The North Carolina Mason

January/February 2018 The North Carolina Mason Page 13 Mileposts OXFORD – Every gift from a lodge to a Grand Master is special, but it hit home and heart when Zion #81 lodge presented a handmade gavel to new Grand Master Speed Hallman, painted in the colors of the State Highway Patrol. The gavel was presented in memory of Hallman's uncle, Col. Charles A. Speed, who was a former commander of the patrol and for whom Hallman is named. Brethren who presented the gavel were, from left WB Johnny Surles, District 7 Deputy Grand Master Bobby Meadows, and WB Gene Greene. Not pictured: WB Tommy Arthur. BAHAMA – There has been no rest for Brother Charles Emory of Knap of Reeds #158 since he retired in 2012 – and that's a good thing! The 65-year-old recently completed a cross-country 2,668-mile bike ride from San Diego, Calif., to St. Augustine, Fla. He and two cycling partners completed the trip in eight weeks, averaging 75 miles a day. They were supported by a follow vehicle, which provided a place to sleep at times and food to keep their energy levels up. Emory began competing in triathlons after he retired, and when the opportunity presented itself to make this trip, there was no hesitation. He says he'd like to do one more triathlon before he hangs up his gear for good. encompassinG the World How Masonic rituals became standardized Early Masonic initiates memo- rized degree rituals "mouth to ear," through rote memorization of lectures and catechisms. In the late 1700s though, Masonic scholars and ritualists began efforts to standardize the rituals and unify the practice of the craft. As efforts to standardize Masonic lectures grew, among the most popular versions were William Preston's (1742-1818) in his 1772 "Illustrations of Masonry." Preston inspired omas Smith Webb (1771–1819), who published the first Masonic monitor in the United States, "e Freemason's Monitor; or Illustrations of Masonry," in 1797. is and monitors that followed were a largely American form of Masonic literature – manuals or books of esoteric ritualistic matter that guided non-tiled portions of Masonic ceremonies. Among Preston's most talented students was Jeremy Ladd Cross (1783–1861). After traveling as a lecturer, Cross partnered with Amos Doolittle, a talented Masonic artist and engraver, in New Haven, Connecticut. ey began creating printing plates for Masonic aprons, and soon adapted Doolittle's drawings of Masonic symbols for the publication of a new illustrated Masonic monitor, "e True Masonic Chart, or Hieroglyphic Monitor," published in 1819. Together, Webb and Cross are credited for helping standardize U.S. ritual work. Cross's success spurred the publication of innumer- able monitors, which adopted and re-engraved Doolittle's illustra- tions, though leaving them virtually unchanged. Courtesy of the Grand Lodge of California Historic cornerstone marks strong growth WOOSTER, Ark. – e East Fork Masonic Lodge #327 is expanding, featuring the state's first Masonic Cornerstone Laying Ceremony in more than 100 years. e East Fork lodge holds roots that trace back to the Reconstruc- tion Era. Lodge member Luke Barnett said the Wooster area has proven a high interest in membership. So much that members have outgrown their current meeting site and are building a new lodge. e East Fork members are sticking to the origins of the Masonic roots in this ground- breaking initiative, which featured a Masonic Cornerstone Laying Ceremony. e cornerstone ceremony is a historic element of building a Masonic lodge. Barnett said that when the lodge is erected, the northeast corner of the building is the first piece laid. is process holds a lot of historic symbolism, he said, and sets the stone for which everything else is based on. Barnett said members of the lodge work together to better themselves and their community. "Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity, which takes good men and makes them better men for themselves, their family and the community," he said. "For the most part, we put together a lot of community events and also give out scholarships." Last year, East Fork masons came together to collect $15,000 worth of food for the six schools within the Greenbrier School District. "When we found out 30 to 40 percent of those living in the Greenbrier area don't know where their net meal is coming from, we worked together to provide," Barnett said. "As Masons, we saw that [number] as unacceptable." Courtesy of thecabin.net

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