PROCEEDINGS of the GRAND COMMANDERY KNIGHTS TEMPLAR of NEW HAMPSHIRE

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1 PROCEEDINGS of the GRAND COMMANDERY KNIGHTS TEMPLAR of NEW HAMPSHIRE ANNUAL GRAND CONCLAVE

2 PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF NEW HAMPSHIRE One Hundred and Sixty-Eighth Annual Conclave Held at the Masonic Temple in Concord, New Hampshire May 12th, 2018 A.O. 900 Paul C. Smith R.E. GRAND COMMANDER Presiding & H. STEPHEN WOOD Elected 2

3 H. STEPHEN WOOD R.E. GRAND COMMANDER

4 H. Stephen Wood Harry Stephen Wood was born in Lynn, MA, on March 12, 1941, the son of Edward G. Wood and Faith (Meader) Wood, both of Rochester, NH. He lived in Wakefield, Massachusetts, where he attended school. His mother died in 1950 and his father remarried in The family moved to Chester, New Hampshire during the summer of 1958 so Stephen graduated from Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH, in After graduation, Stephen worked for an electronics assembly firm in Manchester, NH. He enjoyed the electronics work so much that he enlisted into the United States Air Force on March 1, 1960, with a guarantee that he would receive electronics training and work in electronics. He received the training as promised and worked in the communications field at various locations in the lower 48 as well as in remote locations in Labrador and Alaska. He retired from the Air Force after 20 years and three months of active service as an E7, Master Sergeant. Stephen married Mary Alice Ott in Mobile, AL, in They have five children; two sons; Stephen and Scott, and three daughters; Marcia, Faith and Jennifer. Mary died in 2005 after 45 years of marriage. Stephen married Monique in 2007 and she supports and encourages him in his Masonic work. She really enjoys visiting other state Grand bodies as well as traveling in state. After retiring from the Air Force, Stephen's work experience included installing electrical and electronics on new construction yachts, teaching basic electronics at Portsmouth Vocational Technical College, installing and modifying submarine electrical systems at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, before moving to the Shipyard Production Training Department. He then worked for Cabletron Systems doing circuit board repair for Cabletron Systems and then training Cabletron's customers on equipment operation and network protocols. The last two years before finally retiring were spent as an independent Network Consultant. Stephen enjoys reading science fiction and currently proofs new stories for several science fiction writers. He enjoys hunting and fishing as well as spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Masonic History Lodge Stephen was first exposed to Freemasonry as a child listening to his Maternal Grandfather Harry Hanson Meader and his Uncle John McDuffee Meader discussing masonic social activities and programs. Both are Eminent Past Commanders of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of New Hampshire. After retiring from the United States Air Force and talking with John, Stephen petitioned Humane Lodge No. 21, F & AM, in Rochester NH. He was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on January 4, 1982, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on February 15, 1982 and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on May 3, He went through the chairs and served as Worshipful Master in 1989 and He currently serves as the Assistant Treasurer to which he was first elected in He affiliated with Unity Lodge No. 62 in Union, NH in Capitular Masonry Stephen petitioned Temple Chapter No. 20 in Rochester, NH, on May 15, He completed the Mark Master Mason degree on July 20, 1983; the Past Master on July 20, 1983; Most Excellent Master on October 18, 1983; and he was exalted to the Royal Arch Degree in November Went through the chairs and became High Priest of the Chapter in He is currently serving as Secretary of that Body. 4

5 Stephen was appointed as Grand Master of the Second Veil in 2012 and was elected Most Excellent Grand High Priest in He joined the NH Order of High Priesthood on 4/28/2012 Cryptic Masonry Stephen's journey into Cryptic Masonry began December 10, 1983 when he completed the Royal Master and Select Master degrees. He attended the Super Excellent Master degree in Saco, Maine, in He went through the chairs in Orient Council No. 14 of Rochester, NH, becoming Illustrious Master in He is currently serving as Recorder for that Body. He was appointed Conductor of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons for N.H. in 2012 and was elected as Most Illustrious Grand Master in He joined the N.H. Order of the Silver Trowel in April 19, Chivalric Masonry He received the Order of the Red Cross and Order of Malta in January of He received the Order of the Temple in February He went through the chairs in Palestine Commandery No. 11 and was elected Commander in He is currently serving as Recorder for that Body. He was appointed as Grand Chaplain in 2010 and elected to the Grand Line of the Grand Commandery of NH as the Eminent Grand Generalissimo in He received the Grand Encampment Knights Templar Cross of Honor in He joined the Past Commanders Association of New Hampshire on March 29, Other Masonic Bodies Scenic Council #37 Knight Masons of New Hampshire 3/15/2013 Excellent Chief New Hampshire Priory No. 58 Knights York Cross of Honor (KYCH) 1/16/2010 Elected as Eminent Prior on 1/17/2015 Profile York Rite College No Granite State Conclave Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine 9/20/2014 The Royal Order of Scotland The Provincial Grand Lodge, USA 10/06/2012 5

6 THE GRAND COMMANDERY KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF NH SPECIAL CONCLAVE, CONCORD, NH July 21, 2017 THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR IN NEW HAMPSHIRE SK Paul C. Smith SK Dennis A. Sheridan, KCT, PGC Grand Commander Grand Recorder PO Box 3518 PO Box 621 Concord, NH Littleton, NH /22/2017 Concord, NH Opened at 10:00 a.m. by REGC and Grand Officers Roll Call: Present Grand Commander Deputy Grand Commander Grand Generalissimo Grand Captain General Grand Treasurer Grand Recorder excused; Deputy Grand Recorder excused; PML, pro tempore Grand Senior Warden Grand Junior Warden Grand Prelate Grand Standard Bearer Grand Sword Bearer absent Grand Warder absent Grand Sentinel Ben Langlois, pro tem Inspector General - excused 6

7 Trinity No. 1: Present: EC, CG and 7 members, Absent: G DeWitt Clinton No. 2: Present: 2 members, Absent: EC, G, CG Mt. Horeb No. 3: Present: EC, CG, 2 members; Absent: G North Star-St. Gerard No. 4: Present: 2 members; Absent: EC, G, CG St. George No. 8: Present: EC, CG, G (excused), 2 members Palestine No, 11: Present: EC, 3 members; Absent: G, CG Installation of Grand Generalissimo SK Andy M. Lord Grand Captain General: SK David S. Collins Grand Standard Bearer: SK Daniel P. Gilbert SK Melvin Covey, REPGC and SK James Spence, REPGC wanted to be remembered to the Sir Knights Grand Encampment for DeMolay Sword discussion: $67.00 each Commandery to cover the cost GC to have Grand Commander pay $400 cost, reimbursed by donations from Commanderies. Motion to purchase sword by E.C. Art Stauff, Trinity Commandery; second by E.C. Benjamin Langlois, St. George Commandery S.K. Richard F. Cole, Jr., REPGC KCT, chairman of jurisprudence, questioned the legality of the vote on proper notice to the Commanderies of the expenditure. The Grand Commander noted that the call for the conclave included "taking up any other business that may come before the Grand Commandery" and proceeded. REGC invited all the Commanderies to join on November 11 th in Manchester for the Veteran s Day parade. More details to follow. Grand Commandery at ease at 10:30 a.m. Conclave of Instruction Question and answer on use of sword and commands done in two parts. Reminder that we don t speak through the sword salute. Tactics committee to review the use of the sword by the Warder when opening and closing of Commandery. The hand salute can be used by the Warder and other Officers at the first command of the Eminent Commander. After the initial hand salute swords should be used thereafter. If changes are recommended to the Tactics Manual by the committee it will be returned to Grand Commandery for a final vote. After the discussion, a review of sword use, marching and commands under the direction of SK Cole assisted by SK O Sullivan. Break for lunch and returned for further drill work. Prior to closing Grand Commandery the Grand Commander called upon the head of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter and Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, SK Lord for his comments., He was followed by remarks of the R.W. Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge SK Collins who brought the fraternal greetings of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, after which the REGC suspended labor in the Grand Commandery at 2 p.m. Sincerely, Paul M. Leary. PGC, Acting Grand Recorder Courteously, SK Paul C. Smith Grand Commander Attest: SK Dennis A. Sheridan, KCT, PGC Grand Recorder 7

8 THE GRAND COMMANDERY KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF NH BUSINESS CONCLAVE CONCORD, NH Saturday April 07, 2018 The Grand Commandery was declared open at 8:30 a.m. by the R.E. Grand Commander, S.K. Paul C. Smith, for holding its Annual Business Conclave. The Flag Ceremony was observed, followed by the R.E. Grand Commander welcoming all and thanking them for attending. The Roll Call of Grand Officers and Commanderies was done and there was found the following Sir Knights in attendance: GRAND COMMANDERY OFFICERS R.E. Grand Commander Paul C. Smith V.E. Deputy Grand Commander H. Stephen Wood E. Grand Generalissimo Andy M. Lord E. Captain General David S. Collins E. Grand Treasurer David R. Walters E. Grand Recorder Dennis A. Sheridan, REPGC E. Grand Senior Warden Patrick J. O Sullivan E. Grand Junior Warden Earl W. Cole, Jr. E. Prelate Paul M. Leary, REPGC E. Assistant Prelate Thomas X. Tsirimokos, REPDC, Excused E. Grand Assistant Treasurer Robert L. Sutherland, Jr., REPGC E. Grand Assistant Recorder Robert M. Porter, REPGC E. Grand Standard Bearer Daniel P. Gilbert E. Grand Sword Bearer Jeremy W. Allin, Absent E. Grand Warder Jackson E. Marston E. Grand Sentinel Benjamin J. Langlois Richard F. Cole, Jr. Roger A. Douillette, Sr., Honorary PAST GRAND COMMANDERS 8

9 COMMANDERS AND SIR KNIGHTS Arthur Stauff, EC Ronald N. Crane. EC Ronald J. Brown, EPC John B. Clark, EPC Verne S. Anderson, Jr. Kaleb R. Brown Walter P. Sword, Sr. Ralph R. Currier Sherman Packard Joseph J. Rella Paul LaChappelle Daniel Perry Mark Keenan Samuel Varjabedian G. Michael Cramer Robert Canney The following reports were then presented and accepted as such: Grand Recorder s and Grand Treasurer s Preliminary Reports Grand Officer Reports presented Membership Committee Public Relations and Publicity Tactics Committee Triennial Finance and Budget Report Holy Land Pilgrimage Committee K.T. Eye Foundation Committee Life Membership Committee Report Unfinished Business Grievances Patriotic Activities Easter Sunrise Committee No Report 9

10 A motion to elect David S. Collins to the Life Membership Committee for 3 years was made, seconded, and voted in favor thereof. A motion to donate $50 to the Concord Masonic Association was passed. David Collins brought up the revamped York Rite News Publication. H. Stephen Wood gave his report as Deputy Grand Commander and made a comment about being elected State Dad for NH Rainbow. The Nominating Committee made a report of those who had filed for election. A motion was made to instruct the Grand Recorder to cast one ballot for that slate of officers. It was seconded and found favorably. The Recorder was instructed to cast one ballot for the nomination committee s slate of Officers which was done. They were then declared elected as presented. The slate will be: R.E. Grand Commander H. Stephen Wood V.E. Deputy Grand Commander David S. Collins E. Grand Generalissimo Andy M. Lord E. Captain General Patrick J. O Sullivan E. Grand Senior Warden Earl W. Cole, Jr. E. Grand Junior Warden Daniel P. Gilbert E. Grand Treasurer David R. Walters E. Grand Recorder Dennis A. Sheridan, REPGC The following appointments were announced by the Grand Commander-Elect: E. Prelate Paul M. Leary, REPGC E. Assistant Prelate Thomas X. Tsirimokos, REPDC E. Grand Assistant Treasurer Robert L. Sutherland, Jr., REPGC E. Grand Assistant Recorder Robert M. Porter, REPGC E. Grand Standard Bearer Benjamin J. Langlois E. Grand Sword Bearer Glen E. Eldredge E. Grand Warder Jackson E. Marston E. Grand Sentinel Arthur W. Stauff The Grand Commander presented SK David Walters with the 3 rd Rev. Jonathan Nye Distinguished Service Medal. SK Sheridan, REPGC, addressed the Grand Commandery with a request for support of the upcoming conclave of Convent General KYCH for 2019 in any fashion possible, whether financial or physical support at the functions. The Grand York Rite Bodies will be a co-sponsor for one of the dinners during the weekend event of Oct. 3-5, A motion to donate $1000 to the NH Priory Conclave Fund passed unanimously. The REGC made closing comments then closed the Grand Commandery after comments from SK David S. Collins, Representative for the MW Grand Master. Respectfully submitted: Dennis A. Sheridan, Grand Recorder 10

