electronicNCMason March/April 1996 -- vol. 4 no. 2 The stripped-down, online version of the real thing The North Carolina Mason, Volume 121 No. 2 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. ************************************************************ ************************************************************ ANNUAL COMMUNICATION SET FOR APRIL 16-17 Raleigh This April 1617, the Freemasons of North Carolina will gather for Annual Communication for the 209th time. Its the time we come together to consider our past and map our future. As usual, Memorial Auditorium on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh will be the site. First things first this meeting is not just for voting delegates. Every Mason in North Carolina is invited. Its something that each Mason should see at least once. If you enjoy the fellowship of a blue lodge meeting, imagine a meeting with more than a thousand Masons on hand. Youll get to do lots of visiting with very little travel. Delegates should bring the Credentials Form sent to your lodge. Make sure its complete and that your lodge seal is affixed. The form should be hand delivered to the Credentials Committee. DO NOT mail them. You can find the committee at The Radisson on Monday and Memorial Auditorium on Tuesday and Wednesday. If this form isnt turned in, your lodge delegates wont get a vote and your lodge wont be credited with attending the communication. Your master and wardens are your voting representatives to the meeting. If any of them are unable to attend, proxies may be appointed to use the vote. Lodge officers are urged to bring their aprons and wear them at all sessions of the communication. For others and those who forget, disposable aprons and name tags are available in the lobby. The first session begins at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. The opening ceremonies and welcomes will be simple. Before lunch you will hear Grand Orator Rufus Edmistens address and the reports of the grand treasurer and grand secretary. Reports of some committees will be read into the record while others will be furnished in writing only. Tuesday afternoon will begin with the Memorial Service for those Brothers who died in the past year. The afternoon will be fleshed out with reports from the Grand Master and the Board of General Purposes. Other pieces of business will also be taken care of. Our past two communications have featured a Tuesday afternoon workshop for lodge secretaries. We hope to have another this year, but, due to the Grand Secretarys health, plans were not firm as of our printing deadline. When Wednesday mornings session starts at 9:00 a.m., business gets more serious. Well discuss and vote on the proposed budget for the Grand Lodge. The Committee on Jurisprudence will report on their actions for the year and ask your approval. Well then discuss and vote on the proposed amendments to The Code. An analysis of them is included in articles on the front and back pages of this issue of the North Carolina Mason. At 11:00 a.m. well elect Grand Lodge officers. By about noon, we should be finishing up. If youd like to see the installation of the new officers, come to the Masonic Temple at 1520 Caswell Street. The open installation is scheduled for about 2:30 p.m. ************************************************************ PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WE MUST CONSIDER During the time The Code was being revised, no amendment proposals were accepted. That resulted in a backlog of things to consider changing about the way we do business. Several proposed amendments suggest fundamental changes in our workings. We suggest that you think carefully about all these topics before you come to Annual Communication. Discussions between your lodge members and representatives to Grand Lodge are important. It may be best though not to lock your representatives into a particular vote. Debate on the floor at Annual Communication should also be considered. Most of the amendments to be voted on are included here. The ones dealing with the Committee on Subordinate Lodge Special Activities are grouped together in a separate article on this page. Delegates will also be asked to bless the growth plan for the Masonic and Eastern Star Home in Greensboro. A short explanation of their plan includes the schedule of the upcoming area meetings on that plan. That article is on our back page. The analyses here are not exhaustive. Weve tried to simplify the question in each topic. Exact wording of each proposal is available from your lodge secretary. INCREASING PER CAPITA TAX The per capita tax is the amount per member your lodge pays to finance Freemasonry in North Carolina. It provides the budget for the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. Per capita is currently $7.50. It was last increased in 1991. Grand Lodge has held steady on the cost of administering the Fraternity. Our budgetary problems are the result of decreasing income. With membership falling and an increasing number of 50-year members (on whom per capita is not paid), our income is falling away. Our membership is projected to fall by about 1,100 Masons each year through the year 2000. Fifty-year members are expected to nearly double to almost 3,000 by the same time. This represents a decrease in income of more than $10,000 dollars every year. Expecting an annual inflation rate of 3.5%, these trends will leave us bankrupt in 1999. To stem the tide, the Committee on Finance is asking us to raise our per capita tax. They propose to increase the tax to ten dollars over a period of three years. The first increase would add $1.50 for each member on the 1996 annual return. Thats payable in January 1997. Fifty cents would be added for the 1997 per capita return and another 50 to the rate for 1998 annual returns. That would make our per capita ten dollars for 1998. Fifty-year members would continue to be exempt from the annual assessment. According to figures in the proceedings of last years Grand Secretaries Conference, 34 United States grand lodges have per capita rates higher than $7.50. Twenty-seven already have rates of ten dollars or more. CHANGING GL MEMBERSHIP AND ELECTION OF GL OFFICERS Western Star 91 in Rutherfordton is asking us to make two major changes in the way weve done business for more than 100 years. Theyre suggesting that we begin electing all line officers. They also want us to give a Grand Lodge vote to all past masters in the state. Kolen Flack, a supporter of the proposals, tells us that the purpose of both is to take control of the Grand Lodge from past grand masters and grand lodge officers and give it to the blue lodges of the state. We currently elect the grand master, deputy grand master, grand wardens, grand treasurer, and grand secretary. The proposed amendment to REG. 12-1 would add the rest of the line officers to the list. This would have us also elect the grand marshal, grand deacons, and grand stewards. Sponsors say that appointing a grand steward these days is actually appointing a grand master. An appointee is in the line for five years before the lodges get to vote on him. Critics of the proposal fear our system, which forbids nominations or politicking, would be unwieldy for making first term line officers. Defenders say they have no objection to instituting a system of nomination similar to that of the York Rite for statewide office. Since at least the early 1800s, the Grand Lodge has been composed of the Grand Lodges officers, and the masters and wardens of the blue lodges in the state. Western Stars second amendment would add blue lodge past masters to the voting members of the Grand Lodge with REG. 19-3(1) (A). Flack says that this is another tool to give the lodges the votes they need to take control of the Grand Lodge. There are more past masters than past grand masters. Supporters contend that past grand masters have a vote, so why not past masters? They also predict better attendance at Annual Communication if more people are given a vote. As best we can count the current GL officers (16), past grand masters (17), district deputy grand lecturers and deputies (130), and committee members account for a little over 200 votes at Annual Communication. None of those votes may be cast by proxy, the officer must be present. The masters and wardens of North Carolinas 385 local lodges account for 1155 Grand Lodge votes. Proxy voting is available on all these votes. Membership for past masters would potentially add more than 9,500 votes. A review of annual reports received in January indicated that most lodges have 30 to 35 living past masters. The 9,500+ estimate is based on 25 per lodge. Critics say voting would last much longer with no real change in the power base. But, one supporter asked, What difference does it make how long it takes to vote? OWNERSHIP OF OSWS Belmont 627 wants us to change