electronicNCMason May/June, 1994 vol. 3 no. 3 The stripped-down, online version of the real thing The North Carolina Mason Volume CXX -- No. 3 Published every other month, The North Carolina Mason is the official publication of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, AF&AM. Board of Publication -- Carroll Simmons, chairman; Michael W. Brantley, B. Wesley Lefler Jr., Dalton W. Mayo, and Bunn T. Phillips Jr. EDITOR -- Ric Carter 126 Arbor Drive Washington, NC 27889 (919) 946-8039 RicC @ aol.com Reproduction of articles by recognized Masonic organizations is permitted with credits. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Grand Lodge or Board of Publication. Please feel free to pass The eNCMason along to others. Any suggestions or submissions you might have are welcomed. DELEGATES TO GRAND LODGE ANNUAL COMUNICATION APPLAUD REVISION OF THE CODE Raleigh -- The Code is dead. Long live the Revised Code. Delegates to the 208th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina stood and applauded after the unanimous vote to approve the revision of our by-laws. While the two-thirds vote needed for approval was expected, the overwhelming support was a surprise. The meeting was held at Memorial Auditorium. Clifton W. Everett Jr. was elected Grand Master on Wednesday. He appointed Jerry R. Tillett junior grand steward. Tillett's father, Willett, died in 1990 during his term as senior grand warden. This was the second year with the shortened opening of Annual Communication. Revolutionary War costume clad Sojourners from Jacksonville presented the colors. A bagpipe played through the procession of dignitaries. Introductions consumed less time than in the past. Marc Basnight, grand orator and president pro tem of the North Carolina Senate, opened the meeting with his message on using the tools of Masonry to help your community. Several other Masonic officials from around the country made brief remarks. A few committee and board reports were read and a number more were approved for the record without reading. They will all be in the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge which will be available later in the year. A memorial service was held for our Brothers who died this past year. Action picked up on Tuesday afternoon. Representatives of DeMolay and Job's Daughters spoke to the delegates before labor was resumed. A special award was presented to Tom Clarke and Joe Poteat for the work they have done for Masonry through Cairn Studios. They have produced a number of limited edition figurines that benefit Masonic charities. Grand Master Bill Brunk presented a report on his year after resuming labor. This is always the longest report of the meeting, touching on most operations of the Grand Lodge. Meanwhile, the Lodge Secretary's Workshop was being held at the Radisson Hotel. It again proved to be a very popular event. More than 130 attended to learn more about taking care of their lodges. The Scrivener, lodge software designed especially for North Carolina, was sold in beta editions only. While there are still a number of minor problems that need addressing, it's almost there. It's certainly close enough to start inputting your data. Beta versions are not finalized and will be replaced as soon as possible. John Rose, new administrator of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home, made his first address to our Grand Lodge. He gave a report on the state of the Home and outlined the Home Board's plan to expand and keep its facilities up to date. A motion was made to vote approval of the Board's strategy. The motion was rejected after calls for more details on the plan. Thanks largely to seminars held around the state to answer questions about the revisions to The Code, debate was negligible when the revision was considered. The vote to accept the streamlined, easier to read version was unanimously endorsed. No amendments to the revision were considered during this session. There will be several proposed in 1996. We will cover them later in the year. At the conclusion of the day's business, the Committee on Masonic Ceremonies and Miscellaneous Publications unveiled the new video they produced. It's a fine piece of work that can be used to educate candidates and new members. It should make a good tool for open houses and public education. We hope to bring you details in the next issue of The Mason. The district deputy grand masters and lecturers met Tuesday evening to get direction for the coming year. They were told to expect more relaxed meetings with the Grand Master. Area meetings won't be tiled. Grand Master Cliff Everett's message for the year will be to Make Masonry Meaningful. Everett is urging that lodges submit paperwork in a timely fashion. He wants lodges to make use of the video tape just produced by the Grand Lodge. He hopes to increase participation of grand lodge officers by having district officers report to them according to region. A reception was held Tuesday evening for all Masons and their guests. Refreshments and Windell Cunningham's piano were served up in one of the ballrooms at the Radisson Hotel. Things wound down on Wednesday morning. Decisions of the Grand Master and Committee on Jurisprudence from the previous year were considered by the membership. Each of these decisions must be approved or disapproved by vote. A number of appointments were also approved. Election of officers for the Grand Lodge proceeded without surprises with line officers advancing a chair. Several appointed officers kept their seats for another year. Newly appointed officers include Kenneth L. Smith, grand tyler; James H. Bailey, grand chaplain; and Rufus Edmisten, grand orator. Grand Lodge officers were installed at the Caswell Street Masonic temple on Wednesday afternoon. CLIFTON W. EVERETT JR. ELECTED GRAND MASTER The 142nd Grand Master of North Carolina is Clifton White Everett Jr. He was born to Clifton White and Marjorie Whitehurst Everett of Bethel, Pitt County, North Carolina on October 4, 1942. He has two sisters, Janet Everett Davis and Amy Everett Constantino. He went to school in Bethel, graduating in 1961. From there he headed to Wake Forest University where he got his undergraduate and law degrees. He passed the North Carolina Bar, and was admitted to the practice of law in 1967. In 1967-68 he served as research assistant to Naomi E. Morris, Chief Judge North Carolina Court of Appeals. In April 1969, Everett married Mary Cheatham Harris of Wilson. They have two children: 20-year-old Alice Cheatham and William Lawrence, age 17. They are members of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. Cliff has served on the Finance Committee and Administrative Board there. He was also secretary of the Board of Trustees. Everett served on the Pitt County Board of Elections for ten years and as its chairman for eight of those years. He was a member of the North Carolina Historical Commission from 1982 to 1987. He served the Pitt County Bar Association as secretary 1968-70 and president 1975-76. He was 1982-83 president of the Third Judicial District Bar Association. He has been a member and chairman of several committees of the North Carolina State Bar and the North Carolina Bar Association. Everett was initiated in Crown Point 708 in Greenville December 29, 1970, passed January 28, 1971, and raised February 11 of the same year. He served as master of Crown Point in 1977. He is a member of New Bern Scottish Rite Bodies, Greenville York Rite Bodies, and the Sudan Temple of the Shrine. He is a 33 degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was a partner in the law practice of Everett, Everett, Warren and Harper of Greenville and Bethel until his election to a judgeship in November 1994. He is currently the Resident Superior Court Judge of Judicial District 3A of North Carolina. CROWDER DEDICATES NEW LODGE BUILDING Raleigh -- J.J. Crowder 743 was chartered in 1969. They met for a number of years in other lodges -- first at Millbrook 97 and later at James B. Green 735. They got some skeptical glances in 1979 when, with $250 in the treasury, they decided to build their own lodge. In 1988, Grand Master Eddie Stiles started an important chapter in the history of 743 when he placed the cornerstone for that building. He appointed Bill Brunk grand steward the same year. In April 1995, Brunk finished his term in the Grand Lodge line. In March, Brunk finished a story line in 743's story when he dedicated their 4,200-square-foot building in North