The North Carolina Mason

Page 10 The North Carolina Mason March/April 2017 traveLinG the tar heeL state neWs From our LodGes WINSTON-SALEM Piedmont Pioneer #685 of Winston-Salem continued its efforts to boost membership and community interest with a very special Valentine's event. Brothers treated their valentines to muffins, ice cream, cake and cookies and welcomed a prospective petitioner, who had the opportunity to see brotherly love and friendship in action. is is just one of several events on Piedmont Pioneer's checklist to build community interest and raise its profile. Last year, the lodge began working on increasing attendance and participation using Masonic education and special events. is year, it is improving degree work, strengthening committee activities, Masonic education and a greater community presence. EDENTON "Bon frère du soir" is how one might be greeted when entering a Masonic Lodge in France. But instead, Brother Armand Hampar- soumian was greeted with a warm welcome on Feb. 23, when he visited Unanimity #7 in Edenton! Brother Hamparsoumian, visiting from Universalis #22, was delighted to visit our historic Lodge and see the replica of the famous George Washington chair, which once belonged to Unanimity Lodge. at night was also the official visit from the DDGL of the 1st Masonic District, WB Mickey Spruill, PM. Brother Mickey has held that office for 17 years, with many hours of dedication and love put into every hour of the work that he does. He has also held the treasurer position of Unanimity #7 for 23 years. CORRECTION In the January/February edition, Eureka Lodge #317 was incorrectly identified as being located in China Grove. Eureka Lodge #317 is in Elizabeth City. HERTFORD - e call went out on ursday night in February from the Perquimans County School system to a local church: A grandmother fighting cancer needed some help. Her house and yard had fallen into disrepair. e message was delivered to 1st District PDDGM Phil Johnson, who called Damon Winslow, Master of Perquimans #106. By the next day, a group of Masons and friends had responded and they headed to the house Saturday, where Jeff Perry, past master of #106, delivered a truck to hold the debris. Within a few hours, the brothers cleaned the roof and gutters, picked up fallen limbs, trimmed the hedges, raked the yard and picked up debris. e grandmother, who saw first- hand the good effects Masonry has on others, thanked the crew and the community at large. Phil Johnson says the lesson learned that day was that helping others does not always cost money and if we remember that the "greatest of these is love," and it can be shown in many ways and the world would indeed be a better place. Participants included: WM Winslow; PM Joe Elliot; PM C.W. Overton; Bobby Brinkley; Matthew Johnson; Nicolas Johnson; Jeff Perry and Phil Johnson. HOPE MILLS – Lebanon Lodge #391 celebrated 132 years of masonry in Jan- uary by conferring a very special Mas- ter Mason Degree. WB Jeff Wade (left), with his father, WB Paul Wade (middle) looking on, raised his son-in-law Adam Courtney (right). The Wades are direct descendants of Lebanon Lodge's first master, WB Alexander Biggs. SALISBURY – Fulton Lodge #99 cel- ebrated an historic moment when Mas- ter Mason Ed Aldridge (right) raised his son, Michael Aldridge (center), who in turn raised his son, Shane Aldridge (left) in a double third degree in one night. Perquimans comes to aid of grandmother

• Cover