Newport Lodge No. 706 | Grand Lodge of North Carolina A. F. & A. M.

Br. Tony Ramey on 09/27/2024

Newport No. 706
Grand Lodge Of North Carolina, A.F. & A.M.

Brethren, I have been informed that Br. Tony Ramey was admitted to Carteret General Hospital for emergency surgery early this morning. I was informed the surgery went well but he will remain in the hospital for a few days. Please keep our brother and family in your prayers. Information will be posted as it is received.
Fraternally yours,
Wray A. Thomas, Asst. Secretary

District 7 Grand Master Meeting on 07/24/2024

Newport No. 706
Grand Lodge Of North Carolina, A.F. & A.M.

Brethren all,

While this is a District 7 Meeting, it is open to all Master Masons in the area.

St. John's Lodge #3 will be hosting the Grand Master's District meeting on August 28th. If you plan to attend, you need to register.

Go to your portal. Click on events. Go to August and click on the blue box on the 28th. Click on register and follow instructions.

If you have not signed up to the portal yet, let me know and I will add you to my list. If you have not signed up to the portal, you need to work on it. More and more times, you are going to have to use your Grandview portal to sign up for meetings. This includes the Grand Lodge Annual Communications. See me if you need help.

Bill Sanford- Secretary

NC GrandLodge Registration on 07/22/2024

Newport No. 706
Grand Lodge Of North Carolina, A.F. & A.M.

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237th Annual Communication: September 27-28, 2024

To: the Delegates of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of North Carolina

Grand Lodge Officers
Past Grand elected Officers
District Deputy Grand Masters
District Deputy Grand Lecturers
Members of all Mandatory Boards, Committees, and Commissions
Masters and Senior and Junior Wardens of the various Lodges
cc Lodge Secretaries

Brethren,

I hope this letter finds you well. As you are well aware, the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge is fast approaching. Please read this letter carefully concerning the registration process and events surrounding the Annual Communication.

This year the Annual Communication will take place between Thursday, September 26, and Saturday, September 28, on the ground floor of the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

ALL delegates must register their attendance with the Credentials Committee through Grand View (the 2024 Annual Communication Tile in your portal) per Reg. 18-7. The Grand View database is the most secure way to ensure all who are entitled to a vote receive their vote. And, please familiarize yourself with Reg. 19-3 and Reg. 19-5 concerning voting in Grand Lodge and Proxies. Per The Code, no one may carry more than 3 proxies, and no one may carry more than 4 votes in total (his vote and three proxies). The traditional Credentials form is attached as well to be used for any proxies your lodge might have.

Register here: https://nc.grandview.systems/ancom/nc

**Please Note: Lodge Secretaries are not responsible for registering their lodge’s delegates**

Thursday, September 26
Masonic Symposium

On Thursday, Wilkerson College Lodge 760 will host a Masonic Symposium that is open to all members of the fraternity who register to attend. The several one-hour sessions will explore Masonic topics such as lodge administration in the era of Grand View, Masonic history, fundraising, lodge budgets & accounting, and an open Q&A session with the Grand Lodge leadership to discuss any and all topics concerning you, your lodges, and Freemasonry. The North Carolina Masonic Foundation will host an exclusive lunchtime conversation about your ability to impact Masonic philanthropy in North Carolina, but seats will be limited. More information about this luncheon will be available in the near future. The symposium is optional, but we believe that those who can attend will find the sessions informative and helpful in creating a positive path forward for North Carolina Freemasonry in the 21st Century.

Grand Lodge of North Carolina’s Annual Dinner
On Thursday evening the Grand Master has once again opened up the Grand Lodge’s Annual Dinner to all those wishing to attend. The cost is $35 per person, with the Grand Master’s Dance Party to follow immediately after the dinner. Dress for this year’s dinner will be dressy casual. All are welcome to attend the Grand Master’s Dance Party, including those who are unable to attend the earlier dinner.

