THE electronic NORTH CAROLINA Mason November/December, 1993 vol. 1 #5 The stripped-down, online version of the real thing The North Carolina Mason Volume CXVII Ñ No. 6 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; B. Wesley Lefler, J. Carroll Simmons, James E. Stratton, and Michael W. Brantley. EDITOR Ñ Ric Carter 126 Arbor Drive Washington, NC 27889 (919) 946-8039 AOL: RicC Please feel free to pass The eNCM along to others. Any suggestions or submissions you might have would be welcomed. NATIONAL BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS It's been a especially busy year for Freemasonry. It was made necessary by what was an even busier year for Masons 200 years ago. Right here in North Carolina we saluted the bicentennial of the founding of the University of North Carolina as well as the establishment of Phoenix 8 in Fayetteville. In the District of Columbia, the cornerstone of the Capitol building was rededicated in celebration of its 200th anniversary. UNC/Chapel Hill kicked off its eight-month Bicentennial Observance in October. When University officials rededicated Old East on October 12, it was the second blessing of the cornerstone that day. University 408 opened its Franklin Street lodge at 6:30 in the morning. After dispensing with labor, they headed for campus in a procession led by city police. In the dark, lodge officers gathered at Silent Sam and crossed McCorkle Place to the northeast corner of Old East. A crowd of about 75 awaited them. Master Dick Dickson rapped the gavel at 7:21, the moment of sunrise, to replay the same ceremony, performed on the same spot, exactly 200 years after the one by Grand Master and Governor William R. Davie and his Masonic Brethren. The ceremony has been repeated every 25 years. There were a few people passing by at that time of day, and those who came by the ceremony showed great interest. Most stared, and several stopped to see what was going on. Local radio station WCHL broadcast the day's activities live. They were beginning their festivities broadcast at about the same time as the "cornerstone laying." Their curiosity resulted in inviting Elliott Warnock over for an on-air interview. Elliott, junior warden of 408, did much of the organizing for the event. At lodge closing, Grand Master R.G. "Rick" Moore said to the members of University 408, "You did a great job, and we appreciate it." The Craft was mentioned several times in opening ceremonies by University speakers. The printed programs for the rededicating included the following: "In his role as Grand Master of Freemasons of North Carolina, William Richardson Davie laid the cornerstone of the United States' first public university building. Under the guidance of Gov. Samuel Johnston, Grand Master of Masons in 1789, Davie had been the driving force behind legislation creating the University. Freemasons in the General Assembly ardently believed education was necessary for the attainment of enlightenment and freedom. Thus, Davie and fellow Masons conducted the ceremony on October 12, 1793, with full Masonic regalia, and Davie personally used the trowel and gavel to see that the stone was well laid." Almost a month earlier Masons from around the country assembled in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the same type ceremony at the legislative home of our national government Ñ The Capitol. On September 18 grand masters from each of our 50 states got to place "mortar" on the special stone. Searchers have yet to find the original cornerstone and the silver plate placed with it, but Freemasons did reunite the Bible, silver trowel, and marble gavel used there by George Washington in 1793. Grand Master Moore participated in the commemoration. Past Grand Master Pete Thomas Jr. and his wife Jean represented us at the banquet. The new stone will be stored away in the Capitol for the next commemoration in 2093. Put that on your calendar. Some information for this article came from an Associated Press article in The Washington Times. A special thanks goes to Linda Friend, administrative assistant to the grand master of the District of Columbia, for loaning us the photographs from the Capitol celebration. FAYETTEVILLE LODGE CELEBRATES 200 YEARS Fayetteville Ñ The Bicentennial Ceremony to commemorate the laying of the cornerstone of Phoenix 8 was held on June 24 at Phoenix Lodge. The Grand Master Rick Moore and other Grand Lodge officers attended along with Fayetteville Mayor J.L. Dawkins and other distinguished guests. Herb Stiles planned and prepared the ceremony. The colors were presented by the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry in a very colorful ceremony which included pipes and drums. P.M. Louis O. Dean Jr. gave a short history of Phoenix Lodge and the part it played in the early development of Fayetteville. Grand Master Moore then gave a talk on the importance of Masonry in North Carolina and the impact this fraternity has had on the state. The ceremony was closed with a rendition of "Amazing Grace" by the piper. Representatives from the lodges of the 28th and 29th Masonic Districts, The Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, and DeMolay were present for the dinner of fried chicken and barbecue served and eaten on the banks of Cross Creek. After dinner the lodge was opened and the Grand Master and his district representatives were officially received. The Grand Master presided at the meeting and closed the lodge. Anyone who has not seen the commemorative memorial should stop by the Lodge and see this tribute to over 200 years of Masonry in Fayetteville. A time capsule placed there is to be opened June 24, 2093. LODGE SPONSORED VACCINATION CLINICS BEGIN Monroe Ñ Truth 749 and Monroe 244 got together with the Union County Health Department to hold two Saturday vaccination clinics in August. Turnout for the first was disappointing with only four kids appearing, but one week later 21 showed up for immunization. The Masonic Temple was open two hours in the morning for each of the clinics. They were staffed by three volunteers from each lodge along with the Health Department staff. Local fast food restaurants donated 105 coupons good for meals and milk shakes. "Daddy" Otis Horton handed out the rewards for bravery in the face of pain. Other Masons who helped make the clinic work were Doug Moore, Peter Arkwright, George McKinney, Mitch Griffin, and Arthur Reeder. The nurses from the Health Department were so pleased with the facilities, help, and results that they have requested another Saturday clinic. "No problem," said 244 Master Tom Daniels and 749 Master Bill Reeder, they'll be "happy to accommodate them at any time." Grand Master Rick Moore was on hand for the clinic and expressed his pride and pleasure at the involvement that Monroe Masons were showing in their communities. The event made a 30-second spot on the 11 o'clock news on WSOC television in Charlotte. Help with publicizing the project beforehand was given by The Enquirer Journal, The Charlotte Observer, and radio station WIXE. This is the kind of notoriety all our lodges could use. NEWLY SHORTENED EMERGENTS MEET CHEERS Wakefield Ñ On August 19, White Stone 155 held an emergent communication without ever checking to see if all present were Master Masons. They were the first North Carolina lodge to do so legally. They did check for Fellow Craft. They were there to confer the Fellow Craft Degree on Jerry Eason. White Stone was the first lodge to use the new form adopted at our Annual Communication in April of this year. The resolution, presented by Grand Master Rick Moore, instructed lodges to open emergent communications for degree work in the degree to be conferred. In the new form, after the initial lodge opening and candidate preparation, the honoree is never excluded from the lodge room. According to John Duke, master of 155, the complete meeting took an hour and 36 minutes. Grady Chalk conferred the degree and Spencer Tant gave the lecture. Joe Saunders, district deputy grand lecturer of the 23rd District, helped coordinate the new work. Joe says he was "very pleased" and "looking forward to using it in other lodges." Supplements reflecting the necessary changes to the Official Standard Work should already have been received by your lodge secretaries. The 26-page soft-cover supplement is to be numbered to match your OSW. It fits neatly into the hardbound edition. JOHN ROBINSON FREEMASONRY'S TOP SPOKESMAN DIES Cincinnati, Ohio Ñ Freemasons around the world lost a good friend and a great