The North Carolina Mason

Page 10 The North Carolina Mason September/October 2019 travelinG the tar heel state neWs From our lodGes SHAWBORO, NC – Brothers in Virginia and North Carolina often visit each other's lodges. The tradition continued in August when Hall #53 in Shawboro hosted some brothers from southeastern Virginia lodges. Even with a broken air conditioner, 34 visitors attended, bringing the total number in lodge on August 7 to 52. Follow- ing the meeting, WM Henry Strickland (right) and Brother Moe Patrick of Lake Drummond #178 in Deep Creek, Va., (left) presented WB Scott Mathis (center) with a square and compass flag pole top- per. EDENTON – As it has become a July 4th tradition, the brothers of Unanimity #7 participated in a ceremony honoring Joseph Hewes, signer of the Declaration of Independence. The ceremony is held on the courthouse green. Unanimity lays a wreath at the monument. Hewes was born in Princeton, NJ, where he was a businessman. In 1763, he moved to Edenton, where he became a member of the legislature. In 1774, he became a delegate to the Continental Congress and was one of three North Carolinians who signed of the Declaration of Independence. Hewes' mother lodge is not known, but he is recorded as visiting Unanimity on Dec. 27, 1776, upon his return from the Continental Congress. The ceremony is hosted by the Edenton Tea Party Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Pictured left to right: Anne Rowe, NSDAR Regent Edenton Tea Party Chapter; Beth Taylor, Ceremony Chairman; WB Bill Potts; WB Mickey Spruill; Brother Blake Harmon; Brother Rick Howard; Brother Paul Vincent, WB Ben Roberts, Sr.; Brother Lester Channell; WB Ben Roberts, Jr.; Brother Dave Lindsey. ALEXANDRIA, VA – Several North Carolina Masons traveled in Au- gust to see some Masonic sites, attend a degree and spend some time re- membering those who have gone before. Brothers from all around North Carolina joined the trip. They visited George Washington's home at Mount Vernon, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at Washington's tomb. They also traveled to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The wreath was placed by Most Worshipful Mack Sigmon, Right Worshipful David Wicker, Worshipful Brother James Puglsey, and Brother Matt Parker. They also toured the George Washington Masonic National Memorial and wrapped up the visit with an emergent communication of the Lodge of the Nine Sisters #773 in the North Lodge Room for the raising of Brother Joseph Meece to the sublime degree of Master Mason. The North Carolina Masons conferred an exceptional degree with Worshipful Brother Matt Moore presiding in the East during the first section and Grand Master Mack Sigmon presiding in the East for the second section. Plans are being made for a third annual raising at the memorial in 2020. MOUNT JEFFERSON Summer is the perfect time for a get-together and Ashe #594 did just that, hosting the first 33rd Dis- trict reunion in August. Many months were spent in the planning, traveling to the nine district lodges as well as to visit the Mouth of Wilson, Va., broth- ers to the north. Plans already are in the works for another district lodge to host next year's event.

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