The North Carolina Mason

July/August 2017 The North Carolina Mason Page 9 MiLeposts RALEIGH – On June 14, Most Worshipful Grand Master A. Gene Cobb granted dispensation to the Lodge of the Nine Sisters, UD at the Raleigh Masonic Temple. In attendance were GM Cobb, Deputy Grand Master Speed Hallman, Grand Secretary Walt Clapp, Senior Grand Warden Mack Sigmon, Senior Grand Steward Donald Kehler, Assistant to the Grand Secretary Jonathan Under- wood, MWB Doug Caudle, MWB Bryant Webster, and many visiting brothers from across the state. e Lodge of the Nine Sisters, UD is the first Traditional Obser- vance lodge in the Raleigh area and the fourth in North Carolina following Sophia #767, Veritas #769 and Lux Libertas, UD. Traditional Observance Masonry has been growing in popularity across the country and focuses heavily on Masonic Education with a more philosophical approach. e lodge setting is more formal with officers in tuxedos and brethren in dark suit, tie and white gloves. Music, meditation or reflec- tion and other elements are often incorporated into the lodge meeting while strictly adhering to the rituals of North Carolina Masonry and e Code of the NC Grand Lodge. is is a unique approach to Masonry designed to inspire and enlighten the Craft. Founding members are WM J. Gregory Wallace, Senior Warden Matthew N. Parker, Junior Warden Richard T. Corbin, Secretary Joseph M. Keller, Treasurer John Ruggiero, Senior Deacon Chance B. Corbin, Junior Deacon Marc A. Fusco, Stewards Matthew B. Moore and Erik J. Riedesel, Chaplain Joseph B. Walls, Tyler Bert W. Walls, and Marshal J. Luigi Ammons. Also, urifer Michael W. Moser, W. Andrew Adams, Henry R. Baker, Jr., C. Alvin Billings, Jr. Michael W. Brantley. William C. Chriscoe, John W. Davis, III, W. Jeffery Davis, Harvey Y. Ellis, J. Wilson Ferrell, J. Robert Franks, Aubrey E. Fussell. David B. Glass, Howard Vance Harrell, IV, James C. Izzell, Jr., Robert E. Kupper, Philip P. Miller, Donald W. Slaughter, Donald B. Street and C. Glenn Todd. Grand Lodge officers celebrate with members of The Lodge of The Nine Sisters, UD. A formal affair at Raleigh Temple CHAPEL HILL – Past Grand Master Charles M. Ingram (1999) is part of a select group of alumni and friends appointed to serve on the Board of Visitors of e University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. e appointments were announced May 31. e 56 new members are part of an approximately 175-member board that assists the Board of Trustees and Chan- cellor in activities focused on advancing UNC-Chapel Hill. Past Grand Master named to UNC board was just enough money on hand to buy a replacement band. When it arrived, we went over to my folks' house and my dad, a retired United Methodist minister who had co-officiated our wedding, blessed the new ring. But it never felt the same. It simply wasn't the one Margaret placed on my finger that humid summer afternoon – the best day of my life – in Rose Hill. It always felt like just a piece of jewelry. Late on a recent Friday after- noon, my cell phone rang with a caller I.D. of Salisbury, and Past Grand Master Preslar got around to this: "When were you married?" "June 20th, 1976." "Guess what I found?" While cleaning out his truck prior to selling it, he'd found a gold band with "6-20-76" inscribed inside ... not that I've EVER needed to be reminded of that date. I sat at my desk with tears of joy on my cheeks. e discovery of the ring wasn't a miracle, but it was the next best thing as far as I'm concerned. Today, the ring came home. I asked Margaret to close her eyes and open the package, then the envelope. She pulled out the ring and we both saw it again at the same time. I can never adequately describe how full and happy my heart feels. My most-treasured possession is back on my finger, placed there – for a second time – by Margaret. Our hands are wrinkled after 41 years, but when I see our hands with those original bands on them, all I can think of is the decades of ABSOLUTE JOY the Lord has given us. For me this year, Christmas came early – on May 15. ank you, Dewey, for being my Santa. And thank you, Heavenly Father, for sending Margaret to me, and for giving me the good sense to recognize that she was an eternal gift from You that makes me the luckiest man on earth. RING, from page 2

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