the availability of the Official Standard of the Work or OSW. Each lodge is currently loaned seven copies of what is often called The Blue Book, one for each line officer. A lodge may borrow three more for use of coaches or others learning a part. These limits can be a problem for busy lodges. Copies must be borrowed back and forth between members coaching or studying a lecture or brushing up for past masters night or learning a new piece for a degree team. There are also extensive accounting procedures to keep up with the volumes. Belmont Lodges suggestion is to sell the OSW to any member who wishes to own one. None of these changes would affect The Vocabulary, the key to the code in which the OSW is written. Each lodge would continue to have one copy of the vocabulary on loan from the Grand Lodge. Their proposed amendments to REG. 24-5, REG. 24-6.5, REG. 26-3.14, and REG. 86-2.55 would do away with the accounting procedures, including the annual inspection of the ritual cipher by Grand Lodge officers. Lodges would simply purchase replacement copies if any were lost or destroyed. Lodges would be required to retain copies for their line officers (REG. 24.5). Adding REG. 24-7 would authorize the sale of the OSW to any North Carolina Mason in good standing. The price would be set by the Board of Custodians and the Board of General Purposes. If the amendments pass, a resolution will be offered to give over ownership of the OSWs a lodge now has to that lodge. Those which have never gotten their three extra copies would be given them. The Board of Custodians, which controls Masonic ritual in our state, voted at its January meeting to support the amendments. MODIFYING MODIFIERS Bob Sisk believes that we should mean what we say and say what we mean. Sisk and his Brothers at Raeford 306 think that we run a risk in some of the language of our bylaws. They offer two amendments to help head off criticism and misunderstanding. In Section I of the Preamble of The Code we forbid Masonic membership to stupid atheists and irreligious libertines. Amendment proponents point out that quite a few atheists are of above average intelligence and that many people of low moral fiber can be found in church pews on Sunday morning. They ask us to change the wording to he will never be an atheist, irreligious or a libertine. Section 2-5 prohibits all intercourse [communication] with or recognition of any Mason not a member of our Grand Lodge. The proposed amendment would insert the word Masonic before intercourse and recognition. They call these statements a cornerstone of the Craft even though they dont occur in obligations, ritual, or catechism. They say we should make our cornerstone as perfect as possible. ORDER OF BUSINESS Chapter 37 of The Code defines the order of business at Annual Communication. Estimates are that, if followed strictly, current 37-1 and 2 would make our annual meeting last for three days instead of the current day and a half. Over the years the order has been altered to make the meeting move more smoothly and to get the maximum amount of work done with the least amount of yawn time. Grand Secretary Pete Dudley has offered a change in the regulation that would make the rules more closely match reality. If youve attended Annual Communication in the last couple of years, you saw it operate on the schedule offered in this amendment. Alteration of the order of business would still be allowed by a vote of the delegates. DELINQUENT REPORT PENALTY Annual reports from blue lodges to the Grand Lodge are due in Raleigh by February 15. Thats when your secretary tells the Grand Lodge who your membership is and pays the per capita tax. That date is necessary for the Grand Lodge office to audit and prepare reports for Annual Communication in April. On March 1, unsubmitted reports are considered delinquent. Lodges without good reason for being delinquent, are assessed a one dollar a day penalty. These things are all spelled out in Regulation 47-7. The one dollar penalty has been in effect since at least 1948. The power of the dollar has considerably diminished since that time. In 1995, 60 lodges were delinquent with their annual reports. Grand Secretary Pete Dudley has offered a simplification of Regulation 47. It also offers to put teeth back into the penalty. The new penalty would be five dollars each day. ************************************************************ WILL FUND RAISING RULES CHANGE? Outside carefully defined bounds, lodges must get permission from the Grand Lodge Committee on Subordinate Lodge Special Activities before holding fund raising activities. Why this interference in your business? To protect your lodge and other lodges around the state. The Committee on Subordinate Lodge Special Activities is charged to make sure that our lodge fund raising efforts stay in line with state and federal law. It helps keep us on the right side of the law and the tax ledger while protecting our non-profit status. Committee Chairman Ed Becton sees the committees job more as prevention than enforcement. We try to warn a lodge about potential problems before they have an event. We can usually come up with a way that is within the laws of the state and The Code for a lodge do what it needs to. We want to keep lodges out of trouble. Becton reports that in his six years experience on the committee, theyve investigated only two lodges. Both were after complaints from Masons. One lodge was cleared. The other refused to cooperate and the investigation was turned over to the grand master. However, much investigation has be done with state and federal tax authorities about tax regulations to ensure that The Code and fund raising activities in our jurisdiction are safe from embarrassing incidents. Now to this years proposed amendments affecting the Committee on Subordinate Lodge Special Activities UPDATE RULES TO REFLECT REVENUE LAWS The committee is offering several changes this year which would remove ambiguities from our rules and bring us into better alignment with those of the North Carolina Department of Revenue. REG. 43-12.2 currently allows an activity to be conducted twice a year. That would change to once a year. This is to make sure lodges are warned of potential tax problems before they become worse. They ask us to add the following: REG. 43-12.10 requires activities be finished within 60 days and REG. 43-12.11 requires that one project be finished before another is begun. Both of these bring us into line with state law. Violation of those laws would subject your lodge to tax regulation that could change your status from nonprofit to business, exposing your lodge to many problems. The addition of REG. 43-12.12 would allow such things as a special prize for a hole-in-one in a golf tournament or home run in a certain inning of a ball game in conjunction with a fund raiser. While generally accepted in our communities and by state law, they are currently forbidden under our rules on games of chance. The ambiguity to be cleared up is in 43-12.1. The reference to completing an activity over a period of three days would be made three consecutive days. A change in REG. 43-12.9 would cut down on the paper work involved by removing the necessity of sending an activity report to the grand secretary. A report would go to only the committee. REDUCING POWERS OF SPECIAL ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE An amendment presented by Past Grand Master Pete Thomas would not allow the committee to conduct investigations on its own. He would have the committee bring worries to the GM who could order them to look further into a matter if he so chose. The suggested changes to REG. 32-4 would remove the committees power to enact rules for lodge fund raisers (old REG. 32-4.2). It would remove old REG. 32-4.1 and REG. 32-4.5 which give the committee investigative powers. The only power left to the committee would be to act upon applications made to them by lodges (new REG. 32-4.1) and make reports to the Grand Lodge (new REG. 32-4.2). New REG. 32-4.3 would specify lodges appeal rights. Opponents of the amendment say that taking away the powers the Subordinate Lodge Special Activities Committee would negate several years of hard work. They remind us that the duty of the committee is to protect us from violating tax regulations and thus endangering the tax-exempt status of lodges. RELAXATION OF LOTTERY RULES Thomas also wants us to relax our rules governing lotteries. REG. 86-2(32) currently forbids any lottery, game of chance, raffle, door prize, or other device whether or not permitted by public authority. The rule governs any group which requires its members to be Masons. The proposed amendment forbids any lottery, gaming device, or other gambling activity in violation of the laws of the State of North Carolina or of the United States of America. Thomas says the purpose of introducing