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!

2022 New England Brotherhood Night

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Below is information on the 40th Annual New England Brotherhood Night, to be hosted by the Grand Lodge of Vermont on Saturday, March 19, 2022.

The first New England Brotherhood night was held in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1982. The event was created so that the Brethren in New England could come together one evening a year to “spread the cement of Brotherly Love”. Too often Brethren don’t get an opportunity to travel to other jurisdictions. This event provides an opportunity to build those interjurisdictional friendships.

Over the years there has been an assumption that this is a Grand Lodge event. It is definitely not that, nor was it ever intended to be. Rather, this is an event for all Masons in New Hampshire and New England to socialize with their Brothers at a casual affair.

The tradition has been that the next Grand Lodge to host the event, provides the guest speaker. In 2023, the Grand Lodge of Maine will host, and they have invited Brother Luke Shorty to speak this year. Brother Shorty currently serves as the Dean of the Maine Masonic College and has been an instructor for the College for the last two years. He is the Past Junior Warden of Limestone Lodge #214 in Limestone, Maine. He holds a BA and MS in Mathematical Sciences from the University of Maine at Farmington and Montana State University, respectively. His career has been in education for the last thirteen years and he currently is the Executive Director of Lee Academy in Lee, Maine and its campuses in Shanghai, China, and Daegu South Korea.

Please contact the Grand Lodge office if you have any questions.

40th Annual New England Brotherhood Night
Hosted by the Grand Lodge of Vermont, F&AM

WHERE
Lake Morey Resort
82 Clubhouse Road
Fairlee, Vermont

WHEN
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Cash Bar Social Hour – 6:00 PM
Buffet Dinner – 7:00 PM
Speaker at the Conclusion of Dinner

Speaker from the Grand Lodge of Maine
Brother Luke Shorty
Maine Masonic College

COST
$50.00 per person

RESERVATIONS
Reservations are essential and must be made with the Grand Secretary by March 4, 2022

ATTIRE
Business casual

Your lady will join us for the entire evening.

Overnight Accommodations
A special room rate of $149.00 will be available.

Make reservations on your own, by calling Lake Morey Resort at 1-802-333-4311. Mention the ‘Masons Brotherhood Night’

Make check for event payable to the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire

Mail to:
Grand Lodge of New Hampshire
PO Box 486
Milford, New Hampshire 03055-0486

Fellow Craft Workshop in Concord on 2/19

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Fellow Craft Workshop

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Blazing Star—Eureka Lodge No. 11.

53 Iron Works Rd., Concord, NH

8:30am Registration

9:00am to 12:30pm (Breaks included)

Topics Covered:

  • What happens during the Fellow Craft Degree.
  • What are the 7 Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Why is this Degree one of the keys to your Masonic Journey
  • How does this Degree prepare you for your next Masonic step

Who should attend?

This workshop is specifically designed for Fellow Crafts and other Master Masons who want to a deeper understanding of this degree. 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! We encourage Masters of the Constituent Lodges to invite their new Candidates to this workshop and
attend with them.

Dress is casual. Jeans are ok.

The Grand Lodge Book Table will be available for those interested in more information.

The Workshop is FREE of charge, but we ask that you RSVP to allow us to properly prepare.

RSVP to:
Dave Akridge, Grand Education Officer at [email protected] or the Grand Lodge office at [email protected].

Entered Apprentice Workshop Coming Saturday, April 17

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Saturday, April 17, 2021

Portsmouth Masonic Temple

351 Middle Street

Portsmouth, NH

8:30am Registration

9:00am to 12:00pm (Breaks included)

Topics Covered:

  • What happens during the Entered Apprentice degree?
  • Where did Masonry come from?
  • Why do we perform ritual and teach by degrees?
  • What do I need to learn a lesson?

Who should attend?

This workshop is specifically designed for new Entered Apprentices and other Brothers who have not yet attained the Master Mason Degree. 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! We encourage Masters of the Constituent Lodges to invite their new Candidates to this workshop and attend with them!

Dress is casual. Jeans are ok.

The Grand Lodge Book Table will be available for those interested in more information.

The Workshop is FREE of charge, but we ask that you RSVP to allow us to properly prepare.

RSVP to:
Dave Akridge, Grand Education Officer at [email protected] or the Grand Lodge office at [email protected].

