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

Find a Lodge near you or contact us to learn more about Freemasonry!

Master Mason Education Seminar, August 1

By

Looking For Further Light as a Master Mason?

The Grand Lodge of New Hampshire Education Committee proudly presents the Master Mason Education Seminar.

The one-day mentoring program every Master Mason needs

Saturday, August 1, 2020
Masonic Temple, 53 North Main St.
Boscawen, NH
9:00am to 3:30pm (Breaks included)

Make your Check payable to: “Grand Lodge of NH”
Mail Check to: Grand Lodge of NH, PO Box 486, Milford, NH 03055

Cost: $25.00 per person
NO Cost to Master Masons raised within the Past Year
Registration Deadline: July 24

Topics Covered:
• History of Freemasonry: Where did Masonry begin and how has it has evolved in New Hampshire.
• How the system of Freemasonry functions and what it means to you.
• How the ritual developed in New Hampshire.
• Lodge Protocol and Etiquette: Understanding how to conduct yourself at a Lodge meeting.
• What is Grand Lodge and how it relates to the Master Mason in his own Lodge.
Dress is Casual: Polo Shirt, Collared Shirt, and Slacks.
NO Suit or Tie
Handouts & Flash Drive provided which include information from many Masonic writers such as Preston, Webb, Anderson

Why Should I Attend?
This is an ideal opportunity to develop the foundation of your Masonic knowledge. My Brother, you came knocking on our door seeking light and this program has been developed to provide you just that! This seminar is open to all Master Masons.

Any Questions Email – David Akridge; Grand Lodge Education Officer: [email protected]

SEATING IS LIMITED, REGISTER NOW

Text of the Grand Master’s Independence Day Message

By

Have you been watching the news recently? There’s no doubt that we live in turbulent and divisive times. So how do we as Freemasons rise above the fray?

In times like this, I turn to our ritual for guidance. Let me share a few short examples.

“Masonry accepts men of every country, sect and opinion.” So, while I may believe in a different Supreme Being than you, or not necessarily agree with your point of view, I still love you as a Brother. And I will continue to treat you as such. It also means that we are welcoming of all men of good moral character regardless of how they look, how much money they have, or what neighborhood they live in. You are still my Brother, regardless of these qualities. And I will continue to treat you as such.

Here’s another important message.

“Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good unto all.” Brethren, we are honored to hold the title of “Mason”. And luckily there are other good men out there who will someday replace us when it’s time for us to lie down our working tools. Do good unto all. All doesn’t mean just the people you like. All doesn’t mean those who share like minded views. All doesn’t mean those from your generation. All means All – everyone! Regardless of their background, standing in the world, or their position in the Lodge. Don’t only do good for some – do good unto all.

So, as we come together this weekend to celebrate our Nation’s Independence, I share these closing words with you. Now more than ever, the world, our nation and our Jurisdiction need Freemasonry. They need men of strong moral character. They need men who stand true to their obligations. They need men who are good husbands, fathers, grandfathers and community members.

Brethren, you are Masons both within and without the walls of your Lodge. Please remember to use social media in a positive and informative way. Abide by the laws of your city, state and nation. Wear your Masonic ring, shirt and hat with honor and integrity. And always practice Brother Love, Relief and Truth. And importantly, wave the flag of your country with pride.

Brethren, I wish you a safe and happy 4th of July Holiday weekend. I look forward to seeing you in Lodge soon.

Grand Master’s COVID-19 Re-entry Plan

By

TO: All NH Master Masons

Brethren,

The “Stay at Home” Order issued by the Governor of the State of New Hampshire is due to expire on June 15, 2020. NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby issue the following process for continuing the business of Freemasonry during a declared pandemic, state of emergency, or another major calamity restricting the Craft’s ability to meet freely.

I believe in the autonomy of our institutions and the importance of letting our leaders lead. To that end, effective immediately, Masonic activities within the Jurisdiction may resume subject to all local and state laws and guidance set forth from applicable government agencies. You must follow all laws that affect your body or building. To everyone in position to make the decision as to how your body will move forward, I strongly urge you to assess your membership and put the wellbeing of your members above all else.

