Article by Right Worshipful Brother James Lawrence
The Grand Master of Masons of the State of New Hampshire, Most Worshipful Brother John F. Gordon was at Pulpit Rock Lodge No. 103 in Pelham on December 14, 2015 to present the prestigious 50 year veteran’s award to former Boston Bruin and 18 year NHL sensation Brother Eddie Westfall. In attendance were the members of Pulpit Rock Lodge No 103 as well as many Grand Lodge officers from the State of New Hampshire to witness this very special ceremony. Westfall is no stranger to receiving awards and special recognition. Westfall won Stanley cups beside such greats as Bobby Orr during his 18 year career in the NHL. Westfall continued with a 23 year Television career as a New York Islanders sports announcer. Yet, Westfall was noticeably moved on December 14th as he was honored for his 50 years of service as a Freemason.
Those in attendance were bustling with enthusiasm as Master of Pulpit Rock Lodge, Worshipful Brother Malcolm Wooff put it, “It’s amazing how down to earth and personable he [Westfall] is, what a great guy.” During his remarks, Westfall fondly referenced his New Hampshire roots describing raising his family in Pelham and how he still has children and grandchildren living in the Granite State. Westfall promised to return soon stating, “I am expecting the birth of another Great-Grandchild next month in Manchester, so I will see you soon.”
Eddie Westfall started his career with the Boston Bruins in 1961 before being drafted by the New York Islanders in the expansion draft in 1972. Eddie was a resident of Pelham, New Hampshire at the time and was part of a group of Masons in the local area that petitioned to create a new lodge in Pelham called Pulpit Rock. The expansion of the NHL in 1972 forced Westfall to move two years before Pulpit Rock Lodge was ever built. Although he has remained a member of Pulpit Rock Lodge No. 103 the entire time, this Monday was the first time that he ever walked into the building he helped create. Westfall is no stranger to building new things. New York drafted him in 1972 to provide leadership to the young brand new Islanders professional hockey team in New York and he became their first captain. He is credited by many for being an instrumental part of building the team that would go on to win four Stanley Cup championships shortly after his retirement from the NHL in 1978.
At the close of Sunday’s event at Pulpit Rock Lodge No. 103, or “the little lodge in the woods” as some affectionately refer to the Pelham lodge, had a new level of excitement, having been reacquainted with one of its long standing celebrity members.