What is Ritualistic Excellence?

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By: R.W. Andrew J. Bennert, District Deputy Grand Lecturer,  District No. 4

From the moment that a candidate knocks on the door of the lodge, to the time a Master Mason reaches the door of the Celestial Lodge above, Masonic Ritual is ingrained in everything that we do. As many of you know, New Hampshire’s ritual is one of the purist rituals here in the United States. It is incredibly close to what Thomas Smith Webb first recorded in his book, The Freemason’s Monitor, a volume that was printed 223 years ago.  Though first documented by Webb in 1797, the words are believed to be much older, passed down, mouth to ear, for generations before that, making our ritual here in New Hampshire that much older and authentic to our Masonic Forefathers original intent. That link to the past has made the Masons of New Hampshire even that more aware of getting the ritual right. 

In his four pillars of Retention, Ritual Excellence, Masonic Education, and Communication, our Grand Master has highlighted the importance of our ritual as one of the key factors of Masonry here in New Hampshire and something that we all should strive to make as flawless as possible. After all, what would we be without our ritual? 

What is Ritualistic Excellence?

Many would argue that Ritualistic Excellence is getting every word right, as written, and committed to memory. This has been the norm for many years, but it is only one third of the puzzle of Ritualistic Excellence. To complete the puzzle and reveal the full picture of what Ritualistic Excellence truly is, two more vital pieces are needed. Ritualistic Performance, and Ritualistic Understanding. 

Let’s take a moment and touch on each part of the puzzle.

Ritualistic Memorization

You have certainly heard it said by a Brother “I can’t memorize.” I am here to tell you that that statement is false. Every person can memorize, but because everyone learns differently or has their own personal learning obstacles to overcome, the key is finding the method that works for the individual. There are many memorization methods in existence. One method is to repeat a phrase repeatedly until it is ingrained, adding bits and pieces along the way, until eventually they have the whole of a piece committed to memory. Others may do better by hearing it over and over again. Some people learn better when working with a partner to help prompt them if they need it. 

Whatever the method you choose, it is the commitment of time that is the most important element in this process. A Brother who says, “I can’t memorize“ is really saying “I don’t have the time to commit to this right now” or “I am not willing to give that much time to the ritual.” We all came to this fraternity for varied reasons and the length of everyone’s cable-tow is different, so we must be mindful of that when asking a Brother to sit in an officer’s seat. Every officer of a lodge should, at the minimum, have committed to memory the ritual for the office that he holds (and be actively working on his next office’s ritual if in the line) to ensure that lodges can keep this most important part of our fraternity alive and strong. 

Ritualistic Performance

If you have ever been a patron of theatre, enjoyed movies, or watched television, I am sure that you have seen some bad performances. I am sure that you have also seen some ritual that was not as good as it should have been, even if the officers were all word perfect. Ritual, or any performance, is enhanced by how the words are delivered. When executing a degree, you are performing. An actor does not just learn the words and deliver them. He spends time to work out where to infuse meaningful inflection, pauses, and movement to enhance what was written and make the words his own. The same should be done by each officer of the lodge. When the Senior Deacon receives a candidate at the door, he should think very carefully about how he asks his questions. What are the ruffians feeling as they deliver their lines and is that portrayed in the delivery? Every aspect of our ritual, right down to how the Worshipful Master raps his gavel, is part of the performance and a good performance will only enhance the experience that a candidate has in what should be a defining moment in his life.

Ritualistic Understanding

Though memorization and performance are vital aspects of Ritualistic Excellence, there is nothing more important to the puzzle than Ritualistic Understanding. This goes far beyond just knowing what the words mean. Our ritual is old and many of the words that were chosen are not common in everyday language today. Because of this, we should look up any words that we don’t know so that we have a base understanding of what it is that we are actually saying. True Ritualistic Understanding goes a step further. This is where we become scholars and dive deeper into the meaning behind the ritual. Why was the lesson that the Chaplain gave during that degree used? What is its significance? What are the seven liberal arts and sciences, and why are they important to Masons? What is the Master speaking about in his opening and closing charges, how do those words ring true in lodge and how do we keep them alive in our dealings outside of the Temple? 

Ritualistic Understanding is something that will never truly be mastered because your understanding of the ritual and all its subtle nuances and intricacies can continue to be studied and discussed with other Masons and shaped by those experiences.  This is where Ritualistic Excellence and Education truly work hand in hand to help us develop ourselves and our understanding of the Ritual and the Craft.