this change is to allow Shrine clubs and such organizations to approach bingo and such harmless games of chance. It would give them more flexibility in raising funds. The Shrine temples are capable of regulating of themselves. ************************************************************ A PLAN FOR THE MASONIC AND EASTER STAR HOMES FUTURE The Board of Directors of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home have developed a plan to build the long-awaited new care center. Its a plan to take us into the 21st century. We will be asked at Annual Communication to give our blessing to the first phase of the plan. To help us understand the plan, all Masons and Eastern Stars have been invited to a series of area meetings. Details will be given there and questions answered. Some of you may have already attended. For those who have not, a complete schedule is included here. Heres a summary of the plan: We have three levels of care at Masonic and Eastern Star Home. Independent living is much the same as apartments with people paying rent. We also have assisted living in which residents can pretty much take care of themselves, but get help with meals, medicines, medical visits, and such. Residents needing constant care move to the Care Center. More people want to live at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home than we have room for. The waiting list is long. We furnish excellent care in our current Care Center, but the Center is outdated, inefficient, and crowded by residents who dont need its high level of care. Building a modern, single-story Care Center will greatly reduce care costs while allowing us to increase quality of care. The modern facility would qualify us to collect Medicare for our residents. This federal insurance program is already paid for by our residents and would not affect our admission policies. Remodelling the old Bass Care Center into assisted living studios would let us move 30 residents who dont need the intensive attention of the Care Center into more pleasant and less costly surroundings. Extra rooms could also let us admit additional residents and further increase revenues. Studies are underway to check the demand for more independent living apartments. Space has long been allotted for expansion of those facilities. This would provide yet more income for the Home. Bond sales would be added to the Care Center Fund to finance the needed construction. Increased income and reduced cost would be enough to repay any debt on the new and improved facilities. The Board of General Purposes has endorsed the plan. MEETING SCHEDULE ON M.E.S.H. PLAN March 4 Masonic Temple Asheville March 5 Snow 363 Boone March 6 Masonic Temple Winston-Salem March 11 Masonic Center Fayetteville March 12 St. Alban's 114 Lumberton March 13 St. John's 1 Wilmington March 19 Unanimity 7 Edenton March 20 Corinthian 230 Rocky Mount March 26 Statesville 27 Statesville March 27 Masonic Temple Raleigh March 28 Bula 409 Burlington April 2 Andrews 529 Andrews April 3 Dillsboro 459 Sylva April 4 Catawba Valley Morganton ************************************************************ ************************************************************ HIRAM 40 TO HOLD DEGREE DURING ANNUAL COMMUNICATION Raleigh Hiram 40 will again host a third degree the night before Grand Lodge Annual Communication. Theyre inviting folks to come up early and visit them. They had a great turn out when they tried it last year. Youre invited to supper and lodge April 15. Steak and potato supper is at 6:00 p.m. Lodge opens at 7:30 p.m. Although plans were not finalized at press time, the degree team of State Highway Patrolmen is expected to perform the degree work. ************************************************************ GRAND SECRETARY PETE DUDLEY ILL Grand Secretary Robert P. Dudley has cancer. Doctors discovered the tumor in mid-January on one of Petes lungs. Exploratory surgery showed the tumor attached to his aorta and therefore inoperable. On the positive side, the examination showed the tumor to be of a type that responds well to radiation therapy. Pete began a seven-week, 35-treatment radiation therapy February 14. He is also undergoing a short course of chemotherapy. Pete, his wife Doris, children and doctors are optimistic. Pete says not to count him out, he's still got some work to do. The Dudley phone is quite busy. If you have questions about his condition, they thank you for your concern and ask that you call the Grand Lodge office. Pete will update them daily. Cards are welcome. Pete has just put in a computer at home and is enjoying the addition of e-mail there. You may contact him at 72561.135@compuserve.com. ************************************************************ NORTH AMERICAN GRAND MASTERS AND GRAND SECRETARIES CONFERENCE HELD Arlington, VA The Conference of Grand Masters and Conference of Grand Secretaries of North America were held here February 1820. The annual affair gets Masonic leaders from across the continent together to talk about whats going on in their respective jurisdictions. More than 60 grand jurisdictions from the United States, Canada, and Mexico sponsored the meeting. Representatives were also on hand from Asia, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. There was as much Masonic muscle as you could find anywhere. What came out of the conference? Because there is no national or international governing body for Masonry, nothing you can put your finger on. There was only talk and sharing. Does that mean nothing happened? Not at all. Lots of ideas and thoughts were shared. Thats the fertile ground of innovation. Among the topics formally discussed were finances, public relations, religious perceptions of the Craft, how to increase membership, and computerization of lodges. The Masonic Information Center, Masonic Service Association, George Washington Masonic Memorial Association, Masonic Renewal, National Foundation for Children, and DeMolay presented reports. Of course, like any other Masonic meeting youve ever been to, food and fellowship played an important part. The North Carolina delegation included Grand Master Clifton Everett Jr., Deputy Grand Master William Simpson, Past Grand Masters Jimmy Brewer and Pete Thomas, Junior Grand Warden Tom Gregory, Grand Tyler Kenneth Smith, Assistant Grand Secretary Walt Clapp, North Carolinas head of the Scottish Rite Lloyd Wilkerson, NC DeMolay Executive Officer John Elmore, and NC Mason Editor Ric Carter. ************************************************************ RIP OFF OF MASONS CONTINUES Wadesboro The scam has been run all over the country. Its not new to North Carolina. When we spotted a report in a recent issue of Oasis Shrines Desert Dust, it was no surprise that Roy Williamson had struck again. Med Northcutt of Kilwinning 64 was the victim this time. The trick worked the same way it always does. The difference this time was that all the titles and names used were from the Shrine. The rip off works this way: Its late afternoon, about the time business offices are closing. You get a call from a lodge secretary or in this case a Shriner. He tells you that a friend of his and his family are passing through your area on a family emergency. They are stuck because of an accident or automobile breakdown. The caller drops the names of a few local Masons you probably know. He tells you he tried to get in touch with them without luck so is trying you. Can you loan his friend $50 (or $80), just enough to get them where theyre going? He describes Williamsons (or Wilkinsons or Wilkersons or Williams) vehicle. He tells you they are at a local fast food restaurant or supermarket parking lot. You find him there with his wife and kids. He thanks you with great enthusiasm, gives you his address and phone number, and promises repayment as soon as he gets home. Its all fake. The flim flam has taken in hundreds of Masons all over the country. If you get a similar call, contact you local police for their advice. Perhaps theyll go with you. No real Brother Mason will be offended by your care. Maybe we can even take a couple of these con men off the road a few days. ************************************************************ ************************************************************ FROM THE GRAND MASTER CLIFTON W. EVERETT JR. This is my last column to you, my Brethren, as your Grand Master. It is really hard to comprehend that my Masonic year is almost at an end. This issue of the North Carolina Mason will be the last you receive before we convene our Annual Communication in April. As I have already related to you in my previous column, many important issues will be undertaken at our 1996 Annual Communication. Matters of importance which have been previously touched on in this column include proposed amendments to The Code that would change the make-up of the voting delegates at Grand Lodge, the method and