electronicNCMason January/February 1996 -- vol. 4 no. 1 The stripped-down, online version of the real thing The North Carolina Mason, Volume 121 No. 1 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@abaco.coastalnet.com or 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. 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. ************************************************************ ************************************************************ SCRIVENER LODGE SOFTWARE FINALLY RELEASED It's here! It's here! Scrivener has finally arrived! North Carolina lodges can now keep up with lodge information, print standard forms, print mailing labels, and generate reports from a single computer program. Scrivener, The Scribe's Assistant, is a lodge management tool devised especially for North Carolina's Masonic Lodges. Scrivener Version 3.1 is designed to operate on an IBM compatible computer running Microsoft Windows Version 3.1. You'll need at least eight megabytes of free hard disk space and eight megabytes of RAM (random access memory). A 3.5-inch floppy disk drive is necessary for installation. A Windows-supported printer is required for printing reports. A laser printer is recommended. It will apparently (though not officially) also run on a Power Macintosh Computer operating Insignia Solutions' SoftWindows Version 2.0 or later. Version 3.1 is a fully operative edition. Over time, the software will be improved, polished, and expanded. If you have been using a beta test version or the older DOS version of the program, you will find updating instructions that will allow you to save prior data to the new version. Scrivener is available from the Grand Lodge only. It costs $200. It won't take many reports or annual returns to make the price seem low. It ships in a protective storage box containing four high density floppy disks and a comprehensive manual. Contact the Grand Lodge offices for further details. ************************************************************ WINTER SEMINARS SCHEDULED BY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT After a year off, the Winter Seminars are returning in January and February. They aim to improve our lodges and our Masons by providing Masonic education around the state. The programs are planned and presented annually by the Grand Lodge Research and Development Committee. The 1994 edition was cancelled to allow lengthy discussions on the revision of The Code. You can attend any of 16 locations on any of four Saturday mornings this winter. Catch more than one if you can. You'll even be able to customize your program. Two topics will be offered during each session. You choose the one most important to you. Here's the schedule for the meetings: 8:30--8:50 Coffee and conversation 9:00--9:20 General Session 9:30--10:15 First Session 10:30--11:15 Second Session 11:30--noon Grand Lodge Presentation The topics for the first session will be "Lodge Protocol" and "Dysfunctional Lodges." "Lodge Protocol" will teach you about many of those necessary skills for smooth lodge operations. Many of them are the ones no one taught you when you came into the lodge. You may also learn a few new approaches to some old jobs. How should you handle petitions or being on an investigating committee? What is our position with the candidate's family? How can we make sure that the induction and education of a new member produces an active member of our lodge? How should a meeting be organized? Can my lodge remain important in a changing world? You'll get suggestions for putting your lodge on a more positive path. If you're worried about the health of your lodge, "Dysfunctional Lodges" may be just the session for you. It will deal with ritual work, membership retention, consolidation, and activities. Even if your lodge is moving along well, it probably has some areas that could stand improvement. You may find just the answer you're looking for in this session. In the second session you may choose "Masonic Education and Research" or "Finances and the Budget." "Finances and Budget" will teach you the basics of setting up a reliable, effective budget for your lodge. The Code requires lodges to have a budget each year, but some let it slide by. Now's a good time to get on the path to financial safety for your lodge. There's no better place to get specialized help than this forum. They'll also deal with fund raising. "Masonic Education and Research" will teach you about resources for promoting Masonic education in your home lodge. You'll learn how to access the Masonic Service Association and the R&D Committee's upcoming Speakers Bureau. You'll also learn more about Masonic youth groups. After the second session you'll get an introduction to the resolutions and Code changes to be considered at Annual Communication in April. You'll be able to ask questions and discuss the ramifications of each vote. District officers may ask some lodges to attend specific sessions. We suggest that you send lodge members to all four presentations. It's a great educational opportunity you can share with each other afterward. You should get done in time to go grab lunch before the ACC basketball game of the day or that next item on the "Honey Do" list at home. Hope to see you there. The Research and Development Committee began as a vision of the late Past Grand Master Eddie P. Stiles. Stiles was able to see that all lodges in this state, at one time or another, need help and guidance when it comes to knowledge and long range vision. He chartered the committee for the purpose of creating and presenting thought provoking educational programs, that range from making a lodge budget to discussing controversial subjects. This committee is also putting the final touches on the first ever statewide Masonic Speakers Bureau. Its debut is scheduled for the 1996 Grand Lodge Annual Communication. SEMINAR SCHEDULE January 27 Charlotte Scottish Rite Temple/Friendship 700 Franklin Junaluskee 145 Albemarle Stanly 348 Spruce Pine Vesper 554 Winston-Salem Masonic Temple February 3 Asheville Mt. Harmon l18 Wilmington Wilmington 319 Edenton Unanimity 7 Rocky Mount Corinthian 230 February 10 Forest City Forest City 381 Durham Eno 210 Hickory Hickory 343 New Bern Scottish Rite Temple/Doric 568 February 17 Fayetteville Masonic Temple/John H. Anderson 731 North Wilksboro North Wilksboro 407 Goldsboro Wayne 112 ************************************************************ WORKING TOOLS GOT TRAVELING MEN New Bern -- Elmer Burroughs works wood and travels. He's a skilled wood worker. He takes the term traveling man to the next degree in collecting friends around the country. He binds the two together with Freemasonry. Elmer came back to North Carolina in 1968 when he retired from the military. He found just the thing to occupy his time in helping Nelson Banks and Sudan Temple with the Crippled Children's program. He has also been active in New Bern's Doric 568. He served as their master in 1977. Eventually heart problems (and five bypasses) made him stop the frequent drives to the Shrine Hospital in South Carolina. Woodworking in the shop behind his home expanded to fill his time. "My doctor says it's great," says Burroughs, "keep it up." Masons around the country now know Elmer by his handiwork. His beautifully crafted wooden Masonic working tools grace many lodges. During an interview in his wood shop on a cold December afternoon Elmer said, "The first thing I made in here was a cradle. Then I started making working tools. That was about 1976 or 1977. I think Jimmy Brewer got the first set and then Conover 709, I'm not for sure, but they were the first two sets I made." How many sets of working tools has he made? "These two sets I'm working on here will make 61, I think. I don't even know where all of them are to tell you the truth," Burroughs said. He's also given a number of gavels to friends and lodges. The current design came along in about 1980. The first couple of sets were smaller than those he makes now. But he didn't want to make a just show piece. "You want them big enough so the lodges can use them," he says. After using several woods (teak was hard to get and not durable enough, while rosewood "works like iron"), Burroughs currently uses tulip wood from Brazil and inlays it with rosewood. The imported woods are expensive, so planning is important. "You have to figure every angle so you can get another piece out of it. It takes about a five foot board to make a set. It's gotta be all laid out before you start that saw." "The sanding is the biggest thing," Elmer says, "You can cut out the rough, but by the time you inlay it and all -- it gets pretty rough after a while." After the finish is smoothed, comes the varnish. "As a rule, I put 12 coats of polyurethane on them." The compasses were a challenge. Several people told him he couldn't make an operating pair. The ones he makes now work just fine. "I've got it now to where I can work two sets at a time. It takes me about 100 hours to make a set. That's the box and everything. The closest I can figure, when I get through with them, I've got $183 in them. That doesn't count any time. But I love every minute of it. The fact that the lodges appreciate them means more than anything else." An early set went to Lonnie Irvin Daylight 1309 in San Antonio, Texas. Elmer presented them to the lodge in honor of Bob Sawyer, the man who secured a