11 Grand Commandery Business Meeting Roll Call Trinity # 1 Em. Commander P Generalissimo P Capt. General P Total 9 DeWitt Clinton # 2 Em. Commander P Generalissimo Px Capt. General Px Total 6 Mt. Horeb # 3 Em. Commander P Generalissimo P Capt. General Px Total 6 No. Star/St. Gerard #4 Em. Commander P Generalissimo Px Capt. General Px Total 6 St George # 8 Em. Commander P Generalissimo Px Capt. General Total 2 Palestine # 11 Em. Commander P Generalissimo P Total in attendance 35 Capt. General Px Total 5 P: Present Px: Proxy 11

12 2018 GRAND COMMANDERY BUSINESS CONCLAVE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE REPORT Your Committee on Credentials reports the following as those members present at this Annual Business Conclave of the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire: Grand Commandery Officers 14 RE Past Grand Commanders 7 Constituent Eminent Commanders 6 Constituent Grand Generalissimos 6 Constituent Captain Generals 5 Constituent Past Commanders 16 We thank you for allowing us to perform this duty on behalf of our Grand Commandery, and we move for this report to be accepted as read GRAND COMMANDERY CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: MEMBERS: Robert M. Porter, REPGC Kaleb R. Brown, Benjamin J. Langlois 12

13 Report of the Deputy Grand Commander TO THE RIGHT EMINENT GRAND COMMANDER, GRAND OFFICERS, OFFICERS AND SIR KNIGHTS OF THE COMMANDERIES OF NEW HAMPSHIRE It was indeed an honor and privilege to serve you and this Grand Commandery for the two preceding Chivalric Years as your Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander. Sir Knights, your hospitality and warm welcome has again made this a most enjoyable year, and I thank each of you for your kindness and courtesies. My wife Monique and I have the pleasure of travelling extensively in New Hampshire as well as to other state jurisdictions bringing warm chivalric greetings from our Grand Commandery to our sister jurisdictions. Our travels reveal that the friendship and comradery experienced here in New Hampshire extends equally throughout all the Northeast Jurisdictions. The true joys of chivalry, brotherly love and fellowship were experienced by the reception and warm greetings we receive! This year, and since its inception, our Conclave of Instruction has been very well received and enjoyed by all of us who attended. I attended our Conclave of Instruction on July 22, as I have each one since they began, and the programs are always excellent and reflect the hard work, determination and preparation of the officers. Many thanks to Sir Knights Patrick O Sullivan, Chair of the Tactics Committee, and Thomas Tsirimokos, and Richard Cole for presenting these programs. Holding annual Inspections with two combined Commanderies has worked out well during the past three years. By rotating through the Orders, each Commandery gets to perform all three Orders in full form at least once each Triennial. I enjoy attending each of the inspections and watching the Orders performed. I have heard many positive comments from attending Sir Knights concerning the Orders being performed in full form. Some even noted they had never seen the Order of Red Cross or Order of Malta in full form! I attended St. John s Sunday service at St John s Church in Portsmouth on June 24 th along with Sir Knight Paul C. Smith, our Right Eminent Grand Commander, and several other Sir Knights, while another group of Sir Knights attended the St John s service at the Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge. This year, the New Hampshire Sir Knights led the Grand Lodge from the Portsmouth Masonic Temple to the St. John s Church rather than from the William Pitt Tavern in Strawberry Bank as had been done in the past. Thanks again to the efforts of our Patriotic Committee Chaired by Sir Knight Earl Cole, the New Hampshire RE Grand Commander, New Hampshire Sir Knights, and I joined the Memorial Day Parade in Manchester on Veterans Day, September 11. Despite the threatening forecast for the day, we had 12 Sir Knights who marched or rode in the parade, and I thank Sir Knight Cole for his efforts in coordinating our attendance in this with Manchester. What a great opportunity this provides for the New Hampshire Commandery to get out in front of people and gain public notice! 13

14 Monique and I attended the Grand Commandery Christmas Observance on December 3 rd where I heard several very positive comments such as: a very beautiful ceremony! and I ve never seen this before, do they do it every year? We thoroughly enjoyed the program and the holiday spirit that was so prevalent among those attending. I attended the Unity Program Meeting in Concord on October 26 th and was pleased to see unity within our NH Masonic Organizations continues to be strong. Monique and I have again travelled extensively in support of our Commandery and all our York Rite bodies. This year at the Grand Commandery Annual Conclave of Pennsylvania held in Wyomissing on May 18-21, 2017, I had the privilege of bringing the greetings of our Grand Commander and all the Knights of our New Hampshire Grand Commandery to the Pennsylvania Sir Knights. This Templar year we also attended Annual Grand Conclaves in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts/Rhode Island, and Vermont. I sent my regrets to New York, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey as I was not able to attend due to Masonic scheduling conflicts. I attended the Northeast Regional Conference in Mansfield, Massachusetts on October I attended the Conclave of Inspection of Portsmouth and Rochester at Rochester for the Order of Red Cross February 3, I attended the Nashua and Manchester Conclave of Inspection at Nashua on February 24, What a privilege it was to attend the DeMolay Legion of Honor on March 18 th, and see our Grand Commander, Paul Smith, receive the Legion of Honor award! In addition, he received certificates from the House of Representatives and from the Governor of New Hampshire, Christopher T. Sununu. Congratulations, Right Eminent Commander, your recognition is well deserved! I will attend the Conclave of Inspection of Concord and Lancaster for the Order of the Temple at Lancaster on March 24, I intend to be present at the New Hampshire Annual Business meeting in Concord on April 7 and at our Annual meeting in Concord on May11-13, I will attend the Connecticut Annual Conclave April and the Maine Annual Grand Commandery Conclave in Portland Maine on April 28 and 29, 2018, God willing, where SK Riley D. Greenwood is to be installed as the RE Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of Maine for the year It was my pleasure to bring greetings from Sir Knight Paul C. Smith, our Right Eminent Grand Commander, and the Grand Commandery Sir Knights at the Scottish Rite Council of Deliberation on June 10 th at the Fort at No. 4, Charlestown, NH. I attended the Rainbow Grand Assembly on July 1 and 2, 2017, on Paul Smith s suite. I was installed as the Rainbow State Dad by Grand Worthy advisor Amanda White! On September 15 th I attended the New Hampshire DeMolay Conclave at Lion s Camp Pride Way in New Durham. I also attended the Eastern Star annual meeting in Nashua on August 19 as a member of Paul Smith s suite. I am the assistant Treasurer at Humane Lodge No. 21 in Rochester, a member of Unity Lodge No. 62 in Union, and am the Secretary of Temple Chapter No. 20, the Recorder of Orient Council No. 14 and Palestine Commandery No. 11, the three (3) Rochester York Rite bodies. I 14

15 am also a member of St. Amand Commandery No. 20 in Sanford, Maine, which is Sir Knight Greenwood s Commandery, who is currently the Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander of Maine. Sir Knight Greenwood is a member of Palestine Commandery in Rochester. We attend each other s conclaves and assist each other with ritual as needed. Sincerely and Fraternally, H. Stephen Wood Deputy Grand Commander March 24, 2018 To the RE Grand Commander: Report of the Grand Generalissimo It was a pleasure to serve with you again this year. While my out of state travels have been limited this year due to my changing work responsibilities I was able to attend the annual session in Massachusetts and will be attending Maine s at the end of the month. I was also able to attend the Northeast Department meeting this past September. Looking at the thing closer to home I do have a couple of suggestions for the upcoming years. I think that continuing rotating the orders for inspections continues to be a good idea. The one area that seems to the weakest at all the inspections is the tactics for reception of the Grand Commander. The point of weakness seems to be that due to the number of sir knights needed to form the lines is more than the commanderies being inspected can muster so there are always some number of fill ins needed who usually have not had a chance to really rehears how that should go. I would suggest making this a point of emphasis during the school of instruction this summer. The more we are familiar we are with the tactics involved the more we all will be able to help, aid and assist. The last few summers the school of instructions have focused on tactics, which has been helpful in closing the knowledge gap in our tactics. The more we can do in that area will only continue to pay dividends. I would just suggest to the incoming Grand Commander and Deputy Grand Commander that perhaps it is time to also spend some time discussing the content and meaning of our order. Both the actual historic events they refer to as well as their symbolic meanings. This should not be seen as taking time away from the ongoing and need work on refining the tactics but should be considered as shore up the second pillar of order. Lastly, allow me to congratulate you on two very successful years as Grand Commander and to wish you the best in whatever roles you choose to assume in the upcoming years. Cordially Andy Lord, Grand Generalissimo 15

16 Report of the Grand Captain General R.E. Paul C. Smith, Grand Commander Grand Commandery of New Hampshire Dear R.E. Smith, It was my pleasure to serve the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire as a Grand Captain General for the past year. I did not expect to be elevated to this high office this past year but appreciate the confidence you have placed in me. I attended many York Rite events throughout the State in the past year, seeing the hard work of a small but dedicated group of Sir Knights. My duties however, as a Grand Lodge Line Officer sometimes conflicted and did not allow me to attend as many Commandery events as I wanted to. In my travels throughout the State this past year, I would like to highlight a couple of events I feel have created a positive image for Commandery in NH. The first event was the Grand Conclave of Instruction held in Concord last July. This event provided excellent instruction to Sir Knights on the floor work that we all need to improve as Commandery members. The second event was the Annual Commandery Christmas Observance held in Concord last December. There was an excellent turnout for this from the Masonic Family and the Grand Lodge Line Officers. This event highlights, to members as well non-members, what is means to be a Sir Knight. It was a pleasure to be an active participant and see these events happen. I have attended both of the Commandery Joint Inspections held in Rochester and Nashua and plan to attend and participate in the final Inspection to be held in Lancaster on Sat. March 24, I feel the full form work of the Commandery Degrees is important and I am pleased to see this continued. Thank you Right Eminent for the pleasure of serving the Grand Commandery of NH. Sincerely and Fraternally, David S. Collins David S. Collins, PC, Grand Captain General 16

17 To the Right Eminent Grand Commander, Report of the Grand Senior Warden First, my thanks to you and the SKs for electing me again to the role of Grand Senior Warden this year. In following past model for reports, I feel that this report is best served beyond just the typical listing of my travels and includes my observations as well. Travel: - 3 February 2018, I attended the inspection for DeWitt Clinton and Palestine Commanderies inspection, for the conferral of the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross - 24 February 2018, I was fortunate to see an outstanding Order of Malta put on by Trinity and St. George s Commanderies. It was a fine presentation of the Order of Malta, at which many were advanced as Knights of Malta. I was able to assist as a Co-Director of Ceremonies and thoroughly enjoyed the work. - I also plan to be at the inspection for North Star- St Gerard and Mount Commanderies on 24 March 2018 Observations: - We must look for ways to revitalize our York Rite if it is to remain viable. We are under the 90/10 rule at this time. For those not familiar, this is when 10% of the people do 90% of the work. Remember many hands make for light work and we must all give some of our time, as it is only fair. Time is of the essence; we must do or act, the time for talk is behind us! - Communication is sporadic among all levels. I would like to highlight the recent initiative SK Collins took upon himself to put together a state wide trestleboard. This will be an immense help in keeping the companions apprised of the York Rite activities around the state. It is not news, but we need to all pick up the phone and talk with those members we have not seen recently. It goes a long way to helping to make those companions feel that they matter. - Finally, we need to establish a strategic plan, without this we will continue to wander without a North Star to guide us. There are many facets to such an effort and it will take input from all the leadership within the state, but it is imperative that this be accomplished. We need to look at the three-legged stool of ours and all masonic bodies, education, fellowship, and ritual. We need to show the members that there is value for money and they are getting something back. We have many Blue Lodges who are offering great programs, yet we continue to follow the failing model of minutes, bills, and little else. I would recommend the incoming heads establish a small committee to put this plan in place. I thank you all well and continued blessings upon the Grand Commandery and her Sir Knights. Sincerely, Patrick J. O Sullivan, Grand Senior Warden Grand Commandery of NH 17

