We had a great leadership conference in Winston-Salem this past weekend, a report will be given at stated. Members who attended were: Ed Becton, Brad Hufeld, David Hargett, Bob Erwin, Gilbert Bailey, James Cooper, Chris hall and Tim Berly. Thank you for your support and dedication to your Valley.

Check out these new videos from the Supreme Council! Codes, ect…

I hold in my hand a little scrap of paper 2 ½ x 3 ½ inches in size. It is of no intrinsic worth, not a bond, not a check or receipt for valuables, yet it is my most prized possession. It is my membership in a Masonic Lodge.It tells me that I have entered into a spiritual kinship with my fellow Masons to practice charity in word and deed; to forgive and forget the faults of my brethren; to hush the tongues of scandal and innuendo; to care for the crippled, the hungry, and the sick, and to be fair and just to all mankind.It tells me that no matter where I may travel in the world, I am welcome to visit a place where good fellowship prevails among brothers and friends.It tells me that my loved ones, my home, and my household are under the protection of every member of this great Fraternity, who have sworn to protect and defend mine, as I have sworn to protect and defend theirs.It tells me that should I ever be overtaken by adversity or misfortune through no fault of my own, the hands of every Mason on the face of the earth will be stretched forth to assist me in my necessities.And finally it tells me that when my final exit from the stage of life has been made, there will be gathered around my lifeless body friends and brothers who will recall to mind my virtues, though they may be few, and will forget my faults, though they may be many.It tells me that and a great deal more, this little card, and makes me proud, yet humble, that I can possess this passport into a society of friends and brothers that are numbered in the millions.

Check out this new site by Brother Walter Klein and the Grand Lodge of North Carolina Public Relations Committee. There are a lot of stories that would make excellent Masonic Education short talks for a Lodge meeting! Here’s a preview:

Read more at: http://treasuresofnorthcarolinamasonry.org/

… and thanks Walter!

I ran across this card (circa 1957) recently and I thought you might enjoy it.

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Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry

Dear Friend,

May we offer our condolences in this your Hour of Sorrow, by sharing with you that letter of our beloved Masonic Brother, Benjamin Franklin, who wrote his brother John’s bereaved widow:

A man is not completely born until he is dead.

Why then, should we grieve, that a new child is born among the immortals? We are spirits! That temporal bodies should be lent us, while they can afford us pleasure, assist us in making a living, or in acquiring knowledge, or in doing good to our fellow creatures, is a kind and benevolent act of God. When these physical bodies become unfit for these purposes, affording us pain instead of pleasure, becoming a burden instead of a blessing, it is equally kind and benevolent that God has provided a way by which we can vacate them.

Death is that way! Our friend and I were invited abroad on a party of pleasure, which is to last forever. His chair was ready first, and he is gone before us. We could not all conveniently start together; and why should you and I be grieved at this, since we are soon to follow, and know where to find him.

- Carolina Consistory A.A.S.R.

The Master Craftsman Program is an exciting new by-mail correspondence course designed and administered by staff at the House of the Temple in Washington, DC under the guidance and leadership of the Supreme Council, 33° of the A. and A. Scottish Rite – Southern Jurisdiction. Consisting of 6 lessons, it utilizes The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide by Arturo de Hoyos. The course fee of $35.00 includes all 6 lessons and materials, the Ritual Monitor and Guide, and a personalized certificate and lapel pin upon completion of the program. Your first shipment will include a welcome letter, the first quiz and return envelope, and a handsome folder in which to keep your work organized. Also included is Arturo de Hoyos` incomparable resource: The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide.

We have a limited number of Books, Tests available now for only $35 + $5 shipping = $40. Our shipment is due to arrive this week. Please call our office for more details.