Grand Lodge of NH, Free & Accepted Masons

The Grand Lodge

of New Hampshire
Free & Accepted Masons

The Grand Lodge

of New Hampshire
Free & Accepted Masons

The Grand Lodge

of New Hampshire
Free & Accepted Masons

The Grand Lodge

of New Hampshire
Free & Accepted Masons

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Right Worshipful Brother Dennis Sheridan and the Knights of the York Cross of Honour

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Article by Right Worshipful Brother Dennis Sheridan

The Order of Knights of the York Cross of Honour (KYCH) first met on March 13, 1930 and formed the Convent General of the USA on June 6, 1930 by some diligent brothers from Monroe, North Carolina. The requirements for membership are the strictest of any other Masonic Body. One must have served as the Presiding Officer of the Lodge (Blue), Chapter (Royal Arch Masons), Council (Cryptic), and Commandery (Knights Templar) and then must be invited to join. An invitation is not automatic. Your peers must have faith in you as they ballot on you before you are invited to join.

I was initiated in 1980; Master in 84; District Deputy Grand Lecturer in 1988 and District Deputy Grand Master in 1989-90. I served as a Presiding Officer in the three Scottish Rite Bodies in the 1990s. I became Valley Secretary in 1994 and still am to this day. I was coronated a 33rd Degree Mason in 1995.

At that time, I was just getting very active in York Rite, having served as Excellent High Priest in 1993-94 and as Eminent Commander in 1995-96. I had served all but the Council as they were the farthest from me. My good friend and Brother David Edwin Lewis, now of Colebrook, called me and asked to me to join the Line and informed me it would qualify me for the KYCH. After some discussion, I said yes and was elected as Illustrious Master of Evening Star Council in 2001-02.

This qualified me and I received the invitation to join KYCH following that service. I went through the Line and was elected Prior (Master) in 2009. The day I performed as Prior was the day the Personal Representative of the Grand Master General asked me to replace him in that capacity in another year.

I also presided over three of the York Rite Grand Bodies and was elected as Grand Secretary-Grand Recorder of the three in 2009. I was also invited to belong to the other Appendant York Rite Bodies including the York Rite College. I served as Grand Governor for the College in 2006-2008. It was there I met the current Grand Master General Knight L. Alvin Hill, Sr. and began a lasting friendship.

When I was first installed as Personal Representative, I got my first taste of hosting the group from Convent General that annually attends the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at the end of June. The main organizer for that event was Alvin Hill. He remembered me and asked me to find entertainment for those traveling to Lebanon for the off nights. The history of Convent General’s support of the Norris Cotton Cancer Center shows 40 years of donating to this charity as of 2019. Convent General currently donates $75,000 annually. I was amazed to learn that they were so supportive of a charity right here in New Hampshire. It seemed that no one here was even aware of this!

I served as a Personal Representative for three years. My experience as a Past District Deputy Grand Master helped me immensely in performing the job, as well as holding the elected positions in the York Rite Grand Bodies. I thoroughly enjoyed the job, but thought traveling to Connecticut during the week for their meetings a little beyond the length of my cable-tow. I had to take vacation time to pull that off and I had other plans for that.

In the meantime, Brother Charles J. Kennedy from the Manchester York Rite Bodies passed away and I was asked to take on the job of Intendant General for the Red Cross of Constantine in N.H. This is an extremely highly sought-after position most members only dream of. It is another National Organization and I was the in-state Representative. I thought I would give up the KYCH Representative job to do this. Two days after I announced that I was seeking to retire from that Convent General job, I got a call from Past Grand Master General John R. Stracener, asking me to consider going into the Grand Line. I reiterated my earlier objection about week-day travel and was told as a Line Officer I could do whatever I thought was necessary to get the job done. They made it very hard to turn it down.

After conferring with my wife, I got into the Line in 2014. I still helped at the Cancer Center and started bringing more top personnel from NH there to visit with the Grand Officers at their June visits. I attended the Annual KYCH Conclave in Pennsylvania and got elected to the Line. Since then, the sessions have moved around to where the Presiding Officer wants to hold his session. I went to Florida, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and Iowa going through the Line. At the time of this writing, I am looking forward to hosting my Session in Nashua in October. We determined that any profit gained from our session would be donated to the Medical Research Foundation.

