The electronicNC Mason
November/December, 1994 vol. 2 #6
The stripped-down, online version of the real thing -- The North 
Carolina Mason
Volume CXVIII -- No. 6

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, Bunn T. Phillips, 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.


MASONS AND STARS TEAM UP TO RAISE $57,000 FOR MASONIC AND EASTERN STAR HOME
	Greensboro Ñ You might call it high stakes golf. Residents of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home must certainly feel that way about the more than $57,000 brought in by the Masonic and Eastern Star Home Open 
	The MESH Open attracted 270 golfers to Greensboro the first Saturday in October. They played on the two courses at Bryan Park north of Greensboro. The courses, operated by the Parks Department of the city of Greensboro, were the equal of many private courses in the state.
	The fun there was spread out because of the shotgun start. The weather was perfect for play, with clear, blue skies and temperatures in the low 80s.
	While the athletes followed the cart paths around the course, the shopping afflicted met on the grounds of the Home. The atmosphere in the Craft Village was festive.
	There were over 20 tents covering crafts of many descriptions. There were woodcrafts, used books, canned goods, souvenir clothes, a frame and art shop, porcelain dolls, and many other pieces of handiwork.
	The Home was also where the eating was best. Among the booths you could find baked goodies, popcorn, and hot dogs. There were several pig cookers smoking in the shade. They turned out plates and sandwiches of barbecued pork.
	Rose Monroe, a 94-year-old Greensboro resident, got the most sponsors for the event. Advertisers in the Open's program provide a large proportion of the revenues.
	The event was considered a big success by organizers. The Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter this year renewed cooperation in the Open. Earnings from this year's event were up by $21,000 over last year's.
	Everyone hopes to fine tune the MESH Open in 1995. It should be more fun and raise more money for the Masonic and Eastern Star Home. See you there.


VACCINATION CLINIC HELD IN 27TH DISTRICT
	Smithfield Ñ All the lodges in the 27th District and Johnston County are cooperating on a vaccination clinic Saturday, November 5.
	They are hosting the mid-morning through mid-afternoon event at the Johnston County Health Department in Smithfield. The program is aimed at, but not limited to, children between two months and two years old.
	Lodges were furnishing transportation to the clinic as well as other support services. To take a little of the sting out of it for the kids, they were furnishing coloring books for the children. Ñ On The Square.


RECEPTION SCHEDULED FOR TOMMY JONES
	Greensboro Ñ You're invited to a reception for Tommy and Jill Jones. The Board of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home, along with Grand Master Bill Brunk and Eastern Star Grand Matron Emma Rumley, have invited all Masons and Eastern Stars to the recognition of the Joneses' work.
	Tommy left the home last summer after 14 years as its administrator. He is currently administrator of the Masonic Home in Richmond, Virginia. As the invitation says, "We need to show him our appreciation for his dedication to this calling and his friendship."
	The reception will be held at the Home in Greensboro on Sunday, November 20 from 1:30 until 3:30 in the afternoon.


TARKINGTON CELEBRATES 70 YEARS IN MASONRY
	Windsor Ñ If experience really counts, Richard Tarkington has a hand full of trump cards. After 70 years as a Mason, the 93-year-old member of Charity 5 in Windsor is still a regular at lodge. "Attend the meetings," is his best piece of advice to new Masons. He follows his own admonition about being active.
	Charity 5 is still meeting in the same place it met the night he became one of five brothers who followed their father into Freemasonry there. You can still count on seeing Tarkington there on first and third Monday nights for stated communications as well as special events.
	Are you interested in 50-year anniversaries? Tarkington is well past the 50th anniversary of the last time he served as master of Charity. He was master there in 1937 and again in 1938.
	He sees lack of attendance as being a big problem in lodges today. "Good programs would help, but we need enough people to put them on."
	What's the Craft done for Him? "Friendships are the best thing I've gotten out of Masonry," says Tarkington. To get those, he reminds us of his advice to the young guys Ñ go to lodge.
	Thomas Tarkington, Richard's brother in High Point, clocked in at 69 years as a Freemason in September. Runs in the family, I guess.


PROPOSED REVISION OF THE CODE READY
	A special committee was formed several years ago to revise the index to The Code. They made official the opinion of hundreds who had hunted answers to questions about Masonic law. The Code was a mess.
	References and cross-references can send you dancing off through hundreds of pages of rules and regulations. There were duplications and misplaced references. At 1993 Annual Communication, they presented a resolution to make the first major revision of The Code since 1948. It has accumulated a lot of amendments since that version.
	The resolution cited ambiguities, duplication, and confusion in our by-laws. It further said that the purpose was not to change the "intent or meaning" of The Code. The aim was to clarify, better organize, and simplify the document.
	The resolution passed. A similar proposal was rejected in 1992.
	According to the committee, the revision "in no way changes the lawÉEven when an overwhelming majority of the committee felt additional changes were necessary or appropriate for the well-being of the Craft, we have refrained from including the change unless all members of the committee agreed."
	Regulations dealing with the same topic have been placed together in the new version. Duplicated entries have been eliminated and moved to their natural place. Brief captions have been added to the regulations to help you more quickly find the answers you need. The result is a ten percent smaller document with more conveniently located answers.
	A section at the back of the book cross-references regulations in the proposed edition to their old regulation numbers.
	The revision must be voted on at Annual Communication in April 1995. Much study will go into the vote between now and then. Copies of the proposed revision have already been sent to each lodge in the state. Study them now, while there is time. There will obviously not be time at Annual Communication to go over every one of the 375 pages of the general revision.
	The committee has invited correspondence from anyone detecting errors of substance in the proposal. Winter education seminars from the Research and Development Committee will likely be dropped this year to make way for workshops reviewing changes to The Code. We'll bring you details on those meetings in the January/February edition of The North Carolina Mason.
	A letter from the Code Revision Committee concludes with this statement about their new version: "While it is not perfect, we hope that you will agree with our conclusion that it is clear, better organized, and simpler than the existing document."


FROM THE GRAND MASTER
REMEMBER OUR HOMES DURING THE HOLIDAYS
BY WILLIAM B. BRUNK
	The holiday season is a special time of year to remember the needs of the children at the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford and our elderly Brothers and Sisters at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home at Greensboro. Many of our lodges hold their annual fund-raising drives at this time of the year. I would like to ask all Masons across this great state to provide as much support for these two fine charities as possible.
	Neither of our homes receives funding from state or federal sources. Some of the residents at Greensboro do receive financial assistance from Medicare if they have to enter a local hospital.
	A master plan is being made for the phased-in expansion and renovation of the physical facility of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home. The first phase involves the construction of a new Care Center. We think an arrangement can be structured to lease the Care Center to a company certified to receive Medicare and Medicaid funds. They would then provide medical care to our residents. With this design, some financial support for the medical care of the residents would be provided through Medicare and Medicaid funding. Should the new Care Center become a reality, as we anticipate it will within the next few months, we can expect a significant improvement in the financial situation of the Home due to improved efficiency in the operation of the Care Center.
	At the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, financial support comes from sources totally separate from state and federal agencies. Although it has occasionally been suggested that the Home seek these funds, it has also been contended that the "strings" attached to such funds are too objectionable. It is generally agreed that to receive state or federal aid, the admissions procedures would have to be changed. Outside agencies would be able to dictate which children would or would not be admitted to the Home.
	The Board of Directors and the Administration, however, feel that maintaining our procedures as they have existed for so many years is of paramount importance in the continuing operation of this fine institution. It is our desire that applicants to the Home continue to be processed through recommendations from the subordinate lodges in the state, without intervention from outside agencies.
	The financial, emotional, and spiritual support that the Masons of North Carolina continue to provide to the residents of both of these homes is appreciated more than any of us can express. It is my fervent hope that we can all keep in mind the importance and value of the work that we do. We must continue to do everything in our power to help those who are counting on us for their continued happiness.
	We wish all Masons, their families and friends, the continued rich blessings of our Supreme Architect of the Universe. Have a happy and safe holiday season!


LOVE -- SERVICE -- CHANGE
BY DAN RICE
	Editor's Note: Much has been said in recent weeks about the admission of a family of African-American children to the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford. When we got a copy of Dan Rice's address to the Orphanage Homecoming, we knew it should be passed along to the Masons of North Carolina.
	He addresses that topic eloquently and with the voice of a Mason who has listened attentively to the lessons taught in our degrees. His comments also give you the flavor of living at the Home.
	Rice is a past president of the Masonic Home for Children's Alumni Association and a member of Bula 409, Burlington. He lived at the Home in the 1960s.
	We're happy to publish it in its entirety. While it's longer than most of the articles we run, we know you'll find it worth reading.

