THE electronic NORTH CAROLINA Mason September/October, 1994 vol. 2 #5 The stripped-down, online version of the real thing The North Carolina Mason Volume CXVIII -- No. 5 Published every other month, The North Carolina 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 -- Carroll Simmons, chairman; B. Wesley Lefler Jr., Dalton Mayo, James E. Stratton, and Michael W. Brantley. EDITOR -- Ric Carter 126 Arbor Drive Washington, NC 27889 (919) 946-8039 RicC@aol.com Please feel free to pass The eNCM along to others. Any suggestions or submissions you might have are welcomed. MASONIC AND EASTERN STAR HOME ADMINISTRATOR RESIGNS Greensboro -- Masonic and Eastern Star Home Administrator Tommy Jones has left to take a similar position at the Masonic Home of Virginia in Richmond. July 31 was his last day on the job. Virginia's administrator retired August 31. Virginia's search committee offered Tommy the job in late spring. Despite "real mixed feelings," Tommy says that, "After prayerful consideration, Jill and I feel we have a 'special calling' for this challenging new position." Tommy has deep roots in the Tarheel State, but Virginia is also a big part of his life. Tommy spent his childhood at Oxford Orphanage. He attended East Carolina University on a football scholarship and became a high school coach in Roanoke, Virginia after he graduated. He later became an elementary school principal there. Tommy became a Mason while in Virginia and has maintained dual membership since he returned to North Carolina. Tommy spent 23 years working in Virginia schools before coming to Greensboro to take care of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home. He served as administrator there for 14 years. Grand Master Bill Brunk has already appointed a search committee to find a new administrator. Ella Payne is acting administrator until a new administrator is named. She is a state licensed administrator and has been assistant administrator of the Home for more than 20 years. She is scheduled to retire at the end of the year. Brunk says that replacing Tommy Jones will be a challenge. "Tommy has been a real source of comfort and warmth to the residents there. He will be an extremely valuable asset to the Home in Richmond, and we wish him the very best of luck in his new endeavors." Tommy sends a message to his friends around North Carolina in his usual spot later in this issue. EARL LOVETTE IS THE CAN MAN Kinston -- Bill Sharper didn't know he was creating The Can Man. He was just talking to friends at Richard Caswell 705 about a project for raising a little money for Masonic Charity. No one noticed as Earl Lovette began his transformation into The Can Man. Bill's idea was to gather discarded aluminum cans, sell them for recycling, and send the check to Masonic Home for Children. Earl took it on since he was retired and Bill was still working. They sold the first load in late 1992. Earl admits that he, "wondered if it was worth the trouble," when he saw that check for $80. His outlook is a lot better now. In 1993, Earl and his friends brought in $2,300. That amounts to five tons of aluminum -- over 300,000 cans. Gathering cans is Earl's personal mission. He spends four to six hours-a-day, six days-a-week driving around filling his pickup truck with roadside aluminum. Back in his garage, he crushes many of the cans to get more in the load. When Browning-Ferris Industries (the company that buys Earl's metal) understood that kids were getting the money, they loaned Earl a trailer to carry uncrushed cans. It stays in Earl's backyard. It's not unusual to see one of his neighbors toss a bag of cans on the load. Masons bring bags of empties to lodge meetings for the fund. Do the guys worry about a beer can being seen in their recyclables? Earl says, "I always tell everybody to use black plastic bags." John Watson, of Pleasant Hill 304, has even staked out his own roadside route in the Pink Hill area. Some men might get self-conscious about what folks say when they see them picking up trash along the road. "Sometimes people stop and ask me what I'm doing." To Earl, it's an opportunity to spread a little a light about Freemasonry to new people. Earl thinks it would make a good program for many lodges. He says you need a dedicated retired person to head up the job and stick with it. It does take some time. The results are clear. "Even if it doesn't seem like much, it's a few dollars more than was there before," says Earl. It seems like right much more to us. JAMES MEDLIN NAMED DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR It's been a long hunt, but they think they've found their man. At Annual Communication 1993, you told them to find a development director to help assure the future of the North Carolina Masonic Foundation. They hired James L. Medlin. The committee pored over applications for a year before finding the right man to help keep our Homes for children and seniors on their financial feet. Jim Medlin is a 47-year-old resident of Sylva. He's senior deacon of East LaPorte 358. Jim and his wife, Mary, have two children. Amy is married and lives in Ft. Riley, Kansas. Seth is a 16- year-old high school student. Jim owns his own business in Cullowhee. He's a special agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. He produces life, annuity, and disability income products. He holds several certifications in the field and is currently studying and updating others that are important to our efforts. As important is the nine years he spent as director of the Development Foundation of Western Carolina University. He handled all the fund raising, academic and athletic, for the Cullowhee branch of the consolidated University of North Carolina. He was the first person hired from outside the institution for the job. Donations grew significantly during his time on the job. Medlin has been active in the Cullowhee Lions Club and the Sylva Rotary. He serves in several posts at Cullowhee United Methodist Church. Trout fishing, wilderness camping, running, golf, reading, collecting books, and cooking are among his hobbies. Jim is currently assembling the data and equipment to manage Grand Lodge efforts to build our support for the Homes. He plans to have material available in the next 90 days to help blue lodges solicit support from their members. Medlin says, "It's not something we'll make lodges use. If it isn't broken, don't fix it. But if they think things could be better, we want to help them." The long term program for the Foundation is a step down the road. "You can't set this kind of program up for two or three years. You have to think of the long term." It's his job to educate us to that job. His efforts will be aimed at making the giving profitable and easy for the donor and our Homes. Jim plans to spend a lot of time on the road. Right now, he's rooted in Raleigh to get a structure built. He'll soon be ready to help you. When you see him, let him know what help you need. DEMOLAY CELEBRATES DIAMOND JUBILEE What do Bill Clinton, John Wayne, Dan Rather, Paul Harvey, Willard Scott, and Walt Disney have in common? Did you guess DeMolay because of the headline? That's okay. You can even add Bob Mathias, Walter Cronkite, one out of 12 governors, and one out of ten US Senators to the list of well-known men who were DeMolay members in their younger years. DeMolay, the largest fraternity for young men in their teens in the world, is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee. More than one million boys have become DeMolays in those 75 years. Many boys lost their fathers in World War I. Twenty-eight- year-old Frank S. Land was worried about them. He had already sold the family restaurant to become director of Masonic Relief and Employment Bureau of the Scottish Rite of Kansas City, Missouri. Land tried to start a Big Brothers program there in 1918. It didn't work out. In early 1919, Land and one of those fatherless boys, Louis Lower, met witheight of Louis's friends and made plans to start their own group. At the second meeting, 31 boys showed up. The kids had trouble picking a name for the new organization until Land told them the story of Jacques deMolai, the last military grand master of the Knights Templar. The Templars were the protectors of pilgrims to the Holy Land during the Crusades. The kids based their lessons and values on Freemasonry. DeMolay has grown today to 30,000 members in nearly 1,000 chapters in this country. They're also in Canada, Brazil, Australia, Germany, Panama, Japan, Columbia, Philippines, and Bolivia. DeMolay International is still headquartered in Kansas City. It is governed by its International Supreme Council, 450 members -- all Master Masons. Dale V. Sandstrom was installed as grand