Free & Accepted Masons of New Hampshire

The Free & Accepted Masons of New Hampshire, a nonprofit organization, is an integral part of the Masonic tradition in the United States. It operates under the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Hampshire.

History

The Grand Lodge of New Hampshire was formally established on July 8, 1789, when five Freemasons met at the William Pitt Tavern in Portsmouth, NH. The founding members included Brothers Hall Jackson, Joseph Bass, Nathaniel Folsom, Nathaniel Adams from St. John's Lodge in Portsmouth, and Brother Alpheus Moore from Rising Sun Lodge in Keene, NH. John Sullivan was elected as the first Grand Master, but he had to be installed as the Master of his lodge before taking the Grand Master position due to Masonic requirements. This was rectified on April 8, 1790, when Sullivan was installed as Grand Master[1][4].

Masonic Lodges

One of the oldest and most significant Masonic lodges in New Hampshire is St. John's Lodge, No. 1, located in Portsmouth. This lodge has a rich history dating back to 1736 and is noted for its involvement in the American Revolution and the broader development of Freemasonry in the United States[2].

Impact and Membership

As of January 2019, there were over 5,088 registered Freemasons in New Hampshire, affiliated with 58 regular lodges and four special lodges. Despite many Freemasons moving from other jurisdictions, these numbers represent those officially registered within the state's Masonic community[1].

Freemasonry in New Hampshire During the Civil War

During the Civil War, Freemasonry played a notable role within military units from New Hampshire. The 5th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry included many Masons, and they were granted permission to form a traveling lodge, known as the Hughes Army Lodge. Despite facing heavy losses, the lodge continued to operate and educate new members[3].

Grand Masters

The Grand Lodge has been led by several influential Grand Masters throughout its history, including notable figures such as John Sullivan, Hall Jackson, and Nathaniel Adams, each contributing to the growth and stability of Freemasonry in New Hampshire[4].

[1] https://www.nhgrandlodge.org/history/ [2] https://portsmouthfreemasons.org/st-johns-lodge/a-synoptic-history-of-st-johns-lodge-no-1-f-a-m/history-of-st-johns-lodge/ [3] https://5thnewhampshirevolunteerinfantry.home.blog/2021/10/22/the-5th-new-hampshire-and-freemasonry/ [4] https://www.nhgrandlodge.org/past-grand-masters/ [5] https://www.gilmantonnhhistory.org/ckfinder/userfiles/files/GeneResearch/FreeAndAcceptedMasons1972.pdf