Friday, September 27
Annual Communication - Day One
On Friday morning, the Grand Lodge will open at 10:00 a.m., recess for lunch at approximately noon, and reconvene at approximately 1:30 p.m. The day’s business session will end at approximately 5 p.m. Delegates are expected to attend the business session of the Grand Lodge. Dress is coat and tie and Masonic regalia. Immediately following the business session, all delegates are invited to attend the Grand Master’s Reception in the Great Hall of the Benton Convention Center—directly outside the doors of the meeting hall.

Guests of Masons who are unable to attend Grand Lodge sessions are welcome to register for the Plus 1 lunch at Sanders Ridge Winery, hosted by the Grand Master’s wife, Melody McBride. Cost for this outing is $30 per person, and only those who pre-register will be able to attend.

Sophia Lodge 10-Year Anniversary Celebration
Sophia Lodge No. 767 invites all Masons and Guests to join them in celebrating the lodge’s 10-Year Anniversary with a formal dinner on Friday night at the Masonic Center of Winston-Salem. The cost is $95 per person, with a surf and turf menu. Dress for this event is Formal or a Dark Suit.

Saturday, September 28
Annual Communication - Day Two

On Saturday morning, the Grand Lodge will open at 9:00 a.m., proceed to conduct remaining business from the preceding day, consider the proposed budget, and elect Grand Officers for the ensuing year. Business is expected to wrap up by approximately 12:30 p.m. Dress is coat and tie and Masonic regalia.

Hotel Accommodations
There are blocks of hotel rooms available at the Marriott Hotel on North Cherry Street. Please secure a room through the link on Grand View’s registration portal.

All delegates must check-in and confirm their attendance with the Credentials Committee, which will be located at the concessions kiosk on the ground floor of the Benton Convention Center. The Credentials check-in will open at 8 a.m. daily. If your lodge delegate(s) assign proxies, they will need to present a completed copy of the attached credentials form to the Credentials Committee upon check-in.

Proposed Amendments
The DRAFT Amendments to the Code will be posted on the Grand View registration page within the next week. The Code Commission and Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence previously met on June 24 and July 10, to review the Amendments for accuracy and review. All lodges are invited to attend the Jurisprudence Committee’s final meeting Thursday, September 26 at 2:00 p.m. in the Benton Convention Center. And, between now and then, the Grand Lodge will host a series of Zoom meetings to field questions concerning the proposed Amendments. An announcement of these Zooms will appear in the Seminar Tile in your Grand View Portal in the near future.

Proposed Budget
The DRAFT Budget for the Grand Lodge will be posted on the Grand View registration page within the next two weeks. The Finance Committee previously met on January 18 and April 11, and will meet again on July 18 and August 15 to review the budget and make their proposal to the delegates. The Finance Committee will host series of Zoom meetings to field any questions concerning the proposed budget. An announcement of these Zooms will appear in the Seminar Tile in your Grand View Portal in the near future.

The Annual Communication is a wonderful time to renew old friendships, learn new things, and revive our fellowship across the state. The Grand Master, his officers, and all the delegates look forward to your attendance and participation in YOUR Grand Lodge’s Annual Communication. Please do not hesitate to contact the Grand Lodge Office with any questions at grandsecretary@glnc.us

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Jonathan A. Underwood
Grand Secretary

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Emergent Communication Monday, May 6, 2024 on 05/05/2024

Brethren,

Please be reminded of the Emergent Communication scheduled for May 6th 2024 at 7:00 pm. Fellowship at 6:00 pm The purpose of this emergent communication is to confer the first degree. Please make plans to attend and witness the conferring of this degree.

Fraternally yours,

Wray A Thomas, PM

Asst. Secretary

May 6, 2024 Emergent Communication for 1st degree on 04/29/2024

Newport Lodge will conduct a First Degree on Monday, May 6th. Your Lodge needs your participation in order to complete this task.