master of the Order of the DeMolay at the annual International Supreme Council and DeMolay Congress Session last June in Kansas. Sandstrom is a justice on the North Dakota Supreme Court and has been a member of the International Supreme Council for 15 years. Our own E. John Elmore, of Burlington, became grand junior councilor. That puts him in line for the top post in 1996. Elmore is the executive officer of DeMolay in North Carolina. The young men of DeMolay raise their own money and decide themselves how it will be spent. Chapters often have their own special interests. Some may emphasize sports, others computers or social activities. All are required to repay their communities with charitable service. In North Carolina, we have 400 members distributed through 14 chapters. Raleigh Chapter is the oldest. The newest face in the crowd is Rising Sons Chapter in Asheboro. But don't blink, questions about starting new chapters keep coming in. Membership trends are up all over. According to John Elmore, things are looking especially good in North Carolina. "We've recently met our five-year goal of doubling our membership. In fact, we lead the Southeast in new members in 1994." Now is not the time to stop our efforts to start new chapters around the state. If you're interested in starting a chapter or know a young man who wants to join, you can reach E. John Elmore at P.O. Box 964, Burlington, NC 27216-0964, phone (910) 227-4034 or Charles Silber at 6904 North Ridge Drive, Raleigh, NC 27615, phone (919) 872- 6661. MSA SEEKS HELP FOR GEORGIA FLOOD VICTIMS Although damage from Georgia's recent flooding was less than had been feared, it was expensive. Those wishing to donate to help alleviate the financial suffering of Georgia Masons may contribute through the Masonic Service Association. One hundred percent of contributions marked for Georgia relief will be sent there. Send your checks to The Masonic Service Association, 8120 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910- 4785. MESH OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT SET FOR OCTOBER 1 There's still time to get in on the golf fun. The Annual Masonic and Eastern Star Home Open is set for Saturday, October 1. The Grand Lodge is cohosting with the Eastern Star this year. If you don't play, or if a non-player friend wants to come with you, there are other things to do. There's the Holiday Village of Artists and Craftsmen -- sounds like the place to take care of Christmas shopping to me. A pig picking and banquet are also scheduled. For more information, contact Gwen Oakley, P.O. Box 1398, Mooresville, NC 28115. MESSAGE FROM GRAND MASTER WILLIAM B. BRUNK Over the last several years, we've all heard a great deal about financial responsibility, and I know that we're all really tired of hearing about it. But it is so important that I think it appropriate to make a few comments at this time. Many of you have heard me say at our District Meetings, "No lodge can continue to be successful if it is not on sound financial footing." Can you think of any way that one could? Our lodges should arrange their budgets so that a certain amount can be put into savings every year. In my opinion, this should be at least 5-10% of the lodge's annual income. Given time and the power of compounded interest, savings will allow any lodge to have sufficient funds to cover whatever unforeseen expenditures might arise. Where should our lodges obtain the funds to meet their budgetary demands? This is a second problem that we must be deal with. Some of our lodges would like to have fund-raising events to add to their dues. Our regulations provide that each lodge must set their dues so that they can operate within that dues structure. I was recently asked why we don't change our regulations to allow this. The answer is simple: Making such a change would result in giving up our tax-exempt status. I seriously doubt that our lodges actually wish to do that. That is why the Committee on Subordinate Lodge Special Activities was established. The guidelines of this committee help assure your lodge that you are operating in a manner that is compatible with the rulings of tax authorities. They help maintain the tax-exempt status that has been so beneficial for so many years. Here are a few suggestions to the officers of our subordinate lodges: ùBe sure that your lodge adopts a budget early each year, and be sure that that budget accurately reflects your anticipated income and expenses. ùSet your lodge's dues so that all the bills can be paid and there will still be some money left over to go into savings. ùBe sure that any fund-raising events are managed so that your lodge complies with the regulations of the Special Activities Committee. ùPlease do not hesitate to contact the Grand Lodge office in Raleigh or your district deputy grand master for assistance if you should need it. We are simply here to help you. COLUMBUS MAKES NEW DISCOVERY Pittsboro -- They were just hanging around after a winter meeting when they found the secret doors. Not even the oldest members of Columbus 104 knew of the panels in the secretary's desk. There must have been more than a little goose flesh for them when they opened the doors. Inside were 300-400 lodge documents dated from 1844 to 1921. What they found ranged from important to just fun. The original 1844 deed to the lodge was in there. Their grand lodge return for 1894 was tucked away. The joy of history is often in the details. There were a number of invoices from stores. As usual, prices from the past are especially frustrating. In 1903 they paid $4.40 for four gallons of oysters. O.S. Poe and Son billed them 25› for "cleaning around outside Lodge." They paid, on the same 1898 bill, 50› for a lamp for the lodge. Among the items Columbus Lodge got from W.L. London and Son IN 1893 were four pairs of slippers ($1.50), three hat racks (50›), three spitoons (38›), a 25› broom, and a sauce pan for 15›. Their total bill with London and Son was $8.85 for the entire year 1882. In earlier days, lodges were allowed to request help from other lodges in assisting members in distress. There were appeals for families burned out of their homes, those devastated by the infamous hurricane that struck Galveston, Texas in 1900, and a Mason who became destitute in searching for his missing eight-year- old son. Star 437 wrote in 1901 asking help for a past master of their lodge. He had been wounded in 1865 after serving three years in the War Between the States. They wanted him to have "a good artificial limb so that he (might) get about with more ease in his old age." A letter from 1902 Grand Master H.I. Clark warned lodges about a 60-year-old with some of his front teeth missing moving about the state. The "Masonic Bum" passed himself off as a "sea captain" and member of lodges in Edenton or Plymouth. In Scotland Neck he claimed to be Captain Joe Gaskill of Orr 104, a man known by the grand master to be dead. Clark said, "He is fairly well up in Masonry, but terribly off on Lodges. He is a fakir (sic) pure and simple." One of the more puzzling bits is in a 1903 Quarterly Circular of the Grand Lodge. In the report of suspensions around the state, a number of offenses are cited. There was punishment for intoxication, drunkenness, habitual drunkenness, disobeying legal summons, and unmasonic conduct. One Brother from Clyde 453 drew a one year suspension for "unmasonic walk." Other than an old Monty Python routine, we have no idea what that might be. If you can shed a little Masonic light on this offense, let us know. Be reminded by the discovery of this treasure to take care with your lodge records. The day-to-day workings of lodges are frequently more full of meaning and pleasure than the large occasions. Make sure that the members of your lodge will know you in 100 years. -- from Philip Ihme, master, Columbus 104. INCONVENIENCE STARTED 1910 LODGE Cliffside 572, in Rutherford County, was chartered January 13, 1910. Some of the reasons given to apply for dispensation to establish a regular lodge at Cliffside were: ù "Henrietta 460 was three miles from Cliffside and expense in hiring livery to attend was too inconvenient. ù "That Masons residing at Cliffside are laborers employed in the mill and their time belongs to their employers. ù "That there is a time difference of thirty minutes between Cliffside and Henrietta. Cliffside time being thirty minutes slower than Henrietta causes the Masons living in Cliffside to lose the greater part of the night upon which the Henrietta lodge meets, if they attend the lodge meetings." -- Cliffside 460 Lodge Newsletter. In 1928 the two lodges consolidated as Cliffside 460, taking a bit of name from each. Let's not waste our time fretting