One of my first duties was to appoint a Grand Prelate to serve during my administration. Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Paul M. Leary agreed to serve in that position. I am most pleased that he took the position. I also appointed RW Brother Robert Sutherland as the District Representative for this year.

From the Grand Master: A Journey of a Lifetime

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Close your eyes for a moment and think back to that time when you first entertained the idea of becoming a Freemason. Do you remember how you felt? Excited? Anxious? Curious? Adventurous? I suspect it may have been a bit of all those emotions. So, you took a leap of faith and started your Masonic journey.

Let’s be clear. You didn’t “join” Freemasonry. You were accepted into our Ancient Craft. This acceptance should be viewed as a great honor, and one not to be taken lightly. You have a strong tradition to uphold – in this Grand Jurisdiction, men have been proudly accepted into our Fraternity for the last 230 years! It is your duty to both uphold this tradition and better yet, to thrive in it. Your Masonic experience should be a “journey of a lifetime”. Whether you are relatively young or not so young, it is my hope that your Masonic experience has become a “journey of a lifetime”, filled with many precious memories. Regardless of rank or privilege, it should be every Mason’s goal to ensure fulfillment for you and your brethren.

So how do we get there? How do we ensure fulfillment for ourselves? How do we help our fellow man? Please consider the following.

Where are you in your Masonic journey? Let’s start at the beginning. Your journey likely began when a Mason you knew signed your petition for membership. He is referred to as your “first line signer”. A first line signer’s job is not complete when the ink on your petition dries. His job is to get your journey off on the right foot. He should ensure that someone is assigned to assist you in learning your lessons. He should be sure you are aware of the Masonic calendar and encourage your frequent attendance. He should offer you a ride to Masonic events and sit with you to help explain what’s happening. In summary, your first line signer should be lending a helping hand; guiding you through a seamless introduction to our Ancient Craft.

Congratulations! You’ve just been raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. To this point, you have been the center of attention at your degrees. Now it’s time for your fourth meeting. Don’t be surprised if the center of attention shifts away from you as Masonry in your Lodge marches on. But don’t be shy. Get involved. Let your first line signer and your Worshipful Master know that you want to be an active Mason.

There are plenty of ways to get the “new guy” involved.

  • You can assist with degrees. You can take a walk-on part (i.e. craftsman in the Master Mason Degree) or assist with a speaking part (i.e. a portion of a Degree History or Charge).
  • Partner with your Lodge Historian. Perhaps you can help with a program explaining the history of your Lodge. This has a dual benefit – not only does it keep you engaged, but it expands your Masonic Education. Assist in the kitchen. I’m sure your Stewards would appreciate the help. And when serving a meal, it’s a great way to meet your new Brethren.
  • Offer to serve on Investigating Committees. Learn from those who have experience interviewing applicants. It’s another great way to meet new people and to travel.
  • Expand your Masonic Light. Offer to meet with the District Deputy Grand Education Officer for advice on recommended reading material. Look for Lodges offering Masonic Education programs and travel to them (and bring a brother with you!). Perhaps you may even want to ask your Worshipful Master if you can present a Masonic Education program during a Stated Meeting in your own Lodge.

Another point I can’t emphasize enough is the value of travel. Whether you are a relatively new Mason, well along your Masonic journey, or a seasoned veteran, travel keeps you engaged and informed. You would be amazed at what you can learn by visiting other Lodges. See how they perform their degrees. For the most part, degrees performed in Lodges throughout our Grand Jurisdiction are the same, but there are subtle twists. See them for yourself, and report back to your Lodge on your likes and dislikes. Another benefit of traveling is the opportunity to bond with your Brothers. True brotherhood is formed both within and without the four walls of the Lodge room. Encourage carpooling, offer to drive, or get invited to ride along.

Perhaps you’ve been away from your Lodge for a while. Much has changed in the last decade.

We encourage you to come to check us out. For some time now, Grand Lodge has been encouraging Lodges to get away from standard business formats at their Stated Meetings and to enhance their value to the membership. Lodges are now forgoing the reading of minutes in lieu of offering Masonic Education Programs. Lodge meetings are put at rest so that brethren can hold open discussions on topics ranging from: “Guarding the West Gate”, Masonic symbols, the relevance of Masonry in society and ways in which your Lodge can give back.

