Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Hampshire

Orford, NH - August 23, 2008

Four years ago, I was invited to a wonderful little town in Vermont for a July 4^th vacation week. On the July, 4^th we attended a parade, through the town of Fairlee, Vt. armed with my video camera and SLR off we went.

I was told about the F14 flyover, and was waiting with anticipation for the jets, when my eye was drawn to a float coming down the road with a large compass and square, manned by brothers in full summer jacket regalia.

My instinct was to join my brothers, and march proudly down the main street of Fairlee, Vt. Not being dressed for the occasion, I settled down for pictures, and then the jets.

Click picture to view video          

Two years ago, I decided that it would be better to join the marchers then watch. I received a ride to the beginning of the route in Orford, NH, walked over to the brothers on the side of the road and introduced myself to MWPGM Bro Wendell L Woodward (NH).

I remember mentioning I was not dressed properly for the event (climbing boots, blue denim, red and white Hawaiian shirt and a white apron), but would like to march. It was an wonderful experience to march through two states, with my new found Brothers, and proclaiming my membership in the fraternity.

Family members asked, "Where is Tony", Mary said he is on his way. Well the look on the grandkids face, and the inlaws and kids, was worth every bit of pain walking the route.

This year I once again attended the parade, armed with my travel apron. Once again being greeted by my new brothers. At the end of the parade route, I was introduced to Bro. Zane, fellowcraft at Mt. Cube No.10. I was told that he would be raised on Aug 23 at 3:00. A quick check of the Blackberry, date was open, it was summertime, Vermont is beautiful, we have a great time with the family, what's ten hours of driving for all of this! I'll be there ( I think two seconds went by for my decision).

I asked the question about Mt. Cubes meeting date. Often Lodges meet on the first and third Thursday, or Monday etc., Mt. Cube meets on the first Tuesday after the second Monday. I haven't tried to enter that into my Blackberry as a reoccurring date!

As I was told, Mt. Cube Lodge is known as a MOON Lodge, and follows the historic tradition of bygone days in Vermont, when meetings were held according to the full moon for ease of travel.

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On Aug 22 we began the trip, armed with a tux, suit and sports jacket, travel apron and I think a toothbrush. My last trip on July,4^th on arriving I realized all my clothes were on the kitchen table at home along with all those little extras that set us apart from our Medieval brothers.

Well the trip was the slowest trip of all, there was no traffic, best time ever but it was the longest ride. Like a kid before the holidays, couldn't wait for dinner to be over, for bed time to come, for breakfast to be behind, I'll get ready after lunch, no too early, I'll wait till 1:30, leave by 2:00, leave some time to get lost.

In the car, lets get Garmin ready, enter the state, enter the city, OK, enter Main St and NOT Found, what, this can't be. Traveling into Orford, in my tux, I asked a few locals if they knew where the Masonic temple was located. after some deliberations, "Down the road, big red brick building, on the left."

Well down the road I went, there's a big red building, no cars, but two gentlemen standing in front, quick U turn and I'm in place. Happy to see the Mt. Cube logo on their blue shirts, I introduce my self. I said, think I'm a bit overdressed, yea you are and that car is not going to make it to the degree site. Scuse me!
Bro. Lance, who is the secretary of Mt. Cube, said "I'll show you where to leave your car, and you can ride with me", OK let's go. Down the road, left onto another, off the road to a dirt road, right into a field where there were other cars and 4x4's. Quick change into something a little less formal, a blue Hawaiian shirt, tux pants, camera and lets go. Better than a bow tie!
All along I'm thinking, this road wasn't so bad, but time has a way of changing your thoughts. Over tree roots, down the rut, up the hill, scraping along the way, no taking pictures, I was too busy holding the hand grips. We turned into an opening, many 4x4's, a tent and about 20 brothers. WOW, not what I expected when I began this journey.

Two Brothers were to be raised, one from Mt. Cube and the other from Charity Lodge No. 43, Grand Lodge of Vermont. Having heard about degrees being held under the stars, and in caves I was about to experience a degree in the beautiful woods of NH, and the midday sun. The lodge was formed in the field, logs for the altar, the Master and Wardens stations. I a big "COOL" went through my mind, much more than I anticipated. I remember the Master calling "Brother Marshal, and requesting that he pass around the BUG BOMB! Not in the ritual book, but what a relief.

A few weeks prior I called Bro. Lance to ensure that the degree was to proceed, his answer yes, and that there would be a cookout afterward. I asked if the ladies would be welcome, well not really. OK, I thought, go with the traditions. As I said before, time has a way of changing ones thinking, now I understood Bro. Lance's response.

After the degree work was complete, DDGM Bro. David A Colby, provided pins of the Most Worshipful Grand Master Robert G. Hatfield (NH) as well as those of the 7^th New Hampshire district to the new Master Masons as well as their guest.
Pins from our MWGM Edward G. Gilbert (NY), Harry S Truman No. 1066 (NY 8^th Manhattan) and Spartan No. 956 (NY 1^st Nassau) were provided to the newly raised Brothers, DDGM, Master and the DDGM from Vermont.
We were then invited to the tent on site for a cookout and refreshments. As much as I attended for the degree work, truly this is the highlight of any meeting, the social interaction.

My experience in the Royal Arch, and my travels to Connecticut, Virginia, Delaware and around New York State, and now New Hampshire has shown that our traditions and ritual are rich with diversity.

Officers, stations and places, their duties, layout of the Lodge, grand honors, interaction with the Master, signs, ritual and ceremony change, but we are home, we are with our Brothers in a Masonic Lodge regardless of signs and ceremony.

These differences are based on the embellishment and depreciation of what we in New York, consider ritual and duties, during openings, closing and degree work! All I can say is was it was worth the effort to be part of this excellent degree held under the mid day sun. My sincerest thanks to the Officers and members of Mt Cube Lodge for their hospitality. Happy travels!