Ritualistic Excellence is a journey that started the moment you cracked open your first E.A. Lesson book and that journey is lifelong. There is always a way to improve upon your knowledge of the ritual and how best to deliver it with meaning. Constant review of the text and study of its meaning will ensure that words that are already memorized are fresh in your memory and learned correctly.  Our ritual is a key aspect of our fraternity that makes it so incredibly unique. It deserves our attention to detail and our commitment of time to ensure that it is delivered properly so that every Brother gets the best possible experience we can give them.  

COVID-19 Message from our Grand Master, 12/1/2020

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The PDF of this notice is available here: The PDF is available at https://www.nhgrandlodge.org/nhgrandlodge/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COVID-19_Continued_Guidance_Nov_29_2020.pdf

Brethren,

I am sending this very important notice in an abundance of caution to the Membership. The number of COVID-19 cases in New Hampshire has sharply increased. Brethren are reminded that they must comply with all laws and are strongly encouraged to comply with all guidelines of their Federal, state, and local governments.

Please also adhere to the following guidelines previously established by me:

• Lodge Member Safety: Masks are to be worn at all times while in the Lodge. Proper handwashing, hand sanitization, and social distancing are to be maintained at all times. All Brethren should be reminded that if they are feeling sick and are exhibiting any of the following symptoms or conditions, they should not attend Lodge Communications or in-person activities:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Have potentially been exposed through direct and close contact to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, per CDC guidelines.

• Meetings: Lodges are still allowed to meet in person. However, I wish to reinforce that the Worshipful Masters of all Lodges should use their own discretion on whether or not to meet. There is NO REQUIREMENT to meet in person. I am continuing my Edict that the Worshipful Master can cancel any Stated Communication. No approval is needed from me to do this, I would only insist that you consult your Lodge officers prior to this decision being made. Once the decision to cancel has been made, I would ask that your Lodge Members, your District Deputy Grand Master, and I be informed.

• Member Attendance: No Brother should feel forced to attend any meetings. The Worshipful Master should reinforce this in your Trestleboard notice to your members.

• Degree Work: I am still allowing Degree work with the guidance previously given. However, in a continued abundance of caution, Worshipful Masters must review the guidelines and assure that they are followed. If there is any doubt that the Degree cannot be safely performed, it should be postponed.

• Veterans Programs: Due to the increasing cases of COVID and the high-risk potential of older members I am discouraging Lodges from holding Veterans Programs currently.

• Meals: Any meal service that is held should be in full compliance with the previous direction by me. These guidelines are for the safety of all and they are the minimum requirements for any meal service or collation. There is to be no indoor, seated dining that includes members of the general public.

• Hall Usage: Lodges should be cleaned before and after every Lodge, meeting to limit any potential spread of the virus. Lodges should assure that if their buildings are being used for non-Masonic purposes, they confirm that these organizations are following the same guidelines related to individual safety and building cleanliness listed above.

Brethren, I am asking for your continued vigilance in adhering to the local, state and Federal laws along with the guidance set forth by applicable government agencies.

Thank you for your patience and vigilance during this time and remember that “Freemasonry, notwithstanding, still survives.”

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

Grand Master’s Message on Social Media

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From our Grand Master:

Brethren,

I’ve become increasingly concerned with member social media postings of late. I will direct you to the New Hampshire Grand Lodge Social Media policy found on the New Hampshire Grand Lodge website. In particular, I want to point out the following policy statements:

• As a Mason, he must be aware that his postings are a permanent record; therefore, his conduct may influence the world with a positive or negative opinion about him personally and about the organizations to which he belongs.

• A Mason should never use disparaging comments, profanity, etc. while posting; including, but not limited to graphic video and audio recordings.

We live in turbulent and divisive times. We’re in the throes of a global pandemic. We’re on the threshold of a polarizing election. Civil unrest abounds. Can things get any worse?

Perhaps the better question to ask is, how can we make things better? That’s where Freemasonry comes in. You see my Brethren, the world, our nation, and this Jurisdiction need Freemasons.

