The North Carolina Mason

Page 8 The North Carolina Mason March/April 2012 State geologist a Raleigh Mason Carolina's state geologist. That's really striking when you visit the 1833 NC State Capitol building and see the impressive room on the third floor that was the state geologist's office when that his- toric landmark opened. Simons is in his 39th RALEIGH — Jim Simons is the 12th By Ric Carter man to serve as North been state geologist. Simons had decided to retire. Then along came the rising public debate about oil shale here in North Carolina. As the question of mining for shale gas will be one of great year of state service. The last ten, he has import and Simons is perhaps the state's leading expert on the question of drilling and protection of our environment in the pro- cess, he is reconsidering his retirement. The day I met Simons to take his picture at the first state ge- State Geologist Jim Simons visits the 1800s headquarters where his predecessors worked. Landscape weekend actions of Girl Scout Katherine Starnes, the Masonic Home for Children held its first one-day landscaping volunteer event to help prepare the grounds of the Home for spring. For the last two years, while working toward her Gold Star Award in scouting, Miss Starnes and her troop mates and family came to the Home to prepare flower beds, spread mulch, weed, plant, and provide beautiful additions to the campus for spring. She is the granddaughter of Eureka 283 member Don Lylery. On March 10, Miss Starnes returned, with her award. She was joined by Ma- sons from local lodges, as well as employ- ees of Direct Insurance and the Oxford Pack 637 Cub Scouts. Masons from Orphans 761, James B. OXFORD — Recently, inspired by the Green 735, Creedmoor 499, William T. Bain 231, and Selma 320 helped. They worked from early on the chilly morning until about 1:00 p.m. beautifying the cottag- es of lower campus, as well as the playground and play areas, with mulching and weeding. In this issue of The NC Mason ologist's office, the Capitol's historian asked us to help replace a piece of furniture moved the week before by a film crew. Two Masons would, of course, come to the aid of a lady in need. We were duly rewarded by moving a chair that belonged to Elisha Mitchell, for whom the highest mountain east of South Dakota, Mount Mitchell, was named. It has long been said that Masons bore Mitchell's body to his grave on the peak of Mount Mitchell after he fell to his death there. Mitchell was state geologist 1825– 1827. But, no evidence has ever been found that he was a Mason. As we moved around the office trying photo locations, we talk- see SIMONS, page 4 Bahama emergency workers attended the dinner at Knap of Reeds 158. BAHAMA — If you drove by Knap of Reeds 158 February 20, the three fire trucks and two emergency vehicles in front of the building might have made you think disaster. But, in fact, the view you would have caught was merely the dinner guests. Knapp of Reeds Lodge and Bahama Eastern Star were hon- oring the Bahama Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Medical Service. Lodge honors emergency workers According to OES's Linda Albers, "We see helping those in distress and service to the community as purposes shared by the volunteer emergency service and the Masonic Family." More than 40 volunteers, their families, friends, and members of Knap of Reeds 158 and Ba- hama Chapter 203 enjoyed a dinner of spicy chicken. The banquet is an annual affair. — Linda Albers The Mason NORTH CAROLINA page 1 New program helps sustain historic property Program will help historic property page 1 Tractor attract Masonic families page 5 News from around the Masonic world Masons on tractors have pull page 8 Millbrook Mason is state geologist On the cover Wake Forest 252's Daryl Cash does a burn out in his jet tractor as he prepares for a pull at last year's NC State Fair. MAR/APR 2012 The North Carolina Mason The Grand Lodge of North Carolina, AF&AM Oxford, North Carolina 27565 600 College Street CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT ORG. AUTO U.S. POSTAGE OXFORD, NC 27565 PERMIT NO. 56 PAID Ric Car ter photo Ellen Brooks photo

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