The Masonic and Eastern Star Home - Part 1
John Lawrence,PM
May 2010

	I am sure that all but some of our newest Brothers have visited Whitestone, a Masonic and Eastern Star Home on Holden Road. I would like to take each of my Brothers back in time before there was a MESH. It is June 1907 in Asheville, and a committee of three members of the Order of The Eastern Star meet with a committee from the Grand Lodge of

North Carolina and agree to establish a home for their aged and indigent members. The decision to incorporate these two organizations is agreed upon and papers of incorporation are drawn up. Through 1908 and 1909 funds are raised by both groups and location sites are suggested. On October 7, 1910 a decision for the site is selected. The Masons and citizens of Greensboro donate 25 acres of valuable land and a cash bonus of $5000. The Ange Construction Co. of Winston-Salem is selected with a bid of $16,971.80. Building construction begins on October 4, 1911. With the foundation in place, a cornerstone, donated by Mrs. W. H. Woodbury, is laid in place on June 12, 1912 by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. Footnote: Look for the continuing history in next month’s trestle board.