On July 15th, 2017, North Star Lodge No. 8 hosted a three degree day for two military men, now Brothers, who were raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.

The Lodge opened at 8:30 a.m. in the Master’s degree, and then changed to a Lodge of Entered Apprentices. The Lodge officers did the work with some help, and Right Worshipful Brother Bruce Kominz, DDGM of the Sixth Masonic District gave the entered Apprentice History. There were six Entered apprentices present for this degree, two others from North Star and two from Evening Star Lodge from Colebrook. Following the conclusion of the degree, the two Brothers from North Star assisted with getting the lunch ready for everyone.

The Lodge of Entered Apprentices was closed and a Lodge of Fellow Craft opened at 11:00 a.m. by the North Country degree Team, the Over the Hill Gang. The two candidates then took the degree. Right Worshipful Brother Thomas Ladd, PDDGM and Right Worshipful Brother David Rich, present DDGM of the Eighth District did the Middle chamber and Letter G Lectures and the Charge. The Lodge of Fellow Craft was then closed and labor resumed in a Lodge of Master Masons, which was then called to refreshment at 12:15 p.m.

After the luncheon, the NH Military degree Team assumed the stations, reverted to labor at 1:00 p.m., and performed the Master Mason degree on these two Brothers. Right Worshipful Brother Richard Doble served as Worshipful Master, Most Worshipful Brother John Gordon as SW and the History & charge were given by Right Worshipful Brother Richard Cumming. The team did an outstanding job, and everyone present was impressed with the work.

There were 49 Brothers present for this event. All former military men were encouraged to wear their uniforms and made an impressive sight. Concluding the ceremonies of initiation and introductions of the degree team, the Lodge was presented with a special flag by the candidates. The American Flag had flown in the face of the Enemy in Afghanistan and had a certificate commemorating it as well.

The two newest Master Masons of North Star Lodge are US Army Officers, each due to be deployed overseas in the coming month. Major James Harold Bouchard and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Richard Capwell Dean, Jr. just happened to be the sons of the Lodge’s Worshipful Master,  Worshipful Brother Paul Bouchard, and Senior Warden, Brother Richard Dean.

This was truly an outstanding event that all present will never forget!