on the "good old days." MASONS SEND STUDENTS TO FREEDOMS FOUNDATION Jacksonville -- Thanks to Masons and their friends in the Jacksonville area, nine high school students and two advisors attended the Freedom and Leadership Youth Conference at the Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in May. Camp Lejeune Chapter 329 of the National Sojourners coordinated the trip and its financing for a sixth year. Nearly 50 kids from Onslow County high schools, Rainbow Girls, DeMolay, and the Home for Children in Oxford have participated during that time. The cost is met by donations from the lodges of the Ninth Masonic District, individual Masons, Masonic organizations, and area business people. The meeting, called "unforgettable" by several participants, focused on American history, Americanism, and leadership. Topics were presented by several distinguished speakers. GRAND TYLER IS SNAKE BIT WHEN IT COMES TO HANDY WORK Raleigh -- Our esteemed Grand Tyler Joseph C. Saunders, is doing well after a difficult series of events in July of this year. On July 9, he finished some mowing chores and discovered a large glass panel in his sun room shattered. He surveyed the damage and noticed a large nest of yellow jackets. He and the yellow jackets quickly became involved in a property dispute. Brother Saunders was stung several times before retreating. The broken glass and stings were only a slight annoyance for the robust and vigorous grand tyler. He repaired the glass and eradicated the yellow jackets in short order. On July 13, after working in the yard, the grand tyler noticed some discomfort in his right foot. He examined his foot and observed puncture wounds that were consistent with snake fangs. He reported he didn't see a snake much less feel the bite. The condition in the foot did not improve and he was admitted to a hospital on July 18. Everyone is thankful that the grand tyler is now fully recovered. However, I have received information that the snake died with no apparent signs of trauma. There is speculation the snake died an agonizing death after consuming a sufficient quantity of the grand tyler's blood. The grand tyler is widely known within our Fraternity. Some Brothers know him as "Joe," some know him as "J.C.," and others know him as "Red," but we all know him as a true friend and brother. By Ronnie Stewart, judge advocate. SHALOTTE LODGE HOSTS RITUAL OLDER THAN THE THREE DEGREES Shallotte -- Cameras popped and yards of video tape rolled in February when Shallotte 727 hosted an unusual ritual. The ceremony wasn't strange (it's older than Masonry's), but the location was a bit different. Alice Lesh and Woodrow Russ did their matrimonial ritual ceremony in the lodge. The location was natural enough to the new couple though. Russ is a past master of 727 and Lesh is past worthy matron of the local Eastern Star. Good luck, folks. TRAVELERS OF THE TAR HEEL STATE NEWS FROM THE LODGES SMITHFIELD -- Kenneth Davis, of Fellowship 84, was recently awarded the Order of Chevalier by the NC DeMolay for his work getting the Johnston County Chapter of DeMolay started. Past masters filled all the chairs for both sections of the degree when Fellowship raised two new members in May. -- The Trestleboard. * * * * MONROE -- Truth 749 is putting up signs at the city limits to let folks know they're there. In a special Masonic education presentation in August, they planned to close lodge early. That would let the guys who had to leave slip out quietly. The others could stay as long as they liked for a question and answer session. They planned to have a couple of experts on hand for the session. -- Trestleboard. * * * * SPARTA -- Fish and Wildlife Officer Robert Patrick is staying busy these days. He's senior deacon at Sparta 423. Now he's been elected president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 50. -- Walter Bell, secretary, Sparta 423. * * * * GOLDSBORO -- One project often leads to another. In the process of replacing ceiling tiles at Goldsboro 634, they discovered that the attic was in dire need of insulation. It's an expensive project, but they hope to make up the cost with lower utility bills. Byron John Greene, tyler of Goldsboro 634 for 36 years, passed away in July. His Brothers honored him by retiring the tyler's sword. It will be placed on display in the lodge lobby. -- Newsletter. * * * * CHARLOTTE -- Three generations of Cliff Austin's family have taken on most of the work in putting new third degree costumes on the fellows at Steele Creek 737. Reports are that they look great. Bill Haake recently celebrated his 50th anniversary as a Mason. Dave Molter's Masonic play, Archie Brotherfellow, Master Mason, was such a hit he's been asked to present it to the local Eastern Star as well as several other lodges. -- Steele Creek Lodge No. 737. Robert M. Bird of Meridian 728 recently got his Veteran's Award. He was master of Statesville 27 in 1948. -- Statesville newsletter. Charles M. Setzer 693 has a new privacy fence around the grounds. They also got a program on Eastern Star at a meeting in June. -- Charles M. Setzer Lodge No. 693 * * * * WINSTON-SALEM -- Henry Harbuck of Winston 167 recently got the Credit Union Volunteer for the Year Award from the North Carolina Credit Union League. He's worked with a local credit union for 42 years. -- Walter R. Shelton. * * * * GARNER -- Thirteen members of Vandora 745 ventured to Oxford in June to put on a weiner roast. They fed more than 100 residents and staff at the Masonic Home for Children. -- Monte B. Ross, master, Vandora 745. Garner 701 now has new carpet thanks to their chapter of the Easter Star. -- Masonic Newsletter. C.B. Newcomb 740 gives their officers a taste of what's to come in July and August. That's when the officers of the lodge move up one station for a meeting or two. -- Masonic Newsletter. * * * * FAYETTEVILLE -- Creasy Proctor 679 served over 1,200 plates of fish at this year's fish fry. At their Widow's Night, they gave the ladies some valuable training. Randy Myers, resident agent of the SBI, taught them about personal safety and defense. Vi Crowder fixed a potted begonia for each of the ladies, too. -- The Trestle Board. Phoenix 8 hosted visitors from Stedman 730 back in May. The guests repaid the hospitality by putting on a second degree for them. Kimberly Starnes, close friend of Phoenix 8, has been installed as Grand Worthy Advisor of North Carolina Rainbow Girls. -- Phoenix Lodge No. 8. * * * * HICKORY -- The Care Center drive of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home is $1,300 richer thanks to Hickory 343's recent pancake breakfast. Plez Teague's Masonic affiliation is apparently obvious to his friends. When he retired after 60 years at Viewmont Pharmacy, the company made a $500 contribution in his honor to the Home for Children. -- Hickory Lodge No. 343. * * * * WILMINGTON -- St. John's 1 had a big fish fry in June. Family members were invited. George Robinson Johnson got his Veteran's Emblem at the July meeting of St. John's 1. -- The Trestle Board. * * * * SALISBURY -- They're expanding their real estate holdings at Andrew Jackson 576. They plan to buy the property that divides their building and parking lot. They're also doing a major revision of their by-laws. They last did that job in 1981, more recently than most of our lodges. -- The Master's Journal. * * * * PRINCETON -- To promote visitation and cooperation, St. Patrick's 617 is publishing information on degree work of neighboring lodges in their newsletter -- The Shamrock. * * * * RALEIGH -- Millbrook 97 is thinking about selling its property and moving into the Caswell Street Temple. -- Millbrook Messenger. Martin Carter is passing out his Mason jars at Masters 754 again. He has members drop their spare change into them. Last year the Home for Children got almost $500 from the effort, no small change. -- The Trowel. James B. Green 735 had a clean up day in May. Besides the usual chores, the kitchen and banquet room floors were stripped and rewaxed and pine straw was cleaned from the roof. -- James B. Green 735 Lodge. * * * * CONOVER -- The door at Conover 709 now has Masonic and Eastern Star emblems and meeting times painted on it. Their hamburger sale netted $465 for the Masonic Home for Children. -- Conover Lodge No 709. * * * * DENVER -- Eleven of Denver 757's 13 past masters participated in a Saturday morning Third Degree in June. These guys know experience counts. Denver member John T. Dunston Jr. recently earned his Veteran's Emblem for 50 years in Masonry. -- The Trestleboard. * * * * WILSON -- The Masonic Home for Children has been much in the thoughts of Wilson 712 recently. They hosted an ice cream party for the kids in July. The past masters