My EDICT remains in effect. As such, any duly elected and installed Worshipful Master of any Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction may continue to cancel any regular Stated Communication of his Lodge for reasons specific to the COVID-19 Virus.

Today, I am announcing a phased re-entry plan. Stage 1 commences on June 15, 2020 and applies to Stated Communications and Special Communications. Stage 2 applies to holding of Degrees. Because of the requirement for proximity of our members and candidates during Degrees, this stage will be entered into later. Stage 3 applies to Veterans and Special Ladies Programs. Because our Veterans and Special Ladies represent a COVID-19 high-risk demographic, this stage will also be entered into later.

For those Lodges who typically go dark during the summer months, I encourage you to consider calling Special Communications to help your Lodge members remain connected and to keep the Masonic flame burning.

For those Lodges that plan to reconvene, the following steps must be taken to ensure the health and safety of our members.

Stage 1   Reconvene Stated Communications and Special Communications

Masonic Lodges shall communicate to members and workers that if they are feeling sick, are exhibiting any of the following symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell), or have potentially been exposed to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, then they should not attend Lodge Communications or in-person activities. A potential exposure means having household contact or having close contact (within 6 feet) with an individual with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 for a prolonged period (over 10 minutes) while the person is symptomatic or 48 hours before symptoms developed.

Persons who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control (e.g., due to age 65 or greater, or underlying medical conditions), are encouraged to stay home.

Restrictions for Stated and Special Communications:

  • Occupancy Limitations
    • All Lodges shall limit occupancy to levels compliant with state and local guidelines, while assuring compliance with 6-foot social distancing within the Lodge Room.
    • The Worshipful Master shall designate a Lodge Officer to monitor the number of attendees entering the Lodge building to ensure compliance with the maximum occupancy level.
  • Per CDC guidelines
    • Continue to practice social distancing—this may include the Chaplain finding another seat in the Lodge to ensure being at least 6 feet from the Master. All Brethren must be seated at least 6 feet from each other
    • All attendees and members must wear face coverings or masks while inside and while entering and exiting Lodge buildings or otherwise participating in in-person meetings, except where a person is unable to wear a face covering or mask because of a medical or disabling condition.
    • Please wash your hands frequently
    • Cleanliness of the Lodge and Lodge building
      • All common area surfaces will be cleaned before you reopen: doorknobs, bathroom, and kitchen surfaces, etc.
      • All Lodge implements will be cleaned—Gavels, Wardens Truncheons, Rods, etc.
      • The Lodge will be thoroughly cleaned before and after communications and gatherings
  • If available, an abundance of hand sanitizer will be readily accessible
  • Until further notice, I am suspending the sending up/down of the Grand Masonic Word for Stated Communications opened under the Master Mason Degree
  • Lodges/members will launder their white aprons before and after use
  • Use of shared items such as officer aprons and collars are discouraged at this time
  • When conducting a ballot, the Ballot Box will be placed in a central location within the Lodge Room (not on the Altar), and Brethren will be asked to cast their ballot in a socially distant manner. Use of hand sanitizer immediately following balloting is encouraged. If hand sanitizer is not available, then following the vote, the Master is encouraged to put the Lodge at ease so that the Brethren may wash their hands.
  • Get well or similar cards will not be passed around the Lodge. The Secretary is authorized to sign the card on behalf of the Lodge and members present
  • No handouts will be distributed
  • Consistent with the 6-foot separation rule, no handshakes, elbow bumps, or hugs are allowed
  • Lodge communications shall not have a communal gathering pre- or post-service (e.g., dinner or collation) at this time.
  • No food or drink shall be served before, during or after a Lodge communication or activity at this time.
  • No dine-in public meals (spaghetti dinners, community breakfasts, etc.) are allowed at this time. Community to-go meals are allowed.
  • Investigating committees
    • Face-to-face investigations are allowed so long as you are compliant with the above guidelines (social distancing, use of hand sanitizer and face masks)
    • You are still encouraged to meet at the prospect’s home, but meetings should be held outside
  • If a Masonic Lodge or building has an attendee or worker who has tested positive for COVID-19, it shall notify the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire Office and follow all state and local laws to assist in contact tracing, isolation and self-quarantine. The Office will inform the DDGM and Grand Master of any such occurrences.
  • To ensure that social distancing is honored, no Visitations will be held in June 2020.
  • A modified Degree Inspection process is currently being developed. Until that process is introduced, no Degree Inspections will take place. Please also refrain from holding Degree rehearsals until further notice.

