The North Carolina Mason

Page 14 The North Carolina Mason November/December 2018 THANKS from page 4 From the Courier's Case Blackmer Lodge polishing wisdom and light Steven Campbell Masonic Historian Earlier this year a new era began in Montgomery County's oldest Lodge. On the afternoon of April 7, members of Blackmer #127 in Mount Gilead hosted scores of Masons and fellow citizens in the rededication of their Lodge meeting room. In its 168-year history, the Lodge has met in five various buildings. In 1948, in partnership with the Marvin Moore American Legion Post, Lodge members assisted in building the School Street structure. Ever seeking wisdom, current members approved a Lodge Library and Archives. It was upon this effort that Brothers Randy Browning, Shawn Brown, Dale Goforth and Ben Wallace envi- sioned, presented, coordinated and crafted a newly designed Masonic setting for the Lodge meeting room. e countless hours of actual hands-on work was complemented by tireless and tasteful fundraising. Numerous lodge members stepped up to contribute both time and money. Masonic artist Ryan J. Flynn's toils resulted in a true master- piece of Masonic themed murals, bringing the Craft to life. Highlighting the setting is an LED canopy of stars, directly above the lodge's alter, depicting the constellations during the month of December 1850 when Blackmer Lodge received its charter from the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. Everyone is invited to visit Blackmer Lodge, which meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Photos by Bro. W. Gil Haywood all their time – working on behalf of those in need, especially for widows and orphans. ey hardly even have to think twice about it. If they come across someone in need, it IS their problem. ey do something about it. ey did a LOT about it this fall after Hurricane Florence slammed the eastern coast of North Carolina and left devastation and heartache behind. Masons from one end of the state to the other began to arrange fund- raisers, the Grand Lodge contacted the Masonic Services Association, and brothers began collecting food, supplies and sundries for victims. Masons from around the country chipped in and soon, the North Carolina Masonic Foundation and the Grand Lodge each donated $25,000 and launched a fund for flood victims. DDGMs and masters around the state gathered names and requests from those in need; a team of brothers assembled and allocated money. Each request was vouched for and hundreds of thousands of dollars were allocated to brothers and sisters who lost homes, lodges that were flooded and individ- uals who couldn't afford food for their families or a place to stay until they could get to their homes to determine the damage. is good deed has not gone unno- ticed or unrecognized. For weeks, the Grand Lodge has been receiving notes and cards expressing thanks and love from the people this Craft has helped in a true time of need. I'm sharing a photo of just a small selection, filled with stories of recovery and gratitude So as we head into a new year and end another holiday season of giving and thanksgiving, here's to the good guys. Here's to good men who know that it is their problem – it's our problem – when someone's in trouble. Here's to the brothers who always walk the walk, and never, ever let someone in need walk alone. Be sure to take a closer look at the new Lion & Pillar rules on pages 8-9!

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