By Bruce Kominz, D.E.O. 6th, bkominz@yahoo.com
Over 50 Masons, their families and friends gathered on Saturday August 8, 2015 at the Holderness, NH Masonic Hall. This was the annual Masonic Veterans Program for: Olive Branch Mount Prospect Lodge No. 16: Worshipful Brother Christopher LaCourse, Red Mountain Lodge No. 68: Worshipful Brother Ben Fullerton, Chocorua Lodge No. 83: Worshipful Brother Ron Burton, and Ellacoya Chapter No. 43, O.E.S.: Worthy Matron Sister Pam Schofield & Worthy Patron Brother Maurice Schofield.
The highlight of the day was when our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother John Gordon made the following special award presentation from the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, which was the bestowing the Jeremy Ladd Cross Medal upon Right Worshipful Brother Max Jenness. A document was read that reprised making Brother Jenness a Permanent Member of Grand Lodge. Max Jenness served the Grand Lodge as a Grand Chaplain and upon his “retirement” he had served from 2004 to 2015 as such. Public Grand Honors were rendered. It should be noted that Brother Jenness, who has been in declining health, and his wife Janie Jenness, were able to attend, which was an unexpected pleasure.
In other presentations, Brother Christopher LaCourse, Worshipful Master of Olive Branch Mount Prospect Lodge No. 16, was escorted the East. A 25 year Veterans pin and certificate were presented to Br. Alan Smith, accompanied by many family & friends. The Grand Master then presented Br. Smith with his Grand Masters pin. Next, a 40 year Veterans pin and certificate were presented to Right Worshipful Brother Clifford Eastman, accompanied by his wife. The Grand Master then presented Br. Eastman with his Grand Masters pin.
Next, Br. Ben Fullerton, Worshipful Master of Red Mountain Lodge No. 68, was escorted the East. Appreciation for Members of Red Mountain Lodge were expressed. This was followed by Worshipful Br. Ron Burton, the Worshipful Master of Chocorua Lodge No. 83, being escorted the East. None of the awardees were present, and Appreciation for Members of Chocorua Lodge were expressed.
The Gavel was then turned over to our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother John Gordon, who then presented from the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire a A 60 year pin and certificate to Br. Jordan Prouty, Chocorua Lodge No. 83, who was accompanied by his wife and family. Public Grand Honors were rendered.
The Gavel was next passed to Worthy Matron Pam Schofield and Worthy Patron Maurice Schofield of Ellacoya Chapter No. 43, order of the Eastern Star, for their presentations. The following Members were escorted to the East and presented with the following awards and pins: a 40 year award to Norma L. Hughes, PM and a 55 year award to Sheila R. Trott, PM.
The gavel was finally returned to Wor. Br. Kominz, Master of Ceremonies, who thanked Wor. Br. Ron Parsons, Grand Organist, and everyone for their attendance, as well as those who brought “pot luck” items. He then explained that the program and fellowship of today’s event were being dedicated to our great friend and Brother, Max Jenness (whom he did not expect to see today). He asked all in attendance to sign a “huge well wishes” card for Max. He also noted that his wife, Susan, had made a large bouquet of flowers for Janie (which were in the dining room).
Before passing the gavel to Most Worshipful Brother John Gordon, Grand Master, he noted that Masonic Customs and Courtesy yield the “final word” to the Grand Master. He then passed the gavel to Most Worshipful Br. John Gordon, Grand Master.
Remarks were given by Most Worshipful Brother John Gordon, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Hampshire, who introduced the Grand Lodge Officers who were present along with their wives, which were: Right Worshipful Brother Ken Clay, Senior Grand Warden, Worshipful Brother Jerry Becker, Grand Marshal, Most Worshipful Brother Paul Leary, Past Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Scott Borthwick, Junior Grand Deacon, Right Worshipful Brother Al Flateau, Deputy Gr. Lecturer, Right Worshipful Brother James L. Chase, District Deputy Grand Lecturer, 6th District, Right Worshipful Brother C. Leonard Peterson, District Deputy Grand Master, 6th District, Worshipful Brother Ron Parsons, Grand Organist, Right Worshipful Brother John Lobdell, Deputy Grand Master, and Worshipful Brother Bruce Kominz, District Education Officer, 6th District.
A closing prayer and blessing (for the pot luck meal) was given by our Chaplain, Right Worshipful Brother Max Jenness.