Subsequent Stages

  • Consistent with CDC and State Government guidelines:
    • Guidance will be provided when I declare it safe to hold Degrees.
    • Guidance will be provided when I declare it safe to hold Veterans and Special Ladies events.
    • Guidance will be provided when I declare it safe to hold collations

Brethren, we have been apart for far too long. For those Lodges who typically go dark during the summer months, I encourage you to consider calling Special Communications to help your Lodge members remain connected and to keep the Masonic flame burning. Just make sure you properly notify the Brethren in advance, clearly stating the purpose of your Special Communication.

Fraternally,
Kenneth A. Clay, Jr., Grand Master

A PDF of this notice is available here: https://www.nhgrandlodge.org/nhgrandlodge/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/GLNH_-_Re-Entry_Plan.pdf

Article: Attracting Brothers

By

By Right Worshipful Brother Dennis Tuttle, Jr., District Deputy Grand Master, District 5

When I was asked “How do you get people engaged?”, so many topics came to mind. In January, I attended the Masonic Family Leadership Conference in Portsmouth. One of the speakers discussed the difference between recruiting people and attracting people. He wasn’t talking about this in terms of Masonic Legality, but in terms of their specific definitions.

From Dictionary.com:
Recruit
○ persuade (someone) to do or assist in doing something.

Attract
○ cause to come to a place or participate in a venture by offering something of interest, favorable conditions, or opportunities.

His presentation spoke directly to the Grand Master’s Motto: “Be there because you want to be there, not because you have to”. When the Grand Master announced his Motto in the Spring of 2019, the District 5 officers got together and discussed how we were going to attract members to our events. We didn’t use these specific terms because we hadn’t yet considered this concept.

In Dover, Moses Paul Lodge had been holding a monthly event called the “Dine Around”. They invited Brethren, their families, and their friends to dinner once a month at various restaurants in their area. They had a decent turnout, usually between six and twelve people. I was one of the attendees, it was fun when I went, but it wasn’t high on my priorities list. The District officers wanted to expand this wonderful event and make it more interesting and bigger! But how do you do that?

First, let’s invite the whole District. We invited Brethren from the other Lodges in the District. We explained that they should invite their Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts, and any potential Masons. Invite your spouse, your family, and your friends. Couples like to go out to dinner together. This could double your attendees if every couple brought one other couple. Then we encouraged the Lodges to take turns hosting the dinner in their area. With Worshipful Pond’s blessing, we took their Dine Around event to the next level.

Who else could we invite? What if we invite ALL the Masonic bodies that meet in the District 5 area? To be in most of the fraternal bodies you need to be a Mason and male members of the Order of the Eastern Star must be Masons, but the female members do not. It is a common misconception that they are all just the wives of Masons. Eastern Star was created for the wives, daughters, mothers, widows, and sisters of Master Masons. Remember, these are family dinners, so why not invite your Special Ladies and other members of the Masonic families including the Rainbow Girls and DeMolay boys. What better way to get to know these families than to invite them to dinner? Be inclusive not exclusive.

Another key point of these events is to NOT talk about Masonry. This is not a recruiting event. This is for our friends to have fun. We have had many people come up to us at our Dine Around events and ask who we were and why we were there. We have had many of them join us in our revelry and then later turned in a petition for one Masonic Family or another. The growth of any of our Masonic Families is a positive event for all the Masonic Families. If one female joins Eastern Star or one male joins Freemasonry, or one child joins DeMolay or Rainbow, then that brings in many new possibilities.

Have you ever logged onto Facebook and saw that an event happened last night and wished you had been there? This brings up two points you must consider when attracting people. First, if you see someone else having fun, it makes you want to go. So, post pictures on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and whatever other source of social media. Second, use all these tools to let people know in advance, about the next event. Let them know early so it gets on their calendar and let them know often, so they don’t forget or miss the information.

