North Carolina Mason
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1076718
Page 12 The North Carolina Mason January/February 2019 Mileposts 144 Tommy Everitt, Gatesville #126 Michael Poole, Durham #352 Harold Strickland, Mingo #206 Ralph Wilkins, Gatesville #126 * As reported to The Mason Congratulations to our 50-year members*: Arnold Aiken, Garner #701 Larry Barden, Allen-Graham #695 Thomas Sasser Sr., Morning Star #85 Neil Taylor Stout, Wilmington #319 * As reported to The Mason Congratulations to our 60-year members*: CHINA GROVE – Grand Master Dwight "Mack" Sigmon was among special guests at the 150th anniversary celebration of Eureka #283. Some 130 people attended the banquet, held one day shy of the date on the lodge's Charter. The welcome was given by Past Master Tom Lentz. The lodge history presentation was given by then-current Eureka Master Brian Gray. Past Grand Masters Speed Hallman and Dewey Preslar were on hand to give service awards. GREENSBORO – District 23 has a Traveling Gavel. For years, if you got the gavel dropped on you it was your responsibility to give it to another lodge within 30 days or you had to buy dinner for the Lodge that gave it to you. This process was changed in 2018 by the 23rd District Deputy to allow a lodge to capture the gavel from the lodge that holds it -- and whoever had the gavel the most got an award for their efforts. For 2018, Revolution #552 had it five times for a total of more than three months. The new rule prompted some great visitation between the lodges. Pictured is DDGM Jeff Bullington, right, pre- senting the 2018 23rd District Gavel Masters Award to WB Todd Huffines of Revolution 552. WILKESBORO – Edwin Ralph Church, center, is honored by Grand Master Dwight "Mack" Sigmon, left, with a 70-year cer- tificate. Church is the father of Dwight E. Church, 33rd District Deputy Grand Master. The award was presented at the stated meeting of Mount Pleasant Lodge #573 located in Wilkesboro. Edwin Church, 93, was raised at Mount Pleasant on Nov. 27, 1948, was Master in 1968 and served as secretary for a few years after. He is a World War II Army veteran, serving in Italy. OXFORD – Retiring Oxford #122 Secretary Rich Weaver, right, receives the Secretary of Distinction Certificate from the Grand Lodge. WB Rich also received the Meritorious Service plaque from all Past Masters.