manner of selection and election of Grand Lodge officers, the proposed changes in fund raising practices, and the proposed increase in the per capita tax levied on the subordinate lodges which provides income for the operation of your Grand Lodge. It is my hope that each of you will reflect on the questions to be considered in April. Careful thought should help voting delegates be better able to make informed decisions when they vote. To say that this has been a full and busy year would be greatly understating the point. I continue to attend all manner of Masonic functions from one end of North Carolina to the other. I have recently returned from the Grand Masters Conference Washington, DC. Grand masters from all over North America and several European countries attended. The conference was very beneficial, in that I was able to meet and discuss with other grand masters the mutual concerns and problems we all share. Declining membership continues to be the prime topic of discussion at the Grand Masters Conference as well as other conferences. I was startled to learn that the average age of Masons across the United States is 67 years and that within the next ten years we can realistically expect to suffer a decline approaching 50% of our membership. This is, indeed, a sobering statistic, and one that should be taken seriously. What can we do to bring a constructive solution to this dilemma? First of all, we must all realize that we live in a fast paced, fast moving society where "now" is the criteria by which the younger generation lives. This mode of thinking has spilled over into even those of us who compose the post World War II generation of our membership. We want our meals prepared "now; our entertainment furnished "now;" our appointments at the dentist and doctor "now"; our big paycheck "now; our large and expensive home and our big automobile now." There is no time to wait in expectation or look forward to things in the future. They all must be received and utilized now. It is in this environment that we are expected to obtain new members of our Fraternity. We are not often getting these members. The ones who we do get quickly lose interest and become disenchanted with our organization. This may be because we have refused to adapt our system to the changes of the last 30 years. Business as usual has not worked or prospered in any other facet of American society. We are foolhardy to expect that it will continue to work in our Masonic fraternity. Your boards and committees of the Grand Lodge have sought to wrestle with these problems this year. How can we realistically expect to attract the "quality members" we need to perpetuate our organization while at the same time preserving the tenets and mile posts of our ritual that have served us so effectively for hundreds of years? Just how much of what we presently practice in the form of catechism, ritual, and lectures are we willing to delete (or make non- obligatory) in order to entice the numbers needed to financially underwrite the operation of our organization? These sobering questions need to be addressed and readdressed during the years to come. At the North American Grand Masters Conference I was informed that in a state and jurisdiction somewhat removed from ours a one day class took its members through the three degrees of blue lodge Masonry, the 29 degrees of the Scottish Rite, and crossed the hot sands of the Shrine all before dinner in the evening. I can tell you I was appalled! Numbers are certainly not everything and this appeared to be a worst case scenario. These are the very matters with which we need to be concerned. We must continue to search and discuss methods to tackle our problems. As I repeatedly said at our area meetings this past year, it certainly should be no surprise to any of us that membership is declining. The great influx of Brethren who joined our fraternity after World War II have now begun to age out. But, as I also said, North Carolina is more fortunate than almost every other jurisdiction. Our membership has declined at the lowest rate of any Masonic jurisdiction in the United States. We obviously are doing something right. We cannot rest on our laurels. The problems I have spoken to in this article will not go away. They will continue to bark at our door. I hope all of you will continue to take an active interest in your local lodge and our two great Masonic charities the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford and the Masonic and Eastern Star Home in Greensboro. These are our primary obligations. Let me express to each of you my sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the confidence you expressed in me by electing me your Grand Master. The overwhelming support you have given me during my year in office is much appreciated. This has been the greatest experience of my life. We have laid the foundations for many useful and productive programs which should continue to benefit the Craft. I am confident that my successors down through the Grand Lodge line have a clear grasp and understanding of the important issues and the difficult decisions that will have to be made in the coming years. I know I can count on each of you to give them the unfailing support you have given me. May God enrich each of you with his blessings. ************************************************************ RAMBLIN ROSE BY MASONIC AND EASTERN STAR HOME ADMINISTRATOR JOHN ROSE SO WHOS A PROPHET? If, without fail, you ate lunch every day at 12:30 p.m., what time would you eat lunch tomorrow? Obviously, 12:30 p.m. If you believed that your neighbor was angry with you, regardless of the facts, would you not behave as though your relationship was strained? And then, would it not ultimately be so? The points here are two: (1) We can easily predict the future by repeating the past. (2) Perceptions (beliefs) are true regardless of the facts. In sum, by acting upon our beliefs we make them so. By repeating our acts, we affect the future. In 1943, then IBM Chairman Thomas Watson said, I think there is a world market for maybe five computers. A Western Union telegram in 1876 said, This telephone has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us. In 1927, H. M. Warner of the famed Warner Brothers Studios said, Whowants to hear actors talk? In 1929, stocks were presumed to have reached an all time plateau, and in 1899 the United States Patent Office was closed because the Commissioner declared that everything possible had been invented. Louis Pastuers theory on germs was called ridiculous fiction in 1872 and in 1873 a renowned British surgeon said, The abdomen, the chest, and the brain will forever be shut from thesurgeon. Had these thinkers and their constituents held to their beliefs, the world may have been deprived of great technological, social, and medical advances. History is full of naysayers who were constrained by their own limitations to research, consider, believe, hope and have faith. Thank God that mankinds nature is to challenge the past and improve its future. We are free to think, unfettered by the past, and liberated to improve our lives to the extent our ingenuity and resourcefulness allow. The past *is* an important part of our future. We *can* learn from history. From the past was can reevaluate our course and establish direction. There are important historic precedents which should not be abandoned or even modified. An example, although abstract, is Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. The key point of this message is, The past need not equal the future and we are free. We are free to affect the future for the better or worse. The Masonic and Eastern Star Home in Greensboro has a proud heritage. We are daring to study and consider the promise of the future. Through a modern new Care Center, improved assisted living programs, additional independent living cottages, and an emphasis on philanthropy, we will be better prepared to meet the social, medical, and physical needs of our residents. In the case of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home, we are improving the future by preserving our ethic and building upon the best parts of our past. We are liberated only by the extent to which Masons and Eastern Stars pursue their obligation to our elderly members in need. ************************************************************ UNDER THE OAKS BY MASONIC HOME FOR CHILDREN ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GRISSOM THANKS FOR THE KINDNESS I realize we are well into the new year, but my mind keeps reflecting back to the Christmas holidays. A great deal of activity occurred on the campus and every child was blessed by the support they received from our Masons, companies, and friends around the state. To everyone who participated in the many Christmas celebrations and helped our children feel special, let me say a big "thank you" on behalf of the children for all the kindness that was shown them. In addition to the wonderful support during December, The Masonic Home for Children was again recognized by Winn Dixie with their Good Citizenship Award. This is given to various agencies throughout the state for their involvement, support, and community relations. In the words of John W. Critchlow, president of Winn Dixie in Raleigh, "In today's environment, corporations must rise to the challenge of helping to better the lives of those in need within our communities. We appreciate what these organizations are doing daily in representing us through social, cultural, and educational activities." The Davis Family, Winn Dixie's founders, established the Good Citizenship Awards 12 years ago in an effort to recognize the often unheralded efforts of those who give so much to our young people and to the community at large. Brethren, because of your commitment to the children, your Masonic Home for Children has received this award for the last seven years. As you know, it is always wonderful to receive good publicity and to know your efforts and hard work are recognized. Every Mason in our state deserves a pat on the back. You are responsible for providing the love, dedication, and prayers that help our Masonic and Eastern Star Home and The Masonic Home for Children with the tools and support for our elderly and children. Your efforts, projects, and contributions are important. You are making a tremendous difference in the quality of life we are able to offer. Please know our doors are open to you. Our children and staff would be delighted to see you at any time. Be assured, if you visit once, you will want to return many more times. Take care and may God bless and guide you as you continue to be a blessing to our large family. ONE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS HELPS AGAIN Oxford Each year the Greater Charlotte Association of Realtors, Central Piedmont Community College and its Woodworking Department sponsor One Special Christmas. In 1995 they raised enough money to help over 900 children in the piedmont. Our Masonic Home for Children was a recipient of their generosity. SULLIVANS HELP HOME FOR CHILDREN Oxford Weldon Sullivan was raised at Oxford Orphanage along with five siblings. Each year his lodge, Orr 104, sends Christmas gifts to all the kids at the Home. This photo was taken when he delivered the presents. Two years ago the Sullivan family donated an outdoor basketball court to the Home. SOME BIRTHDAYS FROM THE MASONIC HOME FOR CHILDREN Serena Sue Sikes April 2, 1980 Michelle Anne Reeves April 4, 1979 Kimberly Ann Poplawski April 8, 1989 Allen Scott Hawkins April 21, 1986 Bonnie Ruth Michael April 29, 1982 Joseph Michael Anderson May 3, 1981 Cassandra Ashley Quick May 4, 1989 Kevin Obie Vaughan May 10, 1987 Eric Lee Cole May 13, 1979 Paul Michael Dean May 14, 1982 Alvaro Valenzuela Barraza Jr. May 14, 1988 Azriel Sahiela McMillan May 15, 1979 Keisha Elaine Carpenter May 20, 1980 Julia Ann Allen May 21, 1975 Mark Anthony Vaughan May 24, 1986 Jason Donald Green May 22, 1982 Cynthia Ann Privette May 27, 1982 Ashley Ann Taylor May 29, 1983 ************************************************************ ************************************************************ FROM THE NC MASONIC FOUNDATION JIM MEDLIN, ADINISTRATOR A GOOD YEAR FOR THE FOUNDATION As we said in the 1995 Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, There are three major parts of the annual program that lend themselves measurable: annual contributions coming from the individual lodges, the growth of legacies to our charities, and the growth of the NC Masonic Foundation. Here is the Foundations initial report. We enjoyed good growth for 1995! We finished the year with a $1,236,500 (not yet audited) in gifts to our North Carolina Masonic charities. Thats an overall increase of more than seven percent over 1994. The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford received $674,600; The Masonic and Eastern Star Home, $406,800 plus $44,700 for the new Care Center; and The North Carolina Masonic Foundation got $110,400. These figures are through January 31, 1996. I held the development books open to allow for late submissions from the lodges of 1995 donations to our charities. Our legacy gifts for 1995: Masonic Home for Children at Oxford $446,403.75 Masonic and Eastern Star Home $153,058.12 North Carolina Masonic Foundation $250,645.12 Total $850,106.99 This year we saw new entries in our legacy gifts category. For the first time in our history charitable remainder unitrusts (CRUTS) made a dramatic impact. Over $2,250,000 of remainder assets have been designated for The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford and The North Carolina Masonic Foundation. In general terms, a CRUT works this way. An individual may make an immediate IRS sanctioned deductible gift in trust to a charity, but keep the right to receive regular payments from the trust, for life or a period of years, before the charity receives the donation. Annual contributions to the NC Masonic Foundation were the largest since 1989. The annual gifts to the Foundation increased 27% over 1994. 1995 was a good year with solid growth! I will give a more detailed analysis of the lodges and district contributions in a later issue of The Mason. Now, let me say a word about 1996 and some of the things on the horizon for the new year. I will soon roll out a training program to assist the lodges in their fund raising and soliciting efforts. Due to the many scheduled Masonic meetings before our Annual Communications in April, I will schedule visits throughout the districts beginning April 22 and running for several months thereafter. There will be approximately 20 training sessions across the state. Each lodge will be asked to send their charity committee members to these sessions. Well help train and assist the lodges in their efforts to raise annual funds for our two homes. Each lodge will receive a training book and how-to guidelines to assist them in initiating and completing a total fund raising effort. We have many exciting things to introduce this year from the Grand Masters Five Star Program for the lodges to the training and education of our members. I am proud to make these announcements in support of our children and elder Brothers and Sisters. It is an honor for me to serve as your development officer. ************************************************************ SIMPSON RECEPTION SCHEDULED Stokesdale William H. Simpson will likely be elected the next grand master of North Carolina. His friends at Stokesdale 428 and Stokesdale Chapter 202, Order of Eastern Star are hosting a reception to celebrate. Youre invited. The reception is scheduled for 3:005:00 p. m. Sunday, April 28 at Stokesdale Masonic Temple. FATHER PRESENTS SON 50-YEAR AWARD Fayetteville Three men were named 50-year Masons and 19 made their 25th year at Creasy Proctor 679s Past Masters and Awards Night in November. Charles A. Gardner was on hand for his Veterans Award. But, on his night in the spotlight, Charles was upstaged. You see, his award was presented by his father. Luby J. Gardner pinned his son. Ninety-five-year-old Luby was raised in 1922 and served as master of 679 in 1949. Thats good genes! SAUNDERS BIDS GAVEL BON VOYAGE Raleigh Joe Saunders, district deputy grand lecturer, has started a tradition in the 25th Masonic District. Hes made a traveling gavel to visit the lodge with the best attendance at School of Instruction. The gavel moves to the best attending lodge. Joe presented it to Richard Ripley, master of Raleigh 500 which topped attendance at the most recent meeting. Joe had some help. The wood is walnut from his brother Eds farm in Rockingham County. Ed is a member of Doric 568 in New Bern. Joe Midgette of Garner 701 turned the gavel on the lathe. Saunders hopes to add a little competitive spirit and attendance to the schools. ATLANTIC SPRUCES (CYRESSES?) UP LODGE Swan Quarter Atlantic 294 is sprucing up the lodge. The lodge has just put up new paneling in the lodge room. In a part of the state so tied to the sea, what would you expect the paneling to be but cypress, a faithful wood to boat builders. No fancy finishes here. Leave the wood open to breathe and share its character with those meeting within its bounds. EDWARDS WINS CANTER AWARD Canton The Scotty Canter Award for Sportsmanship was recently presented to Russ Edwards. Russ is the son of Harold and Rhonda Edwards. Sonoma 472 regularly presents the award to an athlete in the Bethel Youth Organization in memory of Scotty Canter, late son of Gene and Kay Canter. ************************************************************ ************************************************************ TRAVELERS OF THE TARHEEL STREET NEWS FROM NORTH CAROLINAS BLUE LODGES HIGH POINT Check your notes if