18 REPORT OF THE GRAND JUNIOR WARDEN To: Paul Smith, Right Eminent Grand Commander, Officers, and Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire It has indeed been an honor to serve as your Grand Junior Warden this past year. Although it has been difficult for me to do all that I had wished to do and travel to the many Commanderies due to the health of my wife. I thank you all for your patience, understanding, and well wishes. I was able to attend two Inspections this year. They were most impressive since we are now doing all the Orders in full and not just the Order of the Temple. Each Commandery has always treated me with the utmost respect. I attended the Feast of St. John at the Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge. It is sad that we were only able to have four members in attendance. It would really be great if members of the Grand Commandery of MA and Rhode Island would attend. I also attended the Christmas Observance in December in Concord. It was great to see this event grow in attendance each year. On July 22, 2017, attended the Convocation of Instruction. Even though we had a good attendance, I feel there should have been many more in attendance. The attendees always seem to be Grand Commandery officers and not the Sir Knights of the various Commanderies. Once again, I have notice in this body, as well as others, we are pushing candidates through, but not getting them involved in various activities. I think many Sir Knights are concerned about the cost of uniforms. Some just come to go through the Orders and never return. Respectfully submitted SK Earl W. Cole, Jr. Grand Jr. Warden 18

19 Report of the Grand Standard Bearer To the Right Eminent Grand Commander, Grand Officers and Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire: It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire this past year. The following is my report for the I assumed the office of Grand Standard Bearer in July of 2017, following a vacancy in the Office of Grand Captain General from advancement, and it has been my pleasure to serve you and this Grand Commandery in that position. Throughout my term as Grand Standard Bearer, I sincerely enjoyed attending several events and meetings, as well as furthering my York Rite journey. On June 24, 2017, I attended both the convocation and assembly of instruction by the Grand Chapter and Grand Council. All present were treated to a very informative session of opening and closing a Chapter, as well as an excellent presentation on the chronology of masonic degrees by MI Scott Ayen. I, unfortunately, was unable to attend the annual Feast of St. John the Baptist holy services, held in Portsmouth on June 25, During this term, I was also afforded the opportunity to serve on the Patriotic Activities Committee. Sir Knights Earl Cole, Stephen Wood and I did not have an opportunity to convene this year, however, had a very successful turnout for the Veterans Day Parade in Manchester NH. On November 11, 2017, we received a tremendous show of support by the Sir Knights of New Hampshire, who braved the bitter cold and marched in the Veterans Day Parade. Due to extenuating circumstances, this committee was not able to pursue further activity, however, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Sir Knights Cole and Wood for all of their hard work and dedication to making this event a success once again. On December 3, 2017, I was in attendance for the Grand Commandery Christmas Observance, held in Manchester, NH. The Grand Commander and all participating Officers presented a program which celebrated the birth and life of the Captain of Our Salvation. It was very well attended with dignitaries representing the Masonic family at large. It was a true pleasure to emerge myself into the holiday spirit with so many close friends, to include toasts and wonderfully sung carols. The highest compliment was paid to me when it was requested of me to construct a toast to our Grand Commander, which was my honor and privilege. In addition to my duties as Grand Standard Bearer for the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire, I was elected Eminent Commander for Palestine Commandery #11 in Rochester. I attended all conclaves held for Palestine Commandery, with the exception of February, due to educational commitments. I participated in the Order of the Illustrious Red Cross degree held at Palestine Commandery in January of 2017, which was wonderfully done. I worked diligently to promote the York Rite throughout my district and also extended a Commander s challenge to entice new membership. 19

20 Recommendations: As I am still rather young in Freemasonry and York Rite, I have made some observations, and subsequently, recommendations that I believe could enhance both the membership and culture within the State of New Hampshire. These such recommendations were submitted as well with my report for the position of Grand Warder, as I find them to remain applicable. I believe that the initiative put forth by the Grand Commander to provide a good initiatic experience for incoming Sir Knights, over and above the memorization of ritual, is a valuable asset to Commanderies throughout the State. With such a large number of appendant, invitational and honorary bodies, and so few active participants throughout the State, it is very trying on those few and difficult to mandate memorization. It is my belief that presenting a powerful and well-performed degree will result in the willingness to participate, on behalf of new Sir Knights, therefore perpetuating the lifecycle of Knight Templary in the State of New Hampshire. Lastly, it has been my perception that Blue Lodge Masonry, en masse, is largely unaware of York Rite and what it has to offer. Though disappointingly unsuccessful, I organized a York Rite information night in Rochester in late It is my suggestion that something similar be organized at Commanderies throughout the State of New Hampshire that would offer an informal setting for Master Masons to learn about the York Rite and encourage further light. During my term, as Grand Standard Bearer for the State of New Hampshire, I have served also as Eminent Commander in my local Commandery. In addition, I was honored with invitation for the Order of High Priesthood, which I regretfully could not accept at that time. Freemasonry is a paramount figure in my life, especially that of the York Rite, however, I would not have been able to fulfil these roles without the support and love from my wife, Katrina. With two very young daughters at home, as well as post-secondary educational commitments, I have had to make tough decisions to reevaluate priorities and shift more of my focus to family. I would like to take this opportunity, at this time in my report, to reiterate a portion of my Christmas observance toast, for those who were not able to attend. The leadership of our Right Eminent Grand Commander, Sir Knight Paul C. Smith, demonstrates the opportunity of the renewal of faith, hope and charity we have as Knights Templar. Throughout his tenure, the Grand Commander has stressed the importance of the theme he astutely encapsulated in an acronym - K.N.I.G.H.T - Kindness, Nobility, Integrity, Generosity, Honesty, and Truth. This is the daily challenge he proposes to each one of us, which Indeed, are all inherent in the ways of knighthood. His theme is a constant reminder to us of our responsibilities as Sir Knights and Christian Masons to God, our families, our neighbors and ourselves. Encouraging this regard for spiritual awareness should certainly foster a Christian camaraderie and accountability within our ranks. It has been of my utmost pleasure to have been appointed to this position under such an admirable Grand Commander, whom I have had the pleasure of getting to know throughout his term. Respectfully and Fraternally, Daniel P. Gilbert, Grand Standard Bearer Report of the Grand Warder 20

21 TO: The RE Grand Commander, Grand Officers and Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery of N.H. It was an honor and privilege to be appointed as Grand Warder of the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire this past year. Although some health challenges and time constraints limited my ability to participate fully, I found the opportunity to be very educational, as I was able to observe and participate in the work of the Grand Commandery, and as such was inspired to learn more. I served on the honor guard at the Cathedral of the Pines for St. John s Sunday. I was elected and served Mt. Horeb Commandery #3, Concord as Generalissimo. I participated in the joint inspection of The Order of the Temple along with North Star-St. Gerard Commandery #4 as the Captain General for the reception of the Grand Commander, as well as the Junior Warden for the Order. Learning and performing the Junior Warden s part was fulfilling and leaves me eager to learn more about the Order of the Temple, as well as Templary in general. As an observation, I would like to say that the number of new Sir Knights is encouraging. I hope that the quality of the work and the enthusiasm of the leadership of the Grand Commandery inspires them to continue to participate in the future and help to grow and strengthen our fraternity. Thank you, Right Eminent Grand Commander, for the opportunity to participate and serve the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire. I am deeply honored to have been able to participate in such an exciting year for Grand Commandery and York Rite Masonry in New Hampshire. Sincerely and Fraternally, Jackson E. Marston, Grand Warder Report of the Grand Sentinel To: Paul C. Smith, RE Grand Commandery, Grand Officers, and Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire This year, we have seen a solid group of Sir Knights added to our noble Orders. It is important that we do our absolute best to keep those Sir Knights active and engaged through education and communication. We have had some great moments this year and I believe we are on the right path to restoring the quality of the work within our Rite to its full glory. As we begin to ponder our next year, I ask of everyone that we remember our obligations and our commitments. We chose to be York Rite Masons to regain that which was lost and to further our Masonic education, and that is exactly the sentiment we need to remember, there is always time to learn and time to teach; This will make and keep our ranks strong and effective. I have attended as many events as I could, this year, and have enjoyed it all. I am honored and proud to be a part of this Grand Commandery, and I thank everyone for their efforts. Benjamin Langlois, Grand Sentinel 21

22 Report of the Committee on Patriotic Activities To: Paul Smith, Right Eminent Grand Commander, Officers, and Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire It was an honor to serve as Chairman of this committee. I would like to thank Sir Knight Ben Langlois for all his assistance. Soon after the Grand Session, the Patriotic Committee held a meeting by telephone. We discussed coordinating the Manchester Veterans Day Parade once again. I gave all the information I had to the rest of the committee. We also agreed that the Grand Commandery should donate to Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge on the Feast of St. John. I passed this on to the Deputy Grand Commander so that he might put this in his budget for when he is installed as Grand Commander. 12 Sir Knights Marching in the Veterans Day Parade in Manchester NH. It was a great sunny day and gave us much exposure to the public. It had been my desire to visit the various Commanderies to try to ask for their participation. Unfortunately, due to my wife s health, I needed to rely on the R. E. Grand Commander to do this. For that I thank you very much. I also want to thank SK Wood for providing transportation after the parade. Respectfully submitted, Sir Knight Earl W. Cole, Jr., Chairman GRAND COMMANDERY BUDGET

23 INCOME Proposed Income Grand Commandery Per Capita Assessment (354 SK's at $9) $3, GEKT Per Capita (354 SK's at $9) $3, Interest Earned $1.00 Annual Conclave (Dedicated Fund) $1, Life Membership (Dedicated Fund) $1, Investment Income (Dedicated Fund) $2, Knightings (25 at $3 per member) $75.00 PCA Donation $ Triennial Account (Dedicated Fund) $3, Total Proposed Income $14, EXPENSES Proposed Expense GEKT Per Capita Assessments $3, Grand Conclave Expenses (Invited Guests) $1, Grand Commander Allowance $ Grand Recorder Personal Allowance $ Grand Recorder Office Allowance $ Grand Treasurer Allowance $ Triennial 2018 Expense (Revenue neutral) $3, Membership $ Donation for DeMolay $ Meeting Expenses $ NE Department Conference $1, Regalia $ GC Jewel $ Training $ Fidelity Bond $0.00 Liability Insurance $ Postage, Office Supplies, Printing $75.00 NH York Rite Website (Scott Ayen) $77.00 Life Membership Expense $1, Miscellaneous $ Total Proposed Expense $13, BALANCE $

24 Report of the Grand Commandery Committee on the Holy Land Pilgrimage The committee, unfortunately, does not have anything to report in terms of making a recommendation for a member of the clergy to attend the Holy Land Pilgrimage, sponsored by the Grand Encampment. Last year, the Grand Commander actively sought out a candidate for this important and life-changing opportunity and the candidate he was working with ultimately was not able to commit to the agenda. This year, no candidates were identified for the intensive program. Due to the strict requirements by the Grand Encampment, it is sometimes hard to find someone who qualifies for the Pilgrimage, however there are people out there. A potential way to encourage this program may be to reach out to the leadership of various denominations in New Hampshire and have them share this information internally. The next committee may seek to undertake this endeavor; it is worthwhile and should be taken advantage of-to walk in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior is an opportunity anyone should be happy to jump at. Paul C. Smith, Thomas X. Tsirimokos, Paul M. Leary Report of the Grand Commandery Committee on the Triennial The committee was not required to meet this year or act in any way other than to recommend to the incoming dais officers that budget items be included for the Triennial in Indianapolis this summer. Those funds have been included in the proposed budget and will assist the dais officers in their support of our candidate for RE Grand Captain General, SK Thomas X. Tsirimokos. It is important our officers are there to cast their votes for SK Tsirimokos and he win this critical race. There has not been a Grand Master of the Grand Encampment from New Hampshire since Rev. Jonathan Nye in the early 1820s, and our own RE Tsirimokos will do us all proud. Good luck to him and may our dais officers enjoy the Triennial. Paul C. Smith, Stephen Wood, Andy Lord, Patrick O Sullivan, Earl Cole 24