Lodges are also getting creative with the use of music. We all can appreciate how music can enhance a Masonic experience. With the decline in the availability of organists, Lodges are taking a different approach. Some are using technology to play music on phones or other devices. Some Lodges are leveraging the musical talents of its members. I know of one Lodge where a member (who happens to be a Past Grand Master) uses his guitar to strum a marching sequence. The bottom line is that Lodges are getting creative in ways to help positively enhance your Masonic journey.

Now let’s step outside the four walls of your Lodge. There are countless ways that you can enhance your Masonic journey through community involvement. Encourage your Lodge to help in the community. Paint a fence at the local cemetery. Rake leaves at a local park. Clear snow from fire hydrants. March in the Old Home Day parade. And when doing so, let them know you’re a Freemason by proudly wearing your Masonic hat, shirt, and/or ring. Post your activity with local news outlets and social media. Let them know that Masonry is alive and well in your community! Not only will your community benefit from your efforts, but you will be enriching your own personal Masonic experience.

Brethren, you are Freemasons for a reason. Your Masonic journey should be one that charts a series of milestones that help to grow you as a person, filled with enriching memories along the way. Make the very best of your journey. Don’t wait for someone else to ask you to get involved.

It’s your journey, so make the most of it!

Statement Regarding the Northwood Masonic Temple Fire

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Last night, our beloved Brethren from Morrison Lodge No. 90 and Sisters from Crescent Chapter No. 45, Order of the Eastern Star lost their Masonic Temple in Northwood to a devastating fire. While the building and its precious contents are gone, the generations of memories made and the spirit of those that have occupied it will always endure.

The Grand Lodge and the Brethren of New Hampshire offer our deep and sincere sympathy to our Northwood Masonic family for this tragic event. Even more, we extend our assistance and love to our Brothers and Sisters to assure that Masonry and Star in Northwood will arise from this adversity stronger than ever.

We are aware of a firefighter that was medically treated during the efforts to extinguish the blaze. We humbly thank that individual for their service and hope for a quick recovery. We are aware of no other injuries.

Additionally, we thank all of the first responders from the many towns that met the call of duty and tried desperately to save the Temple.

The Lodge is working through the process of a claim with their insurance company and we would ask the public and our Masonic family to withhold any financial donations at this time.

We will keep everyone apprised of the process of rebuilding but rest assured that the spirit of Freemasonry is alive and well in Northwood.

“Freemasonry, notwithstanding, has still survived.”

Large Group Attends Jewell Lodge for Surprise Presentation

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Surprises are a good thing and there were certainly some “Masonic Secrets” being kept on Monday night in Pembroke. Monday is the Stated Communication of Jewell Lodge #94 and what appeared to be a larger contingent than normal attended the dinner for the Lodge’s September  Communication.  After the meal, the Lodge was opened to receive the Grand Master of Mason’s in New Hampshire, Most Worshipful Brother Kenneth A. Clay, Jr.

As Most Worshipful Clay was being received he noted that there were a few guests with him and waived to the door of the Lodge. Then a steady stream of some  60 additional guests walked in, making a capacity crowd of over 80. They were all there to see Brother John Theuner, an Honorary Past Master of Jewell Lodge #94, receive the Major General John Sullivan Distinguished Service Award in Bronze.

As the Grand Master presented this prestigious award to Brother Theuner, the Grand Master stated that this is being presented for Brother Theuner’s service to the Lodge and the Community.  Brother Theuner is a 48-year member of  Jewel  Lodge and the present Assistant Chief of the Pembroke Fire Dept., serving there for over 56 years.

Brother Theuner thanked all who attended and stated simply “I do this as I love what these organizations stand for and I am proud to be an active member”.

After many congratulations, the group retired to the dining room for cake and conversation.

Notice of passing of Most Worshipful John Calvin Marden

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 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Most Worshipful Brother John “Jack” C. Marden who passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

Most Worshipful Brother John C. Marden served the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire as the Ninety-Eighth Grand Master in 1982 and 1983.  He continued his dedication to the New Hampshire Masons by serving the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire as Grand Secretary from 1992 to 2010;  Deputy Grand Secretary in 2011 and then was made Grand Secretary Emeritus on May 19, 2012.

Brother Jack served as Worshipful Master of Spicket Lodge No. 85 of Salem, New Hampshire in 1969.  He served the Second Masonic District as District Deputy Grand Lecturer in 1970 and 1971 and as District Deputy Grand Master in 1972 and 1973. He served as Junior Grand Deacon in 1974 and 1975.  He was elected to Junior Grand Warden and served in 1976 and 1977; Senior Grand Warden in 1978 and 1979 and Deputy Grand Master in 1980 and 1981.

Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Elmwood Cemetery, 130 N. Lowell Street, (Rte 113) Methuen, Massachusetts followed by a collation to be held at the Salem Masonic Temple, 107 Main Street, Salem, NH. No Masonic Service will be held.

Cards of condolence may be sent to the family at 12 Millville Circle, Salem, NH 03079.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children.  Donations may be made online or forms are available at their website www.stjude.org 

Grand Lodge Leadership Training Seminars

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Part 1: Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 8:30 AM – 1 PM

Part 2: Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 8:30 AM – 1 PM

Location: Concord Masonic Temple, Iron Works Road, Concord, NH

Topics Covered Include:

• Why do we have a Masonic Lodge and who are the Leaders?
• Why it is important to have effective communication with Members?
• Understanding the role of each officer in the Lodge.
• Why understanding the personality types of our Members affects our success.
• Why each Officer should develop short and long term goals.

Who Can & Should Attend?

This seminar is OPEN to those New Hampshire Brethren who are presently a Lodge Officer OR will be a Lodge Officer in the coming year. Brethren could either be from an incoming Steward to the Secretary to the next Worshipful Master of their Lodge.

Dress is informal. Coffee and Donuts Provided.

This Seminar is FREE of Charge but you are required to

RSVP to allow us to properly prepare.

Please provide (Name, Lodge and Office), RSVP by Oct. 16, 2019 to: David Collins, Deputy Grand Master: dgm@nhgrandlodge.org

Part 2 of this Course will be held on Sat. November 9, 2019 in Concord

The flyer is available here: Grand Lodge Leadership Training Seminar

Masonic Roadshow 2019, Anniversary Lodge of Research

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Saturday, October 12, 2019
Masonic Temple, 53 Ironworks Rd.
Concord, NH
OPEN TO ALL MASONS – Informal Event
Lunch will be Available to Purchase

This Event is FREE of Charge but we would appreciate your RSVP so we can plan accordingly.

Email – David Collins, Worshipful Master of Anniversary Lodge #175
aylnh175@gmail.com

9:00am to 3:30pm
8:30am—Coffee and Donuts

Presentations Throughout the Day:

Various Guest Speakers to include but not limited to:
Right Worshipful Brothers Ryan Flynn, Karl Olson, Paul Smith, David Collins speaking on topics including:

Famous NH Masons
Art and its relation to Masonry
The Golden Age of Fraternalism
Thought-Provoking Masonic Topics

Special Guest Speaker

Worshipful Brother Christopher Murphy a Member of Fibonacci Lodge #112 in Vermont Will present “The Tavern Myth”

Breakout Sessions also Available:
Open Discussions on the Various Stages of Your Individual Growth in Masonry

NH Freemasonry Open House October 19, 2019

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Freemasonry Open House NH 2019

To raise awareness of Freemasonry, the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, Free & Accepted Masons has announced that many New Hampshire Masonic Lodges will be open on Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 9am to 3pm.

All are invited to visit their local Lodge to learn about the history, teachings, and mysteries surrounding Freemasonry.

Freemasonry has permeated the cultural consciousness for centuries. It has been portrayed in traditional and social media as a secret society, a drinking club, and a playground for the world’s powerful elite men.  Yet the reality of the world’s oldest fraternal organization is far more compelling than any of the fiction that surrounds it. 

What is Freemasonry?

At its core, Masonry is a system of initiation which is divided into three Degrees. The Degrees exemplify lessons of morality and Brotherhood that will be familiar to most but are presented in a meaningful, dramatic, and personal way. This unique experience is intended to impart serious lessons to the candidate while strongly connecting the individual to every member of the fraternity in a shared experience.

The main qualification to become a Freemason is belief in a “Supreme Being”. While Freemasonry’s lessons come directly from the Judeo-Christian tradition, it is open to men of all faiths, utilizing those traditions as a vehicle to convey the moral and spiritual teachings it contains.

Why Freemasonry and how is it relevant?

In many ways, Freemasonry is the original social network. It is a place where men, regardless of their age, financial status, religion, sexual orientation, or political leanings can meet and relate in a deep and meaningful way. Unlike modern social media, however, discussion of religious dogma or politics are strictly forbidden in Masonic meetings.