	It is a real privilege to speak in this chapel. It is a privilege because I am so unworthy. You see I'm one of those people who often backslide. You are my orphanage family and you know me too well, for me to put on any pretenses. I beg your patience and understanding as I relate my personal stories and when the word I is used too frequently. I have prayed that the time I use will have some meaning to those of you who listen.
	In 1959 Mr. Garland Talton was in charge of the campus Sunday School. Those of you who had Mr. Talton's math class remember that he was a no nonsense kind of guy.
	I had been at the Orphanage less than a month when I got my first lesson in "Churcholgy." I was about ten rows back with some of my cronies, and I could not understand why they would not cut up with me. I soon learned. Mr. Talton simply kept talking as he came off the podium, grabbed me by the ear, and proceeded to take me back behind the podium. Fear was something I soon recognized. I didn't know that the ear could be used to guide the whole human body. Mr. Talton didn't whip me, he just warned me. I am still careful to whisper in church, if I dare talk at all.
	Isn't it wonderful to be back here at our orphanage home? Homecoming always causes so many emotions to surge through my mind. The big oak trees are so beautiful. The campus is so pretty. Isn't it good to be alive today?
	This chapel brings back memories of days when the Reverend Cain, who was much too smart to be preaching to us, would preach way over our heads. Most of us boys would try to find a way to doze without getting caught. Even if we could not sleep, our minds would wander out the window to a day dream of a good fishing hole at the back of the woods. Rev. Cain got his doctorate from Duke and went off to teach at the University of Texas. I now wish I had listened more.
	Do any of you remember that they used to play Tennessee Ernie Ford's Christmas songs from the steeple at Christmas? How about the plays we performed in the basement? The memories and experiences here at the Orphanage play such an important part in our present personalities.
	My message today is on three separate topics: Service, Love and Change. By service and love, I mean service and love to God and to your fellow men. Change is like the seasons, it simply comes and goes. We can influence change, but we cannot stop it.
	Each of these topics is personified by the fictional character, Preacher Joe, in John Steinbeck's great novel the Grapes of Wrath. Preacher Joe gave up preaching because he could not give up sinning. He continued to live a life filled with service for others. The setting of the Grapes of Wrath, was the migrant camps of poor people, uprooted during the dust bowls that hit the Midwest in the 1930s. Preacher Joe helped the poor people of the camps until he was beaten to death. This happened while he was protecting a friend by taking the blame for something he didn't do.
	Preacher Joe was my kind of preacher. Jesus said it in John 15:12Ð13 "This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
	Service is defined by Webster's Dictionary as work done or duty performed for others. Nettie Bemis, Sallie Ligon, Garland Talton, Coach Reagan, Thomas Currin, Milton Pruitt, Ellie Parish, Mary Simpson, John Nichols, Myrtle Peacock, Silas Gooch, Doc Laws, Robert Davis, Allen Colenda, Joe Colenda, Don Sizemore, and many more present and former staff workers Ñ these names tell us what service really means. What better example of service could be set for us as Alumni.
	Ellie Parish was my fourth grade teacher. She served in this capacity for years and years. I greatly disliked Ellie Parish. She was the meanest woman I ever knew. She made you use proper table manners. She made you dress properly. She made you open doors for the young women and even for her. She patrolled the campus like she owned it. She made sure that the boys and girls stayed on their side of the main drive. She never allowed the boys and girls a chance to sneak off together. She lived on campus and volunteered to chaperon everything. She was always making my life miserable.
	When my family arrived at the Orphanage in March 1959, I had attended school for only a couple of months. I was supposed to be in the third grade. The Orphanage decided to go ahead and let me try to pass third grade. Miss Mary Simpson worked really hard with me for the three months left of the school year. I was passed to the fourth grade, although I was seriously deficient in all areas. Ellie Parish gave me a lot of special attention in the fourth grade. I got to stay after school every day with this mean, old woman. Ellie Parish's summer job was to boss the gang of young men who were too young to work on the farm but too old for baby cottage. The campus boys, as we were called, picked up trash all over the campus as she barked orders and pointed and nodded her long nose. She could also pinch harder than anyone I have ever met. I disliked Ellie Parish more than you can imagine.
	Life plays tricks on you. When I was about thirty years old, I began to ponder some of the deeper questions of life. Where did I learn the National Anthem or the Pledge of Allegiance? How did I learn to use the proper table manners or even where to place the silverware on the kitchen table? Who taught me to play checkers or highest card takes? Who first read to me about Uncle Remus' Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox? Who taught me how to spot and recognize every bird in North Carolina? How was it possible that I was making honor roll in the fifth grade?
	By this time in my life, I had realized that good manners, such as opening doors for the ladies, paid big dividends. One day, it occurred to me, that Ellie Parish had taught me all these things. She suddenly turned into one of the most dedicated, caring, and service oriented women who ever worked at the Orphanage. She had to care or she would have simply done her specified job and let us turn out any old way. She cared enough to serve us well. Fortunately, I realized this in time to go by the Methodist Retirement Home in Durham and tell her that I loved her and appreciated what she had done in my life. She cried. A couple of years later she died. Service: Doing work for others. Ellie Parish is just an example. I could have substituted other names on the list that I read earlier and the result would be the same.
	What kind of service are you doing for others? What are you doing to help the children here at the Orphanage?
	About fifteen years ago, at Homecoming, I was standing on the main building steps bellyaching about the band at the Saturday Night Dance. I wanted to know who was in charge so I could complain. Barbara Belk listened patiently for a minute or so. She then told me that if I didn't like what was happening, I should get involved.
	That made me mad. I figured I would attempt to crack the clique that ran the Alumni Association. What a surprise awaited me.
	The Alumni Board was grateful for anyone willing to do anything. Two years later, I was President of the Alumni Association. Now it's in my blood and I want to try to help in any way possible. Get off the fence and help us serve our great home and our younger brothers and sisters who live here now. If you can't give us your time, then give us your money.
	The Red Devil Club needs you as a member. Jesus said "When you do it unto the least of these, you do it unto me." God uses us to accomplish his missions here on earth. He does this by allowing us opportunities to help those less fortunate. Hebrews 13:1-2 "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Let's use the example set by those who came before us and get the job done.
	The folk music group called Peter, Paul, and Mary is still around. In the early 1960s, they sang about change "Blowin' In the Wind." Well, there is change blowing in the wind through Oxford Orphanage's great oaks. There is a changing of the guard going on as many of our great, long-term, teachers, and older, most active Alumni leaders are becoming unable to serve for health reasons or are going on to the Maker. Someone must take their places. If you don't want to be a leader, then help us by being a worker. Service Ñ "doing work for others." I challenge you today to serve with enthusiasm and a pleasant spirit!
	Remember. When you serve the poor and downtrodden, you may be serving an angel in disguise.
	Jesus often talked about love. Here is a sample of what he had to say: First John 3:17Ð18 "But who has this world's goods and sees his brother in need and refuses him compassion, how does the love of God dwell in him? My little children let us not love in word but in deed and truth." First John 4:11Ð12 "Beloved if God so loved us, we ought to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us and His love is perfected in us." First John 4:19Ð21 "If a man says I love God and hates his brother; he is a liar; for he that loves not his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God, whom he has not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, that he who loves God also loves his brother."
	The great writer, Virgil, simply said that, "Love conquers all things, let us surrender to love." Virgil says it yet another way "One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life; that word is love."
	I have gone to the same barber for more than 15 years. I go to him not because he always does a great job, but because I detest the idea of changing. You see, I'm a creature of habit. When I was at the Orphanage, I liked knowing that we were going to have hot dogs every Saturday night at supper. There is a certain security in not having change in your life. But remember, change is blowing in the wind.
	I don't like to see myself or my friends start looking older. I still see myself as thin with no gray hair. I don't like that they tore down all the old cottages and the school building. I miss the old pool, even though the new pool is better. Change causes us to worry.
	My preacher says that ninety percent of what we worry about never happens. Five percent of what we worry about is going to happen and we can't change it. Five percent of what we worry about is all we can influence. We need to channel our energies into the five percent that we can have some influence over.
	Orphanage brothers and sisters, a change has been made recently at our home regarding the integration of black children into our home. This change was made after all things were considered carefully and prayerfully.
	Nothing in Masonry precludes that a man of any color or creed can be denied entrance into our great fraternity. Only a belief in God is required. Masons have been persecuted for hundreds of years because they believe in religious tolerance. This willingness to accept men of all religions, of good moral character, has constantly created problems for Freemasonry. This is because many religious groups feel that they own the only true doctrine. Masonry does not, and should never, condone any type of discrimination. Christian doctrine is also against any type of discrimination.
	In my life I have been discriminated against for being poor and for being from the Orphanage, but never because of the color of my skin. What if Oxford Orphanage had refused to accept a child whose daddy was an alcoholic? That marks me off the alumni list. What if they had denied all children of poor people admittance? What about illegitimate children? What about short children or maybe fat children? What if the orphanage had denied admittance to all children who had experienced trauma in their lives?
	Have I pushed your button yet? If not, it is only because I don't have time! I have never known an orphan that had a perfect family back home! Most of the time, we or our families had big problems.
	Discrimination is bred from hate and hate is ugly! One of the first things I noticed when I arrived at Oxford Orphanage in 1959 was that the Civil War was not really over. Andy Silva, who was in Master's cottage with me, was from New Jersey. Yankee Silva, as he was called, suffered for being a Yankee. I was born in Ohio, a Yankee state. No one in my cottage ever found out. My mother was from the mountains of North Carolina and that is where I claimed to be from. It saved my hide or at least kept me out of several fights.
	The Civil war was not really fought over the issue of slavery, but, over the issue of states' rights. Oxford Orphanage has not resisted integration based on hatred for black people. It has resisted government intervention into the affairs of a private institution. Federal and state governments have a very poor record in managing child care institutions. Oxford Orphanage has a wonderful and glorious history of helping the needy and indigent child in North Carolina.
	Oxford Orphanage has now freed itself of the burden of segregation. The Orphanage has five beautiful, black, children who were created by God. If God created these black children, and the Masons of North Carolina have offered them a home here, then I will accept them, and love them. I will do my part and serve them willingly without any hesitation or mental reservation. My love for Oxford Orphanage is only strengthened by the fact that my home, Oxford Orphanage, now openly serves all of God's children whether red, yellow, black, or white.
	An unknown author said it best. "Hatred does not end hatred, hatred only ceases by love." Love is something that multiplies when given away, and comes back to you. Chaucer, in Canterbury Tales, says that "love is blind." If love is blind, it never sees the color of one's skin. My challenge to each of you, is to serve your brothers and sisters, love your brothers and sisters, and pray earnestly to God for positive and great changes here at our home.
God bless you all!
	By Dan C. Rice, October 1994.


