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!

New England Brotherhood Night, 3/14

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New England Brotherhood Night

Sat, March 14, 2020

1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Hartog Auditorium

Ashlar Village, 74 Cheshire Road, Wallingford, CT 06492

The 2020 New England Brotherhood Night will be hosted by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Connecticut at Hartog Auditorium, on the Masonicare campus in Wallingford, Connecticut.

The event will begin at 1 PM with tours of our Masonicare facilities. There will then be a Social Hour featuring hors d’ouevres and a cash bar at 3 PM, followed by a buffet dinner at 4 PM.  Event includes a guest speaker provided by the Grand Lodge of Vermont.

A Masons only event, the Brotherhood Night dinner is open to all Masons from the New England Grand Lodges. Suggested attire is a business suit.

You may purchase tickets online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-england-brotherhood-night-dinner-tickets-87242906883. Please purchase your tickets no later than March 1, 2020.

If you have any questions, please contact the Grand Lodge of Connecticut office at (203) 679-5903, or email Erika Cortezano-Garcia at [email protected]. Please reference the “Brotherhood Dinner” in the subject line.

The letter from the Grand Lodge of Connecticut is available here:

https://www.nhgrandlodge.org/nhgrandlodge/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020_-Annual_New_England_Brotherhood_Night-_March_14th.pdf

Grand Master’s 2020 Town Hall Meeting Schedule

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This is an opportunity to not only hear the Grand Master and members of the Grand Line share some updates about what is going on in your Grand Jurisdiction but more importantly to have your voice heard. This event is a unique opportunity to ask the questions of your Grand Master in a casual environment.  Join us!

All Town Hall Meetings begin at 7pm

Light refreshments provided by the Host Lodge at 6:30pm

District 1 – Monday, March 2

Gideon Lodge No. 84, Kingston Masonic Temple, 8 Church St. Kingston

District 2 – Thursday, March 5

Jewell Lodge No. 94, Pembroke Masonic Temple, 148 Main St. Pembroke

District 3 – Monday, March 9

Benevolent Lodge No. 7, Milford Masonic Temple, 30 Mont Vernon St. Milford

District 4 – Thursday, March 12

Hiram Lodge No. 9, Claremont Masonic Temple, 40 Maple Ave. Claremont

District 7 – Monday, March 16

Union Lodge No. 79, Bristol Masonic Temple, 61 Pleasant St, Bristol

District 6 – Thursday, March 19

Mount Lebanon Lodge No. 32, Laconia Masonic Temple, 63 Court St. Laconia

District 5 – Monday, March 23

Winnipisaukee Lodge No. 75, Alton Masonic Temple, Rte. 28 S. 40 Suncook Valley Rd. Alton

District 8 – Thursday, March 26 North Star Lodge No. 8, Lancaster Masonic Temple, Town Bldg. 25 Main St. Lancaster

From the Grand Master: NH Freemasonry Is Open for Business

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Brethren, it’s no surprise that we could use more members in our beloved Craft. I fully appreciate the quality over quantity argument. There’s no doubt we want good men. There are good men out there looking for a fuller meaning to their lives, which is exactly what Freemasonry has to offer. We live in turbulent times, and Freemasonry offers a path filled with enrichment, fulfillment, and self-reflection. So, if there are good men seeking a better way of life, and Freemasonry provides that path, then why aren’t we being inundated with requests by these good men to learn more about us?

The key, my Brethren, is Masonic awareness. Please note the word “awareness”. I did not say “advertising”. We all know that membership solicitation is not allowed in this Grand Jurisdiction. But, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with making your family, friends, and community aware of Freemasonry.

What are some of the ways you can make people aware of Freemasonry? As I have traveled throughout our wonderful state, I’ve seen many examples. Here are some for you to consider.

Not Just A Man, A Mason. For those who attended our recent Semi-Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, you heard a presentation on this very subject. The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of Scottish Rite has created a program called “The Path Forward”, with a campaign titled, “Not Just a Man, a Mason.” Although the program was created by Scottish Rite, the campaign is totally branded as a Blue Lodge campaign. The program offers several assets that you can leverage in your Lodge and throughout your community including videos, banners and flyers. I encourage you to visit www.NotJustaMan.org to learn more.

