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Historian's Article for March 2007

St. John's 250^th Anniversary Medal

by Alan M. Robinson, P.M., Historian

The 250^th Anniversary of our Lodge in 1986 was a fantastic celebration.  22 years ago, several members of our Lodge began serious and deliberate planning for this major historic event.  They identified what they wanted to do, developed a plan of action with milestones, and assigned responsibilities for each and every detail of this momentous undertaking.  It was nothing short of amazing to be in the midst of it all.  Wor. Rodney Robinson was Master in 1985 and he led the planning effort.  His dedication and leadership, imagination, and organizational skills helped propel us into the anniversary year.  In a coming article, I will recount some of the events of that incredible year when Wor. Jack Hartman was our Master.

We struck a commemorative medal in honor of our 250^th Anniversary.  The coin was to be used as a souvenir to be purchased by members and friends of the Lodge.  At the time, Wor. Robinson explained to us that the coin would not only be a constant reminder in later years of a happy event in 1986, but that it would also serve as a fundraiser, the proceeds of which would help fund the numerous events planned for the anniversary year.

As our Historian R.W. Gerald D. Foss wrote some years ago on these pages, “The medal is made of bronze.  It is inscribed on one side with the seal of St. John’s Lodge.  The words are: ‘St Johns Lodge, Portsmouth.  Constituted 1736.’  There is no period after the letters ‘ST’ nor any apostrophe in the word ‘JOHNS.’  Within the circle is a chevron or shield which contains three objects which represent castles.  Between the two castles at the top of the chevron and the bottom is a square and compass.  At the top of the chevron is a chain which is connected with the chevron by one link.  This was known as the Arms of Freemasonry and was first granted to a company of operative masons in 1472.  This chevron with its symbols was adopted by the Grand Lodge of England when it was organized in 1717.  Its seal was changed in 1812.  The Grand Lodge of New Hampshire adopted a seal similar to that of St. John’s when it was organized in 1789.  A variance may be seen in the links at the top of the chevron.”

The medal’s reverse is a creation of the 250^th Anniversary Committee itself.  R.W. Len Henderson drew the design which appeared on all 250^th Anniversary related materials including the stationary and other commemoratives.  The inscription in the circle is “1736 St. Johns Lodge #1 F. & A.M. 1986 Portsmouth, New Hampshire.”  Within the circle is the all seeing eye, two pillars well known to every Mason and a square and compass with the letter “G.”  Under the square and compass is the inscription: “250^th Anniversary.”

5,175 coins were struck at a cost of $7,406.50 and they were immediately made available for $3 each.  Right away sales were brisk as members from all across New Hampshire clamored to have one or two.  Advertisements offering the coin were taken out in various Masonic related magazines, and orders from across North America began to be received.  Each mail order was meticulously recorded and personally filled by Wor. Rodney Robinson who placed a hand wrapped coin along with a thank you card in a special padded mailing envelope.

For a time in the early days of the coin sales, I was out in Washington State working for the Shipyard.  I asked for and received a shipment of coins and began handing them out to the brethren in the Puget Sound area in appreciation for their gracious hospitality in welcoming me into their homes and Lodges.

As we prepare for our 275^th Anniversary in 2011, it’s fun to look back at the success we enjoyed at our previous anniversary celebrations.  The 250^th Anniversary Committee’s expectation was right on when it recommended that we have a coin struck.  Not only did the sale of coins help finance our activities during the anniversary year, it helped mobilized and excite all of us.  Since 1986, our Master has presented a coin to every newly raised Mason, and he has offered one to every first-time visitor to the Lodge.  Today, our Lodge’s 250^th Anniversary medal remains a constant reminder of a truly historic and happy event.