WILMINGTON CHURCH RESTRICTS MASONS
	Wilmington Ñ Masons have been forbidden to minister, teach, or hold office in Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. According to a June issue of the Wilmington Morning Star, a number of the church's congregation were upset by the decision. More than 30 members are said to have left the church as a result.
	In reporting the incident, the Morning Star interviewed James E. Vann, secretary of the Wilmington Scottish Rite Bodies. Vann reports that a large portion of the article focused on Masonry, its aims, and its charity. The paper was commended by Scottish Rite officials for its fairness and accuracy.
	Vann even believes that the attention brought by a negative event was actually good for the Craft. "Numerous people, Masons and non-Masons alike, have called or come by to offer support and to find out more about the Fraternity," said Vann. Ñ Winston-Salem Scottish Rite Bodies.


WIDOW'S SON LODGE ASSOCIATION VISITS NC
	Emporia, VA Ñ It's a club so exclusive and far-flung, they meet only every other year and then for two days. Unlike most Masonic meetings, their wives are welcome to attend most of the events. To join, a lodge must be named "Widow's Son."
	The eight lodges of Widow's Son Lodge Association held their biennial get together at Widow's Son 150, Emporia, Virginia in August.
	The first day of the meeting featured a trip to Norfolk for a luncheon boat tour of the Harbor and a visit to the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial.
	The second day found them in North Carolina. They had lunch and their business meeting at Widow's Son 519 in Roanoke Rapids. After the meeting they headed over to Halifax for a tour of Royal White Hart 2. They visited the lodge building in use since 1821 and the grave of Provincial Grand Master of America Joseph Montfort.
	Back in Emporia that night they enjoyed a steak dinner and live music. The next meeting is scheduled for Widow's Son 335 in Livingston, New York.
	The lodges in the Widow's Son Association are: 75 of Camden, North Carolina; 519 of Roanoke Rapids; 66, Branford, Connecticut; 335, Livingston, New York; 610, Sidney, Arkansas; 671, Pauldin, Ohio; 60, Charlottesville, Virginia; and 150 of Emporia, Virginia. Ñ Ronald J. Grant, secretary, Widow's Son 519.


INTERPRETIVE SIGN ADDED TO MASONIC MARKER ON BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
	Black Camp Gap Ñ Here on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a Masonic marker. It's made of stones from all over the world. An interpretive sign has been added by the National Park Service to help explain its significance to non-Masons. Special thanks are due to Brother Gary Everhardt, Parkway superintendent, and his staff for this addition.
	The sign reads as follows:


Family gatherings, revivals and assemblies are rooted deeply in the culture of Appalachia. The beauty of the mountains continues to attract group meetings today. The Masons, the world's oldest and largest fraternal organization, hold their North Carolina summer assembly at this marker each year, as they have since 1935.

The marker was erected in 1938 in a cooperative effort with other Masons throughout the world. Its 687 stones were sent from various states, 41 nations, and every continent, including Antarctica. There are stones from Plymouth Rock and from the Rock of Gibraltar, from the Alamo, and from the White House. T. Troy Wyche, of the Waynesville Lodge, led the efforts to erect the monument.

The scenic setting of this marker, surrounded on all sides by National Park lands, was chosen to signify the universality of the Masons. Their ideals of equality, morality, charity and a brotherhood of humanity are symbolized in the cement that binds these stones and bricks.



LODGE SPONSORS LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM
	Salisbury Ñ The guys at Andrew Jackson 576 know a field of dreams when they see it. If you sponsor it, they will play. That's what they found out when an opportunity to support Little League Baseball in Rowan County presented itself late in the season. Baseball, the flag, and Masonry make a fine summer combination. The team uniforms remind the several hundred folks who attend the games that Freemasons care. Ñ Dewey Preslar Jr.


HIBRITEN HOLDS FIRST OUTDOOR DEGREE
	Lenoir Ñ Hibriten 262 went whole hog when they put on their first outdoor degree back in June. Tony Colvard (senior deacon of Hibriten and police chief of Hudson) supplied the location Ñ a grassy clearing in the woods.
	The three candidates for the Master Mason Degree got a night of perfect weather. Gas lanterns furnished the stage lights for the 9:00 p.m. to midnight degree.
	Ladies of the lodge made hats and converted choir robes into costumes of the degree. Owen Williams, from over at Waxhaw 562, is a make-up artist. He furnished the details for the actors. He made them up and put professional quality fake beards on those who needed them.
	The lodge was secured by local police officers who are also Masons. Ñ Wayne D. Walker, secretary, Hibriten 262.


BAIN 231 HOLDS FISH FRY FOR BUILDING FUND
	Garner Ñ The building fund at William T. Bain 231 got a $6,000 boost in September. That's when they held a fish fry. There was chicken available for landlubbers and others with impaired taste buds.
	Bain has been in a refurbished rural school house for many years. They feel the need for more modern facilities. Plans for the new lodge have already been drawn.
	They thanked many friends from other lodges who spent much of their day helping.
	They may be the only lodge around with a charter signed by the lodge's namesake. William T. Bain was grand secretary when William T. Bain 231 was chartered in 1865.