you plan to visit a lodge in High Point these days. Hiram 716 has recently merged with Acacia 674. Youll now find the Brothers of both lodges meeting as Acacia 674 on first Thursdays. FAYETTEVILLE Back in November, Vic Blake was seriously injured by electrocution. Hes junior warden of Stedman 730. The lodge helped with a community fund raiser that picked up $17,000 to help Vic. Four other lodges in the county chipped in donations, three of them each gave $500. Blakes not fully recovered yet, but hes back at lodge. He was installed and presented Stedmans 1995 Mason of the Year Award in February. He was scheduled to receive the award before his injury. According to Stedman Master Thomas Pope Jr., It hasn't been easy for him, but there's no question that he's been touched deeply by the love shown him. Thomas Pope SALISBURY Andrew Jackson 576 elected Bennie Williams an honorary member this winter. They also elected Buck Curlee and Henry Shuping life members. Jim Wilson was presented his Veterans Emblem. Each officer of 576 is part of a systemized outreach to inactive members of the lodge. They hope to get some of the backsliders back in the habit of coming to lodge. One of those officers has a running start. John Wagoner was raised on January 4, stood proficiency January 18, and was appointed to a stewards chair before the groundhog peeked. The Masters Journal RALEIGH Masters 754 has changed its annual delivery of fruit baskets from December to April. Thats probably a good idea. Theres already lots of stuff happening in December. Maybe we need to remind folks were thinking of them some other times of year. The Trowel James B. Green 735 is using its off Tuesdays for a proficiency class. While its intended to get new officers accustomed to their upgraded seats, other members are welcome to hone their skills. James B. Green Scene CHARLOTTE Charlie Spencer is working overtime to prepare past masters portraits for Keystone 726. Many are copied from pictures from the masters year in the East. Members were egged on to come see one (here unnamed) past master with hair and tight skin. Others are being asked to make appointments with Charlie to get pictures made. Keystone Lodge Mint Hill 742 held a Chili Cookoff in February. They were to choose the Chili Chef Champ from the maximum allowed ten entries from the far corners of the county. Each had to make enough to feed at least eight Masons. Hhmmm sounds like a lodge meal to me. Trestleboard GREENSBORO Several members of Gate City 694 recently got calls from an insurance company claiming to have gotten their names from their lodge. As their newsletter told them, It aint so! Neither your lodge nor Grand Lodge ever sends your name to any non-Masonic group. Gate City brought a busload of kids down from Oxford to enjoy a Christmas party in December. They enjoyed entertainment, food, and a visit from Santa. The Trestle Board WILKESBORO Folks in the hills of the western part of the state are proud of their ability to withstand the cruelties of winter. So you know things were dang nasty when both Mt. Pleasant 573 and Wilkesboro 407 postponed their officer installations because of weather. A 16-inch snow was the culprit. MIDLAND Union 618 has raised nearly $3,500 for their building fund since they started having special suppers in May. Union Lodge MANTEO Its always handy to have talent in the lodge. Manteo 521 has a new ornament hanging over the masters chair thanks to Dewey Mann. Dewey made a lighted, stained glass G for the lodge. Watch out Dewey, therell be lots of lodges trying to get on your good side. More Light RANGER Montgomery 426 recently presented Doc Little and Harvey Stiles Past Secretary certificates. Stiles served for 14 years and Little for 24. Does the new secretary stand a chance? Arthur West HAYESVILLE Clay 301 recently handed out service awards to four members. Horace David Garrison got his Diamond Jubilee Award for 60 years membership. William J. Cabe Jr., Cloe Jerald Cowart, and Clifton Asbury Penland got their 50-year awards the same night. Jack Moye ASHEVILLE More Light, the new newsletter of West Asheville 665, has published two issues now. More Light CULLOWHEE East LaPorte 358 presented Kenneth R. Brown his 50-year award last year. Trestle Board WASHINGTON Ira Paul Leggett of Orr 104 recently received his Veterans Emblem for 50 years Masonic membership. Over at Washington 675, Hubert Edwards and Willie Gray Hodges got their 50s. Light From the East ALBEMARLE Stanly 348 recently presented Hilliard Virtus Whitley his Veterans Award. The Trestleboard LAURINBURG E. M. Stubbs, Francis Bullard, and F.H. Simmons Jr. of Laurinburg 305 got their 50-Year Awards in November. The Masonic Messenger SNEADS FERRY Stump Sound 733 gave Sam McGinn his Veterans Emblem at a recent Awards/Ladies Night. They also presented a 70-year award to William O. Benson on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut. Bulletin of Stump Sound Lodge SMITHFIELD Lots of honors were passed out at Fellowship 84s Annual Past Masters and Ladies Night in November. At the top of the list was Paul Dormans Mason of the Year recognition. James L. Creech was given a special apron in honor of the 50th anniversary of his year served as master of the lodge. William H. Stemler, Zeb B. Hill, and Raymond Pope received their Veterans Awards. The Trestleboard CONOVER Every year Conover 709 hosts a Saturday morning breakfast for the lodge, Eastern Star, and their families. Seventy-five attended the latest breakfast. Conover Lodge CHERRYVILLE News Out of the Blue is the newly launched newsletter of Cherryville 505. Terry Larkin is editor. Out of the Blue DALLAS Gaston 263 recently elected Bernard Phillips, Bob Braswell, and Buck Newsome honorary members. Out of the Blue Liberty 45 presented a Meritorious Service Award to C. G. Glass for his many years of outstanding service and devotion. Liberty at Large TRAPHILL Claude Billings was presented a lifetime membership in Traphill 483 in December. Arnold Wagnor and Robert Hardy Jr. were made honorary members the same night. Liberty at Large GASTONIA A joint project of the 54th and 55th Masonic districts sent discount store gift certificates to 12 kids at the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford. The Plumb Line PINEVILLE James K. Polk 759 has set its golf tournament for April 13. Golf tournaments as fund raisers are gaining popularity as fast as the game itself. Call them for details. Polks Conrad Carter recently got his Veterans Emblem. The James K. Polk Lodge Messenger CLAYTON Granite 191 has debuted its new lodge publication Actions2 read that Actions Squared. Nice name, guys. Actions2 WILMINGTON The Wilmington Mason got a 50% cut in the latest lodge budget at Wilmington 319. Theyll be cutting back to publishing every other month. The Wilmington Mason WINSTON-SALEM Jack Horn conducted a Third Degree Proficiency School at Old Town 751 earlier this year. It was for those who wanted to get a proficiency card or just brush up on the work. On the Level at Old Town Lodge GARNER The Newsletter, based in Garner, has changed its name to the more appropriate 24th Masonic District Newsletter. The district has lodges in Raleigh as well as Garner. They carry news from Garner 701, Vandora 745, William T. Bain 231, C. B. Newcomb 740, and Hiram 40. 24th Masonic District Newsletter KINSTON It was a doubly special day at Southwood Memorial Christian Church when they held Ladies Day in January. More than 30 members of Richard Caswell 705 and Neuse Chapter 347 Eastern Star visited church that day. Women of the church did the entire service that morning. Earl Lovette, master of 705, says they, seemed to appreciate us as much as we did them. ************************************************************ ************************************************************ MASONIC LEADERSHIP CENTER LAUNCHED BY ALLEN E. ROBERTS For more than three decades a few Freemasons have pleaded for the establishment of a clearing house for Masonic leadership material. That's all it amounted to talk. Now, thanks to the small international research society called The Philalethes Society, the talk has turned into action! A Masonic Leadership Center: The Lifeline to Growth is now a reality! For more than 50 years Masonic educational conferences have been held throughout the country. Most of these have featured papers by the top educators and leaders of the Craft. They have given the Masonic world step by step accounts of excellent programs for developing leadership. They have shown our lodges and grand lodges how they can develop dedicated Master Masons. What happened to this information? Who learned what had been proposed? The wisdom imparted by these knowledgeable men was usually circulated only among the participants of the various conferences. In rare cases, a few of the successful programs were developed for use in other jurisdictions. Far