6:00 PM Dinner

7:00 PM Degree

The candidate is Joshua Kanuck. This is a legacy degree as he is the son of Brother James Kanuck, and grandson of Worshipful Brother Richard Kanuck PM. Both of which are members of Newport Lodge #706.

We need your help on May 6th and we all can share in some fellowship over dinner with our new candidate. Let us give him the future of our Lodge, and our presence at this degree.

The Worshipful Master, Wardens and Officers hope to see the Lodge filled on Monday.

Fraternally,

Bill Sanford

Secretary, Newport Lodge 706

April 6, 2024 Emergent Communication for FC Examination on 04/04/2024

Brothers,

Newport Lodge will conduct and examination of the Fellow Crafts Degree this weekend, Saturday, April 6th. Your Lodge needs your participation in order to complete this task.

8:00 AM Breakfast

9:00 AM Lodge

Lodge will be completed approximately 10:15 or sooner.

The candidate is traveling from college to appear before you for his examination on Saturday morning. This is in preparation for a MM Degree scheduled for April 20th. This degree will be a Past Master's Degree, with 4 candidates from our Lodge and Cherry Point Lodge. The degree will be conducted by Past Masters from four different Lodges in the area.

All of this is dependent upon completing the examination on Saturday, April 6th. The Worshipful Master is having difficulty obtaining commitments for the various chairs. We will have a few officers that are on travel.

Your Lodge routinely has difficulty in having enough present at a meeting to fill the chairs. Most times with no one sitting on the sides and when they are present often get put to work in a chair.

We need your help this weekend and we call can share in some fellowship over breakfast.

We have four candidates in the pipeline with a new petition just received. We owe them, the future of our Lodge, our presence at Lodge. If this is your one time to go to Lodge this year, Saturday at 8:00 is the day and time to do it.

The Worshipful Master, Wardens and Officers hope to see the Lodge filled on Saturday.

Fraternally,

Bill Sanford

Secretary, Newport Lodge 706

Emergent Communication - April 6, 2024 FC Examination on 03/31/2024

Worshipful Master Don McKee has called for an emergent communication for:

April 6, 2024

0800 Breakfast, 0900 Lodge

The purpose for this emergent communication is for our Fellow Craft Brother to present his FC Examination. Our Brother is in College is why this examination is being conducted on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

Due to our Brother being in college, April 6th is an important date to complete this work

——————-

We will conduct his 3rd Degree on Saturday, 20 April 2024. Which will be a joint Past Masters Degree conducted with Cherry Point Lodge #688, with his Grandfather and Father in attendance. Details for this 3rd Degree will be posted in a separate correspondence.

Fraternally,

Bill Sanford

Newport Lodge #706 Secretary

Lodge Practice Tonight on 03/04/2024

Brethren,

Please be reminded of the Lodge practice tonight at 5:30 pm. Please make plans to attend and support your Lodge officers.

Fraternally yours,

Wray Thomas, PM

Asst.Secretary

New Lodge Contact Information for the Secretary - Effective Immediately on 02/18/2024

Brethren,

With the change over of Secretary's, updated Contact Information is required and is provided. All official correspondance should use the following contact information.

Mailing Address
c/o M .W. Sanford, Jr.
105 Balboa Ct
New Bern, NC 28560-8418

Email Address
688mason@gmail.com

Phone Number
252-671-7446

Fraternally,

M. W. Sanford, Jr. (Bill)

Stated Meeting Jan 8/2024 on 01/08/2024

Brethren,

Please be reminded of the stated meeting tonight at 7:00 pm. Fellowship and a meal at 6:00 pm. Please make plans to attend and support the new officers for 2024!

Fraternally yours,

Wray Thomas, PM

Asst.Secretary

Newport Lodge Stated Meeting on 01/06/2024

Brethren,

Newport Lodge No. 706 has a Stated Meeting this coming Monday, January 8, 2024 at 7:00 pm. with fellowship and a meal at 6:00 pm. Please make plans to attend and support our newly installed Officers.

