The North Carolina Mason

March/April 2013 The North Carolina Mason Page 7 Santa's helpers in Pilot Mountain Santa visits Spencer SPENCER — Santa visited Spencer 543 December 8. Members were urged to, "Bring your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews to this fun event, and tell Santa what they want for Christmas." They had refreshments and collected for Toys for Tots. They hold the fun event annually. — Woody Weddington and Johnny Hatley Editor's note: Pilot Lodge 493 Secretary Bert Meijboom recently sent out the following message to his lodge members regarding the then ongoing delivery of holiday fruit baskets. PILOT MOUNTAIN — Indeed, there were some more basket cases on the road; no, not the procrastinating late shoppers at Walmart, Belk, and other places (bless their hearts), but three little elves (well, little…) seen at right. Up, up, and away they went, full of the Christmas spirit (it was too early for the 'other spirit', although cold enough), delivering the remainder of the fruit baskets to widows of Masons and shutin Masonic brethren. Of the total of 21 baskets, we delivered 13 today. We being, from left, J. T. Shelton, Rick Smith, and Bert Meijboom, as Dickie's boss did not give him off today to continue his ride. A shame. Anyway, we delivered and/or left fruit baskets on doorsteps of Norma Boaz (thank you for the delicious cookies (yes, we accept bribes)), Ginny Fulk (where Bert scared her peeking through the window with his Santa hat), Barbara Jessup, Marjorie Matthews (where her cat tried to taste Bert, licking that is), Betty Smith, Eleanor Stone, Gayle Vaughn, Peggy Sparger, Roseanne Bulling- ton, Bill Hanner, Arthur Weller, Ted Johnson, and Tom Kranking. Guys, the ones who did not come to help delivering missed out (again); it is a season of GIVING! Unless you have tried it, you don't know what you missed! Notwithstanding a very Merry Christmas! Fraternal Greetings Bert Meijboom Mileposts John Cook photo GATESVILLE — On February 7, Gatesville 126 presented Cecil Taylor his Diamond Jubilee honoring his 60 years as a Mason. Taylor joined in Virginia, but moved his membership to Gatesville when he came home in 1967. Friends from Virginia joined their brothers in Gatesville for the presentation. Seen, from left, are Ben Stallings, Fifth District Deputy Grand Lecturer Jim Sanderlin, Taylor, Elmer "Bean" Butt, and Taylor's nephew John Carter. FAYETTEVILLE — On November 11, Andy Drenkhahn, left, and Marvin Asbill, right, received Veteran's Emblems for their 50 years membership. The Clifford Duell 756 members are seen here with lodge Master Albert Tanzilo. — Marvin Asbill BOONE — Several members of Snow 363 recently visited their brother D.T. Brown at his retirement home to present him his Diamond Jubilee celebrating his 60 years Masonic membership. Brown served the lodge as master in 1962. — Aaron Whitener NEW BERN — Douglas Edwards, left, was recently presented his Veteran's Emblem for 50 years in the lodge. Edwards was treasurer of Grantham 725 for 41 years before stepping down just a couple of years ago. Grantham Secretary George Herring is seen here presenting the award. —George Herring KINSTON — St. John's 4 member Bryant Dawson, right, recently got his Veteran's Emblem saluting his 50 years as a Mason. Past Master Ken Tyndall is seen here presenting the award. — Danny Davis SWANSBORO — Seaside 429's William Thacker, right, recently received his Veteran's Emblem celebrating his 50 years of Masonic membership. Fourth District Deputy Grand Master Loren Jones, left, presented the award. — Greg Padgett SWANSBORO — David Holland, right, of Seaside 429, was recently presented his Diamond Jubilee by Past Grand Master Leonard Safrit, left. The award recognizes 60 years Masonic membership. — Greg Padgett ENFIELD — Enfield 447 enjoyed moving back into their old building last year. On moving back, they presented several service awards. Veteran's Emblems for 50 years membership went to Harvey Lawrence Armstrong (right), Clarence Wayne Boseman (above left), Prince Albert Carroll (above center), and John Joel Locke (above right). Jules Kluger earned his Diamond Jubilee for 60 years membership, but was unable to attend. — James Whitley SOUTHPORT — During its Annual Widows Appreciation and Masonic Awards Dinner November 17, Pythagoras 249 presented Veteran's Emblems to four of their brothers. The newly honored 50-year Masons are, from the left, Ivey Gaskill, Roy Daniel, Robert P. Robinson, and Ozen Carrier. — Jim Griffith

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