Raleigh. There is almost no debt on the new facility. The lodge roster now stands at 59 members -- about where it has been since its beginning. They can thank the generosity of men like N.E. Edgerton Jr. who gave land and John Robertson who contracted much the building. But at the core are the men on the sidelines. They spent their sweat, time, and love for the lodge in making it real, not just a dream. THE NC MASON WINS AWARDS Durham -- The North Carolina Mason received four awards, two for first place and two seconds, in the North Carolina Press Club's 1995 Communications Contest. We were named best in the state in the internal publications division for a second straight year. Our editorials took first and second place in the internal publications division. "Do We Really Believe in the Brotherhood of Man?" (March/April 1994) got the top award. "Give Yourself a Gift This Holiday Season" from November/December 1994 came in second. "Questions and Answers" placed second in the personal columns/internal publications division. NC Mason Editor Ric Carter accepted the awards at the Spring Meeting of the Press Club. Thank you for your help and support in winning this recognition. We couldn't have done it without you. We hope the awards mean an ever improving North Carolina Mason for you. PLEASE READ ME PLEASE READ ME Washington -- Please send your lodge news, announcements, and pictures directly to the editor of The North Carolina Mason. Ric Carter may be reached at 126 Arbor Drive, Washington, NC 27889. His phone number is (919) 946-8039. If you're into computers, you can use ricc@aol.com for e-mail. Please, DO NOT send your news to any other address. Please, don't send it to the Printing Department at Oxford. Please, don't hand it to the administrator of either of the Homes or the Foundation. Please, don't turn it over to the Grand Master or Grand Secretary or any other Grand Lodge officer. Please, don't ask a past grand master to "take care of it." While any of these people would be more than happy to help you, they each have a plenty to do with their time already. All they can do is mail it for you. Some news items have missed getting into The Mason because they were too late. Others would have gotten bigger or better play in the paper if they had been received earlier. Without your news, there would be little reason for The North Carolina Mason to exist. We're always happy to see it. We don't see as much as we'd like. Please help us make sure it gets into the paper when it should. Use Ric's Washington address and call if you have questions. AREA MEETINGS OFFER A CHANGE OF PACE THIS YEAR Get ready for pleasant changes in the Grand Master's Area Meetings this year. Expect meetings to be a lot less formal. They won't be tiled lodges. There won't be any ceremonial reception for the Grand Master or other officers. You'll get to just sit and talk with Grand Master Cliff Everett. Experience suggests a southern tale or two will be offered in addition to a Masonic message. Next, notice the change in name -- Area not District meetings. Host sites are evenly spaced around the state rather than being aimed at districts. Choose the meeting most convenient for you. For extra fun, go to more than one. This should mean shorter drives for many of you. You can also visit lodges you may not have seen. It may mean meeting some new people as Masons cross district lines. All dinners are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and the program will start at 7:15. Lodge secretaries should make reservations for their members. Call or write the district deputy grand master of the host district or the secretary of the host lodge and let them know how many will be having dinner. Your lodge will be responsible for the meals reserved as well as any extras who show up for the meeting. Again, you may attend any meeting you like, not just the one in your district. You are also welcome to attend more than one meeting. AREA MEETING SCHEDULE Date Lodge District Location May 30 Grantham 725 7 New Bern May 31 Queen City 602 18 Rocky Mount June 1 Belhaven 509 4 Belhaven June 12 Andrews 529 65 Andrews June 13 Dillsboro 459 64 Sylva June 14 Bakersville 357 58 Bakersville June 15 Spindale 673 59 Spindale June 26 Crown Point 708 5 Greenville June 27 Royal White Hart 2 20 Halifax June 28 Unanimity 7 1 Edenton August 10 Oxford 122 33 Oxford August 11 Piedmont 711 46 Winston-Salem August 14 Mt. Vernon 143 31 Bonlee August 15 Andrew Jackson 576 44 Salisbury August 16 Scottish Rite Temple 41 Charlotte August 17 Rockingham 495 30 Rockingham August 28 Hickory 343 57 Hickory August 29 Gastonia 369 55 Gastonia August 30 North Wilkesboro 407 50 North Wilkesboro August 31 Biltmore 446 61 Asheville September 6 Millbrook 97 25 Raleigh September 11 Creasy Proctor 679 29 Fayetteville September 20 Mt. Olive 208 16 Mt. Olive September 25 Wallace 595 12 Wallace September 26 Semper Fidelis 680 9 Jacksonville September 27 Pythagoras 249 10 Southport September 28 Lebanon 207 13 Whiteville October 13 Manteo 521 3 Manteo November 10 Bula 409 34 Burlington JUNE 24 NORTH CAROLINA'S LARGEST MASONIC CELEBRATION SCHEDULED SAINT JOHN'S DAY AT THE MASONIC HOME FOR CHILDREN AT OXFORD Oxford -- One of the biggest gatherings of Masons you can find anywhere is fast approaching. St. John's Day at the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford is a free day of fun, food, and fantastic entertainment. Thousands will be on hand for the Saturday, June 24 celebration. Parades, picnics, and music under the oaks will be the order of the day. Things will kick off at 9:45 in the morning as the Home Childrens' Choir sings from the front steps of the administration building on campus. Next, it'll be time to hustle down the street for the 10 o'clock start of the Shrine Parade. It passes through downtown Oxford before coming to rest in the shade of the Home's welcoming shade. There'll be dozens of units from Amran, Oasis, and Sudan Shrine temples. Be prepared for clowns, bands, motorized units, hillbillies, and much, much more. We all know the cooking talents of our brothers in the Shrine. They practice with all those fish fries to raise money for crippled children's hospitals. This one's on them. They'll furnish your lunch right after the parade. It'll be up to you to find just the right spot "under the oaks" on the Home grounds to picnic with your family. There'll be diversions around the campus. The kids can ride a horse, a train, or a Ferris wheel. The cottages will have booths with souvenirs and snacks. At noon, probably before you even finish your lunch, the gospel quartet Homeland will perform. Shortly thereafter, at one o'clock Connie Smith appears on the main stage in front of the administration building. Connie is a frequent performer at the Grand Ole Opry. Her hit recordings include Once A Day, Louisiana Man, If It Ain't Love, and Tiny Blue Transistor Radio. Scheduled for 2:00 p.m. is the afternoon's headliner, Jim Ed Brown. Brown has been on the country music scene for 40 years. He has performed with his sister Maxine and later with Helen Cornelius. He was the host of the syndicated television show Nashville On The Road. He currently hosts Going Our Way with wife Becky on The Nashville Network. If you're a regular in Oxford for St. John's Day, we don't have to sell you on anything. If you've never made it to Oxford for St. John's Day, there's no better time than June 24. Bring a blanket, a lawn chair, and a kid. You can't top the fun, and you can't beat the cost -- free. Hope to see you there. MASONS IN STATE LEGISLATURE HOSTED AT BREAKFAST Raleigh -- Some years ago, there were so many Freemasons in the state legislature that Annual Communication sessions were scheduled to match the legislature's meeting. Those numbers are down now and we've let communication with our lawmaking Brothers slip. We started an effort to correct that March 9. The Grand Lodge hosted a breakfast for Masonic legislators at the William Thomas House Bed and Breakfast a block from the Legislative Building. About a dozen representatives and senators attended. It was a good opportunity to thank them for the work they do for the citizens of the state. It also showed our pride in their Masonic affiliation. Communication being a central part of Freemasonry, talk is that the breakfast may be made an annual get together. If you would like to say thank you personally, a list of state legislators and their lodge affiliation follows. SENATORS Marc Basnight Manteo 521 R.L. (Bob) Martin Bethel 