Masonic Lodge meal, gift were a great blessing

Growing older has its benefits. Not only do we get discounts, but also gifts from heaven in many mysterious ways through the Holy Spirit of God’s son Jesus, the one whose birthday we celebrate Dec. 25.

I am reminded as we start the New Year that we are given, through God’s grace and mercy, many opportunities to make our wrongs right and express our thanks and love. These opportunities do not just happen, our creator God always has a plan — for all of us.

On Jan. 3 at the Fulton Masonic Lodge dinner and meeting, I gave up the thought of expressing my grateful heart to those present. I am praying that the members know how blessed we feel because of their dedication, caring, hard work and endless service for others — they serve with Christian love.

Each January the Masonic members acknowledge the widows of deceased members with a meal and gift card. I try to attend each year to renew my relationship with these wonderful citizens of our county. During my time of being a widow, the members have been like family with needed prayers, advice and encouragement.

Steve Schenk, Jim Smith and Wiley Morgan (deceased) are and were among the outstanding leaders. They serve with Christian values, encouragement and support of wives and family. Fulton Masonic Lodge is a great organization for young and older men to serve.

My Bob was a 50-year member, helping him be the fine gentleman he was and great family man. We sang in the choir together as well as many other activities.

May God continue to bless those abundantly, who serve with their hearts, who believe in God and the future.

— Carol Cauble

Salisbury

Thanks to Cannon Foundation

The purpose of this letter is to recognize and thank the Cannon Foundation, which has helped us with our Historic Neely School Preservation Project.

In the early 1900s, my grandparents, Julius Erastus (a minister and the son of a slave) and his wife, Katie McKenzie Neely, were concerned that their African-American children did not have an opportunity to become educated. Julius made an agreement with the Rowan County superintendent to obtain a teacher, if Julius would provide a school. Family and friends helped establish the school, which educated over 700 children in grades 1-7 before closing in 1948. In 2010, the Neely grandchildren established a foundation to restore the school. We salute the philanthropy of the Cannon Foundation, which is helping us remember and preserve this important N.C. history.

These funds will be used to continue the exterior restoration of the Neely School, which has been moved to its permanent home on the Neely Home site.

— Mary Neely Grissom

Grissom is president/executive director of the Historic Neely School Foundation, Inc.

Coverage appreciated 

I continue to be amazed and proud of the speed and accuracy of the Salisbury Post’s reporting.

On Dec. 30 at 4 p.m., I called Editor Elizabeth Cook to suggest attending the First Tee announcement that evening. Before the presentation started at 5:30, in walks David Purtell, who writes a terrific article delivered to subscribers before daybreak. His article outlined the benefits to young people and explained how Patsy Rendleman and others were bringing the program to Salisbury.

Plus, David wrote a very descriptive front page report of the unfortunate Dunbar School fire that same night. I appreciate our local reporting team.

 — Greg Alcorn

Salisbury