The North Carolina Mason

March/April 2017 The North Carolina Mason Page 13 JEWELS, from page 12 Sometimes, you can speak volumes without saying a word. e brothers of Oak Island #758 set a simple, yet meaningful table to welcome brothers to its Feb. 16 stated communication. As brothers entered for the meeting, they paused by the Table of e Fallen Soldier, sometimes known as the Missing Man table, which is set at special events held by and for the U.S. armed forces around the country and the world. It is said to have originated during the Vietnam War and was created by those working to remember prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action. Such remembrances are part of the requirements for lodges interested in becoming a Lion and Pillar Lodge of Excellence this year. e table and items that go with the honor were donated to the Oak Island lodge, which has many veterans among its members. After Brother Bud Haraway said grace over the prepared meal, WM Jack read the "Table of the Fallen Soldier," which explains the meaning of the symbols on the table. Many brothers were brought to tears. After the lodge dinner, veterans were welcomed to have their pictures taken with the table. TABLE OF THE FALLEN SOLDIER • This Table and Setting is a reminder that all of our comrades could not be here with us tonight. • The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. • The single rose in the vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades in arms who kept the faith until the end. • The ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation's call. • The Bible represents the spiritual strength and faith to sustain those lost from our country. • A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. • There is salt upon the bread plate symbolic of the families' tears as they learned of their loved one's death. • The glass is inverted; they cannot toast with us this night. • The chair is empty; they are not here. • Remember all of you who served with them and called them comrades; who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forgotten you. • It is our hope this night, that with pride and honor, they will hear us as we toast their ultimate sacrifice to their country's call to arms. Brothers Bud Haraway, left, and Bill Lucas, both past masters and World War II veterans, pose with the Table of the Fallen Soldier at Oak Island #758. Oak Island #758 Remembers the Fallen Soldier lain's jewels, they too have yet to be discovered. At the time of the jewels' manu- facture, Masonic officer jewels and even Grand Lodge offices were not standardized and some officers did not possess a jewel at all. Hence, there may not have been a jewel for the offices mentioned. Interestingly, the offices of the Grand Pursuivant and Grand Sword Bearer no longer exist within the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. e appearance and whereabouts of the Grand Lodge officers' jewels prior to 1829 is unknown. However, we know Weaver's set of jewels were used by the Grand Lodge officers until 1879 when jeweler Henry Mahler of Raleigh made the current Grand Master's jewel. Research is ongoing into the history and disposition of the jewels of 1828. Several portraits of the Grand Masters of Tennessee, including Andrew Jackson, reveal that jurisdiction used a similar jewel. Weaver was in fact recom- mended to the Grand Lodge by the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. Coin sales will pay for Royal White Hart preservation effort A decade before the creation of the United States, the men of Halifax gathered to ensure that the tenets of Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love flourished in North Carolina. Life then, as now, was chal- lenging and these early Freema- sons did not shy away from going to work, within the Fraternity and their communities. Between 1771-1772, Brother Joseph Mont- fort (1724-1776) was presented a charter appointing him the "Provi- sional Grand Master of and for America." With his everlasting Masonic achievements, it is only befit- ting that his final resting place is enshrined upon the grounds of Royal White Hart Lodge #2. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of this historic Lodge, a finely crafted collector's/chal- lenge coin is available. All proceeds will be applied toward the resto- ration and preservation of this historic Lodge. Each coin costs $20. To order, make checks out to Royal White Hart Lodge #2 and mail to: Royal White Hart Lodge No. 2 P. O. Box 712 Halifax, NC 27839 Key to Grand Lodge Jewels A. Grand Deacon B. Grand Treasurer C. Grand Master D. Senior Grand Warden E. Grand Tyler F. Grand Sword Bearer G. Junior Grand Warden

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