Bro Clark Anderson PM Marble Springs #439 passes away.

Clark C. Anderson, 70, of Marble died Thursday, April 23, 2009 in an Asheville, NC hospital. He was a native of Cherokee County, where he had lived most of his life. He was the son of the late James Elbert and Edith Marie Shields Anderson. He was a graduate of Western Carolina University and Georgia Southern University. He was a retired school teacher with the Cherokee County School System. Clark was a member and deacon at the Marble Springs Baptist Church, past master of the Marble Springs Masonic Lodge No. 439, and past patron of Marble Springs Order of the Eastern Star No. 320. His hobbies included growing shrubbery and Christmas trees, woodworking, camping, fishing, and traveling.

Clark was also preceded in death by two brothers, James Edward and Joe Allen Anderson.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Phyllis Sandidge Anderson; two sons, Trent Anderson and wife, Shuny of Murphy and Philip Anderson of Marble; a special friend, Katherine Hardin of Andrews; two brothers, Dan Anderson and David Anderson both of Murphy; and a grandson, Chase Millsaps.

Funeral services were held at 5:00 PM Saturday, April 25 in the Marble Springs Baptist Church with the Rev. Jeff Maynard officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with Masonic graveside rites conducted by the Marble Springs Masonic Lodge No. 439. Masons served as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers.

The family received friends from 3-5 Saturday afternoon at the Marble Springs Baptist Church prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Clark C. Anderson to the Marble Springs Baptist Church Youth Group Fund, PO Box 264, Marble, NC 28905.

Traveling Gavel has returned to its roots!

Clay #301 is where it began, and is now where the Traveling Gavel makes its "temporary" home. Congratulations to WM Cabe and crew for the fine showing at Montgomery #426....and their return home with the trophy.....just don't get too use to having it Brothers!!!!!

Mystery Mason!!!!!!!!

This photo was taken in the 1930's or 40's in Western NC. Can anyone venture to comment on the identity of the young man on the far right? As a hint, I will say that his time in the East has been grand in porportion!

In memory of Brother Johnny Dyer PM #426

John (Johnny) Lee Dyer, age 67 of Murphy,NC passed away Thursday, April 2, 2009 at his home.
He was a native of Clay County, NC and the son of the late Henry C. and Nola Mae West Dyer. After high school he spent most of his life in Tunnell Hill, GA., before moving to Murphy, NC in 1981. He retired from D&H Auto in 2005, where he was owner and operator. He was a member and past Master of the Montgomery Lodge #426 AF and AM, and a member of Martha Chapter #246 order of the Eastern Star. He accepted Christ in 1974 and was of the Methodist Faith. In addtion to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Lorene Monkus; two brothers, Carl Dyer and Willard Dyer.
He is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Kaye Haney Dyer; one son, John Warren Dyer of Murphy, NC.; a daughter, Jennifer Lynn Dyer of Murphy, NC.; one grandson, Zachary Warren Dyer, and a step-grandson, Ryan Todd Mileti all of Murphy, NC.; one brother, David Dyer of Dalton, GA; six sisters, Mildred Woods and Deloris Gutherie of Murphy, NC Bessie Simpson of Cleveland, TN., Geneva Worley of Raleigh, NC., Francis Anderson and Nancy Hedden of Dalton, GA; mother-in-law, Emma Greene Haney, sisters-in-law, Janice Haney and Barbara Haney of Murphy, NC., Doris Grady of Atlanta, GA., Joyce Pierson of Douglasville, GA., and Sharon Thomas of Eatonton, GA. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
A Graveside Service will be held at 4:00 PM Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in the Peachtree Area with mansonic graveside rites conducted by the Masonic Lodge #426. Rev. Randy Johnson will officiate. Pallbearers will be his Masonic Brothers.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:30 PM Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the Townson Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in loving memory of Johnny Lee Dyer to the Good Shepherd Home Health and Hospice Agency, PO Box 465, Hayesville, NC 28904.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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