l to r: State Junior Councilor William H. M. Blake, State Master Councilor Brandon L. Thorne, Grand Master "Dad" Richard J. Stewart, Deputy State Master Councilor Justin T. Cargill and the State Marshal Steven M. Knott, Jr. (Photo by Christopher Rooney)
M.W. Richard James Stewart, the 87th Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts retired from office on Friday, December 27th. Dad Stewart is a holder of the Honorary Legion of Honor, an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council and Chairman of the DeMolay Foundation of Massachusetts. Dad Stewart asked the State Officers to be present on his final day in office and present the colors at the Installation Ceremony at 2 p.m. Dad Stewart also invited the State Master Councilor to attend the banquet the night before. SMC Brandon Thorne was asked to give brief remarks to the more than 300 guests and visitors who gathered to honor the Grand Master.
The Grand Master has been an ardent and vocal supporter of DeMolay and has attended Chapter Installations, Chevalier conferals, and every Conclave for the last five years.
Dad Stewart installed Senior DeMolay, Chevalier and Active Legion of Honor holder, "Dad" Harvey John Waugh as his successor. It is interesting to note that in addition to Dad Waugh, the Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden, Grand Marshal and Grand Sword Bearer (assistant Marshal) are all Senior DeMolays!