electronicNCMason
November/December 1995 -- vol. 3 no. 6
The stripped-down, online version of the real thing
The
North Carolina Mason, Volume CXX  No. 6

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
      or
ricc@abaco.coastalnet.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.

Subscriptions to the regular edition of The North Carolina
Mason are available for $5 a year. Write NC Mason
Subscriptions, Printing Department, Masonic Home for
Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC  27565.

************************************************************
************************************************************


TOM CLARK LENDS TALENTS TO MASONIC CHARITIES
     Davidson -- In Tom Clark's youth, the children of
Elizabethtown, North Carolina were consigned to the backside
of the dinner table when family visited for the holidays. It
wasn't a bad spot, but Tom did notice that the decorations
on the table were pretty dull from the back.
     The memory has stuck with Clark from the backside of
the table to his current spot atop Cairn Studio. Pick up one
of Tom Clark's statues. Turn it around in your hands. Look
from any direction and you'll find something interesting.
     Art pursued Tom Clark as much as he followed it. His
art was first collected in the sketch pads he filled nightly
during his grammar school years in Elizabethtown. Years
later, sketches of his classmates and professors appeared in
the margins of his class notes at Davidson College.
     When he attended the Presbyterian Union Theological
Seminary in Richmond, he went to art school at night. When
he studied for his Doctor of Divinity at University of
Aberdeen in Scotland, he spent much time traveling to art
museums. When he finally returned to Davidson, he taught
religious art and studied art during his summers. It wasn't
until 1985 that Clark finally quit his day job and took up
sculpting full time.
     He sculpts in modelling clay. His favorite tool is a
tooth pick. With them he can fashion delicate hair and the
creases of a face worn through a laughing life. The first
gnomes were inspired by The Book of Gnomes, but Clark's have
long since occupied a world of their own.
     Collectors around the world follow the careers of his
tiny gnomes and other figures from their debut to
retirement. His trademark is registered in 23 countries.
Magazines are dedicated to his work. Clark spends 42
weekends a year making personal appearances and
demonstrating his art.
     Every Mason should understand when Tom Clark tries to
explain the characters who come from his studio. "It's not
the way that they look so much as the way they are. I try
and present each statue with a dignity that comes from a
life of worth," says Clark. "My folk heroes show concern for
their fellowman, a sense of duty, and an inner peace."
     Tom Clark isn't a Mason, but he's got a lot of Masonry
in him. Each of his figures has a story as it comes to life
in the clay. Why are they so appealing? Clark talks about
what's in them. "They have all our virtues and none of our
vices. They live one day at a time. They see the positive
side of things and not the negative. They try to live as a
friend and companion to all mankind." Perhaps we would do
well to model ourselves after these tiny fanciful folk.
     Joe Vale, of Gastonia, bought his first gnome for his
daughter-in-law in Pennsylvania. It sat around the house
waiting for the next trip north to see the kids. Joe became
so attached to the little fellow that he had to get one for
himself. More and more followed.
     Joe was active in the Red Fez Club. It hit him out of
the blue that a figure by Tom Clark would be a great way to
raise money for Shriners' Children's Hospitals. He took the
time to call and got company president Joe Poteat talking
about it. The result, in 1987, was Shriner & Hope the first
of five figures done for Masonic causes. Joe has since gone
to work with Cairn as assistant to Poteat. 
     A figure of George Washington in Masonic regalia
followed the same year. This time, the fund for the new care
center at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home was the
beneficiary.
     Andrew Jackson was made in 1990 to help build the new
Charlotte York Rite Bodies Center. The Masonic version of
Harry Truman was released in 1994 to benefit York Rite
International's medical research and development for kids.
Hiram, a Masonic gnome, is the latest. He is for the
charities of the Grand Chapter, Grand Council, and Grand
Commandery of the York Rite of North Carolina.      All but
Hiram are $150, postage and handling included. Hiram is $90.
You can order by contacting Joe Vale, 3609 Southwood Drive,
Gastonia, NC  28056.
     Masonic charities have received hundreds of thousands
of dollars so far from Clark's sculptures. We understand
that more are on the way.


FUZZY FRIENDS FOR FRIGHTENED CHILDREN
     Wilkesboro -- Brother Clinton Bailey had two
great-granddaughters riding with him when tragedy struck. An
accident killed Bailey and injured both little girls.
Suddenly, their "Poppie" was gone. They were hurt and
scared. They had no one to turn to. Helpers arrived quickly,
but they were strangers.
     Jim Cornelius, Bailey's son-in-law and grandfather of
the girls, was struck by the fear the children must have
felt waiting for family to get to the hospital. He felt
something could be done to help kids in such situations.
Teddy bears came to mind.
     While adults may think of it as simply a stuffed
animal, through the eyes of a child a cuddly, stuffed toy
can become an instant friend and companion, something they
can hold on to for comfort and reassurance, something that
belongs to them when their world is suddenly turned upside
down.
     Cornelius wanted to place teddy bears in emergency
vehicles. They would be there when a child was in distress.
It might be another auto accident. It could be in a home
struck by domestic violence. They would be readily available
when a child was in the most need.
     Jim carried the idea to his Brothers at Liberty 45 in
Wilkesboro. They liked the idea and voted to adopt the
program.
     Linda Corneilus, Jim's wife, hunted for reasonably
priced bears. She eventually found them in a nearby Walmart.
They bought 160 bears. They put a card in each package
bearing a square and compasses and the motto "Masons Care."
     October 15, 1994, marked the official beginning of the
Liberty 45 Teddy Bear Program. The lodge places bears with
the Wilkes County Sheriffs Department and Wilkes Emergency
Medical Service. Dane Mastin, sheriff, and Tom Shepherd, EMS
director, report the program has been a huge success.
     One paramedic with Wilkes County Emergency Medical
Service recently described using the bears. According to
Liberty at Large, "He told us that in a recent accident
there were two children that had minor injuries, but were
very upset. He gave each of them a bear which they clung to.
They calmed down and treatment of their injuries was much
easier and less painful." Officials have related other
instances when the teddy bear made the difference between a
hysterical child and one easily worked with.
     The first batch of bears is mostly gone. Red Higgins of
North Wilkesboro 407 recently donated a variety of stuffed
animals to the program. These are being used now with some
being saved for Christmas in the hospital. The bears have
had such an impact that the lodge voted to continue with the
program. They're hunting bear bargains again.
     Lodge Master Andrew Soots says, "We hope that the bears
will help ease a child's fear, create a bond between the
child and the caregiver, and make treatment of injuries --
both physical and emotional -- easier and more effective."
     This program is effective, admirable, and simple. It
reaches out to those in need. Consider it for service in
your community.
      -- Jim Cornelius, Liberty 45.


EXPANSION PLANS AT MASONIC AND EASTERN STAR HOME CONTINUE
     Greensboro -- In our last issue we told you that the
Board of Directors of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home had
approved a master plan for improvements to the Home. The
strategy was developed in discussions with consultants in
the field.
     On September 27, the Long Range Planning Committee of
the Board of Directors of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home
met with four respected architects. After a full day of
interviews the Committee selected David Polston of
Wilmington, North Carolina to provide development drawings
and color renderings for Phase I of the improvements. Phase
I includes site work, a new 120-bed skilled nursing
facility, and renovated Assisted Living facilities. Phase I
may include as many as 20 new independent living cottages.
     The Committee also selected Meadowbrook Health Care of
North Carolina as the consultant to prepare the very
technical application to the State of North Carolina for a
"non-competitive Certificate of Need". That certificate is
required before the Home can build and occupy a new
facility.
     A non-competitive certificate enables the Home to apply
for reimbursement through certain eligibility benefits of
patients receiving skilled nursing services.
     Under the "non-compete" system, the Home's skilled
nursing facility will continue to serve only those residents
who are eligible under our existing admission rules.
     The drawings and renderings will be available for
review at the Home in Greensboro in the near future and
will, we hope, be published in the next issue of The North
Carolina Mason.
     The renderings, design plans, and certificate of need
are required to obtain the approval of necessary agencies as
well as to make an appropriate presentation to the you at
the next Annual Communication. 


CECIL MORRIS, 75-YEAR MASON MADE A DIFFERENCE
     Mocksville -- Cecil Morris is a young man. Well, at 97,
he's almost as young as you can be and still get a 75-year
award for Masonic membership.
     Morris, a member of Mocksville 134, was active in his
community for many years. Past Grand Master Lester P. Martin
presented a plaque to Morris.
     "You were charitable in the true sense of the word,"
Martin said to Morris. "Go to the library, go to the YMCA,
go to the hospital and read those plaques on the wall. You
not only contributed, but you made sure everybody else
contributed as well.
     "And you did it with a cheerful heart. You've made
lasting contributions to this lodge through your lasting
efforts to this community," Martin said.
     Morris said he was glad to help.
     "I'm thankful for this," he said. "I've done for the
community, the town, and the county everything I could. I'm
glad [Mocksville] went from no streets, no lights, and no
water to everything we have today."
     We're thankful too, Brother Cecil.
      -- Mike Barnhardt, Davie County Enterprise Record.