Masonic petition for him in 1958. "I go out to Texas every year. I wasn't going to go but that one time, but they were so nice, I keep going back." Elmer guesses that he has about ten sets in Texas. He gets a few friends together every summer to take in a bunch of San Antonio lodge officer installations. "About four of us go. We usually get there on Thursday afternoon. Our feet don't stop moving from the time we get there until the time we leave on Monday morning. They keep us busy. I think there're 26 lodges in San Antonio and we've been to about all of them. "When you go it's like you've known everybody there all of your life. That's what Masonry's all about. You can really feel the Brotherly love when you go in a lodge there. We went to five installations the last time we were out there." He's presented his art in South Carolina in honor of friend, to his first lodge in Arizona (on the 30th anniversary of his raising), and in New York as a Fraternal thank you for the return of a historical artifact to New Bern. Another set is in the North Carolina Prince Hall Lodge of a friend. His most recent set was presented to Ionic 583 in Cove City, North Carolina in honor of Guy Warmack Jr. Burroughs is an honorary member in (at last count) 13 lodges around the country. Conover 709 is the furthest from home in North Carolina. He's also an honorary in Charles Haynes 627, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and an endowed member of Lonnie Irvin Daylight in Texas. Elmer has sold a couple of sets, but doesn't plan to do it again. "I don't want to get into the position of somebody saying I've got to get it out. These I work on at my leisure. When you get on that lathe, you've got to feel like it or you'll mess up. And believe me, I've messed up a lot of wood on that lathe. I'd rather give it to a lodge in honor of a friend than sell it to them. I don't think you should make money off Masonry. "I spend most of my time out here in the shop in the day time, and I'm mostly somewhere at lodge at night. Masonry has been wonderful to me and it's just time to pay it back a bit. I've received more from the Masonic Lodge than I've given to it. And my wife says it keeps me out of trouble, too." He's happy, his wife is happy, and his doctor is happy. Can a man be any closer to perfect satisfaction? ************************************************************ DISPATCHING A FEW MYTHS BY ALLEN E. ROBERTS Editor's note: A couple of issue's back, the editor officially announced himself a poor historian. He offered further evidence in the last issue of the North Carolina Mason by publishing "Masons Weren't Always Politically Quiet," an article picked up from another publication. It seems that we were taken in. Among the letters we got correcting the article was one from internationally respected Masonic author Allen Roberts, to whose historical authority we happily defer. Roberts has fought Masonic myth for years. He sent along the following article which appeared in The Northern Light publication of the Scottish Rite's Northern Jurisdiction. Myths and outright falsehood are continually spread concerning Freemasonry. This is an attempt to set and keep the history of the Craft straight. Throughout the centuries Freemasonry has taught its valuable lessons through allegory and symbols. The man from Galilee used parables extensively and well. Many historians and better speakers constantly employ anecdotes to illustrate the points they want to make. These methods emphasize the search for truth in an interesting and factual manner. Myths on the other hand, can be innocent or dangerous. They can be outright lies or the perpetuation of distortions handed down through the generations. Many of these were invented by Masonic writers and speakers to enhance the image of Freemasonry. Some of these corruptions have caused the Craft problems with creditable historians because they were outrageously wrong. At least one of these items concerns the Masonic membership of the founders of the United States. It is recirculated constantly in usually reliable Masonic periodicals [Blush, blush. Ed.]. It not only should be, it must be destroyed. In recent years other items have been circulated. These claim the Constitution of the United States comes from Anderson's Masonic Constitutions compiled in 1723. A play called The Truth is based on this. Many of the characters called Masons never received a Masonic degree. It's the stuff on which the critics of Freemasonry feed. What follows is the truth insofar as I have been able to find it. The facts herein come from reliable Masonic researchers, and include two late Fellows of The Philalethes Society, James R. Case and Ronald E. Heaton. They spent a lifetime researching the Masonic connections in the beginnings of the United States. Freemasonry, actually, requires no exaggeration to magnify its greatness. The simple truth is all that is needed to tell its story. This is the reason for this column; to attempt to destroy the myths that have been prevalent, often for centuries, by telling the truth. Here's what actually occurred, Masonically, during the period the spurious item covers. Myth: Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry were Freemasons. Fact: Neither Thomas Jefferson nor Patrick Henry was a member of the Craft. An exhaustive search of Masonic records in Virginia, and elsewhere, offers no evidence whatsoever to make them Freemasons. Jefferson participated in the cornerstone laying of his University at Charlottesville, which was done Masonically. He praised Freemasonry but his own words proved he had never been a member of the Craft. Myth: All of George Washington's generals during the War for American Independence were Masons. Fact: Thirty-three of the generals serving under Washington were members of the Craft -- a long way from "all." Myth: Washington insisted that the Marquis de Lafayette be made a Mason before he would promote him to general. The same claim has been made about the Baron von Steuben. Fact: Both Lafayette and von Steuben were Freemasons before they arrived to help fight the British. This was true of Lafayette even though he wasn't 21 years of age when he arrived in America. It's highly likely that Washington never did know they were Masons. The stories of both of these men are highly interesting, but space prohibits the telling of them here. Myth: The governors of the thirteen original colonies when Washington was inaugurated President of the United States were Freemasons. Fact: From Lexington until the inauguration thirty different men served as governors. Of these ten were Freemasons. That's one-third! Wouldn't it be wonderful for the country if we could claim the same percentage today? Myth: The Boston Tea Party was organized in St. Andrew's Lodge in Boston and its members participated in tossing the tea into Boston Harbor. Fact: So well has the secrecy surrounding the Boston Tea Party been kept that to this day not a single participant can be truthfully named! It's true that St. Andrew's Lodge didn't meet on the night of the "party." This proves nothing. The "T" that has been claimed is part of the minutes of the Lodge is actually an indistinguishable scroll. By no stretch of the imagination can it be called a "T" or any other letter. Myth: All, or almost all, signers of the Articles of Confederation, signers of the Declaration of Independence, and signers of the Constitution were Freemasons. Fact: Ten of the signers of the Articles, nine signers of the Declaration, and thirteen signers of the Constitution -- and only this number -- were, or would become, Freemasons. Even so, this is an excellent percentage of the participants. It should be noted that Edmund Randolph, governor and Grand Master of Virginia, although an important participant in the Constitutional Convention, didn't sign the document. He did, however, fight for its ratification. It should also be noted that four Presidents of the Continental Congresses were Freemasons: Peyton Randolph of Virginia, John Hancock of Massachusetts, Henry Laurens of South Carolina, and Arthur St. Clair of Pennsylvania. (For further study see Masonic Membership of the Founding Fathers, The Masonic Service Association.) George Washington has been the source of many Masonic myths and exaggerations for more than two centuries. This is unfortunate. Of all the Freemasons we can eulogize he requires no embellishment. From his childhood to his death his extraordinary wisdom, industry and patriotism predominated. Myth: Washington was Grand Master in Virginia. Fact: Washington never was a grand master. At the instigation of American Union Lodge he was suggested for the office of Grand Master of a National Grand Lodge -- a non-existent body. