The North Carolina Mason

Page 2 The North Carolina Mason November/December 2016 OXFORD — Hurricane Matthew moving across the bottom third of the state during the Sixth Annual Home- coming at the Masonic Home for Chil- dren was about as big a weather "problem" as you could imagine. But, changing plans, enduring driving rain, strong winds, being mindful of the safety, and the resolve of the organizers allowed the "show to go on" for the October 7–9 celebration. Friday's Chip Shots Alumni Golf Tournament was held under threaten- ing skies, yet raised more than $85,000 for the Alumni Association's Endow- ment Fund, which directly supports the Home. It was the highest fundraising total in the tournament's history. e approaching storm moved Fri- day night's Yard Party into Creasy Proc- tor Gymnasium. Andrew Jackson 576 served stew, and Bryan Mayer's tunes and playing entertained the barbecue teams and other Friday night visitors. Cobb Center at Dunn Cottage Museum and Archives cut the ribbon on a new interactive gallery for children, Violet's Room, named in honor of Home alum and long-time museum volunteer, Violet Davenport. rough the night, in rain and wind of the approaching storms, the barbecue teams huddled with their grills and smokers under makeshift cover to cook the next day's meal. Saturday morning brought no sight of sunshine, only stronger winds and harder rains. e parade was cancelled, but other activities along with craft and snack tents were moved into the gym. Guests were recognized there. Abigail Burnette was named Homecoming queen. Keller Memorial 657 was award- ed the Grand Champion Barbecue title. More than eight inches of rain fell during the event. In spite of the di- sastrous weather, 500 alumni, families, Masons, and visitors came to campus, to eat, listen, visit, and celebrate. After lunch, Jim Quick and Coast- line filled the gym with beach music. When they finished, visitors who were not officials, staff, or alumni called it a day and headed home. Various alumni events continued. ey honored Evelyn Hunter-Longdon for her York Rite Chapel endowment. Her late husband, Stanley Hunter, was a 1924 graduate of the Home. e fund Homecoming moves mostly indoors will perpetually give to the needs of the Chapel and those it serves. Grand Master Bryant Webster said, "By any measure, what took place on Friday and Saturday in the teeth of the outer edges of a hurricane, was remark- able… I know it required Herculean efforts on the part of all, and I'm sure each of us was a bit disappointed that the sun did not shine, and things could not go according to the primary plans. But, you must take extraordinary pride in the fact that the show went on, and we were able to have an event under ex- traordinary duress. When all the sunny times have faded and run together in the stream of memory, this is one we will recall, and look upon fondly and with bemusement, that we made it through and made it work." Mark your calendars. October 13– 15, 2017 is set for the Seventh Annual Masonic Homecoming Festival. Hope to see you there. Bring a kid and a chair! Dancing on the gym floor in street shoes. Lunch was not under the oaks, but still delicious. Danger Men Cooking Barbecue contestants pitched tents for protection. Fellowship and luncheon moved from the grounds into the gymnasium

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