It's been a month already. I guess time does really fly when you are having fun. We have had some exciting things happening in the last month though. Our candidates have advanced one step closer to their destination, as we are planning their  third degree for second meeting we have in February. We will need all the participation we can get so please be there if you can.

  

   At our first meeting we held our Valentines dinner and presented William Tapp and Ron Whaley their 25-year anniversary awards and thanked them very much for their service and dedication to our fraternity. The other 25 year members were Thomas Baucom, James Braziel, Narley Cashwell, Paul Erexson, Alex Lee, Craig Lewis, Tim Shermer, William Tapp, Ronald Whaley, John Williams, James Winborne Jr. whom have served us equally as well but were not able to attend.

Brother John Tawney and I also had the honor of presenting Brother Phillip George Perry his 50-year award in his home prior to the meeting and thanked him for his service and dedication also. Our other 50-year award was to Brother Willard Futrell.

     

  We also voted Worshipful Brother Delmas Williams in as a life member.  Congratulations to Brother Delmas, He has done so much for 701.

  

   Our annual Golf Tournament is

getting closer and Brother Barry Tucker has that scheduled for May 5th at Eagle Ridge so please lets get the word out. Barry has the flyers ready to go on that as well. We also have discussed a Sporting Clays tournament at Deep River Gun Club for a fall fundraiser so let us know if you are interested in that also.

 

   We have received a request to include a section for Past Master's in the newsletter also so if you would like to add anything please send in. The section as requested will be titled "Past Master's Corner"

 

Fraternally yours
  Greg Ray     

  

"Past Masters' Corner" My first topic offers up personal observations on degree work in 701.Admittedly, I have only been a witness to this since being raised in a relatively short span of time since 1985, but it is my opinion that WE have a reputation to uphold. Most "seasoned" members of 701 share my opinion. The reputation is that of doing excellent degree work. I hope and pray that we will get back to that way and manner of doing ritual work. As you know, the old adage of "first impressions" lasting in the minds of candidates still holds true.

FRATERNALLY,

RONNIE WILLIAMS, PM, 2003.

 

Footnote: There were 12 past masters at our February 9th communication.