March 16, 2020
Brethren,
Over the past forty-eight hours the President of the United States of America has declared a National Emergency and the Governor of the State of New Hampshire has placed this state under a State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 Virus. Our political leaders are providing direction to all citizens for their own protection and I am providing additional guidance here along those lines.
On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, a notice was issued providing guidance on personal precautions you should all take when attending any Masonic meetings. This guidance should also be used regarding the ritual when opening and closing a Lodge and for any Degree work to be performed.
Due to the expanding global nature of the COVID-19 Virus, I am taking additional actions allowing the Constituent Lodges of this Grand Jurisdiction to continue to meet or to cancel Stated Communications as their Worshipful Master deems appropriate. I am issuing the attached EDICT providing specific directions to the Masters of Lodges on how to handle cancelling a Stated Communication.
You will note there is nothing in the EDICT speaking to Special Communications of a Lodge. As a point of clarification, Special Communications are called by the Master of the Lodge and can be cancelled at any time at his will and pleasure. All that is required of this action is proper and timely notification to Lodge members.
The response to the COVD-19 Virus continues to be changing by the day and I remind all my Brethren to exercise caution per the attached notices. The health and welfare of our Brethren and their families is of the utmost importance.
Be safe my Brethren.
Sincerely,
Kenneth A. Clay, Jr.
Grand Master
Click here to open the Edict in PDF format.
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