The North Carolina Mason

September/October 2021 The North Carolina Mason Page 13 ELIZABETH CITY – "Snoman" wanted to make his exit in style. And he did. When WB Charles E. "Skip" Mahaffey of Eureka #317 was diagnosed with COVID-19 this summer, he made a special request. He told his wife that if something bad happened, he wanted his casket carried to the cemetery in his semi – the one he drove every day as owner of Mahaffey Enterprises Inc., the company he owned and operated. When he passed in August – he was only 50 – his wife and three children honored his request in a big way. Not only did they do what he asked, they invited others to honor him. His truck was followed by some 26 other semis. Masonic rites were conducted at the cemetery. GREENVILLE – The members of Crown Point #708 celebrated St. John's Day with their first-ever table lodge. Members came out for this special event, which also cel- ebrated the reopening of Masonry since the start of CO- VID-19 closures. The candlelight supper event was a hit with members and the Education Committee hopes to grow this event and open it to the District with a follow on St. John's Day meal this December. Education on the night focused on the history of table lodges and St. John's Day Festivals amongst a series of toasts. JACKSONVILLE – R. David Wicker Jr., the Grand Master of Masons, in August conferred the Master Mason Degree on Brothers John Paul Ledford and Richard Dennis of Semper Fidelis #680 and Brother Michael Pilati as a courtesy to the Grand Lodge of South Carolina. The second section was conferred by WB Jason Caldwell Master. All three brothers were raised by MWGM Wicker. KINGS MOUNTAIN – The Kings Mountain Vietnam Veterans retired an old flag and dedicated a new flag for Fairview #339. Rodney Paulson, Abraham Ruff, Ernie Howell, Carl Marrow and Jim Medlin participated in retiring the old flying flag. Later that evening at the lodge, PM George Melton was honored for his service during World War II. George was presented a certificate of honor and a North Carolina flag, certified as having flown above the State Capital building. It's never too early to begin working on your Lion & pillar projects for the year!

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