The North Carolina Mason

September/October 2013 The North Carolina Mason Page 5 Amendment Scorecard Group 1......Define base dues for endowed.....passed Group 2......Raise per capita $3.........................passed Group 3......Allow alcohol rentals..............withdrawn Group 4......PDDGM aprons...............................passed Group 5......PDDGL aprons.................................passed Group 6......Life member ballot change.............failed Group 7......Minimum dues...................................failed Group 8......EA lodge straw vote.........................failed Group 9......Disposal of corporate property...passed Ric Carter photos Group 10....Foundation Board change.............passed Line appointment David Wicker Mark Mabe photo Thomasville Lodge meets anonymous challenge the hat and collected another $100 to be used for the same purpose. One good turn deserves another, so the anonymous Mason upped the ante. The cost of a swim class for seven kids at the Y is $350. The donor pledged to pay for half of a class if the lodge would pick up the other half. They were to vote on that at their September meeting. — Trestle Board THOMASVILLE — Late in the summer, an anonymous member of Thomasville 214 made a $150 donation to the local YMCA. It was to pay the cost of sending one child to summer camp and another to swim lessons. Its given in the name of Thomasville Lodge and designated to help a child in financial need. The lodge responded to it as if it were a challenge. They passed ASHEVILLE, from page 1 Scholarships awarded BRYSON CITY — Oconee 427 presented their scholarships May 17. The grants, given in memory of Past Master Curtis Evans, are awarded to local students to use in their continuing education based on academic progress and community service. The funds for the scholarships are collected throughout the summer from lodge members with assistance of the Curtis Evans' family. This year's recipients were Christopher Cochran and Rebecca Parris, both rising sophomores at Appalachian State; Ashton Turbyfill who will be attending Western Carolina University; and Jessica Winchester who will be attending Lees-McRae University. Fortieth District Deputy Grand Master Mark Fortner and Oconee Master Clint Martin presented the $500 scholarships. Seen here, from left, are Fortner, Parris, Cochran,Winchester,Turbyfill, and Martin. — Clint Martin Ric Carter photos Student scholars HOLLY SPRINGS — At their June 11 fellowship dinner, Holly Springs 115 presented Lauren Longobardo the lodge's annual $500 scholarship. Longobardo is headed to nursing school at the University of Alabama. Seen here, from left, are Vinnie DeBenedetto, Michael Longobardo, Lauren Longobardo, Barbara Longobardo, and Brant Chesner. Back, are Mark Stanton, John Carlson,Todd Dyches, and Jeff Hatcher. — Vinnie DeBenedetto 123, from page 8 Bill Riggan photos Joseph D. West as grand steward, Karl D. Righter as grand steward, Christopher M. Hedrick as grand chaplain, Jonathan N. Collins as grand tyler, Alta Sandling as architect, Andy Hoyle as architect, and Davis N. Sandling as building authority. Other dignitaries present included Past Grand Master Gene Jernigan, Deputy Grand Master Dalton W. Mayo, Grand Lecturer David Potts, and Grand Steward Shaun Bradshaw. WNC Historical Association, and Betty Lawrence representing the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County. Pelly urged the audience to focus on the history of community involvement by the Masons in Asheville. "In 1918, during the Spanish influenza that ravaged the country, the members turned over the entire lodge as a hospital for African Americans in Buncombe County. During the same time over 40,000 meals were delivered to the homes of the sick and dying. This building has been used as a school, and during the Cold War it was a designated fallout shelter." He said the lodge and the temple building are institutions in Asheville, and that they are highly deserving of praise and respect. Gantt shared a short history of Mt. Hermon 118 which built the Asheville Masonic Temple. Mt. Hermon was chartered in 1848. "When they got together they said we have to do something better than meeting above Smith's Drug Store on Pack Square. They were right, so they came here and bought some land. In 1913 J.C. McPherson put up $56,000, which is equivalent to $1.2 million to build what you have here today." Gantt recognized the Masons for their contribution to the present Buncombe County courthouse. "When we built our courthouse in the late 1920s, you came and gave us our cornerstone. It sits there today. It's my honor today on behalf of the county to join in the celebration of your centennial stone," he said. "It's an honor to be here among Masons and have you continue the good work that you do." Lonnie Darr, Master of Mt. Hermon Lodge, gave the closing oration. "Masons brought the very idea of a democratic republic to this continent when we arrived. We are indeed proud to be part of that. In this lodge when you are initiated into the First Degree you are called an 'Entered Apprentice.' An Entered Apprentice is one of our cornerstones, and every new cornerstone we gain is a building block for all Masons." A reception was held in the dining hall following the ceremonies. Mark-Ellis Bennett is a member of Mount Hermon 118.

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