The North Carolina Mason

September/October 2019 The North Carolina Mason Page 3 Bradshaw a proud Masonic esotericist By Beth Grace Mason Editor Everyone has a story, and Grand Master-Elect Shaun Bradshaw wants to hear yours – and share his. e 48-year-old Clinton native was elected Sept. 28 at the Annual Communication in Winston-Salem. He has been on the Grand Line since 2012, when PGM Dewey Preslar appointed him grand steward, the junior brother in the progressive line to become Grand Master. He says his year ahead, which will focus on the more contemplative side of Masonry, will be a little different, starting with his district meetings. "I'm not big on making speeches, but prefer dialogue," he says. "I will have a few things I will say at all of the meet- ings, I'm sure, but I want every meeting to be a little different. I will ask brothers to hear my story, which tells a truth about who I am and what I believe as a Mason and how that helps form how I am as a Mason. And I will ask them to share their stories. … I think our stories reveal a deeper truth that helps us think more deeply about who we are as Masons." He will also focus on rituals and symbols within Freemasonry. "I'm a proud Masonic esotericist," he says. "I'm a firm believer that our rituals and symbols hold deep truths and can have a transformative effect on us … and take us to that next level that makes a good man better – often without our realizing it." He acknowledges that this is a different approach to Freemasonry than most of his predecessors, although he says MW Dwight "Mack" Sigmon's year has laid the perfect ground- work to continue to talk about the importance of ritual and symbols. "Symbols speak to people in different ways. You have to take time to think about them, to reflect on what they really mean to you," he says. In short, he says, his initiatives and changes in the Lion & Pillar program (look for a list in the November-December issue) really have a simple message: Study the ritual & contemplate the symbols. Open yourself to the little epipha- nies of understanding that transform who you are. Engage in fraternalism. Share your passion for the frater- nity by telling your story. Bradshaw has been a Mason for 22 years. He was raised at Stokes- dale #428 in August 1997 and was proposed for membership by Ted Wright and Ray Comer. He also is a member of Wilkerson College #760, Sophia #767 and MESH #771. He has logged countless hours in Masonic work. He particularly cherishes his time as an instructor for Wilkerson College – since 2005 – and his involvement in helping establish the Middle Chamber program in 2017. In addition to lodge and Grand Line duties, he has served on many committees, including the boards of WhiteStone: A Masonic and Eastern Star Community and the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, Masonic Service Asso- ciation, Grand Lodge Personnel Committee, Masonic Jurisprudence, Finance Committee, Ad Hoc Grand Lodge Transition Planning Committee, Ad Hoc Member- ship Committee and the Board of General Purposes. He and his wife Sharon have two children and live in Greensboro. He is vice president and chief financial officer of Zenergy Technologies, a software delivery solutions firm in Greensboro. e Grand Master-elect will be installed Dec. 7 at the Koury Convention Center located in the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons. Grand Master-Elect has a story to share, but he also wants to listen to your story The 411 on Bradshaw Age: 48 Born: Clinton, NC Resides: Greensboro, NC Raised: Aug. 5, 1997 (Stokesdale #428) Lodges: Stokesdale #428, Wilkerson College #760, Sophia #767, MESH #771 Appointed to Grand Line By: MW Dewey Preslar, 2012 Family: Wife, Sharon; 2 children Occupation: Chief Financial Officer/ Vice President, Zenergy Technolo- gies, Greensboro Shaun Bradshaw asks attendees at the Annual Communication to tell their Masonic stories through their actions. R. DaviD WickeR JR. Deputy Grand Master LaRRy B. Thompson JR. Senior Grand Warden kevan D. FRazieR Junior Grand Warden LeWis R. LeDFoRD Grand Treasurer T. WaLTon cLapp iii Grand Secretary ALSO ELECTED Grand Lodge members voted for these officers for 2020:

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