Veterans and Special Ladies Programs are a great way to recognize Masonic milestones and to give recognition and thanks to Masonic widows. They also create an opportunity for the community to see our good works. Whether these events are held at a Masonic Temple, a local restaurant or community gathering place, make a point to conduct these programs regularly.

Masonic Funerals, while a solemn affair, create an opportunity for the community to see and hear what we’re all about. Done well, not only do you say a final farewell to a fallen brother in a discrete and respectful manner, but you can also leave a lasting impact on the non-Masonic guests. If you are so honored as to be asked by a fallen brother’s family to perform a Masonic Funeral Service, do it, and do it well.

Marching in Parades is a great way to come out from the four walls of your Lodge and to show your community the great men to whom you associate with. Dress appropriately for the type of parade you are participating in, but dress sharply and in full regalia (dispensation required).

Community Assistance is another wonderful way of “giving back”. It helps the world to see how we care for others. Great examples of the types of community assistance you and your Lodge can provide include: serving hot chocolate at local events, volunteering at a homeless shelter, stocking shelves at food pantries, and recognizing first responders by providing a cookout.

Community Builder Awards show how your Lodge recognizes the good works of others and in return, gives them a chance to see how and why we care.

Daniel Carter Beard Scouter Awards can be given to Freemasons who have helped with Scouts. Holding an event to recognize recipients of this award gives them a chance to see how and why we care about our community.

DeMolay and Rainbow are members of our Masonic family. Just as you work daily to support your family, we should strive within the length of our cable-tow to support our youth organizations. DeMolay should not be viewed as a “breeding ground” for new Masons, but DeMolay boys represent the best of our young men, and if it is right for them, their becoming Freemasons is good for us.

Masonic Open House is a way for you to open your Lodge to the world, giving the community a glimpse into us, and the possibilities we hold for them. Remember however that a Masonic Open House is not a recruiting tool – it is an awareness tool.

Guest Speakers at Masonic Functions are a great way for you to make your meetings more valuable. They also afford an opportunity for your speaker and his/ her guest(s) to learn more about Freemasonry.

These are time-tested ways of raising your community’s awareness of Freemasonry. Try some of them for yourself. Don’t be surprised if you hear some of these reactions: “I had no idea.” “I always wondered what happened in this building.” “You guys are amazing!” “Thank you for opening my eyes.” Brethren, you know much of what Freemasonry is all about. You’ve seen firsthand the positive affects it has had on your life. You know all too well the many wonderful things Freemasons do to support your local community. It’s time we let those good men seeking a better way of life know too.

I’ve shared some concrete examples of ways you can let the world know that Freemasonry is open for business in your community. Now it’s your turn to put my words into action. I can’t wait to see the results!

Grand Lodge of New Hampshire Makes Donation to D.A.R.E.

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(L to R) Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David Collins, Trooper First Class Richard Perreault of the New Hampshire State Police, and Grand Master Most Worshipful Brother Kenneth A. Clay, Jr.

Today the opioid crisis, coupled with rampant abuse of drugs and alcohol are crippling our nation’s youth. The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program is a kindergarten through high school program which deals not only with drug issues, but life skills as well. It does this by providing students with factual information on drugs, gangs and violence and the consequences of becoming involved in high-risk behavior.

D.A.R.E. teaches coping skills to resist the pressure to use drugs or to become involved in dangerous activities. It offers this in a school environment which fosters a positive relationship with a community-based police officer.

A portion of the proceeds from the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire Annual Charity Fund Drive is dedicated to the support of the D.A.R.E. Program. Last evening our Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master attended a D.A.R.E. Banquet and presented a donation on behalf of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire to Trooper First Class Richard Perreault of the New Hampshire State Police to help support the D.A.R.E. Program. Trooper Perreault is the New Hampshire State D.A.R.E. Coordinator.

