North Carolina Mason
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/33212
May/June 2011
The North Carolina Mason eNCompassiNg the world
Power struggle in Nebraska results in two claiming to be grand master
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA — The Grand Lodge
River degree in Idaho
SOMEWHERE ON THE BOISE
RIVER, IDAHO — Hagerman 78 was planning quite an outdoor degree June 11. They are calling it a River Lodge because they are rafting 16 miles down the middle fork of the Boise River. Partway, they will stop and do their degree work. They are expecting a large flotilla. Fourteen passen- ger vans were lined up to bring everyone home after the ten-hour outing. — The Idaho Freemason
Lodge owns a ferry CLEARWATER, MINNESOTA —
Many towns on the Mississippi River be- gan as ferry crossings. Clearwater Lodge 28’s historic building is built near the site of the old ferry landing. Back in 2008, the lodge built a replica ferry to celebrate their local heritage. They use it for display or as a parade float. Last year they launched it onto the river and ferried folk back and forth across the river to raise money for charity. They brought in $450 from sales of food and tee shirts at the celebration. More than 250 people rode. When they finished, the crew cut their lines and drifted eight miles down river to further enjoy a weekend of great weather and fellowship. — The Minnesota Mason
of Nebraska has recently pulled through a serious crisis in leadership. Grand Master John T. Parsons refused to relinquish his office after their annual communication. Deputy Grand Master E. David Watts held an unapproved ceremony in February and had himself installed as grand master. How did they come to the point of having two men claim to be grand master at the same time? In Nebraska, when a man is elected deputy
grand master, he is also elected grand master elect. He does not face another ballot before becoming grand master the following year. Shortly before their annual communication in
2010, Grand Master Elect Watts was arrested on multiple felony charges in a domestic disturbance at the home of an ex-girlfriend.
Notes RIVERTON, ILLINOIS — The 28th
Illi-
nois Masonic Academic Bowl was to be held here March 8. The Masons of Illinois sponsor the event to promote “academic excellence and recognition of the same.” Lodges sponsor local school teams for $150. The top four teams in each Sectional and the top four teams in the State Tournament are award- ed scholarships ranging from $100–$1,500. — Illinois Freemasonry
BARRE, VERMONT — Young Masons 111 is just what you would guess. It is a traveling lodge especially for young Masons and meets six times a year. Lodge officers (except the treasurer and sec- retary) must be under 45 years old. They insist that they have the same emphasis of any other lodge in Vermont: “Vermont Masonic ritual, Masonic edu- cation, and fellowship.” Older Masons may be as- sociate members. — The Green Mountain Freemason
MADISON, WISCONSIN — At their June
Annual Communication, the Masons of Wiscon- sin will be voting on raising their per capita from $31 to $37.
— The Wisconsin Masonic Journal Officers of the grand lodge brought charges
against Watts and refused to allow his installation until such time as the charges were heard. Their Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence concurred as Grand Master Parsons ordered that a man could not be installed in office while under Masonic charges. While Parsons continued in office due to the cir- cumstances, Watts organized his own installation ceremony. The grand lodge had Watts’ name removed from all financial authority of the grand lodge. On April 6, 2011, Watts was found guilty in his
Masonic trial and sentenced to a one year suspen- sion from the fraternity. Grand Master Parsons, having seen the trial through to it conclusion, then issued his resignation. Effective April 16, by way of the line of succession, Senior Grand Warden Bruce Baker became grand master of Nebraska.
NEW ZEALAND — The Freemasons Char-
ity of New Zealand spent nearly $100,000 (US) on placing GPS units in 500 ambulances and support vehicles for St. John. St. John provides ambulance, emergency care, and community care in New Zea- land. — Fraternal Review The Freemasons of New Zealand and the Arts
Foundation continue to fund the New Generation Awards. The $25,000 awards go to “artists in the early stage of career, with significant achievements, and an exciting future.” — New Zealand Freemason
CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND — In Oc-
tober, Daylight 48 Master Thomas Blacke claimed two Guinness World Records. The Rhode Island Mason, who is also president of the International Association of Escape Artists, now owns six re- cords. On October 27, he took the record for escape from chains (his 7.83 seconds is the new mark com- pletely overshadowing the previous 49.67 seconds) and escape from handcuffs while underwater (8.34 seconds, besting the old 10.66). — Rhode Island Freemason
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Canadian lodge in Afghanistan
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN — Can-
ada Lodge UD held its first meting March 4, 2010. Masons from the United States and Can- ada attended. The lodge’s purpose is “providing a place for Masons from any of the jurisdictions recognized by the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario to meet.” Canada Lodge held its first two initiations July 1. Wayne Fraser, a civilian worker at Kandahar Airfield is the lodge’s first master.
— EMESSAY Notes
DC charters Filipino lodge
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA — Maynilad
Lodge has been chartered in Washington, DC by the Grand Lodge of the District of Colum- bia. Its purpose is to furnish a home lodge for 300 Filipino Masons in the District. They began operating under dispensation in 2009. A num- ber of lodges there are set up for nationals from around the world. Several of the lodges in the District work in languages other than English. Maynilad is the original name for Manila. — The Voice of Freemasonry
Jersey heads into annual communication BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY — Some
interesting measures were being debated at this spring’s Grand Lodge of New Jersey annual communication. They were to consider lower- ing the minimum age to petition from 21 to 18 years old. They were also voting on charging two assessments of the membership: two dollars per member for two years for restoration of a ball- room in their headquarters and 50¢ per mem- ber for three years for digitizing historic grand lodge proceedings. New Jersey Grand Lodge is again presenting
Scout of the Year awards. They will recognize one Scout in each council with a $100 Saving Bond. A Scout of the Year will be honored at annual communication with a check for $1,000. — The New Jersey Freemason
Hiram 40 selling
Secret Sauce RALEIGH — Hiram 40 is now brewing and selling its award-
winning “Original Secret Sauce” to help raise funds for charity. The Original Secret Sauce helped Hiram 40 win Grand
Champion and People’s Choice titles at the 2010 Carolina Pig Jig barbecue competition. And, according to the lodge’s pit masters, the traditional eastern style spicy “vinnie” finishing sauce goes es- pecially well with grilled and baked chicken, pork, and fish. Chartered in 1799 and self-described as “The Barbecue Broth-
erhood,” Hiram 40 has earned a reputation for great barbecue and extraordinary sauce. The lodge currently plans to only brew their Original Secret Sauce in limited small-batches and sell the sauce exclusively during their spring and fall barbecue fundraising drives. The Original Secret Sauce was first sold to the public at Hi-
ram 40’s annual chicken barbecue event on April 29. It will be available directly from Hiram 40 members and online via Pay- Pal donations at