THE electronic NORTH CAROLINA MASON May/June, 1993 vol.1 #2 The stripped-down, online version of the real thing Volume CXVII Ñ No. 3 Published every other month, The NC Mason is the official publication of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, AF&AM. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Grand Lodge or Board of Publication. Board of Publication Ñ Dalton Mayo, chairman; Reynold Davenport, James E. Stratton, J. Carroll Simmons, and H. Lloyd Wilkerson. EDITOR Ñ Ric Carter 126 Arbor Drive Washington, NC 27889 AOL: RicC Articles are by the editor unless ÒbyÓ appears after the article. Other citations are for source of information. Please feel free to pass The eNCM along to others. Any suggestions you might have would be welcomed. VOTING SUMMARY Annual Communication 1993 AMENDMENTS Qualify DDGLs for DDGM NO GS & GT Must Attend Finance Committee YES Minimum $150 Initiation Fee NO Annual Lodge of Sorrow NO Remove Jurisdictional Restraints NO Emergent Communications on Degree Conferred YES Three Cubes Needed to Reject NO RESOLUTIONS Hire Foundation Director YES Put NC Mason on Subscription NO Revise The Code YES ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF GRAND LODGE HELD Raleigh Ñ R.G. ÒRickÓ Moore was elected grand master at the 206th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. ThereÕs no official count of the total attendance at the April 20Ð21 meeting, but there were 1,258 voting delegates according to an early figure. Three hundred sixty-six lodges were represented. Boards and committees met at the Radisson in downtown Raleigh for most of Monday, the day before the real action started down the street at the Civic Center. Dignitaries attended the Grand MasterÕs Banquet on Monday night. Tuesday was pomp and circumstance day. Visitors from several other grand lodges were welcomed with full honors. Officials from the appendant bodies of North Carolina were formally received. Seventeen past grand masters were conducted to seats of honor on the stage. Most of the committee reports were submitted on Tuesday morning. In the afternoon a service was held for those Brothers who died this past year. Grand Master Ray Norris presented the report on his year in the grand east. Wednesday was crunch time. All debates and votes were held that day. Attention was more focused as delegates listened for votes that meant the most to those they represented. So, how did the votes go? A suggestion that past district deputy grand lecturers be added to the list of those qualified to serve as district deputy grand master was rejected. A DDGM must still be a master or past master to hold the office. Unless asked to excuse themselves from a meeting by vote of the committee, the grand treasurer and grand secretary will, by a newly adopted regulation, be required to be present at meetings of the finance committee. The intention is to assure that the committee has all the necessary information in detail to make financial decisions. Several proposals for big changes in the way we conduct our ritual were considered this year. Reactions to these changes were mixed. An amendment had been offered to raise the minimum fee for the degrees from the current $50 to $150. That proposal was amended on the floor to make the amount $100. Any increase was rejected and current minimum fees continue. Another attempt to allow annual Lodges of Sorrow was defeated. The amendment had been offered to allow Lodges the option to assemble at the site of a funeral rather than requiring a lodge to be opened beforehand. Delegates rejected an attempt to do away with jurisdictional restraints on blue lodge membership. The amendment would have done away with the need for waivers when a man petitioned for the degrees outside the boundaries of his nearest lodge. Problems in obtaining waivers of jurisdiction will be addressed next year by a less sweeping proposal. Soon, your lodge will be able to open and close an emergent communication on the degree to be conferred at that meeting. Candidates will no longer be made to feel like second class citizens by being forced to sit outside a lodge room as we resume labor and close a Master MasonÕs Lodge. This was a major change in the way we do business approved this year. The most fundamental change offered this year was an increase from one to three black cubes needed to reject a candidate for the degrees. The delegates defeated the measure by a large margin. The single black cube will continue to decide. All amendments to The Code take effect at low twelve (midnight EST) July 31, 1993. Three resolutions were also presented to the Annual Communication. A move to place The North Carolina Mason on a subscription only basis was soundly defeated. The move would have required that you pay a fee in addition to what you already pay for The Mason to receive it. The resolution was strongly opposed by the Board of Publication of The North Carolina Mason. Two other measures were put before the Annual Communication for a second straight year. Should we revise The Code? Last year the answer was no. There were apparently attempts made to decipher our bylaws since then. This year the effort was approved. The Committee On Revision has been directed to return the new edition in 1995, but under no circumstances later than our 1996 Annual Communication. Delegates last year rejected the hiring of a director for the Masonic Foundation. An amended version of that proposal was approved this year. The directorÕs primary job will be to develop long term funding for our charities. The major change to the offering is a requirement that the position be self-sustaining in two years. A $125,000 annual cost cap has been set on the program. All line officers advanced to their next station. Newly elected Grand Master R.G ÒRickÓ Moore named William L. Mills III junior grand steward. WeÕll bring you a full introduction in our next issue. Other appointees to Grand Lodge office were: Everett P. Johnson, grand tyler; Oscar Bass, Jr., assistant grand tyler; John R. Hamilton, grand chaplain; Robert M. Bird, assistant grand chaplain; Robert K. Braswell, grand lecturer; and Thomas A. Burleson, grand orator. Reynold S. Davenport and Ronnie Stewart will continue to serve as grand historian and judge advocate