The North Carolina Mason

Q&A with Kevin Otis Administrator, the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford WHAT IS IT ABOUT OUR HOME THAT DRAWS MASONS BACK TO CAMPUS YEAR AFTER YEAR? PGM Dan Rice describes it best: These are sacred grounds. I have had many Masons echo that sentiment. While they cannot actually describe the emotional draw, they can certainly feel it. The campus is pristine, the children and staff are pleasant to be around, and the understanding of the impact that the program and supports have for children in dire circumstances engage Masons with a sense of pride, accomplishment, and spiritual connection. WHY DO SO MANY WHO HAVE NEVER SEEN THE HOME SEND THEIR GIFTS AND RAISE MONEY FOR US IN THEIR COMMUNITIES? Some Masons have shared that their connection is directly related to their own life experiences. Empathy extends from similar situations they faced in their youth and had to overcome. Their journey was difficult and they want to help children on their travels. For others, they know a child or alum who received care and support from the Home. What they witnessed through the success of others is motivating and inspires them to support the Home's mission. For others, it is their obligation. While they may not have had direct relation to the children's experiences, they knelt at the altar and took the same obligation to support orphans and widows. Their obligation fulfillment is realized in the life-saving work being done at the Home for Children. WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU DROVE ONTO CAMPUS FOR THE FIRST TIME? I had traveled all day to get to Oxford. The first time I was on campus was at 11 p.m. I drove onto campus and the first words I said to myself were, "Oh wow!" I called Ms. Kevin and said, "You are not going to believe this place." As I drove around campus I described how the lights were shining. I said, "It just keeps going. Oh wow!" I believe many have a similar experience. However, it became very clear that the real beauty of the campus is the people. The kids, staff, alumni, Masons, community, and friends of the Home are what gives you that feeling of "this is what God intends for people to do to help those in need." WHAT IS YOUR FEELING WHEN YOU WALK ONTO CAMPUS EVERY MORNING, OR RETURN AFTER BEING AWAY FOR AWHILE? I was walking to the office the other day, looking at the St. John's building in the morning sky and smiled to myself. It was peaceful. I felt right with the world. I imagine the children get the same experience. For many their lives are full of chaos, violence, and discord. On campus I watch them ride bikes, skateboard, play basketball, and sit on the swings talking. The campus environment provides that calm, peace I often experience. I will say that different locations on campus bring a different perspective. Coming back from the farm provides a beautiful view of the campus, and when the sun is setting just right the campus is engulfed in a glorious light. In addition, you cannot go to God's Half Acre without feeling your connection to those who have gone before us, knowing we are preparing the path for the children to realize their own spiritual connection with the world. Finally, this year especially, I feel an overwhelming sense of being a part of history. When you connect all that has transpired over the Home's 150 years of helping children, you see how important today's work and building on this storied foundation is for more generations of children. The feelings can be overwhelming, but the mission is too important to lose a step forward. Let's all travel together for the benefit of children and to fulfill our obligation. So mote it be. 16 | T H E M A S O N M AGA Z I N E

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