too often the information was buried and never again saw the light of day. The long hours, the money, the thinking, the work that went into the planning and execution were lost. The axe that started as a crude stone, then sharpened, and improved with a handle, went back to its crude stage. As with the wheel, it continued to be reinvented. The money, effort, and man-hours shared in these conferences were expended over and over again. The few within Freemasonry who were aware of the wasted money and time, pleaded for a central clearing house. They envisioned a place where the excellent proposals of the past and present could be readily available to all. From this depository information could be obtained, analyzed, then modified for specific uses. Good leaders know that no one agenda can fit every situation. Even within a state, conditions and people have different needs. But the wheel doesn't have to be reinvented it can be improved! Now Freemasonry has an opportunity to save thousands (even millions) of dollars, and an uncountable number of man-hours! On August 12, 1995, the Masonic Leadership Center became a reality. The Executive Board of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association unanimously permitted the Center to operate within the Memorial. The Board agreed with the far-sighted proposal presented to, and supported by, Donald M. Robey, executive secretary of the Memorial Association. The Center will be supervised by Paul M. Bessel, an attorney, dedicated Master Mason, and librarian at the Memorial. He has produced an outstanding library there. Leadership and program information will be itemized and reviewed for ready reference and disposition to any interested Masonic leader. Want to know what Virginia did in the 60s, Georgia in the 70s, and DC in the 80s to assist the wardens of their lodges to be better masters? The Center can provide the answer. Want to know where you can find and study the principles of management and leadership? The Center will provide several sources. Want to know what any grand lodge did to further the cause of Masonic education during the past 50 years? The MLC can send you reams of material. The prospects are unlimited. Several interested Freemasons have volunteered to help. They will use a program developed by Bessel to index proceedings, transactions, books, and other leadership material. They will include brief reviews of the indexed material so it can be readily selected. Little can be accomplished without sufficient funding. The money for the minimum equipment has been contributed by The Philalethes Society. As the value of the Masonic Leadership Center becomes widely accepted, it is expected that many of the grand lodges and appendant bodies will gladly support its endeavors. It is a non-profit corporation and is expected to be tax exempt. It will be managed by a Board of Directors made up of Masons dedicated to assisting the leadership in the grand lodges, lodges, and appendant bodies of the United States and the world. The Center is only days old, but much information is already available. Everyone interested in the growth of Freemasonry is urged to support the efforts of the Masonic Leadership Center located in the Masonic Memorial to George Washington. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial; the memorial owned by all the Freemasons of the country, that honors the leader of the Founding Father of the United States of America, is the home of the new Masonic Leadership Center, "Lifeline to the Growth of Freemasonry," to develop future leaders, and to assist the leaders of today. Masonic Leadership Center GWMNM 101 Callahan Drive Alexandria, VA 22301 Telephone: Voice: (703) 739-3295 Fax: (703) 739-3296 What's available now: Proceedings of Conference of Grand Masters Proceedings of Conference of Grand Secretaries Transactions of Northeast Conference Transactions of Midwest Conference Proceedings of other Conferences Builders magazine Master Mason magazine The Philalethes periodical Short Talk Bulletins of the MSA Various leadership programs of several Grand Lodges What's needed: Volunteers to read, catalog, and review books, Transactions, and so on Contributions of Masonic leadership material Monetary contributions ************************************************************ HOSPITAL VISITATION DIRECTOR WEIR PASSES AWAY Riverdale, Maryland Thomas E. Weir, longtime director of the Masonic Service Associations Hospital Visitation Program, died December 24, 1995. Weir was born in 1925. The MSA statement on his death said, Toms love of people, his always cheerful attitude, and his willingness to help and care for others will always be remembered. We have lost one of the finest men and Masons who has ever served the Fraternity. BOOK ON CHARITY NEEDS YOUR INFORMATION Masonic Philanthropies: A Tradition of Caring is one of the most successful Masonic books ever published. Over 85,000 copies have been printed, and nearly every one has been distributed. S. Brent Morris, the author, is beginning work on a revised, updated, and expanded edition scheduled for publication in early 1996. He is interested, in particular, in adding more examples to the book's "Vignettes of Masonic Charity" section where short, illustrated articles give touching examples of how Masons help others. If your Lodge, Chapter, Consistory, Temple, or other Masonic Body has been involved in a noteworthy philanthropic effort, please share it with Morris. He would like to have several color photographs and a description of the activity. Please take a minute to let the Masonic Service Association know about other Masonic charitable efforts that should be highlighted in the new edition of Masonic Philanthropies. Send your information to: Masonic Philanthropies Update, Masonic Service Association, 8120 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Emassay Notes. ************************************************************ ************************************************************ ENCOMPASSING THE WORLD MASONIC NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD IDAHO HOLDS PUBLIC CEREMONY AT ANNUAL COMMUNICATION Idaho When the Grand Lodge of Idaho held its 128th Annual Communication in September, they invited the public to their opening ceremonies. About 200 attended. Among the amendments to their laws considered, a proposal to permit lodge business meetings to be conducted in the first or second degree was rejected by the delegates. Any Idaho Master Mason will now be able order his own ritual cipher key. Previously, only past masters were permitted to own one. The grand lodge here is developing a Masonic Leadership Manual to teach officers how to run a lodge. They aim to make running a lodge smoother, more productive, and more enjoyable for the master. They hope improved leadership skills will also increase attendance and make the lodges grow. The course includes sections on planning and budgeting, programs, ritual, and activities. The Idaho Freemason MASONIC FOE MAKES TROUBLE FOR HIMSELF Beaumont, Texas Larry Holly has spent several years making trouble for Freemasonry among the Southern Baptists. He helped force the recent investigations of the Craft by the Convention. Holly has apparently found time to create problems for others as well. He was recently asked by the deacons of Calvary Baptist Church in Beaumont to leave their membership for creating strife within the congregation. In October, Holly said that no other Southern Baptist church in town would receive him as a member. There are reportedly 23 Southern Baptist churches in Beaumont. Masonic Information Center Focus and Winston-Salem Scottish Rite News KENTUCKY REVISES BYLAWS Kentucky A major revision of their constitution was the big job at Kentuckys 196th Annual Communication. Among the new laws on their books is a requirement that the master and wardens of a lodge pass a proficiency test before being installed. Masonic Home Journal KANSAS GL FACING FINANCIAL TROUBLE Kansas After slashing $17,000 from their 1996 budget, the Grand Lodge of Kansas still came up $25,000 short of black ink. Theyre asking their members to contribute to the cause. Its not tax deductible. The Kansas Masonic Mile of Food raised more than $16,000 this year. All organizations in their Masonic family participated. The money went to Kansas Foodbank Warehouse, the largest food distribution center for the needy in Kansas. The agency feeds 17,000 people daily. The Kansas Mason SHORTENED PROFICIENCY EXPERIMENT ENDS IN MISSOURI Missouri Five years ago, the Grand Lodge of Missouri adopted a short form proficiency examination for candidates. After much discussion at their 174th Annual Communication in October, they refused to extend the experiment past its five year term. An edict from the grand master, upheld by the delegates, will allow those already getting their degrees to continue with the