respectively. ST. JOHNÕS DAY CELEBRATION SET Oxford Ñ ItÕs almost time again for one of the biggest gatherings of Masons you can find. Organizers estimated last yearÕs crowd at 16,000. ItÕs a free day of fun, food, and fantastic entertainment. ItÕs St. JohnÕs Day at Oxford Orphanage. St. JohnÕs Day celebration is set for Saturday, June 26 this year. Parades, picnics, and music under the oaks will be the order of the day. Things will kick off at 9:45 a.m. as the Oxford Orphanage Choir performs on the front steps of the campus Administration Building. Next, itÕll be time to hustle down the street for the 10 oÕclock start of the Shrine Parade. ThereÕll be dozens of units from Amran, Oasis, and Sudan temples. Be prepared for clowns, bands, motorized units, hillbillies, and much, much more as the parade winds through town and down the center of the Orphanage campus. We all know the cooking talents of our brothers in the Shrine. They practice with all those fish fries to raise money for crippled childrenÕs hospitals. This oneÕs on them. TheyÕll furnish your lunch right after the parade. ItÕll be up to you to find just the right spot Òunder the oaksÓ on the Orphanage grounds to picnic with your family. A songful afternoon begins at one oÕclock when the Spurrlows make their first St. JohnÕs Day appearance. Their show will feature a wide variety of musical styles. They carry a full stage show with band and dancing. Scheduled for 2 p.m. is the headliner for the afternoon, Billy Joe Royal. If you donÕt know him for his current country music reputation, youÕre sure to remember him for his 1965 hit ÒDown In The Boondocks.Ó Royal describes his current sound as Òalmost exactly like what I was doing in the 60s, only now itÕs called country.Ó The Georgia native turned pro when he was 11 and has not stopped performing since. He disappeared from the national scene for a few years but continued to work Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe. In the early 80s he survived rough times in Atlanta before hitting the air waves again with his 1986 tune ÒBurned Like a Rocket.Ó HeÕs made nearly 200 performances in the last two years. If youÕve never made it to Oxford for St. JohnÕs Day, thereÕs no better time than June 26. Bring a blanket, a lawn chair, and a kid. You canÕt top the fun and you canÕt beat the cost Ñ free. Hope to see you there. CHANGE AND RESISTANCE Ñ An Editorial Masons donÕt readily change the way the institution of Masonry operates. Our fraternity is founded on tradition, traditions so old, we donÕt even know where we came from. Our rituals have been passed from mouth to ear for generations. They are passed on with strict admonishment to preserve them exactly. That protection is among our first lessons when entering Freemasonry. That care keeps us great. It safeguards Masonry from the whims of fashion and foibles of individuals. Like most lessons in life, that lesson needs tempering. At Grand Lodge Annual Communication this year we reconsidered a couple of measures rejected in 1992. Last year the majority was unmoved when asked to consider revising The Code and the hiring of a director for the Masonic Foundation. We balked in Õ92 in the face of obvious need. When debating the need for Code revision, it took ten minutes to decide what majority was necessary to authorize the update. Despite several years of shortfall in funding the Home and Orphanage, we didnÕt want to hire someone to help us be more effective. This year, after a several months of consideration, delegates from the lodges decided it was time for change. Thanks to bravery in the face of change, weÕll try to preserve and maybe even improve the Fraternity. As important as our resistance to change can be, it is important that we never let it stand in the way of vitality. Devotion to our traditions should never blind us to advancing our causes. GRAND SECRETARY NAMED PRESIDENT OF CONFERENCE Grand Secretary Pete Dudley is the new president of the Grand Secretaries Conference of North America. He was elected at their February 23 meeting. There are 62 member grand lodges from the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Pete is the first North Carolinian to hold the office in the 66-year history of the organization. Pete was raised in Cleveland 202 in Shelby. He served as master in 1959 and district deputy grand master from 1960Ð63. He was named assistant to the grand secretary in 1962 and was elected grand secretary in 1974. Just what you needed, Pete, something else to do with your time. ITÕS JUST A MATTER OF TIME AND DESIRE Washington Ñ Henry Gray doesnÕt give up easily. In 1982 Henry petitioned for the degrees at Washington 675. Before his investigation committee could finish its work, he suffered a severe heart attack. His candidacy was dropped for health reasons. In 1992, at age 67, Henry petitioned once again. Things went more smoothly this time. He was elected to the degrees. HenryÕs hearing wasnÕt the best in the world. His coach, John Riffert, got used to coaching a few decibels louder than usual. Henry took one question a day. He worked slowly through his degrees, was raised, and became the conscience of 675Õs lawn, taking over the job of landscaping. He was in lodge for every event and nearly every meeting. He continually denied thanks as he asked what more he could do. He didnÕt want to leave his advancement incomplete. Henry worked hard to learn his Third Degree Catechism. He moved slowly but surely through the exchange of questions and answers. He was then hit by a minor stroke Ñ one just serious enough to forget his catechism. He could remember how to get to his coachÕs office but couldnÕt recognize JohnÕs face. He started relearning the catechism. Two similar strokes made him lose his speech for a short period and forget the memory work. He just kept coming back. Thurman Mayo, an old friend of HenryÕs, hadnÕt been seen in lodge very often in the past few years. As Henry took the degrees, Thurman became a familiar face again. Henry took it on himself to coach Thurman through his final catechism. As Henry reviewed his daily work, he shared it with Thurman. On March 1, one year after his initiation, Henry shared the spotlight with Thurman as they were examined on their memory work. Both passed in impressive fashion. In