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and some others agreed, but too many others disagreed with the concept of a national grand lodge. Washington was appointed master of Alexandria 22 in Virginia by Grand Master Edmund Randolph when that Pennsylvania Lodge (No. 39) requested a charter from the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The new charter was dated April 28, 1788. In December of the same year he was elected master, but there is no record of his installation into this office, nor is there any record of him actually presiding over this or any Lodge. Myth: Washington acted as Grand Master when the cornerstone of the Federal Capitol was laid on September 18,1793. Fact: It was the Grand Lodge of Maryland that was called on to lay the cornerstone. Alexandria Lodge, of which Washington was a past master, held a place of honor. It was Joseph Clark, the junior grand warden of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, who acted as grand master, pro tem. Clark placed the President between himself and the master of Alexandria Lodge. A newspaper article reporting the event mentioned Clark as the grand master, pro tem on several occasions. So did the Maryland historian in 1885. Washington didn't act as grand master, but without question he was the most honored and influential Freemason participating in the event. Myth: George Washington never was interested in Freemasonry. He rarely, if ever, attended Lodge meetings. Fact: To keep the record straight, there is much evidence of his respect and even love for Freemasonry. True, he seldom attended Masonic meetings. This is understandable when it is realized that from the day he was made a Master Mason until shortly before his death he worked for his country. Did he love and respect the Craft? The ultimate proof -- he was buried with Masonic rites! And this even before the Congress knew of his death. (For further study of George Washington and a complete account of his Masonic activities see George Washington: Master Mason, Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Co., Richmond, VA.) Myth: There are many aprons owned or worn by George Washington floating around. Fact: The only documented apron owned by Washington was one presented by the firm of Watson and Cassoul. It had been made by nuns at Nantes. It was the only apron listed in Washington's inventory that was released after his death. The "Lafayette" apron, purportedly made by the wife of the Marquis, may be a fact as many authorities claim (and I was one who did so claim in G. Washington). Myth: George Washington renounced Freemasonry. Fact: In 1837, at state expense, Joseph Ritner, Governor of Pennsylvania, endeavored to "save" the reputation of the first President. He had published a tract "proving" Washington had never participated in Masonic events. Earlier the Blanchards, father and son and heads of a so-called "Christian" anti-Masonic organization, were among the first "Christians" to "prove" Washington wasn't a Freemason. Much of the anti-Masonic diatribe they promulgated has been carried to the present day by crusading "saints" against "secret" societies. On the contrary he remained a member of the Craft from the moment he was initiated into the lodge (No. 4) at Fredericksburg, Virginia until the day he died. And then his wife, Martha, asked the Freemasons of Alexandria, Virginia, to hold and conduct his funeral. ************************************************************ ************************************************************ RAMBLIN' ROSE BY JOHN ROSE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE MASONIC AND EASTERN STAR HOME WE'RE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE I have no idea who was responsible. Although I was really inconvenienced, I won't call names lest I embarrass an entire institution. Not too long ago -- and before the arrival of ATMs -- if I needed cash after the bank closed, I could always count on the local grocery store. Today, many of us have the luxury of driving to the local ATM and withdrawing cash at any hour of the day. On Thanksgiving eve, with banks closed the next day, I drove to my bank to use the ATM. It was 7:00 p.m. and the driveway leading to the ATM was being repaved. There was no traffic control and no one giving directions to an alternative entry -- no leadership at all. Probably 15 cars, whose owners suffer the same over-reliance on the ATM, were blocking a major roadway as they tried to get into the bank lot. One driver tried another way in and the others followed. Fifteen drivers, looking like so many Keystone Kops, found themselves all trying to make the same U-turn on one small cul-de-sac. It was horrid! Some of us honked, others shouted, some laughed, and others cursed. Why would a major institution plan to have the only access to their ATM repaved on Thanksgiving eve, one of their busiest nights of the year? Who among their brilliant analytical minds was so foolish? Is that the same person who does financial planning with what little money I have in their bank? As an Administrator, I was intrigued with the planning failure. During the 20 minutes we jockeyed for position, I considered the subject of planning and perception. I now perceived my bank to be run by idiots who not only failed to consider the problem but also exposed their institution to increased civil liability and the ridicule of its patrons. My mind wandered to the planning opportunities we, as Masons, have before us. Our Home is tangible evidence of our obligation to relieve a distressed worthy brother and his wife or widow. Through your Masonic and Eastern Star Home, we have met that obligation since 1912. Thousands have lived here happily and thousands more will come. We have long been considering plans for the future. Unlike the bank I described, we are not restricting access to our Home. As well, we have leadership among our Board of Directors. We have direction in the form of a Long Range Plan. Throughout the year the Grand Master has personally brought to the attention of the constituent lodges the need for a new skilled nursing facility and an improved assisted living program. We know that our existing Care Center is old and nearly obsolete. We now know that it will take as much as $3.8 million to renovate the existing center into a modern nursing home. Because it is three stories, it would remain inefficient after the improvements. We need a one story facility with 60 beds per nursing station. Today we must operate three nursing stations where two would suffice in a modern facility. This is a waste of some $170,000 every year. Our rooms are also too small and uncomfortable. In a new building we could access our resident's entitlement to Medicare. This would result in additional revenues estimated to be as much as $200,000 per year. We are carefully looking at the number of independent living cottages needed on our campus. We have some 30,000 Masonic families over the age of 65. A marketing and feasibility study is in process. It will tell us how many brethren and their wives or widows as well as Eastern Star members will need independent living at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home. An additional 50 cottages should bring annual revenues of $300,000 per year. These funds would be reserved for future care which includes skilled nursing and assisted living services. As of this writing, the Home has $2.5 million in unrestricted General Funds. The remainder of its funds are restricted for future costs relating to current residents, resident's trusts, and specific capital projects. The 1996 annual operating budget will be nearly $4.7 million and there is a projected $640,000 deficiency. The unrestricted General Fund will support such a deficiency for only three years. The good news is that your Board projects the deficiency and debt service costs will be met through a combined plan. The plan calls for building a new and efficient skilled nursing center, better use of our resident's Medicare entitlement benefits, potential revenue through an assisted living program and additional independent living cottages, and last but certainly not least, an appropriate emphasis on philanthropy and legacies. Your Home will not be like the bank we earlier discussed. We will not restrict access to our Home. We will -- and do -- have leadership. We are not blindly trying alternative avenues. We will not expose ourselves to civil liability nor to the perception that we have not planned. We can implement the plan within the three-year funding window of our unrestricted General Fund only with the support of your Lodges and Eastern Star Chapters in North Carolina. With your support, your Home will embrace the 21st century as an efficient and effective organization. We have a proud heritage and a promising future. ************************************************************ UNDER THE OAKS BY DAVID GRISSOM ADMINISTRATOR OF THE MASONIC HOME FOR CHILDREN HAVE WE SEEN GOD LATELY? Norman Vincent Peale writes in his "One Nation Under God" about the dollar and the message it carries. Like so many other everyday things, even our money bears witness to the fact that ours is a God-founded nation, and it also emphasizes that, as a nation, we rely upon divine providence. On the dollar bill is a pyramid which represents the building of our country. The fact that it is unfinished emphasizes that our nation is not yet completed. Directly above the pyramid is the eye of God. This stresses the importance of putting spiritual welfare above material prosperity. Our founding fathers firmly believed that our strength was rooted in God and that our progress must always be under the watchful eye of providence. Another important symbol is contained in the words "ANNUIT COEPITS" in a semicircle at the top of the seal. Referring to the Almighty, they mean "He has smiled on our undertakings." Three more Latin words appear directly under the pyramid, meaning "A new order of the ages." That statement suggests that our nation, under God, is