of the lodge are sponsoring a project to get a set of encyclopedias for the kids. The profit on their Pancake and Sausage Supper went up 40% this year to more than $1,200. Proceeds go to the Home for Children. -- The Masonic Journal. * * * * LAURINBURG -- Laurinburg 305 was well represented in recent political elections. Wayne Bryant was re-elected sheriff, Rick Lemmond became a county commissioner, and Doug Yongue is headed for the state House of Representatives. -- The Masonic Messenger. * * * * KENANSVILLE -- Lucian A. Grady and DeLeon W. Quinn, of St. John's 13, recently celebrated their 50th anniversaries in Freemasonry. -- Bulletin of St. John's Lodge No. 13. * * * * GREENSBORO -- Revolution 552 is considering raising its fee for the degrees from $75 to $100. All the other lodges in Greensboro must agree since they share the jurisdiction. -- The Bi-Monthly Newsletter of Revolution Lodge No. 552. Gate City 694 had 110 people show up for their annual fish fry at the Sportsman's Wildlife Club in June. Also on the food front, 35 folks carried the lodge's hamburger and hot dog cook out to Oxford for our kids there. -- The Trestle Board. * * * * WALLACE -- They had a special D-Day commemoration at a June meeting of Wallace 595. Each of their WWII vets gave a brief account of his June 6, 1944. -- Bulletin of Wallace Lodge No. 595. * * * * BAILEY -- Adrian Fulcher was recently presented his Veteran's Award by Bailey 411. -- Newsletter. * * * * STATESVILLE -- Statesville 27 had an outdoor degree at Doug Caudle's Iredell County farm in June. -- Statesville newsletter. * * * * WASHINGTON -- Members and visitors of Washington 675 got a surprise at a recent third degree. Those who laughed when the junior deacon announced the grand master, hushed quickly when Grand Master Bill Brunk entered to deliver the lecture and charge. Doug Brotchie was elected to honorary membership in Washington 675. A member of Orr 104, he had attended 675 faithfully for years. Orr 104 has reinstituted its fellowship night for fifth Tuesdays. They hold open meetings with short programs and refreshments. -- Light From the East. * * * * MANTEO -- The new degree team at Manteo 521 is now a couple of months into practice sessions. Bet on seeing them on the road soon. -- More Light. * * * * SOUTHERN PINES -- Southern Pines 484 teamed up with the local United Methodist Church there to host the monthly area blood drive. Masons provided man power for setting up and tearing down equipment. -- Trestleboard. * * * * GASTONIA -- Tom McSwain, master of King Solomon 704, knows that it's the inner and not the outer man that makes the Mason. He doesn't want summer's heat to keep the guys at home. He's welcoming Bermuda shorts and sneakers to lodge meetings, especially if accompanied by a "big smile." -- The Plumb Line. * * * * PAW CREEK -- West Gate 738 is soliciting its members to contribute toward purchasing a Masonic grandfather clock for the lodge. Funds exceeding what's necessary for the clock will go to the lodge's fund for the sick and distressed. -- West Gate Lodge. MASONIC AND EASTERN STAR HOME MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR TOMMY JONES This is my last column as the administrator of The Masonic and Eastern Star Home of North Carolina. Many of you probably know by now that I have accepted a similar position as the administrator of the Virginia Masonic Home in Richmond. Fourteen summers ago I began this column in order to communicate with the Sisters and Brothers across the state. I felt the column, along with the "News from the Home," was needed to give information about the operations of the Home and the admittances and deaths of loved ones. The column and news were not chores but labors of love. There is nothing to worry about. The good quality care given to all our residents will continue. Future expansion in regard to a new Care Center, more independent apartments, and remodeling of the old buildings will begin in the near future. As the Home goes on to future glories, I will feel the pride as if I were still here. We live today because of the past and in preparation for the future. Things cannot stay the same. Changes must be made. These past 14 years have been wonderful years for Jill and me. The Home has been a large part of our life, and we are both proud and thankful to have been a small part of its long history. Most of what I can do best I have done. Most of what I have to offer I have offered. Many years ago I determined that my life's work would be in some area of helping others and that success in this area could be achieved only by using the guidelines as taught by the Carpenter's Son in the sermon on the mount. My faith and strength in these principals have never been stronger. So, my dear readers, with these final words and a deep gratitude for your kindness, I bid you farewell. God bless you all. TOMMY JONES ELECTED TO LEAD NATIONAL ORGANIZATION Tommy L. Jones was installed as president of The Masonic Homes Executives Association of North America when the group held its annual meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida in June. The Masonic Homes Executives Association of North America is for the administrators of Masonic and Masonic-related facilities which provide care for children or adults. The active and voting members of the Association are the chief executives of the homes. The association exists to exchange ideas of mutual benefit. They bring those administrators together annually for counsel, exchange of information, and fellowship. Each year the conference is hosted by a member home, giving members a chance to see and compare the different homes across the country. The conferences include special addresses by authorities in such fields as management and social behavior, plus workshops and round-table discussions on all phases of operating a home. There are 51 Masonic or Masonic-related homes in North America. David Grissom, Administrator of The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, is a member of the Executive Board of the Association. MASONIC HOME FOR CHILDREN AT OXFORD MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GRISSOM As most of our Masons are aware, our friend and brother, Tommy Jones, administrator at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home, left July 31 to assume his new duties as administrator at the Masonic Home of Virginia in Richmond. His duties and responsibilities will be somewhat the same as they were in Greensboro. Tommy and his wife, Jill, will be missed by the residents and staff as well as by all of us throughout North Carolina. Tommy was an excellent administrator while in Greensboro. His commitment, love, and loyalty have been demonstrated in every way during his fourteen years with us. I remember and will always be grateful for the support Tommy gave me when I assumed the duties as administrator at our Masonic Home for Children in January 1989. I was the "new kid on the block," and Tommy introduced me to many of our fine Masons across the state during our first district meetings. On many occasions I would travel with Tommy to various lodges so I would know how to return to the lodges in the future. Although we got lost on many occasions, we always managed to be present on or near the time the meetings began. As you may know, Tommy has a beautiful voice. At times during our traveling together, he would slide in a music tape and we would sing with the music. I suddenly became aware Tommy had the voice for both of us, so I enjoyed humming, and Tommy carried the tune. I found in Tommy a person with whom I could just talk. As administrators, we shared a number of experiences regarding our work. Whether we found a solution to particular situations or not, we always felt our residents or children were our priority. As a former student at Oxford Orphanage, Tommy has deep roots in our Home for Children. We know he will be returning to alumni homecomings, St. John's Day celebrations, and other events that may occur on our campus. We look forward to seeing Tommy and Jill whenever they can return. They will always hold a special place in our hearts, regardless of where they are. May God guide and bless Tommy and Jill in their new endeavors. May God guide and direct each of us as we extend our hands to assist a new administrator at our Masonic and Eastern Star Home. With deep appreciation, David RIDE A COMET FOR THE KIDS Oxford -- These kids at the Home in Oxford haven't become too attached to this car yet. Let's keep it that way. It's a 1960 Mercury Comet with only 43,000 miles on it. It's been donated for sale by its original owner. It's in good condition, with current inspection, automatic transmission, white paint, and red interior. Bids