TRAVELERS OF THE TARHEEL STATE
NEWS FROM NC LODGES

	HICKORY Ñ They picked up 46 pints of the red stuff when Hickory 343 hosted a Bloodmobile in August. Ñ Hickory Lodge No. 343.
* * * *
	WILMINGTON Ñ The lodge room at Wilmington 319 has a new look. Paneling now highlights the master's and wardens' stations. The frames for past master portraits are mounted and being filled. They've also added paintings of temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice Ñ the cardinal virtues of Freemasonry. Ñ The Wilmington Mason.
	St. John's 1's past masters were expected to work for their supper at Past Masters' Night in August. They planned to raise at least three candidates. They had a photographer on hand to get portraits of those past masters of the lodge who hadn't already had pictures placed in the dining hall. They also invited past masters of Wilmington 319 to have theirs done for their display area.
	St. John's 1 had a Brother, inactive for years, who worried that he'd be unable to remember all the things he needed to attend lodge. Solution? Send a team to his home to vouch for him and give him a refresher course in passes and such.
	Their children's Christmas party is set for December 11. Santa Claus plans to visit with a gift for each of the children attending. Ñ The Trestle Board.
	The lodges of the Tenth Masonic District made a special donation to the MESH Open. They sent $322.70 in honor of Grand Steward William Mathis. Ñ Order of the Eastern Star.
* * * *
	MONROE Ñ Truth 749 is letting the public know they're there. They expected roadside signs to be installed around town in September. They're also putting up plaques in the lobbies of local motels. They hope to draw some interesting out-of-town visitors with those efforts. Ñ Trestleboard.
* * * *
	FAYETTEVILLE Ñ Work on their pine walls was the main project when Phoenix 8 held a maintenance day during the summer. Ñ Phoenix Lodge No. 8.
	Creasy Proctor 679 is big on field trips. They had a trip to the District of Columbia in August to confer a third degree on one of their own. They did the work at the George Washington National Masonic Memorial. They stopped off at Halifax on the way up.
	They planned a September trip to an undesignated spot off the coast. They were taking a deep sea fishing trip out of Morehead City. We haven't heard yet if the fish interfered with the fun. Ñ The Trestle Board.
* * * *
	PAW CREEK Ñ West Gate 738 has an informal group that heads for the golf course together on Wednesdays. They're inviting other Brothers of leisure to join them.
	The sick and distressed fund will benefit from the sale of lodge baseball caps. The caps are white and carry the name of the lodge and the Masonic emblem. Ñ West Gate Lodge No. 738.
* * * *
	GREENSBORO Ñ In September, Gate City 694 had the Guilford County sheriff drop by to talk about his job.
	Almost 100 folks showed up for a hamburger, hot dog, and ice cream event. Ñ The Trestleboard.
	Revolution 552 planned a special open house for October. The Past Masters Club of Greensboro presented a Masonic play for the enjoyment and education of friends and family members. They had a social hour scheduled afterwards.
	A sponsorship application for the MESH Open was included in their newsletter. Ñ Bi-Monthly Newsletter.
	Ladies Night at P.P. Turner 746 featured The Greensboro Big Band. Band director Bob Adams is also a dedicated volunteer at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home. Ñ Trestleboard.
* * * *
	SELMA Ñ Selma 320 had a Saturday morning breakfast in August for members and their friends.
	Ramp access has been installed at their lodge building.
	John Black sent another load of watermelons to the Masonic Home for Children. Harry Greene took care of the delivery. The maintenance department at the Home for Children also got a nice gift from Selma 320. They got the lodge's old computer. Ñ On The Square.
* * * *
	GASTONIA Ñ All the Masonic bodies in Gastonia, including Eastern Star, DeMolay, and Rainbow Girls, helped put on a big feed in September. They offered free delivery on orders of ten or more plates. Ñ The Plumb Line.
	Gastonia 369 had their annual yard sale in September. Ñ The Trestle Board.
* * * *
	CHINA GROVE Ñ There's lots of work underway at Eureka 283. There's a new roof after last year's hail damage thanks to the insurance company . A new shelter and storage room have also been added. The Eastern Star has put a public address system in the meeting hall. Next on the agenda is new seating. Sixty-four seats will be ordered at $110 each.
	Food and drink stands at Farmers Day there raised money for the Masonic and Eastern Star Home and the Masonic Home for Children. Ñ Eureka Trestle Board.
* * * *
	BLACK MOUNTAIN Ñ They're considering adding a second meeting night at Black Mountain 663. They currently meet on first Mondays. A suggested by-law change would add third Mondays. Ñ Black Mountain Lodge No. 663.
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	RALEIGH Ñ Hiram 40 is raising its dues from $45 to $60. Among their cost increases was a five dollar increase in temple board per capita with another five contemplated for next year. Ñ Hiram Lodge No. 40.
	Ken Stewart, of Raleigh 500, took his life in hand when he entered Masters 754 dressed as a Yankee soldier from the War Between the States. He was there to present a program on Freemasonry during that period. His "first person" account told of real personalities and events in the interactions of the two sides in that war and one soldier's journey to light in Masonry. Ñ The Trowel.
	James B. Green 735 hosted a pool party for the kids from the Masonic Home for Children at the Seven Oaks Recreational Center in August. Ñ James B. Green Lodge.
	A Ham Degree was held at Millbrook 97 in August. No, it wasn't another barbecue dinner served before the degree work. Richard Campbell (KB4OWA) is an avid Ham radio operator. For his initiation, KO4TV served as master; KB4HLD was senior deacon; KC4LUF was secretary; and WA4OLI gave the lecture. Eleven other Ham operators were on hand for the occasion. Ñ Millbrook Messenger.
	It seems that The North Carolina Mason as well as a number of Masons and Eastern Stars in Raleigh were taken in by an ill-timed April Fool that appeared in the June issue of the Millbrook Messenger. The article reported that Millbrook 97 was considering selling its property. This is not the case. No such sale is contemplated. Ñ Edwin J. Judd, master, Millbrook 97.
* * * *
	CHARLOTTE Ñ Charles M. Setzer 693 planned to host a vaccination clinic in late September. Ñ Charles M. Setzer Lodge No. 693.
	Keystone 726 plans an Oyster Roast for November. They promise to keep serving until everyone is full. Do oyster fanatics ever get full? Just in case oysters don't suit your palate, hot dogs and hamburgers will also be available. Proceeds go to charity. Ñ Keystone Lodge No. 726.
	Mint Hill 742 held a golf tournament at Charles T. Myers Golf Course in October. Proceeds were headed for the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford. Ñ Mint Hill Lodge No. 742.
	The Scottish Rite Temple was the site of a Master Mason Degree in August. Newell 739 was raising Christopher Nance. The degree team from Steele Creek 737 did the first section and Grand Lodge officers put on the second section. Ñ William B. Brunk, grand master.
* * * *
	KINSTON Ñ Now that Elmer Borroughs and Roger Rouse have finished the new showcase for the foyer, St. John's 4 is searching for artifacts to fill it. Ñ The Trestle Board.
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	WASHINGTON Ñ Deputy Grand Master Cliff Everett was the speaker at Ladies' and Past Masters' Night at Washington 675. Grand Tyler J.C. Saunders, who was raised by 675, was guest of honor. Past Master Ray Warren brought his musical background out of retirement to keep feet patting. Ferol Harris got his Veteran's Award. Ñ Light From the East.
* * * *
	GARNER Ñ Garner 701 has new carpet in their lodge room thanks to Garner Chapter 321 of the Eastern Star. Ñ Masonic Newsletter.
	Vandora 745 is selling baseball caps that bear the lodge name. You can get it in red or blue. Ñ Masonic Newsletter.
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	WALLACE Ñ Arthur Apple, of Wallace 595, recently received his Veteran's Award.
	If you're planning to visit the Brothers at Wallace, be reminded that they meet 30 minutes earlier than usual from October through March. Ñ Bulletin of Wallace Lodge No. 595.
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	LAURINBURG Ñ After voting several years ago to sell their lodge facilities and build new ones, no action has been taken by Laurinburg 305. Some members are having second thoughts. They hoped to resolve the issue in October.
	They're using fifth Tuesdays for family night social at Laurinburg 305. Two meetings have been dropped by amending their by-laws. Second stateds have been dropped in April (conflicted with Grand Lodge Annual Communication) and December (fell too close to Christmas).
	Laurinburg member Francis Bullard was recognized a Scotland County's "Mr. Fix-It" by the Extension Homemakers. They say he doesn't know the word "No." Hey, fella, don't let that get around.
	A lodge yard sale is scheduled in November. Proceeds are headed for Masonic charities. Ñ The Masonic Messenger.
* * * *
	SALISBURY Ñ Past masters who hadn't already gotten special aprons, got them at Andrew Jackson 576's recent Past Masters' Night. That was in addition to a steak dinner.
	Their annual barbecue with Fulton 99 was scheduled for mid-October. Profits were headed for Masonic charities. Ñ The Master's Journal.
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	GRAHAM Ñ They're rethinking adding the dining hall to Thomas M. Holt 492. Some are worried that there are important repairs to be made to the building. Ñ Hollar Log.
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	STATESVILLE Ñ Consolidation talks between Statesville 27 and Mt. Moriah 690 have been tabled. The joint committee found no necessity for combining thelodges at this time. They already share lodge facilities.
	An October outdoor degree by Statesville 7 at Doug Credle's farm in West Iredell may have given birth to an annual event. "Hay Seed Degree," anyone?
	Phillip Keller, Rick Mathews, and Gerald Grant have enlarged the dining hall doorway of the temple into an arch. Ñ The Trestle Board.
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	THOMASVILLE Ñ Ken Frazier and Don Leonard were recently thanked by Secretary Jack Everhart for their help in putting all lodge data into the lodge computer. Ñ Trestle Board.
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	KENANSVILLE Ñ Thanks to Junior Grand Deacon Charles Ingram, all the widows of St. John's 3 were recently treated to a corsage, meal, and entertainment.
	St John's 3 had their annual family picnic at Maxwell Mill. The supper committee put on chicken and pastry while each family brought a pitcher of tea and a covered dish. Ñ Lodge Log.
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	SOUTH MILLS Ñ Currituck 463 Treasurer Leroy Powell got his 50-Year Award at the First District's quarterly meeting. New Lebanon 314 claimed the award plaque by having 36% of its members present. Ñ The Trestle Board.
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	WILSON Ñ The 17th District held its district picnic at Toisnot Park in August. Ñ The Masonic Journal.
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	SILER CITY Ñ There's a new lodge newsletter out there, first we've seen of it anyway. The Trestle Board of Siler City 403 arrived recently. Looks good, fellas.
	Citing the dwindling membership of their Eastern Star chapter and their inability to contribute to lodge maintenance, 403 is considering increasing their dues. Ñ The Trestle Board.
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	FRANKLIN Ñ You expect to be the center of attention when you get your Veteran's Award for 50-years in the Fraternity. Claude Bolton, Burt Burtaine, John Cunningham, Kenneth Frazier, and Ernest Hyde got their 50s from Junaluskee 145. But, they were upstaged by Lawrence Marquis getting his 60-year Diamond Jubilee Award. Ñ Junaluskee Lodge.
* * * *
	SNOW HILL Ñ John Willis Creech and C.0. Kearney got Veteran's Awards from Radiance 132 in August. Ñ James Wooten, secretary.
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	ALBEMARLE Ñ The 38th Masonic District held a district-wide picnic, its first, at Morrow Mountain State Park in September.
	October was the month for Stanly 348's pancake dinner. Proceeds are headed for Masonic charities.
	Stanly 348 has a new newsletter named The Trestle Board. Keep up the good work, guys. Ñ The Trestle Board.
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	SPRUCE PINE Ñ In search of its history, Vesper 554 wants to find a picture of its first home Ñ the old Bailey sawmill and casket factory. Can you help?
	On another historical note, they've found some artifacts of Estatoe Chapter of the York Rite that met in their facilities during the 1920s and 30s. They've found some magic lantern slides as well as some jewels and swords of the chapter.
	They'll be hanging the Knight Templar sword of lodge founder James Monroe Peterson beneath his newly framed portrait. Jack and John Pendley took care of the work.
	Ernest Hefner, a 41-year Mason and a past master, was recently presented a Masonic walking stick. The occasion was the completion of his coaching duties on his 138th candidate. After coaching 138 guys, and given the frustrations of teaching, he may be tempted to use that stick as a weapon.
	Hank Phillips had the unusual pleasure of raising his father, Jerry, to Master Mason.
	A most valuable Masonic education program is being offered by Vesper 554 Senior Warden Al Lominac. He's teaching the Brothers how to do CPR. He's a certified instructor in the life-saving skill. Look for an instructor in your area. If he's not a Mason, schedule a special time for him to come in after a meeting to teach you something that may save a loved one.
	Vesper's newsletter is new to us but, as you can see, they've been busy for a while. Ñ Vesper Lodge 554.
* * * *
	HAYESVILLE Ñ Clay 301 was planning to hold a pancake breakfast as well as a yard sale in October. The Masonic homes were to reap the benefits.
	Howard Walker presented a history of the lodge at an August stated communication.
	"Have gavel, will travel," is a new battle cry in the 65th Masonic District. Clay gets the gavel to start the competition. Three elected officers and two members of any other lodge in the district may take the gavel home. They will lose it to another lodge meeting the same requirements. Ñ Trestle Board.
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	DENVER Ñ John Thomas Dunson Jr. got his Veteran's Award at recent meeting of Denver 757. Ñ The Trestleboard.
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	KING Ñ When King 722 has visitors, they don't mess around. At a recent meeting, there were Masons from Tennessee and Brazil. Ñ King Lodge News.
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	JACKSONVILLE Ñ Semper Fidelis 680 had a barbecue scheduled for September to raise donations for the Masonic homes in Greensboro and Oxford. Ñ Semper Fidelis Lodge No. 680.
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	PRINCETON Ñ The lobby of St Patrick's 617 has a new look thanks to Princeton Chapter 364 of the Order of Eastern Star. Lamps, a picture, two chairs, and two couches have been added. The Shamrock suggests that the lobby be promoted to foyer status. Ñ The Shamrock.
* * * *
	LIBERTY Ñ Congratulations to another fine, new lodge newsletter. Liberty at Large is the vehicle for Liberty 45.
	Liberty 45 is buying teddy bears to put in county ambulances and sheriff's patrol cars. They're placed there to soothe and reassure children in emergency situations. Ñ Liberty at Large.
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	CONOVER Ñ Billy Lingerfelt has been a coach, assistant secretary, and custodian-on-call at Conover 709 for years. He served as master in 1977. He was recently elected to life membership in the lodge. Billy carries a pager to help take care of lodge business.
	We don't know if there's record a but, Wayne Whitson was to stand his examination for certified lecturer in September. No big deal? He's been a Master Mason less than six months. Ñ Conover Lodge No. 709.
* * * *
	SMITHFIELD Ñ Fellowship 84 charges members an annual fee for meals served at lodge. They feed ten months each year. They plan to increase the charge to $25 per year. Sounds like a bargain to me.
	Fellowship sent two folks up to Oxford to help their sponsored resident there shop for back to school clothes. The $225 they sent with them certainly helped.
	Laboring for the Craft has real meaning for Master Jim Reed and Senior Deacon Ken Davis. They put their own sweat into stripping, sealing, and shining the tile floors in the foyer, dining room, bathrooms, and library of the lodge. Ñ The Trestleboard.
* * * *
	WINSTON-SALEM Ñ Jim Chambers and Frank Rhodes, of Old Town 751, got Veteran's Awards in October.
	When local Rainbow Girls needed to make some money for their trip to Seattle for Supreme Assembly, they cooked up a scheme. Well, actually, they cooked up a supper for Old Town 751. The guys paid five dollars a meal, did their bit to help, and got a full belly. Ñ On the Level at Old Town Lodge.
	Luckily for Salem 289's Jack Potter, most adults figured out how to cope with February 29 birthdays long ago. He was raised on Leap Day, 50 years ago. He just got his Veteran's Award recently instead of having to wait another 150 years.
	The 46th Masonic District held its golf tournament for the benefit of the Masonic homes in June. We've gotten no word on how much was raised for the charities. Ñ Arthur Bloxham, master, Salem 289.
* * * *
	MOUNT GILEAD Ñ They had to set up chairs two rows deep at Blackmer 127 when Temple 676, Charlotte, visited to confer two Master Mason Degrees. Ken Fritts fed pinto beans and cornbread to the 84 men from 20 lodges in three states who attended. That's an auspicious start for new Masons Larry Robinson and David Barbour. Ñ Gene Cobb Jr., senior warden, Blackmer 127.