introducing a new age in the life and freedom of mankind. Just as Brother Peale describes parts of the dollar, as Masons we know that the World's oldest Fraternity recognizes the all-seeing eye of God in all our work. We open and close our Masonic Lodges on the Holy Bible and with prayer. We realize that all of our deliberations must be guided by God. We are, of course, open to men of all faiths who have a belief in God and whko work for the betterment of all mankind. As our wonderful places of worship enhance our spiritual values, Masonry urges us to use the working tools of our Craft to enhance the freedom, patriotism, and moral fiber that is available to us. Just as you, I am deeply concerned about the lack of respect, trust, and confidence that runs throughout out society. It should disturb us all that this influence affects our young people. At our Masonic Home for Children, we still believe in saying, "Thank you," "May I help you," "Yes, Sir," "No, Sir," "Yes, Mam," and "No, Mam." On a recent choir trip to Taylorsville several members of the local lodge called the Home to praise our children for being polite and courteous during their overnight visits in various homes. Happily, we hear these comments regularly from wherever our children visit around the state. We expect this of our children. Good behavior and politeness are among the fundamentals taught to our children. While they are in our care, every child on your campus is important and our staff will continue to strive to help each young person meet his or her potential. We appreciate your continued assistance and guidance. Brethren, we are at a turning point in our society. It is time for us to be leaders. It is time to be proud of the obligations and commitments which made us Masons. It is time for our communities to see that Masonry is vital and that it will make a difference. Our forefathers shaped and molded the great country we enjoy today. Masonry has a similarly proud heritage. Our future depends on upholding our traditions. When was the last time you said, "I am proud to be a Mason," or, "I am glad our Fraternity supports a Masonic Home for deserving children and a Masonic and Eastern Star Home for elderly Brothers and Sisters?" We can no longer sit back and let someone else promote Masonry or our charities. That duty rests in the hands of each of us. The next time you hold a dollar bill in your hand, with the all-seeing eye looking up from between our fingers, be reminded that God is watching us. Can God be pleased with what He is seeing in us? As we begin our new year together, this can be a positive, attainable goal. Your decision can help Masonry flourish. May God guide and bless you now and always. ************************************************************ SOME BIRTHDAYS FROM THE MASONIC HOME FOR CHILDREN February 2, 1980 John Thomas Banks February 8, 1984 Christopher Michael Williams February 9, 1985 Heather Lane Cole February 10, 1987 Matthew Tyler Cole February 12, 1988 Jessica Marca Quick February 14, 1987 Anna Made Barraza February 23, 1980 Emily Jo Yow February 24, 1983 James Winford Adkins III February 28, 1983 Luther Craig Dunn March 3, 1977 Heather Michelle Williams March 3, 1977 Earl Ross Wilson March 13, 1990 Joseph Edward Poplawski March 13, 1981 Mark Anthony Evangelist March 27, 1980 Shaunna Rae Molt ************************************************************ FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA MASONIC FOUNDATION BY JIM MEDLIN DIRECTOR OUR PATH TO THE 21ST CENTURY Here we are again. A new year is before us. In many respects, it is a new beginning! We have enjoyed a very good year in 1995. Gifts are up in nearly all categories. I will give a more complete analysis of all gifts and contributions in the next issue of the NC Mason. In Development Programs and Activities we are working on three major features of a five year plan: 1. Increasing the annual average gift per Master Mason. 2. Increasing legacy gifts to our North Carolina charities -- The NC Masonic Foundation, The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, and the Masonic and Eastern Star Home in Greensboro. 3. Establishing a Development Committee through the state. As 1996 advances you will see Development programs designed to assist in improving our charities. First, the Grand Master Cliff Everett Jr. has approved a lodge program of recognition. The Grand Master's Five Star Program is an approach designed to recognize and acknowledge the charity efforts of individual lodges. This program will run for five years, from 1996 through the year 2000 -- moving the Masons of North Carolina into the 21st century! Each lodge qualifies with their contributions to our North Carolina charities and their participation in Masonic fund raisers. More information about these programs will be sent to lodge secretaries at a later time. Along with The Grand Master's Five Star Program I will be instituting a training program for the lodges. In the latter part of February, I will roll out a schedule designed to train the lodge chairmen of The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford and the Masonic and Eastern Star Home Committees. This instruction will consist of training the lodges in the "Blue Book" published in October 1994. All charity committee chairmen and members, masters, and interested members will be urged to come to training sessions. These sessions will offer details, text book, and tools to increase lodge contributions to our charities. Printed literature and brochures will be needed to accomplish this effort. Each charity will have its own literature and the development office will have a pamphlet that includes all charities together. What is more important, a guide will be designed to help contributors better understand planned gifts and how they can make a gift to one of our Masonic charities. Finally, we are in the process of establishing a Development Committee, consisting of 32 men in 65 districts. Their goal will be to educate lodge charity committees and the general membership. They will provide programs on all three charities. They will help keep the membership informed and motivated about current events at the Homes and Foundation. We must convey information in a positive and relevant way through Masonic Education events in the lodges. These efforts aim to increase our annual giving to the point that our charities don't need any outside sources to operate. It also aims to increase and protect legacy gifts. The plan will secure our future and maintain the traditions of our past. ************************************************************ ************************************************************ MARINE CORPS AWARD NAMED FOR TAR HEEL MASON Grantsboro -- Kenneth Southcomb, past master of St. John's 3 in New Bern, got a seldom in a lifetime honor in 1995. The United States Marine Corps named an award in his honor for his "significant contributions to Marine Aviation." Southcomb retired from the Marine Corps in 1971. He retired as a master gunnery sergeant after serving in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. His specialty was aviation supply. He served as supply instructor and inspected all aviation supply units. During his career, he got the Navy Commendation Award and the Bronze Star. The award for Marine Corps Aviation Association Supply Marine of the Year will henceforth be known as the Southcomb Award. The first presentation of the Southcomb Award was made in September 1995. -- Gerald W. Ringler. ************************************************************ PHILYAW FAMILY DOES ITS PART Trenton -- Zion 81 wants everyone to know about the Philyaws. They've supplied three generations of masters for the lodge. Eugene Allen Philyaw, father, was master in 1973; Anthony Allen Philyaw, son, master 1990; and Louis David Philyaw, grandfather and master in 1979. Teach your children well. ************************************************************ Plymouth -- Weyerhaeuser Company recently donated a ton (literally) of paper to Belhaven 509 for the use of the Printing Department at the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford. Estes Freight Line of Wilson chipped in by delivering the paper to Oxford for free. ************************************************************ TRAVELERS OF THE TAR HEEL STATE NEWS FROM NORTH CAROLINA LODGES SNEAD'S FERRY When Carroll Chapel Methodist Church was destroyed by fire, Stump Sound 733 came to the aid of their neighbors. They offered their facilities to the congregation. The church has used the lodge for meetings of the choir and other groups. -- Louis Smith, DDGM. With some help from the Stump Sound Chapter of Eastern Star, the lodge has put up vinyl siding on the lodge. There's also a new hood in place over the ranges in the kitchen. -- Bulletin of Stump Sound Lodge. WILLIAMSTON Bennett P. Heath has been elected to life membership by Skewarkee 90 for "his many years of dedication." -- Gerald Wilson, master. SPENCER The widows of Spencer 543 got fruit baskets from the lodge a week before Christmas. -- Spencer #543. HOLLY SPRINGS An oyster supper attracted 21 men to Holly Springs 115 in November. The friends and several potential members saw Freemasonry, A Fraternity for Life, the Grand Lodge video after supper. -- Bob Dixon, acting secretary. COVE CITY Ionic 583 delivered fruit baskets to all its local