The North Carolina Mason

Page 8 The North Carolina Mason November/December 2011 More than 100 motorcycles roared up NC 50 from Raleigh to Oxford during The Ride. 14th Annual Ride carries $26K to Home for Children By Ric Carter OXFORD — Fourteen going on 15; this adolescent is adjust- ing well. On September 10, the Ride again gathered motorcycles from all over the state and funneled them through Raleigh to their final destination, the Masonic Home for Children. Now known by most simply as the Ride, its real name is the Charity Ride to the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford. It was first and remains organized by Eureka 283 in China Grove. During its history, the Ride has raised more than $300,000 for the Home. This year alone, they brought in nearly $26,000. In addition to the entry fees from each rider, they sell com- pany sponsorships beginning at $250. Many sponsors also provide products for door prizes which are distributed at the Raleigh as- sembly before the final leg of their ride. Sponsor names appear on the annual Ride t-shirt. There were 61 total sponsors listed this year, including nine which have supported the Ride every year since it started. The weather this year was perfect for the 108 motorcycles which headed up NC 50 with police escort. Thirty-one lodges were represented. Not surpris- ingly, Knights of Solomon 764, our motorcycle enthusiasts lodge, had the most riders turn out. Past Grand Master Billy Dill joined them for the second straight year. On their arrival at the Home, see RIDE, page 6 Knights of Solomon 764 brought the most riders. In this issue of The NC Mason Siloam Lodge ceased to exist in 1929, but their build- ing and memory of them lives on. Community saves old lodge By Dalton Mayo HARRELLS — On December 5, 1855, the Grand Lodge of North Carolina issued charters for 14 Masonic lodges. One of these lodges was Siloam 178 at Harrells Store in New Ha- nover County. When I saw this in the Grand Lodge records, my first reaction was that there must be some mistake. But, as it turns out, this community in 1855 was known as Harrells Store, and Harrells Store was indeed located in New Hanover County. Beginning in 1795, Sampson County expanded periodically at the expense of New Hanover County until, in 1872, it got its present land area and final shape. It is believed that Siloam Lodge was named after the Pool of Siloam, which was located in the southwestern corner of Jeru- salem. The water of the Pool of Siloam, being spring water, was considered pure and was used in the ceremonies held in King Solomon's Temple. The water was also thought to have curative properties. In the fifth century, a church was built over the Pool of Siloam and named "Our Savior, the Illuminator." The pool was inside the church and surrounded by porticos. The sick, in hope of being cured, bathed in Siloam Pool. The church was destroyed in 614 and never rebuilt. The site of this ancient water source is now a ruin in Jerusalem. The first annual report to the Grand Lodge by Siloam 178 listed 21 charter members, with Owen Fennell as master. They took in six new members during their first year. see SILOAM, page 7 NORTH CAROLINA The Mason page 1 Masonic Family Homecoming in Oxford page 1 Wave of renovations spreads around state The Ride repeats success page 4 News from around the Masonic world Oxford celebration returns page 6 Campers thank favorite Mason NOV/DEC 2011 The North Carolina Mason The Grand Lodge of North Carolina, AF&AM 600 College Street Oxford, North Carolina 27565 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT ORG. AUTO U.S. POSTAGE OXFORD, NC 27565 PERMIT NO. 56 PAID Ric Car ter photos Mike Car ter photo

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