MWGM Dan C. Rice visits 41st Masonic District

Tuesday night, March 24th was the annual visit for the Grand Master of Masons in NC's visit to the 41st District. It was held this year at Marble Springs #439. WM Henry Hiss, and his officers, along with the Eastern Star Chapter were there to make sure the visit was a memorable one for the Grand Master.

MWGM Rice, as well as Grand Secretary Clapp arrived in pleanty of time for some visiting with the Brothers present. It seems that when Brothers get together that there is MUCH talking, joking, and laughter to be had!!!





We were partakers of a great meal of ribeye steak, baked potato, garden salad, and a variety of desserts prepared and served by the ladies of the Eastern Star......lest not forgetting PM Mitch Arrowood for grilling the steaks!



Also, PGM Berry Rigdon, Bro Allen Hughes(Director of the Oxford Orphanage), Grand Secretary Walt Clapp and many other Grand Lodge officers were with MW Rice to help with his visit, as well as to offer their reports, and well wishes. Plus....they all like to eat!!!!




PDDGM David Lawrence, who is a member of Montgomery#426 owns Indian Hills Spring Water, and always seems to come up with a lil special momento for the Grand Masters visit.


Lots of Brothers from all the District's Lodges were on hand for great food, fellowship, and fun. There are not many nights that you can boast of 70+ Brothers all under one roof, in one accord furthering the causes of our great fraternity.




There were also 2 Brothers in the Lodge who were reaching great milestones in their Masonic travels. MW Rice had the priveledge and honor to present PM Hoyt Boring of Montgomery 426 with his 60th year pin, and to present PM Don McCarter of 426 with his 50 year pin. Both were congratulated by the many Brothers present on their years of dedication to the craft.

Bro Boring recieves his pin from GM Rice.

WM Brian Rau, PM Boring, and MW Rice pose for a picture.


Bro McCarter recieves his pin from GM Rice.

WM Rau pins it to Don's lapel.

WM Rau, PM McCarter, and MW Rice pose for a picture.


Also, this was a special night for Bro Allen Hughes. Getting to talk to old friends from Clay #301, and to re-live the events starting 50 years before when Allen was sponsered by Clay Lodge to enter the orphanage remains as a heartfelt reminder of the power of Masonry.


Here are a few of the Brothers from Montgomery #426 posing with GM Rice for a nice picture.

Masonic Home for Children at Oxford Trip 2009 - Price Update

I have just received the price for the July 11th bus to MHCO. The bus will cost $1,100 this year. Based on $30.00 per person, we will need at least 36-37 people to go. I know times are hard for some, so Brothers start putting back $10.00 per month today, you will never miss it, and I promise you will not regret it.

I would need the money and names no later than June 27th. Should we not make the minimum number required, I will return to everyone their check.

Please make your checks or money orders out to Tri-State Charters and send them to me with a list of names for whom the payment is covering.

Don't forget to invite your "significant other", Entered Apprentices, Fellow Craft and prospective members.

Please send your checks and names to me at:

Jim Hyde
281 Atoah Circle
Robbinsville, NC 28771

PoTS
lawmanmedic@yahoo.com

Oxford Trip 2009

There has been some interest expressed in another trip this year to the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford. Mark you calendars for July 11th.

I do not yet know how much it would cost us, but the bus has been booked, and I am still awaiting a price.

As you recall, on our previous trip we only had to pay for fuel and charged just $15.00 per person. Still, we came up a little short last year, but I covered the balance myself. Last year the drivers also donated their time and drove free of charge; this year the bus company may have to pay one driver. I am guessing this year it may cost around $30.00 -$35.00 per person, based on 30 people should one of the drivers have to be paid. Remember, if we get thirty people to go, we still have room for 25 more, thus rebates could be issued once the final payment is made to the bus company.

I would like to get at a minimum of 30 people signed up. Last year we had over 30 to sign up, but had less than 30 to go. The more we can get signed up, the less it will cost each of us.

I have been in contact with Chris Richardson and he advises we are more than welcome, and he uses our previous dedication and determination to travel such long distance to visit as an example for others to match.

Since each lodge is required by the CODE to have a committee of three dedicated to the Masonic Home for Children, this would be a great opportunity for the lodge to “sponsor” a trip for them to visit.

As last year, your wives or guest are invited. This would be a great opportunity to show the brothers who have been raised since our last trip one of our charities. Don’t forget to include our Entered Apprentices and Fellow Craft.

I know it is almost impossible for some of you to commit to an event 3 months away, but mark you calendars for Saturday, July 11th.

I’ll keep everyone updated as progress is made.

Fraternally


Jim Hyde
District Deputy Grand Master
41st Masonic District of North Carolina