25 Knight Templar Eye Foundation Report 2018 TO: RE Paul C. Smith, Grand Commander CC: RE Dennis A. Sheridan, Grand Recorder FROM: SK H. Stephen Wood, KTEF Voluntary State Chair DATE: March 31, 2018 Sir Knights, It is my pleasure to present the report for the Knights Templar Eye Foundation voluntary campaign for the year ending May Knight Templar Voluntary Eye Foundation Campaign began on 1 July This report began on our Annual meeting in June and covers the end of the 49 th Annual Knight Templar Voluntary Eye Foundation Campaign (May 15, 2017) which showed our final donations were $6,409. The 50 th Annual Knight Templar Voluntary Eye Foundation Campaign which began on July 1, 2017 latest report shows donations received as of March 24, As of this reporting date, New Hampshire has contributed $10,444.94! And as there is still another month and a half for donations to be received, I fully expect this total to increase even more. This has been an excellent year for NH in terms of our donations to the Knight Templar Eye Foundation, and I thank each of you for your continuing generous support of our charity! H. Stephen Wood, Chair Paul C. Smith David Collins February 3,

26 REPORT OF THE ACTING INSPECTOR GENERAL The Commanderies were opened for a Special Joint Conclave to inspect De Witt Clinton and Palestine Commanderies on Rochester in due form at 10:10 a.m. for Inspection with the following Officers in Station: E. Commander William F. Curtis, PGC Generalissimo Joseph J. Rella Captain General Prelate Thomas A. Ladd, H.P.C. (#4) Senior Warden Riley D. Greenwood Junior Warden Joseph J. Rella Treasurer Ronald J. Brown, EC, pro tem Recorder H. Stephen Wood, DGC Standard Bearer Craig I. Brown Sword Bearer Robert Canney (#11) Warder Kaleb R. Brown Master of Ceremonies H. Stephen Wood, DGC Guards: Glen E. Eldredge, PC Dale P. Dominianni Ralph R. Currier Also present were the following Sir Knights: Paul C. Smith, P.C., REGC (#1) David S. Collins, GCG, (#4), pro tem H. Stephen Wood, DGC Robert M. Porter, PGC (#8) Roger A. Douillette, Sr., HPGC (#3) Arthur W. Stauff, EC (#1) Andy M. Lord, GCG (#3) Patrick J. O Sullivan, GSW Daniel P. Gilbert, GW Dennis A. Tuttle, Sr. Michael J. Tebbetts Acting Inspector General: Dennis A. Sheridan, PGC (#4) Prompter: H. Stephen Wood, DGC And Candidates: David A. Rich (4) Gary D. Waters (#8) Mark H. Blodgett (4) William BO Jones (4) Brad Bick (2) Ron Vincent (8) Kevin A. Bailey (8) A Roll call of Grand Officers was called, and the following were excused; all others answering the roll: Earl W. Cole, Jr. GJW, Jackson E. Marston, GST, Thomas X. Tsirimokos, AGPR, Jeremy W. Allin, GSWB The following Commanderies answered roll call with the following number of Sir Knights present: Trinity 3 De Witt Clinton 9 Mt. Horeb 3 NS-SG 6 St. George 5 Palestine 11 Out of Jurisdiction Visiting Sir Knights 26

27 Maine 2 (1 dual with NH, already counted) Total Sir Knights attending--38 The Commanderies (De Witt Clinton and Palestine) opened in form. The Eminent Commander then received the E Grand Warder who announced the presence of the Grand Commander to inspect the Commanderies. SK Paul C. Smith, RE Grand Commander, and his suite were received in form. The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross was conferred in full form. SK William F. Curtis assumed the East for the work. The following were doing the assigned parts: Order of Red Cross Cast: Sovereign Master = William F. Curtis, PGC (Portsmouth) Prince Chancellor = Richard F. Cole, Jr., PGC (Portsmouth) Prince Master of the Palace = Joseph J. Rella (Portsmouth) Master of Cavalry = R. Daniel Perry (Portsmouth) Master of the Infantry (Conductor) = Riley Greenwood (Rochester) Excellent High Priest = Ronald J. Brown (Rochester) Master of Finance = David Nason (Rochester) Master of Dispatches = Glen E. Eldredge (Rochester) Warder = Kaleb R. Brown (Portsmouth) First Guard = Robert Gibney (Portsmouth) Second Guard = Robert Canney (Rochester) Third Guard = Ralph R. Currier (Rochester) Persia Guard = Daniel P. Gilbert (Rochester) Jewish Council members: Ormand Hall, David Nason, Ralph R. Currier (plus 3 more) Master of Ceremonies: H. Stephen Wood Following the conclusion of the work, the candidates were excused, and the Council of Red Cross closed, and labor resumed in Commandery. The Right Eminent Grand Commander was called upon for closing comments. He called upon the VE DGC for comments on the KTEF. Following that, he called upon the Acting Inspector General for his comments. The Inspector General gave positive comments about the work. The following comments were observed and reported to the Sir Knights: The Opening Prayer was omitted. 27

28 Co-ordination needed for administering the commands between the CG and the SW when forming lines and escort. Triangle Guard march to the Forming the Lines could be better coordinated. Swords should be drawn and at carry when Officers are moving when performing duties. Demonstrated proper method for presenting swords and forming an arch of steel. About face is always to the right. Swords are right hand and chapeaus are left hand. Returning swords should be the last call given before end of movement. Sir Knight goes with a name, a title such as RE goes with the Office. Other than these minor comments, the Order was performed decently, and the new Red Cross Companions were honored with dignity and got an impressive Order of the Red Cross. Following which, the Commanderies were Closed in due form. Following the closing, pictures were taken of the Candidates and cast. Lunch Provided by Order of the Rainbow Assembly #11 assisted by the DeMolay Clarence L. Woodman Chapter. Respectfully submitted: Dennis A. Sheridan, PGC, Grand Recorder Acting Inspector General 28

29 February 24, 2018 REPORT OF THE ACTING INSPECTOR GENERAL The Commanderies were opened for a Special Joint Conclave to inspect Trinity and St. George Commanderies in Nashua in due form at 10:10 a.m. for Inspection with the following Officers in Station: E. Commander Benjamin J. Langlois, PC Generalissimo Patrick J. O Sullivan, PC Captain General Michael J. Tebbets Prelate Michael F. Yannetti Senior Warden Robert M. Porter, PGC Junior Warden Samuel A. Varjabedian Standard Bearer Sword Bearer Warder Kenneth A. Colpaert Master of Ceremonies David R. Walters Guards: David S. Collins, GCG, (#4), pro tem Dennis Webster (#8) Brian J. Smith (#8) Also present were the following Sir Knights: Paul C. Smith, P.C., REGC (#1) Earl W. Cole, Jr., GJW (#3) H. Stephen Wood, DGC (#11) Dennis A. Tuttle, Sr. (#3) John G. Senter (#8) Larry D. Gullett (#8) Acting Insp General Dennis A. Sheridan, PGC (#4) Prompter Paul M. Leary, PGC (#4) And Candidates: David A. Rich (#4) Mark H. Blodgett (#4) William BO Jones (#4) Brad Bick (#2) Ronald J. Vincent (#8) Kevin A. Bailey (#8) Gary D. Waters (#8) A Roll call of Grand Officers was called, and the following were absent; all others answering the roll: Andy M. Lord, GG, Daniel P. Gilbert, GStB, Jeremy W. Allin, GSwB, Jackson E. Marston, GW The following Commanderies answered roll call with the following number of Sir Knights present: Trinity 8 De Witt Clinton 2 Mt. Horeb 3 NS-SG 7 St. George 7 Palestine 1 Total Sir Knights attending 28 Trinity had all three top Officers present and St. George had 2 and a proxy for Generalissimo who could not be there due to a family crisis.

30 The Commanderies (Trinity and St. George) opened in form in the Nashua apartments. The Eminent Commander then received the Acting E Grand Warder who announced the presence of the Grand Commander to inspect the Commanderies. SK Paul C. Smith, RE Grand Commander, and his suite were received in form. The Order of Malta was conferred in full form. SK Benjamin J. Langlois, PC assumed the East for the work. SK Thomas X. Tsirimokos, PDC, shared the second half of the order. Following the end of the Order s presentation, the Right Eminent Grand Commander was called upon for his comments. Following that, he called upon the Acting Inspector General for his comments. The Inspector General gave a positive critique about the work. The flow of the Reception went well, obviously rehearsed, and the Order went smoothly as well. Other than a little confusion about the start, it was well done. Some parts were read, but they were presented as to add dignity to the ceremony. Positive comments were made about the impressive Table Top used in the West and the set up for the East. All in all, The Order was performed well, the candidates were used in the ceremony and got an impressive Order of Malta. The Grand Commander called upon the VE DGC for comments on the KTEF and then called on David S. Collins, SGW, to speak for the Grand Lodge. Following which, the Priories were Closed in due form, after which pictures were taken of the Candidates and cast. Respectfully submitted: Dennis A. Sheridan, PGC, Grand Recorder Acting Inspector General 30

31 March 24, 2018 REPORT OF THE ACTING INSPECTOR GENERAL The Commanderies were opened for a Special Joint Conclave to inspect Mount Horeb and North Star-St. Gerard Commanderies in Lancaster in due form at 10:00 a.m. for Inspection with the following Officers in Station: E. Commander Andy M. Lord, GG (#3) Generalissimo Ronald N. Crane (#4) Earl W. Cole, Jr., GJW (#3) Captain General Michael Cramer (#3) Prelate Thomas A. Ladd, HPC (#4) Senior Warden Dennis A. Tuttle, Sr. (#3) Junior Warden Jackson E. Marston, GW (#3) Standard Bearer Lauren C. Bennett (#4) Sword Bearer Lance E. Miller (#4) Warder David S. Collins, GCG, (#4) M of Ceremonies Dennis A. Sheridan, PGC (#4) Also present were the following Sir Knights: Guards: Michael J. Tebbets (#8) Kenneth A. Colpaert (#1) David A. Evans-Brown, PC (17) FL Paul Little (#3) Sentinel David E. Lewis, PC (#4) Hermits/Guards: Paul Little (#3) Lance E. Miller (#4) Lauren C. Bennett (#4) Paul C. Smith, P.C., REGC (#1) Patrick J. O Sullivan, GSW (#1) H. Stephen Wood, DGC (#11) Robert M. Porter, PGC (#8) Richard F. Cole, Jr., PGC (#2) Pierre-Denis Leger, PGC (#2) VT David R. Walters, GT (#1) Joseph J. Rella (#2) Gerald A. Gateman (#4) Gary Lincoln (#1) Mark Keenan (#1) Dan Perry (#2) Paul J. LaChapelle (#2) Christopher E. Lillicotch (#2) Samuel A. Varjabedian (#1) Kaleb R. Brown (#2) Acting Inspector General Robert L. Sutherland, Jr., PGC (#2) Prompter Paul M. Leary, PGC (#4) And Candidates: David A. Rich (#4) Mark H. Blodgett (#4) William BO Jones (#4) Brad Bick (#2) Ronald J. Vincent (#8) Michael J. Pearson (#4) Gary D. Waters, Jr. (#8) Kevin A. Bailey (#8) 31

32 A Roll call of Grand Officers was called, and the following were absent; all others answering the roll: Daniel P. Gilbert, GStB, Jeremy W. Allin, GSwB, Benjamin J. Langlois, GSNT The following Commanderies answered roll call with the following number of Sir Knights present: Trinity 7 De Witt Clinton 8 Mt. Horeb 6 NS-SG 13 St. George 5 Palestine 1 Out of Jurisdiction: VT 1 MA 1 Total Sir Knights attending 42 The Commanderies (Mt. Horeb and NS-SG) opened in form in the Lancaster apartments. The Eminent Commander then received the Acting E Grand Warder who announced the presence of the Grand Commander to inspect the Commanderies. SK Paul C. Smith, RE Grand Commander, and his suite were received in form. The Order of the Temple was conferred in full form. SK Andy M. Lord, PC assumed the East for the work. Following the end of the Order s presentation, the Right Eminent Grand Commander was called upon for his comments. He first called upon the Acting Inspector General for his comments. The Inspector General gave a positive critique about the work. He positively commented on the Junior Warden s Chamber of Reflection work being well done. He congratulated the Guards and Hermits for their work. He also commented the Wardens team work together went well. He did mention the Prelate s prayer was cut off, but otherwise it was an outstanding Order of the Temple and informed the candidates that if they lived up to the obligations taken that day, they would never err in life. The Grand Commander agreed with the comments from the IG and especially noted Young Sir Knight Bennett s work on his Hermits part. and then called on David A. Rich, DDGM, to speak for the Grand Lodge. Following which, the Commanderies were recessed, after which pictures were taken of the Candidates and cast. Respectfully submitted: Robert L. Sutherland, Jr. Acting Inspector General Attest: Dennis A. Sheridan, PGC, Grand Recorder 32

