The North Carolina Mason

September/October 2015 The North Carolina Mason Page 5 The BoTTom Line Wilkerson College, Wilkerson College Lodge, and Wardens Boot Camp By Douglas L. Caudle Grand Master Wilkerson College, Wilkerson College Lodge, Wardens Boot Camp. You may have heard these names and wondered about these groups. Let me tell you more about these very important North Carolina Masonic entities. Wilkerson College Wilkerson College is an annual training pro- gram for lodge deacons held in three weekend ses- sions each February, March, and April. Limited to 36 students per year, the college is a highly focused lodge operations training program to prepare the deacon for his term as lodge master. Yes, you should be preparing that far ahead. Ritual training is not part of this program. e training centers around planning, public relations, proper fund raising, Masonic education programs, mentoring, working with officers, and many more practical application topics. e instructors for each topic are knowledgeable Masons from across the state who are devoted to high standards of Masonic work. e students also grade the instructors to ensure that the level of in- struction remains high. Many of the instructors are former Wilkerson College students, educators, and proven lodge leaders. Each year, the sessions are hosted at White- Stone, the Masonic Home for Children at Ox- ford, and the Grand Lodge office. To graduate, a student must attend all three sessions. At each location, the students arrive Friday afternoon for a tour of the host facility and dinner. is is fol- lowed by fellowship time for the Brothers to get to know their counterparts from across the state. e Saturday sessions begin bright and early and are packed with wonderful information and useful tools. At the end of the third session, a graduation banquet is held, and the student's lady is invited to share in their accomplishment. Tuition for the program is $600. at covers training materials, meals, and hotel expenses for all sessions. Scholarships are provided by the Grand Lodge, each NC Scottish Rite Valley, and private donations. So, don't let an inability to pay discour- age you from this excellent training. Wilkerson College is governed by a Board of Regents who meet regularly to evaluate the in- structors, topics, and location of each session. e current dean of Wilkerson College is Past Grand Master Billy Dill who works with the college of- ficers to ensure that the sessions remain relevant, fresh, and applicable to the current needs of our lodge officers. e College is named for H. Lloyd Wilkerson SGIG emeritus for the Scottish Rite's Orient of North Carolina. As I have traveled across the state and visited many lodges, I have noticed a recurring thread in lodges that are thriving. Many of those lodges have sent their deacons to Wilkerson College and are supporting them in making positive changes in their lodge. ey are active and growing. ese lodges immediately begin to see the positive impact from graduates. I encourage each lodge to make a positive change in their lodge by sending their dea- cons to this important training. To learn more visit the Wilkerson College website. Wilkerson College Lodge 760 Wilkerson College 760 was organized by grad- uates of the first Wilkerson College class. is is an affinity lodge that meets quarterly at various locations around the state. Each meeting presents a high quality Masonic education program on a wide variety of topics. Many times, a national level speaker or author is featured, exposing us to talent beyond our borders. e college and the lodge are not the same — one is a training program, and the other is a Masonic lodge. Any North Carolina Ma- son may join the lodge; membership is not limited to Wilkerson College alumni. To learn more about this lodge visit the Wilkerson College Lodge web- site. Wardens Boot Camp e Wardens Boot Camp is a training pro- gram sponsored by the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education. is program is a one-day instructional session to help prepare wardens for their term as master. Similar to Wilkerson College, the Boot Camp is not a ritual training program, but focuses on lodge operations. e sessions are held on Saturdays at four locations around the state usually in October and November. While not nearly as thorough as Wilkerson College, the Boot Camp is an excellent resource to hone the plans for an incoming lodge master. Kevin Combs is the overall coordinator of the program with assis- tance from site coordinators at the training sites. e Wardens Boot Camp is not just for wardens, it is open to all Master Masons who want to better prepare themselves to serve as lodge officers. ere is no charge or registration required for this train- ing. Visit the Grand Lodge website for details about upcoming sessions. < http://grandlodge-nc. org/education-resources/wardens-bootcamp> ank you My Brothers, my term as grand master is com- ing to a close, and I am forever grateful for this experience. During the year, you have afforded me so many courtesies for which I will never be able to properly thank you. e respect for the office of grand master is humbling and appreciated. You have allowed me to share in many special moments in your lodges and to honor many of your members. We have tackled some difficult issues, and al- though you may not have always agreed with me, we have an understanding of each other's views. If I tried to thank all of the people who made this year successful, I would leave someone out, so please know that I appreciate each of you who "moved the ball" on so many projects. Your Grand Lodge officers are a group of many dedicated Brothers who work tirelessly to make our jurisdiction better. It has been an honor to serve with these men and see first hand their virtue, skill, and inflexible fidelity. Your election of Bryant Webster as grand master will ensure that North Carolina Masonry will thrive. Broth- er Webster has many plans that will keep North Carolina as one of the most progressive and active grand lodges in the nation. ank you again for this opportunity. May Brotherly love prevail and every moral and social virtue cement us.

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