It is my sad duty to report Brother Andrew F. Hirst, PNC, (2011-2012), laid down his working tools and he passed to the Grand Commander of us all on 23 July 2022.

Andrew Hirst was born in Sackets Harbor, NY on 19 May 1933 to Raymond and Ethel Hirst (Dyer). Andy’s father served in the U.S. Army for 12 years and was honorably discharged at in Madison Barracks in Sackets Harbor, and he spent the rest of his working career with the New York Central Railroad. Andrew resided in Watertown, NY, where he attended public schools up to the tenth grade, when he dropped out to enlist in the U.S. Army.

Andrew Hirst’s first assignment was to Basic Training at Fort Meade, MD from August to October 1950. In November 1950, he attended Cook School and then was assigned to Kelly Barracks, GE as a cook from January 1951 to July 1953. In July 1953, he was honorably discharged the first time. During his five-year absence from the military, Andrew obtained his General Educational Development Degree. In December 1958, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Sill, OK, again as a cook. While at Fort Sill Andrew Hirst applied for Nuclear Weapons School at Sandia Base NM. After finishing Nuclear Weapons School, he was stationed at Thule AB, Greenland during 1960, after which he was assigned to Fort Story VA during 1961. From 1962 to 1965, he was stationed in Okinawa, at which time he got into the administration field. He departed Okinawa in May 1965 for Army Recruiting School at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN, and then on to Portsmouth NH as an Army recruiter. His next assignment was at Yale University in New Haven, CT for four years, supporting the Army ROTC program. In 1969, he was honorably discharged the second time. After returning to Portsmouth, NH and four years later, he re-enlisted in 1973 in the 76th Division, U.S. Army Reserves as a Drill Sergeant, was ultimately promoted to 1SG, and retired in 1983, with a cumulative total of 26 years of service. His awards include the Occupation Medal Europe, Good Conduct Medal with three knots, and USAR Medal.

Brother Andrew Hirst was raised a Master Mason in Loo Choo Lodge #172 in Okinawa on 4 Dec 1964. He affiliated with Saint James Lodge #102 in Hampton NH in 1973; was Worshipful Past Master in 1991, was Lodge ritualist and prompter in 1992 to present, was Lodge Secretary 2001-2006, and was Lodge Chaplain at various times. He was Grand Marshal for the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire in 1995-2007. He was elected a permanent member of NH Grand Lodge in 2008. In Scottish Rite, he joined the Valley of Okinawa (A.A.S.R.S.J) in January 1965 and affiliated with the A.A.S.R.N.M.J. as a dual member in 1973. He is a Past Thrice Potent Master in the Valley of Portsmouth-Dover, NH. In 2001, he was elevated to the rank of Knight Commander Court of Honor of the A.A.S.R.S.J. at its 200th Anniversary, which was held in Charleston SC. In 2005, he was coroneted a 33° I.G.H. by the A.A.S.R.S.J. in Washington D.C. In York-Rite, he is a member or RAM, R&SM, and KT bodies in New Hampshire. In Shrine, he is a member of Bektash Shrine Concord, NH since 1985 and a member of Cycle Patrol from 1985 through 1998.

National Sojourners & Heroes of ’76: Brother Hirst joined Portsmouth Chapter #386 in 2004 and was Chapter President in 2007-08. He became a Hero in General William Whipple Camp, Heroes of ’76, in 2004 and was Camp Commander in 2006-07. At the National level, he was an Area Representative for Northern New England Area, and received the Memphis Cup in 2008. He was member of the Committee of 33, Chapter Revitalization and Chartering Committee, and Education and Training Committee. He is an Emeritus Member and was the National Commander in 2011-12 and received the Van Deventer Award in 2016.