The North Carolina Mason

Page 8 The North Carolina Mason November/December 2013 Special typhoon challenge Homecoming III fun faces down threatening weather Ric Car ter photos OXFORD —Despite uncooperative weather October 11–13, the Masonic Home for Children celebrated in grand style 140 years of caring for children with the Third Annual Masonic Homecoming Festival. During the three-day event, an estimated 3,000 alumni, families, Masons, guests, and new friends visited the campus to sample barbecue, watch a huge parade, attend alumni events, and simply come back home. Attendees included Masons, former residents, current donors, and members of the MHCO/Oxford Orphanage family. It was the largest crowd in over five years for Homecoming. Homecoming has been expanded to include the Masonic fraternity and several of the attractions which were once included in our St. John's Day gathering. The first day, weather was okay for golf. It allowed the Chip Shots for Children Tournament, hosted by the Oxford Orphanage/ MHCO Alumni Association, generate more than $28,000 for the Alumni's Foundation for the Home. The sounds of string music and the smell of Andrew Jackson Lodge's famous stew filled the air as alumni and friends gathered Friday night to kickoff the weekend. Fourteen contestant teams set up and prepared all night for the final judging Saturday of their barbecued pork, ribs, and chicken. Under intermittent mist, Saturday morning see TYPHOON, page 5 PAID OXFORD, NC 27565 PERMIT NO. 56 NON-PROFIT ORG. AUTO U.S. POSTAGE see HOMECOMING, page 4 In this issue of The NC Mason By A. Gene Cobb Jr. The damage caused by November's Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines is one of the worst disasters in history. Lives, homes, property, communities have been destroyed beyond repair in many places, and based on the reports we get, even tremendous amounts of financial support will barely scratch the surface to meet the needs of so many whose lives have experienced what one victim described in a CBS news broadcast, something that "is worse than hell." It is a regrettable result of our modern world that things slip quickly from our sight and memory as new, more recent, or glamorous events take over our televisions and perception. The needs of those in the Philippines will go far, far beyond the time news reminders of the tragedy stop. Masonic charity is one of the greatest gifts we have to offer, especially in times like this. The Grand Lodge of North Carolina is blessed to have members who care, members who share, and members who dare to reach deep into their pockets and respond to human need, both here and around the world. Now is one of those times. Recent economic hard times have affected all of us. We hear of it all of the time in our work and in our fraternity, however, the difficulty affecting the people in the Philippines right now is far more severe than anything any of us experience here in the greatest nation on Earth. We have a wonderful opportunity to care, share, and dare to respond to this terrible tragedy. It isn't about how much we give, because the need is so great we may likely not even scratch the surface; however, what if every lodge in North Carolina gave something to help our fellow human beings whose lives have suffered so much? I continue to give thanks in my daily devotions for the great men across this state that care about our brothers in fraternal ways. I marvel at the ways our fraternity aids and assists. Right now, it isn't about you or me. It is about helping the very best we can people who cannot help themselves. Accordingly, between the receiving of this letter and January 31, 2014, would you consider a gift of love and support for those who need our NORTH CAROLINA The Mason Mayo is new grand master page 1 Grand Lodge installs 2014 officers page 3 On the cover Grand Master Mayo receives his collar and jewel from Past Grand Master Bob Gresham Ric Carter photo CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Masons join Homecoming at Home for Children The Grand Lodge of North Carolina, AF&AM 600 College Street Oxford, North Carolina 27565 page 8 The North Carolina Mason Married at the lodge altar Homecoming unsullied by weather NOV/DEC 2013

• Cover