589 James D. Speed James A. Johnson 413 J.K. Sherron Millbrook 97 David W. Hoyle Gaston 263 Dan R. Simpson Catawba Valley 217 R.L. Clark Mount Hermon 118 T.L. (Fountain) Odom Steele Creek 737 HOUSE W.C. (Bill) Owens Jr. Eureka 317 Macon S. Snowden Franklin 109 Dewey L. Hill Lebanon 207 E. David Redwine Shallotte 727 Douglas Y. Yongue Laurinburg 305 Willis Brown Creasy Proctor 679 Foyle Hightower Jr. Kilwinning 64 James (Jim) B. Black Keystone 726 George M. Holmes Yadkin 162 C. Robert Brawley Mooresville 496 John J. (Jack) Hunt Cliffside 460 Charles M. Beall Pigeon River 386 Liston B. Ramsey French Broad 292 Gene Arnold Queen City 602 W.W. (Dub) Dickson Holland Memorial 668 Stan Fox Oxford 122 Edd Nye Bladen 646 William Franklin Mitchell Olin 226 MASONS GIVE A KID A LIFT When the 42nd Masonic District held an immunization clinic, West Gate 738 member Ross Price stumbled across another project for the lodge. He started talking to Myra Pickard, the nurse who was giving shots. Ms. Pickard turned out to be a single parent of a nine-year-old with multiple medical problems. Christopher has cerebral palsy. He has limited hearing and sight and is paralyzed on one side. Caring for him limits Ms. Pickard's work schedule. She was recently able to get a mini-van. She couldn't afford the extra $2,800 for the wheel chair lift. Christopher's getting too large to lift back and forth now. Her situation puts them among those who can't easily get help. A number of organizations had turned them down for assistance on the lift. Only the Fireman's Fund had helped -- They gave the Pickards $250. At their next meeting, West Gate 738 voted to add $500 to Christopher's lift fund. Another $270 was tossed in the hat that night by the Masons at the meeting. West Gate Eastern Star came up with another $300. Several more Masons added to the fund. The Scottish Rite Almoner gave them the rest of the money. Just before Christmas, they presented the wheel chair lift to the Pickards. PAST GRAND MASTER MAURICE WALSH DIES North Wilkesboro -- Maurice Elledge Walsh, who served the Craft as Grand Master of North Carolina in 1970--71, died March 8. Walsh was born in Purlear, Wilkes County in 1917. He married Sina (Pat) Kilby in 1937. They had one son, Steve Michael. Walsh worked for N.B. Smithey Department Stores from 1934 to 1946. He served as North Wilkesboro's postmaster for many years. He was also a regional instructor for the US Postal Service and trained many postmasters in North Carolina. Walsh was an active member of his community. He gave First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro his dedication. He was also busy with his local Chamber of Commerce, Y.M.C.A., Optimist Club, Toastmasters Club, and United Fund. He was made a Master Mason in North Wilkesboro 407 in 1943. He served as their master in 1946. Walsh was appointed to the Grand Lodge line in 1962. He was elected grand master in April 1970. Instead of flowers, the family requested that contributions be sent to Hospice of Wilkes County or First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro. PAST GRAND MASTER JAKE GOODMAN PASSES AWAY Charlotte -- Jacob Clyde "Jake" Goodman Jr., Grand Master of North Carolina 1978--79, died April 12. He was born in 1916. Goodman spent his entire life in Charlotte. He was married to the former Nell Cochran. They had three children: Frank E. Goodman, Karen Goodman Icard, and Jacob C. Goodman III. Jake went into the printing business for a few years after finishing school. But, it was in 1941 that he entered the field in which he would make his mark -- law enforcement. He joined the Charlotte Police Department in which he served in every rank. He became Chief of the department in 1968. Jake and Nell were active members of the Presbyterian Church. He was made a member of Excelsior 261 in 1952. He was their master in 1968. He was member of the Scottish Rite, Oasis Shrine, and Azusa Grotto. He was appointed to the Grand Lodge line in 1971 by William A. Mims Jr. and was elected grand master in April 1978. ONE QUARTER OF BLUE LODGES TO BE LECTURED THIS YEAR Lecture services for lodges have been required by the Board of Custodians since 1989. Each lodge is to get instruction in ritual every four years. The rotation was set up by lodge number. Lodges numbered 573 through 759 must be lectured during 1995. If your lodge was lectured in 1992, you're due again this year. There are additional lodges to be lectured this year due to missing earlier requirements. Fifteen hours of instruction by a certified lecturer are required over a five day period. Seven members (five officers and two members) must attend each session. Grand Lodge sets fees for the service and will compensate the lecturer when regulations are followed. Contact your lodge secretary or one of your district officers for further information. FREE ELECTRONIC CLIP ART FOR MASONIC NEWSLETTERS Have you started doing your lodge newsletter on computer, but can't find electronic art to drop in those "too white" spaces? You can now get a collection of Masonic clip art in electronic format for almost free. The North Carolina Mason and the Grand Lodge of North Carolina are offering 27 images for your use. Officer emblems and other Masonic symbols are included. They are derived from illustrations in Jeremy L. Cross's The True Masonic Chart or Hieroglyphic Monitor, twelfth edition, 1850. They are available in TIFF format for either Macintosh or IBM. We spent a lot of time trying to make sure they looked good for you. They've been touched up to look their best on your 300 dot per inch laser printer. They should also work on other printers. All it'll cost you is a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a high density 3.5 inch floppy disk. Tell us whether you use a Macintosh or an IBM-family clone so we can send what you need. Don't write to the Grand Lodge office or the Printing Department at the Masonic Home for Children. The North Carolina Mason address is 126 Arbor Drive, Washington, NC 27889. If free things prey on your conscience, feel free to send a donation to the North Carolina Masonic Foundation. Their address is available on page four of The Mason. If response justifies it, we'll put a second clip art collection together. Thank you for all the great work you're doing on lodge newsletters. They're as indispensable in producing The Mason as they are to your members. PC-MOTORSPORTS/MASONIC BBS STILL GROWING WINSTON-SALEM -- PC_MOTORSPORTS/MASONIC BBS continues to grow. Ronald Conrad makes his computer bulletin board one of the most attractive Masonic boards in the country. You can now find more than 55 megabytes of Masonic files there. There's a complete Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry on line. Short Talk Bulletins are available. From clip art to research, check Ronald's board. Ronald has recently added MasNet INTERNATIONAL to the service. This is a worldwide conference on 23 Masonic specialties. If you're interested in blue lodge, DeMolay, Masonic home administration, Masonic job searches, appendant bodies, or a number of other topics, you can find someone to talk to on Ronald's board. He already has FidoNet available. It's free other than long distance phone charges. Modem connect at (910) 595-8073. There have been more than 10,000 calls to the board in just more than a year. Join in. ARTHUR REINHART CELEBRATES 75 YEARS IN FREEMASONRY Rocky Mount -- What's more unusual -- making your 99th year of life or your 75th year in Freemasonry? You'll have to ask Arthur Lee Rinehart which is more satisfying. Rinehart says, "I will never forget the year 1919 as I was discharged from the service of my country, was made a Mason, and was married." He's seen here getting an award for 75 years of continuous Masonic affiliation. Arthur was raised in Patterson 307 in Mount Pleasant, Cabarrus County in 1919. He later served as master of Keller Memorial 657 in Rockwell. He affiliated with Corinthian 230 in 1942 after moving to Rocky Mount. A retired boilermaker, Rinehart has been active in American Legion and Veteran's of Foreign Wars as well as his church. He was instrumental in starting West Haven Presbyterian Church. He even converted a chicken house in his back yard into a three-room Sunday School. Has he got any advice for Masons? "We need to be careful how you live. We may be the only Bible some people will ever read." VISITING DEGREE TEAM MAKES FOR GREAT FELLOWSHIP Smithfield -- When Harry Fields offered to bring a degree team to Fellowship 84 to do