BROTHERHOOD AT ITS BEST IN CONNECTICUT
	Greenwich, Connecticut Ñ Archibald Pickering was delivering lobsters from Maine to New Jersey when I-95 turned into a confused mess. Pickering; a member of Marine 122, Deer Island, Maine; found himself in the midst of a seven-car pile-up and pinned in his truck for two hours.
	Badly injured legs put him in the hospital. Within hours of Maine's grand lodge contacting Connecticut's, members of Acacia 85 had visited Pickering and his wife Anita.
	They arranged Mrs. Pickering's accommodations and saw to her needs while she was there. They visited Archibald daily.
	When Pickering's injuries necessitated amputating his left leg, Charles Windels came to visit. Windels lost a leg in World War II. He helped Pickering deal with the decisions. The Brothers still talk every week.
	To top it off, Acacia paid Anita's expenses while she was in town. Local newspaper stories even resulted in some petitions for membership. Ñ The Connecticut Square and Compasses.


MASS DEGREES IN SUNSHINE STATE
	Tampa, Florida Ñ On March 26, 1994, Florida Grand Master Joseph C. Fowler presided over a "one-day Grand Master's Class" where an all-time record 820 men were made Masons-at-sight.
	In an article appearing in the May issue of the Scottish Rite Journal, Fowler described the day's activities. The ceremonies of all three degrees were performed in full form in the packed ballroom of the Egypt Shrine Temple in Tampa. Members of the class each took the obligations on presentation bibles distributed during registration, and twenty-five three-man teams raised each of the candidates following the end of the third degree. The new members must become proficient in the Master Mason catechism or observe a six-month waiting period before petitioning appendant bodies for membership.
	According to Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia, the historical instances of making Masons-at-sight have been rare up until very recent times. Both Mackey's and Coil's encyclopedias agree that the procedure usually consists of simply conferring all three degrees in one day, sometimes in abbreviated form, waiving the proficiency examinations and the time between degrees.
	Although several American jurisdictions prohibit the practice, others have recently begun making large classes of Masons-at-sight. The grand master of the District of Columbia made 120 Masons-at-sight in November 1992, and 59 in November 1993. The grand master of Kansas made 193 Masons-at-sight in one large conferral held in February 1994.
	Florida first made a Mason-at-sight in 1967, when then Grand Master John T. Rouse Jr. conferred all three degrees on his son-in-law and on Astronaut Wally Schirra.
	 Ñ From American Masonic Review, Summer, 1994.


CALIFORNIA MASONS REPRESENTING THE CRAFT IN ROSE PARADE
YOU CAN HELP
	Pasadena, California Ñ The Grand Lodge of California is again making sure that the family of Freemasonry is represented in the Tournament of Roses Parade. The parade will be held January 2, 1995, as part of the Rose Bowl festivities. The theme for the parade's 1995 edition is "Sports, Quest for Excellence."
	In keeping with the theme, the Masonic float is named "Service Through Sports." It will depict the Shrine East West Game and Job's Daughters. The East West Football Game brings in millions of dollars each year for the 22 Shriners Children's Hospitals and Burn Centers. Job's Daughters, a Masonic youth organization for girls ages 11 to 20, celebrates its 75th anniversary next year.
	The float will be 55 feet long and 16 feet tall. The front will feature a living Job's Daughters emblem. The back portion will depict a day at the Shrine East West Game.
	Stanley Channon, chairman of the float committee, says, "Through this float, we will try to reinforce the fact that all Shriners are Masons and point out the charitable work performed by the entire family of Freemasonry." Millions of Americans watch the parade on television each year. North American Freemasons donate almost two million dollars per day to charitable causes.
	Donations to help with the efforts are welcomed. There are also several pieces of merchandise (lapel pins and such) available relating to this and past Rose Parades. You may donate or inquire by contacting the treasurer of the float committee: Robert C. Coe, P.O. Box 661567, Arcadia, CA 91066-1567. Ñ Southern California Research Lodge.