MASOIC AND EASTERN STAR HOME SEARCHING FOR ASSISTANT
ADMINISTRATOR
     The Masonic and Eastern Star Home in Greensboro
continues its preparation for the 21st Century. After the
resignation of Administrator Tommy Jones and the retirement
of Ella Payne, John A. Rose was recruited as administrator
and CEO from the Masonic Homes of California.
     The Home will soon employ an assistant administrator.
The Board of Directors hopes to attract a qualified member
of the Masonic Fraternity or the Order of Eastern Star. If
you are interested and qualified or know of a qualified
person who would be interested in this position, please let
us know.
     The eligible candidate must have a Master's Degree in
health care, gerontology, or a related field with management
experience in long term care within a continuing care
retirement community. computer proficiency, human resource
and supervisory experience, and organizational skills are
essential.
     The best candidate will have a thorough knowledge and
appreciation for the Masonic Fraternity and the Order of
Eastern Star in North Carolina.
     Resume and salary history may be sent to John A. Rose,
Administrator, CEO, Masonic and Eastern Star Home of North
Carolina, Inc., 700 S. Holden Rd., Greensboro, NC
27407-2399.


TAR HEEL NAMED TO DEMOLAY'S SECOND HIGHEST OFFICE
     Bismarck, North Dakota -- E. John Elmore of Burlington,
North Carolina was installed grand senior councilor of the
International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay at its
75th annual session in Bismarck, North Dakota in June. Grand
senior councilor is the second highest adult officer in
DeMolay
     Elmore became a member of DeMolay when he joined
Friendship Chapter in Burlington. He has served as advisory
chairman of Raleigh and Friendship Chapters.
     John has been honored with the Degree of Chevalier,
Legion of Honor, and Cross of Honor of the Order of DeMolay.
     Elmore became a member of the International Supreme
Council in 1986, when he was appointed a deputy member and
executive officer, the top adult volunteer overseeing
DeMolay activities, in the jurisdiction of North Carolina.
In 1990, he was elected an active member. John served as a
region representative and was a member of the International
Supreme Council Executive Committee from 1990--92. As past
chairman of the Executive Officers' Conference, he was
instrumental in development of the executive officer mentor
program and executive officer self-appraisal system.
     Elmore is a member of Burlington 721. He is a member
and past chairman of the Grand Lodge Youth Committee.
     Elmore is employed with Urban Retail Properties and is
chairman of the Operations Committee for North Carolina,
International Council of Shopping Centers.
     Joe A. Williams of Oklahoma was installed as Grand
Master of the Order of DeMolay. Williams became a member of
DeMolay when he joined the Guymon Chapter in Guymon,
Oklahoma, and served as Master Councilor (1954). He is a
member of Guymon 335.
     The Order of DeMolay, with its positive fraternal
atmosphere, builds young men into better citizens and
leaders while providing them the opportunities to
participate in community service; participate in sports;
travel; and develop management, leadership, and
organizational skills.

************************************************************
************************************************************

GRAND MASTER'S MESSAGE
CLIFTON W. EVERETT JR.
MESH'S FUTURE AND YOU
     My year as Grand Master is now more than half complete
and all the area meetings have been concluded. Traveling the
length and breadth of North Carolina, visiting with you my
Brethren, has been a wonderful experience. I shall long
cherish the fond memories I have of these visits and the
many friends I have made during this year. I feel the area
meetings have been generally well attended and that my
message and the format of the meetings have been approved by
the craft.
     At this time of year, with the holiday season fast
approaching, I think it well to touch upon a portion of the
message I have been bringing to the area meetings. I
referred to our Masonic charities. I would like particularly
to emphasize the financial need we face with our Masonic and
Eastern Star Home in Greensboro.
     As you probably know, the Masonic and Eastern Star Home
in Greensboro is owned jointly by the Grand Lodge of North
Carolina and the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern
Star of North Carolina. The board of directors of the Home
in Greensboro is composed of both Masons and Stars. It is a
beautiful facility, not only in appearance, but also in the
love, care, and attention it devotes to its residents.
     However, Brethren, we are facing a monumental challenge
in the financial operation of our home at Greensboro. I am
speaking of the Bass Care Center. The Care Center is for the
long-term care of the residents of the Home who can no
longer look after themselves in the assited living
apartments. This is the most expensive part of our operation
in Greensboro. This is where we utilize skilled nursing and
continuous patient care.
     The present Bass Care Center building is a three-story
structure with an 80-bed capacity. Of the 3.8 million dollar
annual budget of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home, about
two-thirds, or 2.5 million dollars, goes to the operation of
the Care Center alone. Consultants have advised the Board to
construct a new 120-bed care center building on a one-level
design. This would let us convert the present Bass Care
Center building into new assisted living apartments and
allow the Home to admit more residents. We currently have a
long waiting list for the Home.
     The Board has been advised that the proposed new care
center could be operated much more effectively than the
present facility. That would allow the home to provide
better care at a lower cost. Any increase in revenue or
savings could then be used for other purposes such as
balancing the Home's budget.
     Needless to say, these long needed improvements will
require a large financial undertaking. The Board at
Greensboro has been advised that the construction of the new
care center and the renovation of the existing Bass Care
Center building will cost approximately 6 1/2 million
dollars at today's building costs. The Home has only 1 1/2
million dollars in the Care Center Building Fund. As you can
easily see, an additional 5 million dollars will be needed.
     Your Board at Greensboro is looking into several
options for funding this project. I am hopeful that the
various committees now working on these expansion plans will
be able to report final recommendations soon. We hope a full
explanation can be made to the Craft next spring, well
before Grand Lodge Annual Communication. In this way,
delegates attending Annual Communication in Raleigh will
have a clear picture of exactly what is being proposed and
be able to make an informed decision when they vote.
     It is especially fitting at this holiday season that
you be aware of our situation in Greensboro. We, as a
fraternity, made a commitment to the residents at Greensboro
when they entered the Home. We promised to care for them for
the duration of their lives. Our revenues in Greensboro have
not kept pace with the operation cost of the Home. We have,
of necessity, dipped into our reserve funds to maintain
current operations. We certainly cannot continue to do this
and maintain a sound financial footing.
     I want us all to redouble our efforts in our lodges to
increase support for our Masonic charities. I hope you agree
with me that, particularly during this holiday season, we
need to remember our elderly residents in Greensboro.

************************************************************


RAMBLIN' ROSE
JOHN ROSE, ADMINISTRATOR, MASONIC AND EASTERN STAR HOME
BAH HUMBUG?
     My year as Grand Master is now more than half complete
and all the area meetings have been concluded. Traveling the
length and breadth of North Carolina, visiting with you my
Brethren, has been a wonderful experience. I shall long
cherish the fond memories I have of these visits and the
many friends I have made during this year. I feel the area
meetings have been generally well attended and that my
message and the format of the meetings have been approved by
the craft.
     At this time of year, with the holiday season fast
approaching, I think it well to touch upon a portion of the
message I have been bringing to the area meetings. I
referred to our Masonic charities. I would like particularly
to emphasize the financial need we face with our Masonic and
Eastern Star Home in Greensboro.
     As you probably know, the Masonic and Eastern Star Home
in Greensboro is owned jointly by the Grand Lodge of North
Carolina and the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern
Star of North Carolina. The board of directors of the Home
in Greensboro is composed of both Masons and Stars. It is a
beautiful facility, not only in appearance, but also in the
love, care, and attention it devotes to its residents.
     However, Brethren, we are facing a monumental challenge
in the financial operation of our home at Greensboro. I am
speaking of the Bass Care Center. The Care Center is for the
long-term care of the residents of the Home who can no
longer look after themselves in the assited living
apartments. This is the most expensive part of our operation
in Greensboro. This is where we utilize skilled nursing and
continuous patient care.
     The present Bass Care Center building is a three-story
structure with an 80-bed capacity. Of the 3.8 million dollar
annual budget of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home, about
two-thirds, or 2.5 million dollars, goes to the operation of
the Care Center alone. Consultants have advised the Board to
construct a new 120-bed care center building on a one-level
design. This would let us convert the present Bass Care
Center building into new assisted living apartments and
allow the Home to admit more residents. We currently have a
long waiting list for the Home.
     The Board has been advised that the proposed new care
center could be operated much more effectively than the
present facility. That would allow the home to provide
better care at a lower cost. Any increase in revenue or
savings could then be used for other purposes such as
balancing the Home's budget.
     Needless to say, these long needed improvements will
require a large financial undertaking. The Board at
Greensboro has been advised that the construction of the new
care center and the renovation of the existing Bass Care
Center building will cost approximately 6 1/2 million
dollars at today's building costs. The Home has only 1 1/2
million dollars in the Care Center Building Fund. As you can
easily see, an additional 5 million dollars will be needed.
     Your Board at Greensboro is looking into several
options for funding this project. I am hopeful that the
various committees now working on these expansion plans will
be able to report final recommendations soon. We hope a full
explanation can be made to the Craft next spring, well
before Grand Lodge Annual Communication. In this way,
delegates attending Annual Communication in Raleigh will
have a clear picture of exactly what is being proposed and
be able to make an informed decision when they vote.
     It is especially fitting at this holiday season that
you be aware of our situation in Greensboro. We, as a
fraternity, made a commitment to the residents at Greensboro
when they entered the Home. We promised to care for them for
the duration of their lives. Our revenues in Greensboro have
not kept pace with the operation cost of the Home. We have,
of necessity, dipped into our reserve funds to maintain
current operations. We certainly cannot continue to do this
and maintain a sound financial footing.
     I want us all to redouble our efforts in our lodges to
increase support for our Masonic charities. I hope you agree
with me that, particularly during this holiday season, we
need to remember our elderly residents in Greensboro.

