Red & White Banquet
Valley of Asheville Red & White Banquet recognizing our 2019 Honorees.
Author: Rory Byers
2018 Feast of Tishri & Illustrious Brother Hyatt’s Remembrance Event
This album features pictures from the 2018 Feast of Tishri and Illustrious Brother Norburn Creighton Hyatt’s Remembrance event.
Valley members, friends and guests. We had what I thought was a wonderful event this past Wednesday, October 10th as close to 70 of his brothers, sisters, friends, and family celebrated Past Grand Master Norburn Hyatt’s 90th birthday and celebrated the Feast of Tishri with us. My thanks to everyone who attended and joined in the celebration and remembrance.
Most Worshipful Brother Speed Hallman, Grand Master of Masons in North Carolina was on hand to present his Proclamation declaring October 10th, Ill. Norburn C. Hyatt, 33°, Day in the 39th Masonic District and the Valley of Asheville Scottish Rite. Additionally, Brother Norburn’s daughters, several nieces, his brother, and son-in-law Jim, and nephew were in attendance to share in the celebration and accept the proclamation on behalf of Martha from Grand Master Hallman. Additionally, Illustrious Brother and Grand Master elect Mack Sigmon, 33°, Past Grand Master Berry Rigdon, 33°, Past Grand Master Bryant Webster, 33°, Illustrious Brother Marty Fischer, 33° and the Valley of Asheville’s General Secretary, Illustrious Brother Rick Patton, 33°, also shared in the celebration.
Our 39th District Deputy Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Jack Barnett 32° K.C.C.H., and the 40th District Deputy Grand Master and our Venerable Master, Brother Gene Canter, 32° K.C.C.H. were on hand to share in the emotionally filled event that was shared by all.
Our 39th District Deputy Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Jack Barnett 32° K.C.C.H., and the 40th District Deputy Grand Master and our Venerable Master, Brother Gene Canter, 32° K.C.C.H. were on hand to share in the emotionally filled event that was shared by all.
I would also like to recognize and thank those members of the Valley who made monetary contributions in order to make sure that everyone had an enjoyable time and plenty of food to eat.
Additionally, added thanks and recognition goes to our District Deputy Grand Lecturer, Worshipful Brother Gus Sims, 32° K.C.C.H. who worked out all of the details with Celine and Company and kept me on track throughout the evening. Special thanks and recognition also goes to our Worthy Matron and Patron of Biltmore Chapter #38, Hope and Tony Rathbone, who made sure the dining hall and lodge was set-up and in tip-top shape for the celebration.
The celebration and remembrance were catered by Celine and Company. They provided a wonderful meal worthy of the celebration and remembrance. We also thank them for all the little extra added amenities as they served our guests, both before and after the celebration.
Here are several photos from the event and celebration. My thanks to Brother Ted Rolle, 32°, for his great work with the camera and gracious sharing of photos.
Fraternally,
Illustrious Brother John M. Burchfield
Masonic Bio below:
Norburn Hyatt lived his life in Buncombe County, and as a Blue Lodge Mason for over 57 years. He first began his Masonic career in the summer of 1960 when he inquired about the Masonic fraternity to his brother-in-law. Shortly thereafter he was elected to receive the degrees and was initiated at Mount Herman Lodge #118 in Asheville on his birthday at the age of 32 in 1960. Norburn’s leadership qualities were quickly recognized and he was soon appointed to the officer line and was subsequently elected as Master of Mount Herman Lodge in 1969. Shortly after joining the Masonic Fraternity, he was elected to receive the Scottish Rite Degrees in 1961 and was decorated with the rank of Knight Commander Court of Honour in October 1969. Continuing his steadfast enthusiasm in the Scottish Rite, he was coroneted an Inspector General Honorary of the 33rd° in October of 1973. He was also appointed to the North Carolina Grand Lodge line, and June of 1985 he was elected as Grand Master of Masons of North Carolina. He was appointed as the Personal Representative to the Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Orient of North Carolina for the Valley of Asheville in 1985, a position in which he served for 17 years. In addition to these Masonic organizations, Norburn served on many Grand Lodge committees, as a member of the Asheville York Rite, the Oasis Shrine, and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where he served as Worthy Patron of Esther Chapter No. 12.
During his Masonic career, Norburn had many honors bestowed on him. He was elected as an honorary member of Vance Lodge #293, Dunn’s Rock Lodge #267, St. Patrick’s Lodge #617, Nichols-West Asheville Lodge #650 and Black Mountain Lodge #663. He was also a Charter member of Veritas Lodge #769 in Asheville.
In 1993, Grand Master Ray Norris presented Norburn with the highest Masonic award a Grand Master can bestow on a Mason, the Joseph F. Montfort Medal. Past recipients of this award include General H. Lloyd Wilkerson, U.S.M.C.; Governor James G. Martin, former Governor of North Carolina; and Most Worshipful Brother Harry S. Truman, Past Grand Master of Masons in Missouri, and the 33rd President of the United States.
In September of 2005, Norburn was awarded the Exalted Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor James B. Hunt Jr. for extraordinary service to the state, through his years of service to organizations in his community.
The Orient of North Carolina Summer Leadership Conference
Nine members of the Valley of Asheville in attendance at The Orient of North Carolina Summer Leadership Conference.
Master Craftsman Certificate Presentation
Bro. Vince Hyatt 32° receiving his Master Craftsman Certificate from the Supreme Council as presented by the Venerable Master, Brother Gene Canter 32° KCCH and Personal Representative Illustrious Brother John Burchfield, 33°.
4th Degree Team
4th Degree Team “Secret Master” They were selected by the Personal Representative Illustrious Brother John M. Burchfield as the team which conferred the “Best Degree” during the Illustrious Norburn C. Hyatt, 33° during the two day Spring Memorial Reunion. From L – R Bro. Joe …
House of The Temple Rebuilding Project
House of The Temple Rebuilding Project Brother Sanford Lewis was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation for his donation to the House of The Temple Rebuilding Project. The presentation of the Certificate of Appreciation was on 07/08/2018 in Biltmore Masonic Lodge No. 446.
Presentation of New Member Packet
Valley of Asheville Officers presented Brother Ricky Galloway with his new member packet at Dunns Rock Lodge No. 267 . Brother Galloway attended the 2017 Fall Reunion in Asheville where he received his degrees.
