The North Carolina Mason

Page 8 The North Carolina Mason July/August 2020 THOMPSON, from page 3 STAND, from page 1 ere are young men and women in the valley who need role models. ere are elderly citizens in the valley who need assistance with healthcare and insurance. ere are citizens in the valley who need assistance with educational and employ- ment opportunities. ere is work to be done in the valley. Grand Master Bradshaw, thank you. My brothers of the North Carolina Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina, thank you. My sisters of the Order of the Eastern Star, thank you. ose who stopped by to witness this event, thank you. I'm reminded of the words found in II Chronicles, 7th Chapter, 14th verse: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." BRADSHAW, from page 2 Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice. Let me speak for a moment about that last one – Justice. Our ritual tells us that Justice is "the very cement and support of civil society." As I contemplated on that particular phrase, I thought what it would mean if there were no Justice? If Justice is necessary, if it is the "cement" that supports civil society, what does it mean if, or when, Justice is not dispensed equally? We are here today, not because we all agree on the solutions to the injustices and divisions in our country, but because we understand the meaning, the hope, of brotherly love. is tenet pushes us to see beyond those divisions, and as such, helps bring us together despite — and sometimes, because of — our differences. It unites us. It helps us see ourselves in our brethren and love them for who they are – men who are also traveling on that dark and difficult path, working to transform themselves into smoother, more level, and more upright members of society. By coming together this afternoon we hope to show the citizens of our communities, our state, and our country, that it is better to be united against hate, intolerance, injustice, and violence. at our fraternity is stronger when we work together, that society is better when we work together, that we should build and unite, not destroy and divide. To embody the ideals of Brotherly Love so that our conversations and debates start from a place of respect and toler- ance rather than fear and hatred. at is the promise of Freemasonry, the magic of it. e example it can be, and the example it is. "at is the promise of Freema- sonry, the magic of it. e example it can be, and the example it is." MW Daniel L. ompson, Grand Master of Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F. & A.M., brought the message home. "Look at the statement our standing together makes. Freema- sonry parallels the history of the United States. Freemasonry parallels the history of prejudice and racism. Eleven years ago, the Freemasons of North Carolina took the steps required to recognize each other as brothers and men; fulfilling the true principles of the fraternity. "Today, as some in our state and country deny, ignore and turn a blind eye to the truth about preju- dice and racism, it is the Freemasons of North Carolina, again, showing the world what right looks like. We stand together showing that it is the man's heart, not his color that counts." He urged the brethren to listen with an open heart to his message of change – and act on it. "Change is possible. But the change starts with the 'man in the mirror,'" he said. "We stand for justice. We stand for peace. We stand for under- standing. We stand here as Masons, we stand here as Men, we stand here with the support of our sisters and fellow citizens. Together, WE STAND!!!" Music and prayers opened the gathering. Near the speaker's area, Eastern Star sisters of the PHA, gowned in white, joined their brothers to hear a written greeting from Gov. Roy Cooper. "Since its inception, your orga- nization has a proud history of promoting friendship and brotherly love in communities across North Carolina. Because of this, many lives have been affected in a positive manner," Cooper wrote. "You have reached out to the needy and the helpless and have given them encouragement, a sense of pride and, most of all, hope. "I am grateful for your continuing efforts to bring unity, peace and under- standing to all of our communities." Since the Gathering, GMs Bradshaw and ompson have met to talk about next steps. Neither brother wants to lose the momentum gained in June. COVID phases permitting, both lodges will work together to host a legislative reception in September for brethren in the NC Legislature and those who work in that area. And since the annual Masons Can drive at Annual Communication likely will not be doable, ompson will ask his brethren to host drop-off sites around the state for all Masons to visit and leave cans of food for the needy. GMs Bradshaw and ompson will visit those sites during the collection to say thanks in person. A third joint event is tentatively planned, most likely to happen in 2021. Both Grand Lodges will work together to host joint blood drives at various locations around North Carolina. Details to come.

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