The North Carolina Mason

May/June 2017 The North Carolina Mason Page 15 DAVIE from page 14 From the Medical Committee Vaccinate or abstain? Springtime: Time of beginning, time for Fraternity to blossom By Steven Campbell Grand Historian In the Old North State each spring our grounds, plants and trees that have lain dormant during the winter months flourish anew. When one ponders such an event it is quite amazing. And, yes, there are those who lament the return of the "mowing season," yet perhaps it is a blessing compared to other parts of this world where a drop of rain has not fallen in years. Springtime also has harkened the time of change in our young nation's history. For 169 years, the 13 North American colonies bordering the Atlantic Ocean owed their allegiance to their Sovereign Majesty of Great Britain. Perhaps as a result of a rebirth of thought or an awakening, the spring of 1775 ushered in a new era in American history. Men and women desiring a greater voice in their lives committed to armed rebellion culminating in an eight-year war against the government of King George III. Was it by chance, fate, design, or happenstance that many men of our Fraternity would prove to be the leaders in this struggle? Whilst George Washington, John Hancock, Sam Adams, Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin and Joseph Warren would become household names, let us not forget our North Carolina brothers. Men such as Richard Caswell, Cornelius Harnett, Robert Howe, omas Person, William Polk, the Stokes brothers, William R. Davie, Jethro Sumner, Samuel Johnston, Edward Buncombe, William Lenoir, Alexander Martin, Benjamin Williams, Joseph Montfort Sr. and Jr., and countless others would risk everything near and dear to them in this endeavor. Upon the top of the King's List of seditious, treasonous, and "misguided subjects" would be Brothers William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and John Penn who, by affixing their name to the Declara- tion of Independence, pledged "their lives, fortunes and sacred honor" in the name of liberty. e commitment, determination, dedication, and resolve these men put forth to create a new nation reflect many of those beliefs found in Freemasonry. e United States of America is a nation forged in the fire of freedom, and it is the responsi- bility of each of us to keep the fire aglow. So, as yet another season of renewal is upon us, perhaps it is a befitting time to review those beliefs which we hold so dear so they may once again flourish, as does springtime. North Carolina's signers of the Declaration of Independence were Brothers Joseph Hewes, William Hooper and John Penn. Librar y of Congress R. Keith Bailey, MD, Chair Junior Deacon, Scotch Ireland #154 Part 1 of a two-part series. Children's Vaccinations ere is a lot interest in the world today about whether to get a vaccine or not. Should you vaccinate your child or not? While I don't see children in my practice, I have read some the data on the question of whether there is a connection between certain vaccines and autism. (Autism spectrum disorder or ASD is a wide variation of social, communicative, and cyclical behaviors that are considered out of character for children). e science appears clear to many physicians. Polio, Smallpox, plague, diphtheria, tetanus – the list goes on – have all been eradicated due to vaccines. In fact, some laboratories continue to make vaccines for such illnesses. Is it possible that some children have responded badly to vaccines due to allergies or chem- ical imbalance? Yes. ese diseases were killers, crip- plers that left families devastated, and even wiped out societies. So, the vaccination of children should be taken seriously – but it is a decision to be made by parents with the advice and involvement of their pediatrician. Society dictates that children who attend public schools must be vaccinated. at policy is a school's obligation. ere may be differing opinions, but the consequences of a wrong decision can be life altering beyond the family. Next issue, part 2: Adult Vaccina- tions. serve as an envoy to France. As envoy, he helped resolve disputes that had erupted between the two countries. Although he declined an offer from President James Madison for command over all American forces, he would still serve in the War of 1812. In short, Davie was one of the greatest patriots to have ever lived and should be an inspira- tion to us all. In today's age, to try and meet his standard of excellence in service to so many causes is an overwhelming charge if not a seemingly impossible task. How can any of us expect to have an effect anywhere near that of Davie? Is that even possible? Perhaps we should remember that there was some- thing about our noble craft that inspired this great man to dedi- cate more than 10 percent of his life to serving as our Grand Master. He served in such a way to ensure that Masonry would endure through the ages even if his name would not. And that is how we can meet that standard which Davie set, by serving a cause greater than ourselves and letting the success of the craft be our legacy without concern for personal glory. is is not a super-human ability but rather it is just a simple passion for our craft that will enable us to have an effect like what Davie has had upon us all. Know that your actions can and will reverberate throughout the fraternity for years to come and let that be your driving force. If we all let that passion guide our actions then not only will our fraternity survive but it will thrive and continue to be the needed force for good it serves as in this world. Like The NC Mason on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2irdm6m

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