March 2, 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS
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MARCH REUNION
Thursday, March 12, 2026
111 Merrimack Street, Haverhill

• 6:00pm: Social Period

• 6:30pm: Open the Valley of The Merrimack and conduct any necessary business

• 6:45pm: 16°, Prince of Jerusalem
  Affectionately known as our “dinner degree,” this presentation unfolds as we gather around the table and share a meal. If you haven’t witnessed it before, it’s a Valley tradition you won’t want to miss!

• Salad, Steak Tips, Rice Pilaf, Veggies & Dessert - $25
  Reservations are required by Saturday, March 7th
  email: Bro. Jay Rivera, 32°

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MARCH E-BOARD ZOOM
The next meeting of the Executive Committee will be Thursday, March 26, 2026, 6:00pm via Zoom.
All VOTM members are welcome to attend.
To join the meeting, click here

Dinner Reservations Policy Change

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.

2026 ABBOTT SCHOLARSHIP

DUE MARCH 31, 2026

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Abbott Scholarship. The scholarship helps students who are connected to the fraternity to continue their education at an accredited institution of higher education.

Ill∴ Leon M. Abbott, for whom the scholarship is named, was a member of the Valley of Boston, the Thrice Potent Master of Boston Lafayette Lodge of Perfection from 1904 to 1906, and Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction from 1921 to 1932.

Our scholarships are investments in the future of both our country and fraternity. Students are eligible if they meet the following criteria:

A Scottish Rite Mason of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction who is in good standing;

A student directly related (bloodline or by legal means) to a Scottish Rite Mason in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction or a member of a youth organization sponsored by the Masonic fraternity in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction who is:

A high school senior, currently accepted at an accredited trade school who has attained a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale;

A high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student currently enrolled at an accredited college or university.

For more information and an application, email:
Ill. George Kopps, 33°, MSA,

Thursday Night at the Rite is Back!

TNR continues with Season 7. This year the NMJ has added online, in-depth educational discussions on most Degrees broadcasted. This is a great opportunity to see Degrees and learn more about the messages behind them.

Visit the Member Center on the NMJ website to learn more.

• Mar 12: 22nd Degree, Prince of Libanus

• Mar 19: 22° online discussion

• Mar 26: 29th Degree: Knight of St. Andrew

SPRING ONE-DAY CLASS: SATURDAY APRIL 11

Do you know a Master Mason who would like to continue their Masonic education with Scottish Rite? Invite them to our March Reunion where we’ll show the 4° and get them started in the Valley of the Merrimack.

They’ll be eligible to complete their Scottish Rite Degrees at the Valley of Boston Spring Class on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Blue Lodge Master Masons who are interested in joining should be directed to apply with the VOTM Secretary, Ill. Kevin J. Buckley Jr., 33°, MSA, soon as possible.

All 32° Scottish Rite Masons are encouraged to attend the VOB One-Day Class. It’s a great opportunity to fill up your Degree Passport. To register, click here.

Degrees of the Day:

• 9°, Master of the Temple

• 12°, Master of Mercy

• 15°, Knight of the East

• 18°, Knight of the Rose Croix

• 19°, Brother of the Trail

• 31°, My Brother’s Keeper

• 32°, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret

John Hancock Lodge & St. Matthew’s Lodge

Joint Table Lodge - Saturday, March 14, 6:00pm, Andover

45's NIGHT AND CHILI COOK-OFF

Come one, come all to 45's Night at Saint Matthew's, on Saturday evening, March 28, 2026. For just $10 you can enjoy playing 45's with friends and brothers. In addition we will having a chili cook off, so if you have a chili recipe, bring your chili to be judged with all the rest, and enjoy some delicious chili. Please contact the Senior Warden, Wor. Jason Gervais at 978-490-9165 or jghvac@hotmail.com by March 26th if you plan to attend.

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