************************************************************

UNDER THE OAKS
DAVIS GRISSOM, ADMINISTRATOR MASONIC HOME FOR CHILDREN
YOU ARE A BLESSING
     Have you ever realized how our words and actions
influence children? Former students and alumni who return to
the Masonic Home for Children for a visit always talk about
particular adults or friends who influenced them when they
lived on campus. Masons and their families throughout the
State, special groups who provide cookouts or parties, or
groups who come to visit make a tremendous impression on our
children. All of us at the Masonic Home for Children are
grateful for the wonderful attention the children receive.
     I found a quotation recently that describes the
influence you and I have on children. "A hundred years from
now... it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort
of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove... But the
world may be different because I was important in the life
of a child."
     As Masons, alumni, or friends of this wonderful home
for children, you make a difference each day. You are a
vital part of our family. Through your prayers, love,
contributions, and personal interest, you are helping
children and molding their future. We look into the eyes of
the children and wonder where they might be today if Masons
had not taken an interest and recommended them to the
Masonic Home for Children?
     Many of these children over the years have become
successful. We see children today on campus who will be
outstanding because you gave them a chance at life. During
these beautiful and special seasons of Thanksgiving and
Christmas, we at the Masonic Home for Children want to thank
you for all you continue to do to help us. Your many efforts
and acts of kindness are important to us. They will always
be remembered.
     Come visit us anytime. See the effects your love and
influence have on the children -- on this entire campus.
Know that our doors are always open to you.
     May God richly bless and surround you during the coming
holidays. You are a blessing to our large family.

SOME BIRTHDAYS FROM THE HOME FOR CHILDREN
Derek Adam Levesque              December 1, 1981
Randy Williams Zink              December 1, 1981
Robert Fitzgerald Wilson Jr.     December 3, 1987
Jeremy Brian Wilbourn            December 4, 1979
James Benjamin Spittle           December 5, 1983
Donald Reginald Wilson Jr.       December 5, 1980
Ceara Nicole Poplawski           December 6, 1992
Jason Louis Terrell              December 16, 1976
Christian Blake Vaughan          December 19, 1988
Tiffany Danielle Williams        December 23, 1982
Joan Maureen Bramble             December 25, 1982
Nancy Leigh Curtis               December 30, 1991
Jonathan Albert Smith            January 6, 1980
Sean Dorman Chandler             January 7, 1979
Johnny Eugene Byrd               January 7, 1977
Kevin Gerard Senecal             January 8, 1977
Kathleen Kelly McPhie            January 11, 1984
Mellissa Diane Cole              January 14, 1988
Amber Lea Wade                   January 16, 1981
Mellisa Gail Jones               January 26, 1985
Shelley Marie Alford             January 26, 1978
Tommy Lee Lilly                  January 29, 1984

************************************************************

FROM THE MASONIC FOUNDATION
JIM MEDLIN
GIVE THANKS AND REFLECT
     "What can I give that will make a difference?" is a
question posed to me several times this year. The answer is
simple. Any gift to our North Carolina Masonic Charities
will make a difference. Money gifts, stocks and bonds, real
estate, highly appreciated assets, life insurance, special
valuable collections, a will, and the list goes on.
     There is no question that the "cash" or money gifts are
the most popular gifts in assisting the annual operations at
our homes. Last year the average gift from Master Masons to
our two homes was $16.16. Many Masons gave more, but in the
final tally $16.16 was the average. This year we are trying
to raise that average to $25.
     But average is average. Let's not be average. Please
give as generously and liberally as possible to the annual
solicitation for The Masonic and Eastern Star Home, The Care
Center at MESH, The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, and
The North Carolina Masonic Foundation.
     Here are a few other ways to give to our North Carolina
Masonic Charities.
     A gift of stock could fall in one of two areas --
regular value or highly appreciated. If you bought some
stock several years ago for $1,000 and that stock is selling
on the current market for $10,000, it has highly
appreciated. If you sold the stock at current value, your
cost basis being $1,000, you would have to pay taxes on the
remaining $9,000 as a capital gain. Relative to your current
tax situation, that could be a hefty tax bite! But, if you
were to give the stock to one of our Masonic charities as a
gift, then you might realize a hefty tax break. You would be
donating the current market value ($10,000) and getting the
tax benefit relative to your own particular tax situation.
     A gift of stock at regular value is simply stock that
has not appreciated in value. This donation would be
recorded at the current market (regular) value. A donation
of this nature would still be a charitable contribution and
possibly deductible, depending on your particular tax
situation.
     A gift of real estate could fall in the same situation
as the highly appreciated stock example. If you have land
worth $1,000 per acre and you purchased it for $200 per
acre, it has appreciably gained $800 per acre. A gift of
this kind of real estate will allow a tax advantage that
could very well offset the gain and allow a charitable
contribution for your current tax year. In some situations
this may be spread over several tax years.
     A life insurance gift is simple to make. If you have a
current policy and want to give it to a Masonic charity,
just make the charity or institution the beneficiary or
owner. By making the charity the owner, the cash value in
the policy is considered the value of the gift. If you are
still paying premiums on a policy and sign that policy over
to the charity as owner, then the premium amount is
considered a charitable gift and may be tax deductible
accordingly.
     You have the right to determine how your estate is
distributed after your death. However, you must exercise
that right prior to your death. Don't make the common error
that only people with dependents need wills. Each of us
needs a will. You may wish to make a deferred charitable
contribution through your will to one of our charities. Now
is the time to consider your options and your distribution.
Most importantly, if you haven't made a will, do so.
     If you have any questions regarding the "whats, whys,
and how tos" of giving to our charities -- give me a call.
You can reach me at (919) 787-2021. I will be happy to
answer any questions you may have. Please remember that we
are only offering ideas here. You should get the services of
an attorney or other specialist to make sure that your
decisions work best for you.
     These suggestions are presented to challenge your
charitable gift interests. At Thanksgiving we give thanks
for the many blessings God has bestowed upon us. It is
appropriate to share our gifts of thanks as gifts of love
and replenishment to our North Carolina charities. As
Christmas and the New Year approach, we are reminded of the
new born child and the future of all mankind. Let our gifts
do the same. Give gifts of thanks to our adult friends in
Greensboro and gifts of hope for the future to our children
in Oxford. Give for the love of it!

************************************************************
************************************************************

EIGHTH DISTRICT HELPS TEEN
     Atlantic -- Nick Klein has been a quadriplegic since
his diving accident in 1993.
     He has been treated at the Shrine Hospital in
Philadelphia, PA periodically for his limited arm motion.
Nurses there felt the seventeen-year-old needed a computer
to use. His church, Atlantic Baptist, found that the project
was more than they could handle alone. That's when the
community stepped forward. The lodges of the Eighth Masonic
District, spearheaded by Crissie Wright 741, did their part,
too. They chipped in $1,000 toward getting the Macintosh
laptop computer for the college-bound youngster.
     They presented the check during a special reception for
Nick at the church. It was a good opportunity to show folks
what Freemasonry is really about.
<pCredit>Curtis Lewis photo
<underline>From left, are W.C. Davis, master Franklin 109;
Danny Taylor, senior warden Crissie Wright 741; Nathan
Robinson, worthy patron, OES Chapter 128; Tom McGee, Eighth
District deputy grand master; Preston Davis, tyler 741; Neil
Daniels, master 741; Gerry Smith Jr., junior warden 741;
Terry McInnis, minister Atlantic Baptist Church; Tom Mann,
senior deacon 741; and Alton Gaskill, senior warden 109.

