The North Carolina Mason

more MiLepoSTS September/October 2009 The North Carolina Mason Page 5 thought, 'Okay, we've got some help.' But she was wanting to sit him up and I wouldn't let her. Henry said he remembered the few words I had with her – short and direct – not to mess with him." Fighting for his life, Campbell said he then saw Jimmy Blanchard, a past master of Reho- both 279 in Rose Hill, surveying the scene from the edge of the highway. Blanchard, however, had died three months earlier. Campbell said, "I said to him, 'I'm coming, Jimmy,' and he told me, 'No, we're not ready for you yet.'" Despite his own injuries, Dezso refused to leave Campbell's side: "I told him several times, 'I'm not leaving you, brother.'" Once Campbell was loaded into an ambulance for transport to New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Dezso went to the hospital in nearby Burgaw for treat- ment of bruises and torn ligaments. He was out of work for three weeks. But, his mind was on Campbell the whole HERO, from page 8 OXFORD — During a year highlighted by difficult economic times, the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford recently recognized 2008 lifetime donors, those who made provisions in their wills, estate planning, or in the form of trusts or annuities. ose donors were honored for their contributions with a reception, special recognition awards, and by placing their names on the Home campus. Planned gifts are critical to the success and survival of the Home. In 2008, more than 70% of the charitable revenue received was the result of a planned gift. "It is rare when we have the chance to ask planned givers their reasons behind such generous gifts, but when we do have that chance the answer is often the same — donors want to see the work of this home continue, even after their passing," said Financial Development Director Chris Richardson. "With planned gifts they can give more than with a regular dona- tion, recognize family, avoid taxes or other pen- alties, or can specify how their gift can be used. Planned gifts have historic significance in the success of this Home." Recipients for 2008 were honored at a spe- cial recognition luncheon with guest speaker Eliot Carlson. Home alumnus Carlson is a communications specialist for the Navy's Seal Team. Special recognition was given to Dia- mond Level society members, Morgan and Es- ther Fitzgerald of Southern Pines. eir niece, Linda ompson, accepted the membership on behalf of the Fitzgeralds. e Hayes Society and the Neal Society were formed in 2005. Planned givers who name the Home in a will, a lifetime gift, or trust are recog- nized with Society membership each spring. For more information about planned giving and/or society membership, contact the Home at 919- 603-3901 or by visiting www.mhc-oxford.org. Linda and Derrick Thompson, center, accept recognition into the Hayes Society on behalf of the Fitzgeralds from Administrator Allen Hughes, left, and Board Chairman Douglas Caudle, right. Hayes-Neal Society inducts members time, and his thoughts at the scene of the crash weren't good ones. "I told my sergeant, 'You might as well mea- sure everything and take your time. I would go ahead and work the scene as a fatality. He's got some very serious injuries," Dezso said. Campbell was literally a wreck. His injuries included a lacerated liver and spleen, a torn aorta, a pair of collapsed lungs, severe facial lacerations, and damage to three vertebrae in his upper back. He underwent several surgeries, including the placement of steel rods in his back, and doctors kept him in a medically induced coma for seven weeks to let his body begin the healing process. Dezso visited Campbell numerous times in the hospital, even before he had regained con- sciousness. Said Dezso: "I'll never forget the first thing he said to me: 'Just two brothers helping each other.'" omas Pope is a member of Stedman 730 and a sports reporter for the Fayetteville Observer. e following article and accompanying photo appeared in Burlington's Times-News. It is typi- cal of the public perception of the new relationship between North Carolina's grand lodges. BURLINGTON — Bula 409 conferred the second degree in Masonry on three men July 13, something that is done routinely in the lo- cal lodge. But, this meeting was anything but routine. In fact, it might have been the most historic meet- ing in the long history of Masonry in Alamance County. At this meeting, for the first time ever, the membership of Augustus 642 Prince Hall Affiliation was in attendance and witnessed the degree work for the three men. Bula Lodge is composed of white members and Augustus Lodge has a black membership. This meeting marked the culmination of a long trek by two groups operating separately and ignoring the existence of the other for many decades. Last year, at the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, the white Masonic organization in the state, a resolution was ap- proved to recognize officially Prince Hall Grand Lodge, the black organization. Prince Hall had approved such a resolution in 2004. At Monday's meeting, three men, David Michael Cook, Austin Gray Wood and Jef- frey Clifton Elliott received the second degree in their Masonic work with the members of the two lodges looking on. Also participating in this historic event was the grand master of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, Dan Rice, an Alamance County resident and member of Bula Lodge. With him was Dwight Crews, district deputy grand master of the 22 nd Masonic