The North Carolina Mason

One Thing We Can Rely On: Everything Changes By Beth Grace, Mason Editor Emeritus Not all endings are sad. Some are welcome, a herald of new things to come – new thoughts, new plans, new ways of being. That's my favorite kind of ending: the kind that bursts into a room unannounced, hollers the news with gusto, and then gets down to work. That's what's happening here in the North Carolina Mason, right before your very eyes. We look different but the same rule holds true now as it did before: We cover North Carolina Masonry. We bring it home, right to your door. This new look has been a long time coming. There have been many changes in the way the publication looks over the years. From a black and white broadsheet to a tabloid, then finally to a full-color tabloid. Go back even farther – the Mason started out as The Orphan's Friend, a product of the print shop at what would become the Masonic Home for Children. But changing tastes have had us wondering how we could improve things, make the Mason better- looking and more informative to attract readers inside and outside the Craft. When Grand Master Larry Thompson asked what we could do to make the paper into a coffee-table-worthy magazine that would celebrate and promote the ideals of Masonry, the Board of Publications got right to work. Led by board Chairman/Grand Marshal Mike Register, the five-member board has taken on the planning, writing and organizing. This frees me to move over from what were my two part-time jobs (Mason editor and NCMF Communications Director) to become the full-time NCMF communicator. That doesn't mean I'm off the Mason team. I'll continue to write regular stories and features. Now, I'll be telling you (and the world) stories about the good work our charities are doing – and the outstanding work our lodges are doing to support them. Our goal at the foundation is to spread the word of Masonic philanthropy. I am delighted with this new opportunity! From the day I took over as Mason editor – almost six years ago now – I have loved this work and getting to know all the brethren with whom I have crossed paths. Here's to a new beginning, a new voice. Here's to Masonry! For last year's words belong to last year's language, And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning. ― T.S. Eliot I hope it looks easy. That's another piece of the process – seamlessness. Permit me to offer the analogy of the duck gliding across the glassy surface of a lake. One would assume he's merely powered by the breeze as he floats by. Yet, let's not forget all the paddling going on underneath to negotiate the water's current, the wind, and avoid the occasional hunter. We hope you'll journey with us. We need your input and guidance. Our future is whatever you want to make it. What do you want to accomplish for the next generation? SUMMER 2 0 2 2 | 7

• Cover