Fraternally yours

Wray Thomas, PM

Asst. Secretary

Fellow Craft Degree Thursday, January 4, 2024 on 01/03/2024

Brethren,

The WM has called an Emergent Communication on January 4, 2024 for the Fellow Craft Degree. A meal and fellowshp will start at 5:00 pm and the degree will start at 6:00 pm. All members and eligible Masons are invited. To help with the providsions please RSVP as soon as possible.

Fraternally yours,

Wray A. Thomas, PM

Asst. Secretary

National Sojourners Blue Lodge Invitation on 12/07/2023

Info for your lodges.

National Sojourners Blue Lodge Event
Date: 5 February 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: York Rite Temple - New Bern

The National Sojourners invites the Masters & Wardens to attend this event. Special Guest will be our Grand Master. Please RSVP to WB Warren Taylor at www.newbernyorkrite.org, phone 252-637-3632.

Fraternally,

Bill Sanford - PM

Masonic Service for WB Charlie Wilton on 11/24/2023

Brethern,

The funeral service for WB Charlie Wilton will be held on Sunday, November 26th at Crab Point FWB Church in Morehead City at 2:00 pm. Interment, military honors and Masonic Rites, will follow at Amariah Garner Cemetery on Nine Foot Road in Newport. A link to his obituary is provided below. FYI...WB Charlie's father was the first Master of Newport Lodge and WB Charlie has served as Master twice..

Brothers, as usual the Lodge needs your participation in the Masonic Last Rites requested by the family. If you cannot make the service please make every attempt to be at the cemetery no later than 3:00 pm and show our support for this elder Lodge Brother.

Charles "Charlie" Wilton Obituary - Munden Funeral Home & Crematory - Morehead City - 2023 (legacy.com)

Fraternally yours,

Wray A.Thomas PM

Secretary

Passing of WB Charlie Wilton on 11/21/2023

Brethren, I am saddened to report the loss of Worshipful Brother Charlie Wilton who has passed upward and inward through the pearly gates this day. Many of our fondest memories are with him and his loved ones. Keep them in your prayers. Arrangements are pending and will be provided as soon as they are completed. Last Masonic Rites are requested.

Respectfully and fraternally yours

Wray A. Thomas PM

Secretary

Update for WB Pete Guerry on 11/15/2023

Brethren,

Greetings, I am pleased to tell you that WB Pete Guerry is recovering at home. He is able to receive guests should you wish to stop by and pay him a visit. His wife Linda requests that you please call prior to making a visit. So please make plans to stop and visit him as I know he will enjoy your company!

Fraternally yours,

Wray A. Thomas, PM

Election of 2024 Officers on 11/15/2023

Brethern,

The subject election was held and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Br. Donald McKee, Master; Br. Michael Struempf, Sr. Warden; Br. Chad Hansen, Jr.Warden; WB David Haskett, Treasurer; and WB Bill Sanford, Secretary. Please offer your congratulations to these good Brothers.

Fraternally yours,

Wray A. Thomas PM

Secretary

Lodge Annual Communication on 11/12/2023

To my Brothers of Newport Lodge #706,

Tomorrow, Monday - 13 November 2023, YOUR Lodge will be conducting elections for the 2024 calendar year. Your presence is most earnestly requested and needed for, what I fear, the future of Newport Lodge #706. Over the past few years, we have been successful at rebuilding the “line” without requiring the assistance of Past Masters. But to be honest, we often open is the bare minimum of officers, leaving the side seats, empty. If one officer is not present, we can’t open. Practice normally consists of 4 officers.

We do have a hand full of Brothers going through the degrees and have a solid base of instructors. We do keep them involved, but we know they see the emptiness of a beautiful lodge.

Financially, we don’t have a lot of bills mainly because we run on bare minimums and Brothers step up when needs arise.

