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.

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

This is what our wonderful Ladies do at our Learning Center! Thanks Anne, Debbie & Wendy!

(click on the PowerPoint Presentation to advance the slides)

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!

“You must learn to work for the work’s sake, without desire of approbation or reward. Work and action have their own rewards. It is the duty of a man who seeks and accumulates greater knowledge to know and practice those ethical and moral principles which demonstrate Man’s highest, and most noble nature.”
Start Time: 7:00 PM
Date: 2009-10-14
End Time: 9:00 PM

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

Masons Helping Children visited, “Celebrate Midland Magic” at Midland NC last week-end. I believe someone was watching over us as it was a beautiful week-end and the rains came late Sunday Evening. This was our first time in Midland, we must go back next year. The sponsors, directors and staff were first class. They continued checking on us to see if there was anything else we needed. This was a festival for the whole family. There were rides but, they did not dominate the festival. Thanks to Brooks Davis, who again brought Arena Race Cars to our booth and did attract attention since they race at Concord Speedway which was just down the road. This was the first time we did not have children come by who had been in Oxford, RiteCare or Shrine Hospitals. There was interest from attendee’s as they looked over our pictures and talked about family members who are or may have been Masons. Cutty Davis and his son C.J. members of Union Lodge had a display of their business at this festival as well as last week in Mint Hill. They usually had several members of the Lodge hanging around their booth and I had them come over to our booth and gave them the full presentation. I don’t believe they knew or understood all they have to offer their community. I am sure there are children needing their help. I gave them literature and suggested they start looking and talking. We know we can’t guarantee help or success but we can’t let their children who need help fall through the cracks. It is always nice to hear all the nice things the public says about our charities, but, it is nice to talk to the brothers and know that they can explain the charities, where the money goes and who gets the help. It seems every festival has a purpose with outstanding results for Masons Helping Children.

I also want to report to you that brother Clyde Early a member Thermal belt Shrine Club took the portable display to Lake Lure for a car show on the 3rd of October. He will use it again on October 10th. with his Lodge, The Cliffside Masonic Lodge # 460 in conjunction with Cliffside Days. It will come back to Pineville and the James K. Polk Lodge for The “Pineville Fall Festival” October 16th and 17th. then it travels to Steel Creek Lodge for their annual Bar-B-Que in November before it returns home. Please know that this unit is available to you and your lodge or unit as you make the public more aware of what our fraternity represents.

Now it is on to Waxhaw where we started earlier this year for their “Autumn Festival.” this will be the last outing for the Large unit.  Shortly after the first of the year we will begin plans for 2010. Give us your thoughts and Ideas.

Fraternally,
Don Wilson

Review Coming Soon!