widows before Christmas. Those far from home got cards from the lodge. KING There's a vicious rumor that older folks don't need as much sleep as the coming generation. Evidence of this spreading inaccuracy is the recent Past Masters' Breakfast at King 722. Although we've heard no complaints from elsewhere, this past master prefers to stay in the Saturday morning sack past a 7:30 a.m. lodge opening. Of course, a three-year-old and a seven-year-old running loose may dictate otherwise. Joking aside, a Saturday morning degree may offer just the alternative some Brothers need. Consider one. The Care Center Fund at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home is $1,000 richer thanks to a Poor Man's Supper at King Lodge. -- King Lodge News. DENVER They waste no time getting the new officers in their chairs at Denver 757. Elected on Tuesday night -- installed on Saturday afternoon. The heavy hors d'oeuvres served after the installation should help settle those nervous stomachs. -- The Trestleboard. CATAWBA Reports are that Riverside 606 has challenged the other lodges in the 53rd District in an informal golf tournament. Participants were "on the square" not to stretch the truth when reporting handicaps. -- The Trestleboard. BESSEMER CITY Whetstone 515 members Hal Lovelace and Ron Moss played reverse trick-or-treat when they delivered 116 pounds of candy to the kids at Oxford for Halloween. Lodges in the 54th and 55th Masonic Districts made a joint project of getting Christmas gifts for the kids at the Masonic Home for Children. -- The Whetstone. ASHEVILLE West Asheville 665 has appointed a committee to rewrite their bylaws. A dress code to "maintain the decorum becoming a Masonic lodge" is also being considered. -- More Light. PINEVILLE James K. Polk 759 is participating in a food pantry program during the holiday season. Members bring a can or box of nonperishable food to every meeting they attend. The food will be distributed during the holidays. -- The James K. Polk Messenger. EDENTON Masons from 10 different lodges were on hand for Lake Drummond, Virginia 178's annual visit to Unanimity 7. The Virginia Masons exemplified the second section of the Third Degree for the Tar Heels on hand. One of the visitors was 19 years old. In Virginia the son or grandson of a Mason may join the Craft at age 18. -- The Trestle Board. SOUTH MILLS The First Masonic District enjoys attendance competitions at its quarterly district meetings. A trophy goes to the lodge bringing the best percentage of its membership. A total of 212 Masons were at the last meeting. New Lebanon 314 took the trophy by bringing 63% of their members. Hall 53 placed second with 43 percent. That's participation! -- The Trestle Board. MANTEO At the November Past Masters' Night of Manteo 521 Carlton Smith, Ken Doughty, and Arnold Tolson got their awards for 50 years Masonic membership. -- More Light. JACKSONVILLE Semper Fidelis 680 raised $2,300 for Masonic charities at the lodge's annual barbecue fund raiser. -- Semper Fidelis Lodge. WALLACE Inflation may have slowed drastically over the last several years, but it hasn't stopped. If our rolls don't grow and our costs do, increasing dues is the only course to maintain lodge facilities. That's why Wallace 595 has voted to raise dues from $40 to $50. Wallace Masons Lloyd J. Boone, John A. Moore, Irvin E. Rackley, and Ben T. Watson Jr. all claimed their Veterans' Awards in December. -- Bulletin of Wallace Lodge. MATTHEWS After closing out their fund raising activities at the Matthews Alive Festival with $2,400 for our charities, Matthews 461 was back at it in November. That's the date for their annual rib barbecue. -- Matthews Masonic Lodge. WILKESBORO Arlon Triplett and Charlie Bumgarner, of Liberty 45, were scheduled for 60-year Masonic awards toward the end of the year. Hadley Phillips was to get his 50-year recognition. Mount Pleasant 573's Charlie Profitt and Greene Sheperd got their Veteran's Awards at the lodge's Widows' Night in October. -- Liberty at Large. DENTON If you like golf shirts and Masonry, you need to get in touch with Denton 404. They're selling a golf shirt with the lodge name embroidered on it. Shirts come in any of seven different colors and cost from $17 to $20 depending on what degree of extra large you need. Profits go to Masonic charities. -- Denton Lodge. MEBANE Bingham 272 recently presented Lee Stanfield his Veteran's Award for 50 years membership. -- Bingham's News and Views. GIBSONVILLE We've yet to get an answer to this question. When Tabasco 271 cooks shoulders for their October fund raiser, is Tabasco sauce an important ingredient? -- Bingham's News and Views. STATESVILLE Lew Ledford got things moving on replacing the windows at the Masonic Temple in Statesville. Modern windows are expected to improve the looks of the building, open and close more easily, and save on heating and air conditioning bills. Statesville 27 and Mt. Moriah 690 teamed up to hold a pancake supper in November. Proceeds from the event were bound for Masonic charities. -- The Trestleboard. HICKORY The fellows at Hickory 343 took up a collection in September to buy fishing tackle for kids at the Masonic Home for Children. September 30 was the day for their usual fishing trip with the Home residents. -- Hickory Lodge. TAYLORSVILLE The choir of the Masonic Home for Children performed in Taylorsville in October. They spent the night in the homes of members of Lee 253. -- Hickory Lodge. MORGANTON Catawba Valley 217's Third Degree team traveled over to Cookville 502 to put on the second section of the degree. They should have gotten time-and-a-half for overtime for the job they did in raising four new Masons that night. Catawba Valley has a new televison/video tape recorder thanks to a donation of Master Samuel Buckner, Senior Warden William Chapman, and Junior Warden Lee Bristol. Oval Jaynes is the sixth member of 217 to be elected to life membership. The membership was presented in September. -- The Trowel. KENANSVILLE Less than perfect weather didn't keep St. John's 13 from attracting the largest crowd in several years to their Family Picnic. They hold the event at Maxwell's Mill. -- Lodge Log. OLD FORT Joppa 401 is thinking about lowering noise in the lodge by installing central air conditioning in place of the window units they're currently using. -- Joppa Lodge. CORNELIUS How do you maximize the turnout for a fund raiser? One solution is to pick a date when lots of folks are already out and around. Williams 176 holds their barbecue fund raiser on the day of the Davidson/Cornelius Christmas Parade. Proceeds go to Masonic charities. -- F. Wayne Martin, secretary. MIDLAND Union 618 presented F.D. Helms his Veterans' Award in November. He served as master of the lodge in 1950. -- Union Lodge. PRINCETON St. Patrick's 617 delivered poinsettias to their widows for Christmas. -- The Shamrock. WASHINGTON Orr 104 and Washington 675 are cooperating in collecting aluminum cans for the local Blind Center. Two members collect and sell the cans, then forward the money to the center which serves all Beaufort County. Washington 675 celebrated its 50th anniversary in November. They roasted a pig out back and threw a few chickens on the grill for those who worried about diets. John Rose, administrator of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home, was the speaker. -- Light From the East. WILMINGTON St. John's 1 raised four Master Masons at their Past Masters' Night in October. Among them was a new member for Connetquot 838 in Sayville, New York. At last count, they'd initiated 11 in 1995. Santa was scheduled to visit St. John's for their Christmas party. He handed out gifts to the kids. Clowns, magicians, and refreshments were also featured at the joint lodge-Eastern Star party. Recent 50-year awards at St. John's went to Lawton H. Halterman, Robert L. Helms, Virgil T. Milam, Robert G. Redmayne, Donald L. Sewell, William K. Stewart Jr., and Gordon K. Tilden. -- The Trestleboard. SALISBURY Fulton 99 had a couple of holiday projects. They adopted a needy family for the season and collected canned goods, cash, and gifts for them. They also took a shift manning the Salvation Army kettle at a local discount store. Fulton is considering changing their meeting night from Friday to Monday. Don't forget all those Monday holidays, gents. -- The Trestle-Board. Andrew Jackson 576 recently gave Ervin Poole his 50-year pin. -- The Master's Journal. RALEIGH District Deputy Grand Lecturer Joe Saunders has put a traveling gavel into circulation in the 25th District. The gavel will go to the lodge with the best attendance at each school of instruction. -- The Trowel. Bragging rights at the 25th Masonic District Golf Tournament go to winning lodge Millbrook 97. The tournament was played at Wendell Country Club in September. The tournament generated more than $2,100 for the Masonic homes. Millbrook 97 scheduled their fall barbecue for early November. The spring edition made more than $3,200 for Masonic charities. Leo Spaanbroek recently got a plaque thanking him for his years of "outstanding service as secretary" of Millbrook 97. Several past masters rose to talk about the help Spaanbroek gave them during their year in the East. -- Millbrook Messenger. Building bookshelves was at the top of the list for a fall workday scheduled at James B. Green 735. They have several boxes