The North Carolina Mason

Page 2 The North Carolina Mason September/October 2017 see ANNUAL, page 8 ANNUAL, from page 1 Brethren elected Charles Speed Hallman of Wadesboro as the 165 th Grand Master of North Carolina Masons. e 57-year-old Marshville native was raised in Eagle #19 in Hillsborough in 1999. en Grand Master-elect Lewis Ledford appointed him to the Grand Line in 2010. He also is a charter member of Mosaic #762 in Chapel Hill and Lux Libertas in Hillsborough, and is a member of Sophia #767, Wilkerson College #760 and Blackmer #127. "Brethren, you have entrusted me with a sacred duty," He told the crowd gathered at the Twin City Quarter Grand Pavilion in Winston-Salem. He called for all brethren to share their ideas on how to keep Masonry strong. "We talk about needing members, but we need Masons," he said. "Be a Mason, and expect those around you to be Masons, and our fraternity will be better. … We know what we need to do to be successful. We do not need to look to our history to see our best days. Our future is bright. I'm excited by the possibilities of next year and the next decade and I'm absolutely convinced the best is yet to come." Grand Master-Elect Hallman announced his appointment to the Grand Line: Steve Norris of Ash, N.C., becomes Junior Grand Steward. Norris, treasurer of Shallotte #727, was raised at Shallotte #727 in 1982. He served as Master in 1989, and is chairman of the Board of Custodians. He is a native of Conway, S.C., and is married to Traci Norris. Brethren also elected the following members of the Grand Line: Deputy Grand Master D.M. "Mack" Sigmon of Newton; Senior Grand Warden P. Shaun Bradshaw of Greensboro; Junior Grand Warden R. David Wicker, Jr. of Oxford; Grand Treasurer Lewis R. Ledford of Raleigh (re-elected); Grand Secretary T. Walton Clapp III of Raleigh (re-elected). Appointed were: Senior Grand Deacon Larry B. ompson, Jr. of Salisbury; Junior Grand Deacon Kevan D. Frazier of Asheville; Grand Marshal Donald E. Kehler of Nags Head; Grand Steward Robert W. Rideout of Zebulon; Junior Grand Steward Steve Norris of Ash. Grand Master Gene Cobb, in his interim report, expressed gratitude for the support and kindnesses shown him from all sides during a busy year as Grand Master. "One of the greatest experiences this year for me has been the generosity and hospitality extended to the Grand Master all across North Carolina. We raised over $12,000 for our charities in our District Meetings, brought checks for the hurricane victims, and have brought food to the Masons Can Program again this year," he said. In addition to creation of the Lion & Pillar Lodge of Excellence program, he reminded brothers to continue to let their "loving light shine." "Our work in philanthropy did not begin this year, nor will it end," he said. "Do not be deceived by misleading conversation. Be a part of changing the conversation from destitution to benevolence. … I believe a true Mason finds reason to give more, not less." Cobb presented Lion & Pillar honors to 56 lodges. An additional 25 honorable mentions were awarded. ▲ NC Masons responded generously to Grand Master Cobb's call for donations to help Masons hit by recent hurricanes. He presents a check covering the amount brothers donated to Simon R. LaPlace, executive secretary of the Masonic Service Association. The Grand Lodge pitched in another $10,000. Grand Secretary Walt Clapp and Assistant Grand Secretary Jonathan Underwood are on call for quick answers and information throughout the Annual Communication. e 230th Annual Communication by the numbers Rooms reserved at Embassy Suites/ Marriott: 215 Vendors: 25 Code Amendments up for Vote: 13 Amendments Passed: 7 Amendments Rejected: 5 Amendments withdrawn: 1 Lion & Pillar Awards/Honorable Mentions: 56/25 Credentials: 353 lodges presented credentials, representing 1041 ballots Masons Can 2 Drive: 2,233 pounds

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