spokesman in September. John Robinson was our leading defender and promoter even though he was made a Master Mason just in the last year. He was warm company and a good story teller. We mourn his loss. He'll not soon be replaced. His memorial service was held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following obituary was furnished by the Cincinnati Scottish Rite. An insatiable curiosity and boundless enthusiasm for everything he undertook were characteristics that stayed with John Robinson throughout his life. Only son of John and Anna Robinson, and brother of the late Eileen Robinson and Mary Holtegel, John Jamieson Robinson died on September 6 at his home in Mount Adams, Ohio. He had been in failing health for several months. His English parents moved to Cincinnati from Belmont County, Ohio, when he was very young and he was educated at Cummins School, Withrow High School, and graduated from North College Hill High School before joining the Marines and serving in China and the South Pacific during the latter years of World War II. After the war, he studied business administration at Miami University in Oxford, and then spent several years in sales, marketing, and advertising. In the 1960s he formed J.J. Robinson & Company to work as a finder-broker and management and financial consultant. He enjoyed working with a wide variety of businesses that frequently involved traveling overseas. He maintained a close interest in the fortunes of the companies he worked with and, in the 1980s, was co-inventor of a new method of producing plastic eyeglass lenses that was patented for commercial application. He and his wife, Bernice, owned and operated a farm on the borders of Gallatin and Carroll Counties in Kentucky, where he converted the original 1810 log cabin farmhouse into a guest cottage and restored and re-designed the 1894 farmhouse, which became their main residence until he retired and sold the farm in 1991. He enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and hiking, and often held business "brainstorming" sessions at the farm because he felt everybody benefited from the peaceful, stress-free atmosphere. When most people are thinking of retirement, his career took a new course when his lifelong interest in British medieval history and years of research led to the publication of his first book of narrative history, Born In Blood, in 1989. His second work was published in 1991, and the third book appeared in paperback in February of this year, and will be published in hardback edition in the next few weeks. His historical research led him to an examination of the history of Freemasonry and his latest book, A Pilgrim's Path, deals with the results of his research and his conclusions. His admiration for the fraternity led him to become a member of Nova Caesarea Harmony Lodge No. 2 in November, 1992. He received the Scottish Rite degrees in the Spring Class of 1993 and, in recognition of his inestimable service to Freemasonry, was created a sovereign grand inspector general honorary, 33ø just two days prior to his death. The degree was conferred in an unusual emergent session with Sovereign Grand Commander Robert 0. Ralston and Grand Lieutenant Commander Alfred E. Rice officiating. Robinson also enjoyed the distinction of holding dual membership in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, conferred by Sovereign Grand Inspector General for Kentucky John E. Moyers and Fred Bryant Jr., personal representative for Sovereign Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht. The Imperial Shrine of North America presented him with an honorary membership shortly before his death. Robinson is survived by his wife, Bernice Jones Robinson, and other family, both here and in the United Kingdom. Memorials may be made to any Masonic charity. TOPICS FOR WINTER SEMINARS ANNOUNCED Race has been a big topic in Masonry for several years. There have been grand lodge recognitions and withdrawals of recognition revolving around the topic. You hear mostly rumor and third hand reports. Authoritative information is hard for the average Mason to come by. Now is your chance to get some facts. Winter Seminars from the Grand Lodge Masonic Research and Development Committee are scheduled for late January and early February. You can learn more about the history of Prince Hall and the predominantly African-American form of Freemasonry which carries his name. Race as it relates to Grand Lodge law and practice will be discussed. They'll deal with the ancient landmarks of the Craft and their relationships to Masons of color. Many of the locations and dates are the same as last year, but not all the sites were confirmed by the time this issue of The Mason went to press. Dates are currently locked in for the last two Saturdays in January (22 and 29) and the first two in February (5 and 12). A full schedule of locations and dates will be sent to all lodge secretaries shortly before Thanksgiving. It will also be included in our next issue. Sessions shouldn't last very long. You can expect to be left with most of your Saturday, unless you want to hang around and share more time with area Masons. NORTH CAROLINA GRAND LODGE GIVEN ERVIN PORTRAIT Raleigh Ñ In December, 1992, a portrait of the late North Carolina Senator Sam Ervin Jr. was added to the Temple Architects Hall of Honor in the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. Central to the move to place Senator Sam's portrait there was Past Grand Master of North Carolina Jimmy Brewer. Donations from around the state may have placed the painting, but Jimmy was the driving force, ever working and prodding the Craft toward that goal. In appreciation of his efforts, a facsimile copy of the oil was given to Brewer. His response was, of course, that the picture belonged to the Masons of the state. He indicated that it should be hung in the Grand Lodge offices in Raleigh. On September 3, the portrait was hung with due formalities at the entrance of the headquarters. More than 50 people attended. H. Lloyd Wilkerson, the head of the Scottish Rite in North Carolina, served as master of ceremonies. The invocation and benediction were offered by James Bailey. Past Grand Master and Superior Court Judge Lester Martin introduced the featured speaker for the event, James Exum, chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court and past grand orator of NCGL. "War hero, country lawyer, legislator, trial judge, congressman, Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, United States Senator, author, raconteur, beloved statesman Ñ all these fit the Hon. Sam J. Ervin Jr., whose portrait the Grand Lodge will receive and unveil today; yet all taken together barely hint at the greatness of this man," according to Exum. "Our Nation rightly claims him as a National Hero. We here proudly claim him our Masonic Brother." Brewer made the formal portrait presentation to Grand Master Rick Moore. Judge Sam Ervin III, son of Senator Sam expressed thanks on behalf of the family for the recognition of his father. YORK/SHRINE ONE-DAY CEREMONIAL A SUCCESS Charlotte Ñ The August one-day York Rite/Shrine Festival held here brought in 230 new York Rite Masons and 140 new Shriners. The event was held at Oasis Temple. Thanks once again to Jimmy Brewer (PGM), a star was produced to take the degrees. This year's was Jesse Helms, senior senator from North Carolina. He was the designated candidate for the Order of the Temple, at the conclusion of which he is said to have made a "most flattering and appreciative talk." Counting the candidates, cast, and observers, about 400 Masons were on hand for the festivities and evening meal of chicken, beans, and coleslaw. Special thanks were expressed for the work done by the ritual cast, Charlotte York Rite Bodies, Oasis Potentate Herb Blakenship, and Oasis Recorder Calvin Gaddy. NORTH CAROLINIAN JOINS DeMOLAY GRAND LINE District of Columbia Ñ E. John Elmore, of Burlington, was installed as grand junior councilor of the Order of DeMolay at the 73rd International Supreme Council Session in June. Councilors are similar in position to the wardens in a grand lodge. Elmore first joined Friendship Chapter of DeMolay in Burlington and later served as advisory chairman of Raleigh and Friendship chapters. On the International Supreme Council for seven years now, he advanced from deputy to active member in 1990. He has been representative for the region including North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee. He was instrumental in