FLOWERS GROWS WILD IN MOUNTAINS
     Canton -- The boys from Flowers Cottage at the Masonic
Home for Children visited the mountains this summer. Sonoma
472 gave the kids a crash course in packing a huge amount of
fun into a single weekend.
     A full weekend should start with a full belly, so
Eastern Star Chapter 254 fed the guys breakfast at the lodge
Saturday morning. They then drove up the Blue Ridge Parkway
to Mt. Pisgah for a hike. "How nice, a walk in the hills,"
you say? Well, the path was three miles long and nearly
vertical in the thin air at over 5,000 feet. Flowers
Counselor Chris Barker reportedly pretty much held his own
with the residents.
     How do you cool off after a long, sweaty walk? Sliding
Rock is the perfect answer. The speedy scoot down the sheet
of mountain stream water into an icy pool rouses the most
haggard hiker.
     They finished out the day back in town with a cookout
and pool party. The water was much more temperate.
     Everyone attended Cruso United Methodist Church Sunday
morning. Ghost Town in the Sky, a western theme park in
Maggie Valley, was the afternoon destination. The gun fights
and Old West streets marked the end of a fast paced weekend.
     Authorities are hard put to decide if the kids or the
Masons with them had a better time. -- Mark Rogers

A UNIQUE CHALLENGE AT MATTHEWS 461
     Matthews -- You better have a real good reason to stay
away from Lodge if you're a member of Matthews 461.
     Members there have been offered a unique challenge. An
unnamed Brother in the lodge wants to see attendance
improve. He wants to see every member show up for a meeting
before the end of 1995.
     What's the offer? For each member who attends at least
one meeting before the end of the year, he'll send $25, in
the member's name, to The Masonic and Eastern Star Home.
     Lots of us whine about working at a fundraiser, but $25
just for showing up for one meeting is just too good to pass
up. Hey, you may even have fun. -- Matthews Masonic Lodge.

COLLINS FAMILY FIRST THREE GENERATION MEMBERS AT SEMPER FI
     Jacksonville -- Semper Fidelis 680 is celebrating their
first three-generation Masonic family. Happily, all three
generations are still around to enjoy it. Seen here, from
left, are Thomas Glenn Collins (raised July 1995), his
father Edward Glen Collins (raised October 1963), and
grandfather Malvin Edward Collins (October 1951). Who keeps
who coming to lodge each week? -- Louie Smith

THE WELL-GUARDED LODGE
     Monroe -- Law enforcement officers were the guests of
honor at an August dinner at Monroe 244. After supper, they
got busy, filling all the chairs to do a third degree for
the lodge. More than 100 Masons attended the meeting, 40 of
them law enforcement officers. How many cops are in your
lodge? Would they like to see their professional brothers
honored? -- Douglas S. Moore

FAMOUS SOUTHERN BAPTIST VISITS ROBBINSVILLE
     Robbinsville -- Gary Leazer visited Robbinsville 672 in
September. Those of you who have followed the struggle
within the Southern Baptist Convention about Freemasonry may
recognize his name. Leazer, a non-Mason, lost his job with
the denomination when he attempted to conduct the dictated
examination of the Craft in an evenhanded fashion. He has
since written a book about the affair -- Fundamentalism and
Freemasonry: The Southern Baptist Investigation of the
Fraternal Order, now in its second printing. He also
publishes Masonic Quarterly Report which continues to
monitor the situation. For a review see The NC Mason, May
1995. -- O.W. Hooper Jr.

CLINTON DOES IT RIGHT
     Clinton -- Rumor has it that seasoned certified
lecturers sometimes drive here for the Area II certification
exams even though another location may be a bit closer. Why?
The words from one Eastern Star Sister, "Eat heartily
Brother, you're in God's country now," may answer the
mystery. Clinton Chapter 235, OES serves the group each
year. Several reporters say that it's one of the finest
feeds to be found in the state. -- Luigi Ammons photo

************************************************************
************************************************************

TRAVELLERS OF THE TAR HEEL STATE
NEWS FORM THE STATE'S BLUE LODGES


HENDERSONVILLE
     Kedron 387 recently visited the hospital to present
98-year-old John C. Witte Jr. his 65-year Masonic membership
award. They did it as a courtesy to Wantagh Morton 63 in New
York. Witte, who lives in North Carolina, was in the
hospital learning to walk again after suffering a broken hip
earlier this year. Witte insisted on standing to shake the
hands of all the Masons who dropped by for the occasion.
Past Grand Master Ray Norris gave him the award. -- C.
Holcomb.

SPINDALE
     Things are brighter these days at Spindale 673. Inside
the seats are new and the lights improved. On the public
face, there's a new front porch and a new Carolina-blue hip
roof. New lights are on the front porch and the entrance is
freshly painted. Put that good foot forward, guys! -- Doyle
Tate.

NORLINA
     Francis S. Packard 630 was a place for new beginnings
this summer. Senior Warden Gene Medlin married Gale White in
the Lodge. The reception was there, too.
     Jesse Short got his Master Mason's Degree after
spending 26 years as a Fellow Craft. He got his first two
degrees while stationed at Camp Zama in Japan. He was
shipped home and was distracted by other concerns before
getting his Third. There is some symmetry to enjoyed too. He
got his final degree on the night of new moon after getting
his first two degrees in Rising Sun Lodge 151.
     Norlina has no place for public gatherings, so members
are being encouraged to use the Lodge facilities. A family
reunion was recently held there. -- E.L. Perry.

JACKSONVILLE
     The Ninth Masonic District gave two scholarships this
year. April Humphrey, one recipient, is headed from
Richlands High to UNC/Chapel Hill. The other, Crystal
Olmstead, graduate of Dixon High, is bound for
UNC/Wilmington.

WINSTEADVILLE
     Robert Pearce, past master of Belhaven 509, died in
April 1995, three months after the passing of Ovolia, his
wife of 72 years. While he didn't ask for a Masonic funeral,
Pearce did ask some Masonic friends to take care of him and
his wife. One Masonic friend hand-crafted boxes for their
ashes. A single grave was dug for them in the neighborhood
cemetery. Pearce's urn was wrapped in his Masonic apron and
the two boxes were interred touching. -- Jim Robinson.

RALEIGH
     Hiram 40 held its annual pig picking for Masonic
charities in September. Bruce Muhlheim was arranging his
Master Mason master cookers for eastern style barbecue.
     Good luck to James Jeffery Paul, newly named editor of
the Hiram 40 newsletter. -- Hiram 40 News.
     James B. Green 735 celebrated their 30th Anniversary
with a dinner in October. -- JBG Bulletin.
     Masters 754 held its first Family Peach Ice Cream
Festival in August. They cranked out ten gallons of the low
calorie goodies. We agree that eight gallons consumed makes
it a real success or a source of stomach aches. The two
gallons left over were given to the Job's Daughters meeting
in the hall that night. -- The Trowel.

DENTON
     They're computerizing lodge records at Denton 404. To
make sure everything is as up to date as possible, a
questionnaire is being sent to each Brother to update member
information. -- Denton Lodge 404.

MATTHEWS
     Matthews 461 has a visitation program going with Hart
380 of Lancaster, South Carolina. The lodge was nearly full
when the south of the border crowd last visited to raise two
of their own South Carolina style. Ham dinner, served
between sections of the degree, kept anyone from getting
hungry. -- Trestle Board.

CHARLOTTE
     Past Grand Master Rick Moore presented Mint Hill 742
member George Washington Burnett his 50-year Veteran's Award
in September. -- Trestleboard.
     Traveling gavels are used in some districts to
encourage visiting between lodges. By taking several members
to visit the current owner of the gavel, a lodge may take it
for their own. Charles M. Setzer 693 descended in large
numbers on Keystone 720 determined to take the Friendship
Gavel. They were surprised there by Joppa 530 which arrived
with like intentions and greater numbers. That means a well
planned  and staffed visit to Joppa is now in order.
     Shorter days and cooler temperatures mean Setzer 693
will be organizing some weekend golf outings instead of
those weekday afternoon matches they've used lately. --
Charles M. Setzer Lodge.

SALISBURY
     Fulton 99 and Andrew Jackson 576 know that working men
need sustenance. That's why they combine eating and food
preparation at their Annual Charity Barbecue. They serve
breakfast both mornings they're putting everything together
for the event. They had the fundraiser October 19. It is, as
they say, "also a time to renew old acquaintances, make new
ones, and share in the fellowship which makes our fraternity
so great."
     Andrew Jackson 576 held a special Dress Down Night in
August to help the Brothers beat the heat. They urged
members to don shorts, old T-shirts, and sandals for the
meeting. The mystery menu called for something that sounded
suspiciously like hobo stew.

GREENSBORO
     Think twice if you plan to visit West Gate 738, they've
changed their meeting night from first to third Monday
nights. They hope to dodge a few holidays by moving the
meeting.
     They've also initiated a new program for helping their
widows. A letter has been sent reminding each of them that
the lodge is at their disposal for things ranging from minor
house repair to someone to talk to. A member has been
assigned to help each widow.
     West Gate Secretary John Litaker has a new toy -- a
computer. He hopes it will help make a better newsletter for
the Lodge. It already looks better, John. Keep it up. --
West Gate Trestleboard.
     Gate City 694 was to hold its Annual Brunswick Stew in
October. Vegetable cutting was to start at 5:30 a.m. and
serving stew at 3:00 in the afternoon.
     One of Gate City's most popular events is the Annual
Ice Cream Social. Over 100 people enjoyed the occasion this
year. Hot dogs and hamburgers were also served. -- The
Trestle Board.
     It's back to tuxedos for P.P. Turner 746 officers now
that cool weather has returned. A reprieve had been granted
for the summer months. -- Trestleboard.