33 TO: Officers of the Grand Commandery RE: Annual Report of the Tactics Committee REGC and Sir Knights, Report of the Tactics Committee The following is the report of your Tactics Committee for the year (A.O ). The committee met accordingly, and it was agreed that now there was no required changes to our Tactics Manual at this time. We all recognize the living nature of this beneficial document and should at a minimum be reviewed annually and updated accordingly. We would encourage the Grand Commander to continue with the Conclave of Instruction model as was held for the past years. As many of our Sir Knights are new to the Order and to its unique militaristic styles, these educational opportunities to teach our new members will only increase in their importance and necessity. We would encourage the local Commanderies to begin their own tactics practices, ideally at their Stated Conclaves to all for the movements to become familiar and we advance in our proficiency. We would also suggest that some of the other work be looked at for better understanding by the Sir Knights. The Grand Encampment has many useful documents that may help expand upon the Orders, such as the musical selections. Also, the Guidelines for Patriotic and Civic Activities should be reviewed as we continue our participation in public events and march in many local parades. We wish to thank REGC, Sir Knight Smith, for his continued support to Templary in the State of New Hampshire and this committee. Sincerely, Patrick J. O Sullivan, GSW R. Bradley Alderfer, REPGC Thomas X. Tsirimokos, REPDC Paul C. Smith, REGC (Ex Officio) 33

34 Report of Unfinished Business To the RE Grand Commander and the Sir Knights of the State of New Hampshire: Upon review of the Proceedings of 2017, all unfinished business was satisfactorily concluded. REPORT OF FRATERNAL CORRESPONDENCE To the Right Eminent Grand Commander, Grand Officers and Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar for the State of New Hampshire: Your Grand Recorder reports that all Fraternal Correspondence has been received through this Office and has been acted upon, with the expressed knowledge and approval of the Right Eminent Grand Commander. Correspondence was generally in the form of approving and recommending Grand Representative Appointments. Sincerely yours, Dennis A. Sheridan, PGC Grand Recorder 34

35 Report of the Committee of Public Relations and Publicity To the Right Eminent Grand Commander, Grand Officers and Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar for the State of New Hampshire The Publicity Committee reports that New Hampshire York Rite is still doing strong in the Granite State. We are still using the web site at currently posting events on that page and info on our York Rite Bodies Trestleboards page. We still make use of the calendar to keep track of degree work and meetings. We strongly encourage all York Rite Bodies to submit their notices to the Grand Recorder s Office by , so they may be included and their degree dates, etc. added to the calendar. Please remember to inform the Grand Recorder when changing or cancelling events so that the calendar can be updated to reflect the change. We are actively using Facebook as well for advertising events and getting the craft some publicity. Right Eminent Grand Commander, it is a pleasure to serve on this Committee for the Grand Commandery. Fraternally, Earl W. Cole, Jr., PC Andy M. Lord, PC Dennis A. Sheridan, PGC, Chairman 35

36 NEW HAMPSHIRE YORK RITE LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOUNDATION 27 March 2018 Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Hampshire Grand Council Cryptic Masons of New Hampshire Grand Commandery Knights Templar of New Hampshire Dennis A. Sheridan, Grand Secretary-Recorder P. O. Box 621 Littleton, NH Dear Grand Secretary-Recorder Sheridan, The annual meeting of the New Hampshire York Rite Life Membership Foundation was held virtually on 23 March 2018 with President Paul M. Leary presiding. By electronic ballot, the Foundation voted in favor of making an annual distribution from the earnings of its invested funds to the participating New Hampshire York Rite Chapters, Councils and Commanderies. We are pleased to announce that the distribution for 2018 is $4, In accordance with our rules, the distribution is divided proportionally by the members financial participation in the Foundation. In accordance with our practice, the Foundation is providing this distribution via the three checks enclosed herein made out to the Grand Chapter, Grand Council and Grand Commandery, as follows: Grand Royal Arch Chapter of NH $1, Grand Council Cryptic Masons of NH $1, Grand Commandery Knights Templar of NH $1, Our expectation is that the Grand Bodies will pass along the distribution to their subordinate Chapters, Councils and Commanderies proportional to their members financial participation in the Foundation, as shown in the attached spreadsheet. On behalf of the officers and trustees of the New Hampshire York Rite Life Membership Foundation, thank you for your strong support of York Rite Freemasonry in New Hampshire, and we ask for your continued active support of the Foundation and its worthy motive by encouraging the purchase of York Rite life memberships in our local Chapters, Councils and Commanderies. Very respectfully yours, Alan M. Robinson, Treasurer 36

37 REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE To the Right Eminent Grand Commander, Grand Officers and Sir Knights of NH: The Nominating Committee has met and determined the candidates who had filed be recommended for advancement as Grand Officers for the year: RE Grand Commander: VE Deputy Grand Commander: Grand Generalissimo: Grand Captain General: Grand Senior Warden: Grand Junior Warden: Grand Treasurer: Grand Recorder: H. Stephen Wood David S. Collins Andy M. Lord Patrick J. O Sullivan Earl W. Cole, Jr. Daniel P. Gilbert David R. Walters Dennis A. Sheridan It is a pleasure to serve this Grand Commandery Paul M Leary, PGC, Chairman Thomas X. Tsirimokos, PDC Richard F. Cole, Jr., PGC As no other nominations were brought forth, they were declared elected by acclamation. Dennis A. Sheridan, Grand Recorder 37

38 PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF NH MAY 12, 2018 The Grand Commandery Knights Templar of New Hampshire assembled at the Masonic Temple in Concord, N.H. on Saturday morning on the above date. The R.E. Grand Commander, S.K. Paul C. Smith, declared the Grand Commandery of N.H. in session for the 169th Annual Conclave at 1:00 p.m. and directed the Grand Warder to inform the Grand Sentinel to guard well his post. The Grand Commander entertained the following motions made by the Grand Recorder, duly seconded, and approved as presented. That all Sir Knights in the City of Concord who are in good standing to be allowed to join the Conclave. That the reading of the Minutes of the Proceedings for 2016 be omitted as copies were distributed to all parties previous to the Conclave. That the Roll Call of Officers and Commanderies be omitted and the Report of the Credentials Committee be accepted instead thereof. Roll Call of Past Grand Commanders The Grand Commander then called for the Roll Call of Past Grand Commanders and the following RE Sir Knights assembled in the East of the Asylum. Richard F. Cole, Jr. Paul M. Leary Thomas X. Tsirimokos Robert M. Porter Dennis A. Sheridan ROLL CALL OF GRAND REPRESENTATIVES The Roll Call of Grand Representatives was omitted, instead accepting the report from the Credentials Committee. However, those present received a thank you from the RE Grand Commander and received a round of applause from the Sir Knights. 38

39 REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMANDERIES Trinity Commandery No. 1 Em. Commander Generalissimo Capt. General David R. Walters, (Proxy) Kenneth Colpaert Michael F. Yannetti Dewitt Clinton No. 2 Em. Commander Generalissimo Capt. General Kaleb R. Brown Joseph J. Rella Paul LaChapelle (Proxy) Mount Horeb No. 3 Em. Commander Generalissimo Capt. General Andy M. Lord Jackson E. Marston G. Michael Cramer North Star-St. Gerard No. 4 Em. Commander Generalissimo Capt. General Paul M. Leary (Proxy) David S. Collins (Proxy) Dennis A. Sheridan (Proxy) St. George No. 8 Em. Commander Generalissimo Benjamin J. Langlois Robert M. Porter (Proxy) Capt. General Palestine No. 11 Em. Commander Generalissimo Capt. General Daniel P. Gilbert, (Proxy) Ralph Currier Glen Eldredge (Proxy) 39

40 LIVING PAST COMMANDERS RETAINING MEMBERSHIP TRINITY COMMANDERY Chartered 1824 Richard W. Watson James Wilson Jr. John B. Clark John S. Geas Andrew Jackson Herbert H. Hutchinson Paul C. Smith Arthur W. Stauff David R. Walters Kenneth A. Jenkins Nathaniel C. Foss, Jr. Patrick J. O Sullivan R. Bradley Alderfer Thomas X. Tsirimokos Albert N. McNally De WITT CLINTON COMMANDERY Chartered 1826 Ronald E. Metcalf Gerald F. Buehrer Robert L. Sutherland, Jr. Rodney A. Robinson Donald L. Stevens Alan M. Robinson Jack D. Hartman William H. Thomas II Thomas G. LeBerge Richard F. Cole, Jr. Joseph J. Marion James E. Ryan William F. Curtis Glen R Gordon MOUNT HOREB COMMANDERY Chartered 1826 Robert G. Hatfield Melvin L. Covey * Allen L. Ilsley James S. Spence Roger A. Douillette Sr. Mark G. Kilmister Troy A. Patoine Philip H. White Willard C. Carpenter Harold M. Chase Jr. Robert J. McMahon Andy M. Lord Scott M. Ayen Earl W. Cole, Jr. *Past Commander of Pilgrim Commandery Past Commander of Sullivan Commandery Past Commander of Sullivan/Hugh de Payens Commandery 40

41 NORTH STAR-ST. GERARD COMMANDERY Chartered 1970 Stephen A. Whitney David S. Collins Douglas L. Robertson Sr. Dennis A. Sheridan F. James Welch C. Jarvis Lewis, Jr. Aldine J. Tillotson Robert D. Steel David E. Lewis George Papadimatos Thomas A. Ladd** Paul M. Leary Jeremy W. Allin **Honorary Past Commander SAINT GEORGE COMMANDERY Chartered 1869 Herbert H. Hutchinson Demetrious G. Coidakis Benjamin J. Langlois David Sequeira Robert M. Porter PALESTINE COMMANDERY Chartered 1895 J. David Meader John H. Sanders Jr. * Ernest E. Lyman H. Stephen Wood Norris L. Provencher Dwight V. Meader Raymond E. Bailey Peter N. Vatistis * Ralph E. Wiggin Jr. * William F. Robinson Jr. * Glen E. Eldridge Ronald J. Brown Daniel P. Gilbert *Past Commander of Saint Paul Commandery Past Commander of St. Paul & Palestine Commanderies 41

42 2018 GRAND COMMANDERY ANNUAL CONCLAVE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE REPORT Your Committee on Credentials reports the following as those members present at this Annual Business Conclave of the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire: Grand Commandery Officers 14 RE Past Grand Commanders 7 Constituent Eminent Commanders 6 Constituent Grand Generalissimos 6 Constituent Captain Generals 5 Constituent Past Commanders 17 We thank you for allowing us to perform this duty on behalf of our Grand Commandery, and we move for this report to be accepted as read GRAND COMMANDERY CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: MEMBERS: Robert M. Porter, PGC Michael F. Yannetti Benjamin J. Langlois 42

43 Reception of Distinguished Guests The following guests were escorted into the Asylum and introduced to the RE Grand Commander: Massachusetts and Rhode Island Sir Knight Glen Cunningham, R.E. Grand Commander Sir Knight Richard W. Van Doren, V.E. Deputy Grand Commander Sir Knight Mark W. Kay, E Grand Generalissimo SK Robert R. Maddix, Aide to the Grand Commander New York Sir Knight Stenrick B. Adams, RE Grand Commander Vermont Sir Knight David W. Schuler, RE Grand Commander Sir Knight Eric Steele, E Grand Captain General Sir Knight Jonathan P. Park, RE Past Grand Commander Sir Knight William Karstens, IV, RE Past Grand Commander Sir Knight Pierre-Dennis Leger, RE Past Grand Commander Connecticut Sir Knight Michael E. Seamon, VE Deputy Grand Commander Sir Knight James S. McNeely, IV, E Grand Generalissimo Sir Knight Charles D. O Neill, RE Past Grand Commander Sir Knight Stuart K. Drost, RE Past Grand Commander Sir Knight Clyde Kayser, II, RE Past Grand Commander Sir Knight, Charles A. McCollum, RE Past Grand Commander Maine Sir Knight Riley D. Greenwood, RE Grand Commander Sir Knight Howard C. Weymouth, VE Deputy Grand Commander Sir Knight Michael L. Doten, E Grand Generalissimo Sir Knight Brian Messing, RE Past Grand Commander Sir Knight Lincoln L. Turner, E Commander Pennsylvania Sir Knight Benjamin A. Beynon, VE Deputy Grand Commander 43

