Brothers,
An update to the KSA name tag initiative. So far we have received positive
response to the program and currently have 70 Brothers who are wanting to
purchase a new tag.

Pricing for these name tags is based on 100 units to diminish the setup
costs and we are well on our way to reaching that goal. The cost if we
purchase 100 is $7.25 per name tag.

Our goal is to have these tags ready for pick up for the Fall Reunion.

Please mention the project to Brothers in your respective lodges and lets
exceed our goal. The initial email outlining the project instructs each tag
be prepaid to the Scottish Rite office. Please contact Deb to take care of
your responsibility and keep the project moving forward.

To place an order you can email me directly at dc@mrhandymanlkn.com or
contact Deb at the Scottish Rite office.

Sincerely & Fraternally,
DC Heilman

There are some stipulations that will go along with these name tags to make things easier.
The name tags will be here for pick up at our September Stated. We hope to have them all here by then.
1. Pre-payment is required. Payment can be made to the Charlotte Scottish Rite here at the office via cash, check, debit or credit card. See address below.
2. The name tags will only have Valley of Charlotte, Orient of North Carolina, your name and (32°, 32° KCCH, or 33° whichever is appropriate for you).
3. All the backs of the name tags will magnetic.
4. These name tags all have to be the same to get this lower price. If you have any questions, please contact me at the office prior to placing your order with D.C. Heilman. Again, D.C.’s email address is dc@mrhandymanlkn.com to place your order.

Brad Hufeld, 32° KCCH
General Secretary
Charlotte Scottish Rite
PO Box 221149
Charlotte, NC 28222-1149
Office:  704-365-3579
Fax:     704-365-3570
www.charlottescottishrite.com

Masons Helping Children have our second Outing for 2010 at Springfest in Waxhaw. Saturday May 15th and Sunday May 16th. Our large display will. be in the street directly in front of the Waxhaw Masonic Lodge. Springfest usually draws a large crowd, weather permitting. Come help us share the message of how Masons Help Children. You will be glad you did.
God Bless,
Don Wilson

Brethren,

We will be having our combined Maundy Thursday/Easter Sunday service on Saturday, April 3, 2010. The schedule is as follows:

The service begins with the Extinguishing of the Lights begins promptly at 6:00 p.m.

Dinner will begin at approximately 6:45 p.m.

The Relighting of the Lights will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Please make your reservations as soon as possible.

This ceremony differs from our degrees in that it is exoteric and therefore open to all.

The Extinguishing of the Lights ceremony commemorates Maundy Thursday, or the Last Supper. For our Jewish brethren, the ceremony commemorates the Passover.

This day is fixed as three days preceding the first Sunday after the full moon which happens on or after the Vernal Equinox. To Christians it is a time of darkness and death. The Jewish Passover is a most important religious celebration that is symbolic for all mankind. Many elements of the Passover dinner are explained in the Extinguishing Ceremony.

The Relighting of the Lights alludes to the culmination of the Christian salvation story, the resurrection of Christ. In this ceremony we pause in solemn reflection of this formidable event and turn our eyes toward the light that is given to us by the Perfect One; that we may reflect upon his words and mandate of his teachings.

Those planning to attend should reply to this email with their name and the names of all who will be attending or call the Scottish Rite Office and let Deb know all who will be attending no later than Tuesday, March 30th at 704-365-3579. Thanks for your cooperation so that we can let the cooks know how much food to prepare.

I look forward to seeing you on April 3rd.

Brad Hufeld, 32° KCCH
General Secretary
Charlotte Scottish Rite
Office:  704-365-3579
Fax:     704-365-3570
www.charlottescottishrite.com

Our Spring Reunion will be held on Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24, 2010. Please see your Blue Lodge Ambassador (or contact our office) for Petitions. Also, notices for Casting Meetings will be going out soon… Thank you.

January 20, 2010

Today a new Masonic website begins its life: www.AlexanderHomesite.org

Here is that site, to you and the other leaders of North Carolina Masonry. The developing story of this incredible house, built by one of the Masonic founders of Charlotte, has taken many years to come to light. I invite you to print it out so you can have your own hard copy. It’s just a few pages of text and illustrations.

Some of the facts have previously appeared in The Scottish Rite Journal, The North Carolina Mason, National Geographic, the new website TreasuresofNorthCarolinaMasonry.org and in our Charlotte Scottish Rite temple exhibit.  This document contains all the discoveries to date.

In the Charlotte hotbed of revolution and Masonry, Hezekiah Alexander made his residence the focus of  both—not to mention eleven children.

His house was all but forgotten by history and Masonry for two centuries. Now it’s wake-up time!

With warm wishes,
Walter J. Klein 33

The Masonic Test
Author Unknown

Several years ago, the story is told of a Mason who always wore his Masonic ring and lapel pin when in public. On some occasions, he rode the bus from his home to the downtown area. On one such trip and when he sat down, he discovered the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.

As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, “You’d better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.” Then he thought, “Oh, forget it, it’s only a quarter; who would worry about this little amount.” Anyway, the transit company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a ‘gift from God’ and keep quiet.

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, “Here, you gave me too much change.” The driver with a smile replied, ” I noticed your Masonic ring and lapel pin. I have been thinking lately about asking a Mason how to join. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. You passed the test. Can you tell me how to become a Mason?”

When the Mason stepped off the bus, he said a silent prayer, “Oh God, Grand Architect of the Universe, I almost sold you and my beloved Masons out for a mere quarter.” Our actions are the only Masonic creed some will ever see. This is a really almost scary example of how people watch us as Masons and may put us to the test even without us realizing it! Always be diligent, whether it be at the theater, restaurant, grocery, service station or just driving in traffic.

Remember, whether it be a lapel pin, a ring, or an emblem on the car, you carry the name of our great fraternity on your shoulders whenever you call yourself a Mason. You never can tell who might be watching!

Brothers and Sisters,

One of our own brothers has made the news. Brother Tom Cathey (Col. Thomas Cathey) was chosen as the Department of Defense American Hero for the week.

I invite you to click on the link below to view the website where you can not only read the story but hear the interviews that Brother Tom has had this week.One special interview I want you to listen to is the one dated October 7, 2009 WDUN, Martha Zoller Show. Brother Tom speaks of his father Brother Charles Cathey.

Once you click on the link you will be on the HOME page of the site. You will see Col. Thomas Cathey on the front page. Click on his picture and that will direct you to his story.

http://www.defenselink.mil/heroes/profiles/catheyT.html

You will find the interviews located on the left side of the page underneath Brother Tom’s picture, labeled EXTRAS.

This is a wonderful thing that our Defense Department is doing for our American Heroes! I guarantee you that you will enjoy this story.

God Bless!

Sister Traci Hoglen
Sonoma News ~ Valley of the Moon
Canton, NC