TO: NH State Council Officers

FROM: Jay Morris, District Master

SUBJECT: March 1 Update

DATE: March 1, 2025

Worthy NH Officers. I apologize for not being with you this morning. I am in EMT class on Saturdays through June! Here is the lastest 4th Degree news:

Chip and I attended the 125th Anniversary of the 4th Degree at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City last weekend. It was a fantastic event! The new Ceremonial was used for the first time, and after some adjustments are made, it should be released for use moving forward. Some of the format of the ceremony has changed, but more importantly, the Degree is now open to family and friends of the candidates! As you know, we have an “Exemplification of Patriotism” (new title) scheduled for this March 22 in Laconia, and depending when they release the Ceremonial, Captain Ed Kennedy has indicated he might like to use it.

The District of New Hampshire membership quota is 112. We have 6 from June, 6 from September, and have about a dozen registered for Laconia in March. I’ve reached out to District Deputies asking for their help in encouraging their Councils to recruit for their regional Assemblies. Chip and I have also been visiting Assemblies and Councils to recruit as well as to offer support.

After consultation with the Vice Supreme Master and with our own Marshall, Chip Lukitsch, I’ve decided to appoint Denis Querrard as a second District Marshall, focusing on the northern part of the State. With more Sir Knights joining their Assembly Color Corps, and more requests for Honor Guards for various events, logistically it will be easier to have one of the 3 of us at most events by adding Denis to the team.

With Greg Tallon’s help, I’ve tried to add a number of features to the State website, including an Assembly of the Month “in the Spotlight” . Greg has been great to work with, and is extremely responsive when I ask for an addition or change.

As always, I am very appreciative of your support of the 4th Degree, and welcome any suggestions or ideas you may have to make it grow. We are well above the National average for 4th Degree membership (32% vs 24%) but we can do so much more!

Thanks again, and Vivat Jesus!

Jay Morris, District Master