WILMINGTON
     The informal Christmas party of St. John's 1 and AREME
Chapter OES is scheduled for Sunday, December 10. Clowns,
magicians, and refreshments will be there to entertain until
the visit by the big guy himself, Santa Claus. Folks
bringing kids are asked also to bring an under five-dollar
gift for Santa to deliver to the youngsters. --
Trestleboard.
     Folks on the coast should know that hurricanes only
tease us so long before slapping. That's why Chris Nelson of
the Wrightsville Beach Fire Department was guest speaker at
Wilmington 319's Annual Ladies' and Family night. He talked
to them about Hurricane Emergency Preparedness.
     Paying dues at 319 has gotten more expensive. They're
up ten dollars to $45 for 1996.
     John H. Edge recently got his Veteran's Emblem for 50
years membership. He's Wilmington 319's only living life
member. -- The Wilmington Mason.

PRINCETON
     St. Patrick's 617 presented E.F. Knight his 50-Year
pin. Knight is a member of Wilmington 319 but now lives in
Princeton. -- The Wilmington Mason.

OLD FORT
     Members of Joppa 401 went to church together in
September. The wore Masonic aprons and sat together at First
Baptist Church in Old Fort. -- Joppa Lodge.

HICKORY
     Twelve girls from The Masonic Home for Children were
guests for Family Day at Hickory 343. Carl Isenhour kept
everyone's attention with his homemade ice cream -- all 12
(or was it 13?) flavors. -- Hickory Lodge.

MANTEO
     More Light, Manteo 521's newsletter, recently got a
request for a subscription from New York. Wallkill 627 in
Walden, NY has several Brothers who vacation on the Outer
Banks. They figured More Light would make it easier for them
to schedule visits when they can have more Masonic fun. --
More Light.

ALBEMARLE
     Stanly 348 has a new photo copier. They'll use it for
lodge records. It should be the biggest help to Buddy
Lowder, who does the lodge newsletter. -- Stanly Lodge.

WASHINGTON
     A joint funeral committee is up and running for Orr 104
and Washington 675. All stations are filled by Masons who
are retired or have flexible schedules. A phone tree assures
that no one man has to make all the phone calls to get the
funeral organized.
     Washington 675 had to put a new roof on their lodge
building. They also replaced the old wind driven turbines in
the attic with a more effective electric exhaust fan. --
Light From The East.

THOMASVILLE
     Haynie Dee Bryant recently became Thomasville 214's
tenth living 50-year Mason. -- Trestle Board.

KENANSVILLE
     The lodge made the chicken and pastry for St. John's
13's family picnic at Maxwell Mill in September. Folks
attending were asked to bring a covered dish and tea.
Members were encouraged to invite non-Masons along. --
Bulletin of St. John's No. 13.

SMITHFIELD
     While they didn't get everyone they wanted there,
Fellowship 84 was happy with their August Masonic Reunion.
Reunions and homecomings are good special events for
reaching out to members far from home as well as those you
don't see often. -- The Trestleboard.

SELMA
     An anonymous Brother at Selma 320 gave the lodge a
riding mower and a building to store it in. Another Brother
volunteered to put in a concrete pad for the building and
yet another to paint the building. -- On The Square.

EDENTON
     Unanimity 7 is offering a few medical appliances for
loan. They have a wheelchair, two walkers, and a bedside
toilet available. They're also offering to accept and
distribute similar donations. -- The Trestle Board.

WILKESBORO
     Andrew Soots, of Liberty 45, got a scholarship to John
C. Cambell Folk College in Brasstown. He'll work on his
blacksmithing skills there thanks to the Artist and
Blacksmith Association of North Carolina. It must speak
highly of his talents. You've got to figure that
blacksmithing grants aren't exactly commonplace these days.
-- Liberty at Large.

SPRUCE PINE
     Vesper 554 had a quarry degree scheduled for August.
You'll see outdoor degrees referred to as "quarry degrees"
from time to time. This one though, was to be the real
thing. The site was to be the Mayland Stone gravel quarry.
It was cancelled due to the death of Gene Shuford, a member
of the degree team.
     Guests, kin, widows, and friends were invited to the
Vesper Lodge Homecoming in September. It was to be a
covered-dish to do. -- The Beacon.

BESSEMER CITY
     Whetsone 515 has inaugurated a scholarship. The $300
award will be given to a graduating Bessemer City High
student this year. It will be funded from the lodge's
general fund, local charities fund, and donations. -- The
Whetstone.

BAILEY
     Small Lodges especially understand the unpredictability
of getting newsletters copied. Print shops do a wonderful
job, but costs often exceed a Lodge budget. Rental copiers
don't always perform well. The folks who make C-Hawk Boats
up in Bailey volunteered to copy Bailey 411's Newsletter.
Maybe other lodges can find friends like Marshall Brock and
his family. -- Newsletter

SPENCER
     Dues are up in 1996 at Spencer 543. They've gone from
$30 to $35. -- On The Square.

KING
     The spaghetti supper at King 722 brought in $600 for
the Masonic and Eastern Star Home Care Center Building Fund.
-- King Lodge News.

KINSTON
     When St. John's 4 had to replace their roof, they had
the money to do it. Now they're trying to replenish that
contingency fund to cover any upcoming unexpected
expenditures. They're asking members for $100 each. Your
Lodge does have such a fund, right? -- St. John's Lodge.

GASTONIA
     It looks like unity time in Gastonia. The Temple
Association had a barbecue fundraiser scheduled for early
October. Gastonia 369, Holland Memorial 668, and King
Solomon 704 were also teaming up for Ladies' Night. They
planned it for late October.
     In August, Gastonia 369 presented Ralph W. Barkley his
50-year award as a courtesy for Elk Point 3 in Elk Point,
South Dakota. -- The Trestle Board.

MIDLAND
     Building plans are getting serious at Union 618. A
committee has been named to visit other lodges for ideas.
They'll then develop a plan for building new facilities for
Union Lodge. A supper before a stated meeting and a dinner
held by the Mason's wives brought over $1,200 for the
building fund. -- Union Lodge.

MEBANE
     Bingham 272 is sprucing up. The Lodge is freshly
painted thanks to Jim Covington (bought the paint) and
Richard Parks (painted it). Tom Williams put chair moldings
around the room. Willard Oakley made sure the new picture of
George Washington laying the Capitol cornerstone was framed
and hung. -- Bingham's News and Views.

PINEVILLE
     District Deputy Grand Master Bill Navy has asked Masons
to get a food pantry program rolling. James K. Polk 759 has
asked members to bring a can of food each meeting night. The
food will be distributed locally during the holiday season.
It's time to start your local drives, too.
     Dave Molter gave the lodge a perfect and a rough
ashlar. -- The James K. Polk Lodge Messenger.

DENVER
     After the election of Sammie Charles West's son Billy
Wayne West, Denver 757 now has five father/son teams in its
membership. The others are Troy Lee father of Jerry Wayne
and Tommy Alexander Dellinger, James Ray and James David
Barnes, Gerome and Jerry Cooper, Henry Harold and Michael
Harold Dacus. -- The Trestleboard.

GOLDSBORO
     Dudley Warner got his Veteran's Award from Goldsboro
634 this summer.
     Reports are that everyone at the Home had a good time,
as did the guys from the lodge, when they visited back in
August. They served turkey and pig. -- Newsletter.

************************************************************
************************************************************


NEWSLETTER REVIEW

     Harold Gibb of Unanimity 7 in Edenton tells this story
about trying very hard to learn his catechism. He was with
his coach in a parked automobile. Harold stopped talking as
he saw some pedestrians approach. When his coach asked him
why, Harold pointed to the passersby.
     His coach said, "If I can't drill this into you by
practicing several hours a day for weeks, how in heaven's
name do you think they'll pick it up by just walking by?" --
The Trestle Board of Unamimity 7.

     Monroe -- It was Wednesday afternoon when I entered the
Post Office and held the door for the two ladies entering.
     "Good afternoon, ladies," I said, recognizing them as
widows of Masonic Brothers. They greeted me in the same
manner. After a few pleasantries, we went our separate ways
to complete our business.
     I had taken only a few steps when one of the ladies
called out to me. "I started to call you last night about a
problem I have at home," she said, "but then decided against
it."
     She told me that her age kept her from doing the
necessary pruning of the shrubs around her home and that
they had gotten completely out of hand.
     "Do you think the Masons could help me?" she asked. I
told her that our stated communication was the next evening
and that her request would be made to members present. She
thanked me for listening and we parted company.
     At Lodge the next night I passed along her request and
asked for volunteers. Five Brothers quickly responded. They
met Saturday morning at a local restaurant for breakfast and
then did the trimming of the shrubbery.
     Request taken care of PDQ. They did a good job of the
trimming.
      -- Monroe Lodge Trestleboard, June 1995.

     Are you already thinking about where you'll slip away
to for vacation next year? Why not include a visit to a
lodge? You don't even have to leave the state for a special
experience. Some nearby lodges have much historic
memorabilia, Royal White Hart 2 in Halifax is one. St.
John's 3 in New Bern is another. Have you thought how quaint
it would be to listen to a catechism or a degree lecture
being given in the "high tide" accent of a Lodge such as the
one at Manteo? How about a mountain twang in Ranger?
     It's easy to find out the meeting schedule of lodges
wherever you go, if you just ask your lodge secretary to
check a directory. Be sure to carry your up-to-date dues
card. Take a few extra minutes from a busy vacation
schedule, and meet some new brothers. Someone might clue you
in on a fishing hole that you would have otherwise
overlooked. If you can, please schedule a visit or two to
your own lodge in the coming year.
      -- Newsletter of Bailey 411, June 1995.

