The North Carolina Mason

Page 8 The North Carolina Mason November/December 2021 ■ continued next page Relationships the key to Masonry's future T ransitions are a part of life. Some we can plan for, and some we cannot. But the most important piece of any transi- tion are the relationships you make along the way. In September, you honored me by electing me Grand Secretary. ank you. I want you all to know that I cherish every one of your congratu- latory notes, phone calls, and prayers. Know that in every- thing I do, I will strive to be worthy of your trust. ere are more than 250 years of history, tradition, and responsibility behind our institution, and a living strength that shapes our future as a Grand Lodge. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate each of you for your guidance in deter- mining what our future will be. But, I want to especially thank my mentor, predecessor, and friend, Walt Clapp, who taught me that we must always move forward and plan for nobler deeds, higher thoughts, and greater achievements – that which betters our society. Below is his speech of thanks delivered at the Annual Communi- cation this past September. Brethren, It is an honor to stand before you today. I had the honor to serve this Grand Lodge for 42 years — 25 of which you honored me as your elected Grand Secretary. Friends, please know how much I value the trust you vested in me to represent you. Your confidence is what equips your Grand Lodge office and your Grand Lodge Officers to work and work effectively. It was always my intention to serve you. It was not always easy. Brethren, I know I challenged you. I know I frustrated some of you. But, truthfully, at times you frustrated me, too! Truly, you challenged me and I take criticism and concerns as a way to improve myself — to understand a different point of view, to approach a problem and a solution in a different light. And, I hope you did, too. It is very important for any office to have a good staff. We had and have a great Grand Lodge office staff. After I was elected Grand Secretary, following the death of then-Grand Secretary Pete Dudley, it became apparent that I had to bring in an assistant. I was not looking for someone that would always agree with me. I wanted someone who would challenge me. e person I selected was Ric Carter. Ric became a special friend. I appreciated his insights on many issues and ability to find solutions. We worked as a team and I have to credit Ric with my successes. Now, that is not to say it was all rosy … Ric can be opinionated at times! I am proud of the many accomplish- ments that occurred during my years in the Grand Lodge office. However, I think the most important success we were able to obtain as a Grand Lodge was the recognition and relationship we developed with our Prince Hall brethren. e recognition of Prince Hall Masonry was a turbulent 12-year process, and started the year I became your Grand Secretary. However, it was an issue I believed in, and one from which I was not going to shy away. at whole time and afterward reminds me again of our Grand Lodge staff. Being able to work in an office environment where everyone feels like family is a blessing. Cornelia Doherty and Frankie Harles and others just help the world go 'round a little smoother. Also, I think about the office as generational. Cornelia and I started about 1980 — we were the new kids! And, worked alongside Pete Dudley, Jean House, and Joyce Watson, who all arrived on the scene about 1960. And, man, I thought they were old then! Your current staff in the Grand Lodge office is second to none. As people resigned or retired we moved forward, hiring new individuals with new talents. is next generation includes Vicki Lam, Hayley Moll, and Matthew Robbins — all of whom are superbly genuine and talented people, and they brought skills to the table I did not have, but needed. ey chal- lenged me to think different and to work differently. And, for that I feel confident in saying our Grand Lodge office is in good hands. Brethren, support them. Help them. Challenge them as you challenged me. I am delighted to have been part of this family and say "thank you" to each of them. Brethren, we all recognize the time in our lives when it is time to step aside and out of the way. Several years back, we had a young man come to the office to do some research. He came by a number of times and we got to know him well. When Ric Carter told me he was going to retire and mentioned I should keep an eye out for a new assistant, he mentioned this person. After conversing with Dalton Mayo, then Grand Master (who informed me it was in my best interest to hire a new recruit in case I was hit by a log truck), we hired Jonathan Underwood. Jonathan has been a wonderful addition to the Grand Lodge staff, and we developed a similar collegial relationship as I had with Ric. Now it's time to pass the baton. Brethren, whether it is your lodge or your work, I'll ask you what I so often asked myself: "Who are you passing the baton to?" And, "Did you prepare them for the challenges ahead?" Since at least the 1890s, it has been the tradition of the Grand Lodge office to train up the next man. For me, I remember Grand Secretary Charlie Harris, who hired Pete Dudley, who hired me. And, like each of them, I feel confident in passing the baton to Jonathan. He has a firm grasp of your Grand Lodge's operations, and I am confident of his vision for the future. I wish him well and also stand by willing and able to assist him in any way possible. Finally, brethren, I miss the day- to-day relationship with you. I always enjoyed our phone conversations, visi- tors dropping by the office, and seeing you at district meetings. I can honestly say I will not miss hearing a Grand Master's message at a district meeting —I heard the same talk between 18 and 65 times a year, every night – but I will miss YOU. ank you again for your love and for your support. I'll be around, but it'll be in jeans and a T-shirt and I'll likely have a good IPA in my hand. By Jonathan Underwood Grand Secretary Bounce ba from the COVID cou The Covid 19 Pandemic has had us confined to our homes which has not only resulted in various psycho- logical issues but our physical fitness as well. Folks that were active and enjoying their "normal" life prior to March 2020 suddenly found their gyms closed, walking paths and greenways closed due to the lockdown, working from home, etc. So many found themselves sitting and watching TV or other non-active things, sometimes for months. Not only did we lose muscle tone but not having much cardio workout activity gained some extra weight and unless we maintained some activity may have become a

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