start at $1,100 and you can expect a position in the Annual St. John's Day Parade if you buy it. Call the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, (919) 693-5111. CENTER FOR MASONIC EDUCATION PUBLISHES STATEMENT ON RELIGION Over the years, many religious fanatics have attacked Freemasonry. Those who have taken the degrees know the truth. Regrettably, we don't always do a good job of sharing our knowledge with our neighbors. During the Southern Baptist Convention's recent upheavals on the topic, the Center for Masonic Information was formed to improve our efforts. The Center for Masonic Information has formulated a statement that is accepted by bodies affiliated with the Masonic Service Association. You may share it with your friends and church. BASIC PRINCIPLES: Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. It requires of its members a belief in God as part of the obligation of every responsible adult but advocates no sectarian faith or practice. Masonic ceremonies include prayers, both traditional and extempore, to reaffirm each individual's dependence on God and to seek divine guidance. Freemasonry is open to men of any faith. Religion may not be discussed at Masonic meetings. THE SUPREME BEING: Masons believe that there is one God and that people employ many different ways to seek, and to express what they know of God. Masonry primarily uses the appellation "Grand Architect of the Universe" and other non-sectarian titles, to address Deity. In this way, persons of different faiths may join together in prayer, concentrating on God, rather than differences among themselves. Masonry believes in religious freedom and that the relationship between the individual and God is personal, private and, sacred. VOLUME OF THE SACRED LAW: An open volume of the Sacred Law, "the rule and guide of life," is an essential part of every Masonic meeting. The Volume of the Sacred Law to a Christian is the Bible; to Freemasons of other faiths it is the book held holy by them. The Oaths of Freemasonry: The obligations taken by Freemasons are sworn on the Volume of the Sacred Law. They are undertakings to follow the principles of Freemasonry and to keep confidential a Freemason's means of recognition. The much discussed "penalties," judicial remnants from an earlier era, are symbolic, not literal. They refer only to the pain any honest man should feel at the thought of violating his word. FREEMASONRY COMPARED WITH RELIGION: Freemasonry lacks the basic elements of religion: (a) It has no dogma or theology, nor any wish to enforce religious orthodoxy; (b) It offers no sacraments; (c) It does not claim to lead to salvation by works, by secret knowledge, or by any other means. The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with modes of recognition, not with the means of salvation. FREEMASONRY SUPPORTS RELIGION: Freemasonry is far from indifferent toward religion. Without interfering in religious practice, it expects each member to follow his own faith and to place his duty to God above all other duties. Its moral teachings are acceptable to all religions. GIVING SECRETS TO THE LADIES Williston, Vermont -- Just how curious is you wife about what goes on in your lodge? Washington 3 in Burlington, Vermont, recently satisfied some of that curiosity. The ladies were invited to the lodge for dinner and a modified lodge meeting. They got to see a "typical lodge opening" complete with prayer and flag ceremony. They heard the apron ceremony and explanations of the working tools. They also got the opening and closing charges and the Master Mason's charge. The lodge was then closed in "almost regular form." They each received a fact sheet about Masonry that answered more questions. -- The Green Mountain Freemason. MUSIC FOR THE DEGREES AVAILABLE FROM RESEARCH LODGE Geneva, Nebraska -- Back in 1991, we carried a short note about seven monks in Nebraska becoming Masons. Those members of Holy Protection Orthodox Monastery have taken their Masonry seriously. They're even fast becoming Masonic scholars. Their main interest these days is the history and use of music in Freemasonry. They were serious enough about their studies to lead the way in establishing a research lodge. St. John the Baptist Lodge of Research 330 was chartered in February. Membership is not limited to monastery residents. The research lodge has produced a set of four cassette tapes entitled Masonic Music for The Blue Lodge Degrees. It's vocal music with organ accompaniment and incidental organ music performed by the members of the research lodge. It includes music for all three degrees. The tapes come in an album and include an instruction booklet. The cost is $28.50 including postage and handling. You may get a copy of the tapes from St. John the Baptist Lodge of Research 330, Route 1 Box 75, Geneva, NE 68361. -- Emessay Notes. WORLD WAR II STORIES SOUGHT The Indiana Freemason would like to receive articles or anecdotes about how Masonic lodges, Eastern Star chapters, members of the fraternity, and any other Masonic groups and persons supported our servicemen during World War II. The articles can be either first or second hand. While typed, documented articles are especially encouraged, they need not be polished, and can be handwritten -- as long as they are legible. Any photographs of Masonic activities during the war will be especially welcomed and will be returned to the owner. Send articles and photographs to the Editor, The Indiana Freemason, Grand Lodge of Indiana, 525 N. Illinois Street, P.O. Box 44210, Indianapolis, IN 46244-0210. -- From The Indiana Freemason. ENCOMPASSING THE WORLD NEWS FROM AROUND OTHER GRAND LODGES MICHIGAN -- Several amendments of interest were acted on at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Michigan in May. A proposal to increase the number of black cubes needed for rejecting a petition from one to three was ruled out of order and therefor not voted on. They did adopt an addition to the ritual specifying that the penalties of the obligations were symbolic. They defeated a measure that would have restrengthened requirements for advancement to include memorization of the obligations of the previous degree. They defeated an amendment that would have raised the minimum fees for the degrees from $21 to $100. Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts may now receive Masonic graveside services. Lodges will be allowed to sponsor athletic teams and other "social endeavors." Masons in Ithaca are using their operative skills in a community project. They've teamed up with the town and work crews from a nearby prison to straighten tombstones in the local cemetery. They expect to set new foundations for several years before all the settled markers are squared up. -- From Point to Pointe. * * * * KENTUCKY -- Blue Grass lodges can now easily get a complete list of their members with address, degree dates, and such from their grand lodge. For $15 dollars, they get a computer disk (either 3 1/2 or 5 1/4 inch) and a print out of the information. -- Masonic Home Journal. * * * * RHODE ISLAND -- Ralph DeScuillo has been installed as the 139th grand master of Rhode Island. He expects to emphasize public relations during his administration. They'll be selling "2-B-1-Ask-1" pins. Proceeds will go to other public relations programs. The grand lodge there had signs made a few years ago, but their sales were disappointing. Rather than have them get dusty in a closet, DeScuillo is giving them away to lodges to advertise themselves. -- Rhode Island Freemason. * * * * INDIANA -- Indiana Freemasons have installed Michael D. Brumback as their 144th grand master. He is urging them to, "Make an opportunity, every day, to say something positive about our fraternity to someone who is not a Mason." At the same annual communication, they approved a per capita of $22.50 for the coming year. Of that, $5.30 goes to the general fund, 60› to Indianapolis Temple Maintenance, and $16.50 to the Indiana Masonic Home. The Indiana Freemason is now being sent to all school and public libraries in the state. They see it as a good way to explain the fraternity to lots of people. -- The Indiana Freemason. * * * * IDAHO -- The square and compasses are now the official registered trademark of the Grand Lodge of Idaho. That means that the emblem may not be used in the state without the permission of that grand lodge. A special agreement with the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oregon, which sponsors Prince Hall lodges in Idaho, will permit them to use it also. When the county historical society renovated the old train depot for a museum in Rupert, they made a room available to area Masons. They used furniture from a couple of