North Carolina Mason
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1475818
N athan Williams never wanted anyone to know how generous he was. Turns out, everyone knew it. They just never let on. The 57-year Mason, who died five years ago at 89, left behind a legacy of generosity that changed – and continues to change – countless lives. He gave to others in need often, always in secret, and as Scripture recommends, with one hand not knowing what the other was doing. But his brothers at Holly Springs #115 have long felt that it's only right that their beloved past master, this generous benefactor to all those in need, should be recognized in a way he might have (reluctantly) approved. "He always made it a point to help others, who for whatever reason could not help themselves. And he never ever wanted the limelight for anything he did for anybody, never asked for anything," says lodge Past Master Tim Merritt. "He would specifically tell people, 'Do not put my name out there for doing whatever it is I'm doing.'" So how would he feel about this charitable endowment being named in his honor? "Well, I expect he'd be fussing at us about it," Master Stephen Curry says with a smile. "But I hope he'd be happy with what we're trying to do." The lodge, working with the North Carolina Masonic Foundation, has created The Nathan Williams Memorial Charitable Endowment, a fund that will grow to support the award of an annual grant to a non-profit community organization that serves Holly Springs. This is the first North Carolina lodge to create an endowment dedicated to helping its community. The lodge, just back to meeting regularly again and ready to rejoin the community, announced the endowment in March and treated the community to an open house, a tour of the beautifully restored and maintained lodge, and a free bowl of some very tasty Brunswick stew. More such events welcoming the public into the lodge may be scheduled. Becoming more involved in our communities is one of the goals of Grand Master Larry Thompson's theme of "Masonic Revival." "Holly Springs has the exact right idea," MW Thompson says. "Becoming part of our communities in a vital and interesting way like this – in such a way that it truly helps others and raises the profile By Beth Grace NCMF Communications Director Masonry is Philanthropy Holly Springs Lodge Honors Brother in Endowed Gift 10 | T H E M A S O N M AGA Z I N E