these times, when few of us have half the time we feel we need, HenryÕs a real inspiration. FOUR LODGES IN NORTHEAST CONSOLIDATE Ahoskie Ñ His home lodge is near and dear to every Mason. It can be as hard to surrender the home you were raised in as a Mason as the home you were raised in as a child. ItÕs difficult even when itÕs the best thing to do. Many small lodges are suffering rising expenses and falling attendance these days. No one wants to give up. Rather than continue the struggle to merely exist, four of the eight lodges in the Second Masonic District have elected to band together into a single strong, sizable lodge. Davie 39 (Lewiston), Colerain 171, and Aulander 516 of Bertie County plus Ahoskie 684 of Hertford County merged. They will preserve the name of the eldest lodge as they meet in Ahoskie under the charter of Davie 39. Davie was chartered in 1799. They were dark for 20 years before being restored in 1871. According to Davie Master Billy Harrell, ÒWe are pleased with what we have done; it is clear that our new lodge is bringing about a greater degree of brotherhood and offers far more for the good of Masonry than could have been accomplished by a continuation of the four individual lodges.Ó Perhaps they can inspire a few lodges to give up the struggle to just make it and get on with enjoying their Masonry. SOLACE FOR A BROTHER Many lessons in Masonry and reminders of the brotherhood it teaches us appear unexpectedly. Bob Kraus of Franklin, N.C. can tell about it from first hand experience. Kraus and his wife, Eleanor, were attending a convention in Burlington, Vermont last summer. During some off-time, Bob dropped by the grand lodge offices there. He had some pleasant conversation with the Brothers there and enjoyed attending a local lodge. Back at the hotel that night he was awakened by pains in his chest. After finally admitting something was wrong, they drove to the hospital. Bob suffered a full fledged heart attack while on the examining table. Bob was given an angioplasty (balloon treatment). They successfully cleared a blood vessel restriction and two clots at his heart. Although he was then out of the woods, Eleanor was left on her own in a strange town. She was given lodging in the convent across the street from the hospital. Bob had her go to the grand lodge to ask for assistance in cashing a check for some emergency money. Well, Vermont Masons didnÕt stop there. There were numerous visits from several Masons. One Brother and his wife even came by to take Eleanor out to dinner, a break she most appreciated. They also got more than 30 calls from North Carolina Masons including offers to drive them home. Bob and Eleanor Kraus know that it sometimes takes a little bad luck to realize just how much good luck youÕve got. As Bob said in his open letter to The Green Mountain Mason, ÒThe brotherly love demonstrated by the Vermont and Tar Heel Freemasons will forever fill a very special place in my heart and mind Ñ a manifestation that has taken all of the mystery out of the term ÔMystic TieÕ!Ó INTRODUCING OUR NEW GRAND MASTER Richard Groves (Rick) Moore was born March 11, 1935 in Gastonia, North Carolina. The fourth of six children of the late Brother Dr. Oliver S. and Anna M. Moore of Mt. Holly, North Carolina. He attended the Gaston County Schools and graduated from Mt. Holly High School where he lettered in varsity football and basketball. He furthered his education at the University of South Carolina, majoring in business administration. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. In community life he is a former member and director of the Mt. Holly Jaycees and past president of the Mt. Holly Civitan Club. Rick and his wife, Marie, are active members of Calvary United Methodist Church in Charlotte He serves as the churchÕs vice-chairman of the Administrative Board and chairman of the Pastor/Parish Staff Relations Committee. Rick and Marie reside on Lake Norman in Lincoln County. He has three sons, Tony, Chris, and Mike; a daughter, Pam; a stepson, David; and seven granddaughters. Moore was employed in the finance and accounting departments of Piedmont Natural Gas Company. He served as controller for Impac, Inc. and as regional controller for the Ervin Co. before being appointed secretary of the Charlotte Scottish Rite Bodies in March, 1978. In the summer of 1978, the Valley of Charlotte started construction of its new temple. Completed in September, 1979, construction required borrowing $500,000 for a term of twenty years. Working closely with Fred Trethewey, Isadore Silverstein, G. Dick Pierce, Walter F. McCall, and the Advisory Conference; Brother Moore carefully monitored and steered the financial affairs of the Valley. The Valley paid off its loan in 6 1/2 years and set aside an adequate reserve fund for maintenance of the Temple. In July, 1988 the Valley of Charlotte opened a Childhood Language Disorders Clinic at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The establishment of this clinic was Moore's fulfillment of a commitment made to the late James Guy Johnston, past grand master and sovereign grand inspector general, that upon paying off the indebtedness of the Temple, the Valley of Charlotte would establish and finance a clinic to help these special children. In order for the brethren to become more involved in working with the children, the clinic was moved from the University to the Scottish Rite Temple in January, 1993. Rick's Masonic career began when he was raised a Master Mason in Mt. Holly 544 on May 20, 1957. He was appointed an officer in that lodge in 1964 and served as master in 1968. He served as district deputy grand master for the 54th Masonic District in 1971 and 1972. Soon thereafter he moved to South Carolina. Upon moving back to North Carolina in 1978, he served as a member of the Masonic Education Committee and Board of Appeals of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. In 1986, Moore was appointed grand steward by Grand Master Walter F. McCall. Moore is a life member of Mt. Holly 544, and holds honorary memberships in South Fork 462, Lowell 590, Belmont 627, and Stanley 713. He is a member of the Honorary Legion of Honor of the Order of DeMolay. In November, 1963, he took his Scottish Rite degrees in Charlotte. During his thirty years of active participation in the Scottish Rite, he has served as ritualist, ambassador, class marshal, administrative assistant, and class co-director. He was invested with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour in 1969; served as venerable master in 1973; was coroneted an Inspector General Honorary, 33rd Degree in 1975; and served as Master of the Kadosh in 1976. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Scottish Rite Masonic Foundation. Rick is a member of the Gastonia York Rite Bodies; North Carolina College, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis; and St. Titus Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. In March, 1964, Rick crossed the hot sands and was created a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in Oasis Temple. During his years of active participation in the Shrine, he was a member of the Drum & Bugle Corps for fifteen years, served as chairman of the Players Award Banquet for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas for several years, served as a member of the Temple staff, and a member and officer of the ritualistic cast. He is currently a member of the Past Masters Unit and a member and officer of Charlotte Court No. 109, Royal Order of Jesters. He was made a life member of Oasis Temple in January, 1993 and holds honorary memberships in Sudan and Hejaz Temples. When not involved in Masonic activities, he enjoys participating with his family in water sports and family outings. However, snow skiing is the first love of Marie and Rick. They ski the mountains of North Carolina whenever the weather permits. They try to go skiing in Colorado at least once a year. Rick is deeply appreciative of his association with his Masonic mentors Ñ Raymond E. Rhyne, W. Edward Burrier, James Guy Johnston, Walter F. McCall, and H. Lloyd Wilkerson - who were generous in sharing with him their vast Masonic knowledge. Being allowed to be one of the representatives of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina at the celebration of the 275th anniversary of the United Grand Lodge of England, held in London in June, 1992, is considered by Rick to be the highlight of his Masonic career. In addition he is particularly proud that all his Masonic memberships are in the same locations as his fatherÕs. It is Moore's sincere hope and prayer that his year of service as Grand Master will be pleasing to God, his parents, and his brethren. TAR HEEL NOTES HICKORY Ñ ThereÕs something going on in the foothills Ñ something right. Hickory 343 lists 30 surviving past masters in its newsletter. ThatÕs moderately high for any lodge. WhatÕs of note is the fact that three of them served more than 50 years ago. W.O. Corey was master in 1936, R.F. Coffey in 1941, and A.H. Field in 1942. Can your lodge top that? We hope someoneÕs doing their lodge history collection. TheyÕve got a rare opportunity. In February, 343 held a special educational meeting on the same night as their stated communication. Wives were invited to the 30 minute presentation by Citizens Against Crime. Ñ Hickory Lodge No. 343. * * * * RALEIGH Ñ James B. Green 735 Master Jerry Letterman is trying to increase attendance this year. His motto for the year is ÒBring a Brother.Ó TheyÕll aim at calling seldom seen Brothers and offering rides. The Brothers at 735 had a late April cookout planned at Oxford Orphanage. Ñ James B. Green Lodge. Members of Raleigh 500 made a trip to Oxford Orphanage in January to see their friend Julie Allen installed as worthy advisor of Rainbow Girls. Ñ Raleigh Lodge No. 500. Ken Stewart reenacted the life and times of a Confederate soldier as the program for Millbrook 97Õs annual banquet. They celebrated their 165th anniversary. Their spring barbecue was scheduled for early April. Ñ Millbrook Messenger. A program on DeMolay was presented after a dinner sponsored by Hiram 40 in February. Wives and guests were welcomed. The next banquet on the agenda was the annual seafood feast of late April. Ñ Hiram Lodge, No. 40. Glenn Horton and his wife Gail delivered fruit to residents of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home in December on behalf of Masters 754. They passed out 220 bags of fruit, four boxes of grapefruit, and two boxes of apples. Ñ The Trowel. * * * * DUNN Ñ The interior of the new lodge room at Palmyra 147 should be finished by now. Seats and carpet were last in the process. There remains $12,000 to be raised to complete the building project. Ñ Newsletter. * * * * GREENSBORO Ñ Masonry in Germany during HitlerÕs reign was the topic of a recent educational program at P.P. Turner 746. David Dye did the research and presentation. Tim Johnson, master at P.P. Turner 746, likes the personal touch. He hand signs each copy of their monthly Trestleboard. Ñ Trestleboard. Gate City 694Õs annual yard sale was scheduled for April. To encourage participation, they offered a pick up service for items as well as a suitable documentation for tax purposes. Proceeds will go the Oxford Orphanage. Their Budget and Finance Committee made several recommendations early in the year dealing with the secretary and treasurer. They suggested that the lodge continue to remit the dues of the two and pay them $2.50 and $1.00 per member respectively. They also supported allowing each of those officers to choose an assistant. Ñ The Trestle Board. * * * * GRAHAM Ñ Plans for the new dining hall at Thomas M. Holt 492 have been approved by the lodge. The new room will add 2,000 square feet to the facility. A drawing of the addition was included in their newsletter. Next on the agenda is the cost estimate. They held a grounds clean up in March. Ñ The Holler Log. * * * * FAYETTEVILLE Ñ Creasy Proctor 679 is hard at work on their usual extraordinary fund raising effort. The Third Annual Jim Horne Golf Classic was scheduled for April. A fish fry is in store for May. Ñ The Trestle Board. * * * * MANTEO Ñ We donÕt often mention Masonic birthdays here, but we thought John Oden a special case. He was raised in March, 1922. Those 71 years make him the senior member of Manteo 521 both in age and in Masonic experience. Ñ More Light. * * * * EDENTON Ñ Besides the usual expenditures, Unanimity 7Õs budget for the new year carries two special projects. They plan some Òminor landscapingÓ of the lodge grounds. TheyÕll also erect Masonic signs at the several approaches to town. Ñ The Trestle Board. * * * * GARNER Ñ John Tawney, Garner 701 master, has pledged to make his year in the East Òfamily oriented.