the development of DeMolay's Executive Officer Mentor Program and their Self-Evaluation System. A member of Burlington 721, Elmore is both a York and Scottish rite Mason, and a Shriner, as well as belonging to several other Masonic bodies. Elmore is employed by JMB Realty and is chairman of the Operations Committee for North Carolina, International Council of Shopping Centers. William J. Mollere, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana was installed 62nd grand master of the International Supreme Council. SANTA COMES FROM MONROE Monroe Ñ Can you imagine yourself cruising the aisles of Rose's with five shopping carts loaded with toys? How about the thrill of suddenly discovering Roller Derby Skates of all sizes in Wal-Mart after wondering what a cottage full of girls were talking about? Masons are especially good about remembering the kids at Oxford Orphanage during the Christmas season. Many children get gifts from their sponsoring lodges. There are special visits from lodges. We don't know, however, of any group that does more than the six lodges of the 39th Masonic District. There have been a number of volunteers to take care of the details over the years. Don Helton, district deputy grand lecturer, and his wife Susan, a school teacher, are coordinating the program now. There are contributions from lodges in the district. Individuals send checks ranging from $5 to $100. This year's goal was $3,000. Work on each year's giving begins in October when they request lists from each cottage. Those lists name the children and their birthdays. The lists also report the wants of each child. Shopping begins around the end of the month. They try to buy presents specifically for each resident. Most purchasing is finished by late November, grabbing the easy items early and saving the trickier requests for the end. Sometimes requests come in herds. In the past there have been runs on Walkmen and hair dryers. You'll sometimes see team work like the year all 13 kids in a dorm wanted sheets decorated with Dalmatians or the time an entire cottage of girls asked for big towels. Lots of requests for college shirts follow national championships. Some choices show surprising maturity. The graduates in Master's Cottage have asked for a number of housekeeping items: electric can opener, desk lamps, coffee maker. The little ones in the Baby Cottage wanted lamps for their living room one year. They got Mickey Mouse lamps. A youngster once asked for art supplies. Another wanted CDs of classical music. The day before the big expedition, the men will gather at lodge and wrap the 175 presents. Every toy will be tested. Those that need batteries will have them installed and an extra set put in the box. They'll visit, with Santa Claus in tow, Sunday, December 12 this year. Santa carried a crew of 19 helpers last year. They traditionally meet in Concord for breakfast, departing early enough to make chapel services on the Oxford campus. After services, everyone heads for the cafeteria for lunch. As soon as things are squared away following the meal, Santa hands out the goodies to the residents. Every kid and every cottage gets a gift. They even come prepared for the offspring of the counselors and a few extras for any child who may have arrived after lists were gathered. Those who request something useful, like the kids who wanted the doggy sheets, will each get a small toy. The grown-ups on hand will get to dessert on giggles and smiling faces. They may even get to play a bit themselves. A few years ago, when radio-controlled cars were the rage, there was great disappointment that the cars didn't work like they should. That was until someone realized that there were just too many too close together. At that point men teamed up with boys and split up around campus, far enough from other teams that signals didn't interfere with each other. What a sight! Under every oak a tiny car screaming around a pair of laughing boys: one small and one larger than usual. MASONS RESCUE RECESS Mill Spring Ñ It wasn't long after they opened Polk Central School that folks noticed that playground equipment hadn't been moved with the kids. That's pretty important stuff for an elementary school. Solution: Bring on the Masons! It was a chance for the men of Horse Creek 719, just down the road in Columbus, to help a Brother as well as the community. Ed Lakey is a Horse Creek Mason as well as principal of Polk Central. Wayne Black organized a work project. A group of ladies furnished them lunch on the two consecutive Saturdays the men spent fashioning a new playground for the school. A letter to the editor of the Tryon Daily Bulletin thanked the lodge for helping "provide meaningful, productive experiences for students." For those of you looking for a community project for your lodge, public schools are one of the groups always in need of volunteers. FULL MOON DEGREE HELD IN GOLDSBORO Goldsboro Ñ The moon was just past full and at the top of the trees as Fellow Craft John Holland approached the lodge. His three raps signaled the beginning of the degree work at the Ninth Annual 16th District Outdoor Degree. Nearly 100 Masons were on hand at Busco Beach as Goldsboro 634 hosted this year's edition. The location was the same as in years past, but there were several changes in the site. The site was sold just before last year's event. It's no longer a construction company sand pit. It's now a private beach Ñ more a lake than a mine. Jack Bennett of Bennett's Auto Salvage allowed them to use it again this year. The lodge, prepared by Mount Olive 208, was held on a groomed sand peninsula of the lake. Access roads were tiled by Home 613. Fried chicken supper was served at 6:30, about the time a dozen Canada geese and several herons and great egrets returned to their island roosts for the night. Goldsboro 634 performed the formalities of opening a lodge at 7:30 just as the skies were beginning to darken. Acting Master Al Darling then turned things over to Harmony 340 for the first section of the degree. It was, after all, one of their members being raised. Hurricane lamps made from Mason jars and torches lit the chalked off lodge "room." The sky was crisply starred above a ragged frame of shadowed trees. Harmony 340 Senior Warden Dennis Lewis got to sit in the East for the first time as he conferred the first section of the degree. In the dark, they can't see you sweat, right Dennis? After a short break, Wayne 112's costumed degree team took over for the second section. District Deputy Grand Master Richard Benton portrayed King Solomon. Al Stroud presented the lecture. Rick Pridgen gave the charge. Ritual work was accompanied, but never interrupted, by creatures of the night. Frogs sang along. An occasional fish splashed the still water. One heron "Aawacked!" that there might be a better place to do the work. He can put up with it once a year. He'll get another chance to complain next year. It'll be October 7, again the first Friday in the month. Mark the 16th District's Tenth Anniversary Degree on your calendar now. You'll enjoy it. GRANDFATHERS' NIGHT IN CLEVELAND Cleveland Ñ The Campbells and Satterwhites took the spotlight at Scotch Ireland 154's Past Masters' Night in August. Fred A. Campbell and Steve Satterwhite were raised that night. Family ties were central to the event. Participating in the degree were Fred F. (grandfather), Fred H. (father), and Sidney Q. (uncle) Campbell. There were Satterwhites there, too, namely P.H.