The North Carolina Mason

Page 10 The North Carolina Mason November/December 2020 NeWs oF the craFt GREENSBORO – Grand Master Shaun Bradshaw on Nov. 2 awarded the final Montfort Medal of his year to his Grand Lecturer, Worshipful Brother Christopher Lee Wright. Brother Wright, a member of Stokesdale #428, is a 23-year Mason, past District Deputy Grand Lecturer, past master and senior warden of his lodge and chaired the Masonic Ceremonies Committee. He and the Grand Master were college roommates – and they share a strong Masonic connection. "e primary reason I awarded him the Montfort is that he exhibits what I believe to be the traits of a true Master Mason," GM Bradshaw said. "Before I presented the medal, I had everyone in the room stand if they had been coached or received a lecture or a degree from Chris. Of about 60 brothers in the room, some 40 stood up. He truly makes himself available to the fraternity in many ways." He is also well known for keeping in touch with brothers and others he has met along the way. He will check in on people for years after they meet, just to make sure they're doing fine and to see if they need anything. "I wouldn't be surprised if he makes a call to someone every day," said GM Bradshaw. "He does it because he genuinely cares about people." e Montfort is North Carolina Masonry's highest honor. Joseph Montfort was treasurer of the Prov- ince of North Carolina, colonel of Colonial troops, and ardent Free- mason. He was born in England in 1724 and died in 1776 in North Carolina. He was a member of Royal White Hart Lodge at Halifax. His exuberance for the fraternity led to his commission as Provincial Grand Master in 1771. Each Grand Master may give three Montfort medals during his tenure. Wright earns Monfort Medal for long service SOUTHERN PINES – Challenged by the impact of the pandemic, the brothers of Southern Pines #484 pressed on, committed to support- ing students in their community. For the 17th year, the lodge raised funds for its academic scholarship benefiting four students a year as part of the R.C. Yoder Memorial Scholarship Fund golf tournament. Socially distanced and following strict guidelines and safety measures, the Lodge members and their supporters enjoyed a day on the course, to help deserving young adults from the region. The fund's mission awards young people admit- ted to college, but absent of other scholarships available to most and for those sharing a special financial need and desire to further their education. Pictured is Southern Pines Master for 2020, Thomas Bolton III, left, and NC Masonic Foundation Eastern Region Director of Development Chris Richardson, receiving this year's proceeds for the fund. GREENSBORO – Hark the sound …. of gift bags opening. The brothers of Lux Libertas #772 sponsored 180 special game-watching party kits for residents of WhiteStone: A Masonic and Eastern Star Community as they gathered to watch UNC vs. Duke on TV. The bag contained some treats, a letter from the officers, a coupon for a hot dog from the Bistro at WhiteStone and other goodies. WB Gary Handy, PGM Speed Hallman and others expressed their thanks to Gina Prevost and Katie Beverly at White-Stone for taking this idea and running with it. They added ideas and solicited some of the items. The University of North Carolina's Athletic Department donated Kenan Stadium cups and pom- poms, and the UNC General Alumni Association donated fans.

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