Ó An early issue of their newsletter included a schedule of special events for the entire year. The master of each degree is being encouraged to recruit inactive lodge members to fill out his ritual teams. A family supper was a big success on the first try at Garner 701. Earl Purser spoke to them on the lighter side of life at the bar, you know Ñ the law profession, at the February meal. They scheduled Public Safety Night in April. Masons in fire, rescue, and law enforcement got a special invitation and refreshments that night. Ñ Garner Lodge No. 701. * * * * DENVER Ñ Seventy attended a 6:00 a.m. breakfast meeting at Denver 757 in January. They watched a group of their past masters (with the help of four visiting past masters) raise two new Brothers. They take Arbor Day real seriously there, too. They took the occasion to plant four trees and 45 other shrubs and plants. The lodge is helping a community member with medical expenses. Anita Yount of Terrill is having operations for a brain tumor. They solicited their members for help with expenses not covered by insurance. Ñ The Trestleboard. * * * * BLACK MOUNTAIN Ñ Yes, itÕs in the air, isnÕt it? Spring is the time to get the world back in shape. Black Mountain 663 held its cleanup day in March. They used biscuits and gravy to trick the Brothers into turning up with those pruning shears, weed-eaters, and other devices of self-torture. Kermit Gray got his 50-Year Award at installation of officers in December. Ñ Black Mountain Lodge No. 663. * * * * ASHEVILLE Ñ Arnold G. Grape got his VeteranÕs Award for 50 years of membership in February. The award was presented by Grand Master Ray Norris at an emergent communication of John A. Nichols 650. Ñ Carl Patton, secretary, Black Mountain 663. * * * * CHARLOTTE Ñ Remember the new Work Card System at Steele Creek 737 we told you about in the last issue of the Mason? It seems to be working real well there. ThereÕs a new stairway to the attic. Secretary Wray Moxley has gotten a mail slot in his door and a four-way receptacle behind his desk. Wray did his part by leading a team which built new desks for the secretary and treasurer. A new square and compasses is now in place on the front of the building. The February fish fry sponsored by Steele Creek and the local OES netted more than $1,100 for the Masonic and Eastern Star Home. They planned repeat performances for March and April. Ñ Steele Creek Lodge No. 737. * * * * JACKSONVILLE Ñ Semper Fidelis 680 opted to hold their March Open House as a breakfast. WeÕd heard rumors that there were Òmorning peopleÓ out there somewhere. Ñ Semper Fidelis Lodge #680. * * * * WALLACE Ñ Several Brothers at Wallace 595 are doing their little extra for the lodge. Bobby Salmon donated the use of his computerized telephone calling system to notify the membership of meetings. Shelton Browder made new compasses for use during their ritual work. Dewitt McGowan and James Morrison put a new light in the lobby. Ñ Bulletin of Wallace Lodge No. 595. * * * * KENANSVILLE Ñ After only two months the Home and Orphanage had already received $700 each from St. JohnÕs 13. Each Brother has been requested to donate $20. Ñ Lodge Log. * * * * WAYNESVILLE Ñ Lodges around the state would do well to ask the advice of Waynesville 259 when it comes to savings accounts. In 1978, they had less than $10,000 in savings. The amount today stands at over $40,000. Ñ Waynesville Masonic Bodies. * * * * LAURINBURG Ñ Plans for their Ham Breakfast fund raiser have begun at Laurinburg 305. They hold the event in the late spring each year. Public service is important there. They recently recognized three Brothers for their community work. Bill McRacken retired from his assistant principalship. Clint Willis was appointed to the Board of Health and Lindo Harvel celebrated 40 years on the Rescue Squad. Ñ The Masonic Messenger. * * * * THOMASVILLE Ñ Doors and locks had to be replaced after a break-in at Thomasville 214. On a more pleasant note, they claim to be winning an unofficial attendance contest with Statesville 27. They see who can get the best turn-out at Winston-Salem Scottish Rite meetings. Ñ Thomasville Lodge No. 214. * * * * WINSTON-SALEM Ñ Things planned for 1993 at Old Town 751 include an open house, church visitation, a family picnic, an auction, and a community involvement program. Louie Cooke donated a framed 24 X 30 inch print entitled ÒFrom Darkness to Light.Ó It now hangs in the lodge. B.A. Byrd has been made a life member of Old Town 751. He is twice past master of the lodge and has served as both district deputy grand master and lecturer. He is one of their charter members. Their newsletter is celebrating its eighth year as a monthly publication. Congratulations, guys. Ñ On The Level at Old Town Lodge. * * * * HAYESVILLE Ñ Clay 301 had an indoor clean up day in February. Eastern Star members helped target the upstairs, downstairs, closets, and equipment. Ñ Trestle Board. * * * * SMITHFIELD Ñ Neal Davis, of Fellowship 84, was named 1992 Small Businessman by his Chamber of Commerce. Ñ The Trestleboard. * * * * ASHEBORO Ñ Members of Asheboro 699 who make it to all 22 stated communications this year will be recognized for ÒExcellent Attendance.Ó Misses on those nights may be made up by attending an emergent communication. Lonnie Luck is making Masonic cups to present to the winner of the birthday drawings held at each business meeting. Those who live less than 50 miles away must be present to win. In February, more than two thirds of those eligible attended. TheyÕre working on a Lodge Album, too. Al Miller is snapping pictures like crazy in an attempt to get every Brother in the scrapbook. How are they going to let everybody know about whatÕs going on at lodge? TheyÕve got a new monthly newsletter. Keep it up, fellas. Ñ Asheboro Lodge 699. * * * * SALISBURY Ñ Rather than wait for their annual picnic in May for a big get together, Andrew Jackson 576 was to try a Homecoming. Scheduled for mid-April, a special program and meal was planned for the occasion. TheyÕd never had one but hoped that it would give them a chance Òto renew friendships, make new acquaintances, and share our fraternity.