The North Carolina Mason

September/October 2020 The North Carolina Mason Page 11 CHAPLAIN from page 8 Leslie, David Adams 91 Western Star Flynn, Michael Dane 292 French Broad Childress Jr, David Howard 322 Granite Strickland, Robert Dale 428 Stokesdale Robertson, John Ross 431 Relief Watkins, Marshall Edward 482 Polk County Unity Dillard, Steve Michael 552 Revolution Hinkle, Ryan Keith 552 Revolution Faulkner, William Lee 564 Richlands Barbee, Richard Stanley 680 Semper Fidelis Harrell, Austyn Avery 680 Semper Fidelis Horning, Geoffrey David 680 Semper Fidelis Welcome our neW Brothers we have seen over the past eight months, I have to consciously remind myself not to be disheart- ened because changes have happened before and they will happen again. Just as in scripture and the life of faith communities; change will continue. Just as in the lodge, if we fail to advance the way we were taught, change will not take place and we will certainly die as a fraternity. My Brothers, take heart, embrace the change, be proactive, be instru- mental in making sure that when change does come, we are ready to advance as we were taught in order that history will speak well of us in the future. PRAYER: Grand Architect of the Universe, help us this day and in the days to come to embrace the change in our lives, to make the best of our God-given talents, and share with those what we have learned as we advance forward into a new and different world. SMIB- AMEN. Sincerely and Fraternally, Rev. Mark M. Vickers Grand Chaplain Teacher, traveler, leader: PGM Charles Lewis passes Charles Albert Lewis Jr., who loved teaching, traveling and his Masonic brethren, died Aug. 5 at the age of 83. He served as Grand Master in 2003, capping a Masonic career that began in the 1960s and never waned. He was an active member of St. John's #1, Stokesdale #428 and Wilkerson College #760. He served as Master of Homer #52 in New York state, where he had been raised. After moving to North Carolina, he continued his active membership. As Grand Master, his themes were "e Best Is Yet to Come" and "Good Is the Enemy of Great." His year was briefly interrupted when he had to undergo surgery to replace an aortal valve. He managed to conduct 26 of 41 scheduled District Meetings; fellow Grand Line officers conducted the rest. He remained busy even after his tenure as Grand Master ended, serving on the Committees on Masonic Education and Fraternal Correspondence and on the North Carolina Eagle Scout Task force. He was also an ardent supporter of the North Carolina Masonic Foundation and our Masonic chari- ties. His family asked for donations in his name to be made to the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford. He grew up with his sister and two brothers in Port Washington, NY. He is survived by his wife, Helga Maria Gunkel Lewis; daughters, Dr. Kirstin Helga Lewis Hansford and husband Mark; Heidi Marie Lewis Vincent and husband Jason; his sister, Ann Caroline Lewis Walter (George) and brother, Burchard Hults Lewis (Antoinette). He was predeceased by his brother, Edward omas Lewis. Charles received a B.S. from SUNY Maritime College; master's degree in education from Hofstra University, an M.A. from C.W. Post College, and a Ph.D. from New York University. Charles sailed intermittently from 1959-1969 as a licensed deck officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine. He retired as a lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He retired as Professor Emeritus from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. While there, he served as department chairman and received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Distinguished Teaching Profes- sorship. He also taught at Hunter College (NYC), the University of New Hampshire, SUNY Cortland, Georgia College and State Univer- sity, and Cape Fear Community College. Other pursuits included more than 50 years with the Boy Scouts of America, where he received the Silver Beaver and Vigil Honor. In addition to his work as a Grand Officer, he served as the Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of North Carolina. Charles was honored to serve as Master of Internet Lodge #9659 under the United Grand Lodge of England in 2007. He received the honor of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden in the Province of East Lancashire. He was an Honorary Member of many Masonic lodges around the world, including Paumanok-Port Washington #855 New York, and the Lodge of e Holy Land #50 in Israel. He was the recipient of many Masonic honors, including the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite. He was especially proud to serve as President of National Sojourners Chapters in Warner Robins, Ga., and Jacksonville, N.C. e Grand Oriente of Brasil presented several recognitions to Charles. He also was a member of the Shrine in Mecca and Sudan Temples. Cremation was followed by a memorial service at Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church, with Masonic Rites, U.S. Navy Flag Ritual, and Maritime College tolling of Eight Bells. Final internment will be in the family plot in Port Washington. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Celebration of Life ceremony was postponed until a later date to be announced. Save some trees and time: Opt out of the print Mason Here's how to keep up with all the news in the NC Mason Masonic news online: Just send a note to ncmason@glnc.us with these words in the subject line: OPT OUT, and in the body of the email, include your full name and mailing address. We'll take it from there. If you want to subscribe to the online version by email, it's easy …. 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