The North Carolina Mason

July/August 2012 The North Carolina Mason WhiteStone's 100th sonic and Eastern Star community is about to turn 100 years old this year. Officially incorporated in 1912, with operations starting a year later in 1913, there is no doubt that making it to the century mark is a remarkable accomplishment that the com- munity shares with other well-known American icons turning 100 this year such as Chevrolet, Girl Scouts of America, and Boston's Fenway baseball park. Mak- ing it this far is a testament to the dedication and ef- forts through the years of the hundreds of thousands of Masonic and Eastern Star members. However, with this tremendous legacy, comes the responsibility and an expectation to ensure success of this great institu- tion for the fraternal generations to follow. As WhiteStone moves into its next century of GREENSBORO — As many are you are aware, WhiteStone: A Ma- dedicated service, the Board of Directors, and staff have been hard at work these past few years imple- menting their strategic plan to ensure that the community continues to be at the forefront of providing excellent retirement living, a benevolent charity, and quality nursing care. As a prime example of this commit- ment to preserving its heritage by ensuring the best in retirement living for its residents going forward, WhiteStone will officially kick off its 2012–2013 centennial celebration on August 11 (1:00–3:00 p.m.), in which all Masons and Eastern Star mem- bers, family members, and neighbors are invited to join residents and staff, for the exciting grand open- ing of its new independent living apartment com- plex, new fellowship hall, beauty salon, coffee shop bistro, and arts and crafts area, to go along with its recently renovated dining room, kitchen, and club- house. WhiteStone is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and we are anxious to showcase the changes to our campus. — WhiteStone MILEPOSTS Page 7 President McKinley learns of the Craft When asked of Masonry, President Wil- liam McKinley explained: "After the battle of Opequam, I went with the surgeon of our Ohio regiment to the field where 5,000 Confeder- ate prisoners were under guard. As soon as we passed the guard, the doctor shook hands with a number of prisoners and began passing out his roll of bills. On the way back to camp I asked him, 'Did you know those men?' 'No' 'But you gave them a lot of money, do you expect to get it back?' 'If they are able to pay me back, they will. It makes no difference to me; they are brother Ma- sons in trouble and I am only doing my duty.' I said to myself, 'If that is Masonry, I will take — Alfonse Cerza some of it myself.'" HAYESVILLE — Clay 301's Anderson Brothers both got service BLACK MOUNTAIN — On May 7, two Black Mountain 663 members received service awards honoring their years of Masonic service. Thirty-ninth Masonic District Deputy Grand Master Ron Reece, left; presented Waylon Thomas, center, his Veterans' Emblem for 50 years membership; and Cliff Longcoy, right, his Diamond Jubi- lee for 60 years membership. — John Burchfield awards last year. Jack, left, got his Veteran's Emblem for 50 years as a member. Ray, right, got his Diamond Jubilee for 60 years membership. Their late father, Glenn, was a 30-plus-year member of Clay Lodge. — Ray Anderson BLACK MOUNTAIN — Roderick MacRae was re- cently presented his Diamond Jubilee Award for 60 years Masonic membership. The Black Mountain 663 member is seen here, right, getting the award from Black Moun- tain Senior Warden Hank Hilliard. — John Burchfield ALBEMARLE — At Grand Master Gresham's last district meet- TABOR CITY — William H. Stevens, center, of Tabor 563 re- cently received his Diamond Jubilee Award honoring his 60 years as a Mason. Seen here with him are lodge Master Gene Burroughs Jr., left, and PDDGM Gary Bass. — Len Fipps ing on May 30, the Board of Custodians presented Billy F. Love, right, a special award honoring his 50 years as a certified lecturer. Love, a member of Stokes 32 in Concord, is North Carolina's 13th certified lecturer to achieve this award. He is seen here receiving the cer- tificate from Grand Lecturer Luigi Ammons, left, and Grand Master Robert E. Gresham. — Mack Sigmon CASAR — On June 7, Casar 579 presented J. W. Hunt a coach's award. Grand Steward Mack Sigmon, left, is seen here presenting Hunt's recognition for his 50 years of coaching candidates through their catechisms. — Eric Newton REIDSVILLE — Grand Master Robert E. Gresham Jr. presented three service awards during his May 1 district meeting at Jefferson Penn 384. He presented Veteran's Emblems honoring 50 years membership to Milton Lewis Bailey and Lodge Master John Paul Jones VI of Jefferson Penn 384. He presented Dan River 129's Charles Garland Rakestraw his Diamond Jubilee for 60 years in the lodge. Seen here, from left, are Bailey, Rakestraw, Gresham, and Jones. — Paul Tutherow MEBANE — Bingham 272 re- cently presented James Denton Jr. his Veteran's Emblem for 50 years Masonic membership on behalf of the Grand Lodge. — James Oakley PIKEVILLE— Harmony 340 recently gave Dewey Pate, center, his Diamond Jubilee for 60 years Masonic membership. The presentation was made by District Deputy Grand Master Ricky Stroud at the lodge's Past Masters' and Widows' Night. — Doug Lancaster BURGAW — King Solomon 138's annual outdoor degree on the banks of the Cape Fear River was rained out back on March 31. They had to move indoors, but continued their work of raising five new Masons, from left: Bill George III, Robert Goff, Clay Jasper, Nick Herring, and Nathan Morton. It was only the second rainout in the degree's 12 year history. — Keith Batson WENDELL — At their April 14 Past Masters' Banquet, Wen- dell 565 had an interesting dual presentation. James Baker Jr., left, presented his son, James Baker III, right, a past master apron honoring his office last year. As soon as he was done, James III presented his dad his Veteran's Emblem saluting his 50 years of lodge membership. Thelma Baker (mother and wife), center, par- ticipated in both. — Raymond A. Burch

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