of books waiting for a place to live. Seventy attended the 30th Anniversary Celebration and Dinner at 735. Several charter members were on hand. -- JBG Bulletin. GOLDSBORO Busco Beach, a retired sand pit turned swimming hole, was once again the site of Goldsboro's outdoor degree in October. If you haven't been, put it on your schedule for the first Friday night in October. Nothing but stars overhead and a backdrop of more stars reflected in the still lake make it a beautiful sight indeed. Goldsboro 634 has improved their building's fire safety. Brad Carmichael donated a fire alarm system and an extra exit door has been added to the lodge room. James W. Howell Jr. celebrated his 50th year in Freemasonry in November. -- News Letter. The Goldsboro Chapter of Eastern Star picked up the tab for reupholstering the five chairs in the large lodge room at Wayne 112. -- Trestleboard. CHARLOTTE Clarence Collins recently gave the members of Keystone 726 some insight into the design and construction of the Carolina Panthers' Stadium. Collins was an engineer for the upcoming home of the NFL team. In another educational program Keystone featured a new edition of the Blair and Bob Question and Answer Show. The evening features a free roaming discussion of Freemasonry and tests the knowledge of the members and panel. -- Keystone Lodge. W. Carl Yount updated the computer system at Steele Creek 737. The secretary now reports that he can't keep up with the new system. Steele Creek is soliciting donations to repair a deteriorating parking lot. -- Trestleboard. Charles M. Setzer 693's 1995 contributions to Masonic charities were up 40 percent over last year's! We'd like to see a few hints on how they managed that. -- Charles M. Setzer Lodge. GREENSBORO Gate City 694 hosted about 50 kids and several staff members from the Masonic Home for Children at a Christmas party in Greensboro. The Sunday afternoon included entertainment, food, and presents. That's a pretty good combination in anybody's book. -- The Trestle Board. Revolution 552's Leon Gurley Stone has earned his Diamond Jubilee Emblem for 60 years of Masonic membership. They've also added 50-year men Thomas Edward Anderson, Stanley R. Cudworth, William G. Dance, Frank Pace Jr., and Hayes C. Russell. -- The Bi-Monthly Newsletter of Revolution Lodge. Buster Blythe was named Mason of the Year at P. P. Turner 746. He's lodge secretary. The guys did the cooking themselves on Ladies' Night in October. You might guess so from the menu (steaks) and the attire (casual). Widows and friends were also invited. -- Trestleboard. GASTONIA The recent yard sale at Gastonia 369 picked up $124 for the Masonic Home for Children. "I realize this isn't much," said lodge Master Charles E. Holloway, "but maybe we can do better next time." Hey, Charles, it's a great start and better than some ever do. -- The Trestle Board The 1995 Mason of the Year at King Solomon 704 is James B. Meek. King Solomon 704 raised three new Masons in a Saturday morning meeting. Breakfast was at 5:00 a.m. and lodge opened at 6:00 a.m. These guys may have made it home in time for a second breakfast. -- The Plumb Line. PAW CREEK West Gate 738 has added four new certified lecturers to their rolls. That brings their total to an impressive ten. It should make it easy to find someone to give a degree lecture. On the food and charity front, the lodge is collecting cans of food for a food bank. Additionally, their second chicken fry of the year served a ton (literally) of fried chicken. An expected profit of $4,000--5,000 will be divided among the Homes and Masonic Foundation. Seasoned Sitizens Golf is celebrated each Wednesday by retired members of West Gate Lodge. They play a number of courses and have as many as a dozen Brothers play. -- West Gate Trestle-Board. WAXHAW In November Waxhaw 562 held a Rusty Nail Degree. Eight Brothers were reminded of the signs, working tools, grips, passwords, and other lessons taught them during their degrees. Each was presented the appropriate emblem of the degree -- you guessed it -- a rusty nail on a ribbon. -- Richard Shields, Waxhaw senior deacon. ************************************************************ ************************************************************ ENCOMPASSING THE WORLD MASONIC NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LODGE SHARES CHAIR WITH PRESIDENTS Williamsburg, Virginia -- Williamsburg is a town driven by history and tradition. That drive makes the master's chair of Williamsburg 6 do more serious traveling than most pieces of furniture. A Williamsburg cabinetmaker carved the chair from mahogany sometime in the 1760s for Williamsburg Lodge No. 6 of the Ancient and Loyal Society of Free and Accepted Masons. Among other carved decorations on the chair is the coat of arms of the Grand Lodge of London. The College of William and Mary first borrowed the chair for the use of President Warren Harding, a Mason, when he visited the campus in 1921. Four more US Presidents visited the college in the next 32 years. Collidge, FDR, Truman, and Eisenhower each sat in the chair borrowed for their stay. The tradition might well have been broken when George Bush spoke at William and Mary's 1995 commencement had it not been for newspaperman Will Molineux. He remembered Eisenhower using the chair in 1953. Molineux was a freshman at the time. His research and calls alerted the school's administration. The school found the chair in the possession of Colonial Williamsburg. In 1991 the historical group made a deal to borrow the chair for 20 years. It is sometimes on display at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Gallery. They made an exact reproduction of the chair for Williamsburg Lodge, which retains the right to borrow the original for special occasions. Colonial Williamsburg struck a similar deal some years ago when they bought the master's chair that once sat in Unanimity 7 in Edenton, North Carolina. Thanks to diligent care and a writer's good memory, George Bush became the sixth American President to sit in the 230-year-old chair. -- Information from Richard Stradling, Daily Press, by way of The Virginia Masonic Herald. VIRGINIA TAKES AIM AT YOUNG MEN Virginia -- The November Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, their 213th, was to consider measures to make Masonic membership easier for young men. One would lower the minimum age for petitioning to 18 years old. Another would allow lodges to be formed at several colleges in the state. Those lodges would be assisted by local lodges. They were also to vote on increasing per capita tax paid to the grand lodge by one dollar each year for the next three years. The Masonic Home of Virginia recently broke ground on a $1.5 million dining facility. Residents must currently eat in two shifts. The new dining room will seat 200 residents and include a modern 5,000-square-foot kitchen. We're sure our old friend Tommy Jones, administrator there, is as proud as can be. The History of Freemasonry in Virginia should soon be available. Historians at Old Dominion University were contracted back in 1986 to produce the book. It is currently in the final stages of production. -- The Virginia Masonic Herald. MINNESOTA MASONS SUPPORT STATE FAIR BOOTH Minnesota -- There was some worry about member support and help when the Grand Lodge of Minnesota again set up a booth at the state fair this year. They stopped the practice ten years ago due to lack of volunteers to man the booth. In 1995 hundreds of visitors stopped by to visit the booth staffed in 108 shifts of four hours by 115 Masons. They fielded many requests for information on Freemasonry. They even forwarded requests of out-of-state visitors to grand lodges in Florida, Iowa, and Wisconsin. How many helpers can they expect next year? All 115 of this year's hosts promise they'll be back. The scholarship program at the Grand Lodge of Minnesota is entering its 35th year. No Masonic connection is required of applicants. -- The Minnesota Mason. ARGENTINE MASONS ESTABLISH PEACE ACADEMY Buenos Aires, Argentina -- The first Masonic Peace Prizes were awarded by the Argentine Masonic Peace Academy in March 1995. The awards went to Sahir Erman, grand commander of the Supreme Council for Turkey; Joseph E. A. Salem, sovereign grand commander of the Supreme Council of Israel; and Juan Goldwasser, past master of La Fraternidad Lodge in Tel-Aviv, Israel. They were rewarded for their "untiring efforts in promoting tolerance and better understanding between different religious and racial communities." The Argentine Masonic Peace Academy was created by the Grand Lodge of Argentina and the Supreme Council of Argentina. -- The Minnesota Mason. FREEMASONRY GROWS IN CZECH REPUBLIC Freemasonry continues its rebirth in the former Communist world. There are now three active lodges in Prague: Dilo (Work), Narod (Nation), and Most (Bridge). In Pilsen, the historic Lodge Dobrovsky is again open. Work continues on a new Masonic Center to house a library and grand lodge offices. -- Emessay Notes. GREEK MASONS BEGIN ENGLISH PUBLICATION Athens, Greece -- Pythagoras is mentioned in Masonic ritual, but he is an important part of the history of science and Greece. Around the turn of the century, Pythagoras was also the name of a struggling Masonic bulletin. It was more recently adopted as the name of an official publication of the Grand Lodge of