The North Carolina Mason

Page 12 The North Carolina Mason September/October 2019 Mileposts 144 Ernest F. Albritton, Grifton #243 Kenneth R. Rouse, Grifton #243 * As reported to The Mason Congratulations to our 50-year members*: NEWTON – The Oasis Shriners in August hosted a black tie ceremonial honoring Grand Master Dwight "Mack" Sigmon. He was named class honoree for the ceremonial. As a member of the Oasis Ritual Cast, he filled the role of the Potentate and conferred the Ceremonial Ritual for 14 candidates. Five Past Grand Masters participated in the ritual ceremonial; the deputy grand master and senior grand warden were in attendance but did not have a ritual part. Before the ceremony, the Grand Master joined Potentate Kenneth Jarrett in presenting a special recognition plaque to the oldest living Past Potentate of Oasis, Walter A. "Sticky" Burch of Revolution #552. Burch, 100, is a 69-year member of the Craft. He served as Potentate in 1975. On hand for the honor was Burch's son, Stephen (far left), followed by Potentate Kenneth Jarrett, Sticky and GM Sigmon. CLEMMONS – Brother Paul Richard Hamrick of Friendship #388 is honored by Grand Master Dwight "Mack" Sigmon for 70 years in the Craft. The ceremony was held at Clemmons #755 because Worshipful Brother Hamrick lives in Clemmons. He was master of Friendship Lodge in 1957. He became a member on July 8, 1949. BOWLING GREEN, Ohio John Strickland, past master of Hiram #98, won his fourth consecutive national cham- pionship in National Tractor Pullers Asso- ciation competition in August. Competing in the 8,000-pound Super Stock Open division, Strickland won the final meet in Bowling Green, Ohio, to clinch yet another title. Strickland drives the GALOT II en- try (Get A Load of This) for team owner and father-in-law Earl Wells, a former grand lecturer of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. Strickland also drives a GALOT Camaro in drag racing competition across the country. WILMINGTON – Grand Master Dwight "Mack" Sigmon, left, and Brother Mike Faulkenbury of St. John's #1, right, present Worshipful Brother Robert Dale Millar of Numa F. Reid #344 with his 70-year service award. They presented the award at Millar's Wilmington home with many family and neighbors attending. Millar became a Master Mason in 1949 at Piedmont #681 and served as master in 1956. Piedmont Lodge later merged with Numa F. Reid Lodge. HIGH POINT – Grand Master Dwight "Mack" Sigmon awarded a 70-year mem- bership certificate to WB Arnold J. Koonce Jr. at his home in High Point. Koonce served as Master of Numa F. Reid #344 in 1958. Proudly displayed in his living room was the Past Grand Master apron worn by his father, Most Worshipful Arnold J. Koonce Sr., who served as our 113th Grand Master in 1966. The Grand Master was joined by Koonce's grandson, Brother Sam Hinnant (standing, left), a member of Snow #363 in Boone.

• Cover