The North Carolina Mason

January/February 2017 The North Carolina Mason Page 11 By Beth Grace Oscar Keller didn't see it coming. e 95-year-old Sanford busi- nessman who has dedicated 70 years to Masonry knew something was up when his brothers from Bualo 172 began to gather around him in a parlor at the Parkview Retirement Center he owns in Sanford. But what? Knock. Knock. Knock. ree raps at the door. Grand Master Gene Cobb, wearing the jewel of his o!ce and carrying an historic setting maul from Royal White Hart 2 in Halifax where he is a member, enters. Oscar's eyes widen in surprise and he begins to smile. He still doesn't know what the big surprise is, but he clearly knows it will be a good one. "Today," Cobb said, "In recogni- tion of 70 years of devoted service to Freemasonry, your tireless dedica- tion to the growth and development of Sanford and North Carolina; your support and love for God as evidenced by your support of the households of faith in this community; and the example you and Elderlene (Keller's wife) set for all of us regarding the meaning of family: It is my distinct honor and privilege to present to you amongst your friends, family, and brothers of Bualo Lodge 172 where you were a Past Master, the highest award for service that can be given to any Mason in the state of North Caro- lina, the Joseph Montfort Medal." Keller, almost speechless, beamed as his brothers and family members applauded. "Lord have mercy, folks," he said, ghting back tears. "You have made my day." Each Grand Master may give three Montfort medals during his tenure. e rst Cobb recognized from among some 40,000 North Carolina Masons was Imme- diate Past Grand Master Bryant D. Webster. Cobb awarded the medal at his installation as Grand Master in December. Keller, the son of a Baptist preacher, has spent his life working on behalf of the elderly. He holds the rst Nursing Home Administration license ever awarded in North Carolina. In fact, the number of the license, which hangs in the front hall of Parkview, reads "Number 1." It was awarded June 30, 1970. He and his wife, Elderlene, who passed away at age 94 just two years ago, ran two homes in Sanford for years. He still reports to work six days a week at Parkview, but gives himself a break: he leaves at noon on Saturdays. "Oscar has cared for countless people in his life," Cobb said in an interview before the award. "For me to be able to honor and recog- nize this is a blessing. e care of the elderly is part of our promise as Freemasons and Oscar has fullled that promise." In a letter accompanying the award, Cobb called Keller a "true builder, a master Mason." "You have built a family, a community, and a home for the elderly and sick. You have improved education and healthcare so that citizens of this community might have a better quality and quantity of life," he wrote. "Your example cannot be eclipsed by the accomplishments of past Grand Masters, philanthropists, Supreme Court justices, governors, and other worthy recipients of this award because all of you come from that great light of goodness and perfection that denes you all as sons of light, liberty, and brotherly love." Keller greeted brothers and friends for a long while after the ceremony, posing with his medal and the setting maul, which Cobb said was in use at Royal White Hart when his grandfather, John M. Cobb, was a member there from 1946-1965. "I just don't have the words to say how much I appreciate this. My years in Masonry have been great years," he said, looking at the crowd of brothers there to witness the ceremony. "I love all of you. You're all good Masons." Sanford Mason receives Montfort Medal Grand Master Gene Cobb discussing the setting maul from Royal White Hart 2 with the latest winner of the Montfort Medal, 95-year-old Oscar Keller. Keller still goes to work six days a week (although he leaves at noon on Saturdays). Who is Montfort? Joseph Montfort was the only Provincial Grand Master for America. He died before the American Revolution began and is buried in the front yard of Royal White Hart 2 in Halifax, where he was a member. Montfort's memory lives on through this award and through the 244 dedicated Masons throughout our history who have proven themselves worthy of this honor. 'You have made my day,' winner declares

• Cover