The North Carolina Mason

LAURINBURG – It's never too late to find more light. Two Laurinburg #305 brothers – raised many decades ago – have received their Certification of Profi- ciency, successfully passing their Master Mason Catechism of the Third Degree in Masonry. Jimmy Lynn was raised in 1965 and Ronnie Gibson was raised to Master Mason in 1977. Master Tom Rogers presented both with their certificates this fall and praised them for their example of strong brotherhood. KANNAPOLIS – AA good deed became a very big deal when the broth- ers of Cannon Memorial #626 decided almost a year ago to start collecting non-perishable food and items for the military. The lodge currently has two broth- ers deployed, so they were motivated when WB Jason Resendes rallied the lodge to follow the example of other jurisdictions and send care packages overseas. At meetings, the hat was passed, food items and toiletries were collected. Brothers James Litaker and Jay Wood pushed it to a new level by partnering with a local food distributor and col- lecting weekly disbursements of non- perishable foods and toiletries. Broth- ers in the Lodge supported his efforts, continually oneupping each other. Brother Joe Meece, and his wife Valarie donated 2,600 sports bras of varying sizes. Brothers Todd Owen, Ken Dover and Randy Bowlin secured a donation of 4,400 helmet lamps. The stash grew so big, the lodge had to move it to a warehouse, while brothers negotiated with the military to collect what was now almost $30,000 worth of donated goods. The military ended up send- ing two trucks in July to gather the goodies. Items not eligible for shipping overseas were shared with the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salisbury, and with needy families in the com- munity. Cannon aims at helping military personnel RALEIGH – During a recent informal legislative meet-up at the Grand Lodge, Grand Master Shaun Bradshaw, right, shows Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Master D.T. Thompson a hand-carved folk art cane donated to the Grand Lodge. The cane, unearthed from beneath a building in the 1920s, features a carved frog, some lily pads, vines and leaves. (Photo by Jonathan Underwood) GRAHAM – Brother Junious "Alton" Myrick has seen it all in his 100 years on this earth. And his brothers at Thomas M. Holt #492 in November wanted to spend some time honoring his longevity in life – and in the Craft. His birthday fell on Aug. 14, but brothers couldn't gather with him until pandemic rules for gathering were eased. Brother Myrick is an Army veteran, serving in World War II from 1942-1946. He has been a Master Mason since 1958, raised at Indus- try #131 in Philadelphia, Pa. He joined Thomas M. Holt lodge in August 1986. He was awarded his 60-year pin and certificate in 2018 by Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Dan Rice, right, along with then-WM Jason Simons, center. Brother Myrick attended the lodge regularly up until the past few years. November/December 2020 The North Carolina Mason Page 11

• Cover