Greece. They have now undertaken to release it once a year in English. The experiment demands the talents of many people. They have issued a plea to all Freemasons of Greek origin living in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the United States to correspond with them in English. They want their friends to send Masonic news and articles from around the world. If you trace your family to Greece and want to help develop this international communication, write Pythagoras, 19 Aharnon Street, 104 38 Athens, Greece. -- Pythagoras. NEW "GRAND LODGES" POP UP IN INDIA India -- Twice this past summer, splinter groups of "disgruntled" Indian Masons declared themselves independent grand lodges. Twenty-seven men were expelled for forming the self-styled Grand Lodge of Upper India. Another group was expelled after declaring themselves the Grand Lodge of South India. The Grand Lodge of India advised members to have no Masonic contact with these, as they termed, "spurious and irregular bodies floated in self-interest by disgruntled individuals." -- Grand Lodge of India Newsletter. VERMONT RECOGNIZES 18-YEAR-OLDS AND PRINCE HALL Vermont -- At the 201st Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Vermont, delegates voted to let 18-year-olds be Masons. In the last two years, several Grand Lodges have considered lowering age requirements. Michigan, Washington, and Maine are all considering it. Virginia allows it for Lewises (sons or grandsons of Masons) and is considering all 18-year-olds. Tasmania and Arizona recently qualified all male 18-year-olds. Pennsylvania was to vote on allowing 18-year-olds at their October annual communication as was Texas in December. At the same communication, Vermont granted full fraternal recognition to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Connecticut. How does Vermont's $16.80 per capita tax break down? Fraternal operating budget $12.60, insurance for lodges $2.25, bicentennial celebration 55¢, and The Green Mountain Freemason $1.30. Their trust fund pays $6.30 of that for each member. -- The Green Mountain Freemason and The Pennsylvania Freemason. ARIZONA EDICTS PUSH LODGES INTO COMMUNITY Arizona -- Grand Master Gerald H. Lankin issued several edicts this past fall. He lowered residency requirements for petitioners from a year to six months. In an effort to promote community awareness of the Fraternity, he ordered each lodge to hold two open house programs on a specific Sunday afternoon in October 1995 and another in April 1996. All lodges in the state are required to meet at the same time. They were further ordered to support the public school system by participating in the state-wide Public Schools Week. They were not allowed to hold any lodge functions other than funerals and stated communications that didn't relate to promoting public schools. -- Arizona Masonry. NEW MEXICO AND KANSAS MAKING MORE ONE-DAY MASONS As part of their "All the Way In One Day" program, the Grand Lodge of New Mexico raised 270 new Master Masons September 16. They took their places in 41 lodges around the state after receiving all three degrees in a single day. In October, Kansas scheduled one-day classes in three locations around the state. The Grand Master of Kansas has promised to take part in all three degrees at one February one-day class. A number of jurisdictions are hoping to stem their loss of membership by doing away with the time it has generally taken to get the degrees and learn catechisms. -- The New Mexico Freemason and The Kansas Mason. KANSAS ASKING HIGHER PER CAPITA Kansas -- Declining membership combined with rising costs are a bad news team for Masons around the country. The Grand Lodge of Kansas is asking for a five dollar increase in per capita tax. While they have increased state dues for the Kansas Mason (one dollar) and for the Kansas Masonic Home (three dollars), there's been no increase to cover the grand lodge operating budget for over 15 years. Kansas Masons are acting as a positive influence for young people in the state. They annually sponsor an essay contest that offers $5,000 in scholarship prizes. This is the 38th year for the contest. They held the 12th Kansas Masonic All-State High School Marching Band Camp in July. The camp at Kansas State University was attended by 156 youngsters. -- The Kansas Mason. PENNSYLVANIA HOMES ADDING COTTAGES Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania -- Independent living cottages are being added to the campus of the Masonic Homes of Pennsylvania. Eighteen are to be complete in the first six months. Plans allow up to 100 cottages. Twenty-six have already been reserved by tenants. -- The Pennsylvania Freemason. 82-YEAR MASON CONGRATULATED Ocean City, New Jersey -- Charles Miller was recently recognized for his 82 years as a Mason. He is a member of Palestine-Roxborough 135 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 103-year-old currently lives with his daughter. -- The Pennsylvania Freemason. FREEMASONRY AWARENESS WEEK SET IN AUSTRALIA South Australia -- A state-wide Freemasonry Awareness Week is scheduled for March 23--31 throughout South Australia. They aim to bring Freemasonry to public notice, encourage men to join the Craft, enhance the pride of members, and regain unattached Masons. The Masonic Foundation here has opened a resale shop for Masonic goods including books, regalia, suits, and accessories. Things may be donated to the shop or sold on consignment. Proceeds from the shop are donated to their Masonic Foundation. -- South Australian Freemason. 600 GATHER FOR SIX-STATE FESTIVAL Defiance, Missouri -- Indiana's Bartimaeus Lodge's ritual work was a high point for the 600 Masons attending the Six-State Masonic Festival held here in July. The observing Masons, from at least eight states, were much impressed with the way the wheelchair-bound candidate was handled. -- The Indiana Freemason. INDIANA SCHOLARSHIP TOTAL APPROACHES $8 MILLION Indiana -- Nearly 500 Indiana students are currently attending college with help from the Masons of Indiana. The Grand Lodge Scholarship Fund, one of the largest private college financial aid programs in the nation, was established with two large bequests. In its eight-year history, the fund has given nearly $3,000,000 to more than 3,000 college bound students. Recipients must be the child or grandchild of an Indiana Mason. -- The Indiana Freemason. INDIANA REVAMPS MASONIC HOME FESTIVAL Franklin, Indiana -- To make themselves more of a part of the community, the Masonic Home here has moved its annual festival from June to October to coincide with Franklin's Heritage Fall Festival. There were trophies awarded when lodges competed in horseshoe pitching, water balloons, basketball, and other contests. There was entertainment on an outdoor stage. A wheelchair relay race featured the officers of the Grand Lodge against those of the Eastern Star Grand Chapter. A two-hour parade through town to the home was featured in the afternoon. They expected many of the 7,000 who visited the town's festival to join the 2,000 visitors to the home. -- The Indiana Freemason. TEXAS LODGES LOSE TAX REFERENDUM Texas -- Charitable organizations in Texas must still pay property taxes. This obviously puts a great financial burden on Texas Masonic lodges -- about one million dollars each year. Their grand lodge pushed a get out the vote campaign for the November referendum on a proposition to exempt charitable organizations from the tax. They urged Masons to solicit the votes of friends and neighbors, assist them in registering and getting to the polls. Their efforts failed. The proposal was beaten by 30,000 votes. At Texas's annual communication in December, delegates were to consider lowering the age requirement for membership from 21 to 18. Another resolution would allow the substitution of a candidate's book of religious faith for the Bible on the altar during his obligation. Changes to their annual communication will also be debated. One proposal would move the first session from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning. Another would charge a ten dollar registration fee for the communication. -- The Texas Mason. ************************************************************ WOMEN IN FRENCH FREEMASONRY The Philatelic Freemason, journal of the Masonic Study Unit of the American Topical Association, recently provided a copy of an article translated from a 1994 issue of L'Express, a French magazine similar to our Time or Newsweek. Human Rights Lodge, founded in 1893 for men and women, has 11,500 members of whom 70% are women. It has 430 lodges in 58 countries. No specific religious beliefs are required. Two dominant tendencies are noted. One is republican (as opposed to monarchist) and lay (meaning in France a refusal to accept religious influences). The other tendency is toward spiritual values but has less influence. France has issued a postage stamp commemorating this organization. The Grand Lodge of Women of France, founded in 1945, has 9,000 members, all women, in 250 lodges. Eighty percent are in the provinces. No specific religious beliefs are required. It puts its accent on feminine identity. The Grand Mixed and Universal Lodge, founded in 1973, has 500 members in 30 lodges, half of which are in the provinces. It was founded by dissidents of Human Rights Lodge who reproached their lodge for having strayed from