defunct lodges to make an old-time lodge room. The grand lodge dedicated the facility. -- The Idaho Freemason. * * * * VERMONT -- At their October annual communication, the 10,000 Masons of the Grand Lodge of Vermont will celebrate their group's bicentennial. Because they have "played a prominent role in Vermont for two centuries," Governor Howard Dean has proclaimed the event across the state. A financial advisor has been named by the grand lodge to help blue lodges with their budgets and financial planning. -- The Green Mountain Freemason. * * * * NEW ZEALAND -- Medical students in New Zealand can win a $500(NZ) prize from the grand lodge with an essay on elderly care. They want to encourage interest in geriatrics. The grand lodge has hired a person to design and carry out their publicity and public relations program. -- Freemason. * * * * MINNESOTA -- Membership, leadership, and education will be emphasized as newly installed Grand Master of Minnesota Rod Larson implements his program for the year. Larson says, "We need not change what we are doing, but we must be more concerned with how we do it and make certain that we strive for quality results from our efforts." At their annual communication, they recognized the Grand Lodge of Senegal, Grande Loge Togolaise, and Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Connecticut. They refused to change the penalties of the obligations or alter their current support for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. A proposal to prohibit smoking at lodge functions was withdrawn before coming to a vote. -- The Minnesota Mason. * * * * CONNECTICUT -- Communication and visitation will be stressed by Connecticut's new grand master, George W. Pangborn. Connecticut Masons may now sport Masonic license plates. They are sold by the department of motor vehicles, but only with a special form completed by the grand lodge. The grand lodge gets $10 for each application. -- The Connecticut Square and Compasses. * * * * KANSAS -- Kansas Masons have won their battle with the state legislature. The state had failed to enact a bill that would reduce property taxes for non-profit groups. A special session of the legislature passed the measure. It was signed by the governor. They may now look forward to a big reduction in lodge tax bills. The Masonic Mile of Food is helping the Kansas Foodbank Warehouse purchase food for the needy. All Masonic bodies in the state are helping out. They hope to achieve something closer to five miles of food for the Foodbank. They're making a major effort to bring dropouts back to lodge. Masons suspended for non-payment of dues will be restored if they pay the current year's dues. They will even let dropout entered apprentices get their degrees for memorizing the grips, signs, and passwords. Time limits have already been waived. Lodges that have become unable to confer degrees because of inactive membership are being encouraged to ask other lodges to do their degree work. -- The Kansas Mason. * * * * ARIZONA -- Ronald L. Wright was installed grand master at the 112th annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Arizona in May. A grand lodge vote refused to establish Spanish speaking lodges in the state. They also rejected allowing rental of lodge facilities to groups serving alcohol. They did change rules to allow lodges to sponsor community youth activities. The meeting rejected the idea of un-coded rituals in the lodges. They did, however, accept printing and selling copies of the lectures of the degrees. They deleted several references to freeborn, slaves and physical defects from their regulations. They also rejected a weakening of candidate proficiency requirements. -- Arizona Masonry. * * * * NEW JERSEY -- At their annual communication, New Jersey Masons raised their per capita tax to grand lodge from $3.50 to $4.50. An amendment to require balloters casting a black cube to offer reasons to lodge officials was withdrawn before consideration. New Jersey Masonic motorcyclists are taking a special ride this fall. They're gathering to visit Vermont during their bicentennial festivities. They plan to take part in the celebration parade and see some incredible leaf colors. Their grand lodge sponsored a major league baseball game between the Phillies and Dodgers in July. It's a good thing they didn't wait until August. Proceeds went to their Substance Abuse Program. -- The New Jersey Freemason. * * * * WISCONSIN -- A prize drawing is always fun. A new Mason in Wisconsin got a free trip to annual communication and got to bring his family thanks to a drawing held by the grand lodge there. All men raised in the previous year were eligible. The winner will see even more excitement than usual because of the celebration. Family participation is being pushed. They even offer child care during sessions. It's the 150th anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. There'll be a family bike ride, fireworks along the river in Oshkosh, and a big parade. As of June, there were already 155 units signed up to march. On the business front they'll consider several changes in the way they operate. The proposed per capita is $14. The break down includes $4.45 for charity, $4.66 for the Wisconsin Masonic Journal, 87› for the general fund, and $.02 for services to the craft. Wine and beer may currently be served at a table lodge there. A resolution to be considered would allow having any "intoxicating liquors." They're opening a new retirement community. MasonWoods will include 68 apartments and townhomes. -- Wisconsin Masonic Journal. * * * * PHILIPPINES -- Pablo C. Ko Jr. hopes to rekindle Masonic light during his term as grand master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. Lodges have been instructed to devote 10 to 15 minutes of each monthly stated communications to Masonic education. Audio- visual aids to the lessons are encouraged. Visits and guest degrees are being promoted between lodges. Incoming masters are being urged to submit a program for their administrations. Masons are being asked to develop or expand district and lodge libraries. They are supporting public schools by giving outstanding teacher awards and sponsoring essay contests for students. The essays are on environmental topics. Lodges are also asked to continue support for local greening projects. -- The Cabletow. * * * * ALASKA -- At their recent annual communication, the Grand Lodge of Alaska refused to reduce residency requirements for petitioning. They also defeated a resolution that would have allowed lodges to conduct business meetings in any degree. -- Light From the Great Land. * * * * IOWA -- Forty-eight Iowa college students are getting $1,000 scholarships thanks to the Masons in their state. Since 1970 they have provided almost 900 grants worth nearly $600,000. -- Grand Lodge Bulletin. * * * * SOUTH CAROLINA -- Alfred Allsbrook is the new grand master of South Carolina. He was installed at their 257th annual communication in April. -- Masonic Light. * * * * MISSOURI -- Entered apprentices in Missouri are now loaned a video tape to take home after they get their initiation. The 12- minute program is meant to be watched by the new Mason with his family. -- The Missouri Freemason. JIMROD Q. WAXPILLOW This crusty old Mason named Paul Lost his wife as they shopped in the mall He told lost-and-found, "If she happens around, She can spend the night with y'all." If Masons treated Masons by the lessons of our degrees, we would not need membership committees, but extra degree teams. -- Nebraska Grand Master Sonny Eatmon, The Nebraska Mason, August, 1992. MASONS SAY GOODBYE TO POKER GAMES McConnelsville is the county seat of Morgan County, Ohio. It is situated on the Muskingum River between Zanesville and Marietta. Around 1890, steam excursions became common between Zanesville and Marietta. The boats stopped at McConnelsville for fuel and entertainment. They also stopped at Stockport, the county's other major river town, where men were reputed to spit on the street and fight on Sundays. As the 19th Century wore on, civility did touch Stockport and even embraced McConnelsville. From a collection of prominent factories that processed tobacco, salt, stoves, fertilizers, and oil, wealthy owners built large brick homes and fancy gardens. Civic pride was expressed in the 1880 construction of a town hall and opera house. The merchants and businessmen formed a Masonic lodge, whose accomplishments were apocryphal, meaning hidden, concealed and obscure. According to a former native of McConnelsville, the best example of the lodge's idiosyncratic behavior occurred during the winter of 1902, when the area was subjected to a series of blizzards that made commerce awkward