The North Carolina Mason

Page 8 The North Carolina Mason January/February 2020 Every year in recent years, Grand Masters have commis- sioned a lapel pin that they hand out during District Meetings, GM visits and other events throughout the year. Each Grand Master works hard to craft a design that has meaning to him and to his mission for the year. It's no different for Grand Master Shaun Bradshaw. In his own words, here are the meanings – visible and one hidden – in his pin. As a whole, the pin symbolizes our need to maintain balance in our lives, to align our thoughts, words, and actions with the will of Deity. While we may view some circumstances of our lives as positive or negative, we can be assured that Divine Providence is always watching over us. ere is a hidden symbol in the image of the pin. MW Brad- shaw encourages brethren to carefully study the symbols to see what they might glean from it and let him know their thoughts. Here's a hint he offers: ose who paid close attention during the presentation of his 2020 initiatives have seen the hidden symbol and may be able to discern its presence in the pin. The pin is made up of a variety of symbols of upmost meaning to all Freemasons. Whatʼs in a lapel pin? A whole lot if you look at it real close The all-seeing eye, like the blazing star in the center of our lodges represents our faithful reliance on Divine Providence in our lives. The sun and moon teach us to maintain regularity and balance in all that we think, say, and do ("As the sun rules the day and the moon governs the night …"). The columns, Jacob and Boaz, are another symbol of balance. When we stand between the two, we become the third pillar, the pillar of beauty/balance/harmony. The checkered pavement represents the idea that, throughout our lives, we will face joys and challenges. The Square and Compass (with the compass on top) represent that our spiritual nature, that part of ourselves which is connected to deity, should always govern our human actions, represented by the Square. The point within the circle is a symbol of deep meaning. In astrology/astronomy, it is the symbol of the sun. In alchemy, it is the symbol of gold. In Freemasonry, we say it represents maintaining a centered nature and by staying within the circle we may never materially err. Need help becoming a Lion & Pillar Lodge? It's not easy to become a Lion& Pillar Lodge of Excellence. It's not meant to be. But that doesn't mean there's no help available for lodges trying to win the award again, or those trying to become an L&P lodge for the first time. Starting in March, special district- wide events that will teach lodges how to become a lodge of excel- lence – while giving attendees credit toward the award – will be held in four locations. Past Grand Master Gene Cobb, who created Lion & Pillar and helps shepherd the program at the behest of the Grand Master, says details are still being worked out and will be posted on the Lion & Pillar Lodge of Excellence Facebook page and shared with the Grand Lodge and the North Carolina Mason Face- book pages. As of press time, meetings were scheduled at three locations from 10 a.m. to noon; a fourth will be added: March 21 District 13 James A. Johnson #413, 124 Jolly St., Louisburg April 11 District 17 TBA, Fayetteville April 18 District 12 Shallotte #727, 5072 Main St., Shallotte All districts are encouraged to attend any of the meetings. Not only will PGM Cobb and others talk at the meetings about ways to meet the requirements, lodges that send three or more brothers to attend get credit toward their Lion & Pillar applica- tion. And there's a bonus: If you're a member of multiple lodges, your pres- ence at any of these meetings counts for ALL lodges to which you belong. (e only catch is this: All lodges seeking to become a lodge of excel- lence must fill out the paperwork.) ere's yet another opportunity to earn some credits. "At the Shallotte meeting, brothers will hold a First Responders' breakfast. Any lodges that help out with that breakfast and stay for the meeting get credit," PGM Cobb said. "Any of the locations already set that want to do the same should contact their DDGM." By attending and listening to a selection of guest speakers from National Sojourners, MSANA, NCMF and others, your lodge qualifies for credit in these areas: ● Hosting a Speaker's Bureau member (Category 1). ● Hosting a National Sojourner for a program (Category 2) ● Hosting a member of the Grand Lodge Masonic Renewal Committee for a program (Category 4). ● Holding a Masonic education program on the MSANA Hospital Visitation and Disaster Relief initia- tives (Category 2). ● Holding a Davie session on philanthropy (Category 3). ● Holding a "district event" (Category 4). e meeting could meet other requirements that are being worked on at this time. PGM Cobb said the meetings Four regional sessions planned to give aid ■ see LION page 9

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