Lastly, make everyone feel welcome! We are a family. Everyone came out to have fun with you, so thank them and talk to them. Encourage people to make new friends by suggesting that they not sit with their usual friends. Remember, we conciliate true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance. Show everyone you are grateful that they came and make a new friend.

Just before we were all quarantined, District 5 and District 2 held a joint dining event. We had well over 70 people in attendance from ALL the Masonic Families of New Hampshire. We did not have to persuade anyone to attend. We just announced that we would be holding this fun event and people wanted to be there. This was high on their priority list. Create an event, advertise it, make it welcoming, and it will be high on everyone’s priority list.

A COVID-19 UPDATE FROM OUR GRAND MASTER, 5/29/2020

By

Brethren,

In response to the continuing circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, and out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of our Masonic family, I offer the following updated guidance.

The EDICT, issued on March 16, 2020 remains in effect. This EDICT authorizes a duly elected and installed Worshipful Master of any Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction to cancel any regular Stated Communication of his Lodge for reasons specific to the COVID-19 Virus.

On Friday, May 29, 2020 the Governor of the State of New Hampshire extended the “Stay at Home” Order to June 15, 2020. To help ensure that our Grand Jurisdiction, relevant to Masonic activity, continues to comply with this order:

• Worshipful Masters throughout this Grand Jurisdiction are directed to Cancel or Postpone all in-person Masonic events until at least June 15, 2020.

• Essential maintenance or services on the Lodge or Building like plumbing, heating, electrical etc. that need to take place can continue, but maintenance items that can be, should be put off until after June 15, 2020.

Brethren, I’ll soon be providing guidance on how best to conduct Masonry once we can reconvene face-to-face. Until then, I ask that you wait a time with patience and continue to outreach to your Brethren and Special Ladies.

Be safe my Brethren. Freemasonry notwithstanding, still survives.

Fraternally,
Kenneth Clay
Grand Master

Article: What is the Purpose and Power of Masonic Ritual?

By

By Right Worshipful Brother Christopher J. Busby, Grand Lecturer

“A ritual is the enactment of a myth. And, by participating in the ritual, you are participating in the myth. … by participating in a ritual… you are being… put in accord with… wisdom, which is the wisdom that is inherent within you anyhow. Your consciousness is being re-minded of the wisdom of your own life. I think ritual is terribly important.”

― Joseph Campbell

Our ritual is the heart and soul of the Fraternity. All our tenets, philosophies, and myths reside there. Without it, we would simply be another social or charitable club. Our ritual sets us apart. It binds us with each other and with every Mason throughout time.

Masonic ritual is not simply made up of the words. Indeed, any individual with access with the internet can obtain a wealth of information about the forms and ceremonies of the Craft.

Does one that simply reads the reads the ritual become a Mason? Of course, the answer is “no”.

Without the right men to join us, and without the right experience to act as a catalyst for transformation, the words are merely ideas.

One may look upon our ritual as a meditation. The opening and closing of the Lodge, the floorwork of a Degree, our charges are inculcated to center us to our labors. To teach as well as to remind. To unite us around a guiding set of principles and awaken our spirits.

Our ritual is performed in Consecrated Temples which are meant to be sacred and separate from the everyday world. There we navigate along our paths from the material to the spiritual. Our Temples are the vessels in which we individually and collectively channel communication to the Divine.

Every time we enact or experience one of our Degrees, we are living and moving together in sacred time and space. We are being initiated again and renewing our obligations.

Now think back to the day when you were initiated.

Did the experience match your expectations? What elements of that day have been permanently impressed upon your mind? Are there aspects of the Degree that fell short? Why?

Think about the ritual that you last performed or witnessed.

With what intention was the ritual given? Did it feel serious, solemn, important, transcendent? Did it invoke emotion? Did it illuminate the wisdom within you?

Was Masonic Light transmitted?

Brethren, I hope that in the coming year we can explore these concepts and questions further. Have an answer to one of these questions or a question of your own? Email me at [email protected].