the second section of a Master Mason Degree, Fellowship Master Rod Maker was quick to extend the invitation. He was even more pleased to learn that the team would appear in costume. After a meal served by the Eastern Star, Jimmy Massengill and Paul Worley were raised before a crowd of 68. Masons from Richard Caswell 705, Pleasant Hill 304, Radiance 132, St. John's 4, and Seaside 429 made up the degree team. Members of the visiting team were Tommy Boone, Richard Dawson, Kenny Thomas, Gerald Dixon, Harry Fields, Tom Ford, Leslie Grant, Ray Early Jr., Allen Cauley, Sam Colie, Jim Reed, Donald Joyner, Clarence Whitfield, Roland Chadwick, Eddie Brooks, Warren Raynor, Wyatt Barwick, James Wooten, Jim Potter, and George Ginn. Visiting has always been one of the great pleasures of Freemasonry. Major productions like this up the ante even further. TRAVELERS OF THE TAR HEEL STATE NEWS FROM OUR STATE LODGES CHINA GROVE -- Just four years after moving into their new lodge building, Eureka 283 has paid off the mortgage. They celebrated with a Saturday afternoon mortgage burning in early March. -- Eureka Trestle Board. * * * * WILKESBORO -- Liberty 45 is selling T-shirts with their lodge logo on the front. The names of those who work quietly are often hidden from us. We occasionally tattle on them. John Cranor has worked quietly. He has contacted a local industry for several years to solicit their product -- under-garments for children. When they come through, he packs the boxes in his own car and delivers them to the Masonic Home for Children. We know he doesn't do it for the attention, but it shouldn't hurt for you to tip your hat to John. -- Liberty at Large. * * * * BLACK MOUNTAIN -- A seventieth anniversary was the reason for a celebration and open house at Black Mountain 663 in January. They conducted tours of the lodge and answered questions for the general public in the afternoon. Eastern Star Chapter 200 served refreshments. Invited guests were received in the evening. You can reach their new lodge answering machine at 669-7777. -- Black Mountain Lodge. * * * * MIDLAND -- Twenty of Union 618's surviving 28 past masters attended Past Masters' Night in February. Now, that's a winning percentage. Bill Dickson of Union 618 got his Veteran's Award in March. -- Union Lodge No. 618. * * * * WILMINGTON -- Orient 395 is nearing completion of its new lodge building. It's located on Shipyard Boulevard across from Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. -- The Trestle Board. * * * * MANTEO -- New windows were to be installed at Manteo 521 in March. Bill Christie said he was no carpenter but he could fix lunch for the volunteers putting the windows in place. Everyone contributes in his own way. Veteran's Awards there recently went to Willie Etheridge Jr., Earl Green, and Jaccie Burrus. A "Surprise Night" was promised for their first meeting in May. We have no hint, but will pass along any reports. -- More Light. * * * * LAURINBURG -- Laurinburg 305 installed an emergency phone call light for a home bound Brother who lives alone. The local Jaycees named 305 member Walter Ikner Outstanding Young Law Enforcement Officer. He's also advisor for the Explorer Scouts and instructor for the Gibson Fire Department. Wonder what he does in his spare time? Melvin Hearn got his 50-year service award from Laurinburg 305. -- The Masonic Messenger. * * * * RALEIGH -- William G. Hill 218, Raleigh 500, and Hiram 40 held a joint installation of officers December 27. Hiram 40's contributions to the Masonic Homes and Foundation in 1994 totaled more than $12,000. Recent recipients of 50-Year Awards at Hiram include Thomas Manly Honeycutt, Horace Howard Hartman, and Theron Seigel Williams. Hiram 40 has gone the telephone answering machine a step or two extra. Theirs carries announcements and you can leave a voice mail for the master or secretary individually at (919) 832-0855. The secretary has also given them his e-mail address. -- Hiram-40 News. They've gotten a new funeral committee at Raleigh 500. If you can help, call chairman John Lambert. -- Newsletter. James B. Green 735's building was the site of a sleep-over in March. Eighteen DeMolays were there for an all-night get together. The lodge's DeMolay Committee served them breakfast the next morning. The lodge contributed almost $6,000 to Masonic charities in 1994. -- James B. Green Lodge. Masters 754 has been honoring men lately. Charles A. Williams was made an honorary member and they held a dinner to recognize Clarence Helms' 50th year in Masonry. -- The Trowel. * * * * BESSEMER CITY -- Although they call it volume 9, it's the first copy we've seen of The Whetstone, newsletter from Whetstone 515. Keep up the good work. -- The Whetstone. * * * * BAILEY -- Does a newsletter help a lodge? Bailey 411 claims "definite positive results" for their publication, now in its second year. "More members who live elsewhere have visited the lodge this year than in recent history. The secretary says that members are paying their dues earlier, and many contributions for the Orphanage and Home are voluntarily made earlier in the year. Out-of-town members have written and/or called, showing an interest in keeping in touch." Maybe it's time your lodge started one. -- Newsletter. * * * * GOLDSBORO -- The following unsigned commentary was in a recent issue of Goldsboro 634's News Letter. It's worth thought in all our lodges. "One of my concerns for a long time has been our widows. These ladies were the backbone of most of our Brothers in reminding them to attend lodge. They gave up a lot of time with them. Yet it seems that when they become widows, we have very little tie to them. I would like to see this change by starting to invite a widow that you know to our dinner meeting each month. You will provide transportation and the lodge kitchen fund will pay for the meal." On the charity front, Goldsboro 634 has started an aluminum can drive for the Masonic Homes. -- News Letter. * * * * SPRUCE PINE -- Last winter, Byron Phillips offered a pickup load of wood to any of Vesper 554's widows who heated with wood. They are searching for old pictures of the lodge or its activities to make a photo display for their upcoming 90th anniversary. A delegation from Vesper went to Highland Farms Nursing Center in Black Mountain to give Frank Ellis his Veteran's Award. -- The Beacon. * * * * JACKSONVILLE -- Semper Fidelis 680 has raised its dues to $50 to "maintain the building, furniture, furnishings, and financial burdens" of the lodge. The increase is effective for 1996. -- William C. Ginn, secretary. * * * * SPARTA -- Tommy Calhoun was recently thanked formally by Sparta 423. He's done several woodworking projects for the lodge at no cost. Among other jobs was the restoration of the Masonic emblem on the front of the building. -- Walter Bell, secretary. * * * * CHARLOTTE -- There's now a telephone answering machine on the line at Charles M. Setzer 693. You can get information on upcoming events there by calling (703) 525-7798. The road tour of In Defense of the Ruffians passed through Setzer in March. A.G. Bartlett and Ken Williams are the producers. -- Charles M. Setzer Lodge. Rather than squeeze the lodge budget, Keystone 726 is taking donations from the membership to buy lodge computer software -- The Scrivener. A history of Masonry in Mecklenburg County was on tap for March at Keystone. In May, they are inviting the ladies over for a presentation of Dave Molter's "Archie Brotherfellow." -- Keystone Lodge. Steele Creek 737 has put an answering machine on line, too. To find out what they're up to call (704) 588-0555. Among the things you would have heard about this winter were three fish fries jointly sponsored with the Eastern Star. -- Steele Creek Lodge. * * * * SMITHFIELD -- Fellowship 84 is starting on a three year plan to put new furniture in the lodge foyer. They expect to spend about $5,000. Honors have been piling up for Fellowship 84 members this winter. The local chamber of commerce named Frank Holding Citizen of the Year and Rudolph Howell Distinguished Citizen of the Year. Kenneth Davis was awarded North Carolina DeMolay Advisor of the Year and was joined by his wife Amy as NC DeMolay Mom and Dad of the year. Harvey Evans, 27th DDGM, is talking about starting a district third degree team. Give him a call. -- The Trestleboard. * * * * KENANSVILLE -- Russell E. Tucker, Duplin County manager, was a guest of St. John's 13 in March. He told the lodge about county operations. -- Bulletin of