March/April 2012 TRAVELING THE
The North Carolina Mason
Page 3
TAR HEEL STATE NEWS FROM
NORTH CAROLINA'S LODGES
By Ric Carter
mon 704 are teaming up to participate in Relay for Life of Gastonia April 27–28. Joe Waller is heading up the effort to build a team. They need a minimum of five members who will raise at least $100 each. Gastonia Lodge will hold their Boston butt
Members of Gastonia 369 and King Solo- Gastonia
It is also the night they honor the lodge's wid- ows. On December 9, they had Santa visit the party and deliver to each honoree a fruit basket. — Trestle Board
New chapters launch with
new DeMolays WINSTON-SALEM — North Carolina
DeMolay initiated 15 young men into the or- der during state degrees held here in January. The boys were from Winston-Salem Chapter (sponsored by Old Town 751), Foothills Chap- ter (sponsored by Cliffside 460), and Fayetteville Chapter (sponsored by the 17th
Masonic Dis-
trict). Each of these chapters is new or reacti- vated. If your lodge is interested in supporting a new DeMolay chapter or is interested in re- opening an old chapter, please contact Deputy Executive Officer Matthew Hunt at 336-736- 9457 or hunt@ncdemolay.org. — Paul Jones
Each year, Seaside 429 has a Christmas party. Swansboro
sale during the Easter holiday. Proceeds will go to the North Carolina Masonic Foundation. — Rick Clanton
contributing labor to the lodge. Kenneth "Dy- namite" Tyndall and his "special friend" were saluted for electrical repairs to the lodge. They also tipped their hat to Charles Chapman for his carpet cleaning at the lodge. Ray Dotson auctioned off a Masonic wrist
watch at the lodge and gave the proceeds to the Masonic Home for Children. — The Jerusalem Journal
Thomasville 214 found itself begging funds when they had to replace the roof of their lodge. They also held a Brunswick stew to help defray the $20,000 bill for the new roof. — Trestle Board
Thomasville Jerusalem 95 recently thanked members for Hookerton
to a college bound student from their communi- ty. If they perform well their first year, they may earn a second $500 award. — The Pilot Mountain Traveler
Each year, Pilot 493 gives a $500 scholarship Pilot Mountain
Charity Breakfast February 11. For six dollars, you got country ham, sausage, bacon, eggs, grits, rice and gravy, biscuits, juice, and coffee. Sounds generous, but tough on the pig population. — Jacob Merricks
Cannon Memorial 626 held their Annual Kannapolis
As of February 24, Cannon Memorial was still sitting on the 28th
traveling gavel that they picked up with a visit in December.
Masonic District's — Thomas Van Etten
dinelli took up stained glass as a hobby in his 70s. The octogenarian is also an avid Freemason. He recently adapted Bahnson Manual scenes of the Third Degree to ten handmade stained glass scenes. Mark Miller, Jim McKee, and Thom Dunning came up with a plan for building a display for the artwork. They are now seen back- lit beside the secretary's desk in Southern Pines 484's lodge room. The town of Southern Pines holds Springfest
Jim McKee's brother-in-law Boots Belar- Southern Pines
each year. The lodge is participating in the April 28 celebration. They'll be holding a fundraiser breakfast for vendors and others. It's scholarship season for Southern Pines
Lodge. They have usually awarded $1,500 to the top merit and need student at Pinecrest High School and Union Pines High School. Inter- views are beginning already. On August 11, the lodge will again sponsor the Annual R. C. Yoder Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament. They'll play at Pinewild Country Club. For in- formation, contact Mark Miller at (910) 692- 0747 or .
