Dear Brethren:

I am going to share my thoughts on our Lodge and our participation in the Lancaster Parade on this date. Last year we enjoyed the same opportunity to show Masonry in the North Country and have a good time. This year we were able to get more brethren to join us and had a very good time doing the same.

We were able to use RW Bro. Ron Crane’s truck for a lead vehicle to carry the American, Order of the Eastern Star and Freemasonry Flag with members of the Order of the Eastern Star filling the cab and rear of the truck with RW Brother Aldine J. Tillotson. Those in the back sat down on lawn chairs and got a nice slow enjoyable ride through the 2.5 mile march.

Following the lead were several of the Officers and members filling in pro tem for some absences. We were followed by W. Brother Joseph Jackson in his vehicle with a loud speaker system playing patriotic music to give us a marching beat.

We generally donate candy to the observers, especially the children. They were obviously aware as several of them had bags available for storage of such. I think we had more there than in previous years and I was glad we had brought in a good amount to give away.

It is about a 45 minute walk from where we lineup to at the Elementary School grounds to where the parade breaks off just short of our Lodge Building. We continued back to the Lodge following the walk to put our aprons, collars, flags and other items away.

We were joined by some members from Gilkey Lodge who filled our ranks. They certainly complemented us in our annual endeavor. We had an enthusiastic Fellow Craft among us who said he wanted to help but understood he was forbidden to wear masonic Regalia during the Parade as he is not yet a Master Mason. I asked him if he would lead the marchers and carry the Lodge Banner and did allow him to wear a North Star Lodge Vest.

I want to thank all those who assisted us and made a very successful day for Freemasonry in the North Country and look forward to this annual endeavor next year. Hopefully we will grow even bigger in attendance and more Masons will get to enjoy the good time had by all.

Submitted by:

Dennis A. Sheridan, RW PDDGM District Five of NH

Worshipful Master of North Star Lodge No. 8, F & AM of Lancaster, NH