“In an era where a male-only institution may seem antiquated to most, I find that Freemasonry is one of the last remaining places in our society where a man can learn to be a gentleman. It is an organization where love, equality, and integrity are strongly reinforced”, said Chris Busby who is an officer of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire and a member of Ancient York Lodge No. 89 in Nashua.

“I sought membership in Freemasonry to be a part of something larger than myself; to connect with community and history. I received so much more than I expected. Your Brothers and their families become a part of your extended family. Its impact on my life has been profound and vast”, he added.

Masonic Lodges are places for personal growth; a place for men of all walks of life to join in harmony for the good of all. For many, Freemasonry is a unique opportunity to share in fellowship and fun with those they might not have otherwise ever met. For some, it is a connection to a family legacy or a historical tradition. All in all, it is a way of life: positive, supportive, and benevolent.

Why have an Open House?

“It is crucial that our communities know of the important impact Masons have in their neighborhoods”, said Kenneth A. Clay, Jr, Grand Master of Masons in New Hampshire.

“We open our doors to show the world that the real secret of Masonry is the brotherly love and affection we have for those around us. I encourage you to visit a Masonic Lodge near you on October 19 to discover the many positive ways that we are building better men, family members, and citizens.”

Origins and Freemasonry in New Hampshire

Although the origins of fraternal Masonry are cloudy, Operative trade guilds of Masons began accepting the first “Speculative” Masons as early as 1634.  The first Grand Lodge, or governing body for a group of Masons, was founded in 1717 in England.

Freemasonry in New Hampshire began in Portsmouth in the 1730s with St. John’s Lodge No. 1 which is one of the two oldest continuously operating Masonic Lodges in America. The Grand Lodge of New Hampshire was founded in William Pitt Tavern in Portsmouth in 1789, which still serves as an active Masonic Lodge and museum at historic Strawbery Banke.

Lodges in the following towns will be open:

Alton

Bristol

Candia

Claremont

Concord

Conway

Cornish

Derry

Dover

Jaffrey

Epping

Exeter

Goffstown

Hampton

Hillsborough

Holderness

Keene

Kingston

Laconia

Lebanon

Manchester

Milford

Nashua – (Rising Sun Lodge & Ancient York Lodge)

New Ipswich

Northwood

Pembroke

Penacook

Portsmouth – (St. John’s Lodge & St. Andrew’s Lodge)

Raymond

Rochester

Salem

Tilton – (Doric-Centre Lodge)

West Franklin

Wolfeboro

To obtain addresses and additional information regarding the above Lodges and to see a full list of Lodges in New Hampshire, visit http://bit.ly/nh-lodges.

For more information contact:

Chris Busby

Chairman, Communications Committee

Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, Free and Accepted Masons

Email: articles@nhgrandlodge.org

Phone: (603) 809-3189

Harmony Lodge Fetes Masonic Veterans and Ladies

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On this warm and beautiful summer afternoon, the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire traveled to Hillsboro, NH to join Harmony Lodge No. 38 in honoring its Special Ladies and Masonic Veterans.

A number of Special Ladies were in attendance and were greeted by the Worshipful Master of Harmony Lodge and our Senior Grand Warden, Right Worshipful Brother Dan Hotchkiss. Each was presented with a beautiful flower.

The Master then presented a Community Builders Award to George & Estelle Arvanetaki who have given back to the Hillsboro community in so many ways over two decades. Our Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David Collins then explained the importance of this unique award.

The Master then turned the gavel over to our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Kenneth Clay. Our Grand Master had the pleasure of presenting a 60-year Masonic Veteran’s plaque to Brother Jack Wells.

Prior to concluding the event, a special presentation was made to Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Brother Robert Hatfield, honoring him as Treasurer Emeritus of Harmony Lodge.

Following the event, we ventured downstairs to enjoy a delightful meal. Congratulations to Harmony Lodge No. 38 for a great day!

Purchase Your Ticket for the Unity Picnic Here

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Families and friends are invited to attend the NH Unity Picnic to celebrate the fraternal bonds of our Orders. Enjoy a traditional style cookout with all of the fixings along with games, beach and boating access, and nature trails!

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Wellington State Park, Bristol, NH

1:00 to 5:00 pm

Updated: 9/9 – Tickets are no longer available for purchase!

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