St. John's Lodge. * * * * GREENSBORO -- In February, Chris Reece of P.P. Turner 746 examined himself on his Fellowcraft Catechism. Guess he didn't want anybody confusing him. Chris Staley presented a hand-crafted (by Richard Wilkerson of Gate City 694) oak gavel to Turner 746. -- Trestleboard. * * * * CORNELIUS -- There's a new lodge newsletter at Williams 176. They're using it, among other things, to promote their charter bus trip to St. John's Day at the Masonic Home for Children. -- Trestle Board. * * * * SALISBURY -- How about a Masonic weekend getaway? Andrew Jackson 576 is planning a group trip to Myrtle Beach in July. -- The Master's Journal. * * * * ASHEBORO -- Sounds like things are hopping at Asheboro 699. They have a new, lighted four- by eight-foot sign ready to go up. They have four men ready for their second degree and have just enjoyed two months of record breaking attendance. Nothing succeeds like success. -- Asheboro Lodge. * * * * SOUTHERN PINES -- Frank Staples got a 65-year award at Southern Pines 484 in February. It was presented on behalf of Willard Sylvan Grove 250 in New York. Staples is a past grand master of New York. -- Southern Pines Lodge. * * * * WINSTON-SALEM -- Old Town 751 celebrates Easter weekend with pancakes. They hold their Pancake Festival on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Proceeds go to Masonic charities. -- On The Level at Old Town Lodge. * * * * ALBEMARLE -- Stanly 348 sent more than $4,000 to our Masonic institutions last year. -- The Trestle-Board. * * * * HIGH POINT -- Each of our Masonic Homes got a check for $3,000 from Numa F. Reid 344 in 1994. -- The Word. * * * * THOMASVILLE -- Don't go by Thomasville 214 on a third Tuesday expecting to find a meeting. Their stateds are now on first Tuesdays only. -- Trestle Board. * * * * HAYESVILLE -- Clay 301 was to hold a chicken barbecue dinner for the benefit of the Masonic Homes in late April. It was to be held at Downings Creek Baptist Church. -- Trestle Board. * * * * CONOVER -- Harley Fisher recently delivered the promised officers' gavels to Conover 709. Harley told John Wilkinson he would make a set for the year John served as master. -- Newsletter. * * * * SELMA -- Jim Medlin took on the title Director of Scratch Biscuit Production for a February breakfast at Selma 320. He also delivered his message as Director of the Masonic Foundation to the members and visitors. -- On The Square. * * * * GASTONIA -- They voted to raise dues at Gastonia 369 from $35 to $45 effective in 1996. The new computer the lodge bought is already up and running thanks to Joe Waller's know-how. -- The Trestle Board. Marcus McCluney of King Solomon 704 recently got his 50-Year Award. -- The Plumb Line. * * * * TARBORO -- Concord 58's newsletter is now officially on the board with volume 1.1. We love its name -- The Concord Grapevine. * * * * MEBANE -- Group worship services have been popular at Bingham 272 this year. They met together for church at First Baptist Church in March and at the chapel at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home in April. -- Bingham's News And Views. * * * * GARNER -- Vandora 745's Brunswick Stew was scheduled for March. We haven't heard yet if they topped last year's 80 gallons sold. -- Masonic Newsletter. * * * * TRAPHILL -- They dedicate fifth Saturday nights to fellowship suppers at Traphill 483. -- Liberty at Large. * * * * HICKORY -- There is now improved handicapped access at the back door of Hickory 343 lodge building. -- Hickory Lodge 343. * * * * OLD FORT -- Local support was described as very good for Joppa 401's blood drive. They cited as "most supportive" Old Fort Baptist, Pleasant Garden Baptist, and Old Fort United Methodist churches. The lodge was credited with 54 pints. -- Joppa Lodge. * * * * PAW CREEK -- After a donation drive, West Gate 738 has finally gotten its Masonic grandfather clock. We hope the magician who appeared at Ladies' Night didn't make the clock disappear. While the clock may show their pride in Masonry, it's difficult to carry around. West Gate members can show their pride more easily with lodge caps. Any profit from the $10 caps goes to their sick and distressed fund. -- West Gate Lodge. * * * * COINJOCK -- Back in February, Currituck 463 had a dinner at Currituck High School to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Happy Birthday, guys! -- The Trestle Board of Unanimity 7. * * * * DENVER -- There was an immunization clinic scheduled for Lincoln County in April. Denver 757 cooperated with the local Eastern Star Chapter and East Lincoln Christian Ministries to set up equipment, serve refreshments, and provide transportation. -- The Trestleboard. * * * * CATAWBA -- Riverside 606 had its 31st Annual Ham Day in March. You can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the extravaganza. The Masonic Homes get the proceeds. -- The Trestleboard. * * * * LINCOLNTON -- You can get a lodge baseball cap at Lincoln 137. Profits from the caps go to Masonic charities. -- The Trestleboard. FORM THE MASONIC AND EASTER STAR HOME BY JOHN ROSE, ADMINISTRATOR It is with a great sense of pride and appreciation that I write my first contribution to The North Carolina Mason. We have dramatic change before us and I am proud to have been selected to help the Home prepare to embrace the 21st century. As a new administrator/CEO, I am pleased to report that I have found the staff of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home to have their hearts in the right place. They care for the residents and understand the importance of dignity. The staff understands that we work in the residents' home and, as such, residents represent Masonry and Eastern Star's best "customers." As well, I have been warmly greeted by a conscientious and professional board of directors who are eager to address the future. I wish to thank the Masons and their families who provide the necessary resources for this Home to survive. You are able to look past wrinkles and the glassy eye of age. You recognize that the residents in our care have value and worth. They deserve dignity. You are the rare people who understand that we are all children of God, just some older than others. We will be concentrating on four important areas: ¥ Our highest priority is resident care. ¥ Complementing that endeavor are administrative systems by which the work is performed. ¥ We will concentrate on building maintenance issues which have been deferred or delayed during the expansion study. ¥ We are in the age of networking. It is more important that we understand the interrelationship among governments, public, private, profit, and nonprofit agencies. We must assist residents in getting the public and private benefits to which they are eligible and entitled. Thank you for remembering that each resident served in your Masonic and Eastern Star Home represents more than a name. Each contribution and dollar spent represents more than money. Your Home is tangible evidence that Masons and Eastern Stars take their obligation sincerely. Charity is love and your continued love is needed. Thank you for setting an example of love. UNDER THE OAKS OF THE MASONIC HOME FOR CHILDREN AT OXFORD BY DAVID GRISSOM, ADMINISTRATOR Within a couple of months, our Masonic Home For Children will open our doors and arms to receive thousands of Masons, alumni, and friends for the annual St. John's Day Celebration. Every year this is the largest Masonic event held in the State of North Carolina. It requires the assistance of many people and it always proves to be a very successful occasion. On June 24 the three Shrine Temples and their many wonderful units will take their big parade from downtown Oxford to the reviewing stand on the beautiful campus of the Masonic Home For Children. A special thanks to Amran, Oasis and Sudan Temples for your continued support in providing the best parade anyone could ever enjoy. We will also have representatives from the York Rite and Scottish Rite Bodies marching in the parade that shows our continued unity as a Masonic fraternity. At the conclusion of the parade the Shriners continue their good work by providing a wonderful meal for all of the people who attend this great celebration. St. John's Day is a meaningful time to enhance what our proud Home does for children. As Masons, this is your moment to come and see your historic and beautiful home which has touched the lives of children for more than 122 years. As you can imagine, all of our children and staff will