     One of our Brothers recently offered an analogy he
heard from a visiting minister at one of our local churches
that reminds me of our lodge. After we go through all the
hard work to become a Mason, most of us act like a tourist
visiting Disneyland or Dollywood. We ride around on the bus
occasionally and view the good work of our active Brothers
as it is pointed out to us. We seldom leave our comfortable
seat on the bus to assist in any way. We are content to
leave all these very important duties to others rather than
contribute to the welfare of the Craft.
     Your attendance is always needed. Your participation is
most appreciated. Your help is welcome. All of us can find
ways to help -- by serving on a committee, by attending the
lodge at stated or emergent communications. You are missed!
      -- Billy J. Wiggins, master King Solomon 704, The
Plumbline.

************************************************************
************************************************************


PENNSYLVANIA MASON MAKES NIAGARA FALLS RESCUE
     California, Pennsylvania -- In 1993 Pennsylvania Mason
Frank J. Kennedy instinctively clutched a woman's arm five
feet short of the brink of Niagara Falls. He saved her life.
As reported in a newspaper at the time, Kennedy, a member of
Monongahela Valley 416, and his family usually stop to see
the Falls on the way home from visiting his sister in
Toronto. They were going to skip it that time because of a
late start for home. But his son prodded, and the family
decided to make a short stop at Niagra Falls.
     "We weren't there five minutes when my daughter started
screaming, 'Dad, there's somebody in the water!'" Kennedy
said. "I turned around and here [the woman] comes like a
piece of driftwood bobbing along" some thirty feet from the
Falls. Kennedy bolted over a railing, ran down to the bank,
across twenty feet to the river's edge. He thought he could
intercept her about fifteen feet from the brink; but he
reached out and missed her. She disappeared behind a bush.
He thought she was lost. But dashing around the bush, he saw
her frantically grasping at rocks. He yelled at her to grab
his arm as he jumped on a rock. He braced himself, and held
her five feet from the edge of the falls.
     "I don't know who was holding on tighter," Kennedy
recalled. The river's estimated 23 miles per hour current
kept him from pulling her to the bank. At that point,
Kennedy's father, nephew, and two other visitors grabbed him
to prevent him from being dragged into the water. Together
they pulled the woman onto the bank.
     Frank Kennedy received hero's honors from the National
Park Management, Carnegie Hero Fund Commission of
Pittsburgh, and Masonic Special Recognition for Valor.
      -- From The Pennsylvania Freemason, August 1995.


HUMPTY DUMPTY TO STAR ON MASONIC FLOAT
     Pasadena -- Humpty Dumpty will teeter precariously on
his wall as the Family of Freemasonry float as it moves
through the Tournament of Roses Parade. Humpty will also
wink as the float uses animation for the first time. The
parade theme this year is "Kids -- Laughter and Dreams." Our
float's title is "We Support Youth."
     "We donate more than 1.5 million dollars a day to many
charities, with a large share of it going to young people,"
says float committee chairman Stanley L. Channon. Children
from the Masonic Home for Children in Covina will be on
board wearing costumes made by adult residents of
California's Masonic Homes.
     High Twelve International, celebrating its 75th
anniversary, will also be represented on the float. High
Twelve has 365 Masonic clubs which meet for fellowship and
civic service.
     Hundreds of Masonic youth will work in shifts to
decorate the float. Humpty Dumpty will be covered with tea
leaf, millet clover seeds, spices, lentil, and straw
flowers. The gardens around his wall will feature roses,
orchids, and lilies. Floral trees will be covered with
veiled roses, orchids, and gerbera daises. Blue grass will
surround the wall.
     You can help support the float by sending donations to
float committee treasurer Robert C. Coe, P.O. Box 661567,
Arcadia, CA  91066-1567. He can also send you an order form
for merchandise supporting the float. You can get pins,
postcards, shirts, caps, decals, and more featuring this
year's float or the others presented since the Freemasonry
float returned to the parade in 1992.

************************************************************

ENCOMPASSING THE WORLD
MASONIC NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

CANADIANS PLAN INCREASE IN STUDENT AID
     Alberta, Canada -- As government support for students
falls by the wayside, scholarships may be an even better
direction for community service. The Grand Lodge of Alberta
got 250  applications for its 60 bursaries last year.
They're asking members to contribute $20 a year to help meet
the need.
     After much planning, the Grand Lodge of Alberta is
offering a Leadership Workshop to rising Blue Lodge
officers. The course will be given on two Saturdays about a
month apart this fall. The classes will be repeated in early
1996. -- Grand Lodge Bulletin of Alberta.

MASONIC LIBRARY GETS NEW LOOK
     Alexandria, Virginia -- The library at the George
Washington Masonic National Memorial has been completely
cleaned and reorganized. Masons volunteered for several
months cleaning shelves, storerooms, and public areas. Books
were then rearranged according to subject. Vertical blinds
were added to help protect the collection. Air conditioning
is upcoming.
     They are still cataloging all the books into a form
readable by most computer databases. The file will be
available on request and posted on Masonic computer bulletin
boards. More than 8,000 volumes are listed so far.
     The library is open Saturdays, Sundays, and by
appointment. -- The George Washington Masonic National
Memorial Newsletter.

ALASKA MOVES TOWARD PRINCE HALL RECOGNITION
     Alaska -- Meetings between The Grand Lodge of Alaska
and the Alaskan Prince Hall Grand Lodge have resulted in
several agreements about future plans for joint recognition.
They would allow visitation between lodges, but would not
"cross-over or intermingle" memberships. Each grand lodge
would retain "sovereign jurisdiction of its constituent
lodges," but would share geographic jurisdiction.
     Necessary changes will be presented at the next annual
communication of each grand lodge. Nothing will change until
both groups have approved identical resolutions. -- Light
From the Great Land.

PENNIES FOR CHILDREN TO HELP LOCAL KIDS
     Illinois -- Pennies for Children plans to "make a
difference in the lives of needy children in their
communities." The Grand Lodge of Illinois is urging lodges
to collect change from members in the first year of the
program. The first year goal is $100,000 in donations.
     In the second year, lodges could apply for matching
fund grants for children's programs in their home towns.
They hope to make it self-sustaining in the long run.
     Illinois Freemasonry, the publication of the Grand
Lodge of Illinois, has gone from a tabloid to magazine
format with slick paper and lots of color. They hope it will
increase readership among their 100,000 members. -- Illinois
Freemasonry.

MASONIC MODEL EDUCATES EDUCATORS
     Missouri -- In its first four years the Missouri
Masonic Model for the Prevention of Substance Abuse has
reached hundreds of educators in 150 school districts across
their state. Its aim is to "identify and help at risk
students before they turn to drugs." The Missouri School
Counselor Association schedules, organizes, trains
instructor teams, and implements the program. Masons pick up
the tab.
     Nearly 500 school workers are registered for the 1995
program. Classes will be held in ten lodges around the
state. -- The Missouri Freemason.

DCGL CELEBRATES THE FOURTH
     District of Columbia -- The grand lodge here
participated in the Independence Day celebration in the
Palisades area of the nation's capital. It's one of the more
popular events among city residents.
     Grand lodge officers and many of the jurisdiction's
Blue Lodge members marched in the parade. One crew of Masons
walked the entire route handing out American flags to the
crowd.
     After the parade, they stepped up to the cookers,
serving 3,000 hot dogs. They also manned the child
identification booth, adding another 100 neighborhood kids
to the list of those already protected by the citywide
Masonic program. Child identification is a long term project
of the jurisdiction's Lodges. -- The Voice of Freemasonry.

INTERNATIONAL REUNION HELD
     District of Columbia -- Hayastan 94, the first regular
Armenian-language lodge in the world, opened the most recent
international reunion hosted by the Grand Lodge of the
District of Columbia. It's a twice-a-year event in this city
which has a uniquely multi-cultural population due to its
status as seat of national government.
     Hayastan performed an Entered Apprentice Degree. The
table lodge after the meeting was attended by Masons from
Lebanon, England, France, Iran, Armenia, Costa Rica, and all
over the United States. Harvard Professor James Russel spoke
about the roots of Freemasonry in Armenia and Iran. The next
morning, in the European tradition, a candidate for Fellow
Craft at La France 93 gave his personal impressions of his
initiation to the group gathered. Not a part of the
tradition was that he did it in both French and English.
     The Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia maintains
lodges working in a number of foreign languages. It provides
an opportunity for foreign officials from around the world
to pursue their Masonry while stationed here. -- The Voice
of Freemasonry.

