The North Carolina Mason

September/October 2021 The North Carolina Mason Page 11 By the Rev. Mark M. Vickers Past Grand Chaplain In the past 12 plus months our world has seen a great rise in civil unrest, violence, and general discon- tent. We have seen riots and demon- strations of all sorts, we have seen people slander one another, we have watched as people have been murdered in cold blood. We have watched our world slowly fall apart. What strikes me most about all of this is that "the world" has gained control over our attention – when in fact, we as Masons are called on to be "not of this world" but still be "in this world." As Biblical as that is, it is also found in our ritual and in our teachings. I'm reminded of this when I focus on the smooth ashlar having once been a rough ashlar. It has been transformed into a beautiful and useful stone. I want to encourage us, as Masons who meet on the level that often times we enter our lodges as "rough ashlars," but being reminded that the work we are called to do requires us to be "smooth ashlars" in a world that seems to be rough a good part of the time. So, brethren, as you continue on your steps in Masonry, as you work for the good of humankind, let us work to smooth ourselves into a fraternity that is "in the world, but not of the world." PRAYER: In the midst of life on this mortal earth, keep us mindful of the good works we are to do. Keep us mindful of those who need our help and assistance, and may we always move forward toward more light in our lives. SMIB and AMEN. THE PRAYER CORNER By Matt Parker Wendell #565 In the picturesque New England town of Attleboro, Massachu- setts, stands Ezekiel Bates Lodge. In 2016, the brothers, desirous of quality Masonic education and spearheaded by WB Bryan Simmons, created the Masonic Con. Each year the Masonic Con has attracted Masons from around North America to hear some of the top Masonic authors and speakers. It inspired others. Since 2016, other Masonic Cons have sprung up around the country. Plans were in place for Masonic Con in 2020; T-shirts and custom drinking glasses had been printed, the speakers locked in, travel and boarding arrangements made. en then the unthinkable happened: a global pandemic. But the brothers of Ezekiel Bates Lodge were not deterred from their mission. Determined not to let another year pass without a Masonic Con, WB Simmons and his lodge brothers began planning a hybrid Masonic Con with a limited number of in-person tickets; others would attend virtually. is proved to be an unexpected blessing as brothers from Canada, Scotland, and other countries were able to attend the event from home. Rather than print new T-shirts, glasses, and promotional mate- rial, the event was simply dubbed Masonic Con Twenty-Twenty (ish). On May 1, a who's who of Masonic authors and speakers descended on Ezekiel Bates Lodge, including Right Worshipful Robert Johnson, host of the Whence Came You podcast and co-host of e Masonic Roundtable; Brother Chuck Dunning, author of Contem- plative Masonry, and our very own WB Ben Wallace, Past Master of Blackmer #127 and Sophia #767. Each speaker was phenomenal, but it was Chuck and Ben who stole the show. Chuck and Ben teamed up for a presentation on contemplative Masonry. Ben described the Middle Chamber program offered by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina and the vision of continuing the renaissance in Masonry. Following the presentation, the room was abuzz with questions from intrigued brothers all wishing to take a part of what North Carolina has back to their jurisdictions. Later, the discussion continued at a panel discussion including Chuck, Ben, Robert Johnson, and Bryan Simmons. Again, the attention was focused on Chuck and Ben, the Middle Chamber program and all of the things North Carolina is doing to enhance the Craft. Brothers around the world yearn for Masonic education as well as the fraternalization that our great order offers. e trend of Masonic Cons across the country shows no sign of slowing, and we are proud that North Carolina Masonry took a the spotlight at Masonic Con Twenty- Twenty (ish). NC program a hit at Masonic Con 2020(ish) NC Masonry shines bright at Masonic Con with a panel of brothers. From left, RW Robert Johnson, WB Bryan Simmons, WB Ben Wallace, and Brother Chuck Dunning.

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