Thank you once again to the many Freemasons of New Hampshire for your generous contributions to the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire Annual Charity Fund Drive.

Joint Veterans Program Held in Franklin

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On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Franklin over fifty Masons, friends and family attended the joint Veterans & Special Ladies program hosted by Meridian Sun Lodge #60 of Franklin and Doric-Centre Lodge #20 of Tilton.

The program began with a formal public opening of the Lodge and reception of the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Kenneth A. Clay Jr. and his Suite.


Worshipful Brother Greg Barnett, a 25 year member of Meridian Lodge then gave a wonderful rendition of the Toast to the Colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.


The Special Ladies (Masonic widows) of both Lodges were then recognized and given a small token of thanks. Patricia Tuck (widow of Worshipful Brother Richard Tuck of Doric-Centre Lodge) was then recognized for her continued work in support of the efforts of the Lodge. Mr. Ronald Mitchell of Belmont was then recognized by
Doric-Centre Lodge with a Community Builders Award for his extensive work in the community.

Many 25 and 40 year members of both Lodges were recognized with membership recognition pins. Grand Master Clay then recognized Worshipful Brother “Woody” Fogg for his 50 years of membership in Masonry.

One of the many highlights of the afternoon was Brother Paul Deguise, Chaplain of Doric Centre Lodge #20, receiving the Major General John Sullivan Distinguished Service Award in Bronze for his outstanding service to the Lodge.

At the conclusion of the program and closing of the Lodge all gathered in the dining hall for a collation prepared by Ionic Ragged Mountain Eastern Star Chapter.

Masonic Family Leadership Conference, January 25, 2020

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Masonic Family Leadership Conference

January, 25, 2020

Portsmouth Masonic Temple

Open to ALL MEMBERS of our Masonic Family!

Sponsored by New Hampshire Order of the Eastern Star with additional support from the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Rainbow, New Hampshire DeMolay, and New Hampshire Consistory, and Bektash Shriners.

Tickets are $25 per person and open to members of all of the Masonic Family of organizations.

This event is intended to provide a day of inspiring content to encourage and empower members and officers of the entire Masonic family of bodies. Our organizations share many of the same challenges and goals. This is a unique opportunity to be united to learn about and assist each other. If we work together, we can succeed together!

This program has several very specific goals:

1 . To better understand generational differences and provide information and concepts to more effectively lead and communicate with each other.

Large generational gaps exist within all of our organizations, whether it be within Demolay and Rainbow (youth vs advisors), Eastern Star, or Masonry, as well as across our bodies. Learning about how each of the generations think and how we can best speak to each other will help us all grow!

2. To enhance our conflict resolution skills to be better enabled to unite in promoting the goals of our organizations.

In obtaining additional tools to resolve potential strife among our members, we retain more members and maintain our strength. How many times have we lost members or had disruptions in the leadership of our bodies due to simple misunderstandings? The promotion of empathy and understanding among people are key aspects of our organizations and of these programs.

3. To learn to better utilize technological tools to improve communication both internally between organizations and externally to the public.

We often take for granted that not everyone communicates via the same methods or connects with the same types of messages. We can all benefit by obtaining the knowledge and skills to better communicate the value and importance of our programs.

4. To help us break out of the “it’s always been done that way” mindset by establishing positive, growth-oriented practices and principals.

If we want to strengthen and grow, we must listen to each other and be open to new ideas. As steeped in tradition as we are, overcoming the “fixed mindset” can be a significant challenge. This program will offer solutions for us to think positively, and move forward united as a team.

AGENDA
8:00am – 9:00am
Registration & Light Food / Coffee

9:00am – 10:30am
Jamie Barr – The Importance of the Membership Mindset

10:30am – 11:30am
Conflict Resolution and Communication

11:30am – 12:30pm
Walking 2 by2’s

12:30pm – 1:30pm
Lunch

1:30pm – 2:30pm
Split groups
Jay Peringer – Growth Mindset
Darien Koons – Marketing & our Leadership Roles

2:30pm – 3:30pm
Understanding the Generational Impact – Dejah

3:30pm – 5:00pm
Tech Talk and Workshop

5:00pm – 5:30pm
Debrief Adults / Youth Team Builder

5:30pm – 6:30pm
Dinner

6:30pm – 7:00pm
Sam Drazin – Celebrating our Differences

7:00pm – 8:00pm
Dream / Vision Boards

8:00pm
Entertainment

There will be a sleepover for the youth at the Temple.