The most significant reason we barely get by is due to the number of members who do not pay their dues on time. Dues are due on 01 January of each year. Our bills start off the new year at the same time. But, a significant number of members wait until the end of the year, after they receive a letter regarding non- payment of dues. This year this amounted to 15 members, which held back $1500+ from being available to your operating funds for the year. It is imperative that our membership pay their dues either before, on or shortly afterwards of the 01 January due date.

Lately, we have had men walk in off the street and ask how they can get more information about us and wishing to join our fraternity. Positive signs of hope. I urge you to come to our meetings. Be part of your lodge again. Our young men need mentors.

Finally, again I invite you to election night, tomorrow night, Monday, 13 November 2023. Our fellowship meal is at 6:00 pm and Lodge is at 7:00 PM. If you need a ride., call me (252-671-7446) and I’ll get you there.

Fraternally,

Bill Sanford - Master
Newport Lodge #706

WB Charlie Wilton on 11/11/2023

Brethren,

Received word that WB Charlie Wilton isn't doing well. Please keep him in youir prayers. Call and leave him a message to let him know you're thinking about him.

Fraternally,

Wray Thomas, PM

Secretary

WB Peter Guerry on 11/07/2023

Brethern,

WB Pete Guerry is in Carolina East Medical Center, Room 4620. If you are in New Bern stop and pay him a visit. I know he will appreciate it. His wife reports that he is doing well and may be there a few more days.

Fraternally,

Wray Thomas , PM

Secretary

Newport Past Master, Widows, and Awards Night Rescheduled on 11/02/2023

Brethern:

**Due to the Grand Lodge Installation being scheduled on December 2nd this event has been rescheduled for 5:00 pm on December 16, 2023. WB Bill Sanford will be installed as District Deputy Grand Master, 7ht Distict, at the Grand Masters' installation. ***

Fraternally yoursm

Wray A. Thomas, PM

Emergent Communication Saturday October 28th @ 1:00 pm on 10/26/2023

Brethren,

Please be reminded of the emergent communication scheduled for this Saturday, October 28th at 1:00 pm, fellowship and light meal will be served at 12:00 noon. The purpose for this communication is to examine a candidate on the EA Degree. This Entered Apprentice is attending colledge and, due to his course schedule, will only be available on the weekends. Your kind consideration to attend this meeting is greatly appreciated.

Fraternally yours,

Wray A. Thomas, PM

Secretary

Schedule of Upcoming Events on 10/23/2023

Brethren:

The 2023 Annual Communication Amendment Group 3 to REG. 20-1 increased the per capita fee to $35 due to the significant rise in inflation, reduction in total membership, and an increase in the number of 50-year members.

Article 10 of the Newport Lodge By-Laws establishes that annual membership dues shall be One Hundred dollars ($100.00) plus Grand Lodge per capita fee (Regulation 20-1.1 of THE CODE). Each member shall pay their dues in advance on or before the first day of January each year.

In accordance with Section 1 of Article 10 Newport Lodges’ annual dues for 2024 are $135.00. Grand View, the current lodge automated system, offers the capability to account for dues paid in increments. Dues card will be sent upon payment in full.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Newport Lodge Annual Communication shall be November 13, 2023, at 7:00 pm when the Lodge will elect the 2024 Officers.

The Lodge will host the Annual Past Masters, Widows, and Awards Dinner on December 2, 2023. Fellowship starts at 5:00 pm with dinner starting at 5:30 pm. Awards presentations and recognition will follow the meal.

Installation of the 2024 Officers will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 6:00 pm.,

Fraternally yours,

Wray A. Thomas, PM

Secretary

Br. Steve Gould on 10/22/2023

Brethren,

Please be advised that Br. Steve Gould was admitted to Carolina East last night and it is reported that he is doing well today. Please keep him in your prayers.

Fraternally yours,

Wray A. Thomas, PM

Secretary

Stated Meeting on 10/15/2023

Brethren,

Newport Lodge will have a stated meeting on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 7:00 pm. Fellowship will start at 6:00 pm. Included in tonights business will be the examination of candidate(s). If the examination(s) is successful the Worshipful Master is planning to call an emergent communication at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Notification for the emergent communication will be sent out via seperate message. All members are requested to plan on attending this emergent communication.

