The North Carolina Mason

Page 2 The North Carolina Mason March/April 2018 Grand Master issues gun raffle directive In late February, Grand Master Speed Hallman issued the following directive pertaining to gun raffles: To the Masters, Wardens, Secretaries, DDGMs, and Members of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina: e Grand Lodge task force on gun raffles met recently and is preparing its report, which I expect to receive in the next few weeks. When I receive its report, I will consider its recommen- dations and act accordingly. In the meantime, as Grand Master it is my duty to act for the good of Masonry and do my best to ensure that our gentle craft is held in the highest public esteem. I am concerned that when we seek public support for our charities by raffling military-style weapons such as the AR-15, in the aftermath of shootings inex- tricably linked in the public mind with these weapons, we invite a public judgment of guilt by association. Images of the gun are invariably juxtaposed with scenes of carnage and grief. Masons and Masonic lodges are focused on brotherly love, relief, and truth. at should be our constant role and image in the community. Several lodge-sponsored gun raffles are currently under way. I trust that our brethren in charge of these raffles will understand that Masonry benefits when we take a reason- able and common-sense approach to how we present ourselves to the public. Masons should exemplify the gold standard of citizenship and strive to always do the right thing at the right time. As a precedent, consider the action of the Mecklenburg County sheriff who, in the wake of the Florida school shootings, canceled a gun raffle benefitting his re-election bid and gave refunds to ticket buyers. at sheriff is a Mason. erefore, it is my directive that Masons and Masonic lodges currently engaged in raffles of military-style weapons will remove images of AR-15s and similar military-style weapons from any and all raffle promotional materials yet to be circulated or distributed in public. It is my further directive to eliminate AR-15s and similar military-style weapons from all future raffles. is applies to any raffle that has not received approval from the Commission on Subordinate Lodge Special Activities as of this date. I am directing the Commission to enforce this directive and consult with me should there be any question about my intent or how best to enforce this directive. Given under my hand and seal this the 20th day of February, CE 2018; AL 6018. Speed Hallman Grand Master Print or online? Whi do you oose? It's your choice. If you like getting the North Carolina Mason online, you can now opt out of receiving the print version! To stop the mailed paper, send an email to ncmason@ glnc.us with your name, home mailing address, your lodge and the words: "OPT OUT." at's all you need to do. If you prefer reading it the good old-fashioned way – in print and on paper – do nothing. Your Mason will arrive as usual every other month. ank you for reading the Mason – in any form! We are happy to bring the paper to you in both forms for as long as there are brothers out there who want to read us! Traveling Degree Gavel travelogue update e Traveling Degree Gavel is making tracks! It hit the road Jan. 29, heading first to Kenly #257. From there, the brothers of nearby Lucama #527 picked it up, but held it for only one day before St. Patrick's #617, Princeton, came to town and headed out with the gavel. e gavel's next stop was at Wilson #712, before it headed off to Bula #409 in Burlington. en, on to Caswell Brotherhood #11 in Yanc- eyville. At press time, the gavel was awaiting a sched- uled degree at Bingham #272 in Mebane. Follow the gavel by liking the Grand Master of Mason's Facebook page (https://tinyurl.com/ y9422lf2) or checking out the Grand Lodge home page (www.glnc.us) and linking to the Traveling Gavel Banner on the top of the page! P P P P PP P

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