The North Carolina Mason

Page 10 The North Carolina Mason March/April 2019 travelinG the tar heel state neWs From our lodGes Cross-cultural visit CHARLOTTE – The NC Masonic Officers Syndicate recently visited the North Charlotte Muslim Community Center as part of the group's effort to exemplify the universality of Masonry. Everyone was made to feel most welcome and there was much discussion concerning conspir- acy theories and negative press about both or- ganizations. The officers also were interested in learning more about the history of science in the ancient Middle East. Islamic scientific achieve- ments encompassed a wide range of subject ar- eas, especially astrology, mathematics, medicine, botany, chemistry, cartography, physics and zool- ogy, among others. Brothers found the discus- sion especially interesting since the study of the seven liberal arts and sciences are so strongly en- couraged within Freemasonry. The syndicate was formed last year as an initiative to encourage of- ficers to build their lodges into thriving places of fellowship, for the purposes of spiritual, personal, professional, and community development. Calling all Eagle Scouts RALEIGH– The NC Eagle Scout Task Force is trying to build a database of Eagle Scouts and active Scout leaders. The committee hopes to locate Masons all over the state who would be interested in assisting in presenting new Eagle Scouts a certificate from the Grand Lodge, or plan and hold a banquet at a lodge to honor these young men. To participate, fill out the survey here: https://goo.gl/forms/Y9iTLRhYXE53OZEs2. KERNERSVILLE – One lodge did double duty recently, holding a fundraiser and an appreciation day for local first responders. Kernersville #669 held a Boston Butt fundraiser in March, which also served as an appreciation for police, firefighters, EMTs, and all first responders. Brothers gave free barbecue sandwiches to first responders as a token of appreciation for all they do for our community. On hand for the big day are, from left, WB Master Brian Furniss-Roe, several members of the Kernersville Police Department, and third from right is Damon Wear (Senior Warden). ELIZABETH CITY – The brothers of Hall #53 in Shaw- boro were among volunteers who pitched in at Food Bank of the Albemarle in the wake of the U.S. government shut- down. Hundreds of active duty Coast Guard service members and nearly 1,400 civil service employees who work at Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City were either furloughed or worked with- out pay for 35 days. Area churches and civic organi- zations offered free meals, family outings and other as- sistance, as the Harbor of Hospitality came together to support and care for our friends and neighbors. Lend- ing a hand are (left to right) PM Charles Roberts, First District DDGM Ben Rob- erts, and Bill Austin. HIGH POINT – At the kickoff of the year's official visits on Feb. 4, WB Jeff Bullington (right), District Deputy Grand Master for the 23rd District, drops the 23rd District Traveling Gavel on WM Jacob Summey of Acacia #674.

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