short form if they wish. The Missouri Freemason CALIFORNIA IN NO MOOD FOR CHANGE California At their 1995 Annual Communication, the Grand Lodge of California rejected several proposals of interest to Masons around the country. Lodges wont be allowed to reduce stated communications to four each year. Amendments to allow stated communications in the Entered Apprentice Degree and reducing proficiency examination of candidates to obligations, signs, and modes of recognition were also denied. They finalized their recognition of Prince Hall Masonry in California. Southern California Research Lodge Fraternal Review CATTLE HALT WYOMING MEETING Wyoming Rollin, rollin, rollin. Keep them doggies movin. Annual Communication 1995 business of the Grand Lodge of Wyoming was temporarily suspended as the Great American Cattle Drive passed through the streets of Sheridan. It gave the delegates an opportunity to witness what may be the last such event. The drive carried more than 200 steers from Fort Worth, Texas to Miles City, Montana. The Voice of Freemasonry MASONS OPEN CANCER RESEARCH CENTER Minnesota Five years in the making, the $30 million Masonic Cancer Research Building at the University of Missouri will be dedicated March 30. The state-of-the-art facility has been designed to facilitate collaborative research by increasing the interaction of scientists. The Masonic Cancer Research Fund has contributed more than $17 million to the university for cancer research since 1958. The fund was instrumental in raising the funds to construct the building and recruit additional faculty. Tucker LeBrien, associate director for basic research at the Cancer Center, says, We now have the opportunity to move to the next level of accomplishment in cancer research. The Minnesota Mason PUT YOUR FAMILY ON ICE Lake of the Woods, Minnesota If winter play is one of your interests, or if you just like to thumb your nose at Mother Nature, Osiris 272 and Koochiching 270 in Northern Minnesota held the event for you in early February a fishing getaway on Lake of the Woods. It was for the whole family. They encouraged Masons to bring non-Masons to enjoy the ruckus. Obviously, ice fishing for world-class sauger and walleye was important. They even plowed roads across the lake to put folks in heated icehouses for angling. There was snowmobiling on 500 miles of trails, dog sledding, cross country skiing, airplane rides, and a craft show. If instead, youre a Minnesota snowbird waiting out spring in Texas, you may be more interested in an annual event in the McAllen-Harlingen area of South Texas. For 15 years now Minnesota Masons have held a March reunion there. They also attract Masons from Canada and other Midwestern states. Texas grand masters even make it a regular event on their schedules. The Minnesota Mason PRINCE HALL RECOGNITION UPDATE Colorado In August the Grand Lodge of Colorado A. F. & A. M. sat down at the State Capitol Building with the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Colorado. They signed a compact recognizing the members of each body as having all the rights of a Master Mason. A special commission was established to formalize a liaison between the groups. Wyoming is included in the jurisdiction of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Colorado. The Scottish Rite Northern Jurisdiction and Prince Hall Affiliated Scottish Rite have agreed to mutual recognition. The relationship will apply only in those jurisdictions where the grand lodges have formal relations. The status of recognition between historically white and black grand lodges stands as follows. North American grand lodges recognized by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina who currently have formal relations with Prince Hall grand lodges in their jurisdictions include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec. The United Grand Lodge of England has recognized the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Emessay Notes, Fraternal Review, and The Idaho Freemason CITY ASKS LODGE HELP Cayce, South Carolina When a tornado struck Cayce last November, the city asked Cayce 384 for the use of their building as a shelter for disaster victims. The lodge was there to help. A nurse and other volunteers were dispatched with cots, blankets, food, and emergency supplies. Thankfully, the shelter was not needed. Masonic Light PERSONAL TOUCH FOR NPDS Alaska Its required by Masonic Code in Alaska, but might make a good voluntary rule for lodges here. Their dues schedule is the same as ours: payment due January 1, overdue notices sent in September, action begun in November. But they demand a committee appointed in November to contact personally every member delinquent in paying dues. The committee reports in December. Light From the Great Land INSTANT MASONRY EXPERIMENTS CONTINUE Experimentation with making Masons in one day continues around the country. Perhaps the most aggressive effort was in Nebraska last November. Registration started at 7:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning. By lunch time 147 candidates had been raised (complete with costumed third degree) and taught the modes of recognition. After lunch the Scottish Rite degrees were exemplified or communicated. Chairs were added after the Scottish Rite class picture for the local Shrine temple to initiate 200 new members. Dinner was served to 700 that evening. Some went from non-Mason to Shriner in about 12 hours. Thats a full day. North Dakota scheduled its first One Day Class for February. It was aimed at those who say they dont have time or cannot coordinate their schedule with the Lodges for the degrees or those who havent finished their degrees. In Alaska they raised 24 at the Grand Masters One Day class. Wyoming raised 39 in a one day class. They have another one day class set for April. The leading top line signer of petitions in Wyoming will get an expense-paid trip to annual communication for his wife and himself. In October the District of Columbia did the Entered Apprentice Degree on Friday night and the other degrees on Saturday for 57 candidates. The master for the first degree was a member of the Grand Masters Class in 1993. Just over half of those initiated in DC were under 40 years old. The Nebraska Mason, The North Dakota Mason, The Wyoming Freemason, The Voice of Freemasonry, and Light From the Great Land ************************************************************ ************************************************************ PASSING COMMENTS If Masons treated Masons by the lessons of our degrees, we would not need membership committees, but extra degree teams. Nebraska Grand Master Sonny Eatmon, The Nebraska Mason, August, 1992. We have a rich Masonic heritage, and the only way that future generations will know about us is to tell them. Tell your children, tell your grandchildren that you are Masons. Let them be proud. Hope that one day they too will want to be Freemasons! Mitch Goodman, master, Andrew Jackson 576, The Masters Journal, July 1994. ************************************************************ JIMROD Q.WAXPILLOWS MOST RECENT OFFERING This hard-working old Mason named Vince Chewed tobacco while building a fence A board striking his jaw Made him swallow his chaw Vince has had the hiccups ever since ************************************************************ ************************************************************ REMEMBER TO SHARE THE BAD TIMES TOO Herbie was a friend and Brother. He was easy to be around. His face always carried a smile. There was a new joke each time you dropped by his shop. He was one of the most active young men in his church. Herbie died by his own hand in January. He had as many friends as anyone in town. A mere mention of trouble would have brought dozens to his aid. He was one of the richest men in town in the one commodity that counts brotherly love. If only he had said something. He never gave us the chance. He left us feeling empty and hurt. Should we have noticed? Could we have done something? When he kept his pain to himself, he deprived us of a chance to help. Herbie took his Masonic charges seriously. He was always ready to lend help to a Brother. But, like so many of us, he let pride get in the way of reversing the roles. Keeping your problems to yourself doesnt make you a stronger, braver person. To the contrary, it takes strength to share your pains with others. From that sharing, comes greater strength than you can believe. You owe it to your Brothers to turn to them in times of trouble. Denying them the opportunity denies their Brotherhood. No problem is so great that it cannot be lightened by the sharing shoulders of friends. Dont leave them out. Just as money is good for nothing if unspent, Brotherhood means little if untraded. Not only do we owe it to a Brother to help him in his time of need, we owe it to him to call on him in ours.