The North Carolina Mason

March/April 2021

North Carolina Mason

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Page 10 The North Carolina Mason March/April 2021 News oF the CraFt OXFORD – Alvin Billings, past master of Bula #409 and immediate Past Potentate of Amran Shriners, is the new annual giving officer at the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford. A Master Mason for 11 years, he also is a past District (22) Deputy Grand Master, a member of Scottish Rite, KCCH, and York Rite. "My position was created to promote recurring (monthly) giving as well as annual giving," he says. "The idea is to increase recurring giving to allow our Home to operate on these gifts which would keep it from dipping into our savings. If every Mason in NC would contribute $10 or more per month, we could wean ourselves from this dependency." Alvin, seen here presenting at Eagle #19, is available and eager for invitations to speak at lodges to share MHCO's story and the latest news from the home. To contact Alvin, call him at 336-260-3483 or email abillings@mhc-oxford.org. OXFORD – The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford was proud to celebrate Tycianna's graduation from JF Webb High School in January. (Editor's Note: Children at the home are identified only by first name to protect privacy.) Not only did Tyci- anna graduate mid-year, but she also earned straight As during the final semester, for the first time in her academic career. While Ty- cianna got to walk across the stage outside to receive her diploma, guest numbers were limited due to COVID restrictions. She was able to do a drive-through celebration and receive gifts, cards, cheers, and congratula- tions from all the kids and staff. Tycianna has advanced to the Independent Living Program and is working on her CNA Cer- tification through Vance Granville Commu- nity College. RALEIGH – The Grand Lodge has made a welcome change in the Masonic Ceremonies book. In response to re- quests from brethren, the book has been updated for 2021 in a new size that fits the inside of our suitcoat pocket per- fectly. It's also spiral bound and the text is larger. To buy your copy, call the Grand Lodge at 919-787-2021. You can charge it to your credit card. Or send a check to the Grand Lodge at 2921 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27608. Books will ship from the Grand Lodge. KERNERSVILLE – Master Mat- thew Smith (left) of Kernersville #669 in March presents the Chaplain of Dis- tinction award to Past Master Neal Nelson for his years of service as the Chaplain of Kernersville Lodge. Nelson has been chaplain for six years. q OXFORD – He did it all for the love of Audrey. Brother James R. "Russ" Jones (center) recently traveled with his friend WB Danny Davis (right), both of St. John's #4, to the Masonic Home for Children to deliver a very special gift. Brother Jones was honoring his late wife, Audrey W. Jones, who passed last year. When Mrs. Jones was diagnosed with a terminal illness, the couple sat down and talked about gifts she wanted to leave. They chose five organizations – all dedicated to helping children – to receive gifts in her name. MHCO was one of the recipients, along with the Shriner's Hospital for Children, Opera- tion Smile, St. Jude's Children's Hospital and Covenant House. Brother Jones made the trip from his home in Snow Hill in January to make the gift in person to Administrator Kevin Otis (left).

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