The North Carolina Mason

predates both shall provide shade and comfort over both storied and cherished institutions of support for the benefit of children and students. The Homecoming for the Children's Home's 150th year was a success. With a weather eye open, the energy remained positive on campus as we kept monitoring the rain, wishing to share fun, fellowship, and music for one more day. Many thanks are due to all our Shrine and Community Parade partners who were at the ready right up until the last minute when the call was made to call off the parade and outdoor festivities. Of course, in this state BBQ is sacrosanct, and the contest to discover the best BBQ carried on. Congratulations are due to overall winner Keller Memorial Lodge of Rockwell, NC, who received the first "Calvin Rogers Best of the Best Award." The Peoples' Choice Award went to Relief Lodge of Benson, NC. Many thanks to all the BBQ teams for all they did to provide for our kids and our guests, in spite of the rainy conditions. Several "Orphan's Friend Awards" were presented to our dedicated supporters and volunteers, including Lee Abernethy, Dave Alligood, Charlie Burton, Terry Gilliland, Larry Ledford, Gene Purvis, Rev. Pat Cox, Jeff and Susan Page, Tracy and Andy Newton, as well all three State Shrine Potentates Scott Lackey (Amran Temple, Raleigh), Lou Smith (Sudan Shrine, New Bern), and Doug Garland (Oasis Shrine, Charlotte). The Home was honored to receive donations from Oasis Shrine, the Children's Home's Alumni Association, Ronnie and Shirley Bailey, the "Three Ruffians," and Fellowship Lodge at Durham. The Homecoming Court was Crowned at the York Rite Chapel Service on Sunday. It cannot be restated enough that our outward signs of gratitude cannot compare to the thanks and love in our hearts for all those who love and celebrate our children and this happy place. In truth, this Homecoming Weekend is representative of what one may find daily, weekly, and yearly at the Children's Home – highs and lows, sun and rain, excitement and disappointment. The rainy Saturday was filled with expectations and PHIL ANT HPY: These children – the children you support – are hopeful only to find simple change, and minute improvement in their station – if they themselves understand what improvement can be. 34 | T H E M A S O N M AGA Z I N E

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