and travel even more so. Everyone suffered from the weather, but the Masons grew particularly ill-tempered, and the poker games they held every Saturday night reflected their sullenness. Halfway through the winter, the customary 1:00 a.m. curfew was lifted. In February, drinking was allowed on the premises. In March, a dentist from Malta, Ohio, wielding pliers, attacked another player. The poker games became hurly-burly affairs with no holds barred. On a Saturday night in April there was still ice on the Muskingum and a foot of snow in the streets. The sun had shone only once in sixteen days. A new snow was starting, and the poker game was more mean-spirited than ever. Whiskey was downed with abandon and bets were steep and harsh. Fortunes were scattered around the room until no one had the dexterity to shuffle a deck. At noon on Sunday, most of the Masons awakened to a brilliant, sunny sky. They missed church, but even more seriously, they discovered that the entire town had changed hands. The druggist owned the hardware store, and the hardware store owner had title to two goats and a dairy cow. The harness maker possessed a shipment of undelivered dry goods still up in Zanesville, and the mayor of the town owned a portrait studio. Fearing a scandal of unrecoverable proportions, the Master called a meeting to pray for forgiveness and fair exchange. Only one man, seeing the opportunity of a lifetime, refused to take back the wife he had given up to a lock keeper for two ring hogs. By mid- afternoon he had reduced the bickering to a reluctant exchange, and at last McConnelsville was whole again. The Masons, it is believed, never sponsored a poker game thereafter. Today the population of Morgan County rests at 14,500 people, which is about the same as during the Civil War. McConnelsville is quaint and self-contained, without strip plazas, or malls, or poker games at Masonic meetings. By Jay Paris, excerpted from "Morgan Unsullied" reprinted with permission of Ohio Magazine, copyright May, 1991, in The Minnesota Mason. A MASTER'S FIRST DUTY Senior wardens -- take notice. Line officers -- start preparing now. The responsibilities of the master of each Masonic lodge are well defined. Each master gets several years of orientation as he moves progressively through the chairs. One of the major responsibilities of a master -- and for which he may have the least preparation -- is selecting a brother to be appointed to the entry position in the line. The steward appointment may have greater impact and influence on the future of the lodge than any other decision he makes as presiding officer. The following checklist of considerations may help in making that decision. ù The new officer appointment should not be viewed only for his assignments as junior steward, but as his potential for the lodge's master. ù The candidate should be a brother who has earned good support from the current line officers and past masters. ù He should have the capacity for dedication and loyalty. ù He should show evidence of his willingness, even eagerness, to serve. ù He should have the support of his wife, family, and others who are closely involved in his personal life. The great Masonic writer, William Preston, said, "Those who accept offices and exercise authority in the lodge ought to be men of prudence and address, enjoying the advantages of a well cultivated mind and retentive memory. All men are not blessed with the same powers and talents; all men, therefore, are not equally qualified to govern. He who wishes to teach must submit to learn; and no one can be qualified to support the higher offices of the lodge who has not previously discharged the duties of those which are subordinate. Every man may rise by gradation, but merit and industry are the first steps to preferment." In looking for a candidate, the senior warden may benefit by seeking the counsel of past masters and other officers before becoming master. He may invite them to a special meeting to ask for their suggestions of members who would have the potential to be good officers. When a list of prospective appointees is developed and the senior warden has reviewed their credentials, he might use the past masters -- back to the one who appointed him -- and his line officers as a selection committee. Not only does this procedure provide that worthy members of the lodge can be considered, but it also assures that the newly appointed officer has good support from his lodge brothers. When a selection committee is used, it should not be the responsibility of the committee to determine if the candidate is available. Availability can only be determined by the candidate himself. Only he can examine the commitments of his time, his family obligations, his financial condition, his dedication, and motivation. Only he can know if his wife will share his interest to the extent that she will give him the consideration and support that he will need. The senior warden will need to ascertain the candidate's availability through direct contact. A master strives to do everything he can to serve his lodge. He can look with great pride and expectation to the officers who serve with him. His greatest feeling of accomplishment may come from the progress and development of the junior officer he appointed. The future success of the Masonic fraternity and each lodge depends on its leadership. A master who has used the resources available to him by seeking the collective wisdom and counsel of the past masters and officers can feel proud of the junior officer appointment he has made. He can be confident that he has appointed a future master of his lodge. With due consideration, he has started a worthy Brother on a distinguished Masonic career. -- By Richard D. Muir, past master, Mystic Tie 398, Indianapolis, Indiana, The Indiana Freemason, January 1994. BALANCING A MAN'S NATURES A Mason's investigation of truth must be based on an accurate understanding of human nature. Masonic teachings maintain human nature has two aspects: the material nature and the spiritual nature. Man's material nature is the product of physical evolution. It is shaped by the struggle for survival. If the material nature in man is allowed to dominate, the consequences are injustice, cruelty, and egotism. Man's spiritual nature, on the other hand, is characterized by such qualities as love, mercy, kindness, generosity, and justice. Masons must strengthen their spiritual nature so it dominates their existence. It is only then they can fulfill their mandate -- the improvement of society in general and the man in particular. In pursuing this purpose, Masons must avoid unworthy means. A knowledge of one's own nobility contributes to the truth of the unity of the human race. Each Mason realizes that injury to anyone results in injury to all. A determination to eliminate injustice from society, and to oppose cruelty and prejudice toward any person, must remain a high priority. Moral action is filled with the feelings of love, harmony, and kindness It can only be engendered by an unshakable belief in God and the unity of humankind. The perfection of a Mason's own character naturally finds expression in efforts to serve others. Helping others and helping oneself become two aspects of one process. If we ponder each created thing, we shall witness a myriad perfect wisdoms and learn a myriad new and wondrous truths. -- By Lee Darrell, grand orator, Grand Lodge of Oregon, Oregon Masonic News, January 1994. THE BETTER READ MASON THE MASONIC BOOK CLUB For 25 years the Masonic Book Club has been digging up classics of Freemasonry and giving them new life. They also find the occasional new manuscript that they consider of special value to Masonry. The book club is an Illinois not-for-profit organization founded by Masonic scholars Alphonse Cerza and Louis L. Williams. Membership is limited to 1,600 Masons. Currently about 1,400 are signed on. Membership is $15 per year in the US and Canada. That covers the cost of each year's publication. They produce at least one hardbound book each year. There are only 1,600 copies printed, each with the member's number inscribed. Most are facsimile editions -- they look just like the originals. When possible, a second volume is added, usually softcover. The club maintains the Louis L. Williams Library at the Scottish Rite Temple in Bloomington, Illinois. It's from this collection that they select each year's edition. They solicit Masonic books. Contributions are added to the Williams collection. Duplicates are sold to purchase rare volumes for the collection. These volumes, as well as unclaimed copies of earlier editions, are sometimes available to members. They also offer a book clearinghouse for members who