MASONIC MILE OF FOOD IN SECOND YEAR
     Kansas -- The Masonic Mile of Food last year actually
scored five miles of food. The effort was concentrated in
central and southwestern Kansas. This year Masons across the
whole state have signed on. Governor Bill Graves even
proclaimed August Masonic Mile of Food Month.
     For the first time all Lodges, both Scottish and York
rites, and appendant bodies including Eastern Star, DeMolay,
Rainbow, Job's Daughters, and Amaranth are participating.
Grand Master Morris L. Fisher said, "The Masons have been
looking for a project to unify our total membership and we
believe feeding the hungry in Kansas is basic."
     The food is channeled through the Kansas Foodbank
Warehouse. The Warehouse has distributed 2.8 million pounds
of food through 270 agencies in the last 11 years. They feed
17,000 people each day.
     In June, 500 Masons, families, and friends gathered for
Kansas Masonic Night at a Kansas City Royals baseball game.
The grand master even got to toss out the first pitch. --
The Kansas Mason.

MOON LODGE HELD AT FORT MANDAN
     North Dakota -- As the Lewis and Clark Expedition
passed through North Dakota, they established a camp at Fort
Mandan. A replica of that camp has been built. Many Masons
look forward to the annual Moon Lodge held there. William
Clark and Meriwether Lewis were both Freemasons.
     Clark Potter is retiring as the editor and printer of
the North Dakota Mason after 16 years on the job. Todd
Morgan has been named to take his place. Good luck, both of
you. The ND Mason is sent to 7,000 Masons four times a year.
-- The North Dakota Mason.

MINNESOTA HOLDS ANOTHER HEADLINER CONFERENCE
     Minnesota -- The Grand Lodge of Minnesota's Fall
Educational Conferences have become one the best places
around to learn more about Freemasonry. This year's weekend
event featured keynote speaker S. Brent Morris, noted
Masonic scholar and writer.
     Among the topics presented in sessions were Countering
the Critics of Masonry, Masonry in the Military, The Theater
of the Fraternity, Famous Masons on Stamps, and instruction
in management principles. A presentation on Prince Hall
Masonry was made by Morris Miller, past grand master of the
Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Minnesota.
     Two hundred were expected to attend. Wives and
non-Masons are welcome at all sessions.
     The Grand Lodge of Minnesota once again hosted a booth
at the state fair. They last had the booth more than ten
years ago. They had dropped it for a lack of volunteers to
man the display. Ray Schlemmer, grand secretary, said, "It
seems everyone wants the Fraternity to be represented, as
long as someone else does the work." -- The Minnesota Mason.

DEWINT HOUSE RESTORED
     New York -- George Washington four times used the
DeWint House in Tappan, New York as a Revolutionary War
headquarters. The Grand Lodge of New York has owned the
house since 1931. The house, built in 1700, has now been
restored by the grand lodge as the first phase of the George
Washington Masonic Historic Site. Restoration cost $300,000.
     Further plans include a kitchen, 18th century Lodge
room, a museum expansion, and rebuilding an 18th century
Dutch barn. They are currently looking for Colonial period
antiques to fill out the project. The site is open to the
public. -- The Empire State Mason.

NEW YORK TESTS OFFICER TRAINING
     New York -- The Grand Lodge of New York has trying out
a lodge officer training program they call "The Road to the
East." The pilot programs will run in several districts
through May 1996. There'll be five half-day sessions at two
month intervals.
     Topics are as basic as public speaking and as
complicated as how best to select officers. They teach
officers how to run an efficient meeting and how plan a good
lodge calendar for the year. They'll cover producing an
effective trestleboard. Planning and doing publicity for
special events is another topic of many to be discussed.
     The Grand Lodge of New York has also recently announced
a scholarship program for the children and grandchildren of
New York Masons. Awards are to be for up to $5,000 per year.
-- Niagara-Orleans District Masonic News and The Empire
State Mason.

MORE ONE-DAY CLASSES
     Seventy-six men (average age 40) joined 44 Kansas
lodges in a one day conferral of the degrees in Topeka in
July. Forty-three of them took all three degrees.
     In Junction City, Masons planned their second
all-degree lodge for the end of September.
     Some Grand Lodge of North Dakota officials recently
witnessed a one-day class in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. They
saw 194 men go from non-Mason to Master Mason in less than
one day. The officials were impressed. They're appointing a
committee to look into a one-day class of their own. -- The
North Dakota Mason and The Kansas Mason.


WHY IS SC GRAND LODGE AFM?
     Most grand lodges are styled F & AM (Free and Accepted
Mason) or AF & AM (Ancient Free and Accepted Masons). So why
is South Carolina the only grand lodge called Ancient Free
Masons (AFM)?
     Before December 26, 1817, there were two grand lodges
in South Carolina -- the Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons
and the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of South
Carolina (Modern Masons). They took the name Grand Lodge of
Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina as one of the
compromises made to merge the two bodies. -- Masonic Light,
April 1995.


************************************************************
************************************************************


ON THE MASON'S MONITOR
MESH NOW ONLINE
     The Masonic and Eastern Star Home is moving rapidly
into the 21st Century. Eleven new computer stations at the
Home have been networked. The system, installed in late
September, will allow the use of very powerful software. The
system will track and measure resident care, making it more
efficient and effective. It will also be used for finance
and accounting, reports, donation monitoring and tracking
among other tasks.
     The Home is also computer accessible to you. Masons and
interested persons can e-mail the Masonic and Eastern Star
Home at:
"meshome@msn.com"
     Administrator John A. Rose is excited that this new
avenue of communications could opening up a whole new area
of interest among some who might otherwise remain at a
distance. You're now as close as your computer's e-mail
account.
     If you would like to join in the Home's new
capabilities, have questions about the Home, or just want to
participate in an informative chat, John Rose assures that
he will answer each question and communication sent to the
Home over the Internet.
     You're also encouraged to communicate with Grand Lodge
offices (74131.3355@compuserve.com) and The North Carolina
Mason (ricc@abaco.coastalnet.com or RicC@aol.com) by way of
computer.
     Tar Heel "techno-Masons," now is your chance to merge
Masonry, your computer interest, and the Internet into one
growing endeavor. See you there.

************************************************************

THIS MONTH'S OFFERING FROM JIMROD Q. WAXPILLOW
This tormented old Mason Down East
Says the mosquito's a sassy beast
Her whine 'round your head
As you lie in bed
Dares you to halt her gory feast

************************************************************

SIMPLE TIPS FOR BETTER RITUAL
     Ritual in Masonry is a beautiful art form. Many
brothers go out of their way to attend a meeting just to see
the ritual. We need to provide the best forum for the
candidate and these dear brothers. There are some simple
rules for better ritual in your lodge.

 OF WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH IS REQUIRED.
     We have a responsibility to share with others the
things we have learned and earned. Ours is a role of helper
and encourager. We need to be a person whom others will want
to be around because we are positive in our demeanor.

 THE MORE I PRACTICE, THE LUCKIER I GET.
     To be good at ritual, as with anything in life, you
have to work at it. Once learned, it must be polished. This
only happens through practice. Every brother should practice
his part when alone and as often as possible. Every lodge
should have a practice before it confers any degree
regardless of the proficiency of the lodge or the number of
times the lodge has done that degree.

WHEN YOU BLOW IT, DON'T SHOW IT.
     Errors are bound to occur, but they need not be
compounded by "help" from the sidelines. The candidate
deserves to receive the best degree the team can offer.
Candidates can get confused and out of sorts when a lodge
seems to be unprepared. The subliminal message he receives
can do irreparable damage to his Masonic walk. Ritualists
should ask for assistance when needed and have a single
person designated to give it. We have all been present when
the speaker dare not take a breath, lest someone "help" him.

IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT.
     Use some common sense. There is no need to reinvent the
wheel. If a brother says the wrong word and the meaning is
not changed, there is no need to make a great deal of it. He
will always be receptive to constructive criticism in
private after the degree is completed. But, do tell him of
the 93% of the work he did right.

 YOU CATCH MORE FLIES WITH SUGAR THAN YOU DO WITH VINEGAR.
     Be nice to people. Help them want to be a part of the
ritual by encouraging them instead of making disparaging
remarks. We've all seen and heard the fellow who knows more
than anyone else, who takes delight in demonstrating his
knowledge from the sidelines, but who mysteriously never
seems to take an active part. Getting people involved
creates more active members.
 -- By Dan Hogue, Andrew Jackson 576.

