September/October 2013
The North Carolina Mason
Page 7
Help our Brothers, and put your name up in bricks
GREENSBORO — One of our challenges at WhiteStone: A
Masonic and Eastern Star community in Greensboro has been providing financial assistance to needy and deserving fraternally related
residents. Over the past few years, the amount of need has exceeded
the amount of charity contributed by the members of our fraternity.
As a result, we had to scale back the amount of charitable assistance
we provided. To do otherwise would risk the future of the home.
Unfortunately, this tough decision caused some in our fraternity to complain, inaccurately, that "WhiteStone no longer provides
charity." The fact is; we continue to provide more charity than the
level of fraternal donations we receive. In the future, we want to
increase our contributions so we can help more members in need.
WhiteStone's Board of Directors, in conjunction with the newly
formed NC Masonic and Eastern Star Home Foundation LLC,
decided to launch a fundraiser for the home that will give lodges
an opportunity for a friendly competition with bragging rights, and
provide recognition to the lodges that step up with the most support. This campaign also serves as the cornerstone of an ongoing
effort to ensure that our fraternal charity thrives for years to come.
It is our pleasure to announce the kickoff of a buy-a-brick fundraising campaign as part of WhiteStone's yearlong celebration.
Lodges and individuals may buy bricks engraved with their names
or the names of individuals or organizations they wish to honor.
The bricks will be prominently displayed on a plaza at WhiteStone's entrance. Please see the order form for additional details.
All of the proceeds will provide needed financial support to those
fraternal members who want to move into WhiteStone but do
not currently financially qualify for admission. Our goal is to renew the promise on which the Home was built in 1913: that any
Masonic or Eastern Star member, regardless of ability to pay, has
an opportunity to move to WhiteStone.
To help generate some good old fashioned fraternal competition, the Home will acknowledge the top Masonic lodge and top
Eastern Star chapter in brick sales on a per capita and a total
volume basis with a special plaque at the site.
To get order forms, or for questions about the fundraiser,
please call Mark Kolada, executive director at (336) 547-2992 or
email him at , or Speed Hallman, Chairman of the North Carolina Masonic and Eastern Star
Home Foundation LLC at .
The Rev. William Dodd, first chaplain of the Grand Lodge of
England, was hanged for forgery on June 2, 1777.
— From "To Light" by Larry Jacobson, The Nebraska Mason
ELIZABETH CITY — Grand Master Dewey Preslar presented five Veteran's Emblems
when he visited the First Masonic District earlier this year. Seen here, from left, are award
recipients Eddie Bell (Widow's Son 75), Marshall White (Eureka 317), GM Preslar, C. E.
McCoy (New Lebanon 314), Elmer M. "Beans" Butt (New Lebanon 314), and Floyd Albertson (New Lebanon 314).
KINGS MOUNTAIN — In July, Fairview 339
presented William Clavon Kelly his Diamond Jubilee
honoring his 60 years as a Mason. He is seen here
with his wife Dot. Toney Wells and Jim Medlin presented the award.
— James Medlin
SALISBURY — Grand Master Dewey Preslar recently presented Jason Theodore Kepley, left, his Diamond Jubilee for 60 years lodge membership. Kepley is
a member of Andrew Jackson 576. — Dewey Preslar
ARDEN — Bill Norwood, left, was the first
news anchor with WNCT-TV Channel 9 in
Greenville, NC, from 1954 to 1959. It was during
that stint that he became a member of Crown
Point 708. Crown Point Master Charles Sumerlin, right, recently traveled here to present Norwood's Diamond Jubilee award for 60 years Masonic membership.
— Charles R Sumerlin
DURHAM — Fellowship 687 held their Past Masters' Night June 11.
Past masters present were, front from left, Charles Pless, Joseph Hackett, Ricky Moser, Harold Jolly, and Fred Lambe. Second row, Roger Cooke,
David Conley, William Huffman, and Verlon Leverett. Back, Michael Adcock,
Gerald Medlin, L. C. Meachum, and Mark Stephens.
— Michael Adcock
HIGHLANDS — Joe Wilson (front, second from left) received his 50year Veteran's Emblem at Blue Ridge 435 on July 18. He is joined here by
his brothers (front from left) Steve Wilson, Joe, Morris Wilson, and Neville
Wilson.The four Wilson Brothers are all members of Blue Ridge Lodge and
have a combined total of 194 years in Masonry. Back are Secretary David
Cashion and District Deputy Grand Master Brian Rau.
— Gordon Jolly
KINGS MOUNTAIN — In July, Fairview 339
presented Norman Fuller McGill, Jr. his Diamond
Jubilee honoring his 60 years as a Mason. Toney
Wells and Jim Medlin presented the award.
— James Medlin
Ric Car ter photo
Ric Car ter photo
Mileposts
ELIZABETH CITY — During Grand Master Preslar's visit to the First Masonic District
earlier this year, he presented a number of service awards. Howard Olds, left, of New Lebanon 314 received his Diamond Jubilee for 60
years Masonic membership. Olds was master
of New Lebanon Lodge 50 years ago.
LUCAMA — Gerald Bass, of Lucama 527, recently got his
Veteran's Emblem for 50 years Masonic membership. His brothers, both Lucama Lodge members, were on hand to share in the
joy of the occasion. Lodge Master Phil Capps was assisted by
the brothers in making the presentation. Seen from left are Leo
Bass, C. B. Bass, Gerald, and Capps. Between them, the three Bass
Brothers have more than 150 Masonic years.
— Phil Capps
HAVELOCK — On June 27, Cherry Point 688 raised new
Mason Darrell Ray Branum Jr., left. His father, Darrell Ray Branum,
right, two time Master of Olive Branch 269 in Tulare, California
was there to assist in the raising. Seen center is Cherry Point
Lodge Master Robert Hamm.
— D. K. Lewis
MIDLAND — Costumes always make for a touch of special in a Masonic degree. On
June 24, Union 618 raised three: Jason R. Rushing, Dustin S. Grooms, and Daniel B. Johnson,
kneeling center.
— R. Darrell Long
