented to Lori Johnson.

A closing invocation was given by lodge chaplain Diane K Shaw.

Thule Lodge wishes all a Happy New Year as they begin their 115th year.