(grandfather) and Thomas (father). Master Grady Hall was grateful for the total 191 years of Masonic experience of these family members. SERIOUS ABOUT THEIR ROAD TRIPS New Bern Ñ Down here in the flatlands, we have a reputation of being a bit eccentric on occasion. Four Easterners may have recently stepped over the line. They stepped over several state lines at least. Back in May, Elmer Burroughs and Roy Ingram, of Doric 568, took off at 2:00 a.m. for a lodge meeting. They stopped in Kinston to pick up William Leggett (Richard Caswell 705) and in Snow Hill for James Wooten (Radiance 132). That's a pretty odd time to leave for a 7:00 p.m. lodge meeting. You'll certainly make most of them in that length of time. Maybe it's even a little early to be leaving the house. It's not that early if your headed for Charles Haynes 627 in Bayou Labatre, Alabama Ñ 825 miles from home. They weren't satisfied to make a simple appearance. Elmer presented a set of hand-made gavels to the Brothers in the Deep South. Robert C. Coley, past grand master of Alabama, proposed that the road weary men be made honorary life members of the lodge. Straight away, they were elected. They didn't return home until the next day. Of course, they could have left immediately and not made it home until the next day. If you hear these guys shout "Road Trip!" be careful about getting in their car. HARMONY AMONG THE BRETHREN Salisbury Ñ Harmony is indeed a strength and support of Masonry in the Salisbury area. Dan Hogue Jr. of Andrew Jackson 576 and Clint Abernathy of Eureka 283 have been singing harmonies together at church for some time. Not long ago, they recruited Bill Saunders and Grover Miller, both members of 576, to form a gospel quartet. What would you call a singing group with that many Masons? The Brothers, of course. They've been making appearances around the community. While they pay their own expenses, they are happy to take any donations their hosts may offer. These funds are handed over to our Masonic charities. So far they've brought in $500. They hope to make it $800 by the end of the year. THE FAMILY COACH Rockwell Ñ It's a dream of many fathers to sit in lodge with their sons. Becoming a Mason provides a strengthening of family ties and relationships. The Kimballs are a tightly entwined family of Masons. John Kimball, his son Tommy, and grandson Todd are all three members of Keller Memorial 657. If that's not enough of a relationship to suit you, Clyde Newton, a past master of Keller Memorial, taught each of them their catechisms. We certainly expect Clyde to be invited to any Kimball family reunions. TRAVELERS IN THE TAR HEEL STATE NEWS FROM LODGES AROUND THE STATE ASHEBORO Ñ Wives and widows of Asheboro 699 were honored in August. They had an old-fashioned sing-along after having dinner served by a local church group. Songs were sung by former Miss Randolph County Zoe Faircloth, and an address was given by Masonic and Eastern Star Home Chaplain Victor Dowd. The new answering machine is working now. If you're in Asheboro and need to know what's going on with Masons, call 626- 4610. Masonic charities made better than $800 this summer from the concession stand at United Eagles games. Ñ Asheboro Lodge No. 699. MIDLAND Ñ Union 618 expanded the traditional Widows' Banquet this year. They invited all the widows in their community, not just those of Masons. Jo Watson Adcock and Edna Hammond took on the big job of locating the widows. The 62 widows who attended got their meal and a small gift. They heard a short talk on the lodge's history and community service. Ray Rippy spoke to them on his experience as a bone marrow donor for a leukemia victim. Ñ George Long, secretary, Union 618. The men of Union 618 have taken a special interest in the cottage for 16 and 17-year-old boys at the Orphanage. They bought book bags, paper, and pencils for them to begin the school year. They're now hunting NASCAR souvenirs for those young race fans. Ñ Union Lodge No. 618. MONROE Ñ Past masters were honored at Monroe 244 in October. They were presenting 25-Year Service awards the same night. Ñ Trestleboard. Bill Reeder, master of Truth 749, is urging members to join him for a special outreach program. It's a follow-up to the "Outreach Report" which lists all "incapacitated Brethren" in their newsletter. Reeder plans to visit everyone on the list. Ñ Trestleboard WINSTON-SALEM Ñ Winston 167 held its Annual Fish Fry for Masonic charities in September. Ñ King Lodge News. Fonroe Crissman got a standing ovation from Old Town 751 at their August stated in celebration of his 80th birthday. He was the first man raised to Master Mason in their current lodge building. They were making plans for the work involved in the Vantage Golf Tournament. They were offering a chance to mingle with celebrities and play the Tanglewood course in exchange for helping out. Twenty past masters and 17 visitors were among those at the conferring a Master Mason Degree at their Past Masters' Night. They also enjoyed a ham and egg supper. The September lodge auction raised $800 for Masonic Charity. Ñ On the Level at Old Town Lodge. KING Ñ Thanks to King 722 for helping make sure we have the mailing list for The Mason up to date and reminding their members to share this paper with non-Masons. Ñ King Lodge News. DENTON Ñ They were so pleased with their first open house at Denton 404, that they're considering inviting non-members to more of their events, starting with their Thanksgiving Banquet. Ñ Denton Masonic Lodge. GASTONIA Ñ Ladies' Night was celebrated in the late summer at Gastonia 369. They delivered on a pledge of "a good meal, great entertainment, fellowship, and lots of fun." The charities benefited from their yard sale in September and an All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Supper and Breakfast scheduled for late October. Ñ The Trestle Board. Acoustics should no longer be a problem at King Solomon 704. The newly installed speaker system was expected to be functioning in time for their October communications. Ñ The Plumb Line. FAYETTEVILLE Ñ Creasy Proctor held their Second Annual Barbecue and Fish Dinner in September. We've had no word yet on how much the Home and Orphanage can look forward to. Back in June there were 29 widows among the 90 guests for Widows' Night. In addition to the steak dinner, there were long stem carnations for the ladies, and entertainment. Those attending for the first time got a widow's pin. The Third Annual Jim Horne Gold Classic had 62 players and 44 sponsors. This year the event made $5,391 for the Home and Orphanage. Ñ The Trestle Board. There are still lodge caps and commemorative coins from the bicentennial of Phoenix 8 left for sale. Phoenix planned their Ladies' and Awards Night for October. Ñ Phoenix Lodge No. 8. SMITHFIELD Ñ They say that Harvey Davis of Fellowship 84 saw a heck of a lot of spitting when he carried 40 watermelons up to the Orphanage for kids' pleasure. Ñ The Trestleboard. RALEIGH Ñ James B. Green 735 honored Past Masters in early October. Less than a week later, they held a dinner and social to say thanks to everyone who helped at this year's Fish Fry. Ñ James B. Green Lodge. All the women honored by Masters 754 at their Ladies' Night received a pink rose corsage. They planned their picnic at the Orphanage for early October. Ñ The Trowel. Barbecue plates were to be sold in October by William T. Bain 231. Proceeds were earmarked for the Home and Orphanage. Ñ Garner Lodge #701. LAURINBURG Ñ The Brothers of Laurinburg 305 have approved the final working drawings for their new Masonic Temple. They have been forwarded to the Lodge Service Commission for approval. Michael Kimbrell, master of Laurinburg 305, had enough courage to publish his lodge's figures for Masonic charity contributions from the membership. They found that only 40% of their members made any contribution. Those who participated averaged a little less than $50 each. We suspect that their figures are average or even a little better than the statewide figure. Ñ The Masonic Messenger. KENANSVILLE Ñ The supper committee at St. John's 13 supplied the chicken and pastry for the September Family Picnic at Maxwell Mill. Each family was to bring a covered dish and a pitcher of tea to complete the feast. Lodge widows were invited. Ñ Bulletin of St. Johns Lodge No. 13. EDENTON Ñ The new elevator has been completed at Unanimity 7. They held a dedication in conjunction with their Ladies' and Awards Night in September. Ñ The Trestle Board. CHARLOTTE Ñ Charles M. Setzer 693 held its Lodge Reunion Family Picnic in October. Ñ Charles M. Setzer Lodge No. 693. Keystone 726 had a raising performed for them at Rockingham 495 in July. The courtesy work was done there for a number of reasons. High on the list was for the pleasure of the candidate's father. Bunn T. Phillips III, son of Past Grand Master B.T. Phillips Jr., was the candidate. Officers of the Grand Lodge conferred the first section and Hiram 40's costumed degree team took care of the second section. Ñ Keystone Lodge No. 726. MANTEO Ñ Vinyl siding placement at Manteo 521 is finally complete. Ñ More Light. PAW CREEK Ñ It's the usual custom at West Gate 738 to honor members' birthdays at each stated communication. They had a special treat in July as Secretary John Litaker made two freezers of ice cream. It was so popular that they have repeated and find that there is no delay in closing ceremonies on ice cream nights. If you bought a "Sno-Cone" on St. John's Day at Oxford Orphanage, you helped the Boy Scout Troop there. They brought in $800 