44 New Jersey SK and Rev. Mark E. McGee, RE Grand Commander SK William M. Krzewick, III, Grand Captain General Visiting Dignitaries from within New Hampshire SK H. Stephen Wood, GG Excellent Chief of Scenic Council Knight Masons SK David S. Collins, GCG, Very Eminent Preceptor Palestine Tabernacle, HRAKTP SK Robert M. Porter, PGC, Pre-Eminent Governor Profile York Rite College No. 100 SK Dennis A. Sheridan, PGC, Intendant General for NH United Grand Imperial Council Red Cross of Constantine and Grand Warder of the Temple, Convent General KYCH SK Richard F. Cole, Jr., REPGC, Chief Adept for NH College SOCIETAS ROSICRUCIANA IN CIVITATIBUS FOEDERATIS, From the Offices of the Grand Encampment Knight Templar Sir Knight Lawrence E. Tucker, RE Grand Recorder and Past Grand commander of Texas Sir Knight James McConnell, RE Department Commander and PGC of NY Sir Knight Thomas X. Tsirimokos, RE Past Department Commander and PGC of NH From the Office of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of NH Brother Kenneth A. Clay, Jr., RW Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of NH 44

45 Report of the Grand Commander To the Officers and Members of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar in New Hampshire, I submit the following report as Grand Commander: Sir Knights and friends, welcome, one and all, to the 169 th Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire. To our out of state guests thank you for being here today. The demands on our time are many and sharing some of your time with us is sincerely appreciated. I especially appreciate all the courtesies shown by those of my fellow Red Cords whose Grand Conclaves I had the opportunity to visit, and sincerely regret that I was unable to attend some others. SK Jim MacConnell, we missed you in New Hampshire last year but are very happy to have you with us this weekend. Thank you for always being available to me personally and to the Sir Knights of New Hampshire, and congratulations on a very successful three years as our Department Commander, you leave big shoes to fill! SK Larry Tucker, our Representative of the Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, welcome back to New Hampshire sir. It s been a few years since you were last here and I hope that your journey this weekend has been enjoyable. When you return to Texas you ll be able to say you were here and have the shirt to prove it! SK and Right Worshipful Ken Clay, thank you for being here at our York Rite annual meetings today. I have enjoyed working with you the past several years, was honored to invite your relative, SK Robert Hazleton, the Past Grand Commander of Maine to knight you in our commandery, and I look forward to your strong relationship with New Hampshire York Rite. We are here in New Hampshire s Capital, the city of Concord, the home of the oldest State House where the legislature still meets in its original chambers. Some of you know that my profession is Clerk of the House of Representatives, and as such I am a fierce defender of that institution and the democracy contained within those granite walls, and so to welcome you to the city that houses the most democratic body in the world is indeed a great honor for me. The New Hampshire House of Representatives is an institution that has existed in one version or another, since the late 1600s, and as a guardian of that institution s history, rules, and decorum, I often appear to my members to have a stoic face, which can quickly turn to stern, especially if they get a little unparliamentary. However, today I am here to deliver my final speech in this Grand Commandery and I won t be stern, rather, I ve been having many mixed emotions about the end of this journey that I started several years ago. I ve played a part in updating our state constitution, updating our tactics, modernizing our budget but in all those things, the greatest things I have found is the truest sense of camaraderie that I could have hoped for. Before I was a Grand Commandery officer I accompanied REPGC Alderfer to Connecticut where I met the Cowies, Charlie, Chuck, Stu, Clyde and more a couple of weeks later I saw them all again Maine, and I ve seen them all along the way since, and it s been such a privilege. Not every situation during this course has been positive, and at times it has felt that there were forces working against some of the progress we made or perhaps personal animosity but compared to all of the friendships, progress made, beautiful work delivered, sense of community among the whole York Rite; none of the bad has mattered, and it never will. So, I again thank you all for being here today and continue with my report. 45

46 Necrology On December 9, 2017, Right Eminent Past Grand Commander Nathaniel Sawyer was called to Heaven, to join his wife and rest in eternal happiness with our Lord and Savior. Past Grand Commander Sawyer served an interesting term as Grand Commander. In December 2005, he was elected to a year and a half long term as Grand Commander as we reorganized the dates of our annual sessions. This gives him the distinction of serving the longest, single term in our state s Templar history. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to know SK Sawyer personally, but I have known, and been friends with his son, Nathaniel Jr, for the past 16 years, and if the son is any indication of how the father raised him, then I know he was a fine man. Activities I was very fortunate to attend several functions within and without our jurisdiction this past year; the following is a list of those events where I was received, participated, or attended on behalf of Grand Commandery: May 16, 2017 Attended the stated conclave of Mt. Horeb Commandery, Concord May 19, 2017 Grand Master s Banquet: Manchester, NH May 20, 2017 Received at the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire Annual Meeting June 6, 2017 Visited Gideon Lodge, Kingston for a presentation on symbolism & York Rite June 12, 2017 Attended the Grand Commandery of Vermont session in Killington, VT June 13, 2017 Attended the stated conclave of DeWitt Clinton Commandery, Portsmouth June 24, 2017 Attended Grand York Rite planning session, Concord June 25, 2017 Attended the St. John s Sunday Service in Rindge, NH June 25, 2017 Attended the Vermont Priory meeting, where I became a member of KYCH June 30, 2017 Received at the New Hampshire Rainbow Grand Assembly in Nashua July 22, 2017 Attended and led the Grand Commandery Conclave of Instruction in Concord August 18, 2017 Received at the Order of Eastern Star Grand Chapter Meeting in Nashua September 5, 2017 Attended the stated conclave of Palestine Commandery, Rochester September 9, 2017 Attend the Northeast Department Conference in Albany, NY September 17, 2017 Attended the New Hampshire DeMolay Annual Conclave, New Durham October 14, 2017 Attended the Grand Commandery of MA & RI session in Mansfield, MA October 24, 2017 Attended the stated conclave of North Star-St. Girard Commandery, Lancaster November 11, 2017 Attended and led Grand Commandery in Manchester Veterans Day Parade November 11, 2017 Attended the Winslow Melvin Chevalier Court, DeMolay, Milford December 3, 2017 Attended and led the Grand Commandery Christmas Observance, Concord December 10, 2017 Received at the annual meeting of Palestine Tabernacle XLI HRAKTP December 11, 2017 Attended the stated conclave of St. George Commandery, Nashua January 20, 2018 Received at the annual meeting of NH Priory, KYCH February 3, 2018 Attended the Red Cross inspection of Palestine & DeWitt Clinton, Rochester February 24, 2018 Attended the Malta inspection of Trinity & St. George, Nashua March 3, 2018 Attended the New Hampshire Rainbow Grand Ball, Portsmouth March 24, 2018 Attended the OT inspection of Mt. Horeb/North Star-St. Girard, Lancaster April 4, 2018 Attended the check presentation for the commissioning of the USS Manchester April 7, 2018 Attended and presided over the business conclave of the Grand Commandery April 14, 2018 Attended the Grand Commandery of Connecticut session in Meriden, CT April 25, 2018 Attended the stated conclave of Trinity Commandery April 28, 2018 Attended the Grand Commandery of Maine session in Portland, ME May 11-12, 2018 Grand Commandery of New Hampshire Annual Conclave 46

47 Regrets I received invitations to attend the following grand sessions within the Northeast Department and had to decline for family, work or Masonic commitments: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania. In two of the three cases however, the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire was represented. (Pennsylvania, SK Wood; New York, SK O Sullivan) I did attend the Grand Conclave of New Jersey this past year and it was always my stated goal to attend all of the conclaves within the department between my two years. Unfortunately, I did miss Pennsylvania both years, however they do meet the same day as the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, and my duties as Grand Commander and a Grand Lodge Officer required my presence in both instances our Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander attended and represented us well. I similarly missed New York both years because of my work commitments, however in both years we were again represented well. Events In November of 2017, I was once again honored to lead a devoted cadre of Knights Templar in the Manchester Veterans Day Parade. While the turnout wasn t as heavy this year due to a competing event in Kentucky, and the weather a great deal more brisk than last year, we had a fantastic turnout and even made WMUR s news coverage of the event. While some still think we re Knights of Columbus, I always take delight in explaining who we are and what we stand for. I did attend several events (namely youth) where I was the sole representative of the York Rite. While our schedules are packed and our days often long, it is important to me, and I believe very important to the Masonic family at large, that we be seen and be supportive, especially of our youth. The youth of today are the Grand Commanders of tomorrow, and I take comfort in knowing that some along the way may in the future look back to 2017 and say, I felt pretty supported by that Grand Commandery fella, maybe I should look into that Youth and KT Educational Foundation I am particularly proud of this year s youth involvement. I increased the amount of youth events I attended, and each time I did I continued to extol the virtues of our KT scholarship and encouraged youth to apply. This year we had one returning applicant, and three new, and I am beyond thrilled that these young people will take advantage of the generous gifts of those Sir Knights, past and present, who believe in the value of an education, whether it s a two or four-year institution, or vocational. All education is important, and we must do all we can to encourage it. Of particular note is a new award that our Grand Commandery took on in terms of recognizing our DeMolay youth. Through the generosity of the constituent commanderies who furnished the monies to buy a sword from Grand Encampment, and after having set the criteria for its awarding with the Executive Officer of NH DeMolay, I was able to present the sword (along with a plaque) to the chapter with the highest membership growth over the prior year at their annual conclave. I was honored to present this award on behalf of all the Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery and I am sure that those who come after me will feel that same sort of pride. Bylaws, Dispensations, & Grand Regulations No commandery in New Hampshire submitted changes to their bylaws in this chivalric year. No dispensations were issued this chivalric year. 47

48 Inspections As is a recent tradition by necessity, our six commanderies worked together this year again and presented all three orders in full form. All three orders were well performed and the candidates who were advanced through the orders will have a tie that binds them together through the years that I hope they will remember. It was also wonderful to see so many black hats or newer Sir Knights participating in the orders this year; Sir Knights knighted in the last 1-3 years were doing significant work, and it is indeed wonderful to see. Honors Last year the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire unanimously approved the creation of the Rev. Jonathan Nye Distinguished Service Award, and this year I was extremely proud to present the award to three Sir Knights who have certainly gone above and beyond their normal duties in service to the Grand Commandery: 1) SK Scott Ayen was a driving force in reinvigorating the York Rite over the past many years, including his strong tenure as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of New Hampshire. Although he has since removed from the state, he has done so for the right reasons; his mark on the York Rite will be felt for years to come. It is my fervent hope he will settle back here in New Hampshire when the time is right for him. I was honored to present him this award at the planning session last June. 2) I also presented SK Patrick O Sullivan with that award at the Conclave of Instruction on July 22 for his strong leadership in both his own commandery, but also as Grand Senior Warden. This past year when action was required in a constituent commandery, I appointed SK O Sullivan as deputy recorder of that commandery and asked him to liaise between them and me during that time. He handled that task with great aplomb. Additionally, his service on the committee on tactics has been especially important over the past three years and I was very pleased to present him the Nye award as well. 3) Lastly, I presented SK David Walters with the Nye award for his long service as Grand Treasurer of our Grand Commandery, as well as service in the Manchester York Rite Bodies at the business meeting in April. He has done tremendous work for us over the years and I know that in the past three years has worked under some difficult circumstances, such as two trees splitting his house apart this past fall, but through it all has been a beacon of positivity and an example of Templar character. Congratulations to these three Sir Knights. I was honored to approve the awarding of the Knights Templar Cross of Honor to SK Benjamin Langlois of St. George Commandery this year. While young in years, SK Ben has much wisdom and has had Templary in his heart when acting with his brothers and fellow man. He served as Eminent Commander of St. George during a time when the future of the commandery was uncertain; rather than throw in the towel, he rolled up his sleeves and organized his men. He put together a plan of action and delivered. Men like that in this day in age are rare, and so to honor him with the KTCH was a definite no-brainer for me in signing off on his paperwork. Congratulations Sir Knight Langlois but be warned, you have many years left ahead of you, and your work in the asylum is far from over. Grand Representatives I was pleased to approve Sir Knight Dale A. Olson to serve as the Grand Representative to New Hampshire near the Grand Commandery of Ohio this chivalric year. SK Olson is the Grand Standard Bearer of the Grand Commandery of Ohio and replaced SK August (Jerry) Holzer who passed away last May. I made no nominations of Grand Representatives to other Grand Commanderies this year as the last two Grand 48