NEBRASKA RECOGNIZES ANOTHER PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE
	Lincoln, Nebraska Ñ In February, the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, granted fraternal recognition to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Connecticut. This is the first instance of a grand lodge holding membership in the Conference of Grand Masters of North America granting recognition to a Prince Hall Grand Lodge that does not maintain lodges within the same state as the recognizing grand lodge.
	In June 1991, the Grand Lodge of North Dakota recognized the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Minnesota which maintains two lodges in North Dakota. The Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Minnesota had been previously recognized by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota in April of that year.
	Then in September 1991, the Grand Lodge of Idaho recognized the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oregon which maintains one lodge in the state of Idaho. However, this led Grand Master Ivan Rinck of the Grand Lodge of Oregon (which does not recognize Prince Hall Masonry) to complain that Idaho had invaded its "exclusive territorial jurisdiction." In retaliation, the Grand Lodge of Oregon then withdrew recognition from the Grand Lodge of Idaho. This situation remains at a standoff.
	The exchange of recognition with Prince Hall grand lodges was begun by the two grand lodges in Connecticut in 1989. Since then a total of eight US grand lodges of the Conference of Grand Masters of North America have recognized Prince Hall grand lodges.
	 Ñ From American Masonic Review, Summer, 1994.


WORLD'S OLDEST LODGE ROOM SAVED
	The Chapel of St. John, Edinburgh, Scotland, has, for over 250 years, housed Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No. 2, Grand Lodge of Scotland. Consecrated on December 18, 1735, in the presence of the Grand Master Mason, William St. Clair of Roslin, it is believed to be the oldest Masonic lodge room in the world.
	However, even this was not sufficient to enable the lodge to meet the burden of restoring and maintaining the building. The Royal Order of Scotland has agreed to take over the premises as its new international headquarters, and refurbish it (at a cost of one million dollars) while guaranteeing the lodge's right to meet in the Chapel in perpetuity.
	 Ñ Masonic Square, June 1994.


CAMPING CLUB FOR MASONS
	Are you a Mason on the move with a tent or RV? Did you know there is a recreational camping group for Master Masons? It is called National Camping Travelers or NCT. It's a recreational group composed of Master Masons and their families. The purpose of the group is to promote family fun, fellowship, and the love of the great outdoors. The only requirement for members in NCT is that you must be a Master Mason in good standing of a lodge in a recognized jurisdiction. This common interest in Freemasonry builds a strong bond of fellowship between members which means we have more fun!
	NCT activities include the annual National Rally, attended by members from all over the United States and Canada. District and state rallies are also attended by chapters from those bodies. Each chapter has its own monthly campout during the months of good weather. In the winter, dinner meetings are held. Chapters in warmer climates have campouts all year.
	The official magazine of NCT, News To Campers, is published quarterly. Through it, members are kept informed of what is happening in other chapters and states.
	For members with young children or grandchildren, there is a youth organization (YNCT). They have their own elected officers and are under the supervision of the National Youth Director.
	This RV group is composed of fun-loving Masons. We invite you come to a campout before you join. To find the chapter nearest you contact: National Camping Travelers, Inc., 1800-C Speedy Avenue, Chesapeake, VA 23320, phone: (804) 420-6629. Ñ from The Trestle Board of Unanimity 7.



ENCOMPASSING THE WORLD
MASONIC NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

	ALBERTA, CANADA Ñ Cara was recently named "grand guide" by Alberta Grand Master Myron Lusk. She is the guide dog for her blind master Graham Humphrey, master of Mosaic Lodge. She even has her own apron. Although female, she is allowed to attend lodge meetings. Although never obligated, she is considered a low risk for revealing the secrets of Freemasonry. Ñ Grand Lodge Bulletin.
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	MISSOURI Ñ Children's hospitals are richer thanks to some Masons in Missouri. The 61st and 32nd Masonic Districts contributed over $48,000 to the Children's Miracle Network Telethon. Missouri Masons have raised $375,000 for that cause in the last five years. Ñ The Missouri Freemason.
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	IOWA Ñ The 150th anniversary celebration of Freemasonry in Iowa was set for September. They planned a special rededicating ceremony at the Iowa Masonic Library in Cedar Rapids. They also added a special public opening ceremony to the Annual Communication.
	The Media Committee there has produced a new video entitled In the Hearts of Men. The 29-minute film is designed to raise pride among Masons and increase respect among non-Masons. They charge $20 for the videotape. Call (319) 365-1438. Ñ Grand Lodge Bulletin.
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	NEW ZEALAND Ñ When Kororoareka 304 ran out of distribution copies of their by-laws, they decided to make the new edition a more widely usable publication. They added some sections. They included "How to Join a Lodge," "What We Do In Lodge," other previously published articles, and a list of other lodges in the area. That gives the members something to share with friends when asked about the Craft. Ñ Freemason.
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	NORTH DAKOTA Ñ Curtiss Mundahl was installed grand master of North Dakota at their 105th Annual Communication in June. His theme for the year is "Reach For the Stars With Quality EMF." EMF stands for Education, Membership programs, and Fun. Ñ The North Dakota Mason.
* * * *
	SOUTH CAROLINA Ñ Our Brothers south of the border have started a Grand Lodge Building Drive. Renovation and restoration will precede enlarging the building.
	Brandon 279 in Greenville held a music festival in September. The half-day program featured about a dozen bluegrass, country, and gospel groups. Ñ Masonic Light.
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	NEW MEXICO Ñ Lodges lose members each year because dues aren't paid. Tom Payne, grand master of New Mexico is trying to help them get back into their lodges. He's offering to let those suspended in previous years re-petition and pay only this year's dues if elected. Those lost for non-payment this year were offered a demit instead of their suspensions.
	New Mexico's 11th District hosted the First District of Chihuahua, Mexico for a degree in May. The Masons gathered with their families at White Sands National Monument for a dinner. The Brothers got to see the Mexican ritual performed as five candidates were raised. Each candidate was given a Bible by the American hosts. Ñ The New Mexico Freemason.
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	OKLAHOMA Ñ They can take a hint in Oklahoma. A while back, they put their Grand Lodge headquarters on the market. When it didn't sell, they decided to keep it. They are currently raising money to restore and endow the building. Ñ The Oklahoma Mason.
* * * *
	TEXAS Ñ The Texas State Capitol was recently enlarged. The Grand Lodge of Texas was there to level the cornerstone during the September dedication. The "Houston Gavel" was used for the ceremony. It's the same gavel used in laying the 1885 cornerstone of the building.
	The Texas Retirement Center, a Masonic home, has formed a traveling degree team. They confer any of the three degrees. Ñ The Texas Mason.
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	FRANCE Ñ To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Allied invasion at Normandy, the Grand Lodge of France consecrated an English-speaking lodge. Star Spangled 900 will meet in the new grand lodge building in Paris. Ñ The Voice of Freemasonry
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	DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Ñ For the 80th year, Washington Daylight 14 traveled to Mount Vernon on George Washington's birthday. As always, they placed a wreath on the grave of Brother Mason George Washington. Ñ The Voice of Freemasonry.
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	NEW YORK Ñ New York Masons enjoyed a Masonic Family Day at West Point in September. The program included a memorial service at the statue of George Washington, the Parade of Cadets, buffet luncheon at the West Point Officers Club, and the Army/Temple football game. Ñ Niagara-Orleans District Masonic News.
* * * *
	MAINE Ñ The 175th anniversary celebration of the Grand Lodge of Maine began in October. During the festivities, special recognition will be given to their lodges numbered one through 31. They were chartered by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts before the 1820 founding of Maine's own grand lodge.
	Harland S. Hitchings, Maine's new grand master, is using ART to establish the goals of his year in office. It stands for Art, Responsibility, and Teamwork.
	At their annual communication next spring, they'll consider relaxing their prohibition of alcohol at lodge functions. They'll also vote on doing away with lodge jurisdictions, making them all concurrent. Ñ The Maine Mason.
* * * *
	VERMONT Ñ There have been some more events in Vermont's celebration of their grand lodge bicentennial. In October, they placed a plaque at the Rutland site of the original grand lodge. They held a Masonic parade there also. The majority of lodges in the state were expected to participate. They were to be joined by units from appendant bodies as well as Masonic groups from around the country. All Vermont lodges at the celebration were to get a commemorative gavel made from timbers of the building that housed the original grand lodge.
	The state legislature has authorized the display of a Masonic bicentennial license plate on private vehicles.
	Grand Master Roderick J. Maclay has set a state goal of adding 300 new Masons to their membership this year.
	This year's per capita tax in Vermont breaks down like this: general fund, $15.33; lodge liability insurance, $2.20; bicentennial celebration, 55›; and The Green Mountain Freemason, $1.30. That will be offset by $8.88 per member withdrawn from the income of their Permanent Fund. Their net total paid to grand lodge is $10.50. Ñ The Green Mountain Freemason.
* * * *
	RHODE ISLAND Ñ Rhode Island's Grand Lodge Charity Ball will benefit that state's Make A Wish Foundation this year. The Foundation grants requests of seriously ill children.
	The Public Relations Committee there has been very busy. They're giving signs to lodges for their buildings. They're selling lapel pins that carry a stylized square and compasses and the message, "Join Us Ñ Ask Me." Radio advertisements are expected to air shortly. Ñ Rhode Island Freemason.
* * * *
	WISCONSIN Ñ Stanley R. Jagow was elected grand master of Wisconsin in June. He'll be pushing "Fraternal Understanding NowÉor FUN." FUN will feature special opportunities for the Masons, their families and friends to get together for Ñ you guessed it Ñ fun. There's a trip to the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame. They also planned to attend church together and follow it with a tailgate party before watching a Packer game on the TV at the Masonic Temple Auditorium next door. They've got a special Masonic night scheduled at a dinner theater.
	There was a sign that the new grand master takes his fun seriously. Fellow members of Jagow's Shrine clown unit pied him during a post installation reception. Being struck in the face with a pie by a fellow clown is reputed to be an honor.
	They opened their 150th Annual Communication with a parade through Oshkosh. More than 1,000 Masons from 157 lodges marched. The 283 unit parade lasted almost two hours.
	They voted to trade the Fellowcraft and Master Mason instructions for wearing the apron. Wisconsin had been one of several grand lodges that reversed the second and third degree positions we use in North Carolina. Virginia's ritual is also the opposite of ours.
	They defeated a measure that would have added liquor to beer and wine as being acceptable fare for a table lodge.
	Their per capita tax for the coming year is $4.45 for charity; $4.66, Wisconsin Masonic Journal; general fund, 87›; and services for the Craft, $4.02 for a total of $14.
	Wisconsin's grand lodge has hired an Administrator for the Grand Masonic Center. The grand secretary there previously performed all the administrative duties. Ñ The Wisconsin Masonic Journal.
* * * *
	MANITOBA, CANADA Ñ Masons in Manitoba have bought three cars and a van for their Cancer Car Project. They use the vehicles to transport outpatients to treatment clinics in Winnipeg. Volunteers also use their own cars to carry patients. Ñ The Wisconsin Masonic Journal.
* * * *
	MINNESOTA Ñ Pete Normand, editor of American Masonic Review will be guest speaker at the Third Annual Minnesota Masonic Education Conference. Once limited to lodge education officers, all Minnesota Masons are now invited. They are encouraged to bring wives and children along. Topics included in this year's sessions are Research Societies and Masonic Clubs, Countering Our Critics, The Electronic Super Highway, Prince Hall Masonry, Building Relationships Inside and Outside the Lodge, Mozart and His Music, and The Drama of Initiation: The Theater and Freemasonry. Why the Master Sits in the East When It's Not the East and Other Questions and Answers About Masonic Symbolism was a special one for the ladies. Day care for kids was available.
	All Masons in Minnesota were invited to join in as the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Minnesota celebrated its 100th annual communication in September. The two grand lodges exchanged recognition a few years ago.
	Bloomington 340 found all the local roads adopted when they looked for a service project. They opted for adopting a local park. They clean-up the picnic area periodically and recently planted 100 dogwoods.
	The Grand Lodge of Minnesota is offering a Library Presentation Gift Program to its lodges. They've got two packages of books that can be placed in local libraries. For $60 or $160, the lodge gets a box of books complete with nameplates naming the local lodge as the donor. Ñ The Minnesota Mason.
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	KANSAS Ñ Kansas Masons have committed $400,000 over the next five years to fund the Kansas Masonic Chair for Cancer Research at the Kansas University Cancer Center. The pledge will bring to more than $2 million the total donated by the Masons to the Cancer Center, including the Masonic Oncology Research Center. Ñ The Kansas Mason.
* * * *
	SOUTH AFRICA Ñ Constitutional revisions are difficult enough in any one language. One of the things delaying the release of the Grand Lodge of South Africa's new by-laws is the need to translate it into Afrikaans. Lodge publications appear in both English and Afrikaans. Ñ Grand Lodge of South Africa Year Book 1993.
* * * *
	CONNECTICUT Ñ In an effort to improve continuity despite changing administrations every year, the Grand Lodge of Connecticut has established a Long Range Planning Committee. According to one committee member, it's a simple "management tool. It gives us a list of things to do and an idea of how long it'll take to do."
	The Grand Chapter of Connecticut, Royal Arch Masons and the Prince Hall Grand Chapter of Holy Royal Arch Masons in Connecticut extended mutual recognition in May. They are said to be the first Grand Royal Arch Chapters in the world to do so. They follow the lead of the grand lodges there who recognized each other in 1989.
	When Norma and Nat Sestero retired from the fruit business, they donated their crop to Foodshare, a group dedicated to fighting hunger. Foodshare turned to Masons when they needed help harvesting the 12-acre, 500-tree orchard. The Masons were expecting to pluck more than 50,000 pounds of pesticide-free apples and pears. Bet those tired bodies felt pretty good about themselves at the end of the day. Ñ The Connecticut Square and Compasses.



