The North Carolina Mason

January/February 2012 The North Carolina Mason Page 7 Olin's Operation Oxford 47 OXFORD — Olin 226 spearheaded a proj- ect this year that became known by the code name Operation Oxford 47. The 47 stood for the 47 children, ages infant to 18 years of age at that time residing at the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford. Olin Lodge along with other lodges from the Masonic District (Statesville 27, Harmony 30th 299, Mount Moriah 690, Grassy Knob 471, Snow Creek 571, Lee 253, Campbell 374, and Mooresville 496) collected Christmas gifts, toys, donations since June of this year. On December 10, 14 members and family of Olin 226 traveled to Oxford to deliver over $4,000 worth of gifts and donations that were collected for this cause. The Oxford 47 smiled a little bigger this Christ- mas as a result of Olin's efforts. So did the Masons who participated in the drive. — Van Galliher The Oxford 47 team included, from left, Eddie Bowman, Lawrence Cowan, Bryan Bowman, Ken- dall Bowman, Hunter Galliher, John Skip Douglas, Calvin York, Tommy Gaither, and Van Galliher. Mileposts Tar Heels enjoy degree work in Tennessee GREENEVILLE, TN — Weather was some- thing of a spoiler July 16 when a joint North Caro- lina/Tennessee degree team raised a new member for Black Mountain 663. The degree was jointly hosted by our French Broad 292 and Tennessee's Greeneville 3. The degree was scheduled to be held on top of Vi- king Mountain, however, due to inclement weather, and a great contingency plan, the degree was held in- doors at Greeneville Lodge. Craig Laney was raised by his father Donald Laney, also a member of Black Mountain Lodge. Eighteen or so Tennessee Masons joined about 22 Masons from North Carolina for the degree. French Broad 292, Blackmer 170, Vance 293, Nichols-West Asheville 650, and Black Mountain 663 were each represented. This was the 11th year that French Broad 292 and Greenev- ille 3 have put on this joint degree. French Broad Mas- ter Jeter Cantrell was the conferring master. Several Tennessee Grand Lodge officers attended. Seen in the photo, from left, are Tennessee Senior Grand Warden Roy Etherton, Tennessee Grand Master Mack E. Johnson, Craig Laney, Donald Laney, Tennes- see Deputy Grand Master Laddie L. Wilson, and NC 39th District Deputy Grand Master Ronnie Reese. GOLDSBORO — Goldsboro 634 celebrated their Past Masters' Night, Widows' Night, and held their Christmas party November 28. During the festivities, Tenth District Deputy Grand Master Da- vid Crisp presented Robert Edwin Hill and James Baxter Norris Vet- eran's Emblems acknowledging their 50 years membership. They are seen here with Lodge Master Ken Woolsey. — Ken Woolsey WILMINGTON — On November 21, a delegation from Seaside 429 visited Angus Derrick Hatsell and presented his Diamond Jubilee award for 60 years Masonic membership. Hatsell is seen here, right, with David Holland who presented the certificate. Hatsell's wife and daughter were there for the honors. — Greg Padgett RALEIGH — members of Tabasco 271 recently ventured to the capital city to visit a brother of theirs. They called on Edward Marshall Alderman to deliver his Diamond Jubilee award saluting his 60 years as a Mason. Alderman is seen here, left, receiving the certificate from then Tabasco Master AI Bouldin. — AI Bouldin NEW BERN — On November 10, Berne 724 Master Thom- as Michael Bersch had the pleasure of raising his 20-year old son Thomas Michael Bersch II. Bersch works with the Craven County Sheriffs Department, so a sizable contingent of law enforcement officers turned out for the degree. Father presented son a Masonic ring after the degree. GREENVILLE — Greenville 284 put on a full costume Third De- — L. R. "Pete" Thomas Jr. gree on November 15. Brothers came from lodges all over Eastern to help raise two new Masons, Bryant Waters and John Powell. — Daniel Van Liere DUNN — Palmyra 147 presented service awards in December. Robert Jackson received his Diamond Jubilee for 60 years lodge membership. William Sognor and Billie Parson were presented Veteran's Emblems for their 50 years membership. Seen here from left are Palmyra Master Rudy King, Jackson, Sognor, Parson, and Past Grand Master Gene T. Jerigan who presented the awards. — Jonathan S. Johnson OAK ISLAND — William Scott Lucas re- ceived his Diamond Jubilee for 60 years Masonic membership December 17. The Oak Island 758 member is a past master of both Lincoln 137 in Lincolnton (1960) and Columbus 102 in Pitts- boro (1970 and 1977). — Jim Griffith WARSAW — Warsaw 677 held its Ladies' and Awards Night December 6. Henry M. West Jr. received his Diamond Jubilee Award honor- ing his 60 years membership. Eleventh District Deputy Grand Master Raymond Turner made the presentation. — Luther Jones NEW BERN — Berne 724 presented three scholarships in 2011. The year's awards went to Lauren Cleland, Amanda Wind, and Tyler Canney. Cleland graduated from West Craven High and is headed NC State University where she plans to study engineering. Wind went to New Bern High and hopes to study pharmacy at Campbell University. Canney also attended New Bern High and plans to major in nursing at Appalachian State University. WEST JEFFERSON — Ashe 594 had a number of projects this year in which they cooperated with other community organizations. At a late fall banquet, they invited representatives to share the stage at the lodge and presented them certificates of appreciation. They are seen here with Ashe 594 Master Tony Lyall and then Grand Master Lewis R. Ledford. Rudy King photo

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