Ó A recent issue of The MasterÕs Journal included a clip and save ÒKing SolomonÕs Pass.Ó The wallet-sized cut out contains all their meeting dates for the year. Ñ The MasterÕs Journal * * * * WILMINGTON Ñ Wilmington 319 was recently given the past masterÕs jewel of the late J.E.L. ÒHighbuddyÓ Wade. Wade was their master in 1938 and a mayor of Wilmington. Marvin Riley of St. JohnÕs 1 recognized and rescued the jewel when someone attempted to sell it as scrap gold. The jewel will be placed on display for the pleasure of all their members and visitors. Lloyd C. Bowden has reached his 50th year as a Master Mason. Ñ The Wilmington Mason. St. JohnÕs 1 and AREME Chapter, OES tried an unusual event in February Ñ a Wild Game Cookout. They requested that members bring their own side dishes. Squirrel and possum were among the taste treats mentioned beforehand. There was no word on whether they put tags on dishes or waited until after sampling to announce identity. As best they can figure it, St. JohnÕs 1 held its 3,000th stated communication in February. And you thought youÕd been busy. Ñ The Trestleboard. * * * * MONROE Ñ Truth 749 has a ÒMaster of CeremoniesÓ this year. Rusty Robinson will take care of making all arrangements for degree work. Ñ Truth Lodge No. 749. * * * * OLD FORT Ñ Joppa 401 planned a bus trip to the Masonic and Eastern Star Home. The day-long trip was scheduled for May Day. ThereÕs no word on whether May Pole dancing was expected. Ñ Joppa Lodge No. 401. * * * * Paw Creek Ñ West Gate 738 had a special group of visitors in February. The scout troop from Oxford Orphanage was in Charlotte to see Discovery Station. The 19 kids were treated to some of West GateÕs Òspecial chickenÓ before they left town. The Charlotte Hornets NBA team even furnished some souvenirs for the scouts. The men put prime rib on the table for the ladies when they held LadiesÕ Night in February. To fill out a busy month, they also visited a local Methodist church. Ñ West Gate Lodge #738. * * * * RAEFORD Ñ They went for safety and looks with the work at Raeford 306 this past year. They painted all the interior, installed new carpet, hung ceiling fans, and put in new tile. Smoke detectors were installed along with fire extinguishers. When it comes to brain work, they start with Saturday breakfast at Jack PopeÕs. Then they take off for the lodge and a session with the OSW. Not satisfied with occasional dispensation of light, they have Masonic education presentations at every stated communication. Ñ George P. Grant, past master, Raeford 306. * * * * Gastonia Ñ Gastonia 369 moved its Past MastersÕ Night to a local restaurant this year. They also invited all the past mastersÕ wives to show appreciation for the sacrifices they made over the years. Ñ The Trestle Board. TWO PAST GRAND MASTERS DIE We have recently lost two past grand masters of North Carolina. Berl Maurice Kahn served as grand master in 1972. Kahn was born in Charlotte in 1913. He spent most of his life in Goldsboro where he owned and operated Issacs-Kahn Furniture Company. It was in Goldsboro that he met and married his wife Ruth Issacs who preceded him in death. They had two children. He was raised in 1944 at Wayne 112 in Goldsboro where he was eventually made a life member. He served there as master in 1949. He was an active member of both Wilmington Valley of the Scottish Rite and York Rite bodies of Goldsboro. He served as potentate of Sudan Shrine Temple and patron of Goldsboro 54, Order of the Eastern Star. He was awarded North Carolina MasonryÕs highest honor, the Joseph Montfort Medal in 1961. Everette Stansil Aldridge was elected North CarolinaÕs 127th grand master in 1980. He was born in the town of Albemarle in Stanly County. He was the head of Stanly Funeral Home there. He lost his first wife, Catherine Taylor, to cancer. He later married Gaynelle Ragan. He had two children and two step-children. He was made a Master Mason in Stanly 348 in 1957. For 20 consecutive years he held one office or another in that lodge, including master in 1965. He was a member of both York and Scottish rite bodies in Charlotte. He was a member of Oasis Shrine and served as patron of Albemarle 71, OES. He was an active supporter of the Order of Rainbow for Girls. GOLF FEVER INFECTS ORPHANAGE CAMPUS Fayetteville Ñ Creasy Proctor 679 last year solicited used or unused golf equipment. Their plan was to get the kids at Oxford Orphanage addicted to this popular form of frustration. Well, closets and attics around town yielded up treasures. They collected more than 300 clubs and 2,500 golf balls. The tees were uncountable. Just to make sure the boys and girls were properly infected with golf fever, Ken Robertson, golf pro at Cypress Lakes, spent a day at the Orphanage conducting a golf clinic. Ñ Creasy Proctor Lodge No. 679. ORPHANAGE PRINT SHOP GETS A NEW LABEL PRINTER Oxford Ñ Past Grand Master Les Garner and Crown Point 708 recently presented the Print Shop at the Orphanage a new label printer. ItÕs a major advance in technology for the Mail Room. For instance, printing the labels for The Mason will now take only one-and-a-half to two days, half the time that it did before. It will also allow the addition of bar codes to address labels. That should save us as much as $200 per issue. For you lodge secretaries out there updating your mailing lists, youÕll also find the type much easier to read. TIME FOR LECTURERS TO RECERTIFY For all you fellows who wish to become certified lecturers and you CLs who need to be recertified, itÕs time to get your paperwork started. Your completed application needs to be returned to the secretary of the Board of Custodians by August 1. If you donÕt already have those forms, itÕs time to get them. Return your application to the following address. Use the same address to request necessary forms. Floyd Dunn Secretary, Board of Custodians P.O. Box 916 Aberdeen, NC 28315 ERVIN CORRECTION In the last issue of The Mason we carried an article on the dedication of the portrait of Senator Sam Ervin at the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. We mistakenly listed the late senatorÕs lodge affiliation. He was a member of Catawba Valley 217 in Morganton. Senator SamÕs son Sam Ervin III and grandson Robert C. Ervin are members there also. We extend a special thanks to Bryan Grady, senior warden of 217, for letting us know about the mistake. ENCOMPASSING THE WORLD SOUTH CAROLINA Ñ Each master attending the South Carolina Grand Lodge sponsored Worshipful MastersÕ Workshop received an official Worshipful MastersÕ Handbook. ItÕs meant to help answer Òmany questions during his year of leadership.