My Entered Apprentice’s Journey…So Far

By

By Brother Peter F. Daigle, Ancient York Lodge No. 89, Nashua

I was asked to write a few words about my Masonic Journey so far. I must have written this at least a dozen times. I think that’s part of the journey, isn’t it? Self-exploration and knowledge.

I began with the literal journey – how I got where I am now. Then I was asked, what was my spiritual journey so far, and to be quite honest, I never thought about that. I have never explored my spiritual self before.

I became a Freemason in August of 2019. I know I have changed because of Masonry. I can feel it in me, but I don’t know how to answer the question that was posed to me. Spiritual, or Contemplative Masonry is, presently, something I have a hard time understanding.

I do think about my journey, how I got here and where I want it to go. Those are two different points on a large map that is made up of different materials. Some materials will be made from joy, some from tears and sorrow, disappointment, pride, achievements, love, faith and so much more. My road will travel on each part of this patchwork myriad and sometimes it will be alone, but I know I will have a wonderful support structure with friends, family, my faith, and my Brothers.

I think my mind was torn apart and left exposed during my Initiation. Sounds dramatic, I know. I have never done anything like it before. There was a certain cadence to it that fascinated me as I experienced it. Not just the first time, but more-so every other time I have witnessed one. Parts of it felt like a song. I was inspired then and each time since.

I say my mind was left exposed because I was made open to new ways of thinking about myself, about others and the world around me. Things I took for granted suddenly had a new way of being looked at through metaphors and symbols. I know I will always be finding new ways to explore these symbols and how they reflect on my life.

Freemasonry has also changed how I behave. When something upset me, I either bottled it up or got upset. As a Mason, I like to think that I have begun to subdue my passions when I’m upset. That phrase, “to learn to subdue my passions” is a mantra I have taken to heart. I don’t always succeed, but I’m learning to do better.

My support group has expanded as well. If I am in distress, multiple Brothers reach out to me. My first instinct was to say, “I’m fine.” However, that is not always true, is it? They reached out to me because I’m not fine. They are not there to judge, but to walk beside me. I have learned that this is what is meant by Charity. As a result, I have opened up more.

I have looked at the Book of Ruth several times since. Recently, the Master of my Lodge gave a lecture about Ruth. There are so many layers to this part of the Bible that he helped lay before me and even though I’ve read it several times and read a couple papers about her story, Worshipful Brother Mader explained it for me in a way that helped me understand why it’s so important to the Craft.

So, I have been learning more about the world around me as a result of Masonry:  my faith, our nation and its forefathers, and how Masonry has affected world history-and how I’m a thread in that tapestry now.

I know that I have a long way to go, still. But that’s okay, I’m not in any rush.

From the Grand Master: Good Can Come from Bad

By

By Most Worshipful Kenneth A. Clay, Jr.

Brethren, Freemasonry in the State of New Hampshire has been around for over 230 years. During that time, Freemasons endured World Wars, The Great Depression and pandemics. They also witnessed times of peace, financial prosperity and medical cures. In those 230 years, we have seen the highest of the highs, and lowest of the lows. What is important to realize, however, is that good really can come from bad. Let me explain:

“For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down…”

The world and Freemasonry are suffering from a pandemic, the likes of which many of us have never experienced. COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on our daily lives. Brethren and their families are getting sick. Many are observing the “stay at home order” from our Governor. Some have lost their jobs. And sadly, some have lost their lives.

An EDICT was issued authorizing Worshipful Masters to cancel Stated Meetings during the period of the pandemic. Numerous Masonic events have been cancelled or postponed. The Annual Communication of Grand Lodge was postponed for the first time since its forming!

Brethren, it feels like things cannot get much worse.

“That it will sprout again…and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.”

And yet, despite these many challenges, Masons throughout this Jurisdiction have stood up, dusted themselves off, and stand proudly upon the mountain top. How so, you say? Here are just a few examples of Masons doing what they do best:

Face Masks: Brethren are teaming with the Order of the Eastern Star to put their talents to work creating face masks for those on the front lines. Many masks have been made and are being distributed. Much work went into this endeavor, but even if one person is prevented from getting sick, or one life is saved, the fruits of your labors will have been realized.