be prepared for you. We are delighted to welcome you to the campus. This is also a special time to invite friends not related to Masonry. It's a wonderful way to introduce them to the quality care that has been provided to children over the years by Masons. We have lots of popular entertainment looking forward to seeing you. Jim Ed Brown, Connie Smith, The Homeland Quartet, and The Masonic Home Choir will perform an outstanding program you will enjoy throughout the day. As always, we express our thanks to Brother Lloyd Young, alumnus of Oxford Orphanage and chairman of the St. John's Day Committee. Brother Lloyd and his committee have worked very hard to prepare for this day and we thank him for his many tireless hours of dedicated service. In addition, we offer a special thanks to Mrs. Brenda Wilkins, secretary to the administrator. She does a great deal of typing and helping Lloyd send out the letters and correspondence to all the fine folks who help make this day a big success. This entire event is absolutely free to all those who attend. The only requirement is that you come with a big smile and a lounge chair. Now, you can't beat that for a perfect day. All we need is your presence to make the day complete. We are looking forward to seeing you. SOME BIRTHDAYS OF RESIDENTS OF THE HOME FOR CHILDREN Cassandra Ashley Quick May 4, 1989 Matthew James Edwards May 4, 1981 Eric Lee Cole May 13, 1979 Alvaro Valenzuela Barraza Jr. May 14, 1988 Azriel Sahiela McMillan May 15, 1979 Keisha Elaine Carpenter May 20, 1980 Julia Ann Allen May 21, 1975 Amanda Dawn Bowden May 24, 1986 O'Dathia Renee Swain May 25, 1982 Shaun Michael Rodriquez May 26, 1984 Cynthia Ann Privette May 27, 1982 Jeremy Alexander Lorinzy May 27, 1977 Ashley Ann Taylor May 29, 1983 Caressa Kay Byrd May 29, 1986 Michael Zane Banks May 30, 1974 Steve Leonard Wallace May 30, 1980 Jamie Summer Cavenaugh June 4, 1980 Jaron Clint Marseilles June 5, 1974 Joseph Martin Palacios June 13, 1979 Dennis Ray Robertson June 17, 1985 Jeffrey Bray Dunn June 20, 1986 Mitchell Dawn Byrd June 20, 1985 Nicky Lee Tumer June 20, 1984 Steven Wayne Taylor June 27, 1976 Jeff Daniel May II June 28, 1980 John George Ludwig Schwind IV June 13, 1981 Regina Gwyn Wilson July 2, 1979 John Albert Pollock Jr. July 3, 1982 Amy Lynn Jacobs July 6, 1980 Lisa Mae Royster July 6, 1977 Caree Nicole Cochran July 9, 1982 Cara Lynn Thomas July 10, 1975 Eric Dale Austin July 10, 1976 Jamey Richard Sledge July 10, 1987 Beverly Ann Adkins July 20, 1981 Glenn Matthew Harvell July 23, 1989 Jeremy Wayne Dunn July 29, 1985 Justin Burton Wilbourn July 29, 1986 THE MASONIC FOUNDATION BY JIM MEDLIN, ADMINISTRATOR CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS What are charitable remainder trusts? How could one help my family and me as well as our Masonic charities? The other day a Brother said to me, "If I could only make six percent return on my money, and be assured that it won't change, my wife and I could retire in fine fashion; and more importantly, I would like to have something left to give to my Masonic charities." Well, this Brother could achieve all that he wishes to accomplish and with ease by way of a charitable remainder trust. Here's how it works. The charitable remainder trust enables an individual to make a planned gift to one of our North Carolina Masonic charities and retain life payments from the trust. In the right circumstances, such a trust offers many benefits, particularly to an individual who has highly appreciated property. Let me give you an example of how this might work. Brother George and his wife have stocks worth about $400,000. Through their estate planning, they know that they need $24,000 each year to live on. A series of tables is used to calculate what tax deduction George may take if he gives the stock to a trust. Many factors, including the ages and life expectancies of both George and his wife, are figured into the formulas. Because George is getting on in years, the calculated remainder asset benefitting the charity comes out to almost $150,000. That's the amount he can deduct as he calculates his taxes. George has given the $400,000 worth of stock to the trust, but he and his wife keep the right to get payments from it as long as they live. The manner in which George takes the $150,000 deduction is determined by his needs and IRS regulations. It could typically be spread over a number of years. Only gifts of real property or intangibles may go into such a trust. Real property is land or a home. Intangibles are rather like an IOU. They are things like stocks, bonds, and life insurance policies which have value but have to be sold to generate cash. George's trust may be either an annuity trust or a unitrust. An annuity trust will give him the same amount of money each year. A unitrust pays a fixed percentage of the earnings of the trust. The actual amount payed will vary -- good years more, bad years less. He may also choose where the assets of the trust will go after the death of both him and his wife. The assets may be turned over to the charity to do with as they see fit. The property may also remain in the hands of a trust manager outside the charity with the income going to the charity. Whichever way George goes, the gift cannot be taken back. The example presented above is a simplified way to think about the workings of a charitable remainder trust. The Development Office can help you if you have questions regarding your personal situation and estate planning needs. The Internal Revenue Code narrowly defines these trusts in order to assure that an accurate determination can be made of the value of the contribution. If you would like more information, please write me at Development Office, Grand Lodge of North Carolina, P.O. Box 6506, Raleigh, NC 27628-6506 or call 919/787-2021. I will be happy to assist you in any way I can. MORE PRINCE HALL RECOGNITIONS Two more North American grand lodges have recognized the Prince Hall grand lodges in their jurisdictions. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has granted full recognition to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island, Canada has passed a resolution accepting Prince Hall Masonry as regular. That brings to 14 the number of North American grand lodges recognizing Prince hall within their jurisdiction. ENCOMPASSING THE WORLD MASONIC NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE MINNESOTA -- The Masons of Minnesota will build a new facility near the Mayo Clinic if a proposed resolution passed at their April annual communication. The Minnesota Masonic Hope Lodge would offer free housing for cancer victims getting outpatient treatment at the clinic. The resolution would approve raising $1.7 million among state Masons. The Mayo Clinic has already bought the land for the facility. The American Cancer Society would operate the lodge. A regulation change considered would allow Masons to possess Masonic ciphers or keys other than the one approved by their grand lodge. It is currently a Masonic offense to possess any of the historic or modern rituals available on the open market or from other grand lodges. Even lodge libraries are forbidden to possess them. The Minnesota Masonic Computer BBS is now available to Minnesota Masons at the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. Both public and Masons-only discussion groups will be available. The Minnesota Cipher, Masonic Manual, and Masonic Code are all available for download along with other files. E-mail service is available. They anticipate adding lodge calendars and newsletters in the future. The BBS access numbers are (612) 829-8913 or (612) 829-8920. In 1994, more than $50,000 went to good causes in the name of Freemasonry thanks to a trust fund established by James B. Ladd. The Minnesota fund sent several thousand dollars to Masonic Service Association causes. It also furnished adaptive computer equipment to a couple of handicapped kids, rescue equipment for highway patrol helicopters, and more than $10,000 to various Christmas causes. -- The Minnesota Mason. * * * * AUSTRALIA -- When Victorian Lodge of Aviation visits another lodge, they do it in style. They recently crossed from mainland Australia to attend the installation of officers at Mersey Lodge on the island of Tasmania. They made the trip in Australia's oldest air worthy DC3. They added a few more miles to the 11 million already flown by the 56-year-old plane. Members of the Lodge of Aviation must have professional ties to the