Gilbert Hugh Palmer was installed as Worshipful Master of St. John’s Lodge #1 in a continuous line of
Masons that started in 1736 and continues to present.

WM Palmer’s family Masonic history goes all the way back to his Great-grandfather in an unbroken line.

An interesting point from WM Palmer is that from the Marshal, to the four Stewards, both of the
Deacons and both Wardens are all “newbies” and have not served as Past Masters. This will put the
Lodge in a great position for many years. He noted that we rely on Past Masters for advice but having
the line full of fairly new Brethren is a plus. New ideas coupled with the old traditions, make a valuable
mixture.

Members of the installation team included, RW William S. Sawyer, RW John F. Gordon, RW Michael V.
Pettengill, Wor. Michael L. Steward, Wor. Glen R. Gordon, RW Robert L. Sutherland, Jr., RW Ronald E.
Metcalf and Bro. Nelson K. Ward. Also present was Robert E. Buffum, the dean of Past Masters of the
Lodge having served in 1965.

After the installation, the collation was provided by “master chef” PM Phil Fraser of the Sister Lodge St.
Andrews who also meet at the Portsmouth Temple

In the program was a statement that sets the tone: “Freemasonry and St. John’s Lodge have a rich
and valued history to which our Officers will look for inspiration and guidance as we move through
the coming year, being ever mindful that we are but the stewards of our venerable institution for a
short time. With the ongoing commitment to brotherhood, friendship and community, we hope to
strengthen our Lodges for those that will follow us in the years to come.”

Shown here are WM Palmer, along with his wife Helen and their lovely daughters.

After the installation, the collation was provided by “master chef” PM Phil Fraser of the Sister Lodge St. Andrews who also meet at the Portsmouth Temple with the assistance of brothers from The Scythe of Time Chapter of The Widow’s Sons – Dennis A. Tuttle, Noah Blanchard, Sean Fogarty, Michael Hagman and AJ Hopey.