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The North Carolina Mason Protect the ephemeral
March/April 2012
Bell doing research at the Grand Lodge office. By Jack Bell
merous trips to the Grand Lodge office researching his beloved Bula 409. He single-handedly pursues collecting and protecting the history of his lodge. All lodges need someone like Jack. We've asked him to tell us about his practice of history. Some time ago C. Gene Parks of Bula 409
Editor's note: Jack Bell impressed us on his nu-
to preserve your history. On August 4, 1890, Bula Lodge's building
completed a History of Bula Lodge dated March 9, 1987. This was, as far as I know, the first time it was done. While I was master in 2004, we had a water fountain leak and flood the storage area of our past masters' records. We lost many valu- able records. Some we were able to save through the good graces of two of our brothers who dried and chemically treated our minutes, pictures, and a few other books. Just over two years ago, I bought my wife a
camera that allows me to photograph records without a flash. With this, I have copied what records and pictures we have in the lodge. I then download them to my computer, place the years into separate folders, and label them. It takes a lot of time, but it is worth it. I have also been to Wilson Library at UNC/ Chapel Hill copying some records that have connections to our lodge. (Editor: The Southern Historical Collection there houses and preserves many of the historical records of our lodges.) I have made several trips to the Grand Lodge to look up things in the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge and other records of past years. The card files of records of deceased and living members of our lodge were very helpful. It takes time, but if we do not do it now, what will be still here in years to come? There is no better time than today
burned to the ground destroying every record they had. Only an expense book remained be- cause the secretary had carried it home. Trying to reassemble these records about our first mas- ters and such has taken us to the records of the Grand Lodge and other places. I have spent many hours at our local library
Pollard named Montfort recipient ALBEMARLE — Grand Master Robert E.
looking at microfilm for articles about our lodge burning, about the events and deaths of our lodge family, and for pictures of past masters. I have been able to get all but two, W. G. Adams and L. C. Carter. I have been to funeral homes checking their write-ups giving family members names. This helped to get a couple of pictures. Cemetery records and tombstones back up death dates and such. Census records offer other information. Brothers, if you do not protect our history,
who will? I have a much greater respect now for our past
brothers than I did before I started this jour- ney. They had many hardships to overcome in building a lodge and membership. Back before electricity was strung throughout the county, the brothers here only met when the moon was full. This was so they could see to get home. Re- searching, you will find many funny things, and many sad things, and many fascinating things that took place in those years. Is it worth the hard work and trips out of
town? You bet your boots it is! I would do it all again. I have a long way to go, but at least we are trying. Whatever I capture and preserve is there for the lodge in the future.
Your articles and NC Mason Deadlines Issue
Deadline
January/February .............................. January 1 ..........................................February 1 March/April ................................... March 1 .............................................. April 1 May/June .........................................May 1 ................................................. June 1
July/August ....................................... July 1 ...............................................August 1 September/October ........................September 1 ......................................October 1 November/December ......................November 1 ....................................December 1
Got something you want to say? Have an announcement to make or invitation to get out? If
your lodge never gets mentioned here, appoint yourself lodge reporter, and keep us posted on what you guys are doing. Got suggestions for features? Requests for information? We don't have the space for everything, but we'll make every effort to take care of those things with the broad- est interest across the state. The dates below will give you an idea of when you need to get timely matters to us.
Approximate Publication Date
Gresham wasted no time in presenting his first Montfort Medal. At the installation of Grand Lodge officers, he introduced Samuel Richard Pollard of Concord 58. Pollard served as a men- tor to Gresham through his early Masonic ca- reer. He coached the grand master through his degree catechisms and put him in the officer line
You're invited STATESVILLE — Statesville 27's Relay for
Golf tournament May 11
Life Golf Tournament is set for Fox Den Coun- try Club on May 11. Entry fees are $200 per team or $50 for individuals. Mulligans, strings, free range balls, and special awards are avail- able. They are also looking for sponsors. Contact Wayne Craddock for details at (704) 880-9990.
Pancake breakfast May 12
Breakfast of Marietta 444 will be serving at the lodge from 7:30 a.m. until 10:20 a.m., 735 Liberty Street., May 12. Tickets are five dollars. Proceeds will go to the Masonic Homes. For details contact .
