The North Carolina Mason

September/October 2016 The North Carolina Mason Page 9 Carter photos Ric Carter was saluted on the eve of his retirement after 25 years as editor of the Craft's journal. He re- ceived a warm reception, a caricature portrait, a lovely tribute, and was named editor emeritus of e North Carolina Mason. Carter thanked the assembled Ma- sons for their help over the years and reminded them of the esteem in which he held the blue lodges and the rank and file Masons around the state. e United Grand Lodge of England's Prestonian Lecturer Richard Berman gave a short talk on the trade union origins of Freemasonry between 1300 and 1700 which became the fraternity we know today. It was a fascinating addition to the annual proceedings. e first order of business, as per e Code, was the consideration of the Grand Lodge budget presented by Finance Committee Chairman Grover Dees. e budget was approved without changes. Officer elections began as the budget was being dis- cussed and voted on in sections. Deputy Grand Master A. Gene Cobb Jr. (Royal White Hart 2) was elected grand master. Both Grand Treasurer Lewis R. Ledford (PGM) (Statesville 27) and Grand Secretary T. Walton Clapp III (Mystic Tie 237) were reelected. Senior Grand Warden Jimmie B. Hicks Jr. moved to the podium and announced that he would not be available for election as deputy grand master because of his recent acceptance to London's Imperial College's Global MBA Program, a lifelong dream. He expressed his frustration that his classroom requirements and study time would detract from the time to do a proper job as deputy grand master next year. He expressed his deep regret at losing the opportunity to serve after his years invested in Masonry, but expressed his apprecia- tion for the opportunities and the experience afforded him by his time in the Grand Lodge line. Junior Grand Warden Speed Hallman (Eagle 19) was elected deputy grand master, Senior Grand Dea- con Dwight "Mack" Sigmon was elected Senior Grand Warden. Junior Grand Deacon Shaun Bradshaw was elected junior grand warden. Appointed officers for 2017 include: Senior Grand Deacon R. David Wicker (Oak Grove 750), Junior Grand Deacon Larry B. ompson Jr. (Blackmer 127), Grand Marshal Kevan D. Frazier (Mt. Hermon 118), Grand Steward Donald E. Kehler (Bula 409), Grand Steward Robert W. Rideout (White Stone 155), Grand Chaplain Mark M. M. Vickers (Stokesdale 428), Grand Tyler William B. Bruton (Blackmer 127), Grand Lecturer Hugh L. McLaurin (Corinthian 542), Grand Historian Steven A. Campbell (Blackmer 127), Grand Orator David R. Cash (Campbell 374), and Judge Advocate James R. Stevens (Garner 701). New line appointment Don Kehler is a financial advi- sor and secretary of Greensboro's Scottish Rite. He is a member of Bula 409 in Burlington. Our other new grand steward is Robert W. Rideout, a member of White Stone 155 in Zebulon. He is an administrative law judge. Grand Lodge was closed just before noon Saturday, Sep- tember 24, and the Closing Charge was shared by all present. e Grand Lodge officer installation will be held Saturday, December 3, 2016, at the Carolina Inn Hotel, 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, NC, at 10:00 a.m. As Grand Master Webster said, "I have heard many positive comments and high praise for the 2016 Annual Communication. All the thanks for any success we ex- perienced at Annual Communication is due to you and all your efforts to help execute an excellent program. My goal for the weekend was for everyone present to leave with their batteries charged and to feel positive about being a North Carolina Freemason. I believe we accom- plished that. ere seems to be a great deal of energy and excitement about where we are headed." Indeed there is, Brothers. Your job is to share the excitement with others as best you can. Luncheon on the deck courtesy Winston-Salem Masons. Senior Grand Warden Hicks after his announcement. Your lodge officers are the Grand Lodge. Cobb, Kehler, Rideout, and Webster GM Webster makes a quartet.

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