with the machine and ingredients. West Gate supplied those plus a couple of helpers in Wade Kirby and Kevin Bodenheimer. In the past they've helped buy tents for the troop. They're cutting down waiting time at their Semi-Annual Chicken Fry by opening a second line this year. Past masters did the degree work for a new Master Mason on a Saturday morning in September. Ñ West Gate Lodge No. 738. GARNER Ñ August was the time to honor Past Masters at Garner 701. They had a covered dish dinner. Their Christmas dinner, scheduled for early December, will honor wives and widows. Ñ Garner Masonic Lodge No. 701. GREENSBORO Ñ Oka T. Hester Park was the site of P.P. Turner 746's Lodge Picnic in September. An afternoon of horse shoes, volleyball, fishing, and nature trails was followed by hot dogs, hamburgers, turkey, and venison. Ñ Trestleboard. Gate City 694 sent $500 to flood victims in the midwest. They have initiated a calling system to alert members about emergent communications or other needs of the Craft. Regularly attending members are on the call list. October is Annual Brunswick Stew time at Gate City. They were hoping to top last year's sales of over 800 quarts. Frederick C. Hitchcock and Carroll C. Lupton got 60-Year awards and Edward M. Lawrence a 50-Year recognition at Gate City Ladies' Night in September. Music from Razz-Ma-Tazz, prize drawings, and a great meal were featured for the 130 attending. Dale Kelly was commended for his planning. They will be considering an amendment to their by-laws that would require that each new member of the lodge be presented a copy of the by-laws. Ñ The Trestle Board. Ladies' Night , also serving as Awards Banquet, at Greensboro 76 was scheduled for late October. Ñ Old "76". The Greensboro Chapter of DeMolay has issued the first edition of its newsletter. They reported on a planned deep-sea fishing trip as well as their expected cookout and basketball tournament at Oxford Orphanage. Super job, fellas! Ñ Greensboro Chapter of DeMolay. HICKORY Ñ Past masters of Hickory 343 sat down to ribeye steaks at their recognition dinner in September. Carl Isenhour and Phil Datnoff did a super job on the Bloodmobile they headed for the lodge. They collected 62 units against a goal of 40. Good job, folks. Dan Wallace and the Hickory Bassmasters took Hickory 343's Orphanage charges on a fishing trip to Jordan Lake in late September. David Reep and his "outlaw crew" took care of Family Day in August. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and (WOW!) ten different kinds of homemade ice cream. Ñ Hickory Lodge No. 343. SALISBURY Ñ Andrew Jackson 576's Annual Barbecue was scheduled for mid-October. October is also the month that their officers traditionally move up one chair. When it comes to practicing for next year, there's no time like the present. At their annual Past Masters' Night they tried a new wrinkle. At supper, each Brother was seated at the table with the Master who raised him. Each past master stood to be recognized with his Master Masons. Ñ The Master's Journal. They'll need to be careful when they host Past Masters' Night at Fulton 99. They were raising twin brothers. Nobody would want those old guys thinking they're seeing double. Say haven't we seen this guy before? Ñ The Trestle-Board. THOMASVILLE Ñ Thomasville 214 is now sending birthday cards to all the kids at the Orphanage. Nice gesture, guys. They're also thinking about purchasing property next to the lodge. It would be their last opportunity to get increase parking space. Ñ Trestle Board. BLACK MOUNTAIN Ñ They must be morning people up there. Lynn Cagle and Johnny Raines were examined on the Second Degree Catechism at 6 a.m. back in July. After breakfast at Black Mountain 663, they resumed labor and added Jack Cordell, a third candidate, to the mix. Three new Masons made and in time to get home for lunch. Ñ Black Mountain Lodge. BREVARD Ñ The Oxford Orphanage Choir appeared in the area in August, so the Brothers of Dunn's Rock were gathering volunteers to put the kids up. They had their Unity Meeting in September. It was a dinner for the whole family. When the Masons headed for their stated communication, they furnished entertainment for their guests. During a recent telephone call with the offices of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, a charming young secretary told me how much she looked forward to getting each issue of The NC Mason and how she read every word. My rapidly swelling head reversed its trend when she told me it was because she was looking for her father's name. Bob Hinshaw, past grand master and past grand secretary of Ohio, now lives in Brevard. Ñ Dunn's Rock Masonic Lodge. GOLDSBORO Ñ Goldsboro 634's Annual Home Cookout at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home was held back in August. The Pig Picking at Oxford Orphanage was scheduled for October. They were the site for the District Picnic in August. They were to solicit 24 units for the September Bloodmobile to be held at Wayne 112. Ñ Newsletter. HOLLIS Ñ Country comedian Jerry Clower was featured in a show held at East Rutherford High School in September. Hollis 535 hosted the event to raise funds for the Home and Orphanage. Ñ Joppa Lodge No. 401. HAMLET Ñ They're getting lots of work done at Hamlet 532. They fixed and painted during a special fix-it day recently. They've even got a freezer now thanks to Wes McIntyre Jr. A flurry of "new regulations" has resulted in their lodge becoming a smoke-free building. They're also looking for more help with a new list of projects presented them by the fire marshal. Ladies' Night and a Bloodmobile were scheduled for October. Ñ The Trestle Board. OLD FORT Ñ We've heard of "Traveling Gavels" and "Traveling Banners," but Joppa 401 is bringing a new version of the traveling trophy for visitation to the 59th District. They've purchased a statue of Masonic Brother Andrew Jackson, seventh president of the United States (1829Ð37). Rules for capturing the statue haven't been finalized. Ñ Joppa Lodge No. 401 WILMINGTON Ñ A city-wide degree was scheduled for October. They were combining the officers of St. John's 1, Wilmington 319, and Orient 395 to confer the Master Mason Degree. The Family Night program at Wilmington 319 was very well timed. They dealt with hurricane preparedness not long before Hurricane Emily hit the scene. A large group of family and friends descended on Liberty Commons Nursing Home to give William Lafayette Beery Jr. his 50- Year Award. The front foyer and hall have been painted at 319. While the Department of Transportation "re-designed" the front yard, the brethren tackled clearing the back yard. Ñ The Wilmington Mason. MEBANE Ñ Hawfields Presbyterian Church was visited by the Masons of Bingham 272 in September. Ñ Bingham's News and Views. GIBSONVILLE Ñ Tabasco 271's name suggests a spice that may be a good thing to pick up from the supermarket after visiting their October Pork Shoulder Sale. Ñ Bingham's News and Views. KINSTON Ñ Barbecue chicken dinners were to be sold here in October to raise funds for the Masonic Foundation and the Care Center at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home. St. John's 4 will be teaming up with Eastern Star Chapter 53 in the effort. They'll also be helping the Lenoir County Health Department promote vaccinations for kids. They plan to buy T-shirts for the little ones who get their shots. Ñ The Trestle Board. GATESVILLE Ñ William King of Gatesville 126 was supposed to get his Veteran's Award from the Grand Master when he visited the First District in September. King couldn't make the meeting because he was laid up in Obici Hospital in Suffolk, Virginia. GM Rick Moore made a quick trip across the state line the next day to personally present the award. WASHINGTON Ñ Orr 104 has banned smoking in the lodge room. In a true act of Brotherhood, the motion was made and seconded by dedicated smokers. The members of 104 attended St. Peter's Episcopal Church as a group in October. Reynold Davenport was the guest speaker for Past Masters'/Ladies' Night at Washington 675 in October. Ñ Light From the East. SOUTHERN PINES Ñ Harry Houdini's niece will be the speaker at a dinner honoring the wives of Southern Pines 484 in October. The lodge is co-sponsoring a Blood Drive in November. The local United Methodist Church is the other sponsor. Ñ Southern Pines Lodge #484. MORGANTON Ñ Catawba Valley 217 was to hold their Annual Masonic Barbecue for the Charities in October. They also sponsored a Blood Drive that month. Family