District, also a local resident and member of the local lodge. William Sellars, district deputy grand master of the 25th District of Prince Hall Grand Lodge was present as well. He also is a member of Augustus Lodge and is a local resident. Roger Stutts is master of Bula Lodge, and Algene Tar- pley is master of Augustus Lodge. e two lodges also met for dinner prior to the meeting in the dining hall at Bula Lodge. e resolution approved by the Grand Lodge last year stated that "the Grand Lodge desires to insure a continuing harmonious relationship between it and Most Worshipful Prince Hall Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina and Its Jurisdictions, Inc. to provide for the successful coexistence of both Grand Lodges to promote Masonry in general among all people… in the best interest of Masonry ev- erywhere and particular in North Carolina that these two Grand Lodges exercising Masonic jurisdiction in this state mutually recognize each other while each retains its own authority and jurisdiction." Grand Master Rice noted that similar meet- ings have been held in other areas in recent weeks, but he was particularly pleased to be able to be part of this meeting in his home county. It was something he said that has been a long time in coming and something that he is most pleased to see occur. e Grand Lodge of North Carolina has been in existence since the 18 th century. ere were lodges known to exist as far back as 1735, Solomon's Lodge at Masonboro Inlet. It and others of the time are known as "lost" lodges as they did not continue. e Grand Lodge gave the distinction of Number One to St. John's Lodge in 1794, but it had been in existence prior to that date as well. Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Masons has been in existence in North Carolina since 1870. Masonry has been a part of local history since the days of Company Shops. One of the first buildings in that railroad town was a Masonic hall, out of which eventually grew Bula Lodge. This article is adapted f rom the one that ran in Burlington's Times-News. Don Bolden is a member of Bula 409 and editor emeritus of the Times-News. Bula hosts county's first intervisitation By Don Bolden WILLIAMSTON — On August 11, Bobby Cherry approached finishing a course of work which would be the source of great pride for any Mason. Bobby brought his son, Bobby Jr., through the degrees. That was the night that he examined his son on his second degree catechism and proceeded to confer both sections of the Master Masons Degree. We expect that dad, as a past master and certified lecturer, will have son in lodge for final catechism before long. — Jim Williams CHARLOTTE — Derita 715 recently lengthened a family member- ship tradition to a third generation. Ronald Mason Smith got to see two grandsons, Chad Mason Smith and Joshua Reid Wallace, raised the same night. Chad's father Kirk Mason Smith was also there for the milestone. Seen, from left, are Ronald, Chad, Joshua, and Kirk. — Steve M. Jordan WALNUT COVE — Recently, two young men were raised in Walnut Cove 629. Both had family there that night, and both were given Masonic rings to wear. The rings were first worn by their grandfathers. Seen here, from left, are George Hicks with son Jeff Hicks, Austin Walker, with Ralph Oakley (grandfather) and Wesley Walker (father). CREEDMOOR — Carla Maples, right, is this year's recipient of Creedmoor 499's Lodge Scholarship. The South Granville High School graduate is headed for Lib- erty University. She is seen here with Creedmoor Lodge member William Harold Keith. — Rick Haskins WAYNESVILLE — The Waynesville Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star 2009 Scholarship went to Amanda J. Hyatt. She graduated from Tuscola High School and will be attending East Tennessee State University. Amanda wants to become a neo-natal nurse. Seen here, from left, are Waynesville Treasurer John Swain, Hyatt, Lodge Master Anthony Messer, and Worthy Patron Ralph Messer. — Joel Chambers By Dave Potts SALISBURY — e Rowan County Masonic Scholarship Fund awarded its 2009 scholarships to Caitlin Earnhardt, Hannah Fisher, Samantha Grooms, Alexandréa Worthy, and Joshua Young. e scholarship awards are each for $500. Earnhardt is headed to East Carolina University, Fisher to Catawba College, Grooms to University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Worthy to the Uni- versity of Pittsburg, and Young to North Carolina State University. e scholarship fund is an endowment administered by the six lodges in Rowan County: Fulton 99, Andrew Jackson 576, Scotch Ireland 154, Eureka 28, Spencer 543, and Keller Memorial 657. It is open to any resident of Rowan County pursuing higher education at an accredited institution. Applications may be obtained from any Lodge secretary or through area high school guidance counselors. Since its inception in 1988, the fund has awarded 61 scholar- ships totalling at $30,500. Here, from left, are Fund President David Potts, Fisher, Grooms, Worthy, Young, Earnhardt, and Senior Grand Deacon Dewey Preslar Jr. Rowan Scholarship turns 21 NC Mason Deadlines Issue Deadline January/February .......................... January 1 March/April ............................... March 1 May/June .................................... May 1 July/August ...................................July 1 September/October ....................September 1 November/December ..................November 1 If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else. — Laurence J. Peter

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