Ó Ñ Masonic Light. * * * * OREGON Ñ All lodges in Oregon was asked to hold simultaneous open houses in March. They were to invite the public to tours of their lodges conducted by lodge officers. Grand Master G. William Oldham says that there is not yet a solution to their disagreement with the Grand Lodge of Idaho. Talks between them are underway. In the meantime, they are urging their members to not attend any tyled meeting, including concordant or appendant bodies, where Idaho Masons may be present. Ñ Oregon Masonic News. * * * * TEXAS Ñ Delegates to the recent annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Texas rejected all the major changes brought before them for vote. They refused to make Entered Apprentices full members of lodges, shortening memorization requirements, and a statement to candidates that the penalties of the obligations are symbolic. They further rejected allowing solicitation for new members as well as relinquishing control over the grand lodge approved designs of jewels and other emblems. They have instituted membership awards for 75 and 80 years of service. They voted to continue membership in the Masonic Service Association. Ñ The Texas Mason. * * * * MINNESOTA Ñ Thanks to a sizable trust fund established some years ago, one lodge in Minnesota contributed more than their share to relieve victims of Hurricane Andrew. The 58-member Fides 246 in Sanborn sent $45,000 to help out. A bequest from Col. James B. Ladd directed that they Òuse the interest and proceeds to help benefit persons in need.Ó Topics of their winter Regional Education Conferences were: ÒMasonic Education and the Lodge Education Officer Program,Ó ÒSolicitation: Finding and Keeping New Brothers,Ó and ÒThe WardenÕs Plan Book: Efficient Lodge Planning.Ó Ñ The Minnesota Mason. * * * * NEW MEXICO Ñ The Grand Lodge of New Mexico held its 116th Annual Communication in January. They lowered the number of members necessary to open a lodge and conduct business from five to seven. The grand lodge will now be supplying keys and ciphers of the ritual to constituent lodges and members. Their Annual Communication date will be moved to March in 1995. Ñ The New Mexico Freemason. * * * * VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA Ñ The Grand Lodge of Victoria is establishing a special leadership training program for past masters returning to the masterÕs chair. Masons down under are also suffering the same attacks from religious fundamentalists. Their grand lodge is currently preparing a formal statement on the subject. Ñ The Victorian Mason. * * * * OHIO Ñ In a recent message Ohio Grand Master Ray Evans urged, ÒEach Mason in the State of Ohio should resolve today to Ôreplace himselfÕ in Freemasonry.Ó They were asked to make worthy friends aware of Masonry. Ñ The Ohio Mason. * * * * DELAWARE Ñ Grand Master Herbert J. Atkinson asked Òevery MasonÓ in the state to wear a square and compasses every day in January. The intent was to make the fraternity more visible in the community. Ñ The Delaware Freemason. * * * * CONNECTICUT Ñ Deputy Grand Master Kenneth B. Hawkins has requested that his installation as grand master be Òsemi-public.Ó We assume this to mean that certain non-Masons will be invited. This is a first in the state. Ñ Connecticut Square & Compasses. * * * * WISCONSIN Ñ Leadership training in Wisconsin is currently running as a four year program of regional workshops. The main focus of this yearÕs edition was ÒCommunication and Commitment.Ó Participants had a choice of two of the three topics: ÒAnalyzing Communications Styles,Ó Writing for Results,Ó and ÒTeam Building for Commitment.Ó Ñ The Wisconsin Masonic Journal. SOUTH DAKOTA OFFERS AMNESTY South Dakota Ñ Ronald E. Lockwood, grand master of South Dakota, has ordered an amnesty for Masons who have been excluded for non-payment of dues. They Òshall be reinstated as members in good standing in their respective lodges by paying their 1993 dues on or before June 1, 1993,Ó no matter how long ago they were excluded. Payment of all back dues will reinstate them with credit for Òcontinuous membership service.Ó He further ordered that each lodge form a committee to contact those excluded. The committee is to inform those dropped that their return will not require a petition or layover for vote. Reinstatement is automatic. Ñ South Dakota Masonic Messenger, December, 1992. MSA NAMES NEW VISITATION DIRECTOR Silver Spring, Maryland Ñ Tom Weir has been named Director of Hospital Visitation by the Masonic Service Association. He has been serving a interim director. After a plea from the MSA Board of Commissioners, Weir agreed to take the position full time. Weir is a minister and has served as a Navy chaplain. He has been a chaplain at a military hospital and has already visited many others. The commissioners think that Weir has Òalready made a significant contribution to our program and that he represents the right person for the job.Ó GETTYSBURG TO GET MASONIC MEMORIAL Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Ñ For the first time, a private organization is being permitted to join the National Park Service in enhancing a site and erecting a monument in a National Park. The 170,000 members of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania are placing a monument in the Gettysburg National Cemetery Annex. The Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial Òwill not only honor the estimated 18,000 Freemasons who fought on both sides in the Battle of Gettysburg, but will also symbolically recognize the many historical acts of love and compassion that occurred in battle despite the political and emotional strains brought on by the Civil War.