Entered Apprentice degree for April 14. They plan to host a degree team in colonial costume and hold the degree in their old lodge room on the second floor of the old Chowan County Courthouse. We'll bring you a report when it happens. The replica Washington Chair may even make an appearance. — Paul Gregory and Carlton Jackson
Unanimity 7 has been planning a special Edenton — The Trestle Board
beach house in Oak Island. Richard and Rose Thompson donated the prize. Tickets are $25. Setzer Lodge is trying to reorganize their
Charles M. Setzer 693 is raffling a week at a Charlotte
DeMolay Chapter. Setzer Master Allan Mann was recently named an honorary member of Unique 85 PHA in Charlotte.
in February. The "brotherly entertainment with wives" was organized by Steve Ludwig's Social and Entertainment Committee. Temple Lodge recently made donations to
Temple 676 members went bowling together — Trestleboard
Springs 439 on April 21. — Sonoma News Statesville
Want a good pancake breakfast? Visit Marble Marble
by Statesville 27 and Mt. Moriah 690. They are held twice each year. This year's are set for April and October. Statesville Lodge is a big Relay for Life sup-
Pancake Jamborees have long been sponsored
saw 677 delivered cookies to several widows and infirm brothers just before Christmas. The lodge also recently enjoyed their Ladies' and Awards Night. A group from the lodge recently went to
two causes. They donated $2,000 to the Idiot's Golf Open benefitting Thomson Childrens Home and Barium Springs Home for Children. They also helped pay the tuition for a middle schooler to attend National Young Leaders State Conference.
in early December at the lake home of Phillip Brown. They planned out the coming year, dub- bing it a "Year of Renewal."
Off February 2. As usual, everyone had a great time. Plaques were presented to the winners. In the Hot Division, Joe Killough took first and Tom Acklam second. For the Mild Division, Carol and Elizabeth Carriker won, with Johnnie McBride as runner-up. Mint Hill Lodge's Spring Fish Fry was held
Mint Hill 742 held their Annual Chili Cook — Trestle Board
March 17. They run the Fry from 11:00 a.m. un- til 7:00 in the evening. To help their lodge secretary get his work
done more efficiently, Mint Hill Lodge installed a laptop computer, a WiFi router, and WiFi scanner/printer/copier. — Mint Hill Lodge
Don Hendershot was chosen Mason of the Year at Steele Creek 737.
are meeting at Saint Andrew 702 at 4630 Tuck- asegee Road in Charlotte. — Derita Lodge
A-Street clean up March 10. — Gary Ballance P. P. Turner 746 Master Dillard Moss is try-
Gate City 694 ran their first quarter Adopt- Greensboro
ing a cash reward to stimulate attendance in lodge this year. His $20 for 20 Brothers program will have him donating $20 to our charities each time 20 members attend one of their meetings.
the project when the condition of the sign in front of the Greensboro Masonic Temple was in dire need of attention. He hand polished and lacquered the brass sign and replaced the square and compasses and lighting for the historic sign. — Trestle Board
Shane McGee, of Corinthian 542, took on — P. P. Turner Lodge Derita 715 has a new temporary home. They — Trestleboard Excelsior 261's officers held an officer's retreat — Trestle Board
porter in their community. They hold a golf tournament for the Relay the week before the main event. They also participate during the Re- lay day at Iredell County Fairgrounds. Who is the ugliest officer in Statesville
The Cookies for Hugs Committee at War- Warsaw
new reference library (no lending). They have been getting in lots of materials from mem- bers and friends. Other needs they are asking members with
Mark Bergman is heading up Phoenix 8's Fayetteville
present Jerry Nelson his Veteran's Emblem for 50 years Masonic membership. While they were out, they also visited treasured friend Jim- my Stickland.
— Warsaw 677
Lodge? In most lodges, it's a matter of opinion and up for discussion. At Statesville 27, they actually have a determination. A piggy bank is placed at each officer's station. Votes are one cent each. The officer with the most votes is the ugli- est. All votes are donated to the Masonic Home for Children when the decision is concluded. Robert "Cotton" Morrison was honored with
the Lon Schulenberg Award in December. Iredell County Emergency Medical Services
made a professional call to the lodge in October. In January, they were invited back to the lodge for a thank you and to talk to the members about local EMS. They also give tips on emergency medical decision making and treatment. Dawn Pharr and Jessica Jones taught about early stroke symptoms to speed treatment. Mt. Moriah 690 Entered Apprentice Randy
Chilton presented a program about local canine police efforts. He brought his partner, police dog Rambo, along for the program. — The Joppa Informer
tradition this year as Master of Andrew Jackson 576. Several members of his family have served as master of the lodge: his father Tommy Hud- son, his uncle Jimmy Hudson, and his grand- fathers Giles Hudson and Sovereign Purvis. Giles Hudson was also grand master of Masons in North Carolina. Andrew Jackson Lodge held their famous
John Hudson is carrying on a long family Salisbury
Brunswick Stew Fundraiser February 23. The lodge has volunteered this year at a lo-
cal homeless shelter including cooking break- fast. Art Steinberg organized this community service project. David Carmichael has been putting together
Andrew Jackson Lodge's newsletter for many years. Current commitments have forced him to cut back. As a result, they are going to an elec- tronic only version of Master's Journal. — Master's Journal
was held January 6 at the Salisbury Masonic Temple.
