The North Carolina Mason

Page 2 The North Carolina Mason January/February 2017 William Richardson Davie, longest-serving Grand Master in our history, chose the Lion and the Pillar as his mark during the Mark Master's Degree in Fayette- ville 1791. He went on to serve as our Grand Master from 1792-1798. All of us trace our lineage to Davie. In his 1975 work, Launching the Craft, omas Parramore described Grand Master Davie as "the lion" and Masonry as "the pillar" in his life. Building upon the strong founda- tion of education, patriotism, philanthropy, completing the work of the subordinate lodges, and connecting with our communities, North Carolina Masons have an opportunity to roar and rekindle Davie's spirit of excellence our grand jurisdiction. Here are five ways the lion roars: First, we work with the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education to utilize the opportunities through the Davie Academy, Wilkerson College, and other programs to help lodges learn. Davie was educated at Princeton and is the father of the oldest public university in the nation. One way to address this will be to have the three principal o!cers attend the 4 p.m. meeting I will have in the Districts when I go to Sanford, Franklin, Halifax, and Manteo. Watch the Grand Lodge webpage and the Grand Master's Facebook page for further details. Second, we subdue our passions long enough to recognize the men and women who have served our country in military service. Davie was a Revolutionary War hero. We can come up with a plan to do something for our veterans above and beyond mentioning them in the minutes of our meetings. ird, every Mason promised to support widows and orphans. When I became Grand Master, six lodges had given no contributions to the children in Oxford and 142 had given nothing to the widows at Whitestone. We've all acknowledged the misinformation out there about our chari- ties and have faithfully been correcting it. After my election, I challenged every lodge to do something – anything – before Dec. 31, 2016. ank you to all who did something, because you are roaring on the course of excellence. I hope other lodges will get on board in 2017, so their eorts may be recognized in 2018. Fourth, the elimination of NPDs begins with nishing the work we start. Staying in touch with our members and showing we care about them is the direction of excellence. Fifth, we are blessed to have a wonderful masonic-related family. Growing in knowledge and virtue is accomplished many ways. Many Masons expand their connection with their community beyond the lodge by joining other groups like York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine, Amaranth, AMD, and by being involved in our Youth Organizations. Other Masons take an active role in scouting, schools, and community support. Getting the word out there about the good that we do is essential. Every lodge has the opportunity to develop a publicity team that will connect with Beth Grace, the new editor of the NC Mason. So plan to connect with Beth right away. Doing so will be one way to hear the roar of excellence from your lodge. ere are all kinds of ways to connect with our community and we are very &exible in what that can be. e key element is to "do something" beyond our own doors because these goals will help us improve ourselves in masonry. So when you wear the Grand Master's pin this year, take some time to re&ect on what we are all doing to make our lodges excellent. My goal is for every lodge in North Carolina to be excellent and for those who can best work and best agree, I am completely condent the higher deeds and nobler achievements will be accomplished! Let's go to work! Let's Go to Work! Why the Lion and the Pillar? By A. Gene Cobb Jr. Grand Master Attend one of these upcoming District meetings with the GM: Date District Lodge Names and No. Location Mar 21 25 Granite 322 212 Franklin St, Mt. Airy Mar 22 23 Corinthian 542 426 W. Market St, Greensboro Mar 23 33 Ashlar 373 318 Deep Gap Dr, Deep Gap Mar 27 41 Junaluskee 145 50 Church St., Franklin Mar 28 39 Biltmore 446 6 St Paul St, Asheville Mar 29 35 Friendship 388 722 McBrayer/Homestead Rd, Boiling Springs Mar 30 34 Hilbriten 262 602 Wilkesboro Blvd. SE, Lenoir Apr 19 7 Zion 81 108 E. Lakeview Dr, Trenton Apr 20 15 Vandora 745 1120 Benson Rd, Garner Date District Lodge Names and No. Location Apr 24 19 Person 113 219 Leasburg Rd, Roxboro Apr 25 8 Royal White Hart #2 Location TBD May 1 1 Eureka 317 218 S. Hughes Blvd, Elizabeth City May 2 2 Manteo 521 101 Hwy 64/264, Manteo May 3 3 Washington 675 1115 West 5th St., Washington May 16 24 Blackmer 127 109 S. School St., Mt. Gilead May 17 31 Long Creek 205 8500 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Rd, Huntersville In case of inclement weather meetings will be canceled. We will make every effort to notify the host lodge and DDGM. Information will also be posted on the Grand Lodge web site.

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