Straight ahead, you'll spot the St. John's Lodge-a grand, light-brick building with a sweeping, curved front, tall white columns, and the words "MASONIC TEMPLE" above the main doors; just look past the leafy trees and you'll see its elegant entrance inviting you in.
Imagine you’re standing here in the early 1700s, long coats swishing and the air thick with the scent of wood smoke and the salty breeze of Portsmouth Harbor. You’ve arrived at the doorstep of something mysterious: St. John’s Lodge, the oldest Masonic lodge in New Hampshire and, according to a rather lively debate, quite possibly the longest continuously operating lodge in all the Americas. Now, maybe you’re wondering what a bunch of Freemasons were up to in this little coastal town almost three centuries ago. Picture six men, gathered by candlelight, sharing a secret-they call themselves the “Holy and exquisite Lodge of St. John”-and they write a letter to Boston with a humble request: “Can we make this official?”
Their wish is granted, and in 1736, an emissary with a name as grand as his purpose-Robert Tomlinson-arrives wielding authority from none other than the Earl of Loundon, Grand Master of Masons in England. Just imagine the excitement and maybe even nervous laughter as Tomlinson, with parchment in hand, solemnly declares this spot as the new home of St. John’s Lodge. Back then, this was Portsmouth’s only lodge, a beacon of brotherhood in a place where news still traveled on horseback and ships. For decades, these Masons kept the flame alive, meeting in secret rooms, whispering their rituals, and probably arguing about who brought the best ale.
Now, fast-forward to 1789. The American Revolution is over, the air is electric with possibilities, and representatives from five lodges-including St. John’s-gather right here in Portsmouth. Their mission: to create the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire. The room hums with tension as they declare, “There will be a Grand Lodge, built on ancient Masonic principles!” Just one brave soul from St. John’s Lodge shows up at every meeting, keeping the Portsmouth torch burning until the statewide organization finally takes shape in 1790.
But this story isn’t just about secret handshakes and old documents. The Lodge has always had a playful side-hosting charity events, keeping kids smiling with donations to Toys for Tots, and even organizing the annual “Out of Hibernation 5K” each spring. If you listen closely, you can almost hear the thundering footsteps of runners charging through the city streets, racing to help others-a tradition as full of heart as the old Masons themselves.
Some seriously impressive folks have walked through these doors: twelve mayors of Portsmouth, decorated military heroes, public servants, and people determined to give back to their city. In 2011, the Lodge celebrated its 275th anniversary-no big deal, just a casual two and three-quarter centuries of history-with a parade so lively that it felt like the whole city joined in.
So as you take in the curved brick walls and sunlit columns, imagine the centuries of laughter, loyalty, and no small amount of mystery that have made this place a living part of Portsmouth’s soul. If these walls could talk, I suspect they’d have a secret or two they’d love to share-if you knew the right handshake!