aviation industry. -- The Tasmanian Mason. * * * * SOUTH DAKOTA -- All three blue lodge degrees will be given in a one day class in May by the Grand Lodge of South Dakota. Men will go from non-Mason to Master Mason with proficiency in 6 1/2 hours including the one hour break for lunch. There was a fee of $25 per candidate which pays for their food, proficiency paperwork, and apron. Member lodges in South Dakota are encouraged to strive for a Special Grand Lodge Award. To get the award, lodges must meet certain minimum requirements for attendance at area meetings of the grand master, and official visits grand lodge officers. They must hold a citizen appreciation or widows' night and perform a community service project as a lodge. They must make at least four member-visitations to a youth group (not necessarily Masonic). The master of the lodge must reaffirm his Master Mason obligation and get all required grand lodge reports in on time. Lodges meeting all these requirements during the Masonic year get an award at annual communication. -- South Dakota Masonic Messenger. * * * * SOUTH CAROLINA -- Longevity marks are in the news south of the border. Charles A Wilson Jr. has once again installed the officers of Hoyt 322 in Cheddar, South Carolina. Nothing special to note there except it's the 30th consecutive year he's done it. They could probably reduce the dues at Tyger 190 if they bottled and marketed the water from Tigerville. They presented 60-year service awards to five members in 1994. Three of them were raised the same night in 1934. -- Masonic Light. * * * * DELAWARE -- Albert H. Westerside, grand master of Delaware, has chosen the Make a Wish Foundation as the charity he will support for his year in office. -- The Delaware Freemason. * * * * KANSAS -- Kansas Masons held a one-day class in November. Twenty-four lodges raised 117 new members at one location that day. Seventy-one of them received all three degrees in a day. Charlie Daniels, of country/rock music fame, was recently presented the Grand Master's Award by Kansas Grand Master E. Dean Osborn. He was recognized for dedication to "improving the quality of life for handicapped children." He has for several years sponsored the Charlie Daniels Open to benefit the Starkey Foundation. The Starkey Foundation provides for special needs of handicapped children. -- The Kansas Mason. * * * * RHODE ISLAND -- In January a public relations committee was launched by the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. Early efforts to get the word out about Masonry will include participation in several existing radio promotions and sponsorship of a March of Dime Walkathon. They sent a gold-plated lapel pin to each Rhode Island Mason and asked for a contribution to the public relations effort. The pin carries a square and compasses and the message "Join Us -- Ask Me." -- Rhode Island Freemason. * * * * BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA -- A Masonic lodge was at the center of a new business started at Fort Steele Heritage Town. They were restoring the North Star 30 lodge room as one of their exhibits. They ran into a problem when they tried to replace the original wallpaper. Where do you find out of print wallpaper? The answer was to make their own. They now have business that specializes in printing historic wallpapers. The finished job on the lodge looked so good that the man who financed the restoration is now considering getting the festive room and tyler's room done. -- Grand Lodge of Alberta Bulletin. * * * * WISCONSIN -- The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin has been focusing on FUN (Fraternal Understanding Now) events for their members this year. The Intertribal Indian Powwow in April was one of their events. Why a native American gathering? They said, "Historically, the Indian community has established and perpetuated a culture based on a high sense of personal responsibility communicated through its ceremonies and rituals. In similar fashion, Masonry has established a time tested set of values communicated through its ritualistic work." Two hundred men participated a special Grand Master's Class at the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin's 150th Annual Communication last year. It was so well liked that they're doing it again at this year's communication. All Master Masons raised during the year are invited. Local lodges do the first and second sections of the third degree. The class watches one candidate repeat that work and then gets the third section and lectures as a group. They get special recognition and certificates of the event. -- The Wisconsin Masonic Journal. * * * * OREGON -- Another grand lodge has put up an address on the information highway. You can contact the Grand Lodge of Oregon by computer e-mail at Mason-OR@ix.netcom.com. Students are getting lots of attention from Oregon Masons. Gateway 175 sponsors a banquet every year for honors students. Alsea Bay 203 puts on a party for eighth graders each year at their lodge building. They have refreshments and a disk jockey. They must be getting good at it by now, the party is in its 43rd year. Every Mason in Oregon was mailed a bumper sticker carrying the message "Character Matters." A square and compasses is also displayed along with the signature "Oregon Freemasonry" and their telephone number. -- Oregon Masonic News. * * * * MONTANA -- The election and term of blue lodge officers in Montana have been changed to match the term of grand lodge officers. The idea is to improve communication between those serving on the state and local levels. They don't have to get to know new people half way through a term in office. Current blue lodge officers will serve an extra few months in office. -- The North Dakota Mason. * * * * CONNECTICUT -- Manchester Brotherhood in Action is a mix of civic groups. Three Masonic lodges (Manchester 73, Tuscan 126, and Friendship 145) join the local Knights of Columbus, B'Nai B'rith, and Unico chapters to help sponsor the International Special Olympics. -- The Connecticut Square & Compasses. * * * * OKLAHOMA -- Restoration is underway on Oklahoma's grand lodge building. The first stage includes fixing the roof as well as sealing and cleaning the exterior walls. -- The Oklahoma Mason. GOOD FOLLOWERS MAY MAKE GOOD LEADERS Stedman -- Things changed quickly before the December 1993 lodge election at Stedman 730. The senior warden stood up and informed the lodge there was a good chance he would be moving sometime in the next couple of months, so don't vote for him. Clyde Blackwell, junior warden at the time, was surprised. He expected to spend a year in the West, not jump right to the East. On his election, Clyde said, "I'm more of a follower than a leader." He was wrong. During his year in office we had one of the largest crowds in attendance at a school of instruction despite being one of the smallest lodges in the district. We picked up two petitions from an open house we held. We made the lodge available for the child immunization program and later for flu shots administered by the Cumberland County Health Department. We repainted the entire downstairs -- ceiling and all. We had an oven donated. We did all these things in 1994. Imagine what we could have done if we had had a "real" leader. Maybe the only thing Clyde didn't do well was judge his own qualifications. -- By Thomas Pope, master, Stedman 730 THE BETTER READ MASON MASONIC QUARTERLY REPORT A PUBLICATION OF THE CENTER FOR INTERFAITH STUDIES, INC. Gary Leazer was fired by the Southern Baptists for not being severe enough on Freemasonry when their Home Mission Board recently investigated the Craft. In losing his job, he may have found a calling -- fighting religious intolerance. He has founded The Center for Interfaith Studies which publishes the Masonic Quarterly Report. The report's purpose is to help us "understand the continuing controversy between the Masonic fraternity and a small, but vocal and dedicated, group of individuals intent on securing the condemnation of Freemasonry by the Southern Baptist Convention and other denominations." The Report carries news on the actions and backgrounds of anti-Masonic activists. You'll find a list of recent anti-Masonic publications. There are also accounts of how churches and Masons are working together. The first issue contained four pages but plans are to make it an eight-page quarterly. Subscriptions are by contribution. You can get more information by writing Gary Leazer, The Center for