members will be honored with a special night in November. Ñ The Trowel. PRINCETON Ñ They've said goodbye to painting the exterior of their lodge building at St. Patrick's 617. They recently covered it with vinyl siding. The Shamrock, a newsletter for the lodge, is now being produced by John Holt. Their Masonic education program for November will be about preplanning your own Masonic funeral. Ñ The Shamrock. PEACE GARDEN LODGE OPENS ON US/CANADA BORDER In August, about 200 Masons primarily from Manitoba, North Dakota, and Minnesota gathered at Howard Hall at the Youth Music Camp of the International Peace Gardens to witness an exciting event, the forming of The International Peace Garden Lodge of Freemasons. Those involved in the chartering ceremony were the Grand Masters of North Dakota, Manitoba, and Jack A. Benson, senior grand warden of Minnesota. The beginning of this historical lodge was the brainchild of Past Grand Master Arch Duncan, Mahtomedi. It is patterned after a similar lodge along the American-Canadian border of Maine and New Brunswick. Duncan now holds membership card Number One having been given proper recognition for his imaginative idea. The charter was issued by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, A.F. & A.M., the Grand Lodge of Manitoba, A.F. & A.M., and the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, A.F. & A.M. Membership in The International Peace Garden Lodge of Freemasons is open to any Master Mason in good standing who is a member of a Lodge of Masons of any jurisdiction in the world, as long as it is recognized by the Chartering Grand Jurisdictions. The fee for membership is a once-in-a-lifetime $50. The funds are being held in trust, the interest produced to be used to operate the lodge and for any other fitting purpose as approved at the annual meeting of the lodge. Any Mason who joins the lodge in 1993 will be a charter member. Applications should be sent directly to The International Peace Garden Lodge of Freemasons, RR #1, Box 116, Dunseith, ND 58329 giving name, lodge and number, and grand jurisdiction. The purpose of this International Lodge is to promote and enhance fraternal relations among Freemasons of North America and to assist in the expansion and maintenance of the International Peace Garden. The Lodge will meet at least once a year, the first Saturday in August, at the International Peace Garden with the duties of arrangements for the meeting being handled by the chartering grand lodges on a rotating basis. Ñ The Minnesota Mason, September, 1993. MASONIC RENEWAL 2000 INTRODUCED IN KANSAS Kansas Ñ Masonic Renewal 2000 is a program sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Kansas for the revitalization of individual lodges. Lodges agree to implement several programs. They'll strive to increase their number of new members by ten percent over their average for the last five years. They're urged to use "Prospect Nights" and other tools to increase the rolls. They plan to form calling committees to encourage inactive Brothers back into the lodge. The lodge's officers agree to meet for planning sessions to blueprint activities for the year. They are to perform a fund raising event and adopt one new community charity. They are also to have a "Family Day". They hope together, these and a number of other measures will rejuvenate Freemasonry in Kansas for the 21st century. Ñ The Kansas Mason. ENCOMPASSING THE WORLD NEWS FROM LODGES ROUND THE WORLD KENTUCKY Ñ A resolution to ban smoking in lodge rooms was scheduled for introduction at Kentucky's Annual Communication in October. Ñ Masonic Home Journal. WISCONSIN Ñ The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. Grand Master Carl J. Wussow's theme for the year will be "Preserving Masonry for the Future." Ñ The Wisconsin Masonic Journal. OKLAHOMA Ñ The Masonic Charity Foundation for Matching Funds here received more than 400 applications in the first half of the year from its constituent lodges. The Foundation gave out $184,000. Doubling that with the local lodge contribution put $368,000 into community charitable needs. Ñ The Oklahoma Mason. OREGON Ñ Lyle C. Logan has been elected Grand Master of Oregon. Thirteen pieces of legislation were considered at their Annual Communication. A "Just Say No" attitude prevailed as all 13 proposals were defeated. A seven-and-a-half-minute video has been produced on the day-to-day activity of their Masonic and Eastern Star Home. It explains the Home's current financial dilemma before asking for contributions. Ñ Oregon Masonic News. CONNECTICUT Ñ The Food Bank which takes care of food distribution to needy families in Woodbury, Connecticut, didn't have an official sponsor. Pretty much nothing was done until the larder was bare, which made for "feast or famine cycles" for the Bank. King Solomon's 7 stepped up and took responsibility. They monitor the supplies on hand. Whenever the food is getting low, teams of Masons spend Saturday morning at the two supermarkets in town. They hand out flyers to shoppers and collect contributions of food and cash. Ñ The Connecticut Square and Compasses. MICHIGAN Ñ W. Don Baugher has been installed as the 147th Grand Master of Michigan. He is the leader of 72,000 Masons in 432 lodges. His theme for the year is "Masons Care About Kids." It will be promoted by bumper stickers, pins, and a parade float that will be available to any Michigan Masonic body. At that communication they approved the presentation of lectures "on electronic media," that is video or audio tape. An amendment to change the minimum petitioner age was ruled out of order and not voted on. They fixed their per capita Juvenile Diabetes Assessment at $1 and increased per capita to Grand Lodge by $5. The Grand Master approved the Masonic Awareness Program of one of their blue lodges as "proper solicitation." The program is very similar to the Open House Program we have here in North Carolina. Although their total enrollment is down this past year, they raised three times more Masons in 1992 than in the previous year. They credit the increase to bringing back entered apprentices and fellow crafts who had dropped out, elimination of required memorization of the obligation, and use of a Masonic Awareness program in lodges. Ñ From Point to Pointe. KANSAS Ñ When it comes to putting himself on the line to promote Masonry, no one Ñ repeat No One Ñ outdoes Kansas Grand Master William J. Brown. He's been known to throw out the first pitch of ball games. Now he's promised the Masons in Kiowa they could throw him into the river if they get 400 or more to attend their riverside degree. When Lansing 49 sponsored a circus in their community, the grand master rode in the circus parade, on an elephant. Ñ The Kansas Mason. LOUISIANA Ñ A Grand Lodge Endowment Fund was created at the February Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana. They hope the fund will lead to Financial stability" for the Grand Lodge. Gifts to the fund go into an account from which only interest is spent. Ñ The Louisiana Freemason. MISSISSIPPI Ñ The Grand Lodge here has moved to computerization. They are asking for patience as they learn the new equipment. They are suggesting that personal visits be made to those who haven't paid their dues yet by the men who recommended them to begin with. Ñ The Mississippi Freemason. