John Fitz Gordon
2015, 2016
Most Worshipful Brother Gordon was born on January 12, 1943, in Raymond, New Hampshire and attended Raymond Public Schools and graduated from Raymond High School in 1961. He continued with his education and graduated from Franklin Pierce University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.
John was a banker for more than thirty three years and worked for several banks during his career. He held positions such as Vice President of Operations, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Loan Officer, and Loan Review Officer. He retired from banking in March, 2003.
Brother John served his country for almost 32 years of which 27 ½ years was with the New Hampshire Air National Guard at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, and almost 4 ½ years with the Air Force Reserve at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. While a member of the New Hampshire Air National Guard, John was selected as the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron’s Outstanding Airmen of the Year in 1987. He was a First Sergeant for the squadron for more than sixteen years. During his tour at Hascom Air Force Base, he was the acting Senior Enlisted Advisor for the reserve commander. John retired in January 2003 in the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.
Brother Gordon was a member of the Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol for more than 20 years and served as the Personnel Officer for the Seacoast Composite Squadron, Portsmouth, NH. He was also the Vice Commander for two years. He held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
John was the Cub Scout Pack 26 Treasurer for 3 years; he coached Little League Baseball for 7 years, and was an adult leader and Merit Badge Counselor for Boy Scout Troop 26, for 11 years. He was responsible for doing all the Citizenship Merit Badges and the Finance Merit Badge.
Brother John began his Masonic journey in Tucker Lodge No. 99, Raymond, New Hampshire, in March 1964, and was raised a Master Mason on May 26, 1964. He was appointed Junior Deacon in January 1965. In January 1973, he was installed Worshipful Master and would serve in this position three more times…1974, 1985 & 1989. Brother John is currently the Treasurer of the Raymond Masonic Building Association.
In Grand Lodge, Brother John was appointed Grand Steward in 1992 & 1993; Grand Sword Bearer in 1998 & 1999; Grand Steward in 2000; District Deputy Grand Lecturer for District No. 1, in 2001 & 2002, and District Deputy Grand Master for District No. 1, in 2003 & 2004. In 2005, Brother Gordon was appointed to the position of Junior Grand Deacon by Most Worshipful Grand Master, David J. Lamprey, Sr.
In 1984, Brother Gordon received the prestigious Major General John Sullivan Distinguished Service Award in Bronze for hard work and untiring devotion to his lodge and to Masonry. In 2003, his lodge again bestowed upon him the same award in Silver, and in 2014, his lodge honored him the same award in Gold.
Brother Gordon has been a member of Scottish Rite since January 1965, in the Valley of Portsmouth/Dover. He was Thrice Potent Master in 1981 & 1982, Sovereign Prince in 1986 & 1987, and Most Wise Master in 1994. He is a member of New Hampshire Consistory and served as Commander-in-Chief in 2005 & 2006. Brother Gordon was a member of the makeup crew for 7 years and directed Scottish Rite Degrees in the Valley of Portsmouth/Dover for more than 20 years. In September 1987, Brother Gordon was coroneted a 33rd Degree in Boston, Massachusetts, and became an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council. He is currently a member of the Finance Committee for the Valley of Portsmouth/Dover, and serves on the Finance Committee for New Hampshire Consistory. Brother Gordon became a member of St. Alban’s Chapter, now Washington Chapter #3, Royal Arch Masons in May 1993; Olivet Council, now Davenport Council #5, Royal and Select Masons in December 1993, and DeWitt Clinton Commandery #2, in May 1964, all in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He has been a member of Bektash Shrine since May 1972. Brother Gordon is a member of Rockingham Chapter #5, Order of the Eastern Star since 2014. In June 2012, Brother Gordon received the prestigious DeMolay Legion of Honor. He is a member of the Portsmouth Chapter, National Sojourners #386, and Hero’s of 76.
Brother John was a member of the Board of Trustees for the New Hampshire Masonicare, formally the Masonic Home, for 6 years. He is a Grand Lodge representative for Indiana and Puerto Rico.
John was married on August 15, 1971 to Constance L. Hardy and they were blessed with two sons, Daren in April 1974 and Jeffrey in March 1977. They have one granddaughter, Anna Marie and two grandsons William and Thomas. John has been a longtime member of the Raymond Congregational Church, Raymond, New Hampshire. His hobbies include flying as he is a licensed pilot, snowmobiling, traveling, railroading, and playing golf.