49 Commanders, and in my first term, sought fit to sure up the holes we had at the time. I am pleased that we have a solid group of Sir Knights who serve as Grand Representative and engage their counterparts on a regular basis. Concerns I will begin by mentioning a concern that I first offered last year, and it is, in general, a commitment as a grand officer in any of the three grand bodies. The same weight of importance should follow in the grand lines of York Rite as it does in Grand Lodge; this isn t to say things happen from time to time and that excused absences shouldn t be granted but being asked to serve as a Grand Officer is a great honor, and we should all treat it as such. Further, by standing for office as a dais officer in the constituent bodies, you must remember, that just like in Grand Lodge, there are required meetings of the Grand Commandery you must attend. Again, it is a commitment, and it isn t lost on me that many of our commitments in the York Rite are across all levels of Freemasonry because we are her leaders and doers. Rightly or wrongly, there has been territorialism between the remaining six commanderies of this state for many years. I will say that every Sir Knight should have pride in their home commandery, after all, it is THEIR commandery! However, our knightly task is to preserve our order which means we must assist our sister commanderies when they need it. In the end, whether your bodies are in Lancaster or Nashua, Concord or Portsmouth, Rochester or Manchester, we must support each other as the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire. We must not knock other commanderies, we must work to strengthen our own we must puff each other up, assist in the work if needed. After all the successes of each commandery are the successes of all commanderies in this honorable jurisdiction. Please remember that in your future conduct! Recommendations With respect to my first stated concern, when orders are published, especially those requiring attendance at stated or special conclaves of this Grand Commandery, it is required that grand and constituent dais officers attend, unless illness or infirmity dictates otherwise. I recommend we get serious about our commitments when volunteering for office: Sir Knights, if you cannot commit to the few required meetings of this Grand Commandery, it may be best to step aside for the good of the order. Conclaves of Instruction are a useful tool for all Sir Knights in our Grand Commandery. I strongly recommend all future Grand Commanders keep this practice alive; perfecting our work means we will only get stronger, and we can all always use a bit of a refresher. Our tactics have become clearer and easier to enact across the state; instruction at these conclaves on our tactics are a valuable use of time and should continue. Our Grand Commandery s financial support of DeMolay remains a significant portion of our annual budget; originally at $400 when I assumed office, we have increased the donation to $500, and if future budgets allow for an increase, we should consider it. Our direct connection to DeMolay is obvious, but more importantly, these are the youth who may replace us, and they should see our support whenever possible. It is obvious that until such a time where the numbers are such that the individual commanderies within New Hampshire can perform the work individually, they must continue to team up for inspections, and likely the work in general. This is okay especially as now each commandery has done the work of all three orders over the last three years. The point is, we can t stop! We ve got momentum, we ve got people interested in the work and stepping in keep going Sir Knights! To the incoming Grand Commander, I recommend that you encourage strong communication between the constituent bodies and all of your officers. This has been a problem for the past several years and although it is slightly better, there is more work to be done. Our centralized York Rite Google calendar is more complete 49

50 these days than it has ever been, yet there are still holes from certain bodies regarding meeting dates, special events, and work in the degrees and orders. In order to survive as a Rite, we must thrive as a Rite. We can only do that if we know what is happening in our state. Acknowledgements and Conclusion Last year, at the conclusion of my first term, I gave many sentiments of thanks to people used to receiving them; so, I m not going to do that again this year. Instead I simply want to acknowledge and thank all the Sir Knights of this Grand Commandery and others around the department and country who offered support, kindness, wisdom, and friendship during my stewardship of this wonderful organization. More particularly to the Sir Knights of Trinity Commandery I love being a member of our commandery and I love the support you have offered me over the past two years. I am firmly in your debt and I look forward to coming back and doing some work this year for the Order of the Temple inspection. I have dibs on Senior Warden! I will of course thank my wife Jennifer for her steadfast support of me in my Masonic endeavors. I also want to thank a member of the Grand Master s Club of the Eye Foundation, my son Henry, as my inspiration and my legacy. I was involved in Freemasonry for twelve years before Henry made his appearance, but at no time did it become clearer to me why I was so deeply involved until I became a dad. I love this fraternity and I want other men to love it for centuries to come, and it is my fervent hope that someday I will be lucky enough to Raise Henry to the five points of fellowship, and sometime later dub and create him a knight of our magnanimous order. I d like to close this report with similar thoughts to last year: our order is unique in Freemasonry. We are unapologetically Christian. Indeed, the Grand Encampment regulations state that a petitioner must be a firm believer in the Christian religion, but that doesn t mean we laud our Christianity over anyone else, especially our Brother Freemasons. Rather, it reminds us of the time when a man tried to trick our Savior by asking him which of the commandments was greatest. Christ s answer was so simple yet so meaningful, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your strength and all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself. So, go out, be part of the Jesus movement, spread the good news; love God, love your neighbor, and love our ancient and gentle craft! Respectfully Submitted, SK Paul C. Smith Grand Commander ( ) 50

51 REPORT OF THE JURISPRUDENCE COMMITTEE 2018 To RE Sir Knight Paul C. Smith, Right Eminent Grand Commander and the Officers and Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of New Hampshire: It is the duty of the Jurisprudence Committee to evaluate the actions and activities of the Right Eminent Grand Commander relative to the requirements of the Grand Regulations and the general expectations of the Sir Knights of this Grand Jurisdiction. The contents of this report are based on a review of requests for guidance during the Grand Commander's term of office and the contents of the Grand Commander's Report. On initial review of the Grand Commander s Annual Report, the Committee did not observe any commissions or omissions requiring consideration for change. The Committee commends the Grand Commander for submitting both a timely and comprehensive report of his activities. Additionally, we commend him for his use of this Committee in an advisory capacity in those instances where regulatory actions by the Grand Commander were required. We find that the actions taken, and decisions made by the Grand Commander were within the purview of his authority and in accordance with constitutional requirements. We also commend him for the extent of his activities in behalf of this Grand Commandery both within and without the state. Right Eminent Sir, thank you for the opportunity to serve both you and this Grand Commandery. It has been interesting working with you the past two years, and we wish you nothing but the best in your future Masonic endeavors. In the Faith, SK Thomas X. Tsirimokos, KCT, PDC SK Paul M. Leary, KCT, PGC Richard F. Cole, Jr., KCT, PGC, Chairman 51

52 GRAND COMMANDERY KNIGHTS TEMPLAR NH 2017 Grand Officers Grand Commandery of New Hampshire Officers Paul C. Smith RE Grand Commander H. Stephen Wood VE Deputy Grand Commander David S. Collins E Grand Generalissimo Andy M. Lord E Grand Captain General Patrick J. O Sullivan E Grand Senior Warden Earl W. Cole, Jr. E Grand Junior Warden David R. Walters E Grand Treasurer Dennis A. Sheridan, REPGC E Grand Recorder Paul M. Leary, REPGC E Grand Prelate Daniel P. Gilbert Jeremy W. Allin Jackson E. Marston Benjamin J. Langlois E Grand Standard Bearer E Grand Sword Bearer E Grand Warder E Grand Sentinel Special Administrative Officers R. Bradley Alderfer, PGC, E. Inspector General Thomas X. Tsirimokos, PDC, E. Assistant Inspector General Robert L. Sutherland, Jr., PGC, E. Deputy Grand Treasurer Robert M. Porter, PGC, E. Deputy Grand Recorder Thomas X. Tsirimokos, PDC, E. Grand Assistant Prelate Michael F. Yannetti, Aide to the Grand Commander Paul C. Smith, NH Editor, Knights Templar Magazine 52

53 ELECTION OF OFFICERS The previous Nominating Committee Report was again presented which said the candidates who had filed be recommended for advancement as Grand Officers for the year. This was officially voted favorably, and the Officers declared elected. INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS The Grand Officers elected for the next term were installed into Office at the end of the Conclave. SK H. Stephen Wood and his Officer Line were installed by the team of: SK Richard f. Cole, Jr, REPDC - Installing Commander SK, Paul M. Leary, REPGC - Installing Prelate SK Dennis A. Sheridan, REPGC - Installing Marshal GRAND YORK RITE BANQUET The combined York Rite Banquet was held at 7:00 p.m. in the dining facility in the Holiday Inn in Concord on Friday May 11th. A fine banquet was enjoyed by all, and speeches were kept minimized. The Grand Commander thanked all who had made this a successful venture. The last speakers were Sir Knight Lawrence E. Tucker, RE Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment and Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master Brother Kenneth A. Clay, Jr., who gave concluding remarks. RE Grand Commander Smith was presented with his PGC Plaque.. Following the conclusion of the Banquet, the guests went to the Hotel s Hospitality Room to further fraternal relations with our guests. Respectfully submitted, Dennis A. Sheridan, PGC, KCT Grand Recorder, Grand Commandery NH 53

54 GRAND COMMANDERY KNIGHTS TEMPLAR NH Grand Commandery Officers for H. Stephen Wood RE Grand Commander David S. Collins Andy M. Lord Patrick J. O Sullivan Earl W. Cole, Jr.Daniel P. Gilbert David R. Walters Dennis A. Sheridan (REPGC) Paul M. Leary (REPGC) Benjamin J. Langlois Glen E. Eldredge Jackson E. Marston Arthur W. Stauff VE Deputy Grand Commander E Grand Generalissimo E Grand Captain General E Grand Senior Warden E Grand Junior Warden E Grand Treasurer E Grand Recorder E Grand Prelate E Grand Standard Bearer E Grand Sword Bearer E Grand Warder E Grand Sentinel Special Administrative Officers Richard F. Cole, Jr. (REPGC) Robert L. Sutherland, Jr. (REPGC) Robert L. Sutherland, Jr. (REPGC) Robert M. Porter (REPGC) Thomas X. Tsirimokos (REPDC-NE) Patrick J. O Sullivan E Inspector General E Assistant Inspector General E Deputy Grand Treasurer E Deputy Grand Recorder E Grand Assistant Prelate NH Editor of Knights Templar Magazine 54

55 LIVING PAST GRAND COMMANDERS PHILIP HENRY WHITE 1983 RONALD EDGAR METCALF 1986 DOUGLAS LOCKHART ROBERTSON, SR ROBERT LAWSON SUTHERLAND, JR HERBERT H. HUTCHINSON 1998 JAMES S. SPENCE 2000 MELVIN LEE COVEY 2001 THOMAS XENOPHON TSIRIMOKOS 2002 RICHARD F. COLE, JR WILLIAM FRANK CURTIS 2004 ALLEN LEWIS ILSLEY 2007 DENNIS ALLAN SHERIDAN 2008 ROBERT DE YOUNG STEEL 2009 DWIGHT VINCENT MEADER 2010 HAROLD M. CHASE, JR JOHN S. GEAS 2012 R. BRADLEY ALDERFER 2013 ROBERT M. PORTER 2014 PAUL M. LEARY 2015 PAUL C. SMITH HONORARY PAST GRAND COMMANDERS RODNEY ARTHUR ROBINSON 2006 ROGER ARTHUR DOILLETTE, SR GERALD F. BUEHRER 2014 ANDREW JACKSON