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Ñ At a special communication in November, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia will consider changing the status of entered apprentices. Blue lodge business meetings would be conducted in the first degree with entered apprentices and fellow crafts qualified to vote. They would also be entitled to Masonic funerals. Master and wardens of lodges, as well as officers and members of Grand Lodge, would have to be Master Masons. Ñ The Voice of Freemasonry. MINNESOTA Ñ The Second Annual Masonic Education Conference for Minnesota Masons was held in September. Forrest Haggard, past grand master of Kansas was the featured speaker at the two-day event. Break-out sessions were: The Counselor Program Ñ How to Train a Candidate; Lodge Education Officer Program and Masonic Light Award Program Ñ Learning From the Lion of Your Lodge; Mozart, Music, and Masonry; The Pilgrim's Path Ñ New Ideas for Promotion; Masonry in the Community Ñ Public Relations and Including the Family; Freemasonry, Templars, and Sinclairs; and Principal Centered Leadership Ñ A Vision and Vision Statement for the Lodge. They didn't leave their families at home during the conference. The ladies had tours and programs of their own (including "What is My Husband Doing?") and were invited to all of the break-out sessions. Child care was provided free. Lodge Education Officers who attended were not charged for their accommodations or meals. Ñ The Minnesota Mason. NORTH DAKOTA Ñ Masons in North Dakota have installed Neil C. Rowe grand master at their 104th Annual Communication in June. He plans to emphasize "Masonic Visibility" this year. He urged his lodges to "get involved in community projects as a group so the public can see that the Masons are among the movers and shakers in their community." The delegates defeated an amendment to their by-laws to allow alcoholic beverages to be served as part of a Festive Board. Ñ The North Dakota Mason. NEW ZEALAND Ñ Hinemoa 122 and Coronation 127 got together to perform a degree emulation using the rituals of the Grand Lodge of Washington in the United States. The American Embassy supplied a flag, and members replicated props for the ceremony. According to their report, "The working is virtually unaltered from its 18th century origins and many present were able to identify parts of it with blue, red, and other Masonic ceremonies used in New Zealand. "The first part is virtually a repertory production, being a play on the Hiramic Legend. The second part is more akin to the traditional histories and tracing board all rolled into one, while the third section deals with a detailed explanation of the emblems of the third degree. There are many more emblems [in the work] than in New Zealand." At the same meeting, Hinemoa 122 was presented a much traveled gavel. It began its journey at Grand Marais 322 in Minnesota. It's been through Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. It is to be returned to its home after 200 presentations. Ñ Freemason. VERMONT Ñ Roderick J. Maclay will preside as grand master of Vermont for 1994, their bicentennial year. The Grand Lodge is supplying speakers on Masonic history for local lodges The grand lodge office has added a second computer and are updating software. One of the things they are producing with them is a calendar of Masonic events around the state. Copies are supplied to lodge secretaries periodically. Vermont Freemasons are underwriting an episode of "The American Experience" on public television in their state. Here's a breakdown on their per capita tax to their grand lodge: General fund $14.05, Lodge liability insurance 2.10, 1994 Bicentennial celebration .55, Green Mountain Freemason 1.30, Total $18.00. Member pay only $10.50 each with the remainder coming from their endowed Permanent Fund. Ñ The Green Mountain Mason. MISSOURI Ñ Frank Ames Arnold, grand master of Missouri, is finally out of the hospital. Arnold was in an accident in May and spent eight and a half weeks in a coma. After much work he returned to his home in mid-August. We wish him a quick journey back to good health. Ñ The Missouri Freemason. RHODE ISLAND Ñ Stephen E. Mitchell has been installed as Grand Master of Rhode Island. Work will continue on remodeling the new headquarters of the grand lodge. They just bought their first home this past year. Ñ Rhode Island Freemason. WASHINGTON Ñ Grand Master of Washington Kenneth Robinson is urging his lodges to take "a first step in Masonic renewal" by holding an Friend's Night in the autumn. He predicts a "positive impact" from a "well thought out program, with light refreshments and good fellowship." The Anti-Masonic Task Force, a committee of the grand lodge there, is urging Washington Masons to "remain vigilant and active in educating" themselves about those who would destroy Freemasonry. We would also do well to follow another piece of their advice. They urge each Mason to spend time and thought to form an explanation for this question: "What do Masons do?" Don't wait to think about it until a non-Mason asks. Now is the time. Ñ Washington Masonic Tribune. NEWS FROM THE HOME Closing Another Year When you read these lines, both the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons will be close at hand. The ending of the year will signify that The Masonic and Eastern Star Home has completed the 80th year of continuous operation. There are some things about the year 1993 that are unique. After 21 years of service, we lost that great and good friend of this Home and its residents, Dr. Norman H. Garrett, to retirement. One resident, who lost his wife, remarried another resident in July. The ceremony took place in the Chapel. Another male resident withdrew from the Home after a year's stay and returned to his native Washington, N. C. Still another female resident withdrew after a ten- year stay and moved to Richmond, Virginia with intentions of remarrying. Yet our population still hovers around the 200 number and our waiting list of potential residents continues to remain a little over 100. We have made improvements in our steam lines and sewer lines. These have represented constant problems in attempting to maintain our aged buildings. Much work and effort has been applied to the Home's generator in hopes that a power failure would not cause a partial shutdown in the facility. I must report that we who live and work here are most thankful that, in spite of an extremely hot, dry, and humid summer, there were no chiller or air conditioner breakdowns and our residents and patients stayed comfortable. We will remember the year as one of smooth operations, of loyalty and devotion from our employees, and of the many messages of appreciation for the work we have tried to do. The Masonic and Eastern Star Home exemplifies the spirit of Masonry and of kindliness and the true spirit of Him who "went about doing good." The Masonic Home Family wishes for you and your loved ones a beautiful Holiday Season. NEWS FROM THE HOME After a one-month stay at the Home, Mrs. Elaine Edwards passed away in the Bass Care Center on Tuesday, morning, September 7, 1993. Elaine and her husband, Elwood, entered the Home on August 18, 1993. Elwood resides in the Bennette Building. They were recommended by Revolution 552. * Both Mrs. Callie Campbell, age 82, and Mrs. Nola Myers, age 92, passed away on Thursday morning September 9, 1993. At the time of death, both were residing in the Bass Care Center. Callie was recommended to the Home by Klondyke Chapter 197, OES in Chadbourn. She was admitted in August, 1985 and most of the time she resided in the Bennette Building. Her sister, Sadie Euliss, resides in the Setzer Building. Nola, who was recommended by Gate City 694, entered in November, 1988. She resided in the Care Center during her entire stay. She was adopted by Rolesville Chapter 286, OES. * Mrs. Hazel Davis of Bonlee became a resident of the Home on Wednesday, October 6. Hazel was recommended by Mt. Vernon 143. She is residing in the Setzer Building, Room 18. * Mrs. Hazel Bowles of Greensboro entered the Home on Wednesday, October 13. She was recommended by Guilford Chapter 141, OES and she is living in the Bennette Building, Room 321. * In preparation for the Board Meeting on Saturday, November 13, several Board Committees met at the Home in early autumn. On September 14 the Personnel Committee was here. On September 22 the Buildings and Grounds Committee met and toured the Home; and on October 27 the Finance Committee, the Personnel Committee, and the Long Range Planning Committee had meetings at the Home. The budget and other decisions must be made for 1994. * In conjunction with the Orphanage Superintendent, the Grand Master, and the Grand Secretary, the Superintendent completed the 41 Masonic District Meetings for 1993 held from May through October 1. An effort was again made to enlighten the Brothers throughout the state about the work carried on each day at the Home and about some of the future problems facing the Home. REPORT FROM OXFORD ORPHANAGE During this time of year on the campus of Oxford Orphanage, the acorns from the large, ancient oak trees begin to pepper the ground indicating the fall of the year has arrived. I have often wondered what kinds of stories they would share if these beautiful old oak trees could only speak. They continue to shelter and protect the beautiful children who call this campus their home. The old trees have shed their leaves and dropped their acorns year after year for generations. The children and adults who are a part of Oxford Orphanage have enjoyed their stability and beauty. Since the doors opened at Oxford Orphanage in 1873, it has