UNDER THE OAKS
BY DAVID GRISSOM
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE MASONIC HOME FOR CHILDREN AT OXFORD
 	Recently I received a letter from one of our fine students who is now in her first year of college. Her grades were good enough to receive grants and scholarships. She wanted to express her gratitude to all those who assisted her during her four years at the Masonic Home For Children. To express her appreciation would mean saying "thank you" to all the employees of the Masonic Home For Children, the Masons of North Carolina, the alumni, and all the students who remain dear friends to this young lady. We wish her, and all of our college students, the very best as they develop their careers and prepare for their futures. 
	We have over 150 children who need the same opportunities. They need a chance to attend college and prepare for a bright future. We have children and young people living on your beautiful campus between the ages of three and twenty. They are in our care due to circumstances beyond their control and each of them want to be loved, directed, and given the opportunity to increase their self-esteem. They want to become someone special in the eyes of our Masons and their peers.
	As we think of our children, we hope that we as Masons will do all we can to help those who are entrusted to our care. Our children at the Masonic Home For Children, just as your own children or grandchildren, want a home and family that can one day love and nurture them.
	If your child came to you asking for help, you would do all within your power to listen and give whatever assistance needed to help that child get on his or her feet. By giving support in time of need, you know as well as I, that the child will one day look back and remember you were the one who extended your hand when it was needed.
	When the greatest teacher of all history extended His hand and said, "Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Remember this! Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." Luke 18:15Ð17. The children at your Masonic Home for Children need your love, prayers, and support. Just as our college student said, she will remember those who gave her a chance. You can be assured she will never forget those who extended their hands to help her. Hopefully, each Mason, alumnus, and friend of our Masonic Home for Children will step forward and be counted among those who want to invest in the future and give your children an opportunity which they would not otherwise have.


THE CHILDREN WILL SHOW YOU
	Having visited the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford several times, I wondered what might be different this trip. It turned out to be the children laughing and enjoying rides on motorbikes courtesy of a motorcycle club. A group of Wilson area Masons and their wives were also enjoying the festivities as they served ice cream.
	Without really knowing, the kids were imparting a beautiful lesson about Masonry. One could easily see that they took care of each other. The older children made sure the younger ones were served and got a motorcycle ride. This was done without comment and without fanfare. It appeared almost automatic. It makes you wonder exactly what kind of a wonderful world we would have if everyone just followed the example of the children at Oxford.
	 Ñ By Donald Tomlinson, senior warden, Wilson 712, The Masonic Journal.


SOME ORPHANAGE BIRTHDAYS
December 1, 1981	Randy Williams Zink
December 2, 1978	Jennifer Lynn Howell
December 5, 1983	James Benjamin Spittle
December 5, 1980	Donald Reginald Wilson Jr.
December 7, 1984	Travis Dail Biquet
December 16, 1976	Jason Louis Jerrell
December 23, 1986	Elias Silas McMillan
December 23, 1977	David John Delaney
December 23, 1982	Tiffany Danielle Williams
December 25, 1980	Kelly John Rasmussen
December 25, 1982	Joan Maureen Bramble
December 26, 1979	William David Hamilton
December 29, 1979	Jeffrey Clayton Stores
December 30, 1991	Nancy Leigh Curtis
December 30, 1979	James Melvin Bumsfield
January 4, 1979	Angela Louise Phillips
January 6, 1980	Jonathan Albert Smith
January 7, 1977	Johnny Eugene Byrd
January 8, 1977	Kevin Gerard Senecal
January 11, 1984	Kathleen Kelly McPhie
January 16, 1981	Amber Lea Wade
January 23, 1983	Jeriah Zachias McMillan
January 25, 1981	Mindy Renee Prince
January 26, 1978	Shelley Marie Alford


FROM THE FOUNDATION
BY JIM MEDLIN, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

