St. John's Lodge (Portsmouth, New Hampshire) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
St. John's Lodge No. 1

Current meeting hall of St. John's Lodge
Formation	1736 (1736)
Location	Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Affiliations	Grand Lodge of New Hampshire

St. John's Lodge is a very old Masonic lodge located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in the United States. It's the oldest Masonic lodge in New Hampshire. It was also one of the two groups that helped start the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire.

The lodge began either in 1734 or 1736. It claims to be the oldest Masonic lodge that has been running continuously in North and South America. Another group, Solomon's Lodge in Savannah, Georgia, also claims this title.

The Lodge's History

In 1735, six Freemasons from a group called the "Holy and exquisite Lodge of St. John" asked the leader of the Freemasons in Boston for permission to form their own lodge. Their request was dated February 5, 1736, and June 25, 1735. They said they already had rules for their group. It's believed their request was approved soon after.

According to the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, 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. Even though the exact starting date isn't known, we know for sure the lodge existed by 1736.

St. John's Lodge was the only Masonic lodge in New Hampshire for many years. On March 20, 1762, the Grand Lodge of St. John's allowed Portsmouth to have a second lodge, called St. Patrick's. This new lodge officially started on March 30, 1763. However, St. Patrick's Lodge closed down in 1790. Its remaining members then joined St. John's Lodge.

In 1789, people from five different lodges, including St. John's, met in Portsmouth. They decided that a Grand Lodge should be created in New Hampshire. This new Grand Lodge would follow the rules of Freemasonry. 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 asked to join the new New Hampshire lodge. A representative from St. John's Lodge was present at every meeting where the New Hampshire Grand Lodge was being planned.

Helping the Community

St. John’s Lodge often helps out with charities and community events. They support groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the Boy Scouts, and Toys for Tots. They also provide several scholarships for students.

The lodge also organizes and supports the yearly "Out of Hibernation 5K road race." This race happens every April in Portsmouth on a Saturday. 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 its 275th year of being open without interruption. They marked this special occasion with a parade through Downtown Portsmouth.

Important Members

Many people who were members of St. John's Lodge held important jobs throughout history. They served in the military, in government, and in public service. This includes twelve mayors of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Here are some of the well-known members of the Lodge:

Name Notability References Cilley, JosephJoseph Cilley An American colonel in the Revolutionary War. He led soldiers in important battles. He also served in the New Hampshire Senate. Cushman, SamuelSamuel Cushman Served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for New Hampshire. Dearborn, HenryHenry Dearborn Fought in George Washington's Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He was also a commanding general in the War of 1812. He served as the 5th U.S. Secretary of War and as a U.S. Minister to Portugal. He was also a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Gilman, NicholasNicholas Gilman One of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He signed the U.S. Constitution. He was a member of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives for New Hampshire. Goodwin, IchabodIchabod Goodwin Served as the 27th Governor of New Hampshire. Hale, NathanNathan Hale An American officer in the Revolutionary War. He fought in several key battles, including the Battle of Lexington and Concord and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Harper, John AdamsJohn Adams Harper Served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for New Hampshire. Hubbard, HenryHenry Hubbard Served as the 18th Governor of New Hampshire. He was also a member of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives for New Hampshire. Jones, FrankFrank Jones Served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for New Hampshire. He was also the mayor of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Langdon, WoodburyWoodbury Langdon A delegate to the Continental Congress. He also served as a judge on the New Hampshire Superior Court. Livermore, Edward St. LoeEdward St. Loe Livermore Served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Massachusetts. He was also a judge on the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Livermore, SamuelSamuel Livermore Served as President pro tempore of the U.S. Senate. He was a member of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives for New Hampshire. Long, PiersePierse Long An American colonel in the Revolutionary War. He led soldiers in battles and was a delegate to the Continental Congress. Powell, WesleyWesley Powell Served as the 70th Governor of New Hampshire. He also chaired the National Governors Association. Scammell, AlexanderAlexander Scammell An American colonel in the Revolutionary War. He was the highest-ranking American officer killed during the Siege of Yorktown. Storer, ClementClement Storer Served as a member of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives for New Hampshire. Sullivan, GeorgeGeorge Sullivan Served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for New Hampshire. He was also the Attorney General of New Hampshire. Sullivan, JohnJohn Sullivan An American general in the Revolutionary War. He won several important battles, including helping with the Delaware crossing. He was a delegate in the Continental Congress and signed the Continental Association. He also served as the 3rd Governor of New Hampshire and as a judge. Whipple, WilliamWilliam Whipple One of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He signed the Declaration of Independence. He represented New Hampshire as a member of the Continental Congress.

Henry Dearborn Nicholas Gilman Henry Hubbard General John Sullivan William Whipple