been the purpose of this wonderful home to give stability, support, and guidance to every child who has been admitted for care. Fortunately, over the years, many of the students who graduated from Oxford have made wonderful contributions to society across North Carolina and throughout the country. It is always a joy to hear from these former students as they take great pride in the home and the Masonic Fraternity who gave them the opportunity to grow and develop as fine adults. Despite the success of Oxford Orphanage, over the years, one finds that critics, who are not familiar with our Masonic Fraternity or our beautiful home for children, will print misleading information or distort facts. We don't want our institution misunderstood. As you know, our doors to this wonderful home are always open. We are delighted when we can share what Oxford Orphanage represents. The Masons have supported this Masonic Home for children for over 120 years and we are proud of the quality care that has been provided to the thousands of deserving students who have passed through these doors. There is a "Fact Sheet on Oxford Orphanage" that has been prepared for you. We hope that you will find it helpful. We hope you will share these facts with your lodge and with interested people in your community. 1) Oxford Orphanage is the oldest child care facility in North Carolina. It was founded in 1873 by the Masonic Fraternity of North Carolina. It is still operated by the Masons as a non-profit, long-term residential facility. 2) Oxford Orphanage has a capacity of 200 residents. Occupants are boys and girls ranging in age from 2 to 18 years. Presently there are 162 living in the ten cottages on the campus. 3) Since its beginning in 1873, more than seven thousand boys and girls have found a home and education at Oxford Orphanage. 4) All our school-age children attend Granville County Public Schools. Educational scholarships are provided by the Orphanage to pay the entire college tuition for students, even through graduate school. 5) A staff of 70 full and part-time employees run the facility. 6) The annual budget is approximately three million dollars. There is no Federal or State funding. Contributions from Masons and non-Masons alike support the budget. 7) Applicants to Oxford Orphanage come from all over North Carolina by way of our 388 Masonic lodges. The lodges have a total membership of more than 65,000. 8) The Charter of Oxford Orphanage which is on file in the Secretary of State's Office in Raleigh states: "A Home for indigent children of tender years, to be selected and received as the Directors Éshall determine but without discrimination as to race, color, national origin, sex, religious denomination, or localityÉ" As mentioned earlier, the old oak trees have sheltered and protected our Oxford Orphanage for many generations and through your on going prayers and support our home will continue to meet the needs of children for many more years. On behalf of all the children and staff, we thank you for all the assistance you give to us. With deep appreciation, David Grissom, Superintendent A SUNDAY OUT OF TOWN Goldsboro Ñ Harmony 340 of Pikeville sent two vans to Oxford Orphanage in late August. In the pre-dawn dark, they picked up 39 youngsters from Bundy and Regan cottages. They were off for an exciting morning at the Annual Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Air Show. The kids were split into groups of five or six and assigned a lodge member for a guide. David Fitzmorris was cited as the advance planner for the expedition. Lunch followed with lodge members cooking burgers and hot dogs and adding some baked beans, chips, cookies, and tea on the side. A little volleyball and horseshoes let the kids work off enough of the food to have a little more throughout the rest of the day. It would be pretty safe to bet on a few snores being heard from those full, tired bodies on the way back up to Oxford. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE BY-LAWS The Code is a complex, and by no means definitive document. Anything read there may have been superseded by board decisions or resolutions. Those changes are not always incorporated into the document. This column should, therefore, not be considered authoritative. It is only a guide in wading through the regulations noted in The Code. Final answers remain within the authority of the Grand Lodge. Question: I've got an uncle in New Mexico who really influenced me in becoming a Mason. Would it be okay for him to install me when I become master? Answer: In order to install officers, a Brother must be a master or past master of a lodge our grand lodge recognizes. As long as his membership is in good standing, and he meets the above requirements he may live anywhere according to 63-13 of The Code. The other thing to consider is that the details of the installation are the prerogative of the outgoing master. The master will generally defer to the incoming master's wishes, but you would do well to consult him. Question: We always have an open installation between Christmas and New Year's Day. Boy, is that a rotten time for another meeting! Do we have to wait that long? Answer: Not unless you want to. Regulation 62-02 allows new officers to be installed as soon as you like after election, even at the same communication. Question: Our master will be taking office for the second consecutive year this December. Can't we just skip installing him since he stays in the same chair and let him install the rest of us? Answer: It is his "right" to install the other officers of his lodge after his own installation (63-09). He must, according to 63-06, be installed once again. His right to install his successor [67-10(26)] brings about possibilities so undignified as to remove it from consideration. ARIZONA'S GRAND MASTER ON TIME Grand Master Oscar T. Lyon Jr. commenting on Arizona's "Vision 2000, A Case for Strategic Planning and Masonic Renewal:" "Time is the root of most of the problems experienced by new and potential members. Yet, many Masons in the leadership of the Craft seem to have all the time they want Ñ many of them have retired. "For these men, Masonry is firmly the center of their activity and the more time they can spend on Masonic projects, the happier they are. "We must be very cognizant of the limited time available to many of our newer members, especially those still in the work force, both in the way we educate them and in the way to conduct our meetings." Ñ Arizona Masonry, December, 1992. FROM THE EDITORS DESK NUDGE THE WORLD We've communicated with history and our Masonic forebears recently. We remembered Masons starting Phoenix Lodge in Fayetteville. We commemorated the laying of the cornerstone at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. I attended the rededicating of the cornerstone of Old East, the first public university building in the country. As the chilled shadows of an October dawn slowly dissolved into color and detail, I thought of those men who gathered on the exact spot exactly 200 years before us, saying the same words. Did they realize the importance of what they were doing? Surely they knew it was important, for most of them had worked diligently to make a public university possible. Somehow I doubt though that they expected Masons to reassemble on the spot to salute them and their work 200 years later. They probably didn't think that hundreds would gather under Davie Poplar to speak glowingly of their labors. They certainly didn't dare allow themselves the vanity of supposing thousands listening to an American president honoring their creation. Indeed, the action they took that day didn't make the celebration happen. It was but one of the sparks that contributed to the brightness of public higher education today. It started with a person thinking it a good idea. One finally said it, and more took up the thought until thought became the reality of a cornerstone. Small parts by the thousands were added over the years Ñ from the brick mason laying the campus's spider's web of sidewalks to the speculative Mason professor teaching students to live a better life and create a better world. Please decide now to do what small bit you can in the coming holiday season to contribute to moving your part of the world, your family, your craft, and yourself in the direction of brotherly love. Perhaps you can't change the world by yourself. You can only nudge it. Reflect carefully on which direction you push. You can never be sure of your strength.