North Carolina Mason
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and every Mason. The wonderful thing about Masonic ritual is that it acts like an ink-blot test for the human mind. Each Freemason sees something slightly different in the workings of the Craft, depending on his situation in life, his personal background, and his level of develop- ment. I often wonder if a lack of firm knowledge of our origins isn't one of the greatest gifts Free- masonry has. The ambiguity allows the ritual to speak directly without preconceptions. To me, Freemasonry is a path of self-develop- ment and self-improvement, and Masonry pro- vides a system of moral and spiritual transforma- tions. It inspired men to look at themselves and change the way they interact with the world. It is a system of mental control and self-development comparable to Buddhism, yoga, and many other paths of self-improvement to be found around the world, but packaged in a unique western tradition. The special thing about Freemasonry is that
Freemasonry is something different for each By Martin Faulks
The North Carolina Mason Freemasonry is Different
can change ourselves just as a builder changes his surroundings. The wisdom and inspiration contained in
Masonic ceremonies allow us to reflect on our- selves and adjust our behavior and way of think- ing. It's a hard path that involves the constant chipping away of our negative qualities and the cultivation of our virtues. To do this we use contemplation, speculation, ritual memoriza- tion, and constant adjustments and correction of our thoughts in daily life. A stonemason builds buildings, a Freemason builds
someone better and more virtuous. It is a way of becoming the best man you can be, and of hav- ing the best effect you can on the world. Martin Faulks is marketing director of Lewis Ma-
himself into
Funeral Manual is a new guide for lodges that of- fers additional rituals to meet contemporary fu- neral needs and respond to changes in our Code. The manual also offers advice to help ensure we do all we can to comfort families and work well alongside clergy in the performances of services. In addition to three variations
The Grand Lodge of North Carolina Masonic
sonic Publishing, appeared in Arizona Masonry. Toleration, holding that every other man has the
it is free of dogma and open to all religious per- suasions. The rituals of Freemasonry are stories that play into the basic human urge to improve one's self and make the world a better place. Freemasonry teaches that our personal charac- teristics are neither random nor immutable. We
same right to his opinion and faith that we have to ours; and liberality, holding that as no human being can with certainty say, in the clash and conflict of hostile faiths and creeds, what is truth, or that he is surely in possession of it, so every one should feel that it is quite possible that another equally honest and sincere with himself, and yet holding the con- trary opinion, may himself be in possession of the truth."
— Albert Pike
of the traditional burial service, the manual offers ceremonies for Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft Masons, a memorial ser- vice held in the lodge (useful if a lodge wishes to commemorate the life of a brother who did not have Masonic funeral rites), a ritual for spreading ashes, a lodge necrology ceremony, and a ritual for opening and closing the Lodge of Sorrow. The appendix has inspirational messages and poems that can be incorporated into services. The manual supplements the
By Speed Hallman
May/June 2012 Funeral Manual released
we have ceremonies for remembering our deceased Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft. New ceremonies are included beside the old
ones because the practices surrounding funerals and memorial services have dramatically changed since the Bahnson Manual was first published. Like all good Masonic work, these ceremonies are to be accomplished in a way and manner conducive to who can best work and best agree. These ceremonies, like all Ma-
sonic ritual, are best committed to memory. However, since there are such a variety of circumstances, reading from the manual is permit- ted. If it is read, it should be done with expression and dignity.
is memorized, the expression of genuine compassion for the fam- ily overcomes the stress of letter- perfect-accuracy.
ceremonies published in the North Carolina Lodge Manual, commonly referred to as the Bahnson Manual, which dates to 1892. These ceremonies have served the Craft well and are in no way being replaced. The new manual provides a comprehensive plan
for Masonic funeral and memorial services, sug- gests ways to comfort families in distress and helps the Craft build bridges with clergy. By being pro- active and flexible with families and religious lead- ers, we can respect the integrity of our ceremonies and those of the household of the faithful. We can express our compassion for bereaved families, and conduct our ritual in a variety of settings, as we plan and carry out ceremonies and pay appropriate honor to brothers who have died. For the first time,
Friends working for the kids at MHCO
From left are Mazie Smith, Gray Swindell, Hal Swindell, Dan Smith, and Swindell's nephew Tom Harris.
Swindell hangs up his quill By Ric Carter
toric night for Atlantic 294. Hal Swindell re- tired as lodge secretary, a job he has held since 1968. Since his raising in 1948, he has served the lodge in this Hyde County fishing village in many ways, including as master three times. He spent the 44 years as secretary. To salute his stepping down, the lodge held a special celebration of his years of service. They began with grilling steaks at the Fire Depart- ment across the street. Lodge members were joined by family members including Swindell's daughter, Mazie, who is Hyde County manager. Mazie and Hal's son Gray and son-in-law
SWANQUARTER — March 15 was a his-
vorite of the staff in the Grand Secretary's office. After supper, they went over to the lodge and opened their stated communication.
from J. J. Crowder 743 in Raleigh held their an- nual chili cooking competition – and the kids were the judges! The first place winner was presented a pink trophy for his efforts. They enjoyed a delicious lunch on a "chilly" Febru- ary Day. Kudos to the Cheese Table Team, who finished a close second. • The Masons of Shelby 744 are using taxes
was a lengthy meeting which the members and Swindell spent reminiscing over stories from the lodge's past and the good times they had to- gether over the years. There was a good deal of laughing and a little tearing up as they shared their joys and memories. Now, that's real salute to a good career.
It • For a second straight year, the "Chili Guys"
ceremony with the officiating religious leader prior to the use of this new resource. As we conduct these rituals across the state as a public witness to our commitment to honor our deceased brethren, we believe the design on the trestle board will enable the Grand Architect of the Universe to say what we all desire to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." The funeral manual now available in limited quantities from the Grand Lodge at ten dollars plus shipping and handling. Speed Hallman is grand steward and a member
masonry is a fraternity of diverse religious affiliations, and the fact that these rituals are conducted in the public eye, the manual encour- ages lodge leaders to discuss the
Because Free- of Eagle 19. If it
as a way to help MHCO. Through the efforts of Ed Burk, any person having taxes prepared through H&R Block can mention the Home as a charity and a donation will be forwarded in their name. The program is in its second year and more information can be found by visiting the H&R Block website or your local H&R Block tax office. • North Carolina State Employees can again
Dan Smith, both members of Atlantic Lodge, spoke of his love for the lodge and his joy in his years of service. Atlantic Master Ken Collier sa- luted Swindell and presented him a plaque from the lodge thanking him for his good care of the lodge. A certificate of appreciation was presented from the Grand Lodge by Assistant Grand Sec- retary Ric Carter. Swindell was a long-time fa-
give to the Home through the North Carolina State Employees' Combined Campaign, for which the Home is approved for in 2012. Thanks to those employees, MHCO received a total of $8,141.18 from the 2011 campaign. State em- ployees are encouraged to learn more about the program at