its social ideals. No specific religious beliefs are required. Finally, there is the Grand Mixed Lodge of France, founded in 1982. Half of its 1,140 members are female. It was born from a split in the Grand Mixed and Universal Lodge of which it remains a twin sister. It has 50 lodges. This lodge is very closely linked to the Grand Orient which is atheistic. Special religious beliefs are not required. Priority of work is dedicated to urban life. In all, these lodges' female membership amounts to 17,000 -- 18% of the Masons in France. Don Mears, grand historian, Grand Lodge of Nebraska, The Nebraska Mason, Summer 1995. ************************************************************ GL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE MOON The Grand Master of New Jersey appointed Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., a member of Montclair 144, as Grand Representative of New Jersey to the Moon. The ceremony occurred on March 17, 1970, when Aldrin attended Montclair Lodge on his 14th anniversary of being made a Freemason. Aldrin was the second man and the first Mason to set foot on the moon, July 20, 1969, 25 years ago. -- From Trestle Board, Thomasville 214. ************************************************************ LODGE DUES IN THE HOLY CITY At Holy City Lodge (Jerusalem), what would a member pay for his three degrees? What would a member pay yearly in dues? There is a joining fee which covers the cost of the three degrees and includes the first year's dues amounting to about the equivalent $400. Annual dues are about $120 to $200 per year. -- Rev. Jan L. Beaderstadt after his visit to Israel, From Point to Pointe, Spring, 1993. ************************************************************ ************************************************************ CONGRATULATIONS BROTHER ADVICE TO A NEWLY ELECTED MASTER From a letter of advice to you, a newly elected Master, on how to deal with those around you: Your Officers -- Communicate clearly what you expect of them, the lectures they will be responsible for, and the committees they will serve on. Your Brethren -- Speak individually with each brother who attends a Lodge meeting. Let him know that you notice him and appreciate that he is there. Do not overlook the importance of your newsletter. This is the only way you have to communicate with 70% of your members. Take your time with it. Make it informative. Mention names. Give credit. Let the absent brethren know that there is activity, and that they are missing it. Your Past Masters -- Make them part of your team. The best way to keep this garrulous old bunch off your back is by giving them jobs to do. They can be an asset to you. They are the backbone of your lodge. They invested their time in it, and they will be more than willing to help you if they see that you are making an effort. The Helpers -- Communicate your appreciation to everyone who helps on a Lodge project, from the bottle washer to the chief cook. They are all important. Offer thanks in public. Give credit in your newsletter. Everyone likes to know that his effort is recognized. One of your most important tasks is to offer that recognition on behalf of the whole lodge. Your Elder Brothers And Widows -- Stay in touch with these people. A fraternity is distinguished from other organizations by its concern for the welfare of its own members and their families. A visit is important. A telephone call is almost as good. A master communicates not only his personal concern, but the concern of the whole lodge. If you succeed in this important aspect of fraternal life, you will find that your lodge will benefit in surprising and unexpected ways. Lodge Wives -- Recognize and chat with each wife who comes to a Lodge event. Today, when both husband and wife commonly work, time together is valuable. It is important for wives to feel that their husband's lodge membership is important. Plan fellowship activities and recognition evenings that include wives. Lodge membership should offer them opportunities to participate. Your Wife -- Lastly, but most importantly, communicate with your own wife. Let her know in advance that being master of your lodge is important to you and that it will be time consuming. Do not let it come as a surprise. If you explain what you are doing and why, my bet is that she will be a great help and support to you. Next year your lodge will reach out to as many people as you reach out to. It is a role no one but the master can play. By Wayne T. Adams, Maine Mason, Winter 1994, by way of the Fraternal Review of the Southern California Research Lodge. ************************************************************ INFLUENCE SOMEONE A young man was broke and wandering the streets. He stopped at a pawn shop and looked in. The man behind the counter was wearing a necklace from which hung a Masonic emblem. He went in, told the owner he was a down on his luck Mason, even though he was not. He asked to borrow $25 until the following week. The owner gave him the money. The next week, the young man returned the money just as promised. Some months later, the young man was initiated in his local Lodge. After the ceremony, he looked around the room and recognized the shop owner. He attempted to avoid the pawnbroker, but the man came over to congratulate the new member. The young man apologized for his lie. He explained that he had always heard that one Mason looked after another. Seeing the pawnbroker's Masonic emblem, he had decided to ask for the loan. The owner's charity so impressed him that he petitioned for the Masonic degrees. The Pawnbroker then confessed that he too was not a Mason on the day the young man entered the shop. He was wearing the emblem only because he thought it was pretty. He had bought from an earlier customer in his shop. He said that he also had heard the same things about Masons. When the young man asked for the loan he felt compelled to give, though he never expected to see the money again. When the young man repaid his debt as promised, he was impressed and decided to petition a lodge. He wanted to associate with more men like him. Many have heard of the good things that Masons do for others and for each other. This may be the main factor in a man's decision to join the fraternity. Let's each try to be the kind of Mason that influences a man to join with us in this wonderful institution. -- Lowell Spivey, master Manteo 521, More Light. ************************************************************ WHY DEACONS? Deacon is a Greek word, and originally meant "messenger." The earliest speculative lodges had only one deacon. The reason for having two is not made wholly clear by early lodge records. What can be pieced together indicates that a second deacon (junior) was made necessary by changes in the office of tiler. When the office of tiler was shorn of all duties inside the lodge room, and he became wholly an outside officer, a vacuum was left. To fill it, lodges began to appoint a second deacon, giving the two deacons the titles of senior and junior. The need for deacons arises from the fact that the principal officers of the lodge occupy stations. Neither the master nor his wardens are supposed to leave their stations except at fixed times and on fixed occasions. The deacons are there to go or come as they are commanded or ordered, to escort visitors or members, to take messages, and so forth. It is not considered good form for the Master to move at will about his lodge room. By Marvon K. Green, Research Lodge of Colorado, by way of Fraternal Review of the Southern California Research Lodge. ************************************************************ THIS MONTH'S OFFERING FROM JIMROD Q. WAXPILLOW This woozy-eyed Mason named Mack Was a hopeless insomniac If he tried counting sheep In his efforts to sleep His old wool allergy came back. ************************************************************ MEMOS FROM THE MASON It's time for new officer pictures again. Try to get them in as early as possible. The deadline for getting them in is May 1. We'll use all of them that get to us before then, but please be patient. We get lots of them and will run them in the order received. The price of paper has skyrocketed in the last couple of years. Phil Donovant, who heads the Printing Department at the Masonic Home for Children, has been very effective in finding paper sources that would let us continue to bring you the North Carolina Mason and stay within budget. The edition you currently hold is on recycled paper, a first for The NC Mason. We hope the change is positive. The volatile paper market prevents us from predicting how long the change will last. We'll try to keep the best combination of quality and expense. This of course is of lesser importance to this electronic version. The folks at Cairn Studio tell us that you were very interested in their Masonic sculptures. That means several Masonic charities are also doing well. They asked us to tell you that when you order one of Tom Clark's sculptures, please add seven dollars shipping and handling for each piece. You may call Joe Vale for more information at (704) 824-3444. Leave your number on his answering machine. He promises to call you back. ************************************************************ ************************************************************ ************************************************************