The North Carolina Mason

July/August 2015 The North Carolina Mason Page 15 Ric Car ter photo By Pat Stuart Gallstones are a common problem. Most often, they are seen in women but are still a very common problem in men. In fact, ten percent of Americans are affected by gallstones. We experience symptoms more commonly as we get older. Gallstones typically cause sudden pain in the right abdomen that moves to the back; of- ten after a fatty meal. Unfortunately, gallblad- ders may often present with unusual symp- toms; nausea without pain; or even as lower chest pain that could mimic a heart attack. In this situation, it is important to make sure there is not a heart problem causing the symptoms. e most common test to find the stones is a simple ultrasound of the abdomen. e liver makes bile, and the gallbladder is a storage bag that is supposed to empty to help dissolve the food when we eat. Most gallstones are made of cholesterol, but a sluggish gallbladder lets that cholesterol crystallize. For this reason, we remove the whole gallbladder, not just the stones. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," applies here. Most gallstones never cause symptoms. How- ever, once they start the symptoms are usually recurrent. e main treatment for gallstones is to remove the gallbladder. is is usually done laparoscopically with small incisions and a brief stay in the hospital. It's a major operation, but in most cases, you're back in the lodge in two to three weeks or less. Pat Stuart is a member of Forsyth 707. From the Medical Committee Gallstones October 16 Golf Tournament MONROE — Matthews 461 Fall Golf Tournament will be played October 16 at the Stonebridge Golf Club here. Registration and lunch are at 12:30, with a 1:30 shotgun start. Teams are $400, individual entry is $125. Sponsorships are available. Mulligans, putt, and long-drive contests are on the program. Contact Brian Turner for details (704) 340-3979. You're invited Grand Master's jewel, 1829 Our back pages is North Carolina Grand Lodge grand master's jewel carries the name of Emmor Trego Weaver (1786-1860) who made it. He was a Philadelphia silversmith who specialized in "Masonic jewels, medals, aprons, and sashes…" Weaver, a past master of Lodge No. 2 in Philadelphia, was the son of a sil- versmith and quite prolific during the first half of the nineteenth century. His wares, particularly examples of his flatware, can still be acquired today and are highly sought after. Other examples of his work, such as swords and tea sets are prominently displayed in museums up and down the east coast. At our Grand Lodge's 1827 Annual Communication, a special committee re- ported "that it is proper to purchase new [officers' jewels]; that the present jewels are old and clumsy, and do not comport with the dignity of the Grand Lodge." Grand Master Louis Wilson contracted for a set of jewels and clothing for the officers of the Grand Lodge, "which cost in Philadelphia, two hundred and fifty-five dollars…" e jewels did not arrive until January 1, 1829, the ninth day of the Annual Communication. Nine of the 1828 jewels from Weaver have been found — the grand master's jewel, senior and junior grand wardens, grand treasurer, senior and junior grand dea- cons, grand pursuivant, grand sword bearer, and grand tyler. As offices were not in that era standardized, it is unclear what other jewels might have existed at the time. Weaver's set of jewels were used by the Grand Lodge officers until 1879 when jeweler Henry Mahler of Raleigh made the current grand master's jewel. e jewel was used again by Grand Master Caudle in recent historical events. — Jonathan Underwood OXFORD — e Masonic Home for Children invites you and your family to our Fifth Annual Masonic Homecoming Festi- val, a special and fun weekend to remember and celebrate at our Home. Festivities begin October 9 with the annual Chip Shots for Children golf tournament at Kerr Lake Country Club. Hosted by Home alumni and open to all golfers, the tournament raises funds for the alumni endowment directly support- ing Home operations. Back on campus, cooks from around the country set up their grills, prepare their se- cret recipes, and kickoff our Fifth Annual Friday Night Yard Party. ere will be food for sampling from the teams, drinks and desserts available for sale, and entertain- ment from Monika Jaymes. Andrew Jack- son 576's Brunswick stew will be available On Saturday, October 10, Orphans Lodge will meet on campus at 8:00 a.m. North Carolina's largest and best Shrine parade featuring our three North Carolina Shrines, and community units including local school bands, clubs, and civic organizations, will start downtown at 9:45 a.m. and finish at the administration building on campus. e fifth annual barbecue contest will be judged and eaten after the parade. All-you- can-eat tickets will be available for ten dollars. Live on stage from noon–1:30, you will be entertained by North Carolina's lead- ing beach music stars the Embers featuring Craig Woolard Other fun includes the crowning of the Homecoming Queen, inflatables for the kids, campus and cottage tours, and various food booths. Come with your lodge, family, and friends to visit, remember, and celebrate with our family at your Home for Children. For the latest information please visit and check the Schedule of Events. Homecoming time at Home for Children

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