Here’s a few reasons why:

“Masonry accepts men of every country, sect, and opinion.” While we may share beliefs in a different Supreme Being, or not necessarily agree with other points of view, we still love each other as Brothers. And we will continue to treat each other as such. We welcome all men of good moral character regardless of the color of their skin, their political affiliation, how much money they have, or what neighborhood they live in. They are still our Brother, regardless of these qualities. And we will continue to treat them as such. Any action or social media post that detracts from this perspective is contrary to our foundation.

“Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good unto all.” Brethren, we are honored to hold the proud title of “Mason”. And luckily there are other good men out there who will someday replace us when it’s time for us to lay 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 who look like you. All means all – everyone! Regardless of their background, race, standing in the world, or their position in the Lodge. Don’t only do good for some – do good unto ALL. Any action or social media post that detracts from this moral teaching is contrary to who we are as Freemasons.

If you are speaking in a derogatory way about a belief or person that shares that belief, you may be directly affecting a Brother or individual that holds those ideals. In our great nation, every person is guaranteed the Freedom of Expression. However, our rights come with tremendous responsibility. As Masons, we have the additional tie to the beautiful teachings of our Fraternity. We all must apply Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice to our words, thoughts, and actions.

Freemasons stand true to their obligations. Freemasons are good husbands, fathers, grandfathers, and community members. Freemasons always rise above the fray and conduct themselves with morality and integrity.

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 Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

Fraternally,

Kenneth A. Clay, Jr., Grand Master

Ritual Excellence Award Session Dates

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Greetings Brethren,

I am excited to announce the dates of sessions to participate in Grand Lodge Ritual Excellence Award.

You’re not aware of the award, it is a Grand Lodge award given in three tiers: bronze, silver, and gold. You earn it by displaying ritual proficiency and earning points on specified sections of our ritual. 

Earned awards are given at our Grand Lodge sessions, which you may proudly display as proof of your labor and skill in learning and performing our beautiful work!

Scores are based on a mixture of word accuracy and the more subtle aspects of performance.

You do not have to be a current or past Lodge officer; any New Hampshire Mason is welcome to participate

To learn more, please review the attached information packet which contains the grading criteria as well as the sections eligible to receive points.

There is no expiration on points, and no specific timeline required in which to earn the award.

We have the following dates scheduled to participate in the program and display your ritual proficiency. You may attend any, some, or all of these events. 

Ritual Excellence Award Sessions

(all start at 7:00pm; dress is casual)

Wed, 9/23 – Milford (Benevolent)
Thu, 10/22 – Nashua (Ancient York & Rising Sun)
Tues, 11/17 – Franklin (Meridian)
Tuesday, 12/16 – Raymond (Tucker) – Cancelled
Tuesday, 1/19 – Claremont (Hiram) – Cancelled
Thursday, 2/25 – Concord (Blazing Star-Eureka) – Cancelled
Tuesday, 3/30 – Penacook (Horace Chase)
Thursday, 4/22 – Exeter (Star In the East)  

If you wish to participate or have any questions, please contact me at [email protected]. 

You may see all of the criteria for the program, including the parts that can be scored, at https://www.nhgrandlodge.org/nhgrandlodge/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Ritual-Award-Information-Packet-1.pdf.

2020 Lodges of Instruction, Dates & Info

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To: ALL New Hampshire Masons
Grand Lodge Officers
Past Grand Masters

The District Lodges of Instruction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Hampshire will be held for the year 2020 as follows:

District 8, Gorham, Sept. 12, Saturday, Meal at 11:30 AM; Grand Lodge opens at 12:15 PM

District 5, Rochester, Sept. 12, Saturday; Meal at 6:00 PM; Grand Lodge opens at 7:00 PM

District 1, Portsmouth, Sept. 19, Saturday; Meal at 5:00 PM; Grand Lodge opens at 6:00 PM

District 2, Nashua, Sept. 26, Saturday; Meal at 12:00 PM; Grand Lodge opens at 1:00 PM

District 3, Milford, Sept. 26, Saturday; Meal at 6:00 PM; Grand Lodge opens at 7:00 PM

District 7, Tilton, Oct. 3, Saturday; Meal at 12:00 PM; Grand Lodge opens at 1:00 PM

District 6, Holderness, Oct. 3, Saturday; Meal at 6:00 PM; Grand Lodge opens at 7:00 PM

District 4, Boscawen, Oct. 10, Saturday; Meal at 12:00 PM; Grand Lodge open 1:00 PM

Book Sales will be available starting one half hour prior to the meal being served.

