The North Carolina Mason

November/December 2017

North Carolina Mason

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Michael Harding photo The Mason Official Publication of e Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina Volume 142 Number 6 Oxford, North Carolina November/December 2017 NORTH CAROLINA ■ see INSTALLATION page 2 By Beth Grace Mason Editor CHAPEL HILL – Speed Hallman was thinking about prom- ises made and promises to keep as he vowed to faithfully, honestly and impartially carry out his duties as the 165th Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina. Surrounded by his wife, Susan, and sons omas and Jason, relatives, friends and brethren, Hallman was invested with the jewel and apron of office on Dec. 2 at the Carolina Inn, along with five other elected officers and eight appointed officers. Raised at Eagle Lodge #19 in 1999, Hallman was named to the Grand Line in 2010 by Grand Master Lewis Ledford. "When Grand Master Ledford asked me to meet him for lunch back in 2010, he said it was about 'a grand lodge project.' It sounded mundane but instead, he came with a bombshell: He wanted to appoint me to the Grand Line. I told him I'd have to talk it over with Susan," he said. "She is wise and got right to the heart of it, as always. She said, 'If you love the organization, you don't say no to this.'" And he does love the Craft, and the men who live out their brotherly promises in lodges, in their commu- nities and in their families. "It is all about love," he told the crowd. "We Masons cultivate an environment of brotherly love, relief and truth. ose of us who are Christians strive to live up to the fundamental commandment to love the Lord, and love your neighbor as yourself. Every faith believes in love. Love, and inner light, are universal. "And brotherly love is real. To my Masonic brethren, you all have given me so much more than I have given you." In taking the vow as he was installed, Hallman promised to carry out the duties of office to the best of his ability, "and that I will conform to and maintain the Constitution and laws of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of North Carolina, and the usages and customs of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons in this jurisdiction and at all times enforce a strict obedience thereto." Installing Grand Officer Ledford conducted him into office, reminding Hallman that the office of Grand Master is the highest and most exalted position in Freema- sonry, "an office that carries with it all the power and authority to govern the Craft without dictation or pressure from any source." "By immemorial usage and the 'Brotherly love is real' Hallman becomes 165th GM; 2018 officers installed "You have been selected by your brethren to occupy the highest and most exalted position in Freemasonry …" Charles Speed Hallman kneels for his installation as Grand Master with Installing Chaplain Chesley Greene, Kilwinning #64.

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