wish to sell books from their personal libraries. Listings are mailed to members. We've seen several of the editions offered by the club. The Beginnings of Freemasonry in America by Melvin M. Johnson, offered in 1983, was a reprint of 1924 book. It includes all the then known mentions of Western Hemisphere Freemasonry in newspapers, lodge minutes, and other documents written before 1750. It contains several interesting biographies of provincial grand masters and a number of fold-out facsimiles of historic documents. In 1988 they republished Records of the Hole Crafte and Fellowship of Masons. Edward Conder Jr.'s history of the London Company of Masons was written in 1894. It traces the growth of the guild of operative masons from the 12th century through its addition of speculative Masons to their number in the early 1600s. The Folger Manuscript was 1992's issue. In it S. Brent Morris focuses on a beautifully coded manuscript of a mid-nineteenth century rogue branch of Masonry. It's a detective story and history of times of discord in the craft. The illustrated pages of the hand- written manuscript are presented with their translations on facing pages. Its appeal is irresistible to those of us who remember the joy of tree-house secret clubs of our childhood. The history it presents reminds us that unity in the Craft was a much bigger problem in the past than now. Morris decodes the text and unravels the mystery of the source of the ritual. Last year brought two short books in one volume -- both on Masonry from a religious perspective. T. DeWitt Peake's series of sermons from 1896 is The Symbolism of Solomon's Temple. From the Chaplain's Station is a collection of lectures written by John J. Murchinson in the late 1980s. The books are uniformly well produced. Pages are a heavy cream colored stock. The covers are all sturdy and nicely decorated. The books are well matched with gold embossing and blue covers. They are a pleasure to handle and read. A threat in facsimile editions is always getting a smudgy, faded, or otherwise rough original. It is obvious that great care has been taken by the club in locating top quality, easily read originals. If you want to get a pleasant surprise every year, join the Masonic Book Club. We recommend it highly. To join send your check for $15 to The Masonic Book Club, c/o Robin L. Carr, Box 1563, Bloomington, IL 61702-1563. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE CODE The Code is a complex document. Its rules are sometimes open to interpretation. It does not contain all the rules Masons are expected to follow. We are affected by other resolutions and edicts that are not collected in any central document, only our Annual Proceedings. This column should, therefore, not be considered authoritative. It is only a guide to the regulations recorded in The Code. Final answers remain within the authority of the Grand Lodge only. In our last issue we answered some questions about consolidating lodges. We'll deal with a few more aspects of the procedure here. Question: We've got three lodges thinking about consolidating. What if one of them defeats the motion? Answer: The two lodges that consent to the consolidation may merge as if the defeating lodge were not involved (REG 56-03). Question: How do we decide on the name and number for our newly merged lodge? How long will it take us to get our new charter? Answer: No decisions and no waiting. According to REG 56-07, the newly consolidated lodge takes the name and number of the lodge with the oldest charter. It immediately begins functioning under that charter. Question: When do we install officers for the new lodge? Answer: You don't. The officers of the senior lodge (REG 56-08) are the officers of the merged lodges until next annual communication in December. The senior lodge is the one with the oldest charter. Under some circumstances, the Grand Master may appoint temporary officers and call a special election for the rest of a term. Question: We have a special rule in our by-laws about how long the secretary can serve. How will that fit into the new lodge's by- laws? Answer: If you're from the senior lodge, it starts off in your lodge by-laws. According to REG 56-09, the consolidated lodge begins business with the constitution of the oldest lodge. The merged group may change its by-laws by the usual means. Question: We're not the senior lodge. What happens to all the things we've accumulated over the years? We've got some antique working tools and a beautiful master's chair. Do we have to send them to the Grand Lodge? Answer: Certainly not. The only things that must be returned to the Grand Lodge offices are the original charter and seal of each lodge that no longer exists (REG 56-06 and 56-11). All other possessions, including books, records, and real estate, belong to the newly consolidated lodge. Likewise, the combined lodge assumes all the debts and responsibilities of the old lodges. Question: I'm a life member of my lodge. I don't want to give that up just because somebody wants a bigger lodge. What should I do? Answer: Stop worrying. REG 56-11 guarantees that all honorary and life members retain their status in the new lodge. Question: What about the guys going through their degrees? Do we have to ballot on them again since we've got new membership? Answer: Nope. They're advanced in the same way as if they had been elected, initiated, or advanced in the consolidated lodge (REG 56-12). Question: I hate to seem self-centered, but I'm the master of one of the junior lodges. If we consolidate, I won't get to finish out my term and be called past master. Don't I deserve some consideration for the time I did serve? Answer: You sure do. You will be considered to have served your full term as soon as the charter and seal of your old lodge are transmitted to the grand secretary (REG 56-06 and REG 64-04). You'll get the title and relief from some of the headaches of the job. FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK NOTES FROM HERE AND THERE Last issue, we worried about the Shrine's impending vote on its continued affiliation with Freemasonry. After nearly a half day of debate, they voted by almost three to one to maintain current requirements. We recently talked to Sudan Potentate Bobby Dixon about that national meeting. Bobby's opinion that the nagging debate is over for a while was reassuring. He reports that current national line officers all favor Masonic membership for Shriners, making it unlikely that they'll face the question again in the next few years. Newly installed Imperial Potentate Burton E. Ravellette Jr. went so far as declare "Unity" the theme for his year in power. We should praise this renewed commitment to working together. We urge our Shrine Brothers to come back to lodge and help us produce more candidates for the Shrine. We also ask blue lodge Masons to consider joining the Shrine and increasing their support of Shrine charities. We were real pleased to hear from Ronald Conrad in Walkertown that The North Carolina Mason is being sent to a wider audience. Ronald is the system operator for PC- MOTORSPORTS/MASONIC BBS, a computer bulletin board featuring tons of Masonic files. He's started uploading the electronic, text-only version of The Mason by satellite. It's now available, along with all those other files and a Masonic conference, on any FIDO-type computer bulletin board in the North America. Request Freemason Conference and Masonic Files from the sysop. Ronald's BBS is free, except for the phone call, at (910) 595-8073. Thanks, Ron. We hear occasional comments on the odd proportions of The Mason. Although we're pretty comfortable with its "feel" now, it felt a little odd at first. It was a little too tall -- or was it a little too narrow? The unusual size is founded on postal rates. Postage is the largest item in The Mason's budget. Mailing the paper costs more than printing it. Its current size is the maximum without demanding a higher mail rate. So if we make it bigger, mailing costs go up. If we shrink it to a smaller size, you get less information, but no saving on postage. Given the alternatives of more cost or less news, we skip both and go with the current "odd feel" of the paper. We hope that makes it feel better to you. Every month we get stories from lodges not heard from before. Keep it up. Several Masonic papers around the country are now requiring that all submissions be carefully typed, double-spaced, and with fresh ribbon. This allows scanning straight to computer. We haven't gotten that automated, or complete in our coverage yet. We'll take a handwritten post card and do the best we can to decode it if you put a phone number on it. We want to know what your lodge is doing.