56 Grand Commandery Committees for 2018 Standing Committees for Jurisprudence: RICHARD F. COLE, JR., Thomas X. Tsirimokos, Paul M. Leary Grievances: RICHARD F. COLE, JR., Thomas X. Tsirimokos, Paul M. Leary Finance & Budget: DAVID S. COLLINS, Andy M. Lord, Patrick J. O Sullivan, Earl W. Cole, Jr. Tactics: PATRICK J. O SULLIVAN, Thomas X. Tsirimokos, Paul C. Smith Membership: DANIEL P. GILBERT, David Collins, Patrick O Sullivan, Joseph Rella, Michael Tebbets Public Relations & Publicity: DENNIS A. SHERIDAN, Andy M. Lord, Earl W. Cole, Jr. Eye Foundation: H. STEPHEN WOOD, David S. Collins, Andy M. Lord Unfinished Business: DENNIS A. SHERIDAN, Robert M. Porter, Jackson E. Marston Patriotic Activities: EARL W. COLE, JR., Benjamin J. Langlois Triennial: H. STEPHEN WOOD, David S. Collins, Andy M. Lord, Patrick J. O Sullivan, Earl W. Cole, Jr. Credentials: ROBERT M. PORTER, Kaleb R. Brown, Benjamin J. Langlois, Michael F. Yannetti Special Committees for Youth (DeMolay/Rainbow/Scouts): SAMUEL VARGABEDIAN Holy Land Pilgrimage: H. STEPHEN WOOD, Thomas X. Tsirimokos, Paul M. Leary York Rite Cooperation: H. STEPHEN WOOD, David S. Collins *-Chairman of the committee is listed in ALL CAPS. Educational Foundation: Committee Members are Elected Glen R. Gordon (2019), Scott M. Ayen (2020), William F. Curtis (2021), Paul M. Leary (2022), Paul C. Smith (2023) Recorder ~ Paul C. Smith Treasurer ~ Robert L. Sutherland, Jr. 56

57 NEW HAMPSHIRE LIVING RECIPIENTS OF THE GRAND ENCAMPENT KNIGHTS TEMPLAR CROSS OF HONOR The award shall be made only for exceptional and meritorious service rendered to the Order, far beyond the call of duty and beyond the service usually expected of an Officer or Member.: 1973 Richard W. Watson Trinity Commandery 1984 Richmond H. Hoyt Mt. Horeb Commandery 1991 Melvin L. Covey Pilgrim Commandery 1993 Nathaniel C. Foss, Jr. Trinity Commandery 1995 Leonard S. Sousa Trinity Commandery 1996 Shirley H. Sheppard Mt. Horeb Commandery 1997 Rodney A. Robinson DeWitt Clinton Commandery 1998 Aldine Jack Tillotson No. Star-St. Gerard Commandery 2002 David E. Lewis No. Star-St. Gerard Commandery 2003 Andrew Jackson Trinity Commandery 2004 Gerald F. Buehrer DeWitt Clinton Commandery 2005 Not Issued 2006 Not Issued 2007 Raymond T. Robb Mt. Horeb Commandery 2008 Not Issued 2009 Thomas A. Ladd No. Star-St. Gerard Commandery 2010 Charles J. Lewis, Jr. No. Star-St. Gerard Commandery 2011 H. Stephen Wood Palestine Commandery 2012 Not Presented 2013 Glen R. Gordon De Witt Clinton Commandery 2014 Alan M. Robinson De Will Clinton Commandery 2015 David S. Collins No. Star-St. Gerard Commandery 2016 Earl W. Cole, Jr. Mount Horeb Commandery No Michael F. Yannetti Trinity Commandery No Benjamin J. Langlois St. George Commandery No. 8 REV. JONATHAN NYE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL 2017 Scott M. Ayen 2017 Patrick J. O Sullivan 2018 David R. Walters 57

58 RECIPENTS OF THE KNIGHT COMMANDER OF THE TEMPLE Philip H. White Ronald E. Metcalf Rodney A. Robinson James S. Spence Dennis A. Sheridan Dwight V. Meader William F. Curtis R. Bradley Alderfer Richard F. Cole, Jr. Robert L. Sutherland, Jr. Paul M. Leary John B. Clark Scott M. Ayen H. Stephen Wood George L. Baldwin KNIGHT COMPANION OF THE TEMPLE Eileen Metcalf Jo Drown Ruth Heuss Kathy Younker Marge Gilbert Georgia Sousa Pat Morrison Barbara Ashley Lucy Keyser Marci Curtis Virginia Tsirimokos Margaret Leary Monique Wood Virginia Tsirimokos Joan L. Smith 58

59 THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE MEMORIAL SERVICE CALL TO WORSHIP REGC Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth or the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. So, teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Our Lord Jesus Christ said: Let not your heart be troubles; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Saint Paul testified: And who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death not life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present not things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God; and if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Let us pray. Almighty God, our loving Heavenly Father, we humbly lift our hearts to Thee. Remember in loving mercy those bereaved ones now before Thee. Be Thou at this hour the comforting Father of all who mourn. Administer unto them the consolation they so sorely need. Cause us to look above this scene of mortality to the life which lies in Thy immortality. Lead us, by Thy grace and spirit, to seek those things which make for our everlasting peace, and fix our thoughts more devotedly on Thee, the only sure refuge in time of need; and at last when our earthly pilgrimage shall have ended, when the silver cord shall be loosed, and the golden bowl be broken, wilt Thou O Father, be indeed Immanuel God with us. May the lamp of Thy love dispel the gloom of the dark valley, and may we be enabled by our faith in Thy Son to gain admission into the blessed temple above. We pray in his name. Amen. Grand Commander: Our departed Sir Knights were taught that the sword, in the hands of a true and courteous Knight, was endowed with three excellent qualities; its hilt with justice impartial; its blade with fortitude undaunted and its point with mercy unrestrained. He could never grasp it 59

60 without being reminded of the attributes it symbolized, and to these attributes with their deep significance we renew our pledge. An inspired and heartening hope leads us to the comforting belief that he met the trying hour with fortitude undaunted and waking in the dawn of a new day has received justice, tempered with mercy unrestrained, which is the glorious attribute of the Son of God, and entering through the gates into the City, has been admitted to the blessed companionship of just men, made perfect in the realms of light and life eternal. The Cross, that emblem so beloved by the Christian World, is beautifully described by these words: In the Cross of Christ, I glory, Towering o er the wrecks of time. All the light of sacred story, Gathers round its head sublime. This symbol of the Christian s hope and trust, we again place upon the breast of our Sir Knight. Handed down to us through the ages, it will always remain the symbol of our faith and the mark or a Christian Knight. It calls to mind Gethsemane and Golgotha, but as Christian Knights we look at the Cross of our Lord through the open tomb. The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us a triumphant Cross. The Apostle Paul knew the Cross only from the resurrection side. If this inspired Apostle glorified in its truth, so ought we to rejoice in it as a conquering symbol, that death has been vanquished. May this hope expressed by the Cross have been the anchor to the soul of our Sir Knight, the token to admit him to the peaceful have, where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. To his mourning friends and loved ones who are most heart-stricken by the loss they have sustained, we tender our sincere sympathy. May your faith in our Heavenly Father bring you peace and hope. He, who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb, looks down with infinite compassion upon these bereaved ones in their hour of desolation, and the same benevolent Savior who wept over the grave at Bethany, will enfold within the arms of His bounteous love all those who put their trust in Him. We are aware that man s life on earth, at its longest, is but a footprint upon the sands of time. In his anguish Job asked a question that is as old as death itself; Of a man die, shall he live again? It is a question that is found in every sob of sorrow. It is a question that is really a prayer. Into the ancient world with its questions came Christ s resurrection, declaring that life is mightier than death, and love can never lose its own. Christ appeared in the splendor of the start at Christmas and reappeared in the beauty of the lilies at Easter that we might know the truth of everlasting life. Therefore, in answer to Job s question; It a man die, shall he live again?, the great Captain of our Salvation answers: I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Before our Lord entered into the tomb, all the footprints of humanity pointed toward the grave. But Christ, the great Savior of men, set His face in the other direction, away from the tomb, and now those who are His shall follow Him. Forasmuch as the spirit of our departed Sir Knights have entered into the life immortal, we remember their Knightly qualities and commend their spirits unto God. We can confidently leave them in the hands of an Eternal Father who has done all things well. Delivered from the limitations 60

61 of this life, his spirit lives and abides in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ; whose life is the judgment of our works and whose resurrection is the pledge of our immortality, Sir Knights, Trinity No. 1 Thomas K. Lalos Roderick D. Morrison Jr., PHREGC Leonard S. Sousa, PC Roy H. Stewart De Witt Clinton No. 2 Haven H. Hayes Nathaniel H. Sawyer, PREGC Nelson K. Ward Leo H. Storey Calvin C. Wilder Mount Horeb No. 3 Neil A. Hastings Peter S. Karagianis Allen R. Tice St. George No. 8 Leslie J. Miller Rock W. Romeo Roland F. Young, Jr. Palestine No. 11 Armand F. Wood 61

62 Farewell, and may the sunshine of Heaven beam bright on thy waking. Let us pray. Almighty God, Thou whose mercies cannot be numbered, accept our prayers on behalf of Thy servants departed, and fulfill their lives in the land of light and joy, and in the fellowship of Thy Saints, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Hear us as we unite in the prayer of our Lord. Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be one in earth, as it is in heave. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. Now the laborer s task is o er, Now the battle day is past. Now upon the farther shore, Lands the voyager at last. There the tears of earth are dried, There its hidden things are clear. There the work of life is tried, By a juster judge than here. Father, in Thy Gracious keeping, Leave we now Thy servants sleeping. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace, both now and evermore. Amen. (Adapted from the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar s Manual of Public Ceremonies, Knight Templar Memorial Service) 62

63 Personal History Nathaniel Haley Sawyer Past Grand Commander SK Sawyer was born in Sanford Maine on June 2, 1928 the son of Guy and Caroline Sawyer. He attended Rochester NH schools graduating from Spaulding High school in He then joined the regular army following graduation. Serving in the transportation corps as a machinist and diesel mechanic at Fort Eustis VA and was discharged in He attended Wentworth Institute in Boston,following graduation He became employed by Pope Machine Corp. in Haverhill MA, where He was employed for 43 years and retired in He passed to the celestial Lodge above on December 9, He met and married Marilyn Louise Ames on July 3, 1951 and they were blessed with three children. Nathaniel H. Sawyer Jr. (Chip), Christina L. Sawyer, and Lorna J. Sawyer. They have been married for 54 years, are blessed with seven Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren. Masonic Record Blue Lodge Raised in Gideon Lodge #84 in Kingston NH Jan receiving His 50 year medal in 2005 Elected Worshipful Master of Gideon Lodge in Dec Capitular Masonry Anointed in St. Albans Chapter #15 in Exeter and served as High Priest in , &1980. He served the Grand Chapter as ME Grand High Priest in , member of the Order of High Priesthood served as ME President. He was also an Honorary member of Washington Chapter in Portsmouth. Cryptic Masonry Greeted in Olivet Council #11 of Exeter served as ~ Illustrious Master in 1969&1970, received the Super Excellent Degree in Orphan Council in Dover. Member of the Order of the Silver Trowel. He was Elected and Installed Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons on May 12, 2007, and was Grand Representative of the Grand Council of Wyoming near NH. Chivalric Masonry Knighted in Dewitt Clinton Commandery in Portsmouth NH, served as Eminent Commander in 1998, Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery KT of NH 2005, Member Past Commanders Association, Member of Newburyport Commandery in Newburyport Ma. Grand Representative of the Grand Commandery of California near NH. 63

64 Appendant Orders Profile York Rite College #100 - served as Pre-eminent Governor and elevated to Right Eminently Distinguished Brother, Order of the Purple Cross, and Grand Governor for the York Rite Sovereign College of North America from Scenic Council Knight Masons - served as Excellent Chief in 1995 Palestine Tabernacle XLI HRAKTP member as of 12/13/1998 Granite State Conclave Red Cross of Constantine Past Puissant Sovereign 2006 NH Priory No. 58 Knights of the York Cross of Honour member as of 2006 Past Officers Assoc. State of Maine - member Order of Old Saratoga - member Bektash Shriners-member Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite - member of Valley of Portsmouth-Dover and NH Consistory 32 Degree of Nashua NH as of 4/1/

65 In Memoriam To the Memory of the Deceased Of Our Sisters Grand Jurisdictions 65