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An acolyte from New Ipswich Congregational Church blesses a biker at the Catheral of the Pines on Saturday. -
Bad weather forced part of the Blessing of the Bikes ceremony inside at the Cathedral of the Pines Saturday. -
Bikers came from around the state and Massachusetts for the ceremony. -
Pastor Ken Whitson of the New Ipswich Congregational Church urges those in attendance to “look out for themselves,” not just each other. -
The Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association at the Cathedral of the Pines Saturday for the Blessing of the Bikes ceremony.
Motorcycle riders gathered at the Cathedral of the Pines Saturday for the Blessing of the Bikes ceremony, an annual rite of spring that brings bikers together for the occasion.
Pastor Ken Whitson of the New Ipswich Congregational Church offered a sermon to bikers and friends who filled the Hilltop House for the midday event.
“If you’re going to look out for others, also look out for yourself,” Whitson urged.
This was Whitson’s sixth year offering blessings to the bikers. His charge was fueled by an increased awareness and concern about suicide. Many in attendance Saturday were veterans, and according to the Veterans’ Administration, New Hampshire experienced 32 veteran suicides in 2022, the most-recent year the VA is reporting.
The weather kept the numbers in attendance down from last year, when more than 700 were at the event. Michelle Lowe, executive director of Cathedral of the Pines explained this. “All the rains have made traveling long distances on bikes dangerous,” she said. Rain pelted the bikes in the cathedral’s parking lot, forcing the ceremony inside this year.
A majority of those in attendance were with the Granite Knights NH Widows Sons MRA (Masonic Riders Association) which was the catalyst for the event in 2017. A raffle was held between Whitson’s sermon and the blessing.
Bill Wilkinson came from Dorchester, Mass. for the ceremony.
“I learned about the even at a suicide prevention ride last Saturday and was invited,” he said.
Wilkinson came north with Tom Newhook of Winthrop, Mass., who like Wilkinson is a Masonic Rider. Twenty-five years ago, Freemasons who also enjoyed riding decided to “combine these passions,” said one biker who rode away before he could give his name.
Proceeds from the event and donations by clubs and individuals go to area charities such as Marguerite’s Place, which provides safe housing for women and children in Nashua; Easter Seals; and the Nashua Soup Kitchen, said Geno Martin, president of the Granite Knights.
Whitson and some acolytes blessed individual riders and their bikes with olive oil in the parking lot.
“They were blessed with olive oil, which represents the Holy Spirit,” said Whitson.
Martin shared maps with those in attendance that suggest various routes that could be taken following the event. By early afternoon, the rain had stopped, and the bikers headed out toward Prescott Road under brightening skies.