Wendell Lear Woodward

2002, 2003

On May 18, 2002 Brother Wendell Lear Woodard was installed as the 108th 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.

Brother Woodard was born on January 19, 1944 in Lebanon, New Hampshire, the son of Norman C. And grace (Lear) Woodard. He attended school in Orford and graduated from Orford High School in 1962. While in high school he was active in sports and played soccer, basketball and baseball. Following high school he attended Plymouth State College where he played on the school’s basketball team.

He played on the town of Orford’s basketball team from 1963 to 1968 on the town’s softball team from 1967 to 1979. For several years he coached Orford boys basketball for grades 5 through 8. He served as both a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. He was a member of the Orford Community Council and served as Chairman for 4 years and is also a Past Chairman of the Orford Parks and Playgrounds Committee. He was a member of the Orford Volunteer Fire Department for 15 years. He is a member of the Orford Congregational Church and served as Deacon.

On February 12, 1966 he married Linda L. Estes and together they have 2 children, Dawn and Scott and they have 4 grandchildren. Brother Woodward worked as a salesman for the Combine Insurance Company for a short time but has been in the construction business for much of his adult life. He worked for the Johnson construction company for 8 years and was a foreman for Estes and Gallup builders for 10 years. In 1985 he went into business for himself as Wendell L. Woodard, builder. In his spare time, which is very limited, he enjoys hunting and fishing. He joined the Fraternal Order of Elks in 1971 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in 1992.

Brother Woodard was raised a Master Mason in Mount Cube Lodge No. 10 of Orford on May 16, 1967. He served as Worshipful Master in 1975 and 1976 and again in 1988 and 1989. He served the Lodge as secretary for several years. He served as District Deputy Grand Lecturer for the Seventh Masonic District in 1990 and 1991 and as District Deputy Grand Master in 1992 and 1993. For his for his service to his Lodge and Freemasonry he was awarded the Major General John Sullivan Distinguished Service Medal in bronze on September 2, 1992. On May 15, 1999 he was further honored by being presented with New Hampshire Freemasonry’s highest award, Jeremy Ladd Cross Medal.

He joined Mitzpah Lodge of Perfection, A. A. S. R. in St. Johnsbury, Vermont in 1976 Vermont Consistory, Valley of Burlington A. A. S. R. In 1977. The same year joined Sinai Temple No. 3, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in Montpelier Vermont. He is a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Lancaster Littleton and the New Hampshire Consistory in Nashua. In York Rite he is a member Saint Andrew’s Chapter No. 1 and Washington Council No. 10 of Lebanon, and North Star-Saint Gerard Commandery of Littleton. He is also a member of Scenic Council No. 10, Knight Masons; General William Whipple Military Lodge; William Pitt Tavern Lodge No. 1789; the swords of Bunker Hill; the East Gate Club of Seabrook and the Police Square Club. He is a member of Connecticut Valley Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star and was Worthy Patron for 6 years. He is presented he has been presented with the Red Rose Medallion Award.
On May 21, 1994 Brother Wendell Lear Woodard was appointed as the Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire. He is progressed through the various chairs and on May 18, 2002, he was elected and installed as the 108th Grand Master of Masons in New Hampshire.

To those who know him Brother Woodard is a simple man who enjoys life to the fullest. We are pleased to hail and proclaim him as “our” Grand Master.