The Rowan County Masonic Blood Drive — Johnny Hatley
to Defeat ALS. They first walked last year to honor their friend and past master Ron Page, an ALS victim. Page passed away not long after that first walk.
Hiram 40 will again field a team in the Walk Raleigh
plans to focus on Masonic education during his year in the East. He sees it as one of the things that sets us apart from other organizations.
James B. Green 735 Master Dustin Tarditi — Tom Imler
Green Lodge held a lodge cleanup day De- cember 30. They raked pine straw, spruced up the grounds, and installed new peg racks in the preparation room. A donated shed is replacing the older one. Their Annual Chili Cook-Off was set for Feb-
help on are: woodworking, electrical, and paint- ing skills to help with some fix-it projects around the building; and printing equipment for the secretary's office; and a display cabinet to hold historical artifacts. Phoenix Lodge signed on in January to sup-
port the new DeMolay Chapter in Fayetteville. Letters Temporary for Marquis de LaFayette Chapter of DeMolay were presented January 14. — Trestleboard
val, raising $1,000 for charity. They gave the money to the Yahweh Center, which provides housing and psychiatric care for children who have been removed from their families for their own protection. Master Parker Stevens plans to "focus on
St. John's 1 recently held a Winter Festi- Wilmington
ruary 14. Every year they have "a great time sam- pling, comparing notes, and rooting for their fa- vorite." The five-dollar entry fee goes to the lodge. — The James B. Green Scene
Greg Furr made an promise that is sure to please the members of Cabarrus 720. He told them his main goal for his year in the East is to have "speedy and effective meetings." That is certainly a plus for men who have families to get back to. Of course, informal gatherings after the meeting can go on as long a the brothers like. Cabbarus Lodge gave Union 618, with
Concord
fellowship and family" this year. They'll be having more events which will be open to friends and family. Stevens also wants to in- clude more past masters in the lodge's degree work and raise money for new air condition- ing units for the lodge. Chuck Baer is resurrecting St. John's 1's
dormant newsletter. Thanks, Chuck. — Trestle Board
ston-Salem Chapter Order of DeMolay. Letters temporary were presented January 14. If you'd like to help, contact Alan Willard. Old Town Lodge delivered fruit baskets to 31
Old Town 751 is sponsoring the new Win- Winston-Salem
whom they share a building, $1,000 as their portion of the new audio visual system in the lodge building. Cabarrus Lodge has made Billy Raymer and
Phil Hudson life members. Hudson has been their treasurer for 30 years. Raymer has been a certified lecturer in the lodge for 20 years and served as DDGM and DDGL. The lodge is holding a yard sale fundraiser this spring for the Masonic Homes.
Laurinburg
lodge widows on December 17. Old Town is holding practices on most Tues-
see STATE, page 4 — Newsletter
February when they worked a Fellow Craft de- gree. Seven members of Mt. Scottish 188 PHA visited for the festivities. Laurinburg Master Ja- son Butler said, "It was a very pleasant time of fellowship, and we look forward to having them join us again."
— Jason Butler Laurinburg 305 hosted some visitors in mid-
If your lodge has a newsletter for its members, make sure The North Carolina Mason is on your mailing list. Lodge newsletters are a major source of news for Masons around the state. If you don't have one, think about starting one. Newsletters are a good way to keep your mem- bers active, happy, and informed.
day nights. It is an opportunity to learn more Masonic work. — On the Level at Old Town Lodge