The document with the full schedule and information on the speakers is located here: https://www.nhgrandlodge.org/nhgrandlodge/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Masonic-Family-Leadership-Conference-Schedule-and-Speakers.pdf

To register please download the Registration Form at https://www.nhgrandlodge.org/nhgrandlodge/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Masonic-Leadership-Conference-Registration-Form.pdf and send a check for $25 payable to NH Grand Chapter, Maria Becker, 240 Raymond Rd, Candia, NH 03034

The flyer for the event is available at https://www.nhgrandlodge.org/nhgrandlodge/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Leadership-conference-flyer-Print.pdf.

Why You Should Support the Masonic Youth Organizations

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The Challenges of a Country Lodge

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Article by Right Worshipful Brother Larry Sprague, Senior Grand Deacon

I became a member of Cheshire-Mt Vernon Lodge No. 23 (then Cheshire Lodge) in 1995, at the time there were 38 members. It’s small Lodge in a small town, we had no running water, a 160-year old building in need of major repairs and our restroom facility was an outhouse. Like all Lodges today we’ve faced many challenges over the years. Declining membership, involvement and dedication of the members and the effort and cost it takes to maintain and improve an old building took its toll.

Things started to change with the efforts of just a few members. We got involved with the community by having a booth at the local Cornish Fair each year. One of our Past Masters contacted the town and asked if there was anything the Lodge could do as a service to the community. They said a cemetery fence needed to be painted. The town provided the paint and the pizza, the Lodge provided the manpower. We got it done in one day. The town was very appreciative, and it was great publicity for us. About a year ago we started having monthly community breakfasts at the Lodge. The cost is by donation, there’s no required fee. We’ve now had hundreds of people come into our building who never would have before. This community service has not only become our best fundraiser but our best open house too! We’ve even had 1 man and his wife come visit us to find out more about Masonry and he has asked for a petition.

As our financial situation started to turn around, our building started to become a better place to visit. The first thing to go was the outhouse! A septic system along with a modern kitchen and bathroom were installed. The hundred or so year old asbestos shingles were removed and standing seam roof put on. The old single-pane windows were replaced with new energy-efficient ones.

So, what will work for your Lodge? There is no single answer, it varies from town to town and city to city. But my suggestion is to take advantage of everything you have. Participate in the annual open house. Advertise it, combine it with something else. One suggestion is free pumpkin carving for kids, their parents have to bring them. Contact the town and find out what you can do to help the community. All it takes is the effort and dedication of an individual member to make a difference. Be the spark that ignites the flame in others. In the DeMolay Ceremony of Light, the closing line says, “If you can reach into the innermost depths of his soul and set his flame afire then therein lies the purpose of the Order of DeMolay and therein lies your purpose for living.” Apply that line to Freemasonry and be that spark.

Brothers Going “Over the Edge” to Benefit Children

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Article by Richard Thompson, © 2019, Richard Thompson

A question Masons often ask themselves is, “How long is my cable-tow?” Since the length of a cable-tow changes each day, the more proper question is, “How long is my cable-tow — today?”

Brother Roland Petersen, Hudson Police Capt. David Cayot, R∴ W∴ Robert Porter and Worshipful Jerry Becker before going “Over the Edge.”

In most cases, when we talk about the length of our cable-tows, it is a figurative expression — there is no length in a real sense. But for three New Hampshire Masons, on this last June 28, their cable-tows had an exact length — 259 feet. Actually, it is more proper to say their cable-tows had an exact height — 259 feet.

