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The Masters of the Four Square Lodges in February 2003 at the Portsmouth Masonic Temple. (left to right, with Lodge numbers): Brothers William Cochran (198), Brian Sanderson (56), Mark Ankarberg, (59), Paul Kelley (102), Ken Petruzzi (1), Donald Hands (184). In the rear, Brother Roger Clark in Revolutionary War Marine Corps uniform. (Photo: Brother Richard Marks)

The Four Square is a group of Seacoast New Hampshire and Southern Maine Lodges that meet annually on or about February 22 to commemorate George Washington's birthday. President and General George Washington, who was born on February 22, 1732 (New Style) (or February 11, 1731, Old Style), was a prominent Freemason

The Four Square Group was formed by Brother Wallace Colby Caswell, Worshipful Master of St. John's Lodge No. 1 in the year 1961. Just before 1961, Caswell called Brother Nelson Hersey, Master of St. Andrew's Lodge No. 56, and said he had an idea for a Washington's birthday celebration. Brother Hersey agreed that it was a good idea, and Brother Caswell called Brother Robert Danelson of Saint James Lodge No. 102, Hampton, NH and Brother Ray Collins of Naval Lodge No. 184, Kittery, ME. A meeting of the four Masters was scheduled and Four Square was born. Thus the original members of Four Square were St. John's Lodge No. 1, St. Andrew's Lodge No. 56, Saint James Lodge No. 102, and Naval Lodge No. 184.

The first Four Square meeting was held on February 22, 1961 with a very large attendance. St. John's Lodge was the host lodge with Brother Caswell as its Master. Thereafter each lodge took its turn in succession as host lodge.

In 1973, Star in the East Lodge No. 59, Exeter, NH was welcomed into the Four Square, and thereafter the meeting became known as Four Square + One. St. John's Lodge was again host lodge on this occasion. In 2003, St. Aspinquid Lodge No. 198, York, Maine, joined the group, and the name has now reverted to Four Square.

This information was provided by Brother Nelson Hersey, Past Master of St. Andrew's Lodge, and one of the originators of Four Square.