Page 25 - Sojourner Newsletter-Fall 2024 Final1
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Volume 101, Issue 4 25
CHAPTER NEWS
CAMP LEJEUNE CHAPTER 329 (NORTH CAROLINA CHAPTER #97) Denny Norris, Secretary. On
Thursday, 22 August 2024, the National Sojourners’ Heroes of ‘76 from Camp LeJeune Chapter No. 329 and
North Carolina Chapter No. 97 had the honor and privilege of conferring the sublime degree of Master Mason
on to two deserving candidates in St. Johns Lodge No. 3 located in New Bern, North Carolina: Brothers David
Blonn and Robert Webster.
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The degree was conducted in Colonial attire and by candlelight with WB Johnny Surles sitting in the East
and WB Russell Raineer providing the lecture. Master of St. Johns Lodge #3, WB Arthur Romans provided
the charge. Worshipful Brothers Surles, Raineer, and Romans are all Camp Lejeune Chapter #329 members.
Past National Commander (SgtMaj, USMC, Ret.) John J. Brown presented the “Toast to the Flag”.
The degree was conducted in front of a standing-room-only crowd and attended by the Grand Master of
AF&AM in North Carolina, MWB Don Kehler also a National Sojourner.
St. John's Lodge No. 3, chartered in 1772, is the third oldest Masonic lodge in North Carolina. With over 250
members, the lodge still meets in its historic lodge building which was constructed between 1801 and 1809.