Right Worshipful Robert Porter and Brother Roland Petersen of Rising Sun Lodge No. 39 in Nashua and Worshipful Brother Jerry Becker, our Grand Marshal and a member of Rockingham Lodge. No. 76 in Candia, stood at the top, on the edge, of the Brady Sullivan Plaza building in Manchester, a full 20 floors above the ground. They were ready to rappel down the face of the building to raise money for the Children’s Dyslexia Center in Nashua.

The three were part of the Greater Nashua, United Way “Over the Edge” event. Each participant raised a small amount of money for the United Way and a larger share for a charity designated by the participants. The three Masons raised more than $5000 for their charity.

Before R∴ W∴ Porter took the plunge he got a reprieve. A team from the Hudson Police Department lost their sponsor, so it appeared they would have to sit it out.  R∴ W∴ Porter surrendered his place so at least one police officer, Capt. David Cayot went “Over the Edge.”

The three were presiding officers of the Scottish Rite bodies in Nashua and decided as presiding officers they should participate. All I can say is I’m quite happy there is the word past before my Scottish Rite title.

To say I have a fear of heights is an understatement, a gross understatement.

My wife and I took our daughter and son to New York City to do the tourist thing. We went to the observation tower at the Empire State Building and all I could do was keep my back to the building and look out over the crowd. All I saw was the sky over New York.

My son and I went to Gettysburg at a time the observation tower was still there. He was out at the edge and I was sitting, again with my back to the tower.

I congratulate our brothers on their willingness to swing over the edge of a building and look to the ground so far below. They know rappelling down the face of a building made a difference for some children who need our help.

Richard Thompson is a past master from Massachusetts, a member of Rising Sun Lodge No. 39 and someone you won’t find at the top of a building.

Why Masonic Education?

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Why Masonic Education?

Article by Paul C. Smith, Grand Education Officer

We saw a video last month from our Grand Master in which he stated the reason why Masonic Education is one of his pillars: “A knowledgeable Mason is a respected Mason…an informed Mason is an impactful Mason.”

How true indeed.

Masonic education goes hand in hand with the ritual. One is useless without the other. An expert orator can deliver the most well-rehearsed, flowery, and emphasized ritual during a degree, but if he doesn’t understand what is he saying, is it as impactful? How many times has a candidate heard a great performance and then asked, “what does that part mean?” I’ve only seen it a handful of times in recent memory, but we should be able to answer and answer well.

That is why, in great part, your Grand Lodge Education Committee has spent the past many years working on programs for your lodges to get into some of the meanings and histories of the words we use, and WHY we use them.

Beyond that, the Mason who knows some of our histories and mysteries will be better enabled to answer questions from the profane about the why’s, what’s, when’s, where’s, who’s, and how’s of Freemasonry. You’ve heard it said that many approaching the Craft these days are doing their homework and have many questions prepared for when they start to ask. We do them and ourselves a great disservice if we are unable to answer.

From a broader sense, let’s mention briefly Masonic Education IS: Masonic education is a discussion on the ritual; it’s a discussion on what lessons or meanings are conveyed; it’s a discussion on the use of the Holy Bible and the scriptures therein (NOT religion in specific terms); it’s reading books and talking about them; it’s writing our thoughts down; it’s seeking LIGHT.

As you see, education can be a broad thing in the Craft. Education should be a fundamental focus of every lodge, just as performing ritual is. We are fortunate to have wonderful men serving you as District Deputy Grand Education Officers whose chief focus is to deliver and assist you in delivering education at your meetings.

While it is wonderful to have guests come and talk about the community, their experiences, historical events, etc., that is NOT Masonic education in the sense that we are able to assist you. But we will be able to assist you greatly very soon.

In the coming months, on our Grand Lodge website, a new feature will be added whereby a Speaker’s Bureau will highlight many offerings by Masons throughout our jurisdiction that you can contact to speak on a variety of topics that may be of interest to your lodges.

I will close with the words of our Grand Master, “an informed Mason is an impactful Mason.” YOU can make a difference not only in your own Masonic education path but perhaps others as well. Freemasonry is counting on you.