RAMSEUR — The Fourth Annual Pancake — Ray Leonard
Pig Jig May 18–19
ing up during Got To Be NC at the NC State Fair- grounds. Prepare your team now to vie for the prize. For details visit
The Seventh Carolina Masonic Pig Jig is com-
and or call event coor- dinator Mike Sterling at (919) 272-1353 or or 3356 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609.
Imperial Shrine parade July 4
Search for new administrator begins
for Children in Oxford has announced the launch of a national search for a new administrator for the Home. Since Administra- tor Allen Hughes retired last year, Assistant Administrator Chris Richardson has served in the role on an interim basis. In a Board statement, Chairman Dan Rice (PGM) said, "Chris
OXFORD — The Board of Directors at the Masonic Home
has done an outstanding job since that time and, we are most grateful for his being willing to assume the role of interim admin- istrator. He has asked that he not be considered for the job of per- manent administrator so that he can resume his role as financial
be installed as imperial potentate of the Shrine of North America. The international conven- tion will be held here in Charlotte. A place in the huge planned parade is being reserved for North Carolina Shrine-Masons. Their initial goal was a Shriner from each lodge in NC.
This year, North Carolinian Al Madsen will
development officer for the Home. He has done an exceptional job in that capacity and we are excited about eventually having him back in that job once we have secured a new administrator." A recruiter has been enlisted to conduct the national search
in Albemarle 703. Pollard has served as district deputy grand lecturer. He is a past master of Al- bemarle 703 and served the lodge as secretary for five years. The Montfort goes to one "who in the opinion of the Grand Master is deserv- ing thereof because of distinguished Masonic service or achievement." A grand master may present three during his tenure.
But, why limit the fun? If you'd like to partici- pate, they'd love to have you there. Any and all NC Shriners have a place. Wear a shirt with your lodge name and
number, your fez, comfortable long pants, and comfortable shoes. To get the details and re- serve your spot, contact Alan Hardy at or (704) 535-6815.
Keep politics out of the lodge
son from Grand Master Robert E. Gresham: I have been distressed to see several political
Brothers, a reminder during this political sea-
messages being dispensed in official lodge com- munications or publications or utilizing lodge mailing lists. PLEASE remember that this is STRICTLY forbidden by The Code and Ma- sonic tradition. While Masonry encourages all Masons to
take an active part in the election process, Free- masonry should never be drawn into partisan communications nor partisan communication into Freemasonry.
A Discourse Among Masters
Once in ancient times, the master of a lodge called all his neighboring worshipful masters together for discourse on the highest truth. Once they had ar- rived, he stood and spoke: "Welcome, dear brothers! I have called you all here so that I might explain to you what it means to be brought to light." Immediately all the brothers burst into laughter,
and for the remainder of the time they sat around telling such jokes and poking fun at each other. — http://zenmasonry.wordpress.com/
BOTTOM LINE, from page 1
districts this year. His meetings start in early February and will finish at the end of May. His meetings will be similar to the area meetings of the past few years. Pre-meeting meals are scheduled for 6:15 p.m. with the tyled meeting starting at 7:00 p.m.. District officers and the grand master will be received with usual honors. You may make your lodge's reservation for the meeting with your
Grand Master Robert E. Gresham Jr. plans to visit about half our
district deputy grand master or host lodge secretary. Please be con- siderate of the host lodge. Make your reservations for dinner at least seven days before your scheduled meeting. It is very frustrating to try to plan for a meal when reservations have not been made. Your lodge will be responsible to pay for all meals reserved. Those who have not made reservations should not expect to eat. In case of inclement weather, meetings will be cancelled in ac-
GM's district meetings continue District
41 ............................April 9 ..............................Blue Ridge 435 40 ............................April 10 ...............................Dillsboro 459 37 ............................April 11 ...................................Vesper 554 39 ............................April 12 ..............Nichols-W. Asheville 650 16 ............................April 17 ....................................Selma 320 14 ............................April 18 ..................................Raleigh 500 6 ..............................April 19 ..........................William Pitt 734
Date Host
cordance with local schools cancellations. If a meeting is cancelled, the host lodge and district deputy grand master will be notified. Your lodge may cancel its stated communication to attend your district meeting. Information will also be posted on the Grand Lodge web site: . This schedule was the schedule as of November 11, 2011. Changes may be necessary. Please consult your lodge for updates.