Interfaith Studies, P.O. Box 870523, Stone Mountain, GA 30087-0014 or by e-mail at 70429.677@cis. A TOUR OF THE GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL VIDEO TAPE, 30 MINUTES, $24.50 The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, thanks to funding by the Grand Lodge of Michigan, has produced a promotional video. The half-hour VHS video tape is intended for use on public access channels of local cable television systems. The program covers the history and construction of the memorial. It takes you on a tour and gives you a look at its architectural features. A brief summary is given on several of the groups appendant to Freemasonry. The charities of the groups are emphasized. The tape may be designed for cable television, but it certainly isn't limited to that use. It makes a great educational program for your lodge. Many public libraries have tape collections now. Tour would make a great gift for one of them. It would offer a quick and good introduction to the Craft for non-Masons. Of course, you could give it to your local cable system for broadcast. You can get a copy by sending a check for $24.50 (plus $.90 tax if you're in Virginia) to The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, ATT: Video Tape Orders, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22301. For information call (703) 683-2007. THE 101ST MASONIC CELEBRITY For centuries, men from every walk of life have been proud to call themselves Masons. The craft has included presidents, statesmen, entertainers, and astronauts. Freemasonry has been esteemed by heads of state, leaders of great religious groups, and planners of nations. Even though the roll of Masons who have achieved fame and notoriety is long, it is doubtful that these celebrities have enticed more than a handful of men to seek initiation. The true Masonic celebrity has probably never been to Hollywood, or held public office, or received widespread recognition. Outside his domain, he is probably only known by a precious few. But, those who know him respect him. They know he is a man of truth. They know he is a man of honesty. They know he is a man to admire. They know that his word is his bond and his loyalty is unquestioned. Some would call him old-fashioned, a relic of the past. Given the choice between a profit and a lie, he would not hesitate to speak the truth. He does not seek popularity at the cost of morality. He's not considered "one of the boys." His calling is higher. He seeks better things. To him, the thoughts and deeds of a Mason must always speak for themselves. You remember him. You should remember him well. Although he never outwardly sought admiration, you admired him. Although he never demanded esteem, you respected him. His behavior showed him standing above those around him. For his courage, for his integrity, you looked up to him. Surely you remember this man, he was the one you asked to make you a Mason. He was your Masonic celebrity. Perhaps that man has gone now, leaving a void. If his actions and his manner inspired you to ask to be a Mason, he probably influenced others, too. Now it is up to you to become the celebrity. Men don't become Masons because of presidents, or astronauts, or television stars. They don't become Masons because of parades, or clowns, or funny little cars. Men become Masons because they want to be like someone they admire. They want to share his time and share his thoughts. They want to be like him. Do you really know what a Mason is? Do you know what being a Mason means? Are you willing to be the inspiration your celebrity was to you? Remember, if you are a Mason with all of the honesty, integrity, truth, and morality that the position demands, you are already a celebrity for someone. Someone wants to be like you. -- By Dan Weatherington, Wilson 712. 101 MASONIC CELEBRITIES Buzz Aldrin Gene Autry Count Basie Irving Berlin Mel Blanc Ernest Borgnine Omar Bradley James Buchanan Luther Burbank Robert Burns Aaron Burr Richard Byrd Kit Carson Marc Chagall Winston Churchill Buffalo Bill Cody George M. Cohan Davey Crockett Cecil B. DeMille Jack Dempsey Jimmy Doolittle Arthur Conan Doyle King Edward VII King Edward VIII Duke Ellington Sam Ervin Douglas Fairbanks W.C. Fields Gerald Ford Henry Ford Benjamin Franklin Fredrick the Great Clark Gable James Garfield John Glenn Goethe Barry Goldwater Samuel Gompers D.W. Griffith Juan Gris Alexander Hamilton John Hancock Warren Harding Franz Joseph Hayden J. Edgar Hoover Rogers Hornsby Harry Houdini Sam Houston Hubert Humphrey Andrew Johnson Lyndon B. Johnson Al Jolsen Buck Jones John Paul Jones Rudyard Kipling LaFayette Fiorello Laguardia Curtis LeMay Meriweather Lewis Frantz Liszt Charles Lindburg Harold Lloyd George C. Marshall Douglas McArthur William McKinley Andrew Mellon Tom Mix James Monroe Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Thomas Paine Norman Vincent Peale Robert Peary John J. Pershing Albert Pike James Polk Alexander Pope Paul Revere Eddie Rickenbacker Will Rogers Roy Rogers Theodore Roosevelt Frankin Roosevelt Sir Walter Scott Peter Sellers Wally Shirra Red Skelton John Phillip Sousa Jonathan Swift William Howard Taft Lowell Thomas Harry Truman Mark Twain Voltaire Earl Warren Booker T. Washington George Washington Walt Whitman Oscar Wilde Cy Young Brigham Young YOU? THIS MONTH'S OFFERING FROM JIMROD Q. WAXPILLOW This Fellow Craft lecturer named Gordon Worked his way to the Senior Warden Then happened to think He was out of synch For he'd skipped the big fight at the Jordan (None by active Masons will get this one) MEMOS FROM THE NC MASON Thank you Russell Lewis of Hiram 98 in Clinton. Russell tries to keep in touch with ill brothers from nearby lodges. He recently offered to help Linda Williams of the Printing Department update several lodge rosters he uses. Sounds like others may owe him a tip of the hat also. Have you sent your picture of lodge officers to us yet? To make sure we finish up on time, mail them now. We can't publish any that we get after June 1. E-mail to Grand Lodge 74131.3355@compuserve.com Deadline For July/August NC Mason June 1 FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK LET'S TRY COMMON SENSE We took a big step in support of common sense at Annual Communication. We unanimously approved a revision of our bylaws. The Code had become obscure. It was intricate, repetitive, and hard to use. In 1992 delegates refused to allow the work needed to begin repair. In 1993 voters at Annual Communication changed their minds and put the commission to work. The committee didn't do anything fancy like trying to fix outdated or overly detailed rules. What we approved was just a reorganization that made the whole thing more easily understood. We kept the law as it was. Whatever the original fear of revision, common sense prevailed. We knew what we needed to do. We'll soon have an easier to use, more sensible version as our official law. It's not perfect, but at least it's easier to understand. There are changes that yet need to be made to our regulations. We'll be tempted to alter The Code to fix each problem we see our lodges face. Perhaps common sense is one test we should use each time we consider an amendment. We need to seek a middle ground between tradition and common sense. Your time is important. Area meetings this year will acknowledge that by dropping some of the ceremony that we have come to expect. You won't need to open and tile a lodge. This is another use of common sense. Any message the Grand Master needs to communicate can be done in public. The time saved can be better used by Masons. Whether it is spent laughing together or tucking in kids, the individual Mason knows best. Try it in your lodge. If you want to have long philosophical discussions, consider doing it after closing lodge. Let every member make up his mind how important such business is in his life. Maybe you should hold that longer than normal educational program after the closing charge. Those extra minutes may make the difference in a child getting a goodnight kiss from a father. If you meet on Monday nights, remember that those are important nights for many sports fans. Those feelings don't make a bad Mason. Make a graceful exit easier for your Brother. He'll make it up to the lodge with better attendance. Let's experiment with applying common sense to our lodges. Let's see what it does with our Grand Lodge regulations. Let's try it with our own lives. If it works, maybe we can apply it to larger things. -- By Ric Carter.