WHAT IS DEVELOPMENT?
	Since being named development director, I have had the opportunity to visit many lodges across the state. From the mountains to the coast, and all in between, the same question seems to come up, "Just exactly what is development and what is it going to do for us?"
	Development is an organized and carefully planned approach to raising funds for our charities. Our charities will benefit by increased and more reliable funding.
	As development officer for the Grand Lodge, it's my responsibility to devise that program. The program is just beginning, but I can tell you about its basics. It has three main parts.
Annual Giving From the Lodges
	The most important aspect of any development program is the annual giving or annual fund. These are your lodge fund raisers or organized giving efforts already in place. Annual funds must function yearly and regularly. The charities, both Oxford and Greensboro, rely solely on this annual financial support and must have it to operate.
	I do not plan to interrupt or lessen these admirable efforts in any way. So first, I wanted to make a tool for the lodges that will help keep the annual fund strong and supportive. That tool is a booklet aimed at teaching lodge committees how to solicit their member. I hope it will help your fund raising become even more effective.
	That development booklet has been mailed to all lodges. It's main purpose and emphasis is on charitable giving to the Masonic Home for Children and the Masonic and Eastern Star Home. Some lodges may wish to contribute to the North Carolina Masonic Foundation. That's a good choice, too, as it benefits both homes. Any lodge may designate their gifts to any of the three charities. But, fundamentally, the annual giving programs are aimed at assisting the annual operations at the Oxford and Greensboro homes.
Deferred Giving or Planned Gifts/Legacies
	Some donations are best made carefully. It may be to the benefit of the charities as well as the donor to make the donation at some planned date or perhaps as part of a will. This is probably our least developed resource.
	Large gifts are important to endowments. An endowment is money held in an account. None of the money donated to the account can be spent Ñ only the interest on that money.
	Endowments are essential for producing income for our foundations Ñ The North Carolina Masonic Foundation, The Masonic Home for Children, and The Masonic and Eastern Star Home. How we make these endowments grow and how we invest their money is of the utmost importance. This effort requires careful planning and much work.
	Annual solicitations don't usually find these types of gifts. Deferred or planned gifts are generally taken care of by one-on-one visits with the Brother or Sister who wishes to make the gift. They are usually produced through an ongoing process. That process generally becomes better as a formal development program matures.
	Deferred gifts may be designated to any of the Masonic charities. The contributor's wishes and desires are important and always respected and heeded.
Capital Campaigns
	These are major solicitation campaigns focusing on funding special, and generally, very large projects. The planned new Care Center at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home is an excellent example. These campaigns are usually one time efforts, but may be solicited over a period of time in order to reach a certain goal.
	These are the three main legs of the development program. To have a balanced program all three legs must be in place Ñ steady and supportive. Annual giving must keep the charities operating and performing. Deferred giving and legacies must add to the endowments in such a way as to offer a permanent fund for the future. Capital campaigns offer the additional opportunity to identify and satisfy major needs.
	A development plan tailored with these three components will offer our Masonic charities the strength and support they need to withstand the future. What we must do as Masons is embrace the opportunity and extend our efforts to victories!
	As your development officer, I am here to help. I am available to offer advice to you or your lodge. I would be happy to visit and speak to as many individual lodges as possible. I'm at the Grand Lodge office. My telephone number is (919) 787-2021. My address is Development Office, P. O. Box 6506, Raleigh, NC 27628-6506.


YET ANOTHER OFFERING OF JIMROD Q. WAXPILLOW
As this bachelor Mason grew older
He became a little bit bolder
He sat nearer to Sadie
A most patient lady
Even rested his arm on her shoulder


ARE OUR RITUALS STANDARD?
	The ritual for the Masonic degrees is the machinery that we use to make new Masons. We accept all regular Masons as our Brothers, regardless of where they were made a Mason. Does this mean that the way Masons are raised is pretty much the same everywhere?
	No, not at all.
	Even in English speaking countries there is a great variety of ritual.
ù Australia and New Zealand have different working tools from ours. Their lodges are dedicated to Moses and King Solomon, not to the Holy Saints John.
ù New Zealand even has optional forms for parts of the ritual and an alternate form for the MM degree.
ù If you use our passwords and grand Masonic word in England, you will be using the wrong words.
ù Manitoba has two completely different rituals and each Lodge must choose which one to follow.
ù Even Iowa permits great variation in their lectures and explanations. Iowa's Companion to the Monitor gives the following comment on the Middle Chamber Lecture: "Each Brother who gives this lecture is expectedÉto build a more elaborate explanation of the symbols according to his own interpretation of them." Ñ by Rod Larson, grand master of Minnesota, The Minnesota Mason.


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
	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.
	Question: I was checking the cross references in the back of the proposed general revision to The Code. Beside the regulation I was looking for there was only a question mark. What happened to that regulation?
	Answer: The last 28 pages of the proposed revision are not a permanent part The Code. It is only there to help us evaluate the revision.
	The cross-indexing was done by computer and is a helpful by-product of the revision process. Question marks appear when the computer didn't know exactly what to do. One of several things may have caused the confusion.
	The regulation may have been eliminated because it was a duplicate of one placed in some more natural place. Some regulations included several references that were broken up into separate numbers or areas. In that case, only one of the new sections was included in the cross-references.
	If after considering these possibilities and looking in all the likely places, you don't find it, send a letter to the committee care of the Grand Lodge. Another possibility is that it was accidentally deleted.
	Question: We'll discuss this revision at 1995's Annual Communication and then vote on it in 1996, right?
	Answer: Wrong. Amendments to The Code are presented at one Annual Communication, and then wait for a year to be considered. 	REG. 11-02 requires that complete revisions must receive a three-quarters vote of Grand Lodge before even beginning. The proposed revision must then be placed in the hands of lodges and Grand Lodge members at least six lunar months before the designated annual communication, in this case 1995's.
	The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence will consider the proposal and make their opinion known. It may include suggested changes.
	Question: If I don't like one of the regulations, does that mean I have to vote against the whole new Code?
	Answer: No, you may suggest changes to the proposed revision. They may be discussed and voted on.
	Question: Since we've already had a three-quarter vote to get the revision done, will approval need a simple majority?
	Answer: As with any single amendment to The Code, at least two-thirds of those voting must approve of the revision for it to be adopted [REG. 11-01(4)].


FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
BY RIC CARTER
GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYS
	The holiday season, no matter what your faith, is marked by the spirit of giving. Very often, self-improvement is the best gift we can give others. Freemasonry is a system of self-improvement that has worked for centuries.
	Freemasonry has long been the creature of its membership. As much as some like to complain about "those folk up at Grand Lodge," it is still, and will ever be, the general membership that makes the decisions for North Carolina Freemasonry. No grand master, no committee, commission, or board can do anything without the ultimate approval of the delegates you send to Raleigh each spring.
	Leaders may guide us toward right, but it doesn't mean all the state's Masons will follow. Freemasonry may teach brotherhood and equality, but that doesn't mean each Mason takes its lessons to heart.
	It's too easy for the habits of our youth to blind us to the instructions we are presented when we become Masons. It's too easy to keep our mouths closed in the face of hatred and bigotry. It's too easy to allow things to run the way they have, just because it's the way they've run.
	The tenets and cardinal virtues of Masonry are simple and clear. We're taught them in the Entered Apprentice Degree. They're on pages 32Ð36 of your Bahnson Manual if you'd like to follow along.
	Brotherly Love reminds us to "aid, support, and protect each other," regarding "the whole human species as one family." We are urged to win over "true friendship among those who otherwise might have remained at a perpetual distance." It is our duty to fight intolerance, not support it.
	Relief urges us to "soothe the unhappy" and "restore peace to their troubled minds." We owe this to "all men." We must remember it as we try to help those Brothers who have yet to apply the lessons of the Craft to their lives.
	Truth is to be practiced within ourselves, no just in our dealings with our Brothers and the outside world. A dear friend of mine is fond of saying, "If you're looking for an excuse, one will do as well as another." Our Masonic lessons tell us that, "sincerity and plain-dealing distinguish usÉhypocrisy and deceit are unknown among us" when truth rules our lives.
	Temperance "frees the mind from the allurements of vice." By exerting "due restraint upon our affections and passions," we may improve our actions. Anger and fear are passions to be subdued. We must temper our reflexes with truth.
	Fortitude urges us to "undergo any pain, peril, or danger" to protect the secrets of our Craft. We should maintain the teachings of the degrees in the face of those, even other Masons, who would deny them. Standing up for right becomes easier each time you try it.
	Prudence demands that we "regulate our lives and actions" by the "dictates of reason." We should strive to overcome instinct and those things we learned as children. We should govern our actions by what we have discovered in our hearts and minds to be right.
	Justice demands that we "render to every man his just due, without distinction."
	Our decisions in Masonry must be made in light of the lessons of Masonry, not directed by habit and fear.
	Give yourself the gifts of Freemasonry's lessons this year. The cost is low. The return is great.
	You need only invest in opening your heart and mind to the teachings of the degrees of Masonry. You may be required to turn your back on feelings you've held since childhood. You may have to learn to speak up in the face of un-Masonic behavior. But isn't that the purpose of our Craft?
	Making yourself a better Mason will make you a better member of your family and community. That's a gift we can all live with.
	May peace grace your homes throughout the seasons.