The Mason NORTH CAROLINA
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The North Carolina Mason, School Of Graphic Arts, Masonic Home for Children, Oxford, NC 27565.
(USPS 598-260) is published bimonthly by The Grand Lodge of AF & AM of North Carolina, 2921 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27608. Third class postage paid at Oxford, NC 27565.
22 ............................May 1 ..........................Jefferson Penn 384 21 ............................May 2 ...............................Laurinburg 305 17 ............................May 3 ...................................Stedman 730 1 ..............................May 14 ................................... Eureka 317 2 ..............................May 15 .................................. Manteo 521 8 ..............................May 16 ......................Royal White Hart 2 4 ..............................May 21 ................................. Franklin 109 12 ............................May 22 .................................Shallotte 727 10 ............................May 23 ..........................Pleasant Hill 304 29 ............................May 30 .............................. Albemarle 703
Robert E. Gresham Jr. Grand Master
Board Of Publication Gary R. Ballance Don E. Bolden John A. Pea
Thomas A. Pope Jr. John A. Sullivan Editor Ric Carter
for "someone with many skill sets and multiple advanced de- grees," someone who can "take a patch work quilt of ideas and dreams and turn them into a solid, lasting program to help chil- dren in need." The NC Mason will keep you apprised of the search and any developments at the Home.
let their membership lapse by not paying their dues. Now is the time to make individual contact with those who have not paid their 2012 dues. Please make visits to these brothers, explain to them that we need them, we want their attendance and participa- tion in our lodge. I believe that if we work with these brothers, most of them will be returned to active participation in the lodge. Those excluded in the last two years do not have to be re-balloted on, they pay what they owed at time of NPD, the current years dues and just come back in. Remember, in that unfortunate situ- ation where a NPD former member is called "To that house not made with hands…" he cannot have a Masonic funeral. Later this year the Grand Lodge of AF & AM of North Caro-
lina will turn 225 years old. I have appointed a celebration com- mittee to plan and coordinate the activities. They are hard at work and have scheduled the actual celebration for Saturday, November 3, 2012. Please make note of this date. More information will be forthcoming. Again, thank you for giving me the privilege of serving as your
grand master. It is the greatest honor that you could bestow on me. I will always cherish this opportunity. In closing, something to ponder:
persistence Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost
Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence
a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of edu-
cated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are om-
nipotent. The slogan "Press On" has solved, always will solve, the problems of the human race.
THE MISSION OF FREEMASONRY IN NORTH CAROLINA IS TO RAISE THE MORAL, SOCIAL, INTELLECTUAL, AND SPIRITUAL CONSCIENCE OF SOCIETY BY TEACHING THE ANCIENT AND ENDURING PHILOSOPHICAL TENETS OF BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF, AND TRUTH, WHICH ARE EXPRESSED OUTWARDLY THROUGH SERVICE TO GOD, FAMILY, COUNTRY, AND SELF UNDER THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD WITHIN THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN.
Good quality pictures, whether color or black and white, are essential for suitable reproduction. The right to reject any submission not suitable for use is reserved. Pictures will be returned to the sender only if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Submissions and other correspondence should be sent to the editor at PO Box 6506, Raleigh, NC 27628 or .
Each North Carolina Mason is a subscriber to The North Carolina Mason. If you know a member who is not receiving the paper, please send us his full name, his complete address and the name and number of his lodge. Masonic widows receive The Mason free upon request. Subscriptions are available to others at a rate of five dollars per year. Subscription inquiries and address changes only should be sent to: The School of Graphic Arts, Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina 27565.
Reproduction of articles by Masonic organiza- tions is permitted with proper credits.
Opinions expressed are not necessar- ily those of The North Carolina Mason, the Grand Lodge, or Board of Publication.
