St. John's Lodge (Portsmouth, New Hampshire) facts for kids
Current meeting hall of St. John's Lodge
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| Formation | 1736 |
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| Location | |
| Affiliations | Grand Lodge of New Hampshire |
St. John's Lodge in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States, is a very old and important group. It is the oldest Masonic lodge in New Hampshire. A Masonic lodge is like a local club for Freemasons. Freemasonry is one of the oldest social groups in the world. St. John's Lodge was also one of the two main groups that helped start the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire. It began way back in 1736. Some people even think it might be the oldest Masonic lodge that has been running without stopping in all of North and South America! Another lodge, Solomon's Lodge in Savannah, Georgia, also claims this title.
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History of St. John's Lodge
How the Lodge Began
In 1735, six Freemasons in Portsmouth wanted to create an official lodge. They asked the Grand Master of Masons in Boston for permission. Their request was dated February 5, 1736, and also June 25, 1735. They said they already had their own rules, called a "constitution." It is believed their request was approved soon after.
The Grand Lodge of New Hampshire says that a person named Robert Tomlinson officially started St. John's Lodge in Portsmouth in 1736. He had special permission from the Earl of Loundon, who was a Grand Master of Masons in England. We don't know the exact day the lodge started, but we know for sure it was active by 1736.
Growing in New Hampshire
For many years, St. John's Lodge was the only Masonic lodge in New Hampshire. Then, on March 20, 1762, the Grand Lodge of St. John's allowed Portsmouth to have a second lodge. This new lodge was called St. Patrick's. However, it didn't officially start until March 30, 1763.
Later, in 1790, St. Patrick's Lodge closed down. Its remaining members then joined St. John's Lodge.
Starting the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire
In 1789, leaders from five different lodges, including St. John's, met in Portsmouth. They decided that a Grand Lodge should be created for the state of New Hampshire. This new Grand Lodge would follow the old rules of Freemasonry.
Soon after, the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire was officially formed on April 8, 1790. Before this, St. John's Lodge was part of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge. On April 28, 1790, St. John's Lodge asked to join the new New Hampshire Grand Lodge. A representative from St. John's Lodge was present at every meeting where the New Hampshire Grand Lodge was being planned.
Community Involvement
St. John's Lodge is very active in its community. They regularly support many charities and local events. For example, they help groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the Boy Scouts, and Toys for Tots. They also give out several scholarships to students.
The lodge also organizes and sponsors an annual 5K road race called "Out of Hibernation." This race happens every April in Portsmouth. The money raised from this race goes to different charities. Some of these include the Wounded Warrior Project and the Seacoast Family Food Pantry.
In 2011, St. John's Lodge celebrated a huge milestone. They had been operating continuously for 275 years! They marked this special occasion with a parade through Downtown Portsmouth.
Famous Members of St. John's Lodge
Many members of St. John's Lodge have held important jobs throughout history. They have served in the military, government, and public service. This includes twelve mayors of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Below are some of the well-known members of the Lodge.
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