Many Lodges across the state have Potts Award certificates hanging on the walls of their Lodge Room or Masonic Temple/Hall. These certificates are issued from the Grand Lodge of New York “In recognition of the participation of the Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Senior and Junior Deacons, and the Senior and Junior Masters of Ceremony”. 

While the name Howard Potts may be familiar because of the name, how many New York Masons actually know about the award’s namesake?

The members of Otsego Lodge no. 138 in Cooperstown, NY are lucky enough to have the Grand Lecturer Apron that once belonged to RW Bro. Howard Williams Potts on display in their Temple’s dining room. 

Howard W. “Stub” Potts was born February 13, 1912 in Cooperstown, NY. He married Maxine Marsh of Dolgeville, NY in August of 1936. When Howard became Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of New York in 1953, Maxine acted as his secretary. In a day before cell phones, having a regular secretary was vital to RW Potts carrying out his duties. Maxine would continue in this role for the next 24 years, until Howard left the position in 1977. Upon retiring from the position, he was Grand Lecturer Emeritus until his death on November 17, 1986. 

In addition to being named Grand Lecturer Emeritus, RW Potts was presented the Henry Johnson Medal for Meritorious Service in May of 1979. 

Howard W. Potts is a name that lives on through the award named after him and the lasting impact of 24 years as the Grand Lecturer of New York. But also, anyone eating in the Cooperstown Masonic Temple’s dining room can see his apron and the Henry Johnson Medal awarded to him proudly on display. 

Written by W:.  Nathan Tweedie
Worshipful Master, Delaware River Lodge No. 439, Delhi, NY
Junior Warden, Otsego Lodge No. 138, Cooperstown, NY
Historian, Ad Orientem No. 1194, West Richmondville, NY