Daniel R. Hotchkiss
Most Worshipful Grand Master
Most Worshipful Brother Hotchkiss’ introduction to Masonry began upon his initiation into the Order of DeMolay in Goffstown, NH. He is Past Master Councilor of Goffstown Chapter and was raised to the rank and dignity of Chevalier for his service to the Chapter and NH DeMolay. In his later DeMolay years, Dan joined White Mountain Priory and was active assisting and travelling with state officers. As a Senior DeMolay Dan was honored to become an active member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor and continues to serve New Hampshire DeMolay in various capacities, including Treasurer of the Grand Lodge NH DeMolay Foundation. Following his active service Dan became a DeMolay Advisor and served Goffstown Chapter Order of DeMolay as Dad Advisor. As his daughters became active in the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, Dan became an active adult advisor where he served Goffstown Assembly #22 as Dad Advisor. During the 2012-13 Rainbow Grand Year Dan served NH Rainbow and Grand Worthy Advisor Samantha Fowler as NH Rainbow’s State Dad Advisor.
Dan’s DeMolay advisors, RW Brother Peter Steckowych and Worshipful Brother Charles “Bud” Cate, both Past Masters and members of Bible Lodge #27 in Goffstown, mentored him during his young DeMolay time and provided him the inspiration to become a Mason. Dan joined Bible Lodge #27 in May 1987 and rose quickly through the chairs, his DeMolay experience providing him the tools necessary to succeed in Lodge. Dan was installed Worshipful Master of Bible Lodge in January 1992 and would go on to serve the Lodge in that capacity several more times. Dan received the Major General John Sullivan Distinguished Service Medal in Bronze from his Lodge in April 2000 and guided the members of Bible Lodge #27 through its successful merger with Lafayette Lodge #41 in November 2010. In 2013, Right Worshipful Hotchkiss was humbled by his Lodge when he received the Major General John Sullivan Distinguished Service medal in Silver in 2013. On May 18, 2019, MW Brother John E. Lobdell honored RW Hotchkiss by presenting him with the Jeremy Ladd Cross medal, the highest honor a NH Mason can receive.
Dan continued and expanded his Masonic journey by joining the York Rite bodies in June 2010; the Scottish Rite in 2014 and Bektash Shrine in January 2014. Dan is a charter member of New Hampshire College Societas Rosicruciana In Civitatibus Foederatis (Chartered in 2009) and has served as Celebrant of the College since April 2014. Most Worshipful Brother Hotchkiss is a Past Sovereign Master of John Harris Council #458 Allied Masonic Degree; a Past Governor of York Rite Profile College No. 100; and a member of Anniversary Lodge of Research #175. Dan served on the Board of Trustees for NH MasoniCare from 2011-2021, including serving as Treasurer for several years. He is also Treasurer for the NH DeMolay Foundation and has served on a variety of Grand Lodge committees. Most Worshipful Hotchkiss was elected Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of NH in May 2011 where he served two years before being appointed Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire in May 2013 by Most Worshipful Brother Stewart L Aronson. After serving the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire as Junior Grand Deacon and Senior Grand Deacon he was elected Junior Grand Warden in November 2016, installed May 2017; elected Senior Grand Warden in November 2018; installed May 2019 and was elected Deputy Grand Master in November 2020 installed May 2021. Brother Hotchkiss was elected by the Brethren of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire to the office of Grand Master at the semi-annual communication of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire F&AM on November 19, 2022. On May 20, 2023, Dan was installed as the 119th Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Hampshire.
Most Worshipful Brother Hotchkiss was born and raised in Goffstown, NH, graduating from Goffstown High School in 1983. Dan attended New Hampshire College, now Southern New Hampshire University, where he graduated magna cum laude in May 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Dan worked for Nathan Wechsler & Company, CPA’s in Concord, NH for over 14 years where he earned his certification as a Certified Public Accountant. Dan has been employed since July 2006 as the Controller at The Hodges Companies, a property management and development firm in Concord, NH.
Dan resides in Weare, NH with his wife of 35 plus years, April, a Past Worthy Advisor of Goffstown Assembly #22, IORG in Goffstown. Dan and April have two daughters, Kendra and Jordyn, both of whom are Past Worthy Advisors of Goffstown Assembly #22 and have served as Grand Officers of Grand Assembly of NH, IORG. As a resident of Weare since 1998, Dan served as Treasurer for the Weare Athletic Club for several years and volunteered his time to coach both basketball and softball for town recreational league teams for over 10 years. When not busy with his Masonic brethren, Dan enjoys spending time with his family, including his precious granddaughter, and when time permits, kayaking on the Lake on which he resides.
