On Sunday March 4, 2018, Charity Lodge No. 18 in Jaffrey held its semi-public installation of officers.   Bro. Eric Fleck was installed as a first time Worshipful Master.  Worshipful Brother Fleck will bring strong leadership and knowledge to this lodge.  In attendance were well over 60 guests and members.  Included were the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother John Lobdell, Deputy Grand Master Most Worshipful Brother Ken Clay, Junior Grand Deacon Right Worshipful Brother Larry Sprague, Grand Marshal Worshipful Brother Jerry Becker and their wives.

For the Installing suite, Worshipful Bro. Fleck had chosen three Past Masters from Charity Lodge and one from Altemont Lodge.  He explained his thought process for choosing the three Past Masters from Charity Lodge, Worshipful Brothers Record, Rittenhouse, and Vernazzaro.  When he entered the Lodge and had his eyes opened for the first time it was Worshipful Bro. Record who he saw.  Along virtually every step of his Masonic journey, it was Worshipful Bro. Rittenhouse who took him by the hand and led him.  And when he was made a Mason, it was Worshipful Bro. Vernazzaro who’s words he repeated.  Worshipful Brother John Kaufhold assisted throughout the ceremony.

Later in the afternoon, Worshipful Bro. Fleck introduced members from the Rindge and Jaffrey Food Pantries.   He explained that every year in the fall and winter, the Lodge sells Christmas Wreaths.  The proceeds up to $300 plus matching funds from the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire are split between the two food pantries.

He recognized the Rainbow Girls from Milford Assembly No. 13 who were in attendance, and their Mother Advisor, Pam Traurig.  He also introduced the DDGM of the Third District, Right Worshipful Brother Paul Donaldson.

At the end of the installation he turned the Lodge over to the Most Worshipful Grand Master of NH.  After making his remarks, the Grand Master asked the Secretary, Right Worshipful Bro. Earl Cole to introduce him to his wife Alice.   He then surprised the Secretary and his wife by announcing that Charity Lodge had voted unanimously to request the Grand Master present him with the Major General John Sullivan Distinguished Service Medal.