The traveling Grand Lodge ladies will be welcome to join us at the daytime meals, however, it is the responsibility of the Grand Lodge Officer to place her reservation with the hosting Lodge.

The Grand Master, Brother Kenneth A. Clay, Jr., requests that this schedule be published in each Lodge’s Trestleboard. He further requests that all Officers of the Constituent Lodges in each District make a special effort to attend the Lodge of Instruction in their District (however, attendance by Lodge Officers at any District LOI will be recorded). Attention is directed to the GLC Art IV.8.2, Page GLC 16 (GLNH Government pdf file page 36) which states (emphasis added):

“It shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer and Secretary of the Lodges in a District, whenever the Grand Master shall call a Lodge of Instruction to be held for said District, to attend the same.”

The Grand Master also requests that the Worshipful Master make an earnest effort to see that all Brothers who were Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason after September 1, 2019 are aware of the meeting, be told that it is a Communication that they are expected to attend, and that the program will be one of Masonic information and education that should be of interest to them.

Dress for the event will be tuxedo and gloves with full regalia for all Grand Lodge Officers. Constituent Lodge Officers should wear their Aprons, Collars and Jewels.

All MASTER MASONS are welcome and are urged to attend. A current Dues Card is required for admission to the Lodges of Instruction.

Ritual Performance Workshops Continue Through December

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Our Grand Lecturer, Right Worshipful Brother Chris Busby, will be hosting a Ritual Performance Workshop featuring Brother Michael T. Brown II.

We will be looking at the ritual through the lens of our ceremonies being dramatic performances. This Workshop will provide insight into how actors prepare for their roles, break down and take an in-depth look into several pieces of our ritual, and provide specific recommendations to help improve your ritual performance.

This is a highly interactive and unique workshop targeted to any Brother that is currently an officer and wishes to improve their ritual delivery, a Brother that is hoping to join the officer line, or any Brother that wishes to help to give our candidates the absolute best experience possible!

There is no cost for the workshop and is for Master Masons only. Dress is casual.

The workshops will take place at the following locations and dates:

7/25, Sunday, Portsmouth, 1-4pm
8/22, Sunday, Milford, 1-4pm – POSTPONED – DATE TBD
10/23, Saturday, Concord, 9am-Noon
11/13, Saturday, Derry, 9am-Noon
12/4, Saturday, Franklin (Meridian), 9am-Noon

About Brother Michael T. Brown

Brother Michael T. Brown II, is a member of King Solomon’s Lodge No. 14 where he serves as Senior Deacon and Anniversary Lodge of Research No. 175 where he serves as Senior Steward. He was Raised to the degree of Master Mason June 20th, 2018. Originally a Kansas City native, Brother Brown now considers NH home, and has for 12 years. Acting, as well as singing, has been a passion of Brother Brown’s for most of his life—having been doing both since the age of four. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre in 2012 from Franklin Pierce University. Brother Brown now works as an Area Coordinator for the housing department of Colby-Sawyer College, but continues to act with local community groups such as Sunapee-Kearsarge Intercommunity Theatre (SKIT) where he serves on the board heading up the scholarship committee, and most recently The Community Players of Concord.

2020 Revere Bowl Recipients: Doric-Centre Lodge No. 20

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On Monday, July 13, 2020, the Brethren of Doric-Centre Lodge, #20 gathered together for a very Special Communication.

Right Worshipful Brother Scott Borthwick and Right Worshipful Brother Troy Patoine, attended the Communication to honor and present the

Lodge with The Paul Revere Bowl which is presented annually to the Lodge which, in the eyes of the Special Ladies Committee, goes above and

beyond the call of duty in regards to their special ladies. This is not this Lodge’s first rodeo in regards to this prestigious award—on the contrary; however,

there are quite a few Lodges which do a lot of work for their Special Ladies each year, which provides for healthy “competition,” if you will, amongst the Lodges.

In the photo, Right Worshipful Brother Scott Borthwick has presented the Paul Revere Bowl to both Worshipful Brother Kenneth G. Allen (Current Master) on the far left, and Worshipful Brother Stephen M. Bracy, Past Master in the center. Well done, boys, you have made your District and Jurisdiction very proud!