April 27, 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS
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MAY REUNION
Thursday, May 14, 2026
111 Merrimack Street, Haverhill

• 5:30pm: Social Period

• 6:00pm: Dinner - Baked Haddock, Cole Slaw, Rice Pilaf, Broccoli & Lemon Merengue Pie - $25

• 6:45pm: Open the Valley of The Merrimack and conduct any necessary business; Election & Installation of Officers

  
  Reservations are required by Saturday, May 9th
  email: Bro. Jay Rivera, 32°

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MAY E-BOARD
The next meeting of the Executive Committee will be Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 7:00pm In-Person.
Haverhill Masonic Building
111 Merrimack Street, Haverhill
All VOTM members are welcome to attend.

PHILOSOPHIC CHAPTER of ROSE CROIX
CHARTERING CEREMONY

Saturday, June 13, 2026
111 Merrimack Street, Haverhill

• 4:00pm: Social Period

• 5:00pm: Chartering Ceremony & Installation of Officers

• 5:45pm: Dinner

• There is no charge for the meal, but Reservations are required by Saturday, June 6th
  email: Ill. Kevin J. Buckley, Jr., 33°, MSA

The much-anticipated chartering ceremony for our Philosophic Chapter of Rose Croix will take place at Freemasons Hall in the Haverhill Masonic Building on Saturday Evening, June 13, 2026.

A social get-together will start at 4:00 P.M. with hors d’oeuvre served to the arriving Brethren and guests. At 5:00 P.M. the ceremony will begin. A suite of officers from Massachusetts Council of Deliberation will be received to present the charter and install the Chapter’s first officers. A complimentary dinner will be served to all attendees in honor of the occasion.

All members of the Valley who wish to attend may bring a guest. Ladies will be welcome at the ceremony and dinner. RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST TO ENSURE THAT WE HAVE SUFFICIENT SEATING AT THE CEREMONY AND THAT ALL ARE PROPERLY ACCOMMODATED AT DINNER. PLEASE CONTACT ILLUSTRIOUS KEVIN BUCKLEY at kjbjrafam@gmail.com or (978) 420-5375 TO MAKE RESERVATIONS.

Philosophic Chapter is the first Scottish Rite body to be established in the Valley of the Merrimack since Zion Council of Princes of Jerusalem was chartered in 1961.

All members of the Valley of the Merrimack will automatically become members of Philosophic Chapter. Reduced dues will be offered to members who wish to retain membership in their original Rose Croix Chapter.

In the event of excessive heat, the event will be moved to the Andover Masonic Temple where air conditioning is available. If this becomes necessary, several days’ notice will be given.  

CHILDREN’S DYSLEXIA CENTERS FUNDRAISERS

There are two fundraisers coming up benefitting the Boston North (Lowell) and Greater Boston (Newtonville)

Some Like It Scot!: Scotch tasting paired with a four-course dinner with live music
• Saturday, June 6th, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m
• Indian Ridge Country Club, Andover, MA
• $150 per person or $1,350 per table

32nd Annual Teddy Bear Classic: 18 hole golf tournament with a cap of 144 players. Register early!
• Monday, July 27th
• Juniper Hill Golf Course, 202 Brigham St, Northborough

SERVICE EVENT

The Valley of The Merrimack is sponsoring a Blood Drive on Friday, May 15th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Haverhill Masonic Building, 111 Merrimack Street.

To register: visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “Haverhill” or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

FAMILY LIFE EVENT

On Sunday, April 26th The Valley gathered at Brown's Lobster Pound for some great seafood, laughter and camaraderie! Hope to see you at the next one.

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION

Wednesday, June 17th

Join us for the 154th Convocation of the Massachusetts Council of Deliberation

We always have a great showing.
Let’s keep up that tradition!

Needham Masonic Building, 1101 Highland Ave.
Social period: 4:45 P.M. - A light dinner will be served

Meeting Start time: 6:00 P.M. 

Dinner Reservations Policy

All members, including Officers, must make a dinner reservation to attend dinner at Valley Reunions. Standing reservations are discontinued. Members with reservations will be served first. If you do not have a reservation, you may dine if food remains, with a $10 surcharge added to the regular dinner cost. This change helps us better manage catering costs while continuing to accommodate everyone.

BLUE ENVELOPE APPEAL

The Blue Envelope Appeal is the Scottish Rite, NMJ’s oldest Jurisdiction-wide fundraising appeal. For decades, Scottish Rite Masons have supported these charitable efforts of the fraternity.

For more information, click here.

DEGREE WORKERS WANTED

If you would like to participate in our upcoming degrees, please contact Illustrious Jim Sullivan or Illustrious John Torrisi who will be very happy to hear from you. We need actors (speaking and non-speaking), and lighting, sound, and stage assistants. No experience is necessary. It’s a great way to become more active in the Valley — and to make some really great friends.

FROM THE VALLEY SENESCHAL

There have been many requests for VOTM nameplates. We’d like to place one order with Bro. LaPlante. Email our Seneschal, Bro. Michael Pitcher, II, 32°, with your preference. The cost of the nameplate is $10.

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The Valley of The Merrimack has adopted its own signature bow tie, so you can now proudly, but discreetly, proclaim your membership our Valley.

Have a look. Here's the link.

A four-in-hand tie and pocket squares in our blue and green striped pattern are also available.

One member writes: “I ordered a tie and it came from Australia in 5 days! $49 including shipping. Nice tie for any occasion, not just Valley functions.”

How do I get one? Order direct on line from OTAA.

IN OUR LODGES

Cochichewick Lodge hosts family breakfasts on the Second Sunday of the Month, July and August excepted.

Saint Matthew’s Lodge holds family breakfasts on the Third Sunday of the Month, July and August excepted.

Wamesit Lodge holds family breakfasts on the Fourth Sunday of the month, July and August excepted.

Get the latest details about upcoming events at valleyofthemerrimack.org

Valley of The Merrimack Upcoming Events is edited by Frederick N. Nowell, 33°, MSA & Daniel Burns, 32°, MSA