Brethren,

Tidings from the East.

I am very glad to report that we all enjoyed a wonderful Past Masters’ Night celebration at our Stated Communication on October 8^th. The festivities began with a fabulous steak dinner, complete with all the trimmings, provided by our very talented chefs’ crew. Ten Past Masters were present and recognized for their considerable contributions to Masonry and Garner Lodge 701 in particular.

After our meal, Past Masters filled all the chairs during our Stated Communication and did quite an impressive job of opening and closing the Lodge. Each Past Master present was again recognized and all of them made very appropriate and inspiring remarks. Past Masters from 1963 – 2000 were in attendance and spoke to the Lodge about their experiences as Masons and Masters of the Lodge. If you missed that meeting you missed a real treat.

I am sorry to report that we have a number of brethren who are experiencing some health problems right now. Brother Frank Golden is still under the weather. Please give Brother Frank a call if you get a chance. Brother Horace Davis underwent coronary surgery on the 8^th of October but is expected to recover soon. We need to keep a good thought for Brother Horace, he recently lost his mother as well. Also Brother Harry Lee Sears is extremely ill. He and his family need our prayers and support.

On a very happy note, we were all absolutely delighted to see Worshipful Brother Harry Pitts in attendance at our last meeting. Brother Harry rarely if ever missed a communication until he suffered a stroke several weeks ago. But he and Eunice were back for Past Masters’ Night, and ate dinner with us. Worshipful Brother Harry then stayed for the meeting and addressed the Lodge about his life as a Mason.

Congratulations to our Newsletter Editor, Worshipful Brother Lee Phillips! Garner Lodge 701 received an award from the Grand Lodge of North Carolina for producing one of the five best newsletters in the state. Thank you Worshipful Brother Lee for your dedication.

Finally Brethren, the last message I wrote for this newsletter was composed on the evening of September 10^th, little did I know then that in less than twelve hours such a horrific tragedy would strike our nation. Nor do any of us know for sure exactly what tomorrow or the next day or the next months will bring. Certainly, we are all facing a trying time in the course of America’s history. During this season of tensions and trouble, I urge each of us to hold to those marvelous tenets of Masonry with the greatest tenacity. Stay in communication with the Great Architect of the Universe, read His Word, and walk a path that is pleasing to Him. As the Prophet Micah said “ . . . act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord.” That is great advice in times like these, and a pretty good definition of a Mason.

Please try to be with us, it’s just not the same without YOU!

Jimmy Stevens, Master

Dates to note:

Ø First Degree on Monday, October 22^nd at 7:30

Ø Spaghetti Supper Monday, November 12^th at 6:30, Stated Communication at 7:30

Ø School of Instruction on Thursday, November 8^th, 7:00 PM at Vandora Lodge

Ø School of Instruction on Saturday, November 10^th, 9:00 AM at Green Level Lodge

If you have any news, important or otherwise, please contact:

Jimmy Stevens 772-8788 jstevens@mindspring.com

Lee Phillips 851-2517 lphillips4@earthlink.net

Next Newsletter Deadline –

November 15, 2001

On behalf of the Past Masters that were present at the dinner on October 8^th, I would like to thank W\M\ Jimmy Stevens and the Chef’s Crew for a wonderful meal and great fellowship. It is certainly a treat to be a member of this wonderful Lodge and to be recognized in such a manner.

Lee Phillips

Remember that this newsletter and a calendar are available on our web site at: www.garnerlodge701.org