The North Carolina Mason

May/June 2017

North Carolina Mason

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May/June 2017 The North Carolina Mason Page 7 e weekend of April 21 was a very special one for your Children's Home. e second class of Ambas- sadors gathered at the Cobb Center and took in the storied history of our beloved Children's Home. Fourteen "Ambassador" Masons from across the state gathered, most with their spouses, to experience life on campus and learn specific information regarding the operation, programs, and plans of MHCO. ese Ambassadors have been commissioned to carry the message of the Children's Home to families in need. e weekend began with a welcome from Past Grand Master and Board Chairman Dewey Preslar and was followed by dinner in the cottages. e Ambassadors toured the cottages, asked questions, and interacted directly with children and House Parents. e group later gathered to play games in the gym with Bemis and Gray Cottages. Groups then met in the York Rite Chapel for reflective activities. Older residents and Class of '89 Alumnus Tina Gilreath shared their experience at MHCO and how important the Home has been in their lives. As a group, we discussed the difficulties of being raised outside of one's home, having to live by campus rules, and the perspective of guardians having to let go and trust others to raise their children. Saturday began early with a welcome from PDDGM Phil Johnson from the First District and a working breakfast. Ambassadors took in a lot of information that gives them a well-rounded under- standing of MHCO and its mission, which they will share with interested groups and individuals. e Ambassadors also began to develop an action plan to share the message and connect the Home with families in need and those who can help with the Mission. For example, Ambassadors are spreading the word that the home is searching for house parent couples to work as child care workers. Anyone who knows of a good candidate should have them contact MHCO at 919-693-5111 or visit the website at www.mhc- oxford.org. e weekend culminated with a graduation ceremony in which each Ambassador received from PGM Preslar a certificate, pin, and a walking stick to represent their mission to take the light of the Home to those in dark times. Grand Master Gene Cobb then commissioned the class in accordance with the Ambassador Charter, which is displayed in the York Rite Chapel. Each class is recognized in framed photos that hang next to the Charter. Ambassadors pledge three years of service to the program, which is expected to grow enough to provide an ambassador for each Masonic District in North Carolina by 2020. The Ambassador Class of 2017 •Douglas and Deborah Brickhouse - District 1 •Earl "Buddy" and Donna Wilson - District 4 •Johnny & Estelle Surles - District 7 •Randy Bowen - District 8 •Don and Wendy Steichen - District 14 •Will Barham - District 16 •Marc and Paula Sessoms - District 18 •Michael & Hilary Verville - District 19 •Velton W. Taylor - District 20 •Tracy and Jennifer Lucas - District 25 •Clifford and Jenny Shrewsbury - District 26 •Mark Mabe - District 29 •Gary and Donna Ramey - District 30 •Chris and Britt Hawkins - District 35 •James B. "Eric" and Kim Call - District 36 •Jesse and Jennifer Padgett - District 39 The MHCO Ambassador Class of 2017 Ambassadors earn their walking sticks Second class of graduates to spread the word of Children's Home NORTH CAROLINA The Mason DEADLINES As plans to redesign the NC Mason progress, deadlines may change. Watch this space for updates. We'll keep you posted! July 5 – Issue arrives at your home end of August Sept 5 – Issue arrives at your home end of October Nov. 5 – Issue arrives at your home end of December

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