Fraternally yours,

Wray A.Thomas, PM

Secretary

Passing of Annette Pippin James on 09/10/2023

Brethern,

Brother George James' wife Annette Pippin James, 75, of Newport, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2023, at Carteret Health Care. A graveside service to honor Annette's life will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, September 14th at Gethsemane Memorial Park, officiated by Rev. Tom Supplee. All available members please pay their respects to our Brother and plan to attend this service.

Fraternally,

Wray A Thomas, PM

Secretary

Secretary's Contact Information on 09/10/2023

Brethren,

Please be informed that due to screen damage the Secretary's phone is being repaired/replaced. You may contact the Secretary via email at wthomas47@live.com as needed. I will notify you when the phone has been restored.

Fraternally yours,

Wray A. Thomas, PM

Newport Lodge Stated Meeting on 07/10/2023

Newport Lodge will have a stated meeting on Monday, July 10th at 7:00 pm. Fellowship with a meal will commence at 6:00 pm. The Worshipful Master invites all members to attend.

Entered Apprentice Degree Scheduled on 06/16/2023

Brethren,

Newport Lodge will be conferring the Entered Apprentice degree on two candidates this cominig Monday, June 19th at 7:00 pm with fellowship and meal that will start at 6:00 pm. Please plan to attend and witness these two soon to be member start their Masonic journery.

Fraternally yours

Wray A. Thomas, PM

Secretary

Lodge By-Laws (Current) on 06/05/2023

Brethren,

The Lodge By-Laws have been uploaded to GrandView for your reference. To review the By-Laws open GrandView and select the Lodge portal located at the top right of the page (blue banner).

Nexrt, select "Documents" located on the menu items located on the left side of the page. You may review the document on line or download the document by selecting the "blue" down arrow to the right of the document name.

Fraternally yours,

Wray A. Thomas, PM

Secretary

DDGM Requested Meeting May 20th on 05/19/2023

Brethren,

Please be reminded of the DDGM's meeting scheduled for 9:30 am on Saturday, May 20th, 2023 at Ocean Lodge #405. The meeting will discuss the use and recent significant changes to the Grand Lodge's new administration system GrandView. All Lodge members are invited. The DDGM has requested that all elected Lodge officers attend at a minimum. With that in mind please RSVP and make plans to attend.

Fraternally yours,

Wray A. Thomas PM

Secretary

Newport Lodge Stated Meeting on 05/08/2023

Newport Lodge will have a stated meeting on Monday, May 8th at 7:00 pm. Fellowship with a meal will commence at 6:00 pm. The Worshipful Master invites all members to attend.

Officers Distribution List on 04/28/2023

Brethren,

I have created the subject list to assist with the communication among the Lodge Officers. This is a test.

Newport Lodge Stated Meeting on 04/14/2023

Newport Lodge will have a stated meeting on Monday, April 24th at 7:00 pm. Fellowship with a meal will commense at 6:00 pm. The Worshipful Master invites all members to attend.

Ocean Lodge Practice on 04/14/2023

Brethren,

Ocean Lodge will confer a Entered Apprentice degree on Tuesday, April 18th at 7:00 pm. The Worshipful Master of Ocean Lodge has called for a practice on Saturday April 15th at 9:00 am. In the event that some stations and places may need to be filled it is requested that Newport members plan to make this practice and possibly assist in conferring the degree, Your planned attendence is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for planning to attend and assist Ocean Lodge.

Fraternally yours,

Wray A. Thomas PM

Secretary

Newport Lodge Stated Meeting on 04/05/2023

Newport Lodge will have a stated meeting on Monday, April 10th at 7:00 pm. Fellowship and a meal will be served at 6:00 pm. The Worshipful Master invites all members to attend.