Meals for the Needy: Lodges are purchasing ingredients, preparing and distributing meals to the less fortunate.

Blood Drives: Lodges are offering their buildings to host blood drives.Given the “stay at home order” blood supplies are dangerously low. Lodges are giving back to their communities by allowing Red Cross personnel to address this critical need.

Online Masonic Education: Members of the Education Committee are researching, preparing and offering online programs to help stimulate the mind and share light in Masonry.

Staying Connected: Masonic online gatherings are taking place throughout the state. Some are using online software platforms where the members are visible, others are holding phone meetings. This online process offers a way to connect, not only for Brethren we see frequently, but also for those who live far from New Hampshire. It is also a way for those who are less mobile to join with their Brethren.

Musical Treats: This is a stressful time for many Brethren. Listening to great music has a calming and relaxing affect. Some have shared their musical talents by posting daily musical ensembles.

Online Leadership Training: Spearheaded by our Deputy Grand Master, members of the Grand Line created and presented an online Leadership Training Seminar. Over 30 Brethren took advantage of the opportunity to build their leadership skills.

Family Bonding: Many have used this dedicated “stay at home” time to reconnect with family. We often get caught up in our daily schedules of work and Masonry. This period has given us time to better focus on our family, and the significance of their meaning in our lives.

On a personal note, this time has opened new opportunities for me. I have used it to connect with many of my Brethren and have enjoyed every moment speaking with you. In addition, each Grand Jurisdiction is an entity unto itself. As such, Jurisdictional leaders do not often get to meet and share ideas with their peers. During the last month, Grand Masters from the six New England states have been online meeting weekly, providing updates, sharing ideas to help advance our Craft, and bonding as Brethren. What a delight!

These are just a few of the many examples of good that has come from bad, despite being faced with daunting obstacles. Your Masonic spirit is hard at work, clearing the way for a better and brighter world.

What Lies Ahead

I firmly believe that in time, the way we have traditionally performed our Masonry will significantly return. It will not happen overnight. Until the medical community can mitigate and control the virus, we will need to adapt. In time, we will again be able to gather face-to-face. But for a time, those gatherings will need to be modified.

We may need to wear washable gloves and white aprons. Wearing of face masks will be permitted. Social distancing will need to be practiced in accordance with Federal guidelines. Hand sanitizer must be made readily available. And there are elements of our Opening, Closing, and Degree ritual that may need to be temporarily modified.

We’re navigating our boat through uncharted waters. Some ideas may need to be tested, some may fail, some modified, and tried again. But be heartened in knowing that patience and perseverance accomplishes all things.

Your Charge to Action

The world, our nation, state, and Freemasonry will emerge from this crisis. We may very well emerge stronger than before. Until then we need to continually honor our devotion to Brotherly Love and Friendship.

Brethren, I charge you to remember the members of your Masonic family. Find 10-minutes in your busy day to call a Brother, call a Special Lady. Often these folks live alone and would be thrilled to hear your voice. You’ll find this simple gesture to be highly gratifying. You’ll learn in a loving way that your call means not only that you care, but they matter. Brethren please pick up the phone.

COVID FAQ, Hints for Online Meetings, and Social Media Policy

By

Brethren,

Linked below is a PDF that contains a series of documents that will arm you with important information:

  • How to conduct meetings during this time of social distancing
  • Helpful hints for conducting online meetings
  • The Grand Lodge’s Social Media Policy.

The PDF is located here.

Special thanks to the Grand Master, the Grand Line, and Right Worshipful Scot Newbury for putting these documents together.

Postponement of the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire

By

Brethren,

It is with deep regret that I must inform you that the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, originally to be held on May 16, 2020, is hereby postponed.

This is the first time in the recorded history of our Grand Jurisdiction that such an action is taken. However, it is taken in response to the continuing circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 crisis and out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of our Masonic family.

Details of our rescheduled Annual Communication will be communicated in due time.

Be safe, my Brethren. Freemasonry, notwithstanding, still survives.

The notice of the Grand Master’s order is available here.

Fraternally,
Kenneth A. Clay, Jr.
Grand Master