Ó Two sculptured bronze figures will sit atop a granite memorial. They portray an actual event at the Battle of Gettysburg. A plaque on the memorial will describe the event. ÒUnion General Winfield Scott Hancock and Confederate General Lewis Addison Armistead were personal friends and members of the Masonic Fraternity. Although they had served and fought side-by-side in the United States Army prior to the Civil War, Armistead refused to raise his sword against his fellow Southerners and joined the Confederate Army in 1861. Both Hancock and Armistead fought heroically in the previous twenty-seven months of the war. They were destined to meet at Gettysburg. During Pickett's Charge, Armistead led his men gallantly, penetrating Hancock's line. Ironically, when Armistead was mortally wounded, Hancock was also wounded.Ó Depicted in this sculpture is Union Captain Henry Bingham, a Mason and staff assistant to General Hancock, himself wounded, rendering aid to the fallen Confederate General Armistead, who is shown handing his watch and personal effects to be taken to his friend, Union General Hancock. Hancock survived the war and died in 1886. Armistead died at Gettysburg July 5, 1863. Captain Bingham attained the rank of General and later served 32 years in the United States House of Representatives. He was known as the "Father of the House." Shown on the wall surrounding this monument are the names of the States whose soldiers fought at the Battle of Gettysburg. Improvements to the area have been planned for years, but never received funding. The memorialÕs setting will be ÒenhancedÓ with $500,000 worth of new facilities and improvements to the grounds financed by the Grand Lodge. An additional $25,000 endowment will provide for maintenance of the Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial. August 21, 1993 is set for the opening ceremonies. The memorial will be unveiled and dedicated in the morning. A parade is scheduled for the afternoon. Masons from around the country will be on hand. HITLERÕS REPRESSION CHANGED A MASONIC EMBLEM Can you expect the square and compasses to be the symbol of a Masonic Brother everywhere you may travel? Not necessarily. This short history recounts one exception. As early as the year 1934, soon after Hitler's rise to power, it became apparent that Freemasonry was in danger. In the same year, the German Grand Lodge of the Sun in Bayreuth (one of the pre-war German Grand Lodges) realized the imminent problems facing them and elected to wear a little blue flower, the forget-me-not, in lieu of the traditional Square and Compasses as a mark of identity for Masons. It was felt the new symbol would not attract attention from the Nazis, who were in the process of confiscating and appropriating Masonic lodges and property. Masonry had gone underground, and it was necessary that the brethren have some readily recognizable means of identification. Throughout the entire Nazi era, a little blue flower in a lapel marked a brother. In the concentration camps and in the cities, a little blue forget-me-not distinguished the lapels of those who refused to allow the light of Masonry to be extinguished. In 1947, when the Grand Lodge of the Sun was reopened in Bayreuth by Past Grand Master Beyer, a little blue pin, in the shape of a forget-me-not, was proposed and adopted as the official emblem of the first annual convention of those who survived the bitter years of semi-darkness, bringing the light of Masonry once again into the temples. At the first annual convention of the United Grand Lodges of Germany, A.F. & A.M., in 1948, the pin was adopted as an official Masonic emblem honoring those valiant brethren who carried on their work under adverse conditions. At the Grand Masters Conference in the United States, Dr. Theodor Vogel, grand master of the newly formed VGLvD, A.F. & A.M., presented one of the pins to each of the representatives of the grand jurisdictions with which the VGLvD enjoyed fraternal relations. Thus did a simple flower blossom forth into a meaningful emblem of the Fraternity and become perhaps the most widely worn pin among Freemasons in Germany. In most German lodges, the forget-me-not is presented to new Master Masons, at which time its history is briefly explained. Reprinted from GŽnesis (Gran Logia de Espa–a), Vol. 11, No. 7,1992 by way of The Maine Mason. PRACTICING WITH ASSES The following is quoted from One Hundred Years of Freemasonry in California in the narration of Mariposa Lodge No. 24. One of their most devoted members was Past Master Frank H. B. Catherwood who served his lodge ten years as master and twelve as secretary, never missing a meeting while an officer in spite of the inconvenience. ÒIn good weather or bad, he hiked eight miles across the mountain to the ranch of Thomas J. Ferguson. There Ferguson would hitch up a team of horses to a wagon or buckboard and he and Catherwood would cover the remaining eighteen miles to Lodge together, returning home the next day.Ó ÒCatherwood's memory and knowledge of the ritual amazed everybody who knew him. He never missed a word and his delivery was spellbinding. When asked how he attained such proficiency, he smilingly replied that he acquired it with the help of a couple of jackasses that he kept at his place back in the mountains. ÔYou see,Õ he said, Ôafter I'd finish my supper dishes of an evening, I might feel that I needed a little practice with the ritual. So I'd go out in front of my cabin and call my jacks. I'd post one in the South and one in the West, and sit on a stump in the East myself. Then I'd begin at any place in the ritual where I thought I needed brushing up. You know, those jacks had heard that ritual so many times that they knew it backward and forward and straight up and down. They could pick up with me anywhere along the line. As long as I was all right, they'd just stand there, with their ears laid back, following every word. But if I made the slightest mistake, they'd flop their ears forward and I knew I was wrong. Yessir, and I'd have to back up and get it right before they'd lay their ears down again.ÕÓ Ñ From Southern California Research Lodge Fraternal Review, April, 1992. JIMROD Q. WAXPILLOWÕS OFFERING FOR THE MONTH This conscientious old Mason named Brent Decided to give up something for Lent He thought it too risky to swear off whiskey And sex Ñ all he had left there was intent.