************************************************************

FREEMASONS WEREN'T ALWAYS POLITICALLY MEEK
     The Revolutionary War was a distinctly Masonic
enterprise. The first assembly of the Continental Congress
was presided over by a Mason, Peyton Randolph, Provincial
Grand Master of Virginia. The Boston Tea Party was organized
in St. Andrews Lodge, at an adjourned meeting. Every person
who threw tea into the harbor was a member of that lodge.
     Paul Revere, who made his immortal ride, was junior
warden of that lodge. The man who set the lantern in the Old
South Church, the beacon of the Revolution, was a member of
that lodge.
     More than fifty of the fifty-six signers of the
Declaration of Independence were members of the Masonic
fraternity. All but one of the five members of the
Constitutional Convention were Masons. Richard Henry Lee,
who put forth the Resolution of Independence in the
Continental Congress, was a Mason. Lee and all five members
of that committee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John
Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston were Masons.
     The American Flag was made by the widow of John Ross, a
Mason, and was placed in the hands of George Washington, who
was elected grand master of Virginia. Washington took the
oath of office of President of the United States upon the
Bible brought from St. Johns Lodge No. 1 of New York. The
oath of the office was administered by Chancellor
Livingston, grand master of the state of New York.
     The governors of every one of the original thirteen
states at the time Washington was inaugurated were Masons.
The Constitution of the United States was written by Masons.
     Washington asked that Lafayette, coming from France,
and Von Steuben, coming from Germany, be made Masons. All of
but one of Washington's brigadier generals were Masons.
     Free speech, free religion, and free schools were the
gifts of Freemasonry to America and these were opposed by
all anti-Masonic institutions. We as Masons need to put the
Masonic spirit into future years if we are to have a future
America.
 -- Excerpted from an article by Al Hensinger, Public
Relations Chairman, The Cedar Digest, Winter, 1992.

************************************************************

CARING FOR LINCOLN'S AXE
     A historian was recording folk history in Illinois in
the 1970s. Several people in the countryside told him of a
farm family that possessed the axe Abraham Lincoln had used
when splitting logs for a living as a young man.
     The historian finally found the farm and saw the farmer
in the yard splitting wood for the living room fireplace. He
asked the farmer about the story.
     "Yes," said the farmer, "it's true. Abe Lincoln lived
around here as a young man, and he worked for a while
splitting wood for my great-great-grandfather. Happened he'd
bought a new axe from a peddler the day before Abe Lincoln
came to work here, and he gave it to Lincoln to use. We've
kept it ever since."
     "That's a real historical treasure," said the
historian. "It really ought to be in a museum. Would you
mind going into the house and bringing it out so I could see
it?"
     "Oh, we know it's important," said the farmer. "I take
it to the school from time to time and tell the kids about
it and Lincoln. Seems to sorta make him real for them. But I
don't have to go into the house, I've got it here."
     He handed the horrified historian the axe he had been
using.
     "You mean you're still using it?!"
     "Sure thing. An axe is meant to be used."
     The historian looked it over carefully. "I must say
your family has certainly take good care of it."
     "Sure, we know we're protecting his story. Why, we've
replaced the handle twice and the head once."
     In many ways, Masonry is like Abe Lincoln's axe. We
tend to assume that Masonry has always been the way it was
when we joined. And we become fiercely protective of it in
that form. But, in fact, we've done more than replace the
handle twice and the head once.
     When Brothers George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and
Paul Revere (and the other Masons of their era and for
decades afterward) joined the Fraternity, they did not
demonstrate proficiency by memorizing categorical lectures.
Instead, the same evening they received a degree they sat
around a table with the other Brethren of the Lodge. The
Brethren asked each other questions and answered them for
the instruction of the new Brother. They asked him
questions, and helped him with the answers. The discussion
continued until they were confident that he understood the
lessons of the degree. When they had taught him the signs
and tokens, he was proficient. In many cases, he took the
next degree the next night. The system of demonstrating
proficiency by memorizing categorical lectures is less than
about twice as old as the average Mason -- not too long a
span in the 1,000-year history of the Fraternity.
     The custom of allowing 28 days to pass between degrees
came about for no other reason than the fact that most
lodges only met every 28 days -- on the nights of the full
moon. There was no mystery behind that. Very few horses come
equipped with headlights, and only on nights of a full moon
could people see well enough to leave their homes in the
country and safely come into town for a meeting.
     The names of the three ruffians have changed at least
three times since the Master Mason Degree was created around
1727.
     More importantly, the nature and purpose of the
Fraternity has changed radically over time. It certainly is
no longer a protective trade association, nor a political
force amounting almost to a political party. It has been
each of those over its long history.
     So, yes, Masonry changes. It changes fairly frequently
and sometimes dramatically. Far from being a bastion of
conservative resistance to change, through most of its
history it has been a major agent of change -- fostering
revolutions in political life (the American revolution, for
example) and social life. It created the tax-supported,
public school system. It created homes for the elderly and
orphanages, and then worked for the sort of social
legislation to make those widespread. It sought economic
development for states and communities. Until the late 1940s
and 50s, it was one of the most potent forces for change in
America.
     Masonry is like Abe Lincoln's axe in another way. For,
although the handle and head had been replaced, that axe was
still the one used by Abe Lincoln in truth if not in fact.
The farmer used it to teach. He told children about it and
about Abe Lincoln. He helped make the past real to them, so
that they could learn the great values of honesty and hard
work which Lincoln typified.
     It's the same with Masonry. In spite of the many
changes that have already happened and the changes that are
bound to happen in the future it is still the same. It's
essence -- the lessons it teaches, the difference it makes
in the lives of men, that great moment of transformation
which is the goal of Masonry, when a man becomes something
new and better than he was when he came in the door as a
candidate -- that essence cannot and will not be lost, as
long as Brothers meet in the true Masonic spirit, to work
and learn and study and improve themselves and the world.
     That's Masonry. And, like Abe Lincoln's axe, it was
meant to be used, not to rust away in a museum case. That
use keeps it bright and sharp and Masonic, no matter how
often the handle and head need to be replaced.
      -- By Jim Tresner, Southern California Research Lodge
Fraternal Review.

************************************************************

THAT SINGLE FIRST STEP
     Twenty-five centuries ago Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu
said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single
step." In the more than 275 years since Freemasonry was
organized in London, England, millions of men around the
world have taken the single first step in the Masonic
journey.
     Nor long ago my son took his first single step into the
halls of Freemasonry. The opportunity to be at his side made
that step all the more rewarding and stimulating to me. To
guide and introduce him to the secrets of our ancient and
accepted Fraternity was wonderful. Only a father who has
been present as his son enters the domain of Masonry can
fully understand the feeling.
     I served as master of my Lodge before my second son was
born. His brother was less than a month old when I was
installed. During the fifty years that followed I remained
silent on the matter of their Masonic membership. As we are
taught, the decision would be entirely theirs. Now I wonder
whether my decision to remain silent was right.
     Less than a year ago, both my sons in concert decided
to take the first step into Masonry. Before my older son
could do so, he started on another journey from whose bourne
he would not return.
     I believe many men, well recommended and well
qualified, would ask for admission to the halls of
Freemasonry if they but knew the steps to take. But,
determined not to violate the unwritten law regarding
solicitation, we often fail to tell them how, even though
the ultimate decision would be entirely theirs.
     Today we are living in the Information Age. It may be
time for us to take our light from under a bushel and tell
men of goodwill how to take that first single step. The step
may be beneficial to them and to Freemasonry.
 -- Ralph Head, editor, California Freemason, Summer 1995.

************************************************************

I LEFT A BETTER MAN
     Editor's note: A couple of years ago a Mason in North
Carolina wrote us to get a gift subscription to the North
Carolina Mason for his nephew. The young man was in the
Navy, and a new California Mason. We get letters from him
from time to time.
     Greetings from the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63.
     On August 9, 1994 thirteen Masonic Brothers and myself
had the privilege of visiting Yokosuka Lodge 20 of the Grand
Lodge of Japan. I had only known of two of the Masons on
board ship and it was nice to meet so many more Brothers.
     We were met by the master of the lodge and the deputy
district inspector for the District of Yokosuka, Yokohama.
After Masonic examination, we relaxed until we were called
to be seated in the lodge room. We were to raise a Brother
to Master Mason that night. Little did I know that the
Brother was a man of color. For the first time in my Masonic
life I realized that a black man, a Brother to me, was to be
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in the presence
of God and the Brothers assembled.
     After the first section finished, the master called the
lodge from labor to refreshment. During the break each of us
went to congratulate the newly obligated Brother. We then
reentered the lodge and finished raising the Brother.
     As I watched the ritual, I thought about all the
lessons and teachings that I had learned about the
fraternity. I was reminded that Masonry has no color
barriers, because race cannot be held against a person.
Masonry looks at the internal and not the external
qualifications of a man. The Brother raised that night is a
Brother regardless of the color of his skin. I went to him
and hugged him, because that was my way of saying welcome.
     The night ended with the lodge master thanking each of
us for being there. He invited us back, to visit and to call
his lodge our home away from home.
     I left lodge that night a better Mason, a better
father, a better husband, and most important -- a better
person.
      -- By Alan B. Clemmons, San Diego 35, Point Loma 620.

************************************************************

MEMOS FROM THE MASON

     Just a reminder that, barring unusual circumstances, we
don't have room to publish raisings or 25-year awards. We do
try to run notices on awards for 50 or more years. We have
to hear from you though. Thanks for your help.

DEADLINE NEXT ISSUE
January/February NC Mason
December 1

E-MAIL ADDRESSES:
NC Mason     ricc@abaco.coastalnet.com
Grand Lodge     74131.3355@compuserve.com

************************************************************
************************************************************

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
The North Carolina Mason and our friends at the Printing
Department of The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford wish
you and your family the best in the upcoming season. We hope
each of you can help make someone else's holiday season
bountiful and peaceful. Enjoy and care.

************************************************************
************************************************************